With quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a smattering of other Chiefs players already on Missouri Western's campus, and 'Welcome Chiefs' signs in yards all over town, the energy surrounding training camp in 2021 is palpable.

After being confined to Kansas City in 2020 due to COVID-19, Missouri Western leadership and the Chiefs organization made every effort to extend their agreement and bring camp back to St. Joseph in 2021, as long as NFL protocol allowed for it.

The negotiations were successful and the NFL gave the go-ahead, as roughly 30 players arrived in St. Joseph Friday and over the weekend to get some early work done.

On Wednesday, veteran players, and a few thousand fans, will be back as well to mark the start of the 11th training camp at Missouri Western. The first was in 2010.

"The excitement is palpable," Chiefs president Mark Donovan said. "I would say, over a decade later, to be standing here today and knowing how efficient we are and what a great partnership we have, it really does set us up for success and we're very appreciative of that."

Donovan personally thanked outgoing Missouri Western athletic director Josh Looney - a former Chiefs public relations employee who oversaw multiple contract extensions between the team and university.

Looney is grateful for that ongoing partnership, but certainly does not take sole credit.

"I think that trust and knowledge of what's important has certainly helped this camp and the (contract) extension," Looney said. "But, it's all about this community, elected officials and our whole campus making this happen. Mosaic and being a partner with them. It can't be just one of us, or camp will not thrive."

Looney secured a contract that guarantees Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph through 2024.

"If it wasn't a competitive advantage for (the Chiefs) on the football side, they wouldn't be coming back to Missouri Western," Looney said. "And likewise, if it wasn't a great fan experience and we couldn't deliver there, they wouldn't be coming to Missouri Western."

University president Elizabeth Kennedy expressed confidence that the relationship between the Chiefs and St. Joseph benefits all involved.

"I'd like to thank President Donovan and the Chiefs for continuing to make Missouri Western their summer training camp home," Kennedy said. "We have very much appreciated our association with the Chiefs and believe that we and the community have benefited greatly."

Kennedy will help in the search for Missouri Western's next athletic director. Looney announced Monday that he's taking the A.D. job at North Alabama - a school that transitioned to Division I in 2018.

While interviewing candidates, Kennedy believes the training camp aspect of the Griffons' A.D. job will be an appealing part of the position.

"What an opportunity for an A.D. to come in and to connect, recruit, fundraise and engage with our community," Kennedy said of training camp, as she gets ready to experience it for the first time as Missouri Western's president. "It's my first camp, and I'm so excited."

Mosaic Life Care, the primary sponsor for Chiefs' training camp this year, was also recognized by both Donovan and Kennedy on Monday.

Mosaic has been leading the effort in trying to get more people in St. Joseph and Buchanan County vaccinated against COVID-19. Only 20 percent of Buchanan County residents are fully vaccinated.

There'll be practically no fan-to-player interaction at training camp this year, per NFL protocol. No traditional helmet walk with young fans, and no autographs after each practice.

As thousands of fans from near and far get ready to descend on St. Joseph for the next three weeks, Mosaic Chief Operations Officer Michael Pulido encourages everyone to stay safe and to be a team player in the fight against the virus.

"Our theme this year at Mosaic this year has been, 'Be a team player and get vaccinated,'" Pulido said. "We fought the fight against COVID for four quarters and thought the game was over. Now, we're in overtime. Our best weapon is the vaccine."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627331903660.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Chief Operations Officer Michael Pulido (left) and Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan (right) hold a ceremonial Mosaic Chiefs jersey in celebration of Chiefs' training camp coming back to St. Joseph in 2021. Mosaic Life Care is the primary sponsor of this year's camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Chief Operations Officer Michael Pulido (left) and Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan (right) hold a ceremonial Mosaic Chiefs jersey in celebration of Chiefs' training camp coming back to St. Joseph in 2021. Mosaic Life Care is the primary sponsor of this year's camp. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWith quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a smattering of other Chiefs players already on Missouri Western's campus, and 'Welcome Chiefs' signs in yards all over town, the energy surrounding training camp in 2021 is palpable.After being confined to Kansas City in 2020 due to COVID-19, Missouri Western leadership and the Chiefs organization made every effort to extend their agreement and bring camp back to St. Joseph in 2021, as long as NFL protocol allowed for it.The negotiations were successful and the NFL gave the go-ahead, as roughly 30 players arrived in St. Joseph Friday and over the weekend to get some early work done.On Wednesday, veteran players, and a few thousand fans, will be back as well to mark the start of the 11th training camp at Missouri Western. The first was in 2010."The excitement is palpable," Chiefs president Mark Donovan said. "I would say, over a decade later, to be standing here today and knowing how efficient we are and what a great partnership we have, it really does set us up for success and we're very appreciative of that."Donovan personally thanked outgoing Missouri Western athletic director Josh Looney - a former Chiefs public relations employee who oversaw multiple contract extensions between the team and university.Looney is grateful for that ongoing partnership, but certainly does not take sole credit."I think that trust and knowledge of what's important has certainly helped this camp and the (contract) extension," Looney said. "But, it's all about this community, elected officials and our whole campus making this happen. Mosaic and being a partner with them. It can't be just one of us, or camp will not thrive."Looney secured a contract that guarantees Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph through 2024."If it wasn't a competitive advantage for (the Chiefs) on the football side, they wouldn't be coming back to Missouri Western," Looney said. "And likewise, if it wasn't a great fan experience and we couldn't deliver there, they wouldn't be coming to Missouri Western."University president Elizabeth Kennedy expressed confidence that the relationship between the Chiefs and St. Joseph benefits all involved."I'd like to thank President Donovan and the Chiefs for continuing to make Missouri Western their summer training camp home," Kennedy said. "We have very much appreciated our association with the Chiefs and believe that we and the community have benefited greatly."Kennedy will help in the search for Missouri Western's next athletic director. Looney announced Monday that he's taking the A.D. job at North Alabama - a school that transitioned to Division I in 2018.While interviewing candidates, Kennedy believes the training camp aspect of the Griffons' A.D. job will be an appealing part of the position."What an opportunity for an A.D. to come in and to connect, recruit, fundraise and engage with our community," Kennedy said of training camp, as she gets ready to experience it for the first time as Missouri Western's president. "It's my first camp, and I'm so excited."Mosaic Life Care, the primary sponsor for Chiefs' training camp this year, was also recognized by both Donovan and Kennedy on Monday.Mosaic has been leading the effort in trying to get more people in St. Joseph and Buchanan County vaccinated against COVID-19. Only 20 percent of Buchanan County residents are fully vaccinated.There'll be practically no fan-to-player interaction at training camp this year, per NFL protocol. No traditional helmet walk with young fans, and no autographs after each practice.As thousands of fans from near and far get ready to descend on St. Joseph for the next three weeks, Mosaic Chief Operations Officer Michael Pulido encourages everyone to stay safe and to be a team player in the fight against the virus."Our theme this year at Mosaic this year has been, 'Be a team player and get vaccinated,'" Pulido said. "We fought the fight against COVID for four quarters and thought the game was over. Now, we're in overtime. Our best weapon is the vaccine."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627332111017.jpeg" alt="Chiefs president Mark Donovan talks with reporters on Monday at Spratt Stadium to mark the start of Chiefs' training camp in 2021. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs president Mark Donovan talks with reporters on Monday at Spratt Stadium to mark the start of Chiefs' training camp in 2021. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs, Mosaic celebrate training camp's return to St. Joseph

The U.S. Soybean Export Council, United Soybean Board, and the American Soybean Association are happy to announce a new milestone for U.S. soy exports. More than 100 million metric tons of U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol verified soy has been exported internationally over the seven years since the program launched in 2014. 

