A new trail system in the River Bluffs of St. Joseph will provide new opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers alike. &nbsp;

The City of St. Joseph held a ribbon cutting for the new River Bluff Trails Park on Friday with a crowd of bikers and hikers looking on. &nbsp;

St. Joseph Director of Parks and Recreation Chuck Kempf says the new trails is a huge project for St. Joseph. &nbsp;

"Not just in the physical aspect of it, but also in the impact that it's going to have on tourism, but also the impact that it's going to have for the local residents, this is big," Kempf tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;

Kempf says the River Bluff Trails Park will be a big tourism draw for a different demographic of people to draw to St. Joseph, particularly mountain bikers and hikers.&nbsp;

"A lot of these folks are traveling to go find these trail systems in other parts of the country, you know Arkansas is a big draw, Colorado is a big draw," Kempf explains. "But I think this now provides them with a really high-quality trail system that they can get a lot of their riding fix locally instead of having to travel all the time."&nbsp;

Kempf noted during the ribbon cutting ceremony the collaboration the city had with bikers to figure out how best to put the trails together. &nbsp;

Kempf says when designing a project like this, how it can attract tourism is always top of mind. &nbsp;

"You do some things that are designed to just benefit the local citizens, there's a lot of things that you do that do that, and then there's some things that you do that benefit both locally but also tourism," Kempf points out. "This is a huge tourism draw and it's a great motivator, and it's using funds that were generated by tourism to create another opportunity for more tourism."&nbsp;

Kempf says the hope of the park is to draw in a different demographic of tourists than is normally seen in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

The trail is designed with five different trails of varying difficulty, designed for hiking and mountain biking.&nbsp;

Bring out your bikes or walk the trails at the new River Bluff Trails Park in St. Joseph

The USDA will allow participants in the Conservation Reserve Program to request voluntary termination if they are in the final year of a CRP contract. 

They can make that request following the end of the primary nesting season for the fiscal year 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination don’t have to repay rental payments. 

It’s flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other factors. 

“We’ve heard from many producers who want to better understand their options to help respond to global food needs,” says FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. 

Producers will be able to hay, graze, begin land-preparation activities, and plant a fall-seeded crop before October 1, 2022. In colder climates, this flexibility may allow for better establishing a winter wheat crop or better prepare the land for spring planting. FSA will mail letters explaining options to producers with expiring contracts.

Producers can request voluntary CRP termination

A diverse group of more than 40 American food and agriculture leaders sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai on tariffs. 

The groups are asking for the suspension, reduction, or elimination of tariffs to ease the burden of retaliatory tariffs on rural America. 

The letter was led by Farmers for Free Trade and came as the administration is working on a mandatory review of recently increased tariffs. 

Tariff changes are under review as part of the White House’s efforts to address inflation. “Tariff relief could not come at a more important time,” the letter says. 

“Rural America and small businesses are facing significant challenges due to the lingering impacts of COVID-19, logistical and supply chain disruptions, record inflation, and the increasing impact of the war in Ukraine.” The groups say removing tariffs on food and agriculture inputs and subsequent removal of burdensome retaliatory tariffs would provide immediate relief to U.S. food producers.

Over 40 groups ask USTR for tariff relief

The U.S. Meat Export Federation began its spring conference this week in San Antonio, Texas. 

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom gave attendees a report on first-quarter red meat exports, which were impressive despite mounting economic and logistical challenges. 

He’s optimistic that 2022 results will be strong but cautioned that inflation pressures around the world are constricting consumer spending power. 

“To date, demand for U.S. red meat has been as strong as I’ve ever seen in all my years in the meat business and remarkably resilient,” Halstrom says. “But the question is at what point do these inflationary pressures start to constrict disposable income for the global consumer, and we see a crack in demand?” 

Red meat exports could potentially approach the $20 billion milestone this year. He also highlighted foodservice and retail trends that exploded during COVID-19 and are likely here to stay, such as grocery sales through e-commerce platforms.

Strong global demand for beef facing inflation pressures

Kendamil is in advanced discussions with the Food and Drug Administration to become the first international manufacturer to export significant quantities of infant formula to the United States. 

Kendamil is a brand of Kendal Nutricare, and is the only British-made infant formula. 

Kendamil offers organic and conventional cow formulas, along with goat formula, which would be a first in the U.S., where, unlike in Europe, no goat milk is today certified for sale to infants under one year old. 

