East Buchanan (11-5) started fast against St. Joseph Christian, and rode that momentum throughout in a 3-0 sweep over the Lions (25-15, 25-17, 25-23) at St. Joseph Christian High School Monday night.

The Bulldogs got off to a 5-0 start in the first set before going up 21-10 and taking the first set with relative ease at 25-15.

In the second, East Buchanan got behind 13-12, only to reel off a 12-2 run and win that one 25-17.

The Bulldogs built a 12-8 lead in set three, but the Lions refused to go away, leading 14-12 and 21-20 in the third before East Buchanan closed the door and scored the final two points in a 25-23 set three victory.

"They kind of fought back there at the end of the third," East Buchanan volleyball coach Ryan Horn said, "and they pushed back at us and we had a couple of situations we were trying to figure out, and I thought we just continued to fight. We didn't settle for letting them take that set, because we didn't want them to take the momentum."

Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who eclipsed 500 career kills just last week, led her team with 15 kills and three blocks. Sophomore Holly Caylor logged six kills, while freshman Rilyn Sherwood had five.

East Buchanan also had a solid night serving, managing eight ace serves compared to just two by St. Joseph Christian.

"We're not the greatest serving team in the world, but we're not that bad either," Horn said. "I just tell them to hit the ball in and they picked their spots and did a nice job with it."

St. Joseph Christian (13-2), who saw a seven-match winning streak end, was led by junior outside hitter Ella Bowman, who knocked down 11 kills, including six in the third set.

Sophomore Ella DuBois had a solid night, knocking down seven kills for the Lions.

St. Joseph Christian stays home Tuesday to host Nodaway Valley. East Buchanan returns to Gower to host Mid-Buchanan Thursday.

The Bulldogs split a pair of sets against the Dragons at the Lathrop tournament on Saturday. Mid-Buchanan beat East Buchanan in two sets in the KCI tournament on August 28.

"We just have to make sure we're out-hustling them," Horn said. "We struggled with that a little bit on Saturday, but we did a little bit better job of it tonight, so hopefully that carries over to Thursday."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632196314650.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8) tries to hit a ball past East Buchanan's Sidnee Carr (4) during Monday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8) tries to hit a ball past East Buchanan's Sidnee Carr (4) during Monday's match. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEast Buchanan (11-5) started fast against St. Joseph Christian, and rode that momentum throughout in a 3-0 sweep over the Lions (25-15, 25-17, 25-23) at St. Joseph Christian High School Monday night.The Bulldogs got off to a 5-0 start in the first set before going up 21-10 and taking the first set with relative ease at 25-15.In the second, East Buchanan got behind 13-12, only to reel off a 12-2 run and win that one 25-17.The Bulldogs built a 12-8 lead in set three, but the Lions refused to go away, leading 14-12 and 21-20 in the third before East Buchanan closed the door and scored the final two points in a 25-23 set three victory."They kind of fought back there at the end of the third," East Buchanan volleyball coach Ryan Horn said, "and they pushed back at us and we had a couple of situations we were trying to figure out, and I thought we just continued to fight. We didn't settle for letting them take that set, because we didn't want them to take the momentum."Junior hitter Maya Watkins, who eclipsed 500 career kills just last week, led her team with 15 kills and three blocks. Sophomore Holly Caylor logged six kills, while freshman Rilyn Sherwood had five.East Buchanan also had a solid night serving, managing eight ace serves compared to just two by St. Joseph Christian."We're not the greatest serving team in the world, but we're not that bad either," Horn said. "I just tell them to hit the ball in and they picked their spots and did a nice job with it."St. Joseph Christian (13-2), who saw a seven-match winning streak end, was led by junior outside hitter Ella Bowman, who knocked down 11 kills, including six in the third set.Sophomore Ella DuBois had a solid night, knocking down seven kills for the Lions.St. Joseph Christian stays home Tuesday to host Nodaway Valley. East Buchanan returns to Gower to host Mid-Buchanan Thursday.The Bulldogs split a pair of sets against the Dragons at the Lathrop tournament on Saturday. Mid-Buchanan beat East Buchanan in two sets in the KCI tournament on August 28."We just have to make sure we're out-hustling them," Horn said. "We struggled with that a little bit on Saturday, but we did a little bit better job of it tonight, so hopefully that carries over to Thursday."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197841330.jpeg" alt="Maya Watkins." />
 <figcaption>Maya Watkins.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197881347.jpeg" alt="Holly Caylor (11) tries to hit a ball past St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8)." />
 <figcaption>Holly Caylor (11) tries to hit a ball past St. Joseph Christian's Ella DuBois (8).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632197934806.jpeg" alt="Rilyn Sherwood tries to hit a ball over the block over St. Joseph Christian's Chloe Burnham." />
 <figcaption>Rilyn Sherwood tries to hit a ball over the block over St. Joseph Christian's Chloe Burnham.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

East Buchanan starts fast, fends off late rally from St. Joseph Christian in sweep

By DANIAL VOCK <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/19/struggle-over-tax-break-for-inherited-farmland-churns-below-surface-in-reconciliation-bill/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — Agricultural groups and 
farm-state lawmakers notched a significant win when U.S. House Democrats
 chose not to touch a big tax break for inherited property, avoiding for
 now a confrontation.

But opponents remain wary
 that the idea could come back at any time as Democrats shape their 
massive $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package, and search for ways
 to help pay for the most significant expansion of the social safety net
 since the New Deal.

Farm lobbies and Republicans, along 
with influential Democrats like House Agriculture Chairman David Scott 
of Georgia, strongly objected to tax changes that President Joe Biden 
proposed in his “Build Back Better” plan for farmland and other assets 
handed from one generation to the next.&nbsp;

Biden, along with Agriculture 
Secretary Tom Vilsack, wanted to end the “stepped-up basis” for 
determining capital gains taxes on those assets. Vilsack, the former 
governor of Iowa, has taken to the pages of The Wall Street Journal and
 popped into a White House press briefing to make the case that closing 
loopholes like these is necessary to make sure the wealthy pay their 
fair share.

Over the next decade, the 
administration’s plan for taxing farmland inheritances could bring in as
 much as $322 billion in new federal tax revenues.

But U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, an Iowa
 Republican, said farmers in his district have been complaining to him 
about the proposal ever since it was unveiled earlier this year. The 
farmers, he said, are worried that a new tax scheme would make it 
impossible to keep farms in the family.

“Let’s say a mom and dad bought their
 farm at $2,000 an acre, and now it’s worth $12,000 an acre. If they 
want to give it to their son or daughter or whoever, (the heir) would 
have to pay tax on the difference of that,” Feenstra said in an 
interview with States Newsroom.

“A son or a daughter wouldn’t have 
that money, so they’d have to sell the land to pay the tax,” he 
continued. The buyer would most likely be a large corporation, not a 
local farmer, he said. “That’s why so many people are worried that it 
will destroy the family farm, literally destroy the family farm.”