With the growing demand for sustainable soy globally, the SSAP has been recognized as compliant with the European Manufacturers’ Federation Soy Sourcing Guidelines, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee’s sustainable sourcing code for ag products, the Consumer Goods Forum, and more. 

“As consumer consciousness about health, the environment, and the need to meet global nutrition and food security continue to drive demand for nutritious and sustainable protein, the U.S. SSAP enables us to provide our global food, feed, consumer packaged goods, and retail sector customers with verified, sustainable U.S. soy,” says Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. 

“A reliable supply of high-quality, sustainably-produced U.S. soy plays a vitally important role in enabling families and the food-feed industry around the world to feed our growing planet sustainably.” The U.S. soy industry worked together with non-governmental organizations to develop the SSAP to back up U.S. soybean farmers’ commitment to sustainability.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council, United Soybean Board, and the American Soybean Association are happy to announce a new milestone for U.S. soy exports. More than 100 million metric tons of U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol verified soy has been exported internationally over the seven years since the program launched in 2014. With the growing demand for sustainable soy globally, the SSAP has been recognized as compliant with the European Manufacturers’ Federation Soy Sourcing Guidelines, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee’s sustainable sourcing code for ag products, the Consumer Goods Forum, and more. “As consumer consciousness about health, the environment, and the need to meet global nutrition and food security continue to drive demand for nutritious and sustainable protein, the U.S. SSAP enables us to provide our global food, feed, consumer packaged goods, and retail sector customers with verified, sustainable U.S. soy,” says Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “A reliable supply of high-quality, sustainably-produced U.S. soy plays a vitally important role in enabling families and the food-feed industry around the world to feed our growing planet sustainably.” The U.S. soy industry worked together with non-governmental organizations to develop the SSAP to back up U.S. soybean farmers’ commitment to sustainability.

Soy Sustainability Protocol reaches 100-million metric tons of exports

China’s soybean imports are likely to slow sharply during the second half of this year after a record first-half buying spree. Reuters says that puts a dent in expectations for sustained growth from the top global soybean buyer and hurts U.S. market sentiment just as farmers will need to sell their new crop. 

A serious drop in hog profitability and a sharp rise in the use of wheat for feed are slowing down Chinese demand for soybeans, just as farmers are expecting to pull in their third-largest harvest in history. 

That will add further volatility to a critical crop, which rallied earlier in 2021 to nine-year highs. The manager of a crush plant in northern China told Reuters that, “Soymeal demand is reaching rock bottom as the basis hit its lowest point so far this year. 

We can’t place a lot of orders to make purchases, so U.S. soybean exports will surely be hit.” China imported a record 48.95 million tons in the first half of 2021, up nearly nine percent on the year as hog herds recovered from African Swine Fever and top producer Brazil shipped a record crop to the Asian nation.

China’s soybean imports are likely to slow sharply during the second half of this year after a record first-half buying spree. Reuters says that puts a dent in expectations for sustained growth from the top global soybean buyer and hurts U.S. market sentiment just as farmers will need to sell their new crop. A serious drop in hog profitability and a sharp rise in the use of wheat for feed are slowing down Chinese demand for soybeans, just as farmers are expecting to pull in their third-largest harvest in history. That will add further volatility to a critical crop, which rallied earlier in 2021 to nine-year highs. The manager of a crush plant in northern China told Reuters that, “Soymeal demand is reaching rock bottom as the basis hit its lowest point so far this year. We can’t place a lot of orders to make purchases, so U.S. soybean exports will surely be hit.” China imported a record 48.95 million tons in the first half of 2021, up nearly nine percent on the year as hog herds recovered from African Swine Fever and top producer Brazil shipped a record crop to the Asian nation.

Chinese soybean imports to drop later in 2021

The Beef Checkoff is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and the NCBA is talking about the successful promotion and research programs driving beef demand. The NCBA says consumers are more open to the nutritional benefits of beef than at any other time since the Checkoff first began more than three decades ago. 

The Beef Checkoff was implemented during a time when U.S. Dietary Guidelines suggested Americans should limit beef in their diet and reduce their intake of fat and cholesterol. “I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of nutrition behavior over the years,” says Becky Walth, a South Dakota producer and member of the Nutrition and Health Checkoff Committee. 

“The Beef Checkoff has been ahead of the curve, conducting research to demonstrate the importance of beef in a balanced diet.” Two landmark studies commissioned by the Beef Checkoff reinforced the idea that beef fits a heart-healthy diet. 

Because of checkoff-funded research, beef can now be Americans’ protein of choice in any gold standard, heart-healthy diet. Beef is also consistently recommended by scientists, physicians, and registered dieticians. In addition, 75 percent of consumers now agree that beef is nutritious.

The Beef Checkoff is celebrating its 35th anniversary, and the NCBA is talking about the successful promotion and research programs driving beef demand. The NCBA says consumers are more open to the nutritional benefits of beef than at any other time since the Checkoff first began more than three decades ago. The Beef Checkoff was implemented during a time when U.S. Dietary Guidelines suggested Americans should limit beef in their diet and reduce their intake of fat and cholesterol. “I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of nutrition behavior over the years,” says Becky Walth, a South Dakota producer and member of the Nutrition and Health Checkoff Committee. “The Beef Checkoff has been ahead of the curve, conducting research to demonstrate the importance of beef in a balanced diet.” Two landmark studies commissioned by the Beef Checkoff reinforced the idea that beef fits a heart-healthy diet. Because of checkoff-funded research, beef can now be Americans’ protein of choice in any gold standard, heart-healthy diet. Beef is also consistently recommended by scientists, physicians, and registered dieticians. In addition, 75 percent of consumers now agree that beef is nutritious.

Nutrition research improving public perception of beef

The White House is delaying the annual process that decides how much ethanol and other biofuels will get blended into the nation’s fuel supply each year. Two sources told Reuters that the administration is looking for a solution to the issue which pits refineries against corn farmers. 

Lawmakers on both sides of the disagreement have pushed the Biden Administration for months to decide the issue. Refiners want low volumes of biofuels to keep their production costs down, while U.S. farmers want higher volumes to pump up sales of corn-based ethanol and other products. 

Sources say the White House has largely stayed out of the matter until now, but the administration is looking to take control of the situation. Both the refining and corn-based industries have waited anxiously for the Environmental Protection Agency to announce proposals for the level of biofuels that refiners must blend in 2021 and 2022. 

The 2021 amount is over half a year late due to the economic fallout from COVID-19. Many expected the proposals in June, which didn’t happen. A series of court rulings on the issues related to the Renewable Fuel Standard has only amplified confusion for both industries.

