It has been a
rough ride for investors to say the least.

The Stock Market
has recorded some deep losses since the first of the year.

Eastern Kansas
Congressman Derek Schmidt, a Republican, understands those drops have some
shaken.

“Yeah, it has been
chaotic and that does happen from time to time in the markets. It certainly
happens when the markets are high,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It
happens whenever there are significant changes in public policy and that’s what’s
happening right now.”

Yet, Schmidt says
President Trump is looking farther down the road than the latest two-week
roller coaster ride in the Stock Market.

The Dow Jones
flirted with 45,000 in mid-January before dropping nearly 3,000 points since.
The S&amp;P 500 dropped 4.6% in the first quarter, its worst quarter in 2 1/2
years.

Gold, a
traditional haven for those worried about the markets, has hit an all-time high
of more than $3,000 an ounce on the futures market.

And that was
before President Donald Trump announced wide-ranging tariffs after the markets
closed Wednesday. Trump called Wednesday “Liberation Day,” a break away from
the free market approach the president claims has resulted in trade imbalances
unfair to the United States. Trump will impose what he calls reciprocal tariffs
on dozens of countries. The U.S. will also establish a universal 10% tariff
floor.

The tariffs
announced by Trump include a 20% tariff on goods imposed by the European Union
and an additional 34% tariff on goods from China, creating tariffs that will
top 50% on some Chinese goods.

News of the tariffs
sent the markets into a tailspin. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted
more than 1,400 when trading began this morning. The S&amp;P 500 fell 4% with
the Nasdaq Composite off nearly 900 at one point Thursday, down 5%.

Schmidt suggests
investors need to stay calm and let things play out.

“Hunker in if you
have investments. Take the advice of whoever you listen to investment advice on,”
Schmidt says. “My own advice for what it’s worth, and I’m not an investment
advisor, is hunker in and be prepared to ride it out if you’re in a position to
do that.”

Schmidt is
confident the moves by President Trump will benefit the economy, in the long
run.

“In the short
term, there’s some turbulence,” Schmidt concedes. “But if this works out the
way the president and his team believe it will, in the long-term it will bring
us much more predictability and stability and that’ll be good for every
investor and every American.”

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

Tariffs take toll on Stock Market; Republican Congressman urges patience

A coalition of U.S. oil and biofuel groups met with the Environmental Protection Agency this week to push for higher federal mandates for biomass diesel blending. Three sources familiar with the plans said that the EPA meeting may signal that the agency is getting closer to releasing fresh biofuel blending quotas for the Renewable Fuel Standard. The forthcoming proposal is predicted to cover two years’ worth of mandates. Two sources familiar with the matter say the EPA could release the proposal as early as this month. 

Big Oil and the Farm Belt’s biofuel makers haven’t worked well together in the past. The two sides are traditionally competitors in the multi-billion-dollar U.S. fuel market. One document shows the coalition pushed for biomass diesel blending mandates of 5.5 billion to 5.75 billion gallons. The current level is 3.35 billion gallons, which the industry says is far below production capacity.

Oil and biofuel coalition meets with EPA

May corn closed down 1/4 cents and December corn was down 1 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 18 cents and November soybeans were down 20 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed up 1/2 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 3 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/4 cents.

Tariff talk and headlines leaped back into the driver's seat of the market Wednesday evening following President Trump's unveiling of sweeping tariffs across the globe. Traders and investors had been holding out optimism that the trade policies would be much more precise and specific than what was announced, which ultimately included a blanket 10% tariff on all imports to the United States, with more severe duties on countries the Trump administration deemed as the worst offenders. The latter includes a 20% duty on the European Union and an additional 34% tariff on China, in addition to increased action against Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. The U.S. ag markets reacted as one would have expected, with a gap lower across major U.S. grains and livestock markets Wednesday evening. Since then, corn and wheat markets have stabilized, finding optimism that major trading partners have not yet announced retaliation and in the weakening U.S. dollar's positive effect on U.S. price competitiveness on the world stage. Soybeans, on the other hand, did manage to recover off daily lows but remained under pressure for the session due to the heavy duties against China and China's promise Thursday of a policy response. Stock indices predictably responded to Wednesday's measure with sharp volatility, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down over 1,500 points at one point on Thursday.

Live cattle futures have given back all midweek gains and even more as trade and tariff concerns rocking financial markets had a significant impact on livestock trade and the cattle market specifically. Cash cattle markets remain generally quiet, although a few more bids are now on the table. In Nebraska, major packers are bidding $335, while a regional packer has bid $345. Asking prices in the North are still not well established. Southern bids are at $208, which is well below current asking prices of around $212. Packer inquiry should continue to improve as the day progresses, but significant trade volume may be delayed until Friday.