Proponents for the change say those 
concerns are overblown or easily addressed through policy tweaks. But 
the emotional pleas to save small-town America appear to have won this 
round.

Democrats on the House Ways and Means
 Committee, the group that handled the tax aspects of Biden’s economic 
revival plan, left out the president’s proposed changes to the 
stepped-up basis when they approved their piece of the reconciliation 
bill last week.

The idea could reemerge later, as the
 package continues its journey through the House and Senate. But the 
committee’s decision reflects how politically radioactive the idea has 
become.&nbsp;

Several <a target="_blank" href="https://axne.house.gov/sites/axne.house.gov/files/5.6.21%20Stepped%20Up%20Basis%20Final.pdf">Democrats balked</a> at Biden’s proposal, as well. Scott, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, <a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/06022021letter.pdf?utm_campaign=1099-520">wrote the president</a>
 in June, arguing that the stepped-up basis was “a critical tool 
enabling family farming operations to continue from generation to 
generation.”

“I have been working tirelessly to 
ensure that stepped-up basis is protected,” Scott said in a statement 
last week, “and I am very pleased that the package released does not 
impact the benefit’s operation.”

But Vilsack, who owns 600 acres of 
farmland, argues that the stepped-up basis is really just a way for rich
 people to avoid paying taxes.

“This policy has allowed the wealthy to amass large fortunes,” Vilsack <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/vilsack-biden-tax-changes-step-up-in-basis-estate-death-tax-family-farm-small-business-11631116907">wrote</a> earlier this month in The Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;

“Millionaires and billionaires borrow
 against their assets, usually stock or real estate, but also art and 
collectibles, really anything a bank will lend against. When those 
assets are transferred upon death, their heirs can sell the property 
without being taxed to pay off the debt. This is one of the most popular
 ways the rich avoid taxation, and it must end.”

The agriculture secretary said Biden’s proposal had special protections for family farms.&nbsp;

First, the administration wanted to 
impose the capital gains tax only when the heir sold the property. So in
 Feenstra’s example, the son or daughter wouldn’t have to pay taxes when
 they inherited the farm, only when they sold it.&nbsp;

Second, Vilsack said that the Biden 
plan would exempt all capital gains of up to $2.5 million. He claimed 
that 95 percent of family farms would not owe anything with that level 
of an exemption.

Marc Goldwein, a senior vice 
president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible
 Federal Budget, said the fact that House Democrats so far have not 
included changes to the stepped-up basis was a “discouraging starting 
point.”&nbsp;

Getting rid of the policy, he said, should be a “no-brainer.”

“You want tax policy that treats 
people in similar situations similarly, that doesn’t create bad 
incentives and that raises revenue in a progressive way,” he said. 
“Stepped-up basis fails all three of those.”

It makes no sense, he argued, that 
someone who sold their property the day before they died would have to 
pay capital gains on it, but that someone who inherited the same 
property and sold it a day later would have to pay none.&nbsp;

The policy encourages people to hold 
on to their assets longer than they otherwise would, just to avoid 
taxation. And it disproportionately benefits rich taxpayers, Goldwein 
said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also said the policy mostly affects people with assets other than farms.&nbsp;

A 2014 U.S. Treasury study, for 
example, found that farm assets made up only 2 percent of the fair 
market value of assets that are protected by the policy.&nbsp;

Stocks and bonds, on the other hand, made up more than half of the value of protected assets.

But Dustin Sherer, the director of 
congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said 
the administration is underplaying the potential consequences for 
farmers if stepped-up basis is removed.

While Vilsack touted the 
administration’s proposed exemption of the first $2.5 million of capital
 gains, Sherer noted, that would not be enough to shield farmers with a 
typical 500-acre farm in Vilsack’s home state of Iowa.&nbsp;

There are more than 18,000 farms in Iowa that are bigger than 500 acres, Sherer said.

“More to the point,” Sherer asked, “if you’re trying to go after billionaires, why is $2.5 million your exemption level?”

And the administration’s proposal to 
impose the capital gains tax when property is sold, rather than when it 
is inherited, still causes problems, Sherer said.&nbsp;

The lingering tax obligation would make it harder for the new property owner to take out a loan, for example.

“It completely changes the dynamics of the transfer,” he said.

Sherer said he was encouraged that 
the policy hasn’t gained traction in the House so far, but he worries 
that it could become part of the deal later.

“As long as politicians in D.C. are looking for money to offset their spending, it’s not over,” he said.

The reconciliation bill now goes to 
the House Budget Committee, which will consolidate input from other 
House committees. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she wants the full 
chamber to vote on the package before the end of the month, but that 
deadline could slip.&nbsp;

