While 2024 was a good year for tourism in Buchanan County, there was still one major problem area, the number of available hotels in St. Joseph.  

In fact, due to the low supply, hotel rates were almost $11 higher than in 2023.  Which in turn made occupancy drop nearly a full percentage point from year to year, and the total rooms booked dropped over 3,000. 

Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesman Christian Mengel says often businesses bring up the lack of hotels when bringing in businesspeople, who might end up having to stay in Kansas City 

"If they stay down there, what are they going to do? They're going to get Starbucks in the morning down there, they're going to come in do their work here, they're going to leave early because they're like oh I've got a little bit of a drive back to my hotel, they drive down there, and they eat dinner down there," Mengle says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "And so now we are losing dollars to a community down south of us that didn't earn it, that's our businesses that earned that business being here." 

Mengel says more hotels could be added on top of some recently developed hotels but doesn't feel like too many more are needed.  Mengel says ultimately the goal with this is just to bring more people into St. Joseph 

"So, there's that balance of if you have a lower occupancy but a lot of hotels, you can still have a lot of people, but if you have really high occupancy and not a lot of hotels. that can still be the same number of people," Mengle explains.  "So, it's that balance of what's the absolute most people we can get into town? What's that balance of hey we are an affordable price." 

Two hotels are being developed near Frederick Avenue, one at the site of the old Ramada Inn, with another on land next to Stoney Creek Inn.  One hotel was recently completed in the North Village Shoppes, while another is being developed.  Could there be room for more? 

Mengle says one obvious answer is a hotel downtown 

"So you're not getting that foot traffic of actual people walking to the restaurant, walking to the bar, walking to take their kids to the candy store, walking to the Civic Arena to see a sporting event, walking to the Missouri Theatre to see a show, walking to the Trail Theatre to see a show," Mengle says.  "We have so many cool things that people can't walk to, they've got to drive all the way across town, we've got to convince them to come all the way across town." 

Mengle says when people spend most of their trip driving, the last thing they want to do is spend more time in the car finding something to do, so a downtown hotel would help allow people to walk from place to place. 

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

Buchanan County sees good tourism numbers in 2024, but still lacks hotel space

July corn closed up 2 1/4 cents and December corn was up 3 1/4 cents. July soybeans closed up 6 3/4 cents and November soybeans were up 5 1/2 cents. July KC wheat closed down 7 1/4 cents, July Chicago wheat was down 7 1/2 cents, July Minneapolis wheat was down 7 1/4 cents.

July corn closed down 22 1/2 cents and December corn was down 5 1/4 cents. July soybeans closed up 1 1/2 cents and November soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. July KC wheat closed down 10 cents, July Chicago wheat was down 9 1/4 cents and July Minneapolis wheat was down 2 cents.

U.S. ag markets were mostly higher Friday with the exception of wheat futures which continue to be under heavy selling pressure ahead of Monday's updated look into world fundamentals for the next marketing year. Corn and soybean markets traded higher, with the latter putting in double-digit gains early before strength faded by afternoon. The soybean move higher was driven primarily by trade optimism after President Trump floated the idea of an 80% tariff on China on Thursday, ahead of the meeting between officials from the United States and China on Saturday. Outside markets were mostly supportive to ag futures on Friday, with the U.S. dollar correcting slightly following a strong day Thursday and crude oil futures working toward a third positive session in the past four and trading at the highest price for the month of May thus far.

The live cattle complex traded mixed throughout the day, but upon seeing midday boxed beef prices lower, traders eased their support of the complex even more. A few new cash cattle bids have surfaced in the North at $225 to $228 live, but at this point, no new sales have been reported. So far this week, Northern dressed deals have been marked at mostly $355, $6 higher than last week's weighted average, basis Nebraska, a Regional, paid as much as $360 for some cattle set for delayed delivery. The South had live sales marked at $218 to $221, mostly $219 to $220, $1 to $2 higher than last week's weighted averages. Some more clean-up trade could develop, but by and large, it's looking like this week's trade is mostly done with.

The feeder cattle complex also ran out of steam ahead of the weekend as its contracts traded mostly lower into Friday's closing bell. And while the market's support was grandiose throughout the earlier part of the week, traders simply seem exhausted and seem to be welcoming the idea of pausing and catching their breath.

With the help of strong midday pork cutout values, the nearby lean hog contracts traded higher into Friday's close. The gains seen this morning in pork cutout values were wild as the butt jumped $7.30, and the loin jumped $7.06. It also seems to be true that the spot June contract is finding some technical support around $97.00, which is helping find some balance in the contracts as well.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/09135529/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE </a>for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

The United States and the United Kingdom announced a historic trade deal. The White House says the agreement provides American companies with unprecedented access to U.K. markets while bolstering national security. President Donald Trump said, “The deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture, dramatically increasing access for American beef, ethanol, and virtually all the products produced by our great farmers.” 

The U.K. also agrees to reduce or eliminate non-tariff trade barriers that unfairly discriminate against U.S. goods. The deal creates a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers, including over $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products like beef. It also commits the countries to work together to enhance industrial and agricultural market access. Customs procedures for U.S. exports will be streamlined to ensure smooth entry into the U.K. marketplace. 