Kendamil has been in discussions with the FDA for several weeks since news first broke of the formula shortages and the measures announced from the Biden Administration to bring international brands into the United States. 

Ross McMahon, CEO of Kendal Nutricare commented, "We have received the call for assistance from the FDA and Kendamil stands ready to act.” Kendal Nutricare expects to meet the needs of at least 150,000 U.S. households during the import period.

UK’s Kendamil in talks to export infant formula to U.S.

The American Soybean Association Wednesday shared the organization’s 2023 Farm Bill priorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;ASA President Brad Doyle, who grows soybeans in Arkansas, says, “Getting to this point has involved a thoughtful information-gathering process that began back in September 2021.” 

Priorities for ASA include improving the Title I farm safety net for soybeans, continuing the voluntary, incentive-based, flexible approach to conservation programs, investing into promotion of U.S. commodities globally, building biobased and biofuels opportunities, and ensuring broadband coverage is accessible throughout rural America. 

As the House and Senate Agriculture Committees lay the foundation for the 2023 Farm Bill, ASA hopes its initial priorities list will provide insight and assure soy growers' interests are considered as the farm bill process continues with hearings this year and legislative development next year. 

Doyle adds, “We wanted to assure as many farmer voices and soy states as possible were involved to make this a comprehensive list tailored to their needs.”

Soybean farmers share 2023 Farm Bill priorities

As American agriculture grapples with scarce labor and increasing costs, one solution could lie in precision agriculture applications that can maximize output while reducing costs. 

Crop and livestock producers can supercharge operational efficiency with advanced precision technologies such as data analytics, connected equipment, robotics and automation. 

The lack of affordable, reliable broadband access in rural America, however, has hindered widespread adoption of precision ag technologies. 

That may be changing with the increasing availability of private wireless networks. CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange reports agricultural cooperatives are in an ideal position to work with communication companies to deliver carrier-grade, high-speed private wireless networks to their farmer members at costs that were unthinkable just a few years ago. 

CoBanks Kenneth Scott Zuckerberg says, “Offering these network solutions could be a new, reliable revenue source for U.S. farm supply cooperatives.” On the farm, private networks can help facilitate the collection, transmission, storage and computation of large amounts of data in real-time.

Co-ops can lead the way for on-farm private broadband

A bipartisan group of Senators urges the Surface Transportation Board to ensure reliable, consistent rail service for American industries and shippers. 

Republicans Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, along with Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, made the request in a letter with 19 other colleagues. 

The lawmakers say, “We are very concerned over the significant rail service disruptions occurring throughout the U.S. freight rail network.” 

Further, the group says, “We urge the STB to examine all constructive options towards ensuring reliable, consistent rail service is available to shippers across the U.S.” The letter also outlines concerns and issues raised by customers and labor organizations during an STB hearing last month. 

Farmers and grain shippers report they are unable to get empty railcars, leading to significant delays in delivering commodities to energy producers forced to curtail production. The letter is supported by the National Grain and Feed Association, National Mining Association, American Chemistry Council and Growth Energy.

Lawmakers press Surface Transportation Board on rail disruptions

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh travels to Wisconsin Friday to host a Roundtable on Farmers’ Mental Health. 

The event is part of the Department of Agriculture’s efforts in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. 

The Deputy Secretary will host the roundtable discussion with Senator Tammy Baldwin in Arlington, Wisconsin. 

From volatile market demand for their products to bad weather, farmers often face numerous challenges that can create or exacerbate stress, anxiety and trauma. 

USDA has worked to ensure that farmers and families in rural communities have access to the resources they need to address mental health challenges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In October, USDA announced an investment of nearly $25 million for 50 grants supporting Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network State Department of Agriculture projects, which connect farmers, ranchers, and others in agriculture-related jobs to stress assistance programs, which provide vital support, ranging from mental health and legal issues to family and youth stress.

Bronaugh to host Roundtable on Farmers’ Mental Health

In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation will host a free virtual event, Farmers Saving Lives, on Tuesday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. 

The live event will feature compelling stories from three Farm Bureau members who believe that advocating for mental health wellness is a way to save lives in rural and farming communities. 

Farmers, ranchers and their families are encouraged to attend via telephone, smartphone or tablet from planters, harvesters, greenhouses, dairy barns, farm trucks, classrooms and carpool lines. 

AFBF President Zippy Duvall says, “We’re holding this virtual event on the last day of Mental Health Month to remind everyone that our work does not stop on June 1 – it continues throughout the year.” 