Daniel C. Vock is a correspondent for the States Newsroom Washington, D.C., bureau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632147076214.jpeg" alt="Farm lobbies and Republicans object to changes in how taxes are applied to farmland and other assets as they are handed down from one generation to another. Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Farm lobbies and Republicans object to changes in how taxes are applied to farmland and other assets as they are handed down from one generation to another. Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIAL VOCK <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/19/struggle-over-tax-break-for-inherited-farmland-churns-below-surface-in-reconciliation-bill/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — Agricultural groups and 
farm-state lawmakers notched a significant win when U.S. House Democrats
 chose not to touch a big tax break for inherited property, avoiding for
 now a confrontation.But opponents remain wary
 that the idea could come back at any time as Democrats shape their 
massive $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package, and search for ways
 to help pay for the most significant expansion of the social safety net
 since the New Deal.Farm lobbies and Republicans, along 
with influential Democrats like House Agriculture Chairman David Scott 
of Georgia, strongly objected to tax changes that President Joe Biden 
proposed in his “Build Back Better” plan for farmland and other assets 
handed from one generation to the next.&nbsp;Biden, along with Agriculture 
Secretary Tom Vilsack, wanted to end the “stepped-up basis” for 
determining capital gains taxes on those assets. Vilsack, the former 
governor of Iowa, has taken to the pages of The Wall Street Journal and
 popped into a White House press briefing to make the case that closing 
loopholes like these is necessary to make sure the wealthy pay their 
fair share.Over the next decade, the 
administration’s plan for taxing farmland inheritances could bring in as
 much as $322 billion in new federal tax revenues.But U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, an Iowa
 Republican, said farmers in his district have been complaining to him 
about the proposal ever since it was unveiled earlier this year. The 
farmers, he said, are worried that a new tax scheme would make it 
impossible to keep farms in the family.“Let’s say a mom and dad bought their
 farm at $2,000 an acre, and now it’s worth $12,000 an acre. If they 
want to give it to their son or daughter or whoever, (the heir) would 
have to pay tax on the difference of that,” Feenstra said in an 
interview with States Newsroom.“A son or a daughter wouldn’t have 
that money, so they’d have to sell the land to pay the tax,” he 
continued. The buyer would most likely be a large corporation, not a 
local farmer, he said. “That’s why so many people are worried that it 
will destroy the family farm, literally destroy the family farm.”<h2>Emotional pleas</h2>Proponents for the change say those 
concerns are overblown or easily addressed through policy tweaks. But 
the emotional pleas to save small-town America appear to have won this 
round.Democrats on the House Ways and Means
 Committee, the group that handled the tax aspects of Biden’s economic 
revival plan, left out the president’s proposed changes to the 
stepped-up basis when they approved their piece of the reconciliation 
bill last week.The idea could reemerge later, as the
 package continues its journey through the House and Senate. But the 
committee’s decision reflects how politically radioactive the idea has 
become.&nbsp;Several <a target="_blank" href="https://axne.house.gov/sites/axne.house.gov/files/5.6.21%20Stepped%20Up%20Basis%20Final.pdf">Democrats balked</a> at Biden’s proposal, as well. Scott, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, <a target="_blank" href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/06022021letter.pdf?utm_campaign=1099-520">wrote the president</a>
 in June, arguing that the stepped-up basis was “a critical tool 
enabling family farming operations to continue from generation to 
generation.”“I have been working tirelessly to 
ensure that stepped-up basis is protected,” Scott said in a statement 
last week, “and I am very pleased that the package released does not 
impact the benefit’s operation.”But Vilsack, who owns 600 acres of 
farmland, argues that the stepped-up basis is really just a way for rich
 people to avoid paying taxes.“This policy has allowed the wealthy to amass large fortunes,” Vilsack <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/vilsack-biden-tax-changes-step-up-in-basis-estate-death-tax-family-farm-small-business-11631116907">wrote</a> earlier this month in The Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;“Millionaires and billionaires borrow
 against their assets, usually stock or real estate, but also art and 
collectibles, really anything a bank will lend against. When those 
assets are transferred upon death, their heirs can sell the property 
without being taxed to pay off the debt. This is one of the most popular
 ways the rich avoid taxation, and it must end.”The agriculture secretary said Biden’s proposal had special protections for family farms.&nbsp;First, the administration wanted to 
impose the capital gains tax only when the heir sold the property. So in
 Feenstra’s example, the son or daughter wouldn’t have to pay taxes when
 they inherited the farm, only when they sold it.&nbsp;Second, Vilsack said that the Biden 
plan would exempt all capital gains of up to $2.5 million. He claimed 
that 95 percent of family farms would not owe anything with that level 
of an exemption.<h2>A no-brainer?</h2>Marc Goldwein, a senior vice 
president and senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible
 Federal Budget, said the fact that House Democrats so far have not 
included changes to the stepped-up basis was a “discouraging starting 
point.”&nbsp;Getting rid of the policy, he said, should be a “no-brainer.” 
“You want tax policy that treats 
people in similar situations similarly, that doesn’t create bad 
incentives and that raises revenue in a progressive way,” he said. 
“Stepped-up basis fails all three of those.”It makes no sense, he argued, that 
someone who sold their property the day before they died would have to 
pay capital gains on it, but that someone who inherited the same 
property and sold it a day later would have to pay none.&nbsp;The policy encourages people to hold 
on to their assets longer than they otherwise would, just to avoid 
taxation. And it disproportionately benefits rich taxpayers, Goldwein 
said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also said the policy mostly affects people with assets other than farms.&nbsp;A 2014 U.S. Treasury study, for 
example, found that farm assets made up only 2 percent of the fair 
market value of assets that are protected by the policy.&nbsp;Stocks and bonds, on the other hand, made up more than half of the value of protected assets.<h2>Consequences for farmers</h2>But Dustin Sherer, the director of 
congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said 
the administration is underplaying the potential consequences for 
farmers if stepped-up basis is removed.While Vilsack touted the 
administration’s proposed exemption of the first $2.5 million of capital
 gains, Sherer noted, that would not be enough to shield farmers with a 
typical 500-acre farm in Vilsack’s home state of Iowa.&nbsp;There are more than 18,000 farms in Iowa that are bigger than 500 acres, Sherer said.“More to the point,” Sherer asked, “if you’re trying to go after billionaires, why is $2.5 million your exemption level?”And the administration’s proposal to 
impose the capital gains tax when property is sold, rather than when it 
is inherited, still causes problems, Sherer said.&nbsp;The lingering tax obligation would make it harder for the new property owner to take out a loan, for example.“It completely changes the dynamics of the transfer,” he said.Sherer said he was encouraged that 
the policy hasn’t gained traction in the House so far, but he worries 
that it could become part of the deal later.“As long as politicians in D.C. are looking for money to offset their spending, it’s not over,” he said.The reconciliation bill now goes to 
the House Budget Committee, which will consolidate input from other 
House committees. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she wants the full 
chamber to vote on the package before the end of the month, but that 
deadline could slip.&nbsp;Daniel C. Vock is a correspondent for the States Newsroom Washington, D.C., bureau.

Struggle over tax break for inherited farmland churns in budget bill

The National Biodiesel Board delivered a letter to Michael Regan, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, that renewed a May 2021 request to meet with him. The NBB wants to discuss the findings from a new study called “Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel.” 

The group points out that the study quantifies, at a community level, the public health benefits and resulting economic savings of using higher blends of biodiesel. The findings complement those of a new EPA Report that details the unequal impacts of carbon and associated emissions on socially disadvantaged communities. 

“We believe that our industry’s goals are consistent with your agency’s plans to address carbon and focus on environmental health,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. “Replacing petroleum with drop-in alternatives like biodiesel and renewable diesel will immediately reduce carbon. 

Also, biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions that contribute to cancer, lung, and heart disease rates.” 

The NBB study shows that switching from petroleum to 100 percent biodiesel in transportation could annually bring the communities studied fewer asthma attacks and other lung problems, lost workdays, and premature deaths as well as a reduction in cancer risk. “The EPA report doesn’t really discuss solutions,” Kovarik adds, “which we can provide.”

The National Biodiesel Board delivered a letter to Michael Regan, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, that renewed a May 2021 request to meet with him. The NBB wants to discuss the findings from a new study called “Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a Transportation Fuel.” The group points out that the study quantifies, at a community level, the public health benefits and resulting economic savings of using higher blends of biodiesel. The findings complement those of a new EPA Report that details the unequal impacts of carbon and associated emissions on socially disadvantaged communities. “We believe that our industry’s goals are consistent with your agency’s plans to address carbon and focus on environmental health,” says Kurt Kovarik, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs. “Replacing petroleum with drop-in alternatives like biodiesel and renewable diesel will immediately reduce carbon. Also, biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions that contribute to cancer, lung, and heart disease rates.” The NBB study shows that switching from petroleum to 100 percent biodiesel in transportation could annually bring the communities studied fewer asthma attacks and other lung problems, lost workdays, and premature deaths as well as a reduction in cancer risk. “The EPA report doesn’t really discuss solutions,” Kovarik adds, “which we can provide.”