U.S. and U.K. reach historic trade deal 

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. April runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.4 million acre-feet, which is 48 percent of the average. “Runoff into the reservoir system was below average for the month of April, and runoff was below average in all reaches,” says John Remus of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

“Drought or abnormally dry conditions are currently present in 75 percent of the basin, and conditions have worsened in the Fort Peck reach and Garrison reach in the last month, which resulted in a forecast lowered by 1.9 million acre-feet from last month.” The 2025 calendar year forecast above Sioux City is 20 million acre-feet, 78 percent of the average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. 

Missouri River runoff forecast lowered by drought

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

Traders kept their fingers on the sell button for corn and wheat Thursday, driving prices further into multi-month lows for corn, and multi-year lows for wheat prices. Soybean futures were able to find some strength, trading higher on optimism regarding international trade and this weekend's upcoming meeting between the U.S. and China. The big news for Thursday was the announcement of a trade agreement between the U.S. and United Kingdom, of which many finer details are unknown but the early terms appear to be a win for U.S. agricultural interests, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick singling out ethanol and beef exports as examples of U.S. commodities which will enjoy larger market access as a result of the agreement. The agreement comes as the first following the April 2 tariff rollout and subsequent 90-day pause and certainly worked to further ease investors' minds as stocks pressed higher following the news, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average working towards a seventh higher session over the past ten days.

The live cattle complex traded higher upon recognizing the light movement in the North yesterday afternoon and higher for fed cash cattle prices. It's also helpful that boxed beef prices have seemed to find another wind of support as boxes have seen better demand this week than they have in recent weeks. There's been no more trade in the cash cattle market today, but some more trade is likely to develop ahead of the week's end, especially in the North, as movement there has been thin. So far this week, the bulk of transactions have been in Kansas and Texas, with a range of $218 to $221, mostly $219 to $220, $1 to $2 higher than last week's weighted averages. Very light scattered sales in Nebraska and Iowa have been marked at $353 to $360, mostly $353 to $355, $4 to $6 higher than last week's weighted averages.

The feeder cattle complex also traded higher as the market is pleased to see ample support stemming from the live cattle/fed cash cattle market this week. With the live cattle contracts trading higher, boxed beef prices seeing better demand, the fed cash cattle market trading higher, and prices still extremely high in the countryside for feeder cattle, the market honestly has all the support it could wish for.

With a less-than-supportive export sales report and lukewarm market fundamentals, it comes as no surprise that the lean hog market traded mixed again today. The losses currently seen in the pork cutout sector are mainly affecting the carcass prices because of the $5.31 decline in the rib and the $3.00 drop in the belly.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/08144851/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Investors who profit from selling stocks, real estate and other assets soon could reap an even larger benefit in Missouri, which is poised to become the first U.S. state to exempt capital gains from its income tax. Legislation that won final approval Wednesday would halt the capital gains tax this year for individuals and could eventually eliminate it for corporations, if state revenues keep growing. 

Missouri poised to become first U.S. state to exempt stock sale profits from income taxes

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the Office of Pesticide Programs will benefit from the dissolution of the Office of Research and Development, the agency’s scientific research arm. The agency said last week the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, which includes OPP, will get more than 130 employees, some of whom will work on pesticide reviews. On Tuesday, Zeldin told farm broadcasters EPA chemicals staff had urged him to bolster chemical reviews and pesticide registrations. 

“They said that if they were able to get scientists sent to them from the Office of Research and Development, that can help them in getting through this backlog that we inherited,” Zeldin said. Zeldin also urged growers to reach out with suggestions for the recently released insecticide strategy. “My message would be for any individual growers that are out there and they read the insecticide strategy, and they have an idea for us on how to do anything better, let us know, and we'll update. This isn't a final document,” according to Zeldin.

EPA working to clear pesticide registration backlog 

July corn closed down 6 1/4 cents and December corn was down 1/2 cents. July soybeans closed down 2 cents and November soybeans were up 2 3/4 cents. July KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, July Chicago wheat was down 1 3/4 cents, July Minneapolis wheat was down 7 3/4 cents.

The market received an early shot of adrenaline Wednesday when it was reported that the U.S. and China will officially kick off trade negotiations later this week when parties from both nations will meet in Geneva, Switzerland. Agricultural and financial markets alike will be keeping close tabs on the talks for clues on the next stage of the 2025 trade war. Strength in U.S. grains and oilseed markets faded through the morning as traders remain in favor of liquidation with the May USDA data drop just days away. By the close, most U.S. markets had slipped lower with the exception of new-crop November soybeans, which managed to hold on to small gains amid the China related headlines. In outside markets, all eyes were again on the Federal Reserve, which again decided to hold rates steady amid ongoing inflation concerns in what was a widely predicted outcome. Fed Chair Powell's comments Wednesday afternoon will undoubtedly have the market's attention.