According to AFBF national research polls, a strong majority of farmers and farmworkers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing the farm impact farmers’ mental health. You can register for the event&nbsp;<a href="https://farmbureau.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2EE9TVBITu6N5q3Qp4W85w">online</a>, and learn more at fb.org.

Farm Bureau to host ‘Farmers Saving Lives’ virtual event for Mental Health Month

The Biden Administration Monday announced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. 

The White House says the plan is a 21st century economic arrangement designed to tackle 21st-century economic challenges. 

Those challenges include the digital economy, ensuring secure and resilient supply chains, and major investments in clean energy. 

The plan will engage partners that facilitate agricultural trade through science-based decision-making and the adoption of sound, transparent regulatory practices. Agriculture groups welcomed the launch of the framework. 

U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand says the framework “is a new approach to trade negotiations that will hopefully still create the same positive, high-standard outcomes for U.S. farmers." 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the framework "will help reduce barriers, improve the adoption of science-based standards and grow American agricultural exports." 

Krysta Harden, U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO, adds the framework “offers a chance for the United States to have a positive impact on the trading environment in a vital area of the world.”

Farm groups welcome Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

CALDWELL COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Polaris Ranger UTV driven by Isaac T. Evans, 20, Hamilton, was southbound on NE Nettleton Road just north of Ridgeway Drive three miles southeast of Hamilton.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road and the passenger grabbed the steering wheel. The UTV traveled off the road and overturned. The driver and passenger were ejected.

Life Flight transported Evans to Truman Medical Center. A private vehicle transported the passenger identified as Chastin R. Bowen, 18, Hamilton, to Hedrick Medical Center. They were not wearing helmets, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man airlifted to hospital after UTV accident

CALDWELL COUNTY —A Kansas City man was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1996 Freightliner semi driven by Richard D. Taylor, 69, Kansas City, was eastbound on U.S. 36 two miles east of Cameron.

The vehicle traveled off the south side of the road, struck a guard rail, bridge rail and the vehicle's fuel tank was torn. The vehicle became engulfed in flames and jackknifed in the road.

Cameron ambulance transported Taylor to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man injured after semi crash and fire

As drivers hit the road for the holiday weekend, the Missouri Highway Patrol is urging them to give 100-percent attention to their driving. &nbsp;

Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says distracted driving is a growing problem, especially with cell phones.&nbsp;

"People have more information at their fingertips, they always want to know what's going on at all times, so they're always keeping that mobile device with them whether they be checking the news, checking the weather, communicating with family members in other locations via text, snapchat, Instagram, things like that, checking their emails," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post&nbsp;

He adds the highway patrol urges drivers to follow three simple rules this weekend, give 100-percent attention to the road, follow traffic laws, and buckle up.&nbsp;

Hux says the Memorial Day holiday is a big travel time, because it’s the first major holiday of the year. &nbsp;

"So, people tend to travel a lot, so they get in their whether it be RVs, pulling boats with trailers, things like that, so traffic increases no matter what distance they're going whether it be 30 miles or 130 miles just traffic increases tremendously during the four major holidays of the year, Memorial Day being the first one," Hux explains.&nbsp;

Hux says the patrol expects a larger amount of traffic this year as we come out of the COVID pandemic. &nbsp;

"Compared to even last year, a lot more vehicles on the road, so a lot more people do travel," he says.&nbsp;

Even with the higher gas prices seen lately, Hux expects people to be out this weekend.&nbsp;

"People have been cooped up with COVID the last couple of years so they do want to get out and celebrate and get some time to themselves," Hux says.&nbsp;

The patrol expects an influx of drivers on the road today as people begin to travel and on Monday as they begin to return home.&nbsp;

Roads will be crowded this Memorial Day weekend, practice safe driving

The St. Joseph Central bowling team is in Springfield this weekend competing for a state championship.

The Indians have won two state titles - the most recent coming in 2018. First-year head coach and Central bowling alum Tyson Cook says the Indians have had a long tradition of making the state tournament.

"Central has been to state the last 6-7 years we've had a bowling team," Cook told St. Joseph Post. "I bowled for the team for four years when I was in high school. We went to state all four years, and they started the program 2-3 years before that. Central has won twice and has had top five finishes pretty much every other year."

Central is taking five bowlers to state this year and will compete against 23 other teams. The 2022 Missouri Bowling Properties Association Pepsi High School State Championship begins on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Andy B's in Springfield, where the the Indians will compete against 23 other teams.