Feeder cattle futures led the market lower with the general pressure on all cattle trade starting in the morning trade. The market has additional concerns about these newly instated tariffs will impact not only short-term trade and buying decisions, but also long-term market activity. The focus on overall economic health continues to be weighed heavily on overall cattle trade which may have a longer-term impact on overall beef demand.

Lean hog futures were mostly lower as the general market tone Thursday remained weak. But compared to the rest of the livestock trade, lean hog futures seem to have worked most of the tariff and demand concerns into the complex. With nearby contracts trading in the bottom half of short-term market levels, it is uncertain just how much more active selling pressure will develop given the current fundamental market support.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/03160521/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

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

The grain markets took a breather Wednesday with decreased volume and volatility behind the trade. It was not all that surprising to see corn and soybeans trade slightly lower ahead of the pending announcement from President Trump due Wednesday afternoon regarding the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners. However, the moderate correction from Tuesday's strong session in soybeans displays that traders are likely finding some degree of optimism in that, at the very least, the period of waiting and speculating on policy out of Washington will reach some form of conclusion Wednesday afternoon. Kansas City wheat prices on the other hand continue to recover from last week's lows on continued strength from the bullish acreage estimate on Monday as well as an uncertain weather outlook. Outside markets were understandably choppy ahead of President Trump's comments, but notably the U.S. Dollar Index fell to its lowest point in a week and a half, which also likely served as some bullish fuel for the wheat market.

Live cattle futures have regained additional momentum through midweek with prices moving through last week's highs of $209.55 per cwt in April contracts. This ability to move to additional heights over the past couple of days has helped to rekindle buyer support in both nearby and deferred contracts. Most of the buyer support and aggressive price movement have been contained to April through August contracts with traders focusing on summer demand and the potential for further wholesale and retail beef price support over the coming months. Cash cattle markets remain at a general standstill midweek with activity through the morning and a very slow start to the day with just a few asking prices noted around $212 in the South, but they are still not established in the North.

Feeder cattle futures are held onto light to moderate gains following the support in live cattle trade through the morning. Narrow support is seen in April and May contracts, but further support is seen in fall 2025 contracts. The potential for tighter supplies through the end of the year and continued long-term strength in beef values well past the current run higher is helping to sustain longer-term support through the feeder cattle complex. Given the recent support in the market, nearby and deferred contracts are holding well above both 40-day and 100-day moving averages as contracts continue to reach for new contract highs.

Lean hog futures remain under pressure as traders continue to battle the uncertainty of tariff implications and economic concerns for both short- and longer-term buying decisions. Summer contracts were trading with triple-digit losses as concerns of moving further lower keep buyers on the sidelines. May through July futures have dipped below the 40-day moving average during morning trade.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/02142248/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

The U.S. Trade Representative recently held hearings on a proposal to impose million-dollar port call fees on Chinese vessels. The U.S. Meat Export Federation joined more than 300 other organizations in saying the fees would hurt U.S. exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom supports the intent of the proposal to incentivize U.S. shipbuilding. “The reality is it’s not feasible right now,” Halstrom said. “It’s going to take some time to become viable, and we don’t want to have our exporters get penalized by other countries while we wait for this to happen.” 

Shippers have already indicated they would reduce port calls, including a key port for the red meat industry. “The Port of Oakland represents about 40 percent of our waterborne exports on the beef side,” Halstrom added. “We’ve had some companies publicly say that Oakland would be a candidate to stop service to, if this current policy were installed.”

USMEF says shipbuilding idea not feasible

Improved economic conditions in many regions, together with ongoing high prices for other proteins, make poultry an attractive option for worldwide consumers. Rabobank says global consumption growth is predicted to reach 2.5 to three percent this year. This marks the second year of above-average market growth, which led to significant improvements in margin performance. However, dealing with avian influenza remains a significant challenge for the U.S. poultry industry and one of its biggest concerns. 

Additionally, the supply of parent stock remains tight, and hatching egg prices are still high, restricting growth. Aside from the ongoing flu risk, rising geopolitical tensions and competition pose the biggest challenges for global trade. The geopolitical tension includes U.S. tariffs on imports and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. poultry from affected regions, which could lead to a trade war and shifting global trade flows. 

Poultry markets strong but face headwinds

U.S. farmers will plant nearly 5 million more corn acres in 2025 compared with last year. In its 2025 Prospective Plantings report released Monday, the agency pegged corn acres for the 2025/2026 crop year at 95.3 million. This was up 5% from last year and above the average trade expectation. Soybean acres projected below last year at 83.5 million acres, below both last year and the average trade expectation. 

USDA says corn acres up 5% in 2025

Extreme weather events, such as drought, jointly impact agricultural production and rural infrastructure, including transportation infrastructure. An important part of this transportation infrastructure is the Mississippi River. It serves as one of the most critical networks for moving agricultural commodities. Soybeans, the leading U.S. agricultural export, rely heavily on barge transportation, with 53 percent of exports moved by barge. 