The White House is delaying the annual process that decides how much ethanol and other biofuels will get blended into the nation’s fuel supply each year. Two sources told Reuters that the administration is looking for a solution to the issue which pits refineries against corn farmers. Lawmakers on both sides of the disagreement have pushed the Biden Administration for months to decide the issue. Refiners want low volumes of biofuels to keep their production costs down, while U.S. farmers want higher volumes to pump up sales of corn-based ethanol and other products. Sources say the White House has largely stayed out of the matter until now, but the administration is looking to take control of the situation. Both the refining and corn-based industries have waited anxiously for the Environmental Protection Agency to announce proposals for the level of biofuels that refiners must blend in 2021 and 2022. The 2021 amount is over half a year late due to the economic fallout from COVID-19. Many expected the proposals in June, which didn’t happen. A series of court rulings on the issues related to the Renewable Fuel Standard has only amplified confusion for both industries.

White House delaying biofuel mandates

China and the U.S. are shipping goods back and forth at the quickest pace in years. Bloomberg says that’s making it look as if the tariff war and COVID-19 never interrupted the world’s largest bilateral trade relationship. Bilateral trade in goods is an area of stability in a relationship that otherwise continues to struggle. 

In February of 2020, monthly two-way trade dropped to $19 billion amid shutdowns. However, official Chinese data says the trade numbers rebounded over the past year to set new records. That boom is likely to remain as China purchases millions of tons of U.S. farm commodities for this year and next. 

While the U.S. government has somewhat different numbers on trade, the brisk pace has defied all expectations that the tariffs still in place on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of merchandise would interrupt supply chains. 

Both sides are living with the extra cost as China continues to buy large quantities of farm products to fulfill terms of the 2020 Phase One Trade Deal, while U.S. companies continue to purchase the products that they can’t get anywhere else to meet rising consumer demand.

China and the U.S. are shipping goods back and forth at the quickest pace in years. Bloomberg says that’s making it look as if the tariff war and COVID-19 never interrupted the world’s largest bilateral trade relationship. Bilateral trade in goods is an area of stability in a relationship that otherwise continues to struggle. In February of 2020, monthly two-way trade dropped to $19 billion amid shutdowns. However, official Chinese data says the trade numbers rebounded over the past year to set new records. That boom is likely to remain as China purchases millions of tons of U.S. farm commodities for this year and next. While the U.S. government has somewhat different numbers on trade, the brisk pace has defied all expectations that the tariffs still in place on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of merchandise would interrupt supply chains. Both sides are living with the extra cost as China continues to buy large quantities of farm products to fulfill terms of the 2020 Phase One Trade Deal, while U.S. companies continue to purchase the products that they can’t get anywhere else to meet rising consumer demand.

U.S. and China trading at a brisk pace

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed proposed migrant farmworker programs during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearing was set to talk about an earned pathway to citizenship for migrant farmworkers. 

Roll Call Dot Com says several Republicans on the committee said they won’t support such legislation without first improving security on the southern border. South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham said, “You don’t give amnesty and hope people won’t keep coming. 

You secure the border, then you provide legal status. We’re doing it completely backward.” In March, the House passed legislation that would allow migrant workers who had already worked a certain number of years to apply for legal status. Vilsack defended the bill, saying he doesn’t believe its passage would cause an influx of immigrants at the border. 

The debate over citizenship for migrant farmworkers comes soon after a federal judge ruled that the Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is illegal. The program was designed to protect certain undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed proposed migrant farmworker programs during a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearing was set to talk about an earned pathway to citizenship for migrant farmworkers. Roll Call Dot Com says several Republicans on the committee said they won’t support such legislation without first improving security on the southern border. South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham said, “You don’t give amnesty and hope people won’t keep coming. You secure the border, then you provide legal status. We’re doing it completely backward.” In March, the House passed legislation that would allow migrant workers who had already worked a certain number of years to apply for legal status. Vilsack defended the bill, saying he doesn’t believe its passage would cause an influx of immigrants at the border. The debate over citizenship for migrant farmworkers comes soon after a federal judge ruled that the Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is illegal. The program was designed to protect certain undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Vilsack defends farmworker changes

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications for the 2022 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge through August 20. The national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies that are providing innovative solutions to either traditional or new and emerging challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. 

Farm Bureau will award a total of $165,000 in startup funds through the competition. Farm Bureau and Farm Credit will select ten startup companies to compete as semi-finalists at the AFBF Convention in January 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. The ten semi-finalist teams will be announced in October.

 Entrepreneurs must be Farm Bureau members to qualify as top ten semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can join a state Farm Bureau of their choice. Detailed eligibility guidelines, the competition timeline, videos and profiles of past winners, along with the application process, are all available online. Visit fb.org/challenge.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications for the 2022 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge through August 20. The national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies that are providing innovative solutions to either traditional or new and emerging challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award a total of $165,000 in startup funds through the competition. Farm Bureau and Farm Credit will select ten startup companies to compete as semi-finalists at the AFBF Convention in January 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. The ten semi-finalist teams will be announced in October. Entrepreneurs must be Farm Bureau members to qualify as top ten semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can join a state Farm Bureau of their choice. Detailed eligibility guidelines, the competition timeline, videos and profiles of past winners, along with the application process, are all available online. Visit fb.org/challenge.

Apply by August 20 for Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge

Consumers ramped up restaurant spending during the first half of 2021. Restaurant sales posted an increase in June, as consumers continued to burn off their pent-up demand for socialization and experiences, according to the National Restaurant Association. 

Restaurants registered total sales of $70.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was up 2.3 percent from May’s sales volume, and represented the fifth solid increase in the last six months. Driven by the steady gains during the first half of 2021, restaurant sales in June were nearly $4.4 billion, or 6.6 percent above the February 2020 pre-pandemic sales volume of $66.2 billion.

 However, consumers are also paying more to eat out. Rising food costs caused by inflation are forcing many restaurants to choose between eating the increased costs, raising prices or removing items from their menus altogether. Average menu prices have increased more than four percent in the last year.

Consumers ramped up restaurant spending during the first half of 2021. Restaurant sales posted an increase in June, as consumers continued to burn off their pent-up demand for socialization and experiences, according to the National Restaurant Association. Restaurants registered total sales of $70.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was up 2.3 percent from May’s sales volume, and represented the fifth solid increase in the last six months. Driven by the steady gains during the first half of 2021, restaurant sales in June were nearly $4.4 billion, or 6.6 percent above the February 2020 pre-pandemic sales volume of $66.2 billion. However, consumers are also paying more to eat out. Rising food costs caused by inflation are forcing many restaurants to choose between eating the increased costs, raising prices or removing items from their menus altogether. Average menu prices have increased more than four percent in the last year.

Restaurant sales and prices increase

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday named Daniel Whitley as Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service. Whitley most recently served as Acting Administrator for the USDA branch. Prior to that role, he was the Associate Administrator responsible for leading the agency's trade policy and market analysis teams. 

