KFEQ Hotline host Barry
Birr wrapped up his broadcasting career Friday morning, taking calls for two
hours and getting surprised by a few guests.

Birr retires after
33 years as host of the Hotline, a talk show program he created in 1992. He
also graced the KFEQ airwaves for 41 years, coming to KFEQ as news director in
1984.

Former KFEQ
General Manager, Gene Millard, hired Birr as KFEQ News Director. Millard
reminisced with Birr about the start of the Hotline in 1992 after KFEQ began
broadcasting the Rush Limbaugh Show in the afternoon.

“That morning
slot, between 8 and 10, was kind of open. We decided that maybe a good local
talk show would fill that gap,” Millard recalled during his visit on the Hotline.

“And, look what
happened,” Birr replied.

“Look what
happened,” Millard echoed. “It was only temporary, for what, 30 some years.”

Birr pitched the
idea for the KFEQ Hotline to Millard in 1992, reasoning that since KFEQ began
broadcasting the Rush Limbaugh Show, a national program, it needed a local talk
show.

It proved its
worth many times, but perhaps none better than two major natural disasters,
such as the 1993 Missouri River flood and the 2007 ice storm that paralyzed St.
Joseph. Birr expanded the Hotline in 1993, providing a vital communication link
when floodwaters knocked out the St. Joseph Water Plant, leaving the community
without drinkable water as it coped with massive flooding. During the 2007 ice
storm, KFEQ became the only broadcast station still on the air, thanks to its
massive generator. Residents without electricity could still tune in with
battery operated radios to not only get the latest on the storm, but to share
with the community what was going on in their neighborhoods.

Birr took well
wishes from a stream of callers during the two hours of his final show. He
received recognition off air from Missouri Western State University. He then welcomed
another surprise guest:&nbsp; St. Joseph Mayor
John Josendale.

“The City of St.
Joseph would like to present a proclamation and that proclamation reads, the
City of St. Joseph, Barry Birr Day,” Josendale declared over the air, reading
the proclamation and handing a copy to Birr.

“There is another
thing that the mayor gets to do once in a while,” Josendale told Birr.&nbsp; “And, from the city council and the mayor of
St. Joseph, it is my honor to present Barry Birr, for explementary service to
the citizens of St. Joseph; presented by Mayor John Josendale and the city
council, March 28th, 2025, a key to the city.”

Eagle Radio paid
tribute to Birr during a private ceremony at the studios after his show ended.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

That's a wrap:  Barry Birr ends 33 years as KFEQ Hotline host, 41 years at KFEQ

&nbsp;USDA announced the agency would release previously obligated funding under the Rural Energy for America Program, Empowering Rural America, and Powering Affordable Clean Energy programs. Recipients will have 30 days to review and voluntarily revise their project plans to align with the “Unleashing American Energy Executive Order.” This process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the opportunity to refocus their projects on expanding American energy production while eliminating DEI and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals. 

Respondents will be asked to answer several questions and provide a short narrative description of any proposed changes. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said, “This allows us to tackle America’s energy emergence and allows energy providers and small businesses to realign their projects with that mission.”&nbsp; The broader guidance reflects a shift away from the Green New Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act and toward investments that prioritize the needs of rural communities.

USDA delivers on rural energy commitments

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member Robby Kirkland testified before the House Ways and Means Committee about the association’s trade priorities. He spoke at a hearing titled “American Trade Negotiation Priorities” and highlighted the benefits of past trade agreements for U.S. cattle producers and the need for greater access to foreign markets. 

“Unfortunately, the previous administration stepped back from market access negotiations while our competitors negotiated robust trade agreements and gained advantages in overseas markets,” he said. “It’s past time to re-engage in trade talks to secure preferential and expanded access with our allies in the United Kingdom and key markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.” He also told the committee that any country granted access to the U.S. doesn’t put America’s consumers and cattle herds at risk. “There’s a major concern with countries like Brazil and Paraguay, who have a history of Foot-and-Mouth Infection.” 

NCBA outlines trade priorities in hearing

May corn closed down 1 1/4 cents and July corn was down 1 cent. May soybeans closed up 15 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 15 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 1 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 3 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

Soybean futures were able to post a strong double-digit move higher and cover technical ground on bullish optimism ahead of Monday's acreage report. Along those lines, Monday's report is expected to show an increase in both corn and wheat acreage, year-over-year, which is the main source of pressure to those markets, although Kansas City wheat futures were able to showcase an impressive late=session rally to close higher for the day, snapping a streak of three down sessions. In outside markets, a fresh round of tariff headlines centered around the auto-industry has stock indices nervous Thursday, as the Dow Jones posted a two-way trade in the morning before sellers gained the edge. The U.S. Dollar Index is also working lower as a result of added uncertainty on Thursday but overall is firmer for the week.