After reaching new contract highs yet again just Tuesday, and following the light business that took place in the South at $218 to $220 which is steady to $2.00 higher than last week's weighted average, traders have grown cold to the live cattle complex as all its contracts traded lower into Wednesday's close. More than anything it seems as though traders are cautious about overly supporting the complex more than they already have; traders could also be waiting to see what happens in the North for fed cash cattle trade. At this point only a few more cattle have sold in Texas for $219 which is steady with Tuesday's business, but otherwise no more cattle have sold. Asking prices in the South are noted at $220-plus but are still not fully established in the North.

Following in the same direction as the live cattle contracts, the feeder cattle market was trending lower into Wednesday's close. And just like the live cattle complex, this lower move doesn't seem to be because of any rationale other than because traders are worried the market is overbought.

Without any rip-roaring, wild support stemming from the market's fundamentals, it's no surprise to see the lean hog complex trading lower again, just the July contract managed to finish slightly higher. And while pork cutout values may be up slightly, it currently isn't enough to help boost the morale of traders as their tone and sentiment was set on trading lower.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/07142036/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages. According to the report, nearly half of the total economic impact at $19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, while oilseed production supported 30,600 jobs and generated $15.3 billion in economic activity, delivering major benefits to soybean-growing states. 

Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing and rendering with more than 21,000 jobs.  “The numbers don’t lie; 2024 was a record-setting year for clean fuels, and the benefits reached deep into rural America,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This study proves that biodiesel and renewable diesel not only lower carbon emissions but deliver real income and jobs, especially for soybean producers and the broader agricultural economy.” The study also analyzes a near-future capacity scenario of 7.4 billion gallons, based on publicly announced investments in new or expanded facilities. 

Clean fuels industry contributes $42.4 Billion to U.S. economy

Farmer sentiment improved in April as producers expressed more optimism about current and future conditions on their farms. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 8 points to a reading of 148, up from 140 in March. The Index of Current Conditions climbed 9 points to 141, while the Index of Future Expectations increased 8 points to 152. The improvement in sentiment came amidst ongoing tensions with many of U.S. agriculture’s largest trading partners, including Mexico, Canada and China. 

Notably, a majority of producers said they believe the increased use of tariffs will ultimately benefit the U.S. agricultural economy; a view reflected in the stronger future expectations reading. Producers seem to be gaining confidence in the ag economy’s longer-term outlook in spite of concerns they have about the impact of tariffs. This month’s results suggest some producers are starting to look beyond near-term uncertainty and focus more on positioning their farms for the future. The April barometer survey took place between April 14-21. 

Producer sentiment slips on rising policy uncertainty 

July corn closed up 1 1/4 cents and December corn was down 1 3/4 cents. July soybeans closed down 4 1/4 cents and November soybeans were down 3 cents. July KC wheat closed up 5 1/4 cents, July Chicago wheat was up 4 3/4 cents, July Minneapolis wheat was up 1 cent.

Row crop and associated products markets were mixed for Tuesday, with wheat futures posting marginal gains after finding support amid multi-year lows. Monday's planting data from the USDA was the main source of bearish sentiment to the corn and soybean markets for Tuesday, as both crops remain ahead of schedule through the season thus far, with good planting weather still observed in the 6-10-day forecast. Outside markets were mixed, with a weaker U.S. dollar for the third straight session, and crude oil posting strong reversal action to trade almost $4 per barrel above Monday's low price. U.S. crop markets did not reflect the influence of energy markets on Tuesday that was seen on Monday, as traders for the moment are finding U.S. planting storylines as enough reason to keep the pressure on prices, although the stronger crude market may have offered some support to corn futures.

It was another prosperous day for the live cattle complex as the market again showed its fundamental strength as some light sales were reported in the Southern Plains at $218 to $220, which is steady to $2.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Given the market's norm here lately it's unusual to see cattle trading this early in the week; but packers continue to be short bought and to their advantage some feedlot managers were willing to let some cattle go to ensure they got their business done. At this point, no trade has developed in the North, but given the fact that sales have been reported in the South at steady/higher money, it's fully assumed that Northern cattle will trade in the same manner.

All the feeder cattle contracts aside from the May contract were able to close mildly higher Tuesday afternoon. And more than anything it seemed as although traders are more concerned about how the August feeder cattle contract is trading as opposed to the May feeder cattle contract as there's more cumulative volume in the August contract. But aside from the slight dip in the May contract, traders continue to seem focused on strong buyer demand in the countryside, along with the helpful support of strong market fundamentals (boxed beef prices and fed cash cattle trade) already developing in this week's market.

The lean hog complex merely drifted lower throughout the day as the market wasn't able to gain any footing throughout Tuesday. The cash hog complex may have seen a sizeable volume trade and prices may have been higher -- but that wasn't enough to offset some of the pressure endured technically and pork cutout values closed lower too. June lean hogs closed $1.42 lower at $97.57, July lean hogs closed $1.00 lower at $99.40 and August lean hogs closed $0.80 lower at $98.12. The biggest deterrent in the carcass price's ability to close higher was the $3.29 decline in the loin, although minor losses were seen throughout most of the cuts.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/06154156/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

NODAWAY COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by a 66-year-old Lenox, Iowa man was eastbound on Jade Road one half mile north of Maryville and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71. The driver failed to yield to a northbound 2018 Dodge Durango driven by a 40-year-old Maryville woman.