Whitley began his career with the Economic Research Service, working on market access issues in the World Trade Organization. Dr. Basil Gooden was named Director of State Operations for Rural Development. Gooden recently served as a Visiting Scholar in the Sustainable Food Access Core of the Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

USDA also announced Michael Amato as communications director in the Office of Communications and Marissa Perry as a speechwriter in the Office of Communications. Secretary Vilsack says of the staff additions, "Each is an essential member of our growing team and we are grateful to have them serving in these roles.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday named Daniel Whitley as Administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service. Whitley most recently served as Acting Administrator for the USDA branch. Prior to that role, he was the Associate Administrator responsible for leading the agency's trade policy and market analysis teams. Whitley began his career with the Economic Research Service, working on market access issues in the World Trade Organization. Dr. Basil Gooden was named Director of State Operations for Rural Development. Gooden recently served as a Visiting Scholar in the Sustainable Food Access Core of the Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University. USDA also announced Michael Amato as communications director in the Office of Communications and Marissa Perry as a speechwriter in the Office of Communications. Secretary Vilsack says of the staff additions, "Each is an essential member of our growing team and we are grateful to have them serving in these roles.”

USDA announces more key staff appointments

Farmers from Minnesota and North Dakota recently joined a discrimination lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture. The group behind the lawsuit alleges a USDA COVID-19 relief program for socially disadvantaged farmers discriminates based on race. 

A lead attorney for the case filed in North Dakota tells the Grand Forks Herald, “Their concern is the inequality and discrimination against them just on the basis of their race or skin color.” In similar lawsuits, white farmers argue the program violates their constitutional rights. 

USDA announced the program in April that includes $4 billion of loan assistance for Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American farmers. The funds are on hold via court injunctions, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defends the program as addressing “longstanding racial equity issues within the department and across agriculture.” 

The attorney representing North Dakota farmers claims the federal government has two options, either amend the program to allow aid to all farmers, or to disband the program entirely.

Farmers from Minnesota and North Dakota recently joined a discrimination lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture. The group behind the lawsuit alleges a USDA COVID-19 relief program for socially disadvantaged farmers discriminates based on race. A lead attorney for the case filed in North Dakota tells the Grand Forks Herald, “Their concern is the inequality and discrimination against them just on the basis of their race or skin color.” In similar lawsuits, white farmers argue the program violates their constitutional rights. USDA announced the program in April that includes $4 billion of loan assistance for Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American farmers. The funds are on hold via court injunctions, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defends the program as addressing “longstanding racial equity issues within the department and across agriculture.” The attorney representing North Dakota farmers claims the federal government has two options, either amend the program to allow aid to all farmers, or to disband the program entirely.

More farmers join discrimination suit against USDA

Missouri Western State University Vice President of
Intercollegiate Athletics, Josh Looney, will be leaving the school to accept a
similar post at the University of North Alabama.

Looney says he wasn’t looking to leave.

“I right here had the best job in (NCAA) Division II. &nbsp;So, it would have to take something special to
draw me away from here,” Looney tells reporters at Spratt Stadium. “Hey, I grew
up in this league (MIAA). I love this league. The commissioner hired me when I
worked for the NCAA, our family loves St. Joseph. So, certainly not seeking out
opportunities, but again, sometimes opportunities find you.”

Looney came to Missouri Western in 2017 as the Athletic
Director. In 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Intercollegiate
Athletics. He also serves as the
Interim Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the
MWSU Foundation during the 2020-21 academic year.

Looney succeeds former Missouri Western Athletic Director Mark
Linder at North Alabama.

Looney says he wasn’t looking to leave the St. Joseph school,
but says an opportunity arose to take over the athletic department at the
University of North Alabama, which has transitioned from Division II to
Division I. Looney calls North Alabama a tremendous place with a very strong
reputation as a Division II powerhouse, moving up a division.

Looney says that when he looks back, it isn’t the wins and
losses that stand out, but the team he has assembled.

“People for sure,” Looney says. “I mean, you can look at
buildings and renovations and fundraising and the classroom success and all
those things, but if you don’t have buy-in from people to your culture; that’s
what your culture is, right? To where we know what’s important, we know what
our mission is and kind of that little bit of chip on our shoulder to, hey, let’s
not let the status quo ever be a thing here.”

Looney, who formerly worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been
instrumental in keeping the Chiefs at Missouri Western for their training camp.
He negotiated a new multi-year agreement with the NLF team in 2020. The Chiefs
open their 11th training camp at Missouri Western this week.

Missouri Western has enjoyed success during his tenure guiding
Griffon sports. 

The university reports that academically, Griffon student-athletes
have set new records for departmental GPA for seven consecutive semesters. In
the community, Missouri Western has been recognized with three consecutive NCAA
Awards of Excellence for its community contributions.

Eleven different Griffon teams made NCAA Division II postseason
appearances during his tenure.

Several facility improvements have taken place under Looney’s
watch, including a full renovation of the MWSU Fieldhouse, the Bill Snyder
Pavilion at Spratt Memorial Stadium, and locker room renovations for several
teams.

"I'm very sad personally and professionally to see Josh go," University president Elizabeth Kennedy said. "He's a great guy and he's done such tremendous things. Fundraising, facilities, the academic piece. That kind of legacy will set the stage very well at Missouri Western."

Missouri Western says the University will begin the search for
Looney’s successor immediately.

Looney
will begin his new duties at North Alabama in Florence on September 1st.

Looney succeeds another former Missouri Western Athletic Director
at North Alabama:&nbsp; Mark Linder. Lender
was Missouri Western AD for four years before taking over in Florence in 2007. Lender
stepped down at UNA earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627338901297.jpeg" alt="Josh Looney. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Josh Looney. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University Vice President of
Intercollegiate Athletics, Josh Looney, will be leaving the school to accept a
similar post at the University of North Alabama.Looney says he wasn’t looking to leave.“I right here had the best job in (NCAA) Division II. &nbsp;So, it would have to take something special to
draw me away from here,” Looney tells reporters at Spratt Stadium. “Hey, I grew
up in this league (MIAA). I love this league. The commissioner hired me when I
worked for the NCAA, our family loves St. Joseph. So, certainly not seeking out
opportunities, but again, sometimes opportunities find you.”Looney came to Missouri Western in 2017 as the Athletic
Director. In 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Intercollegiate
Athletics. He also serves as the
Interim Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of the
MWSU Foundation during the 2020-21 academic year.Looney succeeds former Missouri Western Athletic Director Mark
Linder at North Alabama.Looney says he wasn’t looking to leave the St. Joseph school,
but says an opportunity arose to take over the athletic department at the
University of North Alabama, which has transitioned from Division II to
Division I. Looney calls North Alabama a tremendous place with a very strong
reputation as a Division II powerhouse, moving up a division.Looney says that when he looks back, it isn’t the wins and
losses that stand out, but the team he has assembled.“People for sure,” Looney says. “I mean, you can look at
buildings and renovations and fundraising and the classroom success and all
those things, but if you don’t have buy-in from people to your culture; that’s
what your culture is, right? To where we know what’s important, we know what
our mission is and kind of that little bit of chip on our shoulder to, hey, let’s
not let the status quo ever be a thing here.”Looney, who formerly worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, has been
instrumental in keeping the Chiefs at Missouri Western for their training camp.
He negotiated a new multi-year agreement with the NLF team in 2020. The Chiefs
open their 11th training camp at Missouri Western this week.Missouri Western has enjoyed success during his tenure guiding
Griffon sports. The university reports that academically, Griffon student-athletes
have set new records for departmental GPA for seven consecutive semesters. In
the community, Missouri Western has been recognized with three consecutive NCAA
Awards of Excellence for its community contributions.Eleven different Griffon teams made NCAA Division II postseason
appearances during his tenure.Several facility improvements have taken place under Looney’s
watch, including a full renovation of the MWSU Fieldhouse, the Bill Snyder
Pavilion at Spratt Memorial Stadium, and locker room renovations for several
teams."I'm very sad personally and professionally to see Josh go," University president Elizabeth Kennedy said. "He's a great guy and he's done such tremendous things. Fundraising, facilities, the academic piece. That kind of legacy will set the stage very well at Missouri Western."Missouri Western says the University will begin the search for
Looney’s successor immediately.Looney
will begin his new duties at North Alabama in Florence on September 1st.Looney succeeds another former Missouri Western Athletic Director
at North Alabama:&nbsp; Mark Linder. Lender
was Missouri Western AD for four years before taking over in Florence in 2007. Lender
stepped down at UNA earlier this year.