The live cattle complex got back to trading higher as the contracts are no longer up against immediate pressure of hitting resistance points, and given the fact that traders remain hopeful that cash cattle prices will trade steady to somewhat higher again this week. There's a bid currently on the table in Nebraska at $213, but no trade has developed quite yet. Asking prices are firm in the South from $211 to $212 but are not yet established in the North. Given the strong prices boxed beef prices have seen again this week, it's likely that feedlot managers will be willing to hold out until the week's bitter end for at steady prices, but ideally, they'd like to see higher prices.

Even though the live cattle complex was trading higher, the feeder cattle contracts continued to trade slightly lower much of the session, but as traders witnessed more confidence from the live cattle contracts, they eventually pushed the feeder cattle contracts higher. Nevertheless, the countryside continues to see phenomenal demand from buyers as they know that summertime pastures will be ready in no time.

Even though this morning's export sales report was supportive, the lean hog complex braced ahead of this afternoon's Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report. It's not helping matters either that pork cutout values were lower, which is adding even more doggishness to the market's tone.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/27142431/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

May corn closed down 6 1/2 cents and July corn was down 6 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 3/4 cents and July soybeans were down 1/2 a cent. May KC wheat closed down 4 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 8 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

Wednesday was a noticeably reserved session across U.S. markets compared to Tuesday's trade. Corn and wheat markets continued to retreat, but with less downward momentum, at least as wheat futures are concerned. Meanwhile, despite finishing the session fractionally lower, soybean futures found buying support as prices retest $10.00 on front-month May futures, a support level which again held. Outside markets on Wednesday were also quiet as stock indices are correcting slightly after a strong last week-and-a-half of trade. The U.S. dollar is bouncing back from Tuesday's down session, attempting to post a fifth positive day out of the past six, which likely caused some pressure in ag markets for Wednesday, particularly for wheat futures.

After a couple of days of downward pressure, the live cattle complex was again trading higher as the market is no longer up against immediate resistance pressure. Trades are lower noting the continued support of stronger boxed beef prices but are patiently waiting for the cash cattle market to show its hand this week. If prices are again higher, then there's an argument to be made that the contracts could potentially trade higher. But if boxed beef prices and cash prices aren't both higher this week. It's then most likely the contracts won't pressure the high made just last week.

Seeming to mirror the same behavior as the live cattle market, the feeder cattle contracts were back to trading higher. Demand has been incredible this week again for both feeder cattle and calves, with undeniable demand being noted for cattle that are suitable for grass. Buyers know that the closer time gets to turn out season, the more expensive these types of cattle are going to become.

The lean hog complex also traded higher as traders are pleased to see pork cutout values higher again. The spot April contract isn't confident enough to take on the market's resistance at $88.00, but it's still trading higher nonetheless. There's a chance that packers may not be very aggressive in the cash market the rest of the week as they've already bought a number of hogs.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/26145522/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity market daily recap

Corn futures were 3 to 6 cents lower at the closing bell with trade fading back to the lower end of the range with softer spread trade. Ethanol margins are expected to continue tracking sideways as well with unleaded firming a bit seasonally to boost blenders. Basis is expected to firm a bit more into early April as fieldwork expands. Double-crop planting in Brazil will wrap up soon with weather looking good for early development.

Soybean futures were 2 to 5 cents lower at the close with oil trying to lead the product complex as we fade back to the lower end of the range as upside remains limited as South American harvest continues to roll forward. South America weather looks to remain cooperative for the finish to the growing season. The daily export wire was quiet as export offers converge for the U.S. and Brazil. Basis is expected to remain flat into the end of the month.

Wheat futures were 5 to 9 cents lower. With trade fading further through nearby support with choppy action continuing with KC the downside leader again Tuesday. Normal to slightly above-normal temps for the Plains this week with better moisture potential for the second week is helping to limit upside as well.

It's been a disgruntling day for the live cattle complex. Even though we knew the market would likely face some technical pressure this week, seeing the contracts trade anywhere close to $2.00 lower at any point is aggravating following the wild success the market had last week. Until traders see what this week's fed cash cattle trade is going to amount to -- they'll likely remain on edge and leery of being too supportive. Asking prices are noted in the South at $212-plus, but are still not established in the North. Trade will likely be delayed until Thursday or Friday.

The feeder cattle complex is also trading lower as it continues to mirror the mannerisms of the live cattle market until some support develops technically. The market's current weakness is largely stemming from trader worry that the complex is overbought.

The lean hog complex traded higher as the market is pleased to see pork cutout values higher. The day's higher note in the carcass price, however, largely is thanks to the whopping $19.39 rally in the belly, while most of the other cuts are trading lower. Nevertheless, traders are electing to view the note of this morning's higher carcass price as positive support.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/25134842/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The U.S. has almost doubled egg imports from Brazil and is considering relaxing regulations for eggs laid by chickens raised for meat. The moves come as the Trump Administration is trying to lower record-high egg prices caused by avian influenza. Reports say the administration is also pushing for more imports from countries like Turkey and South Korea, which usually send few eggs to the U.S., and has asked the EU to send more eggs. 