Despite this reliance on barges for moving U.S. grain, little is known about the link between extreme weather, rural transportation infrastructure, and crop prices. Record-low water levels increased transportation costs and barge freight rates. Higher transportation costs are transmitted to row crop producers through lower cash bids or a weakening of local crop basis. Historic lows in Mississippi River levels during the fall harvest of the last three years have highlighted the need to measure the impact of these low river levels on rural infrastructure and communities. 

Impact of low Mississippi River levels on soybean basis

May corn closed up 4 1/2 cents and July corn was up 5 cents. May soybeans closed up 19 1/2 cents and July soybeans were up 21 cents. May KC wheat closed up 8 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 3 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 2 cents.

After somewhat head-scratching price action following Monday's onslaught of USDA data, market sentiment was much clearer Tuesday with corn, soybeans, and wheat all trading higher in apparent consensus to focus on the bullish aspects of Monday's reports. The markets will have technical roadblocks to an attempted rally and weather both in the U.S. and abroad will take an increased level of precedence to the markets as planting season has arrived. In outside markets, U.S. stocks continued choppy action on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's long-awaited announcement from the Trump administration regarding tariff action. The announcement is expected at 3 p.m. CDT on Wednesday. Stock indices noted two-sided trade on Tuesday as some investors are holding out optimism that U.S. trade policy Wednesday will be precise and at least fill in some unknowns that have had the market anxious over the past month plus. In biofuel news, the Trump administration released over half a billion dollars for biofuel blending initiatives on Monday, in the latest optimistic sign that the administration has the biofuel industry in mind despite the uncertainty in the industry through 2025 thus far.

The live cattle complex may have initially been trading lower this morning, but as the market plodded through the day, stronger tones powered the live cattle market. Following the market's lower ascend on both Friday and Monday, traders now again sit in a better technical position as they are no longer up against immediate resistance pressure. From a fundamental standpoint, boxed beef prices are showing ample support, but no cash cattle trade has developed yet and won't likely develop until Friday. And yes, your choice cuts really were up over $7.00 this morning -- that's no April Fool's joke! Asking prices are noted in the South at $212 but are still not established or known for the North.

The feeder cattle complex is "feeling its oats" as the market charged mostly $2.00 higher into Tuesday's noon hour. The spot May contract is still about $2.00 lower than the market's resistance threshold, so traders were able to maintain their stronger tune throughout the afternoon without too much opposition.

Although pork cutout values made a trend lower, the lean hog complex traded higher as the market is rallying on some of the positive energy stemming from the cattle complex's change in direction. The biggest hindrance to the morning's pork cutout value was the $4.75 decline in the belly.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/04/01143656/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year have until April 15th to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to eligible farmers who experience substantial declines  in crop prices or revenues for the 2025 crop year.  

ARC or PLC programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer, said Brenda Archuleta, deputy state executive director for FSA. Producers who have not made program elections or signed a contract are urged to contact their local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you don’t miss the April 15th deadline.

April 15th deadline to enroll in key commodity safety net programs

May corn closed up 4 cents and July corn was up 3 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 8 1/4 cents and July soybeans were down 9 cents. May KC wheat closed up 5 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 8 3/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 11 cents.

As alluded to in prior recaps, often the most difficult aspect of USDA releases to gauge is how prices will react to a given estimate. Meaning a bearish number on paper can often translate to a bullish price action given how the figure stacks up against trader expectations as well as price action in the weeks leading up to the report. Monday's Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports from the USDA were a perfect example of this phenomenon. On paper, one would have thought that the higher-than-expected corn acreage and slightly lower-than-expected soybean acreage reported Monday would have translated into corn being down and soybeans being up. In fact, the opposite was true on Monday as corn futures moved higher while soybeans dropped. This price action certainly implies that the Grain Stocks report garnered more attention from corn and soybean traders as compared to the Plantings estimates, which is the opposite of what some expected. Meanwhile, wheat futures gained a spark from a bit of a bullish surprise in the acreage report, ignoring on the other hand what was a sluggish Stocks report.

As the live cattle complex tip-toes into the new week, traders were again cautious not to be overly supportive of the contracts ahead of seeing what's going to develop fundamentally this week. Just last week the futures complex reached yet another new contract high in the spot June contract, so it's natural for traders to be cautious amid reaching new technical highs. All contracts finished in the red by the closing bell. It's likely that the cash cattle market won't trade until Friday again this week. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Kansas, somewhat smaller in Texas and lower in Nebraska/Colorado.

The feeder cattle complex is again trapped and feeling unable to take on the resistance pressure of its market, while the live cattle contracts traded lower. The market has seemed to somewhat plateau and unless something riveting happens in the live cattle complex, it's unlikely that the market will move boldly enough on its own to push through this barrier. A few of the far deferred contracts finished the day unchanged, the front months all slightly in the red at the closing bell.