NBB renews request to meet with EPA Administrator Regan

Barge freight costs for moving grains from the Midwest rose sharply due to the continuing logistical problems over two weeks after Hurricane Ida hit the Delta Region. As grain handlers are scrambling to get operations going again at the Gulf of Mexico, China booked four to six bulk cargoes of soybeans from Brazil for shipping in October and November, which is the peak of the U.S. export period. 

That agreement between China and Brazil is fueling industry concerns that terminal capacity at the Gulf will be limited into the next month. Cash grain traders tell Reuters that Gulf shipping problems are causing the cost for barge freight to rise along Midwest rivers. 

Unloading barges arriving at the Gulf is being delayed, which is creating a shortage of empty barges needed upriver as corn and soybean harvest revs up in the Midwest. Adding to the sense of urgency is the fact that crops are maturing faster than normal in key states like Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. 

Southern states are also much farther along in their harvest than northern states. “You have these southern states, and you need to get all of that through the system before the really big volume comes from places like Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa,” says Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. &nbsp;

Barge freight costs for moving grains from the Midwest rose sharply due to the continuing logistical problems over two weeks after Hurricane Ida hit the Delta Region. As grain handlers are scrambling to get operations going again at the Gulf of Mexico, China booked four to six bulk cargoes of soybeans from Brazil for shipping in October and November, which is the peak of the U.S. export period. That agreement between China and Brazil is fueling industry concerns that terminal capacity at the Gulf will be limited into the next month. Cash grain traders tell Reuters that Gulf shipping problems are causing the cost for barge freight to rise along Midwest rivers. Unloading barges arriving at the Gulf is being delayed, which is creating a shortage of empty barges needed upriver as corn and soybean harvest revs up in the Midwest. Adding to the sense of urgency is the fact that crops are maturing faster than normal in key states like Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. Southern states are also much farther along in their harvest than northern states. “You have these southern states, and you need to get all of that through the system before the really big volume comes from places like Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa,” says Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition. &nbsp;

Barge shipping costs spiking after Hurricane Ida

A group of House Democrats sent a letter to leadership asking for $75 million in funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to help prevent and prepare for a possible African Swine Fever Outbreak in the U.S. A total of seven House Democrats are concerned about an ASF outbreak in America’s swine herds. 

They’re asking House Leadership to include the requested funds in the next continuing resolution or supplemental appropriations package that moves through Congress. “A confirmed ASF positive sample in any U.S. state or territory would be devastating to the American pork industry and rural economy,” they wrote in the letter. 

“An outbreak in any part of the U.S. would restrict pork producers from being able to participate in global trade.” The representatives also point out that America’s pork producers are a crucial part of the domestic food supply chain and contribute close to seven billion dollars in global exports, which makes the additional investment in APHIS vital to the safety of America’s food supply. 

In July, APHIS confirmed the presence of ASF in samples collected from hogs in the Dominican Republic, raising concerns about a possible outbreak that could reach the United States.

A group of House Democrats sent a letter to leadership asking for $75 million in funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to help prevent and prepare for a possible African Swine Fever Outbreak in the U.S. A total of seven House Democrats are concerned about an ASF outbreak in America’s swine herds. They’re asking House Leadership to include the requested funds in the next continuing resolution or supplemental appropriations package that moves through Congress. “A confirmed ASF positive sample in any U.S. state or territory would be devastating to the American pork industry and rural economy,” they wrote in the letter. “An outbreak in any part of the U.S. would restrict pork producers from being able to participate in global trade.” The representatives also point out that America’s pork producers are a crucial part of the domestic food supply chain and contribute close to seven billion dollars in global exports, which makes the additional investment in APHIS vital to the safety of America’s food supply. In July, APHIS confirmed the presence of ASF in samples collected from hogs in the Dominican Republic, raising concerns about a possible outbreak that could reach the United States.

House Democrats ask leadership for extra funds to prevent ASF

The Department of Agriculture is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program, or PLIP. 

Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through October 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of September 17, 2021. 

PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux&nbsp; states, “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance.” 

PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. 

Payments are based on 80 percent of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.

The Department of Agriculture is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program, or PLIP. Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through October 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of September 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux&nbsp; states, “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance.” PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Payments are based on 80 percent of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.

USDA extends deadline to apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers

The American Farm Bureau Federation Announced Thursday Dr. Roger Cryan will join the organization as chief economist next month. Cryan joins Farm Bureau after serving as director of the Department of Agriculture’s Economics division for the Agricultural Marketing Service for nine years. 

He previously served as Vice President for Milk Marketing and Economics at the National Milk Producers Federation. At NMPF, Cryan developed and successfully led efforts to change federal milk pricing and marketing regulations, and served as an appointed member of the USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics. 

Earlier in his career, Dr. Cryan served as an economist for the Federal Milk Market Administrator in Atlanta, Georgia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Farm Bureau says he has earned several awards, including the prestigious Bruce Gardner Memorial Prize for Applied Policy Analysis, presented by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, for his work developing the dairy payment provisions in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program in 2020.

The American Farm Bureau Federation Announced Thursday Dr. Roger Cryan will join the organization as chief economist next month. Cryan joins Farm Bureau after serving as director of the Department of Agriculture’s Economics division for the Agricultural Marketing Service for nine years. He previously served as Vice President for Milk Marketing and Economics at the National Milk Producers Federation. At NMPF, Cryan developed and successfully led efforts to change federal milk pricing and marketing regulations, and served as an appointed member of the USDA Advisory Committee on Agricultural Statistics. Earlier in his career, Dr. Cryan served as an economist for the Federal Milk Market Administrator in Atlanta, Georgia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Farm Bureau says he has earned several awards, including the prestigious Bruce Gardner Memorial Prize for Applied Policy Analysis, presented by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, for his work developing the dairy payment provisions in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program in 2020.

Cryan joining AFBF as chief economist

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows short-term dryness expanding in the Midwest as the Western U.S. deals with a prolonged, severe drought. The Midwest dryness favors summer crop maturation fieldwork, including harvest efforts and winter wheat planting, but is reducing topsoil moisture. 

Meanwhile, long-term drought issues persist across the upper Midwest, despite some recent rainfall. The Department of Agriculture also reported that topsoil moisture was at least one-third very short to short in each Midwestern State except Wisconsin. 

Short-term dryness and drought has become more apparent in recent weeks across the southern section of the High Plains, including parts of Kansas and Colorado. 