None of the Brazilian or broiler chicken eggs will make it to the grocery store, but they could be used in more processed foods like cake mixes, ice cream, or salad dressing, freeing up more fresh eggs for American shoppers. Ag Secretary Brook Rollins has said they’re talking about importing hundreds of millions of eggs in the short term. It’s significant enough that it will help continue to bring the prices down in the short term.

U.S. increasing egg imports to combat high prices

May corn closed up 1/4 cents and July corn was up 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed down 2 1/2 cents and July soybeans were down 2 cents. May KC wheat closed down 10 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 10 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 12 3/4 cents.

Monday's trade in agricultural markets picked up more or less where last week left off, as corn and soybean markets traded both sides of even but within a fairly narrow range. Wheat markets continued their decline, with Kansas City futures posting a third down session out of the past four, despite growing concerns regarding dryness in the Southern Plains and already poor crop conditions in the Northern Plains. The weakness in wheat is likely stemming in part from the rallying U.S. dollar, which is working toward a fourth consecutive day higher. Stock indices were also higher to begin the week after it was announced Monday morning that the Trump administration is expected to take much more precise approach to tariff action on April 2, specifically foregoing industry specific tariffs and focusing instead on a specific group of countries for reciprocal measures.

Following Friday's lower close, the live cattle complex was back to rallying, but the market lost its confidence in breaking through the market's high, which was established last week in the June contract at $205. Today's weaker tone in afternoon trade likely stems from the fact that Friday's Cattle on Feed report was indeed bullish, but traders are now seeming to look to the market's fundamentals to dictate whether or not higher prices are in store for the market this week. Last week Southern live cattle traded at mostly $210, which is $7.00 higher than the previous week's weighted average, and Northern dressed cattle traded at mostly $335, which is $10.00 higher than the previous week's weighted average.

Following in line with the live cattle market's direction, the feeder cattle complex also traded higher most of the day until the final hour. The market is fearing some resistance pressure, but if fundamental support proves to be ample again this week, there's always the chance that traders could push the market higher again this week.

Even though the lean hog complex closed higher Friday afternoon, the market is back to trading lower as it waits to see what demand is going to amount to this week. And yes, Pork cutout values are higher this morning, but traders are going to need to see more followed-through support than one day's trade before they'll put much credence in the demand situation. Do note that the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report will be released this upcoming Thursday.

The USDA announced Bill Beam as the next administrator of the Farm Service Agency. Beam is a Pennsylvania farmer and president of Rural Investment to Protect our Environment, or RIPE. The new administrator will work with the USDA to provide leadership and manage conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs. Beam is the Owner and Operator of Beam Farms, Inc., a fourth-generation farmer raising corn, soy, wheat, hay, specialty crops, and beef in Elverson, Pennsylvania.

FSA gets new administrator

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a stakeholder update to provide a progress report on USDA’s five-pronged strategy to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and lower egg prices. Less than a month after the plan’s rollout, USDA reports significant advancements across all five areas. “Egg prices are falling, farmers are getting some relief, and we are seeing meaningful progress in the fight against avian flu,” Rollins said. “USDA is making targeted investments and driving innovation to keep our food supply strong and affordable.”

USDA updates public on avian flu strategy 

May corn closed down 4 3/4 cents and July corn was down 4 cents. May soybeans closed down 3 1/4 cents and July soybeans were down 3 3/4 cents. May KC wheat closed up 2 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 1 cent, May Minneapolis wheat was up 1/4 cents.

May corn closed up 5 3/4 cents and July corn was up 4 cents. May soybeans closed down 6 1/4 cents and July soybeans were down 8 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 2 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents and May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

If I could only choose one word to describe this week's grain trade, "uninspired" may be the choice, as markets were unable to move convincingly in either direction as traders await more fundamental clues from the government. Corn and soybean markets finished the week on a sour note as neither were able to build off Thursday's upward momentum and instead erased those gains to close the week. Meanwhile wheat futures found some stability to close the week, with KC contracts managing to hold to meager gains following a two-day selloff which put wheat prices more or less back to where they finished last week. Outside markets Friday leaned negative as stock indices are lower as growth concerns which echoed through the markets in the aftermath of Wednesday's Fed announcement have worn on investors' minds to close the week. On the other hand, the U.S. Dollar Index has found a three-day rally to close the week, as the steady downtrend for the currency since mid-January has seemingly stabilized for now ahead of the next tariff deadline on April 2.