The lean hog complex was trading lower at the day's start, but throughout the morning the market has grew stronger and the contracts traded fully higher into Monday's noon hour. It likely helped that the market had stronger pork cutout values this morning, which is largely stemming from the ham's $4.39 uptick. The strength faded in afternoon trade with only the April contract finishing in the green.

NEMAHA COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a murder that occurred Thursday in Seneca, Kansas..

Just before 3p.m., a 911 call was placed reporting shots fired at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church rectory at 411 Pioneer St., in Seneca, according to a media release from the KBI.

Deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department arrived and discovered Father Arul Carasala, 57, of Seneca, outside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds.

Seneca EMS arrived and transported Father Carasala to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died at the hospital from his injuries.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers responded and helped secure the scene. Shortly after,&nbsp; deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Seneca Police Department took Gary L. Hermesch, 66, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, into custody. He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail on requested charges of first-degree murder.

NEMAHA COUNTY—&nbsp;Father Arul Carasala, a Catholic priest who served&nbsp; Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca since 2011 was shot and killed on Thursday.

Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, announced the death on social media Thursday afternoon,

 "I am heartbroken to share the tragic news of the death of Fr. Arul Carasala, who was fatally shot earlier today.," wrote Naumann.

" This senseless act of violence has left us grieving the loss of a beloved priest, leader, and friend."

The Archbishop described "Fr. Carasala as "a devoted and zealous pastor who faithfully served our Archdiocese for over twenty years, including as dean of the Nemaha-Marshall region. His love for Christ and His Church was evident in how he ministered to his people with great generosity and care. His parishioners, friends, and brother priests will deeply miss him."

"In this time of sorrow, let us entrust Fr. Carasala to the mercy of God and lift up in prayer his family in Cuddapah, India, his parish community at Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, and all who mourn his passing. Let us also pray for the perpetrator, that God may touch and transform his heart."

" I recognize the pain and shock that such an event brings. In moments like these, we turn to our Lord, who is close to the brokenhearted. As we grieve, may we find strength in our faith and in the hope of Christ’s Resurrection."

The Knights of Columbus were scheduled to lead a Rosary at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Seneca Thursday evening.&nbsp; Naumann was also going to celebrate a Mass there after the Rosary.&nbsp;

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." Nauman wrote.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Suspect arrested in shooting death of priest at parish rectory in Kansas

Trivia and pizza
will be featured during a fundraiser tonight for the Patee House and
Jesse James Home, featuring a local celebrity.

JoeTown 107.5’s
Gregg Lynn will host the trivia night at Geno’s Pizza in downtown St. Joseph.

It takes 10 bucks
to enter the trivia contest. Additional donations are welcome.

The trivia night
at Geno’s begins at six o’clock. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and grab
a slice of pizza before the games begin.

Click <a href="http://www.ponyexpressjessejames.com/">HERE</a> for
more information on the museums along with information on how to donate and
volunteer.

All proceeds from
the event go directly toward the preservation and upkeep of the Patee House and
Jesse James Home.

Geno’s Pizza &amp;
Pub is located at 809 Francis Street in St Joseph.

Trivia contest tonight to raise money for Patee House - Jesse James museums

Northwest Missouri
State University will honor the late Dean Hubbard Friday morning with a celebration
of his life.

Hubbard died March
23rd at the age of 85.

Hubbard was
Northwest’s longest-serving president, leading the university from 1984 to
2009.

A celebration of
Hubbard’s life will begin at 10:30 Friday morning the 4th in the
Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Huston Center for Performing Arts on the Maryville
campus. Doors open at 9:30am. A slideshow begins at 10. The celebration is open
to the public.

A private family
luncheon is planned prior to a bell ringing ceremony at 1:30pm at the Bell of ’48.
The campus landmark, donated by the class of 1948 and located south of the
Administration Building, is rung to herald Northwest celebrations and to honor
the passing of students, faculty and staff.

In lieu of
flowers, the Hubbard family requests contributions to the Dean and Aleta
Hubbard Scholarship at Northwest.

Northwest Missouri State to honor President Hubbard Friday

A driver who
allegedly fled an accident in St. Joseph Wednesday evening has been arrested
after crashing about an hour later.

St. Joseph police
report officers responded to a hit-and-run call about 6:30 Wednesday night at
Noyes and Messanie Streets that left one person with minor injuries.

The driver suspected
in the hit-and-run wrecked at North 22nd and Newport Streets around 7:30,
hitting a parked car and a tree, according to police.

Driver sought in St. Joseph hit and run found after crashing an hour later

The deadline to nominate an area athlete, coach, or team for the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 is nearing.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Eseley says the nomination portal for the Hall of Fame is actually open 365 days a year 

"However, we heavily promote it this time of year because we will, after nominations close, literally about a month later select our class of 2025, we'll announce that publicly late May, early June," Esely tells KFEQ News.  "But it's critical right now, and I know several people are working on nominations, that we receive those by this Friday, April 4th, that is the nomination deadline for consideration in the 2025 class." 