The Dodge struck the front passenger side of the Ford. After impact, both vehicles struck the front drivers side of a 2007 Kia Spectra driven by a 70-year-old Hopkins man who was westbound on MO 148 and stopped at the posted stop sign at U.S. 71.

Nodaway County EMS transported the Missouri drivers to Mosaic in Maryville. A private vehicle transported the Iowa driver to Mosaic in Maryville. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

3 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Nodaway County crash

DAVIESS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford F150 driven by an 18-year-old Albany man was southbound on Route DD. The driver failed to. yield at the stop sign at MO 6. The pickup struck an eastbound 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by a 37-year-old Gallatin man.&nbsp;

EMS transported both drivers to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Missouri men injured after pickup, car crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a hit-and-run incident and asking the public for help to locate a vehicle.

Just before 5p.m Saturday, police responded to an injury accident at 16th and Santa Fe in the City of Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

An eight year old boy was ridding his bicycle east on Santa Fe when a southbound vehicle on 16th Street failed to stop at the stop sign at 16th and Santa Fe and struck the bicycle in the intersection.

 The vehicle then fled the area without stopping. A private vehicle transported the eight-year old bicyclist to Amberwell Hospital where he was treated for injuries and released. Police continue to search for the driver of the vehicle which has been described as a smaller gray SUV, according to Wilson.

8-year-old bicyclist injured after hit-and-run incident

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Friday in Atchison.

A 1997 Chevrolet pick up driven by Jeremiah Mullins, 20, Atchison, was southbound in the 1000 Block of Price Boulevard, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.&nbsp; The vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole.

EMS transported Mullins to Amberwell Hospital for treatment of injuries. He was cited for no driver’s license, illegal tag and no proof of insurance.

Police: Kan. man with no driver's license injured in crash

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 2a.m. Sunday in DeKalb County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Chevy Malibu driven by a Carson B. Francis, 26, Stewartsville was eastbound on MO P at SW Thorton Road two miles west of Clarksdale.

The driver lost control of the car. It traveled off the north side of the road, through a fence and struck a tree.&nbsp; The Patrol arrested him for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. He was properly restrained at the time of the crash. DeKalb County EMS transported Francis to Mosaic Life Care for treatment of serious injuries.

Missouri man accused of DWI after crash into a tree

KFEQ Week in Review

The legislation, which state Rep. Jim Murphy called ‘a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with,’ also expands tax credits for maternity homes and diaper banks and creates a ‘Zero-Cost Adoption Fund’

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/bill-text/senate-substitute-hb121.pdf?c=41032" target="_blank">&nbsp;bill</a>&nbsp;that would help fund the installation of rescue boxes for parents in crisis to anonymously relinquish newborns to the state is headed to Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe.

State Rep. Jim Murphy, a St. Louis Republican and the sponsor of the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” called his legislation “a pro-life bill that everybody agrees with.”&nbsp;

That was nearly true. The bill faced no opposition until it reached the Senate, where state Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, voted against it Wednesday when it passed 31 to 1. When the bill returned to the House for final approval on Thursday evening, it passed 136 to 1, with state Rep. Bryan Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve, as the lone dissenting vote.

The legislation was amended in the Senate where lawmakers tacked on an increased tax credit allowance for maternity homes from 70% to 100% and raised the ceiling from $50,000 to $100,000 per taxpayer per year. The Senate also extended the expiration date on the diaper bank tax credit to 2031.&nbsp;

The amended bill also establishes the “Zero-Cost Adoption Fund,” which would go toward helping Missourians pay for adoption costs, giving priority to those adopting children in foster care. The fund would be administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services and also provide financial support for community-based interventions to help prevent children from entering foster care.&nbsp;

“Any time we can make not only the adoption process smoother and more cost-efficient and also put supports in place to ensure that the adoption is successful, that’s an easy yes for me,”&nbsp; state Rep. Melissa Schmidt, a Republican from Eldridge, said Thursday.&nbsp;

But the “newborn safety incubators” remained the focus of the bill. These boxes are increasingly popular around the country, allowing parents to anonymously relinquish their infant to the state without criminal consequence for abandoning the child. Under state law, parents who relinquish their infants still have an opportunity to ask the state for custody of their child again in the future.

<a href="https://project-safe-haven-babybox.vercel.app/" target="_blank">Six&nbsp;of these safe boxes&nbsp;</a>have been installed around Missouri with four more on the way, all thanks to private donors, Murphy said. One child has been safely relinquished through this method, he said.&nbsp;

The first box was installed in August 2023 at the Mehlville Fire Protection District in south Saint Louis County. Exactly six months later, the box’s silent alarm went off. Inside the box,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/health-science-environment/2024-02-13/first-child-is-surrendered-to-mehlville-fire-stations-baby-box" target="_blank">first responders found an hours-old newborn.&nbsp;</a>

In early February, while testifying in support of the bill, Hendricks said he planned to attend the little girl’s 1st birthday later that month with her adoptive family.