After an incredible week of near non-stop upward momentum, the live cattle complex seems to be holding its breath or pausing its nearly unfathomable rally and is patiently waiting to see what the Cattle on Feed (COF) Report yields. Regardless of what the COF report shows, one could argue that the rally in this week's fed cash cattle market will overpower whatever the COF report details. The fed cash cattle market's movement has been thin, but prices have been hot. So far, Southern live cattle are trading at mostly $210, which is $7 higher than last week's weighted average. Northern dressed cattle are trading at $212 to $214, which is $3 to $5 higher than last week's weighted average. It's rather incredible that on a week when throughput has been reduced because of weather conditions, that packers are still willing to advance the cash market $3 to $7 higher to ensure they have enough supply moving forward. Well done feedlot managers, well done!

Even though fed cash cattle prices are trading higher, traders are reluctant to advance the feeder cattle complex without the support of the live cattle contracts. Friday's weaker technical performance isn't due to any fundamental rhyme or reason, but rather because traders are questioning how much higher the market can actually trade, and as they wait to see what this afternoon's Cattle on Feed report unveils.

After a challenging week, the lean hog complex has finally found some support as its contracts traded higher into Friday's closing bell. It is helpful that again Friday, pork cutout values are higher, which is stemming from a healthy blend of higher prices across nearly all the cuts.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/21135748/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Work on the St. Joseph City budget
continues.

City Manager Mike Schumacher says while
the city fiscal year ends June 30th, he wants city officials to look beyond
year-to-year needs.

“You cannot look at budget as a 12-month exercise,”
Schumacher tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “While legislatively, a 12-month
budget is adopted, in the background, you really need to have a five and,
ideally, a 10-year view.&nbsp; Because you
know when fire trucks are two million dollars a pop you better have a strategy before
it just shows up in front of you to buy it, because we don’t have two million
dollars sitting somewhere.”

Schumacher, relatively new to the job,
says the city has a good budget process in place. He says his staff sits down
with department heads to discuss their needs, then examines expected income to
devise the correct amount devoted to each city department.

Schumacher says city sets aside 20% in
reserve, because the city must be prepared to weather an economic downturn and
still serve the public.

“When you dial 9-1-1, you expect someone
to answer the phone and someone to come,” Schumacher says. “So, we absolutely
have to maintain services regardless of any external factors. It’s just not an
option.”

Schumacher says the city is fighting
inflation just like everyone else.

“Same thing folks are facing at home. We
are no different,” Schumacher says. “While our customers may be going to the
grocery store to buy a dozen eggs and going, holy smokes, look what eggs cost.
We’re doing the same thing; except we’re buying a whole lot of stuff across the
entire spectrum.”

Schumacher says sometimes purchases must
be delayed.

The St. Joseph city fiscal year ends June
30th, with the new budget beginning July 1st.

St. Joseph City Hall in the midst of budget work

A new initiative launched by the Noyes Home for Children is celebrating the kindness of people in the St. Joseph community.  

Kindness St. Joseph encouraged students' kindergarten through 12th grade to write essays about the kindest person they know.  Almost 800 were submitted.  

Executive Director Chelsea Howlett says the goal of the program is to recognize people in the community for the acts of kindness that they show 

"We want to be able to recognize that one small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, and we have no idea how far reaching those kind acts can go," Howlett tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "We have no idea what impact we may have on others, but we do want to take a moment to honor those in that we know in our community are doing great things and hopefully inspire more kindness across all generations that live here in St. Joseph. 

Howlett says this brand-new initiative was designed to help recognize and celebrate kindness in St. Joseph 

"Last fall we challenged kindergarten through 12th graders to write a one-page essay about the kindest people they know, and from those essays we were able to get down to the top essay winner for every grade level," Howlett explains.  "We did have 774 submissions, which was great for the first year, participation from private schools as well as public schools, and we even have a home schooler that's going to be honored at the event." 

Howlett says people in the community were also asked to write essays about Kindness Keepers.   

Howlett says there were many essays about moms, teachers, grandmas, but says what stood out were essays about people that students don't really have a relationship with 

"One thing really stood out in the 774 essays, there were eight essays that all came in for the same gentleman," Howlett says.  "And that is Larry Miller, who is known affectionally as 'The Walking Waver', he walks on Faraon and Frederick and out on Riverside by the hospital and the cancer center, and his whole purpose is to bring joy to people." 

Winners will be honored during the event on Saturday at the East Hills Mall Courtyard, starting at 6pm. The Noyes Home announced on Facebook Thursday afternoon tickets had sold out

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

Noyes Home for Children recognizing kindness in St. Joseph

The legislation could pave the way for lawsuits involving medication abortions, including in cases where the mother is injured

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>

Doctors and other<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/19/missouri-born-alive-survivors-bill-abortion-medication-lawsuits/">&nbsp;health professionals could be held criminally liable&nbsp;</a>if they don’t offer life-saving care to a baby born during an attempted abortion under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB195&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;that cleared the Missouri House Thursday.&nbsp;

“This bill gives the infant a fighting chance,” Republican state Rep. Brian Seitz of Branson, who co-sponsored the legislation, said Thursday morning.