Esely says the nomination form can be filled out online. 

"That form is pretty basic ultimately, we obviously need to know who you're nominating, little bit of background on them, we like to know who the nominator is because if we have any questions we can ask that person," Esely explains.  "But then it's really critical that that nominator puts together as much biographical information as possible." 

Esely says when filling out a nomination form, give more information than you might think is needed, and uses a high school coach as an example 

"Coaches coach in some cases four decades, and so with that portray what that coach has done," Esely says.  "If we're talking about a high school coach, have they won state championships, did they have consecutive winning seasons that stretched 20 plus years, coaches are mentors, they're teachers, they're role models, display those things too, that's important." 

That same form can also be filled out by visiting the Sports Commission offices located at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

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

Nomination deadline nearing for class of 2025 in St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking public input on how people get back and forth to their destinations.  

MoDOT Deputy Director Eric Schroeter says the long-range transportation plan helps MoDOT understand people's vision for the transportation system 

"We do this about every five years roughly, and we want to make sure as we're planning projects and working with our planning partners and the elected officials, that we're actually working on a system that builds towards the vision of what Missouri has for the transportation system," Schroeter tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And some of the things people have told us in the past, some of the guiding goals we've used, first they've told us take care of what we have." 

Schroeter says the department wants to make sure it is taking care of and building the transportation system the way Missouri sees it 

"That's where getting everybody's input (is important), everybody is a user of the transportation system, whether you drive or not, the products you buy, the places you go, people who come to you, all of it depends on a transportation system," Schroeter explains.  "So, everybody has an important vision of this, and we want to make sure we're getting it from all of Missouri." 

Schroeter says having data from this survey helps the department when planning out projects 

"What can we do as we're planning out projects to make sure we're using dollars to have a better connection to transit? Or is there a desire in a community to have better access for pedestrians to have a more walkable community? What can we do as we're doing projects to make sure we're doing that?" Schroeter says.  

"So, it's really using this information to make sure as we plan future projects that we're working towards things that communities desire in Missouri." 

The survey can be filled out by visiting the department's website.  Schroeter says the survey is just phase one, and soon MoDOT will hold regional public input sessions to hear more. 

MoDOT wants to know how you get from Point A to Point B

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/shanelagesse/">SHANE LAGESSE</a>

The Missouri House on Monday advanced legislation that would reinstate state-run presidential preference primaries and extend the no-excuse absentee voting period from two to six weeks.

Supporters of&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB126&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">House Bill 126</a>&nbsp;cited a widespread positive response to the recently enacted no-excuse voting period as a motivating factor. They also noted negative feedback on the 2024 party-run caucuses, which replaced the state-run primaries after they were eliminated as part of a law passed in 2022.

The no-excuse absentee voting period has been in effect since August 2022 and allows voters to cast their ballot in elections in person or by mail starting two weeks before Election Day.

Supporters of the bill said they hoped that extending the no-excuse voting period would further alleviate stress on election workers and encourage voters to cast their ballot.

The state of Missouri ran March presidential primaries from 2000 until 2020. A 2022 law signed by former Gov. Mike Parson eliminated them. In 2024, the Republican Party held in-person caucuses in Missouri to select their delegates, while Democrats opted for a hybrid caucus with in-person voting and a mail-in ballot.

Low participation in these caucuses, alongside vocal blowback from residents who preferred the state-run primaries, were cited as motivators for reinstating the primaries.

“I believe it’s a lot simpler for our residents of our state going to cast a ballot like they do it in every other way for their preference for the presidential primary,” said state Rep. Brad Banderman, a Republican St. Clair.

Under the bill primaries would be held on the first Tuesday of March during presidential election years. The estimated cost to the state for conducting the primaries is $8 million.

The bill’s supporters also noted that unlike previous years, where the primary results have not been binding to party delegates, both political parties have agreed to adhere to the results for the first ballot at their respective party conventions.

The House needs to approve the legislation one more time before it heads to the Senate.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/house-backs-return-to-presidential-primary/article_446ef326-a816-4f23-9049-c2e60bd38f92.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Missouri House backs return to presidential primary

The St. Joseph Fire Department&nbsp;Fire Battalion Chief has announced that due to wind conditions, open burning for Wednesday has been canceled.&nbsp;

Open burning should resume tomorrow.&nbsp; Burning of&nbsp;only limbs, branches and brush is allowed and it needs to be contained.&nbsp; Open burning is between the hours of&nbsp;8:00am to 6:00pm normally.