“There is no reason in the world we live in that babies end up in dumpsters,” Hendricks told state representatives in February. “We can do better. But the funding is an issue.”&nbsp;

The fire chief said he receives at least three calls a month from other fire departments and law enforcement agencies interested in installing their own boxes. But in most cases, funding is a major barrier.&nbsp;

The cost of installing each box is roughly $20,000, Murphy said. This includes equipping the box with temperature controls, alarms to notify first responders the box has been activated and a feature that dials 911. Some are also outfitted with video cameras that show a live feed of the baby.&nbsp;

The current budget earmarks $250,000 for the program, which would put up to $10,000 toward each box, thus contributing to the installation of 25 more boxes in the next fiscal year.

Murphy told his colleagues that the interest in the boxes spans the state. In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article303409891.html" target="_blank">Kansas City</a>, for example, one councilman is looking to install six boxes, he said.

During the House hearing on the bill, state Rep. Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, told Hendricks that she was texting the fire chiefs in Berkeley and Ferguson in north Saint Louis County about the technology.&nbsp;

“I want that box,” said Proudie, who suggested extending the relinquishment period to six or 12 months.

In 2002, Missouri passed a safe haven law that allowed mothers to surrender babies within the first weeks of their lives to staff at hospitals, fire departments, ambulance services, law enforcement agencies, maternity homes or pregnancy resource centers.

Since then, Murphy said, “many, many babies were still found in dumpsters and alleys<a href="https://krcgtv.com/news/local/maries-county-newborn-baby-put-in-plastic-bag-by-teenage-mother-recovering-in-hospital" target="_blank">&nbsp;and places like that</a>,” adding: “The safe haven bill didn’t work as planned.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/infant-mortality/meetings/infant-abandonment-prevention.pdf" target="_blank">The National Safe Haven Alliance,</a>&nbsp;a nonprofit that advocates for “infant abandonment protection,” reports that in 2021, 73 infants were relinquished through Safe Haven laws around the country. That same year, the nonprofit reports, 31 babies were found abandoned in dangerous locations like dumpsters around the country. Of those 31 infants, 22 were found dead.&nbsp;

During Senate debate Wednesday,&nbsp;state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, expressed her support for the bill as she addressed Republican state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman of Arnold, who handled the legislation in the Senate, acknowledging both their roles as adoptive mothers.&nbsp;

“My son was placed in my arms at 13 days. I can’t imagine what his birth mom was going through during those days, but I am so grateful that after 13 days, she was able to place him in my arms,” Nurrenbern said. “That’s what we want for all birth parents in that situation, to recognize that there is a safe place for their baby.”

On Thursday, state Rep. Bridget Walsh Moore, a St. Louis Democrat, accused&nbsp; Senate Republicans of hypocrisy for passing the baby box legislation then leading a filibuster the evening prior to kill&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/05/07/republican-filibuster-blocks-missouri-bill-expanding-access-to-child-care/">legislation that would have created a child care tax credit</a>.

“These baby boxes are all well and good,” Walsh Moore said. “But if we invested in our families and our working families making sure that mothers are healthy and cared for and that children are safe in child care, then maybe people wouldn’t have to hand their children over to the government.”&nbsp;

Bill funding newborn rescue boxes heads to Missouri governor

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Dodge Dakota driven by a 27-year-old Savannah man was northbound on U.S. 169 near Brookwood Way one and one half miles north of St. Joseph.

The driver was distracted by a hand held device and the pickup rear-ended a 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by a 40-year-old Savannah woman who was waiting to west.

Andrew County EMS transported Toyota driver to Mosaic. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman injured after crash due to distracted driver

A longtime program designed to educate youth about aviation and teach STEM activities will offer flights this weekend at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.  

The Young Eagles program will offer flights to kids between eight and 17 years old, to show off the planes, and maybe get some kids interested in aviation.  

Volunteer Pilot with Young Eagles Lute Atieh says on the day pilots will take kids up in the air for what he likes to call a 'lap around the block'  

"We take off from the airport, we head east out to Riverside and then we, well depending on what direction the wind is we turn north or south, and we come back towards the airport and land," Atieh tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "It's a great experience, I've seen several kids come back year after year." 

Atieh says nationwide Young Eagles, whose sole mission is to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. has given 2.5 million flights to kids 

"If you think about that and the impact it has, I mean these kids between the ages of eight and 17 by the time they're in their late 20's or early 30's, some of them are potentially flying commercial aircraft," Atieh explains.  "So, it's just a really great experience, not just flying but also producing aviation mechanics and other aviation related careers, but there's just no other program like it." 

Atieh says locally he's seen kids that have gone through the program later in their lives in flight training, becoming pilots, or in other aviation fields as well.  

Atieh says not only will kids on the day learn about flight, but they will even be able to learn more at home 

"Every person that flies gets access to this online portal that gives you sort of free ground school as part of this experience," Atieh says.  "So, you can go on the internet, watch a ton of videos, and learn more about flight." 

Atieh says on the day pilots take about 50 to 70 kids up into the air, depending on how many pilots are available, but sadly sometimes to not get to everyone that comes.  