MWSU AD Josh Looney says he wasn't looking to leave

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Buchanan County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. These are courtesy photos. This information is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The St. Joseph Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information.

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Buchanan County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. These are courtesy photos. This information is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The St. Joseph Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318499674.jpeg" alt="BIGHAM GAGE NON SUPPORT 5000 BOND" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318532706.jpeg" alt="FOSTER SAMANTHA ASSAULT 30 DAYS IN JAIL" />
 <figcaption>FOSTER SAMANTHA ASSAULT 30 DAYS IN JAIL</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318543017.jpeg" alt="JESCHKE DONALD POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE NO BOND" />
 <figcaption>JESCHKE DONALD POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE NO BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318554153.jpeg" alt="MATHES WILLIAM PASSING BAD CHECK 10000 BOND" />
 <figcaption>MATHES WILLIAM PASSING BAD CHECK 10000 BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318570426.jpeg" alt="MCCLAIN BRIAN STEALING 10000 BOND" />
 <figcaption>MCCLAIN BRIAN STEALING 10000 BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318582097.jpeg" alt="MIX AMANDA STEALING RELATED OFFENSE 10000 BOND" />
 <figcaption>MIX AMANDA STEALING RELATED OFFENSE 10000 BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318595290.jpeg" alt="PANKAU BRYSON POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE NO BOND" />
 <figcaption>PANKAU BRYSON POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE NO BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318605394.jpeg" alt="PAUGH TIFFANY STEALING 10000 BOND" />
 <figcaption>PAUGH TIFFANY STEALING 10000 BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318616129.jpeg" alt="POLING BRADLEY NON SUPPORT 1000 CASH BOND" />
 <figcaption>POLING BRADLEY NON SUPPORT 1000 CASH BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318626537.jpeg" alt="SANCHEZ ALEX NON SUPPORT 1000 CASH BOND" />
 <figcaption>SANCHEZ ALEX NON SUPPORT 1000 CASH BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318637443.jpeg" alt="SHANK HAVEN SEXUAL CONTACT WITH A PRISONER 25000 BOND" />
 <figcaption>SHANK HAVEN SEXUAL CONTACT WITH A PRISONER 25000 BOND</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627318648170.jpeg" alt="TERHUNE RICHARD DWI 2 DAYS IN JAIL" />
 <figcaption>TERHUNE RICHARD DWI 2 DAYS IN JAIL</figcaption>
 </figure>

Buchanan County Jail Activity (7/19-7/26/21)

Buchanan County has joined a statewide trend toward financial
transparency, becoming the latest county to be included in the Missouri State Treasurer’s
Local Government Checkbook.

Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the move became
official when State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick paid a visit to the Buchanan
County Courthouse.

“There are 114 counties in the state and we were 14th
on board. So, I think that’s pretty good,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s a good thing and it’s nice to have the state Treasurer come
in to your community and recognize the fact that we’re one of the leaders when
it comes to this kind of transparency.”

The Local Government Checkbook is an online data base
outlining all the spending decisions of the county. It can be accessed through
the Missouri State Treasurer’s Show-Me Checkbook website.

Sawyer says the name really discloses what you will find by
going to the web page.

“It is what it is. So, you get to see what all of our
transactions, whether it’s gravel that we purchased or services that we
provide; all kinds of things,” according to Sawyer. “It’s a neat deal.”

Click <a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/showmecheckbook/">here</a> to access the Local Government Check through the
Missouri State Treasurer’s webpage.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostBuchanan County has joined a statewide trend toward financial
transparency, becoming the latest county to be included in the Missouri State Treasurer’s
Local Government Checkbook.Presiding County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says the move became
official when State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick paid a visit to the Buchanan
County Courthouse.“There are 114 counties in the state and we were 14th
on board. So, I think that’s pretty good,” Sawyer tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “It’s a good thing and it’s nice to have the state Treasurer come
in to your community and recognize the fact that we’re one of the leaders when
it comes to this kind of transparency.”The Local Government Checkbook is an online data base
outlining all the spending decisions of the county. It can be accessed through
the Missouri State Treasurer’s Show-Me Checkbook website.Sawyer says the name really discloses what you will find by
going to the web page.“It is what it is. So, you get to see what all of our
transactions, whether it’s gravel that we purchased or services that we
provide; all kinds of things,” according to Sawyer. “It’s a neat deal.”Click <a href="https://treasurer.mo.gov/showmecheckbook/">here</a> to access the Local Government Check through the
Missouri State Treasurer’s webpage.

Buchanan County joins Missouri financial transparency page

Missouri Western Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics,
Josh Looney, will be leaving the school to accept a similar post at the
University of North Alabama.

Looney began his career at Missouri Western on August 1st
of 2017, when he was named the eighth Director of Athletics at the St. Joseph
school. He won promotion as Vice
President of Intercollegiate Athletics in July 2019. Looney is also serving as
the Interim Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of
the MWSU Foundation during the 2020-21 academic year.

Looney will begin his new duties
at North Alabama in Florence on September 1st. North Alabama recently
moved from NCAA Division II competition to Division I.

“I am extremely grateful to Josh for all that he has done
for Missouri Western,” Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a
written statement released by the university. “His positive attitude, his work
ethic, his creative problem-solving&nbsp;- these characteristics have been
tremendous assets and inspiration not only to the Department of Athletics but
to the University as a whole. He leaves behind a solid foundation for his
successor to build on and take us to even greater heights. While we will miss
Josh, we’re excited about the journey ahead for him and know that he will
continue to accomplish great things.”

Missouri Western has enjoyed success during his tenure
guiding Griffon sports. 

The university reports that academically,
Griffon student-athletes have set new records for departmental GPA for seven
consecutive semesters. In the community, Missouri Western has been recognized
with three consecutive NCAA Awards of Excellence for its community
contributions.