St. Joseph Open Burning canceled for Wednesday

For a second straight game the Kansas City Royals got a strong performance by their starting pitcher, but were unable to provide run support, falling 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

In his first start since Opening Day, Cole Ragans pitched five innings and surrendered just one run on five hits, striking out an oustanding 10 Brewers batters, walking just two, at American Family Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The lone run surrendered by Ragans came in the first inning to the second batter.&nbsp; After striking out&nbsp;Brice Turang, Ragans hung a changup down the middle to&nbsp;Jackson Chourio which was promptly put into the left field stands to give the early lead to Milwaukee.&nbsp;

Kansas City answered in the bottom half of the inning.&nbsp; Michael Massey hit a ground rule double after Salvador Perez flew out to open the inning.&nbsp; And after Hunter Renfroe struck out swinging, Cavan Biggio drove in Massey on an RBI single, tying the game at 1-1, where it would stay until the 10th inning.&nbsp;

The Royals struggled to figure out Brewers starter Freddy Peralta, who after holding the hot hitting Yankees to two runs on four hits in his Opening Day start over five innings, shut down the Royals bats over eight innings, striking out eight and allowing just two hits through his start.&nbsp;

Kansas City took the lead in the top half of the 10th inning, a single from Massey driving in Tyler Tolbert, who pinch ran for Vinnie Pasquantino who started the inning at second base.&nbsp; But Milwaukee tied the game back up in the bottom half immediatly as&nbsp;Chourio doubled to score&nbsp;Turang.&nbsp; After back to back intentional walks, reliever&nbsp;Carlos Estévez was able to escape a bases loaded jam to force the 11th inning.&nbsp;

Kansas City would not score in the top half, getting a runner to third base before Jonathan India struck out to end the chance.&nbsp; In the bottom half, with a runner on third, Turang bunted for a single, back to pitcher Sam Long who tried to throw to first base, scoring&nbsp;Oliver Dunn for the walk off win.&nbsp;

Massey led the way hitting for the Royals going 2-4 with one run batted in.&nbsp; India and Biggio had the only other hits for Kansas City, who for a second game in a row managed just four hits total.&nbsp;

The Royals return home to the comforts of Kauffman Stadium next to take on the Baltimore Orioles starting Friday.&nbsp; Seth Lugo will start for the Royals, no starter has been announced for Baltimore.

First pitch Friday will be at 6:40pm, with pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM).

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

Despite Ragans strong start, Royals fall in extras to Brewers 3-2

Iván Herrera's first career multihomer game helped power the St. Louis Cardinals to a 12-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, avoiding a series sweep.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After Mike Trout opened the scoring for Los Angeles in the first inning with a solo home run, the Angels held a 1-0 lead until the fourth inning, when Herrera hit his first home run of the game, a solo shot 395 feet to left field to knot the game at one a piece.&nbsp;

St. Louis took their first lead of the game in the sixth inning on Herrera's second blast of the game again to left field, this one traveling even farther going 414 feet, and driving in Nolan Arenado for the Cardinals to take a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;

The Angels took the lead back in the seventh on one hit, a grand slam by&nbsp;Logan O'Hoppe that brought in Jorge Soler,&nbsp;Yoán Moncada, and Nolan Schanuel.&nbsp; But St. Louis tied the game back up in the bottom half, on an RBI double from&nbsp;Willson Contreras scoring Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Louis's offense exploded for the final seven runs of the game in the eighth inning.&nbsp; The first two coming on bases loaded walks to&nbsp;Contreras and Alec Burleson.&nbsp; An Arenado single drove in Winn and Contreras, before Herrera's third home run brought in the final runs, scoring Burleson and Arenado.&nbsp; The three homer game made Herrera the first Cardinals catcher in history to hit three home runs in a single game.&nbsp;

JoJo Romero earned the win in relief for St. Louis, pitching 1.1 innings and striking out one.&nbsp; Sonny Gray, the starting pitcher, pitched six innings in a no decision giving up five hits and five runs, all earned, while striking out nine.&nbsp;

Herrera led the way hitting for the Cardinals going 3-4 with three home runs, driving in six runs.&nbsp; Nootbaar (2-5), Arenado (2-3, 2 RBI), and Winn (2-4) also helped.&nbsp;

The Cardinals are now 4-2 on the young season.&nbsp; They hit the road for the first time next, traveling to Boston to meet the Red Sox.&nbsp;&nbsp;Erick Fedde will start for St. Louis against&nbsp;Walker Buehler for the Red Sox.&nbsp;

Coverage will begin on KY 102 (102.5 FM) at 1pm with first pitch at 1:10 on Friday.

Herrera's three homer day powers Cards to 12-5 win over Angels 

The head coaches of the Benton boys and girls basketball teams look back on a special season for the high school.  

Boys coach Jared Boone says it felt special to get the boys to their first championship since 1941.  

But he says what also felt more special, was getting to share the moment with the girls basketball team, and their coach Chris Michaels 

"You know, for the past four years I've sat and watched this guy to my right (Michaels) do it time and time again, and I'm like man it'd just be fun to get there, I'm trying to be on that court down there with him, not be watching him from the stands," Boone tells KFEQ News. 