He accused any lawmakers planning to vote against the measure of supporting infanticide, which is already illegal. Republicans have said the bill, which is the first anti-abortion proposal to clear a legislative chamber in Missouri this year, was made necessary after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/missouri-voters-overturn-states-near-total-abortion-ban/">voters overturned the state’s abortion ban last year.&nbsp;</a>

The bill passed 109 to 32, with four Democrats joining Republicans in a yes vote, and nine Democrats voting “present.”

Dubbed the “born alive abortion survivors act” and sponsored by Seitz and state Rep. Holly Jones, a Republican from Eureka, the bill would require any health care providers present at the time of an unsuccessful abortion to “exercise the same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child as a reasonably diligent and conscientious health care provider would render to any other child born alive at the same gestational age.”&nbsp;

​​Medical professionals say this is already the standard of care.&nbsp;

Perhaps more notably, the bill also opens the door for civil liabilities for those involved in “self-induced abortions,” raising questions about potential implications on medication abortions.

The type of abortions targeted by the House bill are rare, in part because abortions after fetal viability remain illegal in Missouri even after voters enshrined reproductive rights in the state constitution last fall.

State Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum, a Democrat from St. Louis, called the bill a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“Murder is already against the law, so what are we doing here?” she asked on the House floor.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2175" target="_blank">Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002</a>, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by then-President George W. Bush, grants personhood to any child born after an unsuccessful abortion. But Seitz and Jones have argued that federal law doesn’t go far enough.&nbsp;

“In federal law, they’re not provided health care,” Seitz said Monday during House debate. “In Missouri law we will give that infant a chance. I’d buy that infant a house. I think that infant should be given an award.”

Many Democrats have said the legislation is more nefarious, and have taken issue with this characterization of federal law, pointing to existing laws around&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.300#:~:text=A%20person%20commits%20the%20offense,is%20a%20class%20A%20felony." target="_blank">infanticide</a>&nbsp;— defined as causing the death of an infant “when the infant is partially born or born.”&nbsp;

“This bill isn’t an attack,”&nbsp;state Rep. Ben Baker, a Republican from Neosho, said Thursday.&nbsp;“It’s a shield for the innocent.”&nbsp;

State Rep. Gregg Bush, a Democrat from Columbia and a registered nurse, said he continued to worry the bill would unfairly criminalize health care providers who help families navigate complicated medical diagnoses.

The legislation would require any medical professionals with knowledge of a violation of the “born alive” law to report it to the state. Those who fail to report a violation could face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. It goes on to say that anyone who “intentionally performs or attempts to perform an overt act that kills a child born alive” could be charged with first-degree murder.&nbsp;

The class A felony the bill would establish under Missouri law excludes anyone attempting to perform a legal abortion “if the act that causes the death is performed prior to the child being partially born, even though the death of the child occurs as a result of the abortion after the child is partially born.”

There were previously questions about whether the bill would apply to miscarriages, known in medical terms as “spontaneous abortions.” An amendment was added to the bill clarifying the law would not apply to “the natural and spontaneous loss of an unborn child before fetal viability.”&nbsp;

The amended version also revised a provision creating civil liabilities for anyone who assists in a self-induced or illegal abortion.

Missouri’s bill mirrors some of the language in a federal bill filed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/21?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Born-Alive+Abortion+Survivors%22%7D&amp;s=2&amp;r=1" target="_blank">U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner</a>, a Republican from Missouri — though the civil liability provisions in the state proposal are much more expansive.

The revised language approved Thursday applies the civil liability to someone who “recklessly, or negligently supplies or makes available any instrument, device, medicine, drug, or any other means or substance” for a self-induced or unlawful abortion.&nbsp;

Sam Lee, a longtime anti-abortion lobbyist, previously told The Independent the civil liabilities language could apply to self-induced medication abortions, whether the fetus is born alive or not. It could also open the door to litigation against those who assist another person in obtaining a “self-managed” abortion — no matter how early in the pregnancy.&nbsp;

Seitz said his intention was to&nbsp;give a tool for a civil cause of action if there’s a poor health outcome for the woman attempting the abortion, but to exclude&nbsp;from civil liabilities any physician who was to legally prescribe abortion medication.

Under the Missouri proposal, anyone related to the woman, infant or fetus can seek damages. Lee previously said the legislation would not criminalize a woman who took abortion medication unless the child was born outside a clinical setting and the mother then “knowingly, recklessly or negligently” caused the death of the child.