Senior Trey Myers is headed to Baker University in Kansas this coming school year on a $20,000 bowling scholarship. He says it's taken a lot of hard work for Central to have gotten to this point.

"It takes a lot of cooperation," he said. "It also takes a lot of practice. If you put enough work into something, you'll definitely get good at it. We have been bowling for multiple years. We just work really well as a team. We have some team chemistry going on."

The Indians qualified for state by finishing third out of 20 teams at a tournament in Lee's Summit in mid-April. Freshman and leadoff bowler Jayden Myers says he's confident in his team's ability, as they've faced a lot of tough competition to reach this point.

"It's good to make it to state," he said, "knowing we have talent and...I feel cool and confident about the whole thing and I'm ready to go."

As the leadoff bowler, Myers says he feels that he has an important role in setting the tone for a good round.

"Whenever you throw a good ball, it gets the whole team going," he explained. "If you throw something good, it'll get your team revved up too."

Whatever happens this weekend, Cook is proud to lead his alma mater back to the state championships in his first year as the head man.

"I'm really proud of these boys," Cook said. "They put in a lot of hard work over the year. They've really grown as bowlers and I'm excited to see what they do."

<i>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;</i>

St. Joseph Central bowling heads back to state in Springfield this weekend

A local state representative who chairs the Missouri House
Higher Education Committee says state colleges and universities came out well
during the legislative session.

Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph says a strong budget year,
helped with federal coronavirus stimulus money, allowed lawmakers to pump much
more money into college campuses.

“We were able to do projects on each one of the campuses with
the federal stimulus money that we received, the ARPA funds,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “So, I mean I think our higher education campuses came out as a
win.”

Shields is pleased the legislature was able to provide a
substantial piece of the funding for the Convergence Technology Alliance Center
Missouri Western State University is building in partnership with North Central
Missouri College. That was one of the projects dubbed transformational by Gov.
Mike Parson financed for each of the state’s public colleges or universities.

Shields says a healthy state budget allowed legislators to
devote more money to higher education.

“I am also excited about the $1 ½ half million that I was able
to bring home for design and planning of the new medical school that we’ll have
on Mosaic’s campus for UMKC,” Shields says. “So, I think that all of our
universities did well.”

Missouri colleges get big boost in strong budget year

City officials' welcome bikers, hikers and nature lovers as the much-anticipated River Bluff Trails Park is officially opening this weekend. &nbsp;

To celebrate the opening of the new park a ribbon cutting will be held to celebrate the official opening of the park today at 4pm. &nbsp;

The opening of the park will take place at the old WPA stone structure, which is a short walk into the park from the trailhead parking lot on Huntoon Road. &nbsp;

There is some road construction currently going on at Huntoon Road.&nbsp; You can get to the parking lot by going down Highland Avenue to North 2nd Street, north on North 2nd Street to Chellew Road, west on Chellew Road to Huntoon Road, north on Huntoon Road to the parking lot near the water tower. &nbsp;

People coming to the ribbon cutting should watch for signage along the trail to the event and wear comfortable walking shoes.&nbsp;

There are also many events planned to celebrate the opening through the remainder of today and also tomorrow.&nbsp;

Enjoy nature as the new River Bluff Trails Park opens today

St. Joseph Health officials say the ongoing opioid problem is continuing to get worse.&nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Joseph Health Department Health Educator Nancy King says the introduction of fentanyl into the drug supply has been a problem&nbsp;

"That has greatly increased the number of overdose and overdose fatalities in the fentanyl poisonings that we've seen in our community," King tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. &nbsp;

King says locally the problem is becoming bigger than last year&nbsp;

"We are looking at, if our current numbers continue, we are looking at doubling the number of overdose deaths that we had last year, and last year was already a record high at 29," King says. &nbsp;

And she says if the problem continues the way it's going.&nbsp;

"If our current rate continues, we are looking at having, if we have five every month, then we're looking at about 60 overdose deaths this year which is kind of a crisis level," King explains. "So, we need to really be working on educating the community and trying to reach out to people that maybe have substance abuse disorders."&nbsp;

King says the department will host the Missouri Credentialing Board for training of Missouri Recovery Support Specialists.&nbsp;

King says people that want to participate in this training need only the desire to help.&nbsp;

"They want to help people that may be struggling with a behavioral health issue or with a substance abuse issue," she says. &nbsp;

King says this is something you can do with your existing job or even if you're just looking for something to do in your free time&nbsp;

"Really if you have the passion, and the desire, and the willingness in that you will be able to use these skills to help people, then those are the types of people we're looking at to sign up for this class," King says.&nbsp;

The training will be held June 14th through the 16th at the Remington Nature Center.&nbsp; You can contact the Health Department for more information at 816 236 1491&nbsp;

Overdose deaths up; health officials blame fentanyl

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by John Mbera, 36, Aurora, Colorado, was eastbound on the ramp from Interstate 70 eastbound to Interstate 635 northbound. 