Michaels says it was special to share the moment with Boone and the boys, and says the two shared a moment following the semifinal wins  

"You can call it a blackout moment if you want to, I have no idea what we said to each other, I have no idea what we screamed at each other," Michaels says.  "All I know is, boy if someone would have been down there to catch me jump from the stands, I would have jumped out of the stands to go give him a hug." 

Since the second-place finish for both teams at state, the teams have been recognized by the St. Joseph School Board, and most recently the City of St. Joseph.  

Michaels says what hasn't quite fully sunk in just yet is a promise he made to his two graduating seniors as freshman that they would hold up a state title 

"It was a promise not a hope, and I didn't get done with that, that didn't happen for my seniors, so there's two girls that I broke a promise to and the crazy thing is I think they feel the same," Michaels explains.  "I think that they felt like they promised us state championships, and the good thing that I can tell them is they did not let us down at all, they did everything that we asked them to do, and I'd tell them that we didn't let them down either." 

Michaels says he's told people that while he's tired of crying after state championships, he's grateful to be able to. 

Both coaches were also able to take in the moment of being at state, with the southside of St. Joseph taking over Columbia 

Boone says normally before games, he is off in a corner mentally locking himself in, but says this time he really took everything in and looked around 

"Looking up in the stands and seeing the majority of our section covered in Benton red, and even some of the upper sections, it was pretty cool," Boone says.  "I told myself when this happened, I wanted to take everything in, because this is something that doesn't happen all the time, and so I just wanted to not overlook that and have the memories stored in my brain of what it was actually like down there." 

Boone says it meant a lot to be able to do what his team was able to do this year. 

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

Benton basketball coaches prideful of teams run to championship games

The St. Louis Cardinals dropped a second game in a row in extra innings, falling to the Los Angeles Angels 9-7 in 11 innings at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night

After the Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the second inning, and RBI single by Jordan Walker scoring Nolan Gorman, the Angels put up a three spot in the third inning to take lead away.&nbsp; A double by Luis Rengifo scored Tim Anderson to tie the game.&nbsp; Later in the inning a Mike Trout double drove in Taylor Ward And Rengifo to give the Angels a 3-1 lead.&nbsp;

Walker homered in the fourth inning for St. Louis to cut the lead for Los Angeles to one, a lead that was held until the eighth inning, when the Cardinals benefited from an Angels fielding error, Nolan Arenado reaching first on a throwing error by Nolan Schanuel that allowed Lars Nootbaar to score.&nbsp; The game remained tied, and for a second straight day, went into extra innings.&nbsp;

Los Angeles took the lead back in the top half of the tenth inning, putting up another three run inning.&nbsp; Schanuel drove in Kyren Paris and Yoan Moncada with a triple.&nbsp; Schanuel came around to score on a single by Jo Adell.&nbsp; Unlike Monday though, the Cardinals put together a rally to tie the game back up.&nbsp; A two RBI double by Luken Baker scored Victor Scott II and Masyn Winn.&nbsp; Pinch runner Michael Siani came around later to score on a single by Arenado.&nbsp;

The St. Louis bullpen surrendered three more runs in the 11th inning.&nbsp; Paris singled to score Anderson.&nbsp; In the very next at bat, Moncada doubled, driving in Trout and Paris.&nbsp; In the bottom half, the Cardinals managed just an RBI single by Scott II that scored&nbsp;Iván Herrera.

Chris Roycroft took the loss in relief for St. Louis, giving up three runs, two earned in one inning, surrendering two hits and walking one.&nbsp; In his first start of the season,&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out four.&nbsp;

Nootbaar (2-6) and Walker (2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Los Angeles wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Sonny Gray will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Yusei Kikuchi for the Angels as the Redbirds look to avoid a sweep.&nbsp; KY 102 (102.5 FM) will begin coverage at 12:05 with first pitch at 12:15.&nbsp;

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

Cardinals fall in extras again to Angels, lose 9-7 in 11 innings

The Kansas City Royals seemingly used up their offense on Monday, and were held off the board in the middle game of the three game series with the Milwaukee Brewers, getting shut out 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Brewers catcher Eric Haase hit his first home run of the season in the third inning for the first run.&nbsp; Later in the inning, Christian Yelich grounded into a force out scoring&nbsp;Brice Turang.&nbsp; Milwaukee added two more runs in the sixth inning, a single from Rhys Hoskins scoring Yelich, and a ground out by Vinny Capra driving in&nbsp;William Contreras.&nbsp; The Brewers final run of the game in the eighth came on a solo home run from Yelich to right center field.&nbsp;

The Royals managed just four hits in the loss, with one hit each coming from Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr, Mark Canha, and Maikel Garcia.&nbsp; Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who took the loss, pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five hits and four runs, three earned, while striking out seven and walking three.&nbsp;

The Royals and Brewers will wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Cole Ragans makes his first start since Opening Day for Kansas City as does Freddy Peralta for Milwaukee.&nbsp; KFEQ (680 AM/95.3 FM) will join first pitch at 12:10pm.