Michael Wolff, a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus at the St. Louis University School of Law, previously told The Independent that the bill raises many questions about how such a law would be interpreted with the constitutional right to abortion now in place.&nbsp;

The lack of definition for “self-induced abortions” in state statute also contributes to the confusion, Wolff said, and could lead to attempts to target medication abortions.&nbsp;

Concerns were also previously raised about the bill’s requirement that an infant born during an attempted abortion be immediately transported and admitted to a hospital.&nbsp;

Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, testified before the House committee earlier this year that&nbsp;this could conflict with best practices for palliative care, especially if hospitals determined this law required any infant be resuscitated.&nbsp;

An example would be cases where a family chooses to induce an abortion following the diagnosis of a fatal fetal anomaly. That family may decide to end the pregnancy before reaching full gestational age but still want to meet their child before they pass away.&nbsp;

“Resuscitation would require CPR, which could break that tiny infant’s ribs,”&nbsp;Schwarz&nbsp;told the committee. “It would require aggressive medical care that is not in line with what the families and providers have already decided is best for that unique pregnancy, that unique circumstance.”

Missouri ‘born alive’ bill creating legal action for medication abortions heads to Senate

One suspect is dead following an armed carjacking in St. Joseph that resulted in a pursuit by St. Joseph police officers.  

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says officers were dispatched to the area of 6th and Hall streets around 10:30 Thursday morning. Luster says just after 11 am, officers spotted the vehicle with two people inside and attempted to stop it.

"The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued," Luster tells reporters during a news conference.  "During that pursuit, at least one subject in the vehicle began firing a gun at the pursuing officers, this occurred at multiple locations, multiple times, throughout the city of St. Joseph, very dangerous situation." 

St. Joseph police report several buildings were struck by gunfire during the pursuit.  

Luster says the pursuit ended when the car crashed at 28th and Mitchell and the two suspects fled the vehicle.

"One subject was immediately taken into custody, the other subject ran to the area of 2500 Penn, where an officer involved shooting occurred," Luster says.  "That subject was struck by gunfire and officers immediately rendered lifesaving aid, those subjects were ultimately transported via EMS to a local hospital, one subject was treated and released, and the other subject was pronounced dead." 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control Investigators were called to handle the use of force investigation.  Officers involved have been placed on leave during the investigation.  

One suspect dead following police pursuit after St. Joseph armed carjacking 

UPDATE: The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office reported to the KBI that Donald Mueller, 94, of Tonganoxie, has been located and is in good condition. The statewide silver alert is now canceled.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY –&nbsp;The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Tonganoxie man.

The whereabouts of 94-year-old Donald E. Mueller are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Mueller is likely driving a dark green 2016 Nissan Frontier pickup bearing Vermont tag&nbsp;515A791. He was believed to have left his residence in Tonganoxie, Kansas to head toward Basehor, Kansas.

Mueller is a white male who is 5-feet-8 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a red, blue, and green long-sleeve button down shirt, jeans and brown loafers. Mueller also walks with a limp.

Mueller has a heart condition, and several other medical conditions that may impact his ability to return home safely without assistance.

If you see Donald E. Mueller, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office at (913) 682-5724.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kansas man is safe

A major decision will be made by St.
Joseph voters April 8th.

St. Joseph voters will decide a $157 million
school bond issue on the 8th, an issue School Board President LaTonya Williams
says will set the district in motion for a big step forward.

Williams says the Board of Education is
committed to building a new high school south of 36 Highway if voters approve
the 60-cent increase in the school levy.

“If the bond is approved on April the 8th
and if everything goes according to schedule, a new school will open up their
doors in the fall of ’28,” Williams tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.

Williams says the board will secure the
land needed in south St. Joseph, stating she never knew acquiring land and
contract negotiations took so long.

“I don’t think that any of us really ever
imagined about the length of the process, because we’ve never built a new high school
in 80 years,” Williams says. “And so, everyone involved, is new with this.”

Williams says if voters approve the
proposal, it will benefit the city as a whole.

“If we were able to build a brand-new
school in that area of town, it will bring all new life in that area of town.
It will bring new businesses. It will bring more traffic,” Williams says. “It
will give them another reason to be even more proud.”

The St. Joseph Board of Education
long-range plan calls for moving from three high schools to two with Benton and
Lafayette becoming middle schools, joining Truman and Bode. Spring Garden and
Roubidoux will become elementary schools, with the number of elementary schools
reduced from 13 to 10.

Williams understands St. Joseph residents
are proud of their schools, but she says those schools are aging and students
deserve better.

“Everyone loves our schools. Everyone
loves our history. And then they also understand that today’s kids need more
than yesterday’s kids had.”

St. Joseph voters to decide future of the school district April 8th

Volunteers
are being sought to bring a big part of St. Joseph history to life.

The
Patee House Museum and the Jesse James Home are looking for volunteers.
Officials with the museums say just a few hours a week can make a difference,
not just to preserve the past, but to ensure the future.

“We rely on dedicated
volunteers to keep these historic sites open and engaging for visitors,” Patee
House Museum &amp; Jesse James Home Board President, Liby Waltemath, said in a
written statement. “It’s a rewarding way to give back and share our town’s
incredible history.”

Volunteers will greet guests, share stories, and assist with
museum operations. No prior experience is necessary. The museums say the only
qualification they require are an interest in history and community service.