Above-normal temperatures largely offset any benefit from patchy rainfall across northern California and the interior Northwest. Meanwhile, USDA reported that at least one-half of the acreage devoted to rangeland and pastures was rated in very poor to poor condition in eight of the 11 Western States.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows short-term dryness expanding in the Midwest as the Western U.S. deals with a prolonged, severe drought. The Midwest dryness favors summer crop maturation fieldwork, including harvest efforts and winter wheat planting, but is reducing topsoil moisture. Meanwhile, long-term drought issues persist across the upper Midwest, despite some recent rainfall. The Department of Agriculture also reported that topsoil moisture was at least one-third very short to short in each Midwestern State except Wisconsin. Short-term dryness and drought has become more apparent in recent weeks across the southern section of the High Plains, including parts of Kansas and Colorado. Above-normal temperatures largely offset any benefit from patchy rainfall across northern California and the interior Northwest. Meanwhile, USDA reported that at least one-half of the acreage devoted to rangeland and pastures was rated in very poor to poor condition in eight of the 11 Western States.

Latest Drought Monitor shows dryness extending in the midwest

The North American Meat Institute this week claimed the Secretary of Agriculture’s transparent attempts to scapegoat the meat and poultry industry to shift blame for inflationary prices will not help consumers. 

NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts states, “Americans are experiencing firsthand what the Secretary refuses to acknowledge, the effects of COVID and lack of labor are hurting consumers, and nothing proposed by the Secretary of Agriculture on the structure of the meat and poultry industry will help families struggling to pay for groceries.” 

After repeated attempts to convey the challenges faced by meat and poultry packers and processors in meeting extraordinary consumer demand to Biden Administration officials, Potts sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack. 

The letter is in response to Vilsack’s comments during a White House press briefing earlier this month. At the time, Vilsack comments that the structure of the meat and poultry industry is causing price inflation for meat and poultry products.

The North American Meat Institute this week claimed the Secretary of Agriculture’s transparent attempts to scapegoat the meat and poultry industry to shift blame for inflationary prices will not help consumers. NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts states, “Americans are experiencing firsthand what the Secretary refuses to acknowledge, the effects of COVID and lack of labor are hurting consumers, and nothing proposed by the Secretary of Agriculture on the structure of the meat and poultry industry will help families struggling to pay for groceries.” After repeated attempts to convey the challenges faced by meat and poultry packers and processors in meeting extraordinary consumer demand to Biden Administration officials, Potts sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack. The letter is in response to Vilsack’s comments during a White House press briefing earlier this month. At the time, Vilsack comments that the structure of the meat and poultry industry is causing price inflation for meat and poultry products.

Meat Institute: scapegoating industry does not help consumer

The monthly Consumer Price Index shows a further increase in food prices. The food index increased 0.4 percent in August after larger increases in recent months. The food at home index increased 0.4 percent over the month as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes rose. 

The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.7 percent over the month, as the beef index rose 1.7 percent. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 0.2 percent in August after declining in July. 

The index for dairy and related products declined in August, falling one percent after rising in each of the previous four months. The index for cereals and bakery products was unchanged in August after increasing 1.2 percent in July. 

The food at home index rose three percent over the past 12 months. Five of the six major food group indexes increased. The only group to decline was dairy and related products, which fell 0.5 percent over the last 12 months.

The monthly Consumer Price Index shows a further increase in food prices. The food index increased 0.4 percent in August after larger increases in recent months. The food at home index increased 0.4 percent over the month as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes rose. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.7 percent over the month, as the beef index rose 1.7 percent. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 0.2 percent in August after declining in July. The index for dairy and related products declined in August, falling one percent after rising in each of the previous four months. The index for cereals and bakery products was unchanged in August after increasing 1.2 percent in July. The food at home index rose three percent over the past 12 months. Five of the six major food group indexes increased. The only group to decline was dairy and related products, which fell 0.5 percent over the last 12 months.

Consumer food prices up slightly again

Kansas City Southern Wednesday announced the termination of a merger agreement with Canadian National Railway. KCS has entered a merger agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway, presumably ending the bidding war for KCS. 

Kansas City Southern determined the proposal from Canadian Pacific continues to demonstrate a “Company Superior Proposal” under the pending agreement with Canadian National. 

Upon closing of Canadian Pacific’s voting trust, each share of KCS common stock will be exchanged for $90 in cash and 2.8 shares of CP common stock. Closing will be subject to approval by the stockholders of Canadian Pacific and KCS and regulatory approvals. 

In connection with the termination of the Canadian National merger agreement, KCS is paying CN a breakup fee of $700 million. Kansas City Southern will also return an additional $700 million Canadian National paid to KCS. Kansas City Southern will schedule a new Special Meeting of Stockholders for KCS stockholders to vote on the CP merger agreement.

Kansas City Southern Wednesday announced the termination of a merger agreement with Canadian National Railway. KCS has entered a merger agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway, presumably ending the bidding war for KCS. Kansas City Southern determined the proposal from Canadian Pacific continues to demonstrate a “Company Superior Proposal” under the pending agreement with Canadian National. Upon closing of Canadian Pacific’s voting trust, each share of KCS common stock will be exchanged for $90 in cash and 2.8 shares of CP common stock. Closing will be subject to approval by the stockholders of Canadian Pacific and KCS and regulatory approvals. In connection with the termination of the Canadian National merger agreement, KCS is paying CN a breakup fee of $700 million. Kansas City Southern will also return an additional $700 million Canadian National paid to KCS. Kansas City Southern will schedule a new Special Meeting of Stockholders for KCS stockholders to vote on the CP merger agreement.

Kansas City Southern accepts Canadian Pacific merger agreement

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Monday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Jason E. Benedict, 37, Gallatin, was westbound on MO 6 two miles west&nbsp; of Altamont.

The driver attempted to avoid a crash ahead, crossed into eastbound traffic and stuck a 2019 Ford Ranger driven by Tina M. Danner, 50, Lathrop.

After the crash the Ford traveled off the road, into a ditch and struck some trees. Daviess County EMS transported Danner to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Benedict was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Monday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by Jason E. Benedict, 37, Gallatin, was westbound on MO 6 two miles west&nbsp; of Altamont.The driver attempted to avoid a crash ahead, crossed into eastbound traffic and stuck a 2019 Ford Ranger driven by Tina M. Danner, 50, Lathrop.After the crash the Ford traveled off the road, into a ditch and struck some trees. Daviess County EMS transported Danner to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Benedict was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after 2-vehicle Daviess Co. crash

Training for future and current law enforcement officers has
had to change in the post-George Floyd world.

Commander Joseph King with the Law Enforcement Academy at
Missouri Western State University says officers are taught to respond to
potential emergency situations and ignore suspicions the suspect might be
faking it.

“The first duty and obligation we have is life preservation
safety and then we worry about criminal investigations,” King tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “And if you can prioritize that in your mind, you will always deal
with the potential emergency first. And then when that person is either
feigning or faking an illness, you respond appropriately, based on what that
is.”

Floyd, a black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer
refused to remove his knee from his neck even though Floyd said he couldn’t
breathe. Eighteen-year police veteran Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to
22-and-a-half years in prison for the murder of Floyd. Three other former
Minneapolis police officers will stand trail on charges of aiding and abetting
in Floyd’s murder.