Eleven different Griffon teams made
NCAA Division II postseason appearances during his tenure.

Looney, who formerly worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, has
been instrumental in keeping the Chiefs at Missouri Western for their training
camp. He negotiated a new multi-year agreement with the NLF team in 2020. The
Chiefs open their 11th training camp at Missouri Western this week.

“My family and I are so grateful for our time at Missouri
Western and in the St. Joseph community,” Looney said
in a written statement. “Our daughters have had the incredible
opportunity to grow up around Griffon student-athletes, and they go to bed most
nights with stories about Max Griffon and 'No Boo-Cats.' Griffon coaches and
student-athletes have accomplished much during the past four years, spanning
many different areas, but the success we've had has always been the result of
'Griffs Supporting Griffs.' It's what makes this place special. Our family will
continue to cheer and support all of the successes that are ahead at MWSU...the
best is yet to come. Thank you and Griff Up!”

Missouri Western says the University will begin the search
for Looney’s successor immediately.

Looney succeed another former Missouri Western Athletic Director
at North Alabama:&nbsp; Mark Linder. Lender
was Missouri Western AD for four years before taking over in Florence in 2007. Lender
stepped down at UNA earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627312304029.jpeg" alt="MWSU&nbsp; Athletics VP Josh Looney/File photo" />
 <figcaption>MWSU&nbsp; Athletics VP Josh Looney/File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics,
Josh Looney, will be leaving the school to accept a similar post at the
University of North Alabama.Looney began his career at Missouri Western on August 1st
of 2017, when he was named the eighth Director of Athletics at the St. Joseph
school. He won promotion as Vice
President of Intercollegiate Athletics in July 2019. Looney is also serving as
the Interim Vice President of University Advancement and Executive Director of
the MWSU Foundation during the 2020-21 academic year.Looney will begin his new duties
at North Alabama in Florence on September 1st. North Alabama recently
moved from NCAA Division II competition to Division I.“I am extremely grateful to Josh for all that he has done
for Missouri Western,” Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy said in a
written statement released by the university. “His positive attitude, his work
ethic, his creative problem-solving&nbsp;- these characteristics have been
tremendous assets and inspiration not only to the Department of Athletics but
to the University as a whole. He leaves behind a solid foundation for his
successor to build on and take us to even greater heights. While we will miss
Josh, we’re excited about the journey ahead for him and know that he will
continue to accomplish great things.”Missouri Western has enjoyed success during his tenure
guiding Griffon sports. The university reports that academically,
Griffon student-athletes have set new records for departmental GPA for seven
consecutive semesters. In the community, Missouri Western has been recognized
with three consecutive NCAA Awards of Excellence for its community
contributions.Eleven different Griffon teams made
NCAA Division II postseason appearances during his tenure.Several facility improvements have taken place under Looney’s
watch, including a full renovation of the MWSU Fieldhouse, the Bill Snyder
Pavilion at Spratt Memorial Stadium, and locker room renovations for several
teams.Looney, who formerly worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, has
been instrumental in keeping the Chiefs at Missouri Western for their training
camp. He negotiated a new multi-year agreement with the NLF team in 2020. The
Chiefs open their 11th training camp at Missouri Western this week.“My family and I are so grateful for our time at Missouri
Western and in the St. Joseph community,” Looney said
in a written statement. “Our daughters have had the incredible
opportunity to grow up around Griffon student-athletes, and they go to bed most
nights with stories about Max Griffon and 'No Boo-Cats.' Griffon coaches and
student-athletes have accomplished much during the past four years, spanning
many different areas, but the success we've had has always been the result of
'Griffs Supporting Griffs.' It's what makes this place special. Our family will
continue to cheer and support all of the successes that are ahead at MWSU...the
best is yet to come. Thank you and Griff Up!”Missouri Western says the University will begin the search
for Looney’s successor immediately.Looney succeed another former Missouri Western Athletic Director
at North Alabama:&nbsp; Mark Linder. Lender
was Missouri Western AD for four years before taking over in Florence in 2007. Lender
stepped down at UNA earlier this year.

MWSU AD Josh Looney leaving for North Alabama job

The use of e-cigarettes is on the rise in teens and young adults according to the St. Joseph Youth Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Youth Alliance Spokeswomen Angela Reynolds says the community is expressing concerns about vaping and the long-term effects vaping will have on users.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“A lot of people don’t realize that most of the vaping products that people are using do contain nicotine, so obviously you have all of the&nbsp;risk factors that you would have with basic cigarettes,” Reynolds tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reynolds says&nbsp;e-cigarettes target a specific audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“They look like jump drives. They are very pretty. They come in colorful designs and they are marketing&nbsp;really towards kids with a lot of their flavoring that they’re having&nbsp;like strawberry, bubble gum, things like that,” says Reynolds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reynolds says using e-cigarettes at a young age makes you more susceptible&nbsp;to long term use.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There’s also some correlation between kids that are vaping and then developing in the&nbsp;future&nbsp;to long-term&nbsp;actual cigarette use,” says Reynolds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reynolds says&nbsp;Nicotine can impact a young person’s brain development. It can hurt their learning, mood, impulse control, attention span, and memory. She adds, nicotine can actually change the&nbsp;brain chemistry and making young people&nbsp;more susceptible to addiction.&nbsp;

By WHITNEE ICE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The use of e-cigarettes is on the rise in teens and young adults according to the St. Joseph Youth Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Youth Alliance Spokeswomen Angela Reynolds says the community is expressing concerns about vaping and the long-term effects vaping will have on users.&nbsp;&nbsp;“A lot of people don’t realize that most of the vaping products that people are using do contain nicotine, so obviously you have all of the&nbsp;risk factors that you would have with basic cigarettes,” Reynolds tells St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reynolds says&nbsp;e-cigarettes target a specific audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;“They look like jump drives. They are very pretty. They come in colorful designs and they are marketing&nbsp;really towards kids with a lot of their flavoring that they’re having&nbsp;like strawberry, bubble gum, things like that,” says Reynolds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reynolds says using e-cigarettes at a young age makes you more susceptible&nbsp;to long term use.&nbsp;&nbsp;“There’s also some correlation between kids that are vaping and then developing in the&nbsp;future&nbsp;to long-term&nbsp;actual cigarette use,” says Reynolds.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reynolds says&nbsp;Nicotine can impact a young person’s brain development. It can hurt their learning, mood, impulse control, attention span, and memory. She adds, nicotine can actually change the&nbsp;brain chemistry and making young people&nbsp;more susceptible to addiction.&nbsp;

E-cigarettes are on the rise of popularity in teens and young adults

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 12a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy truck driven by Wesley H. Darnell, 18, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.

The driver fell asleep. The truck traveled off the west side of the road. The truck returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The truck traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

A private vehicle transported a passenger Megan H. Schussler, 18, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Darnell was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 12a.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy truck driven by Wesley H. Darnell, 18, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 one mile north of Faucett.The driver fell asleep. The truck traveled off the west side of the road. The truck returned to the road and the driver overcorrected. The truck traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.A private vehicle transported a passenger Megan H. Schussler, 18, St. Joseph, to Mosaic Life Care. Darnell was not injured. Both were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

1 hospitalized after St. Joseph teen falls asleep at the wheel

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Cavalier driven by Francisco Medina Flores, 20, San Antonio, Texas, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of U.S. 69.