The Patee House Museum is located at 202 Penn Street in St. Joseph. Click <a href="http://www.ponyexpressjessejames.com/">HERE</a> for more.

Patee House - Jesse James museums seek volunteers

Absentee voting opened earlier this week in Missouri for voters ahead of the April 8th election. 

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey says the no excuse absentee period opened on Tuesday 

"That's always two weeks prior to every election now, four weeks prior to that is you need to have an excuse to come in and vote," Baack-Garvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So that's what's happening now, we have no excuse, so anyone can come in and vote before election day." 

Baack-Garvey says during this time anyone can come in and vote, such as those that maybe have trouble getting out to the polls. 

"Somebody just has a hard time standing in line, like maybe they use a walker, they can come here to the office and vote in person, which is a quicker process, especially here with an April election, because the traffic is slower here at the courthouse," Baack-Garvey explains. 

Baack-Garvey says though, even with those voting absentee, she's not expecting a very high voter turnout come April 8th 

"It kind of frustrates me, because we have local elections here and that's what April is for, and we just don't see the turnout that you would normally see for a presidential election," Baack-Garvey says.  "So, I would expect. at the highest, 20% turnout come Tuesday the 8th." 

Absentee ballots can be cast anytime through April 7th at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

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

No excuse absentee voting open ahead of April 8th election

A group of St. Joseph residents will celebrate an artist central to the ornamentation of City Hall and the Missouri Theatre with a future exhibit at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.  

Waylande Gregory came to St. Joseph in 1926 and designed ornaments for city hall out of a makeshift studio on Tenth and Frederick. Out of that studio he also designed ornaments for the Missouri Theatre.  

Centennial Committee Chair Lori McAlister says after leaving St. Joseph, Gregory went on to become one of the most prolific ceramic artists in the country. 

"And we had him here, so just by way of introduction to people of his work we thought those of us who had been collecting pieces would get them together and do just kind of a little show and tell, to get people excited," McAlister tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Friends of the Missouri Theatre founder Frank Polleck says they hope that by showing these pieces they can show people that Gregory was an artist 

"And not just somebody that came in and did some plaster work 100 years ago," Polleck explains.  "And so, we want people in St. Joseph, and everywhere, to realize what they have here and realize he is an artist, and this is not just a theatre venue it's really a museum of his work."

The works from Gregory that be on display at the Albrecht are part of a celebration of the centennial celebration of St. Joseph City Hall and the Missouri Theatre.  

McAlister says there's excitement building around the centennial, and hopes this exhibit helps introduce people to how great an artist Gregory was

"And then I think that helps people understand why this building and City Hall are so special, and the fact that the city has maintained them, and we still have them is no small accomplishment" McAlister says.&nbsp; "So, we've got a lot to be proud of and excited about."&nbsp;

The locally collected pieces of Gregory will be on display at the Albrecht Kemper beginning in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another collection that will feature pieces on loan from the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State will come next year.&nbsp;

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

Works of artist who made City Hall and Missouri Theatre jewels to be on display

KFEQ Morning Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals entered this year looking to bounce back from a rough 2024, coming in with a resurgence of youth.&nbsp; That youth movement showed some good signs on Opening Day, as the Cardinals won 5-3 over the Minnesota Twins after a nearly hour and half long rain delay.&nbsp;

Rain didn't hamper the Cardinals offense though, getting on the board right away in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Brendan Donovan that drove in Lars Nootbaar.&nbsp; In the second inning, it was Nootbaar that added to the scoring, blasting a two run home run to right field, putting the Cardinals up 3-0 at the end of two innings.&nbsp;

The St. Louis scoring run continued into the third inning as well.&nbsp; After Donovan and Nolan Arenado both singled to open the inning, Alec Burleson grounded into a double play, but with two outs&nbsp;Iván Herrera singled into right field to bring Donovan home to score, extending the lead to 4-0.&nbsp;

After pitching four scoreless innings, the Twins were finally able to get to Cardinals starter Sonny Gray in the fifth inning.&nbsp; Former Cardinal Harrison Bader smacked a line drive two run home run to left field to cut the Redbirds lead in half at Busch Stadium.&nbsp; After Gray walked Matt Wallner though, he forced Carlos Correa to ground into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;

Gray was pulled to start the sixth inning in favor of reliever&nbsp;Kyle Leahy.&nbsp; After Leahy walked Trevor Larnach, he surrendered a single to Ryan Jeffers, and then with two outs, Leahy was pulled for John King, who went to give up a double to Willi Castro, scoring Larnach, and leaving the run charged to Leahy, cutting the Cardinals lead to 4-3.&nbsp;

The final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning helped secure the game for the Cardinals, a solo home run by Nolan Arenado.&nbsp;Arenado, who turned down a trade to Houston in the offseason, took a curtain call for the sellout crowd after his home run

Ryan Helsley, who led the National League and Major League Baseball last year in saves, came on in the ninth and struck out three batters, only surrendering one hit, a double to Bader.&nbsp;

Gray earned the win against his former club, pitching five innings, striking out six and giving up two runs on four hits, while walking two.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI's), Donovan (2-4, 1 RBI), Arenado (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI), and Herrera (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 BB) led the way hitting on the day. It was the first time the Cardinals&nbsp;won on Opening Day for the first time since 2022.