The death of Floyd is one of a handful of high-profile
in-custody deaths that spawned the Black Lives Matter movement and calls to defund
the police.

King says the new cadets have adapted to the new world of
scrutiny better than might be expected and better than many veterans, because
they have grown up in a world of cameras and cell phones. Although King points
out he began his career in wake of the beating of Rodney King by four Los
Angeles police officers, perhaps the first beating of an African American
suspect that captured nationwide interest and spawned widespread riots.

King says cadets are taught that person in their custody is
their responsibility and they must always respond to a potential medical
emergency, no matter the circumstances.

“But if you always respond to verify that first, rarely will
it serve your wrong, and rarely will you have a community that is angry or
frustrated, because of your response,” according to King.

King says he discusses the George Floyd case with cadets,
pointing out that though a suspect might be breathing, he might not be getting
adequate oxygen. Floyd died after the officer placed a knee on his neck for
more than nine minutes, cutting off his air flow.

The officer continued to restrain Floyd even after Floyd dried
out that he couldn’t breathe.

King adds cadets also need to know the public is watching,
often with a cell phone in hand.

“What we’re trying to preach here, on camera and off camera,
is about professionalism and ethical performance,” King says. “If you perform
right and you always do it right every time, you’re very confident when you go
to court. You tell people you did it this way and this is why.”

King says he also teaches cadets to block out the political
rhetoric that has spawned the “defund the police” movement. He says they are
taught to focus on serving the public, not taking the bait of political
opponents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632165355197.jpeg" alt="Law Enforcement Academy Commander Joseph King/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Law Enforcement Academy Commander Joseph King/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTraining for future and current law enforcement officers has
had to change in the post-George Floyd world.Commander Joseph King with the Law Enforcement Academy at
Missouri Western State University says officers are taught to respond to
potential emergency situations and ignore suspicions the suspect might be
faking it.“The first duty and obligation we have is life preservation
safety and then we worry about criminal investigations,” King tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post. “And if you can prioritize that in your mind, you will always deal
with the potential emergency first. And then when that person is either
feigning or faking an illness, you respond appropriately, based on what that
is.”Floyd, a black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer
refused to remove his knee from his neck even though Floyd said he couldn’t
breathe. Eighteen-year police veteran Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to
22-and-a-half years in prison for the murder of Floyd. Three other former
Minneapolis police officers will stand trail on charges of aiding and abetting
in Floyd’s murder.The death of Floyd is one of a handful of high-profile
in-custody deaths that spawned the Black Lives Matter movement and calls to defund
the police.King says the new cadets have adapted to the new world of
scrutiny better than might be expected and better than many veterans, because
they have grown up in a world of cameras and cell phones. Although King points
out he began his career in wake of the beating of Rodney King by four Los
Angeles police officers, perhaps the first beating of an African American
suspect that captured nationwide interest and spawned widespread riots.King says cadets are taught that person in their custody is
their responsibility and they must always respond to a potential medical
emergency, no matter the circumstances.“But if you always respond to verify that first, rarely will
it serve your wrong, and rarely will you have a community that is angry or
frustrated, because of your response,” according to King.King says he discusses the George Floyd case with cadets,
pointing out that though a suspect might be breathing, he might not be getting
adequate oxygen. Floyd died after the officer placed a knee on his neck for
more than nine minutes, cutting off his air flow.The officer continued to restrain Floyd even after Floyd dried
out that he couldn’t breathe.King adds cadets also need to know the public is watching,
often with a cell phone in hand.“What we’re trying to preach here, on camera and off camera,
is about professionalism and ethical performance,” King says. “If you perform
right and you always do it right every time, you’re very confident when you go
to court. You tell people you did it this way and this is why.”King says he also teaches cadets to block out the political
rhetoric that has spawned the “defund the police” movement. He says they are
taught to focus on serving the public, not taking the bait of political
opponents.

Training at Law Enforcement Academy changes post-George Floyd

St. Joseph public libraries have reopened after
closing due to the rebound in the coronavirus pandemic.

Time in the various libraries will be limited,
though. Library patrons will only be allowed in the building for half an hour each
day. Those who want an extended computer session can schedule an appointment at
the Downtown and East Hills libraries.

Those older than five are
being asked to wear masks when in the libraires. The mask request will be in
place until the St. Joseph Health Department reports confirmed COVID-19 cases
drop below 10 per day on average for seven days. Call
232-8151 to schedule an appointment Downtown and 236-2136 at East Hills.

The East Hills Library is open Monday –
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Downtown Library is open Monday,
Wednesday, Friday &amp; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Carnegie Library is open Monday
through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Washington Park Library is open
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday
from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Anyone
who needs an extended computer session can schedule an appointment to use a
computer for a longer period of time at the Downtown and East Hills libraries.&nbsp; Call 232-8151 to schedule an appointment
Downtown and 236-2136 at East Hills.

Contactless
library service will continue for any patrons who would like to use the
service.&nbsp; To use contactless library
service call the preferred branch, email <a href="mailto:notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us">notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>,
or place holds through the online catalog to request materials.&nbsp; East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729,
Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph public libraries have reopened after
closing due to the rebound in the coronavirus pandemic.Time in the various libraries will be limited,
though. Library patrons will only be allowed in the building for half an hour each
day. Those who want an extended computer session can schedule an appointment at
the Downtown and East Hills libraries.Those older than five are
being asked to wear masks when in the libraires. The mask request will be in
place until the St. Joseph Health Department reports confirmed COVID-19 cases
drop below 10 per day on average for seven days. Call
232-8151 to schedule an appointment Downtown and 236-2136 at East Hills.The East Hills Library is open Monday –
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The Downtown Library is open Monday,
Wednesday, Friday &amp; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.The Carnegie Library is open Monday
through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.The Washington Park Library is open
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday
from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.Anyone
who needs an extended computer session can schedule an appointment to use a
computer for a longer period of time at the Downtown and East Hills libraries.&nbsp; Call 232-8151 to schedule an appointment
Downtown and 236-2136 at East Hills.Contactless
library service will continue for any patrons who would like to use the
service.&nbsp; To use contactless library
service call the preferred branch, email <a href="mailto:notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us">notices@sjpl.lib.mo.us</a>,
or place holds through the online catalog to request materials.&nbsp; East Hills: 236-2136, Downtown: 232-7729,
Carnegie: 238-0526, Washington Park: 232-2052.

St. Joseph public libraries reopen

The President and CEO of Specialty Industries of St. Joseph,
Byron Myers, has been elected to the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop
Managers state board.

“It
is a wonderful opportunity that I was proud to accept,” Myers said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “When a local resident is
part of a state board, it’s not only good for their organization…it’s good for
our city and our community has much to share.”

Myers’
term runs for three years. He will represent the 12-county area of northwest
Missouri, including the city of St. Joseph.