The flights will be offered tomorrow from 8am to 12pm at Rosecrans.

Kids fly free with volunteer pilots this weekend to spark love of aviation

BROWN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Toyota Rav4 driven by Jessica&nbsp;Prieto Rodriguez, 26, Tampa, Florida, was eastbound on 270th one half mile east of Sabetha.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the road into a ditch and rolled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Rodriguez to the hospital in Sabetha. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after SUV rollover accident

Andre Pallante struck out a season high seven batters and for the first time since 2022 the St. Louis Cardinals have won seven games in a row after beating the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Cardinals had benefited from lockdown pitching recently, including back-to-back shutouts as part of a 21-inning scoreless streak.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pallante continued the latter trend Saturday, with a season-high 7.1 innings of two-run ball on three hits, zero walks and the seven strikeouts.

St. Louis put up all the runs they needed early with a four run second inning.&nbsp; Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch and Alec Burleson walked before Pedro Pagés singled to score Contreras, Nolan Gorman advancing to second base after reaching first on a fielders choice.&nbsp; Victor Scott II's single drove in Gorman and Lars Nootbaar followed that with a double to bring home&nbsp;Pagés and Scott II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The RBI base knock extended Scott’s hitting streak to a career-high 10 games. During the streak, Scott is hitting .387 (12-for-31) with one home run, seven RBIs, seven runs and two stolen bases.&nbsp; The Nationals scored both their runs in the bottom of the eighth inning on a two run home run by Dylan Crews.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Washington wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas takes the mound for the Cardinals against&nbsp;MacKenzie Gore for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch is at 12:35pm, pregame coverage will be joined at 12:25 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

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

Cards push win streak to 7 for first time since '22 with 4-2 win over Nats

The Kansas City Royals seven game win streak was snapped as the Boston Red Sox poured on runs against their bullpen after Cole Ragans was unable to go past the fifth inning, falling 10-1 on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium.&nbsp;

Boston started the scoring taking the lead in the top of the third inning, Rafael Devers doubling home Jarren Duran, but the Royals were able to tie the game up in the bottom half of the inning when Mark Canha singled home Bobby Witt Jr, but from there Kansas City would be unable to push any more runs across.&nbsp;

The Red Sox scored three runs in the fifth inning off Ragans, back to back to back singles by Duran, Devers, and Alex Bregman driving in&nbsp;Carlos Narváez,&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela, and Bregman's single scoring Duran to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp; Another three runs scored in the seventh on a home run by Trevor Story, before the final three runs were added in the eighth, a two run home run by&nbsp;Narváez and Devers singling to score&nbsp;Rafaela who tripled.

Ragans took the loss, falling to 2-2 on the season, striking out eight batters despite not being able to go past five innings for a fourth straight start.&nbsp; Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Hunter Renfroe each had two hits in the loss.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Boston wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Lucas Giolito for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:10pm, pregame at 12:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals win streak snapped falling to Red Sox 10-1

Erick Fedde’s return to Nationals Park couldn’t have gone much better for him or the St. Louis Cardinals.&nbsp; The right-hander pitched his first career complete game as St. Louis shut out the Nationals 10-0 in the opener of a three-game series Friday night.

Fedde was Washington’s first-round pick in 2014 and played part of six seasons with the team before spending 2023 playing in South Korea. He split last season between the White Sox and St. Louis, but did not make a return to the stadium he debuted in for either team.

It was the Cardinals’ first complete game since Jordan Montgomery threw a one-hit shutout against the Cubs on Aug. 22, 2022.&nbsp; With the win, St. Louis has also now&nbsp;won six in a row for the first time since July 15-20, 2023.

The Cardinals poured it on early, leading 6-0 by the end of the first five innings.&nbsp; Two runs scored in the first, both on one hit as Willson Contreras doubled to score Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn.&nbsp;&nbsp;Iván Herrera, in his return from the injured list, drove in Brendan Donovan in the third inning on a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; Another single run scored in the fourth on another sacrifice fly, this time by Victor Scott II driving in&nbsp;Pagés.

In the fifth inning,&nbsp;Herrera added another RBI scoring Nolan Arenado with his third double of the season, advancing Contreras to third base.&nbsp; Contreras scored in the next at bat on the third sacrifice fly of the game, this time by Jordan Walker, extending the lead to 6-0 before&nbsp;Pagés struck out and Scott flew out to end the inning.&nbsp;

St. Louis eventually extended their lead again in the eighth inning, a three run inning.&nbsp; Walker was hit by a pitch before back to back walks to&nbsp;Pagés and Scott loaded the bases.&nbsp; Winn drove in Walker with a single, keeping the bases loaded, before&nbsp;Pagés came home to score on a wild pitch.&nbsp; Donovan walked, reloading the bases, and after Arenado flew out to right field, Contreras was walked to bring home Scott on the bases loaded walk.&nbsp;

Scott drove in the final run in the ninth inning on a groundout, Walker coming home to score.&nbsp;

Andre Pallante takes the mound for the Cardinals tomorrow against the Nationals&nbsp;Trevor Williams.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05pm with pregame being joined at 2:55 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