Cardinals and Twins will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will take the mound for St. Louis against Joe Ryan for Minnesota.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 1:15pm, coverage will begin at 12:20 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

Cardinals top Twins 5-3 after lengthy rain delay on Opening Day

The Kansas City Royals were looking to gain some early ground in a competitive American League Central on Opening Day, but unfortunately fell to the Cleveland Guardians 7-4 in 10 innings to open the MLB season.&nbsp;

It didn't start out pretty for Kansas City either, as starting pitcher Cole Ragans faced a jam early on.&nbsp; Singles from Steven Kwan and Lane Thomas, and a walk to Kyle Manzardo loaded the bases up in the first inning with two outs.&nbsp; But Ragans showed why he was named the Opening Day starter for a second year in a row, striking out&nbsp;Jhonkensy Noel to end the top of the first.&nbsp;

After a scoreless bottom half by the Royals, Ragans recovered from a tough first with a three up, three down second inning, and again made quick work of Cleveland in the third before Kansas City went on to take the first lead of the game in the bottom half of the frame.&nbsp;

With two outs, and Kyle Isbel at second base after his double, Bobby Witt Jr. singled to keep the inning alive, bringing up designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit the first Royals home run of the season deep to right center field to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead at the end of three innings.&nbsp;

The Guardians found their way onto the board in the fourth inning, after Manzardo tripled, Noel singled to drive him in to cut the lead to two.&nbsp; In the fifth, Gabriel Arias led off with a double, and after advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Kwan, went on to score thanks to a sacrifice fly from Jose Ramirez.&nbsp;

Ragans opened up the sixth inning on the mound, but after a leadoff single to Carlos Santana was pulled for Angel Zerpa, who on his first pitch gave up a two run, go ahead home run to Manzardo, to give Cleveland the 4-3 lead, allowing the Guardians to hand the game off to a bullpen that was one of the best in the league last year.&nbsp;

And that bullpen lived up to that name, holding that lead until the ninth inning, when closer Emmanuel Clase entered the game.&nbsp; Pasquantino led off with a double, and was replaced by pinch runner Freddy Fermin, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey tying up the game.&nbsp; 

Kansas City did have an opportunity to win in the inning as well.&nbsp;With Salvador Perez at second base, following a Maikel Garcia single, new Royal Mark Canha stepped up to the plate, but struck out to end the ninth inning to send the game to extras, where the game ended up in disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting the top of the tenth, with&nbsp;Brayan Rocchio at second base, Kwan doubled to score him, and after a flyout by Ramirez, and ground out by Thomas, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Santana, to face Manzardo, who on a 3-2 count doubled to score both Kwan and Santana, pushing the Guardians lead to 7-4.&nbsp; Manzardo finished a single shy of the cycle.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Royals went on to go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 10th, securing the save for Cleveland reliever Paul Sewald, giving Clase the win.&nbsp;

Pasquantino led the Royals in hitting, going 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBI's.&nbsp; Manzardo led the Guardians hitting 3 for 4 with four RBI's.&nbsp; Ragans pitched five innings, struck out three, walked two, and gave up five hits while giving up three runs in a no decision.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Cleveland will have a day off on Friday, and will be back in action on Saturday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo is slated to start for the Royals, the Guardians starter has yet to be announced.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 3:10, coverage will begin at 2:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals fall to Guardians 7-4 in extra innings on Opening Day

Area track athletes kick off season

Missouri Western State University have found the next man to lead it's men's basketball program, announcing today the hiring of&nbsp;Brooks McKowen as the seventh head coach in program history.&nbsp;

McKowen comes to Missouri Western from Upper Iowa University, where he spent 12 seasons guiding the Peacocks, amassing a 209-148 career record and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Upper Iowa competed for 10 years in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference before moving to the Great Lakes Valley Conference the past two years.

McKowen's teams have won at least 21 games in three of the previous four seasons, including a 21-9 mark in 2024-25, a 22-10 record in 23-24 and a program best 26-6 season in 21-22. The Peacocks have posted winning seasons in 10 of McKowen's 12 years on the sidelines. Known for their trademark fast-paced brand, the Peacocks have averaged at least 80 points per game in each of the last 12 seasons.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Missouri Western and am thankful for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program," McKowen said in a news release. "I look forward to bringing an exciting and up-tempo style of play to our city. My family and I can't wait to be a part of Griffon Nation."

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