Parents
and advocates created the association in the 1960’s to represent 90 businesses
and more than 5,000 employees dedicated to dedicated to providing employment,
work skill training, socialization, and advocacy for Missourians with a
disability.

Specialty
Industries employs around 100 persons with a disability. It has been in
business in St. Joseph for more than 50 years. Specialty Industries ships
products across the country and into Canada and recently had a job that was
destined for Australia.

Myers
joined Specialty Industries two years ago after extensive time working with disabled
citizens through the Missouri Department of Mental Health.&nbsp; He and his family have been lifelong
residents of St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632153092797.jpeg" alt="Specialty Industries of St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of Specialty Industries" />
 <figcaption>Specialty Industries of St. Joseph/Photo courtesy of Specialty Industries</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThe President and CEO of Specialty Industries of St. Joseph,
Byron Myers, has been elected to the Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop
Managers state board.“It
is a wonderful opportunity that I was proud to accept,” Myers said in a written
statement.&nbsp; “When a local resident is
part of a state board, it’s not only good for their organization…it’s good for
our city and our community has much to share.”Myers’
term runs for three years. He will represent the 12-county area of northwest
Missouri, including the city of St. Joseph.Parents
and advocates created the association in the 1960’s to represent 90 businesses
and more than 5,000 employees dedicated to dedicated to providing employment,
work skill training, socialization, and advocacy for Missourians with a
disability.Specialty
Industries employs around 100 persons with a disability. It has been in
business in St. Joseph for more than 50 years. Specialty Industries ships
products across the country and into Canada and recently had a job that was
destined for Australia.Myers
joined Specialty Industries two years ago after extensive time working with disabled
citizens through the Missouri Department of Mental Health.&nbsp; He and his family have been lifelong
residents of St. Joseph.

Specialty Industries' CEO elected to Missouri state board

A motorcyclist died in a crash Sunday afternoon in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph police say the motorcycle was headed west on South
16th Street around two o’clock Sunday afternoon near the
intersection with Lafayette Street when a car pulled into the intersection and
the two collided.

The motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver of the car
suffered minor injuries. No names have been released.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA motorcyclist died in a crash Sunday afternoon in St. Joseph.St. Joseph police say the motorcycle was headed west on South
16th Street around two o’clock Sunday afternoon near the
intersection with Lafayette Street when a car pulled into the intersection and
the two collided.The motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver of the car
suffered minor injuries. No names have been released.The investigation continues.

Motorcyclist dies in St. Joseph crash Sunday

Two juvenile boys have been taken into custody in a shooting early
Friday evening that left a man in his late 20s with what police call a
non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

St. Joseph police say the shooting took place in the
5500 block of Pryor Avenue after five o’clock Friday evening. A conflict
with several people escalated into a shooting with the man being shot once in
his abdomen. He was taken to the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostTwo juvenile boys have been taken into custody in a shooting early
Friday evening that left a man in his late 20s with what police call a
non-life-threatening gunshot wound.St. Joseph police say the shooting took place in the
5500 block of Pryor Avenue after five o’clock Friday evening. A conflict
with several people escalated into a shooting with the man being shot once in
his abdomen. He was taken to the Mosaic Life Care St. Joseph hospital.No identities have been released.The investigation continues.

Two juveniles apprehended in St. Joseph shooting

The first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted at an enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday.

The class is comprised of 10 individuals, one team and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.

Officially created last November, the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families and teams that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.

The inductees were carefully selected from a large pool of candidates by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, led by chairman Brett Esely.

To be eligible for selection, the individual must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County at the present time.

The class includes Lafayette High School graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, along with two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett.

"I want to thank my friends, my family and my teammates," Barnett said. "Really the city of St. Joseph who has always been behind me and supporting me along the way."

Snyder, who retired from coaching at Kansas State in the 2018 season, is also a College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Of all of the accolades and honors Snyder has accumulated over his historic and illustrious career, he says being honored by his hometown this way is the best award he's ever received.

He especially thanks his mother, Marionetta, who raised him in a one-room St. Joseph apartment.

"St. Joe has been so prominent in my life," Snyder said. "I was born here and raised here. And I think about, as you do, people who are truly special in your life. I think it's so neat that you're having this (Hall of Fame). I look at this wonderful group of people here and congratulate each and every one of you."

Also included is Charlie Burri, Missouri Western’s First Athletic Director, Newt Hillyard, the Founder of the Hillyard Companies, Julius Hochman, Father of Boys' Baseball in St. Joseph, two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Terin Humphrey, Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Henry Iba and softball pioneer Cheri Kempf.

"There's a lot of value in celebrating folks from St. Joseph who have made an incredible impact in sports," said Kempf, who was a 1980 state softball champion at Mid-Buchanan and three-sport athlete at Missouri Western. "Brett (Esely), thanks for hanging in there with me and getting all of the details locked up. And the (selection) committee, I celebrate you. You have a great future in front of you."

The team chosen for the 2021 Hall of Fame Class was the&nbsp;Meierhoffer/St. Jo Frontier Casino Fast Pitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 - a team that won four national titles during that time.

The Special Olympics Athlete of the Year included in the class is Mike Grossman, who medaled in track and field during the 1999 special Olympics.

The Sports Commission had 25 total nominees for its inaugural class. The inductees were selected by an anonymous selection committee.

Every class will include a maximum of 10 individual inductees, and those who aren't inducted are automatically put into a pool of consideration for the next five years.