Royals bats shut down by Brewers pitching falling 5-0

The St. Louis Cardinals battled back and forth with the Los Angeles Angels, but fell in extra innings, losing 5-4 in 10 innings on Monday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

The Cardinals did hold the lead for most of the game, with solo home runs by Lars Nootbaar and Brendan Donovan, the first home run off a left handed pitcher in his career, in the first and second innings respectively.&nbsp; The Angels narrowed the gap in the third inning, a sacrifice fly by Taylor Ward scoring&nbsp;Kyren Paris, but St. Louis extended the lead again in the fifth with an RBI single from Nolan Arenado driving in Nootbaar, putting the Redbirds up 3-1 through five innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over the next two innings though, the Angels tied the game up, first getting a sacrifice fly by Mike Trout that scored Ward in the sixth.&nbsp; In the seventh, a triple by Paris drove in Luis Rengifo, making it a brand new ballgame.&nbsp;

Los Angeles would not strike again though until the top of the tenth inning, getting the two runs they needed against Cardindals reliever Jo Jo Romero.&nbsp; Rengifo began the inning as the ghost runner at second, and Romero walked Paris.&nbsp; After a sacrifice bunt by Kevin Newman advanced both runners and Romero intentionally walked Ward, Nolan Schanuel reached first on a fielders choice scoring Rengifo, but no out was recorded.&nbsp; 

With one out, Trout flew out and hit a sacrifice fly into a double play, but still drove in a run, Schanuel getting thrown out at second and Paris scoring, pushing the lead to 5-3.&nbsp; St. Louis could manage just one run in the bottom half, a sacrfice fly by Victor Scott II scoring&nbsp;Pedro Pagés.

Romero took the loss in relief, pitching one inning and giving up two runs, just one earned, walking two but giving up no hits.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas in his season debut starting pitched 5.1 innings giving up two hits and two runs, striking out three batters and walking two.&nbsp;

Nootbaar (2-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI), Luken Baker (2-4), Jordan Walker (2-4), and Scott II (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way hitting for the Cardinals in the loss.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Los Angeles will be back in action tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore will start for the Cardinals against&nbsp;Kyle Hendricks for the Angels.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:45pm with pregame at 5:50 on KY 102 (102.5FM).

Donovan hits first career HR off LHP, but Cardinals fall in extras to Angels 5-4

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded and in his first start since 2023, Kris Bubic spun a gem, as the Royals spoiled the home opener for the Milwaukee Brewers winning 11-1 on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Kansas City started off hot with back to back singled by Jonathan India, who was back in the lineup one day after being hit in the helmet by a pitch, and Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp; India came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Vinnie Pasquantino.&nbsp; 

Michael Massey's ground rule double prevented Witt from coming home to score, but one batter later Hunter Renfroe singled scoring both Massey and Witt Jr giving Kansas City an early 3-0 lead.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia extended the lead in the second inning, hitting his team leading second home run of the season to center field.

The Brewere were able to silence the Kansas City at least for the next few innings, but the Royals finally put a six spot up in the seventh inning, starting with Salvador Perez hitting his first home run of the season to left field.&nbsp; Following the home run, Massey and MJ Melendez singled, while Mark Canha walked to load the bases, forcing a pitching change by Milwaukee.&nbsp;

But new reliever&nbsp;Grant Anderson would not fare much better, walking Garcia to bring home Massey for another Kansas City run.&nbsp; After that, a single by India brought home Melendez and Canha, before Witt Jr singled to drive in Garcia.&nbsp; The scoring in the inning ended on a groundout by Pasquantino that drove India across home plate, extending the Royals lead to 10-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Angel Zerpa replaced Royals starter Kris Bubic to start the bottom half of the seventh inning.&nbsp; It was Bubic's first start of the season, and first start since 2023 after coming out of the bullpen last year.&nbsp; In the start Bubic put together the first Kansas City quality start of the year, earning the win, pitching six innings, striking out eight and walking two, and giving up three hits.&nbsp;

Zerpa did surrender the lone Brewers run of the game in the inning.&nbsp; Pinch hitter&nbsp;Isaac Collins led off the inning with a double, and two batters later was driven in on a double by&nbsp;Jackson Chourio.&nbsp; Kansas City answered the run in the ninth inning, an RBI single by Cavan Biggio that scored Canha.

India led the way hitting for the Royals in the win going 3-5 with 2 RBIs and two runs scored.&nbsp; Witt Jr (2-5, 1 RBI), Massey (2-4, 1 RBI), and Perez (2-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI) were next on the team.&nbsp;

Kansas City is back in action against Milwaukee tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will make his season debut while the Brewers have yet to announce their starter.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:40pm with pregame coverage at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

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