The driver failed to negotiate the curve on the ramp. The semi traveled off the road to the right and struck a northbound 1996 Chevy Silverado driven by Dwyane F. Stout, 51, Gallatin, Missouri.

 Both vehicles came to a rest in the right side ditch. Stout was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Foresnics.&nbsp;

EMS transported Mbera, a passenger in the semi Lazaro Garcia Torres, 51, Gulfport, Mississippi, and a passenger in the pickup Billy J, Eads, 42, Cameron, Missouri, to KU Medical Center. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Daviess Co. man dead, 3 injured after semi, pickup crash

One of the cruelest aspects of the coronavirus pandemic is
being addressed in Missouri.

Visitation of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was highly restricted,
especially at the beginning of the pandemic when most hospitals wouldn’t allow
any visitors.

State Representative Dean Van Schoiack of Savannah says loved
ones couldn’t accompany the patient seeking treatment.

“We had situations where people brought their loved ones up to
the emergency room and they said, okay, put them in this wheelchair, bye, see
you later. We’ll tell you when you can come back,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

The legislature approved the No Patient Left Alone Act, which
requires hospitals and nursing homes to allow the patient to designate a
compassionate care visitor so that the patient has contact with a loved one.
The act also applies to hospice care and any long-term care facility.

Van Schoiack says the designated visitor can provide emotional
support as well as practical help.

“There are a lot of things that go on in that ER, things
getting stuck on you for monitors and stuff. You don’t know what’s going on,”
Van Schoiack says. “It takes somebody who can separate themselves from the situation
just a little bit to help provide factual information for the people in the
hospital so they can make proper diagnosis and get things straightened out.”

Under the bill, the patient can choose a family member or a
close friend as their in-person visitor.

The measure has been sent to Gov. Mike Parson for his
consideration.

Click <a href="https://www.house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2116&amp;year=2022&amp;code=R">here</a> for more on HB 2116.

No longer alone; COVID patients would have visitor under bill

A special and solemn Memorial Day weekend as Mound City
welcomes home the remains of Wilbur Francis Newton, who died during the September
7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor that forced the United States into
World War II.

The remains of Newton, a Seaman 1st Class, arrived
in Kansas City on Tuesday.

His remains were identified as
part of a project started in 2015 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Investigators contacted Newton's oldest living maternal relative in 2012 to
obtain DNA used to identify him.

Newton served on the USS
Oklahoma, which capsized after taking three torpedoes from Japanese bombers,
later receiving six more torpedoes. The Oklahoma sank 20 minutes into the
surprise attack that Sunday morning.

<a href="https://www.pettijohncrawford.com/obituary/wilbert-newton">The Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home</a> in Mound City will be open today and tomorrow for area residents to come and pay their respects. 

Newton will be buried Saturday
in a plot his parents bought for him before their deaths in the 1940s.

The ceremony to finally inter his remains will be at 10:00am Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 312 E. 7th St, Mound City, followed by a military service at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City.&nbsp;

Sailor who died at Pearl Harbor returns to NW Missouri for burial

DEARBORN -&nbsp;The North Platte girls' track and field team made history this past weekend, claiming their first ever state championship at the Class 2 state track meet at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City.

The Panthers tallied 71 total points - 23 more than second place Lawson. Leading the way was junior Olivia Rogers, who won four gold medals on the final day of the meet in the 100 and 200 meter dash, as well as the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay.

Rogers says she's grateful to have experienced those moments with her entire team.

"It was really an amazing experience," Rogers told St. Joseph Post. "I had so much fun with my whole team. I really enjoyed it. It was just really amazing to come off of second place last year and win first place this year."

The Panthers finished as state runners-up last year. The state title is just the third in North Platte school history and the first for a girls' sport.

Of the 10 North Platte track athletes who competed at state last week, eight of them came away with state medals.

Lindsay Ramsay and Haley Sampson finished second and third in the 400 meter dash, Brianna DeBord placed 7th in the 3200 meter run, while the girls' 4x400 meter relay placed second as well.