Anyone can nominate an athlete or team for the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame by getting in contact with the St. Joseph Sports Commission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632101347640.jpeg" alt="Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and NFL Pro Bowler&nbsp; Mike Rucker speaks during the first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and NFL Pro Bowler&nbsp; Mike Rucker speaks during the first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center on Sunday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe first ever St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class was officially inducted at an enshrinement ceremony at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center Sunday.The class is comprised of 10 individuals, one team and a Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.Officially created last November, the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families and teams that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.The inductees were carefully selected from a large pool of candidates by the St. Joseph Sports Commission, led by chairman Brett Esely.To be eligible for selection, the individual must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County at the present time.The class includes Lafayette High School graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, along with two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett."I want to thank my friends, my family and my teammates," Barnett said. "Really the city of St. Joseph who has always been behind me and supporting me along the way."Snyder, who retired from coaching at Kansas State in the 2018 season, is also a College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Of all of the accolades and honors Snyder has accumulated over his historic and illustrious career, he says being honored by his hometown this way is the best award he's ever received.He especially thanks his mother, Marionetta, who raised him in a one-room St. Joseph apartment."St. Joe has been so prominent in my life," Snyder said. "I was born here and raised here. And I think about, as you do, people who are truly special in your life. I think it's so neat that you're having this (Hall of Fame). I look at this wonderful group of people here and congratulate each and every one of you."Also included is Charlie Burri, Missouri Western’s First Athletic Director, Newt Hillyard, the Founder of the Hillyard Companies, Julius Hochman, Father of Boys' Baseball in St. Joseph, two-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Terin Humphrey, Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Henry Iba and softball pioneer Cheri Kempf."There's a lot of value in celebrating folks from St. Joseph who have made an incredible impact in sports," said Kempf, who was a 1980 state softball champion at Mid-Buchanan and three-sport athlete at Missouri Western. "Brett (Esely), thanks for hanging in there with me and getting all of the details locked up. And the (selection) committee, I celebrate you. You have a great future in front of you."The team chosen for the 2021 Hall of Fame Class was the&nbsp;Meierhoffer/St. Jo Frontier Casino Fast Pitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 - a team that won four national titles during that time.The Special Olympics Athlete of the Year included in the class is Mike Grossman, who medaled in track and field during the 1999 special Olympics.The Sports Commission had 25 total nominees for its inaugural class. The inductees were selected by an anonymous selection committee.Every class will include a maximum of 10 individual inductees, and those who aren't inducted are automatically put into a pool of consideration for the next five years.Anyone can nominate an athlete or team for the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame by getting in contact with the St. Joseph Sports Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105035485.jpeg" alt="Mike Grossman." />
 <figcaption>Mike Grossman.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105052336.jpeg" alt="Cheri Kempf." />
 <figcaption>Cheri Kempf.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632101160751.jpeg" alt="Bill Snyder with St. Joseph Sports Commission chairman Brett Esely." />
 <figcaption>Bill Snyder with St. Joseph Sports Commission chairman Brett Esely.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105130408.jpeg" alt="Terin Humphrey." />
 <figcaption>Terin Humphrey.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105154784.jpeg" alt="Wes Barnett." />
 <figcaption>Wes Barnett.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105168852.jpeg" alt="Bryron Browne." />
 <figcaption>Bryron Browne.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105192851.jpeg" alt="Charlie Burri." />
 <figcaption>Charlie Burri.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632105230821.jpeg" alt="Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team being recognized." />
 <figcaption>Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team being recognized.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Inaugural St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class inducted Sunday

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Saturday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Hyundai Accent driven by Linda M. Conlon, 76, Lineville, IA., was southbound on U.S. 65 in Princeton.

The vehicle traveled through the intersection at High Street, continued off the east side of the road, struck a ditch, an embankment and a building.

Mercer County EMS transported Conlon to the Wayne County Hospital. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage information.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30p.m. Saturday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Hyundai Accent driven by Linda M. Conlon, 76, Lineville, IA., was southbound on U.S. 65 in Princeton.The vehicle traveled through the intersection at High Street, continued off the east side of the road, struck a ditch, an embankment and a building.Mercer County EMS transported Conlon to the Wayne County Hospital. The MSHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Woman hospitalized after car crash into building 

GENTRY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Acura driven by by Jesse W.&nbsp; Chitwood, 28, King City, was southbound on Route AA one mile south of Ford City.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne, rolled and the driver was ejected.

Grand River Ambulance transported Chitwood to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY—A Missouri man was injured in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Acura driven by by Jesse W.&nbsp; Chitwood, 28, King City, was southbound on Route AA one mile south of Ford City.The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment, went airborne, rolled and the driver was ejected.Grand River Ambulance transported Chitwood to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man ejected after car goes airborne, rolls

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in August. This was unchanged from 3.8 percent in July and a decrease from 6.2 percent in August 2020.

“August estimates indicate little change in the labor force since July, resulting in no change to the unemployment rate at 3.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The private sector added jobs for the third consecutive month. Most of the gains in August were due to continued economic recovery in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality."

The jobless rate in Atchison County fell over a full percentage point to 5 percent. Every other county in the region is now at 4 percent or less. The rate in Doniphan County fell nearly a full point to 3.3 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 1,300 from July. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 2,900 from the previous month, while government decreased by 4,200.

“Private sector employers in Kansas added 2,900 jobs in August,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “With this additional growth, current estimates are only 3.1 percent below pre-pandemic levels. For comparison, U.S. job estimates for August are 3.5 percent lower than February 2020 estimates."

Since August 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,500. This change is due to an increase of 27,600 private sector jobs and a decrease of 5,100 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631892976190.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in August. This was unchanged from 3.8 percent in July and a decrease from 6.2 percent in August 2020.“August estimates indicate little change in the labor force since July, resulting in no change to the unemployment rate at 3.8 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The private sector added jobs for the third consecutive month. Most of the gains in August were due to continued economic recovery in manufacturing and leisure and hospitality."The jobless rate in Atchison County fell over a full percentage point to 5 percent. Every other county in the region is now at 4 percent or less. The rate in Doniphan County fell nearly a full point to 3.3 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 1,300 from July. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 2,900 from the previous month, while government decreased by 4,200.“Private sector employers in Kansas added 2,900 jobs in August,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “With this additional growth, current estimates are only 3.1 percent below pre-pandemic levels. For comparison, U.S. job estimates for August are 3.5 percent lower than February 2020 estimates."Since August 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 22,500. This change is due to an increase of 27,600 private sector jobs and a decrease of 5,100 government jobs.

Jobless rate continues to fall in northeast Kansas

(AP) - Lamar Jackson finally beat Patrick Mahomes, using his legs to rush for 107 yards and scoring twice, including flipping into the end zone for the winning score, as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Kansas City Chiefs 36-35 at M&amp;T Bank Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632140656821.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph Post(AP) - Lamar Jackson finally beat Patrick Mahomes, using his legs to rush for 107 yards and scoring twice, including flipping into the end zone for the winning score, as the Baltimore Ravens beat the Kansas City Chiefs 36-35 at M&amp;T Bank Stadium.Jackson was 0-3 against the Chiefs, and he needed all of his multiple skills to break through to hand Mahomes his first loss in September after 11 victories. It's the Chiefs' first loss in September since Sept. 18, 2016.The matchup of NFL MVPs — Mahomes in 2018 and Jackson in '19 — was a wild affair from the start. The Ravens needed a fumble by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as Kansas City was marching into field goal range to clinch it."We were executing and they made a play," Mahomes said. "You lose games when teams make plays like that at the end of games."After the fumble, the Chiefs still had all three timeouts and forced Baltimore into a 4th-and-1 on their own 43 with 1:11 to go. With Kansas City out of timeouts, Baltimore elected to go for it. Jackson took a shotgun snap, followed his blockers and got more than enough yardage to get the first down and run the clock out."We have to do better," coach Andy Reid said. "We've learned from that. We have to tackle better. We'll work on that and get better at that."Baltimore outgained Kansas City 481-404 in total offense.&nbsp;Mahomes was 24 for 31 for 343 yards, three touchdowns and an interception - an INT that eventually set up a Ravens touchdown early in the 4th that made it a 35-30 ballgame.The Chiefs are back home to face the L.A. Chargers on Sunday at noon. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

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