The car traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the west side of the road and the car overturned.

Daviess County ambulance transported Medina Flores to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy Cavalier driven by Francisco Medina Flores, 20, San Antonio, Texas, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of U.S. 69.The car traveled off the east side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car traveled off the west side of the road and the car overturned.Daviess County ambulance transported Medina Flores to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

20-year-old hospitalized after car overturns

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 7p.m. Saturday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on Prairie Road near 240th Street four miles east of Hiawatha.

The vehicle traveled off the road into the west ditch, continued southbound, jumped a creek, struck an embankment, continued southbound in a ditch, struck a wooden post and rolled on its top in a field.

Authorities did not release additional details Sunday or early Monday.

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 7p.m. Saturday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was southbound on Prairie Road near 240th Street four miles east of Hiawatha.The vehicle traveled off the road into the west ditch, continued southbound, jumped a creek, struck an embankment, continued southbound in a ditch, struck a wooden post and rolled on its top in a field.Authorities did not release additional details Sunday or early Monday.

KHP investigates violent, Brown County crash

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Mercury Sable driven by Dakota L. Wray, 18, Hopkins, was southbound on Fairway Road five miles north of Maryville.

The driver failed to stop at a stop sign at U.S. 71 and traveled into the path of an eastbound 2017 Nisan Sentra driven by Fredrick A. Creamer, 36, Maryville.&nbsp;

The Mercury struck the right rear bumper of the Nissan.

Nodaway County EMS transported a 15-year-old girl from Maryville in the Mercury to Mosaic in Maryville. The drivers were not injured. The 15-year-old girl was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY—A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Mercury Sable driven by Dakota L. Wray, 18, Hopkins, was southbound on Fairway Road five miles north of Maryville.The driver failed to stop at a stop sign at U.S. 71 and traveled into the path of an eastbound 2017 Nisan Sentra driven by Fredrick A. Creamer, 36, Maryville.&nbsp;The Mercury struck the right rear bumper of the Nissan.Nodaway County EMS transported a 15-year-old girl from Maryville in the Mercury to Mosaic in Maryville. The drivers were not injured. The 15-year-old girl was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Maryville teen hospitalized after 2-car crash

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A Nebraska man who set a fire that forced the evacuation of a Missouri county jail has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for arson and other charges.

Ethen Mark Bentley, 29, of Stella, Nebraska, was sentenced July 16 after pleading guilty to first-degree arson for setting a fire in his cell in January at the Nodaway County Jail. Jail officials were forced to evacuate 20 inmates through smoky, narrow hallways. No one was injured.

The inmates were relocated to nearby county jails for about a month while the jail was repaired.

Bentley also pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree domestic assault and one count of felony resisting arrest.

Those charges came after someone saw Bentley assault a woman in a moving vehicle, prosecutors said. He fled when police tried to stop the vehicle and eventually hit a Maryville Public Safety car head on, totaling both vehicles.

As part of the sentence, Bentley was ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627073783192.png" alt="Bentley photo Platte Co" />
 <figcaption>Bentley photo Platte Co</figcaption>
 </figure>MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A Nebraska man who set a fire that forced the evacuation of a Missouri county jail has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for arson and other charges.Ethen Mark Bentley, 29, of Stella, Nebraska, was sentenced July 16 after pleading guilty to first-degree arson for setting a fire in his cell in January at the Nodaway County Jail. Jail officials were forced to evacuate 20 inmates through smoky, narrow hallways. No one was injured.The inmates were relocated to nearby county jails for about a month while the jail was repaired.Bentley also pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree domestic assault and one count of felony resisting arrest.Those charges came after someone saw Bentley assault a woman in a moving vehicle, prosecutors said. He fled when police tried to stop the vehicle and eventually hit a Maryville Public Safety car head on, totaling both vehicles.As part of the sentence, Bentley was ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the county.

Man who set fire to Missouri jail sentenced to prison

KANSAS CITY (AP) - Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless innings, Jorge Soler homered twice and Salvador Perez once to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 win over the Detroit Tigers Sunday.

The Royals took a 4-0 first-inning lead as Perez hit a three-run homer and Soler followed with a solo shot. He also homered in the third.

Lynch (1-2) allowed five hits in earning his first major league win. Just like that, the Royals have won five straight and completed a three-game sweep of Detroit.

The Royals stay home Monday to open a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is set for 7:10, pregame at 6:30 on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). Mike Minor starts on the mound.

St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY (AP) - Daniel Lynch pitched eight scoreless innings, Jorge Soler homered twice and Salvador Perez once to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 6-1 win over the Detroit Tigers Sunday.The Royals took a 4-0 first-inning lead as Perez hit a three-run homer and Soler followed with a solo shot. He also homered in the third.Lynch (1-2) allowed five hits in earning his first major league win. Just like that, the Royals have won five straight and completed a three-game sweep of Detroit.The Royals stay home Monday to open a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is set for 7:10, pregame at 6:30 on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). Mike Minor starts on the mound.

Royals win fifth straight, complete sweep of Detroit Sunday

The St. Joseph Mustangs regular season is in the books, and now they start their quest for a seventh MINK League title Monday, as the Mustangs host Chillicothe in a wildcard playoff game. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

The Mustangs concluded the regular season with a 22-20 record and a second place finish in the MINK League North Division - 3.5 games ahead of Chillicothe.

Clarinda ran away with the North League title with an overall record of 37-5.

Tickets for Monday’s game are $5 for general admission, while reserved box seats can be purchased in the Mustangs gift shop. 

The winner of Monday’s wildcard game advances to play at Clarinda on Tuesday.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Mustangs regular season is in the books, and now they start their quest for a seventh MINK League title Monday, as the Mustangs host Chillicothe in a wildcard playoff game. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.The Mustangs concluded the regular season with a 22-20 record and a second place finish in the MINK League North Division - 3.5 games ahead of Chillicothe.Clarinda ran away with the North League title with an overall record of 37-5.Tickets for Monday’s game are $5 for general admission, while reserved box seats can be purchased in the Mustangs gift shop. The winner of Monday’s wildcard game advances to play at Clarinda on Tuesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoemustangs%2Fposts%2F10159256973579043&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="501" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

St. Joseph Mustangs to host Chillicothe in MINK League wildcard game Monday

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self says he is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. Self, who is fully vaccinated, said in a statement Friday on the school's Twitter account that he was “feeling pretty good right now.” He will isolate at his home in Lawrence.

Self was tested after feeling minor symptoms on Thursday as he was preparing to travel to watch recruits at various tournaments. 