Cardinals shutout Nats 10-0 as Fedde goes the distance

The series opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Royals was a pitchers duel all the way through, until the Royals finally made something happen in the 12th inning, Freddy Fermin hitting a walk off single for a 2-1 win, and Kansas City's seventh straight victory.&nbsp;

For the first time in 47 years, Kansas City has won 16 of their last 18 games, and are 9-1 over their last 10 games, staying hot at the top of the American League Central where the Detroit Tigers are 8-2 over their last 10 games, as are the Cleveland Guardians.&nbsp;

Locked in a 0-0 tie entering the 11th inning, Boston picked up the first run of the game off Daniel Lynch, Rafael Devers grounding out and driving in&nbsp;Ceddanne Rafaela who opened the inning at second base, but the Royals came right back in the bottom half with a game tying RBI hit from Vinnie Pasquantino, scoring Drew Waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the 12th, Cavan Biggio bunted automatic runner Michael Massey over to third, with Fermin bringing him home moments later with the RBI single.

That picked up an incredible pitching performance from the Royals, with six pitchers only allowing one run in 12 innings. Reliever Steven Cruz earned his first career MLB win after recording two outs in the 12th inning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Royals starter Michael Lorenzen picked up where Michael Wacha and Kris Bubic had left off the past two days, throwing another seven scoreless innings. Lorenzen only allowed three hits and one hit batter, didn’t walk anyone and struck out seven.

Cole Ragans will pitch the second game of the series tomorrow and will take on&nbsp;Garrett Crochet for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 6:10pm with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Freddy Fermin gives KC 7th straight with 2-1 walk off win over Boston

KFEQ Morning Sports

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The first session is a day camp scheduled for July 14 through July 18. at the J.W. Jones Student Union on the third floor in the esports lab. The second session is an overnight boot camp from July 23 through July 25. Session two will take place in the exact location as session one. 

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NWMSU ESports to host summer camps to attract new prospects

The Kansas City Royals are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, winning 15 of their last 17 games, shutting out the White Sox on Thursday afternoon for their third series sweep of the season 10-0 at Kauffman Stadium, and pushing their current win streak to six games.&nbsp;

It started off simple for Kansas City, with a single run in the first inning, Salvador Perez doubling to drive in Vinnie Pasquantino who singled, and another single run in the third again driven in by Perez this time on a single scoring Bobby Witt Jr who singled and stole second base.&nbsp; Behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Kris Bubic, the Royals began running away with the game in the fifth inning.&nbsp;

Two runs scored in the fifth when Maikel Garcia hit his first triple of the season, a deep fly ball to center field that bounced off the wall and away from Louis Robert Jr, scoring Jonathan India and Witt Jr.&nbsp; Earlier in the inning, Witt Jr stole his second base of the game, and his 13th of the season to put himself into scoring position.&nbsp;

Another two spot was added to the scoreboard in the sixth inning by Kansas City.&nbsp; Drew Waters singled, and stole second base for his third stolen base of the season, and later scored on a double by India.&nbsp; Witt Jr followed India's double up with one of his own to score India to put the Royals up 6-0 at the end of six innings.&nbsp;

The Royals pulled Bubic from the mound in the eighth.&nbsp; Bubic, who improved to 4-2 with the win, pitched seven shutout innings giving up six hits and striking out seven, while walking just one batter, marking the 19th quality start of the season from a Royals starting pitcher, which leads the MLB.&nbsp;

Kansas City continued to pour it on in the bottom of the eighth inning with the final four runs.&nbsp; Waters and Freddy Fermin hit back to back singles before a single from India brought Waters home to score.&nbsp; A double by Witt Jr drove in Fermin, and Cavan Biggio came on to pinch run for Witt Jr who had a four hit day.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino singled for the fifth consecutive hit of the inning to score India.&nbsp; Perez recorded the first out of the inning, but still drove in Biggio with a sacrifice fly for the final run.&nbsp;

Multiple Royals contributed at the plate on the day, led by Witt Jr who was 4-5 with two doubles, two stolen bases, and&nbsp; two RBI's.&nbsp; India (2-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI), Pasquantino (2-5, 1 RBI), Perez (2-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI), Garcia (2-5, 1 3B, 2 RBI) also came up big in the win.&nbsp;

Kansas City will stay home tomorrow to welcome in Boston, a team whose .500 over their last 10 games.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will start for the Royals, hoping to bounce back from his last start where he gave up four home runs, taking on&nbsp;Hunter Dobbins for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals shutout White Sox for third series sweep, sixth win in a row

The Kansas City Royals got another masterful performance from their starting pitcher and needed just one clutch hit to extend their win streak to five games, defeating the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium

The Royals managed hits off of White Sox starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon through the first four innings, but were unable to push runners in scoring position across.&nbsp; But in the fifth inning, after&nbsp;Luke Maile singled to lead off the inning, Bobby Witt Jr delivered the lone hit Kansas City needed in the game, a two run home run to left center field putting the Royals up 2-0.&nbsp;