"We say a lot, 'Do your job and trust your teammates to do theirs,'" North Platte coach Brendan Cary said. "That's what you really saw. These guys went out and did their jobs and trusted their teammates they would do theirs and we saw a spectacular result at the end of the day Saturday."

North Platte girls' track has now finished in the top five in the team standings at state track in each of the past five seasons.

Cary says getting that first championship this year took a lot of work for it to become reality.

"The experience was really a culmination of a lot of things over a lot of time," he said. "These girls, most of them have been in the program multiple years - from junior year and up through high school. What a great experience for them to compete on that highest level."

Cary was sure to credit his two seniors - Haley Sampson and Gracie Ramsay. Sampson ends&nbsp;her North Platte track career with 11 total state medals, while Ramsay is a three-time state medalist, including a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay.

"What they did is an incredible accomplishment," Cary said. "I was so happy we could send them out on top."

North Platte athletics has been on the rise in recent years, particularly when it comes to running sports.

The girls' cross country team has finished in the top three at state in each of the last three seasons, and now girls' track has made its mark on school history.

Rogers says the team has the right blend of athleticism and work ethic, as well as strong team chemistry.

"We have really good athletes all the way around in every sport," she said. "We have really athletic people everywhere. We have a good atmosphere all of the time. We all get along really, really well. Our practices are run really well."

With the bulk of North Platte's team set to come back next season on the heels of a state championship, Cary says the standard for excellence will only get higher for his program and others.

"We use the term 'rising tide lifts all ships,'" he said. "We're better when everyone is better and I think that's what it really has done has elevated our level around here. Not just in cross country and track, but the expectations for all of us. We're here to get better, we're here to improve, we're here to be the best we can be."

<i>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.</i>

Olivia Rogers' perfect day at state highlights North Platte's first state title in girls' track

PLATTSBURG - Plattsburg had been building toward this moment all season.

They had played 35 games and waited 13 years to reach Wednesday's Class 2 state quarterfinal game against Windsor.

Once they reached Wednesday's game, the Tigers didn't want to wait any longer.

The Tigers (28-8) scored five runs in the first inning and held Windsor to just two hits in a 9-0 victory at Perkins Park.

Senior Kayden Carter started on the mound, and behind clean defense all night, Carter tossed the complete game, striking out four and walking none.

"Oh it feels amazing," Carter said. "Plattsburg hasn't been here since 2009, so it's awesome for the players and the fans."

Plattsburg made Windsor pay early, as the Tigers notched four hits and a walk in their first four at-bats. A throwing error by Windsor catcher Parker Craig allowed Plattsburg's Brock Steggall to steal home and get the Tigers on the board first.

A sac fly by Joey Hoefmeister and a groundout sacrifice by Nathan Bash scored a couple more runs, as did an RBI single by Jackson Lewis. A wild pitch scored Paul Nelson to make it 5-0 Tigers after one.

Plattsburg was held scoreless for the next three innings, but Windsor failed to put any threat together offensively. The Greyhounds (18-7) didn't so much as get a runner onto second base until the sixth inning.

Nine groundouts, three lineouts and three flyouts spelled doom for Windsor as Plattsburg played clean in the field all evening.

"We got a really great defense behind (Carter)," Plattsburg coach Beau Brown said. "You know, we just let them make the plays and go get themselves out, and that's what we've talked about all year - let the other team get themselves out and we just make the plays."

The Tigers tightened their grasp in the bottom of the fifth, as two hits, a walk and a pair of wild pitches brought three runs across to make it an 8-0 ballgame.

Plattsburg tacked on one more in the sixth, thanks to an RBI double from Steggall, who went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

Lewis and Carter each scored a pair of runs, as Plattsburg advances to the Class 2 Final Four Monday to play Russellville (27-4) in the state semifinals at 1 p.m. at U.S. Ballpark in Ozark.

"Just doing this as a team, it just...it melts my heart I'm not going to lie," Lewis said. "It makes me happy just to be here with all of my friends and doing stuff we love to do together. It's just a good feeling."

It's the third Final Four appearance in Plattsburg baseball history, as the team now chases its first ever state title in a season riddled with school records.

"You get to the Final Four, it's an amazing feeling," coach Brown said. "The guys have had a phenomenal season. Pitching, defensively, we've had just a tremendous year. I'm just so proud of how the boys have come out and played this entire season, especially in postseason."

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