He said two tests confirmed that he has the virus. Self said he believes he would be feeling much worse if he had not been vaccinated, and encouraged people to get the vaccine.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self says he is in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. Self, who is fully vaccinated, said in a statement Friday on the school's Twitter account that he was “feeling pretty good right now.” He will isolate at his home in Lawrence.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBillSelf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBillSelf</a> <a href="https://t.co/2U0EOHyOz8">pic.twitter.com/2U0EOHyOz8</a>&mdash; Kansas Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/1418695211107168260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Self was tested after feeling minor symptoms on Thursday as he was preparing to travel to watch recruits at various tournaments. He said two tests confirmed that he has the virus. Self said he believes he would be feeling much worse if he had not been vaccinated, and encouraged people to get the vaccine.

KU coach Bill Self in isolation after positive COVID-19 test

The Kansas City Chiefs have begun arriving at the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph as training camp activities get underway this weekend.

Rookies and quarterbacks were the first to report Friday, and the team will hold three closed practices Saturday before practices open to the general public on Wednesday.

Patrick Mahomes, who's beginning his fifth season with the Chiefs, was among the first to arrive Friday.

After being confined to the Kansas City facilities for training camp last year due to COVID-19, Mahomes is thrilled to be back in St. Joseph, where camp has been held every year from 2010-2019.

He says it's an especially good time to get more familiar with the rookies on the team, particularly second-round draft pick Creed Humphrey out of Oklahoma, who will be vying for the starting center position behind Austin Blythe.

"Things like training camp in St. Joseph and all being together pretty much every single day, you keep building those relationships that have already been built a little bit," Mahomes said during a Zoom call with reporters Friday. "I think it'll bring us together throughout this month. Not only going out and practicing every single day, but also eating every single meal together and building those relationships."

As for Mahomes' health, he says he feels 100 percent going into camp after recovering from turf toe surgery in February following a 31-9 loss to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl 55.

"I've been training, running, throwing and doing everything I normally do," Mahomes said. "I think what was so good about going to (Organized Team Activities) and doing those things was, I tested it there and realized I was good. Then when I got back with Bobby (Stroupe) and started training in the offseason with him, I was able to do with him what I normally would do."

The Super Bowl loss is well in the rearview by this point, but Mahomes says the sting of that defeat stuck with him for at least a couple of weeks after. However, he views training camp as an opportunity to start fresh and build toward getting better this coming season.

"I think the best thing about getting to training camp is it all starts over," Mahomes said. "No matter how you ended the year before, you get to go in with the mindset of starting from scratch. So, we're excited to do that and are going to try and make another run at it."

Coach Andy Reid, who enters his ninth season with the Chiefs and 29th overall in the NFL, is also thrilled to come back to St. Joseph for camp. He praised Missouri Western personnel for their hospitality during the nearly month-long event.

"We're glad to be back up here in St. Joe," he said. "We love the hospitality they give us up here at Missouri Western State University. From their president (Elizabeth Kennedy) on down, it's just all class and that's obviously why we have returned."

Reid says the best part of training camp is the constant focus on football, but also team comradery.

"There's this concentration of football that you take in here," he said. "You're sleeping and eating in the dorm. You're here and it's football kind of 24/7. That's how it works."

Reid said 30 players total will report to camp, which opens up to media and fans on July 28 and will conclude on August 18. All practices will be held at the Mosaic Training Fields. Nearly every practice will start at 9:15 a.m. A full training camp schedule and details <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/bb4a2c34-f5db-45d5-aed6-162b76ab285b">can be found here</a>.

Most Chiefs players, all Chiefs coaches are vaccinated

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627071930493.jpeg" alt="Chiefs coach Andy Reid addresses reporters during a Zoom call Friday." />
 <figcaption>Chiefs coach Andy Reid addresses reporters during a Zoom call Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs have begun arriving at the Missouri Western campus in St. Joseph as training camp activities get underway this weekend.Rookies and quarterbacks were the first to report Friday, and the team will hold three closed practices Saturday before practices open to the general public on Wednesday.Patrick Mahomes, who's beginning his fifth season with the Chiefs, was among the first to arrive Friday.After being confined to the Kansas City facilities for training camp last year due to COVID-19, Mahomes is thrilled to be back in St. Joseph, where camp has been held every year from 2010-2019.He says it's an especially good time to get more familiar with the rookies on the team, particularly second-round draft pick Creed Humphrey out of Oklahoma, who will be vying for the starting center position behind Austin Blythe."Things like training camp in St. Joseph and all being together pretty much every single day, you keep building those relationships that have already been built a little bit," Mahomes said during a Zoom call with reporters Friday. "I think it'll bring us together throughout this month. Not only going out and practicing every single day, but also eating every single meal together and building those relationships."As for Mahomes' health, he says he feels 100 percent going into camp after recovering from turf toe surgery in February following a 31-9 loss to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl 55."I've been training, running, throwing and doing everything I normally do," Mahomes said. "I think what was so good about going to (Organized Team Activities) and doing those things was, I tested it there and realized I was good. Then when I got back with Bobby (Stroupe) and started training in the offseason with him, I was able to do with him what I normally would do."The Super Bowl loss is well in the rearview by this point, but Mahomes says the sting of that defeat stuck with him for at least a couple of weeks after. However, he views training camp as an opportunity to start fresh and build toward getting better this coming season."I think the best thing about getting to training camp is it all starts over," Mahomes said. "No matter how you ended the year before, you get to go in with the mindset of starting from scratch. So, we're excited to do that and are going to try and make another run at it."Coach Andy Reid, who enters his ninth season with the Chiefs and 29th overall in the NFL, is also thrilled to come back to St. Joseph for camp. He praised Missouri Western personnel for their hospitality during the nearly month-long event."We're glad to be back up here in St. Joe," he said. "We love the hospitality they give us up here at Missouri Western State University. From their president (Elizabeth Kennedy) on down, it's just all class and that's obviously why we have returned."Reid says the best part of training camp is the constant focus on football, but also team comradery."There's this concentration of football that you take in here," he said. "You're sleeping and eating in the dorm. You're here and it's football kind of 24/7. That's how it works."Reid said 30 players total will report to camp, which opens up to media and fans on July 28 and will conclude on August 18. All practices will be held at the Mosaic Training Fields. Nearly every practice will start at 9:15 a.m. A full training camp schedule and details <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/bb4a2c34-f5db-45d5-aed6-162b76ab285b">can be found here</a>.Most Chiefs players, all Chiefs coaches are vaccinatedCoach Reid said 90 percent of the team and the entire Chiefs' coaching staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The NFL announced Thursday that teams could be forced to&nbsp;forfeit a game if there's a COVID-19 outbreak amongst unvaccinated players that would cause a game to be postponed."It's definitely a big deal with that news coming out," Mahomes said. "You don't want to forfeit games, but I think we have guys in the locker room who are vaccinated and guys who are unvaccinated who are going to be smart and not try to hurt the team in any way."Frank Clark will report to camp despite legal troubleChiefs defensive end Frank Clark is expected to report to training camp next week.&nbsp;Clark has had multiple run-ins with police during the offseason in Los Angeles - first in March and again in June.Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Clark earlier this month with felony illegal possession of a firearm in connection to the March arrest. That court case is ongoing. Clark has not been formally charged in connection to the incident in June.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fvideos%2F165787085618617%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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