Kansas City starter Michael Wacha was brilliant on the mound in containing the White Sox, allowing just three hits and only walking one batter across seven shutout innings, while striking out five. In the eighth inning, Lucas Erceg struck out the side in order before Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came to the mound in the ninth for the save.&nbsp;

Against&nbsp;Estévez Chicago started to put together a rally, Miguel Vargas leading off the inning with a double and then scoring on a single by Luis Robert Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matt Thaiss singled to push Robert to second base before&nbsp;Estévez finally recorded the first out, striking out Andrew Vaughn.&nbsp; Brooks Baldwin grounded into a force out, Michael A Taylor who pinch ran for Thaiss being thrown out at second, then with the tying run 90 feet away at third base,&nbsp;Estévez struck out Josh Rojas to end the game.&nbsp;

Wacha earned the win, improving to 2-4 on the season, while&nbsp;Estévez notched his 11th save.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia (2-3) and Vinnie Pasquantino (2-4) led the way hitting while Witt Jr was 1-4 with the two run home run. 4

The series finale is tomorrow between Kansas City and Chicago.&nbsp; Kris Bubic takes the mound for the Royals as they look for a sweep against&nbsp;Davis Martin for the White Sox.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Royals extend win streak to five behind Bobby Witt Jr home run

The St. Louis Cardinals pulled out the brooms for a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, shutting out their NL Central foes 5-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, extending their win streak to five straight games.&nbsp;

After Victor Scott II walked in the third inning, he sped around the bases to score on a single by Lars Nootbaar, who advanced to second base as Pirates right fielder Bryan Reynolds attempted to throw Scott out at home.&nbsp; In the very next at bat Masyn Winn doubled, his fifth double of the season, to drive in Nootbaar for the 2-0 lead at the end of three innings.&nbsp;

Scott singled in the fifth inning and scored his second run of the game as Winn hit his second double of the game to extend the lead.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Cardinals added their final two runs, Jordan Walker singling to drive in Luken Baker and Brendan Donovan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sonny Gray bounced back from a rough start in his previous start against the Mets on May 2nd, where he took his first loss of the season, pitching seven shutout innings against the Pirates and striking out eight batters, giving up two hits and walking one.&nbsp; Nootbaar (3-4, 1 RBI) and Winn (2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI) led the way at the plate in the win.&nbsp;

St. Louis is off on Thursday and will begin a nine game road trip on Friday, starting in the nations capitol against Washington.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will start for the Cardinals against Mitchell Parker for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:45pm, pregame will be joined at 5:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals shutout Pirates 5-0 for series sweep, fifth straight win

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

Republicans in the Missouri Senate are finally getting along. But disagreements with Democrats over abortion and paid sick leave — along with the House GOP over last week’s budget moves — could upend the legislative session

Will the Missouri Senate actually make it to 6 p.m. Friday?&nbsp;

That’s the constitutional deadline for the legislative session to adjourn for the year. And the Senate — thanks to Republican infighting — has failed to reach the finish line&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/a-bizarre-session-missouri-lawmakers-head-home-after-year-defined-by-gridlock-infighting/">three years in a row</a>.&nbsp;

But this year the GOP supermajority is finally getting along. And as lawmakers enter the final week of the 2025 legislative session, Senate Republicans hope that unity will allow them to roll back abortion rights and a new paid sick leave law over the vehement resistance of Democrats.&nbsp;

Whether or not the session goes off the rails again this year — and kills a litany of largely bipartisan bills in the process — will largely be determined by whether Republicans and Democrats can strike a deal on two issues that touch on key ideological differences. .

“My philosophy has always been, if you just sit down together, you can figure it out,” said Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican. “So that’s what I’m doing. I have a really good relationship with the Democrats, and everyone is negotiating in good faith.”

If those negotiations fall apart, the GOP could turn to the nuclear option.&nbsp;

Republicans hold 24 seats in the 34-member Senate. It takes only a simple majority of 18 votes to end a filibuster using a procedural maneuver known as “calling the previous question,” or PQ.&nbsp;

But Senate leaders have historically been hesitant to utilize the PQ because it generates lasting bitterness — and sparks retaliation. If past is prologue, Democrats would respond by turning to procedural maneuvers of their own to grind the chamber to a halt and make any progress all but impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That scenario would also kill any bills still pending in the Senate with the bad blood and gridlock generated possibly spilling into the next legislative session.&nbsp;

That’s why since 1970, the Senate has only used PQ 18 times. The last time was in 2020.&nbsp;

“The last thing either side wants is a PQ,” said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat.&nbsp;

In November, both issues at the heart of the Senate’s final week won approval on the statewide ballot.&nbsp;

Proposition A, which won 58% of the vote, mandated employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours.

Amendment 3, which won with 52% of the vote, legalized abortion up until the point of fetal viability — generally seen as the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb on its own, or around 24 weeks. It also protects access to other reproductive health care, like birth control.

Since it passed, a judge blocked a litany of Missouri abortion regulations, opening the door for access to the procedure for the first time in years.&nbsp;

Senate negotiations on both issues have persisted for weeks. And despite some public discord, both sides enter the waning days before adjournment confident a deal can be reached.&nbsp;

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