We have reached the end of the regular season in high school football with week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas. Here's a look at all of the area matchups and finals from Friday night. We now await district pairings!&nbsp;

MEC: Chillicothe 50 (6-3)&nbsp;Benton 21 (1-8) - FINAL

#4 St. Pius X 35 (8-1)&nbsp;Savannah 0 (3-6) - FINAL

Marshall 30 (2-6) Cameron 0 (2-7) - FINAL

Maryville 37 (5-4)&nbsp;Lafayette 6 (6-3) - FINAL

#8 Bishop LeBlond 32 (8-1) Northwest (Hughesville) 30 (5-4) - FINAL - Eagles overcome a 22-6 halftime deficit.

KCI: #2 Mid-Buchanan 28 (9-0) #8 West Platte 12 (7-2) - FINAL - The Dragons win back-to-back KCI Conference titles and finish with back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.

Lathrop 51 (3-6)&nbsp;Plattsburg 7 (1-8) - FINAL - Third straight win for the Mules, and they win the 100th meeting with Plattsburg.

#5 East Buchanan 57 (8-1) North Platte 8 (0-9) - FINAL

GRC Albany 84 (4-5)&nbsp;Pattonsburg 0 (3-6) - FINAL

North Andrew 68 (4-4) @ Southwest Livingston 20 (3-6) - FINAL

#6 King City 48 (7-2) St. Joseph Christian 0 (0-9) - FINAL

#1 Worth County 76 (9-0)&nbsp;#5 Stanberry 16 (5-3) - FINAL

Milan 28 (5-4)&nbsp;Maysville 12 (3-6) - FINAL

Gallatin 48 (7-2) Princeton 8 (0-9) - FINAL - Bulldogs win their fifth straight.

Putnam County 20 (3-6)&nbsp;Polo 16 (6-3) - FINAL

South Harrison 25 (5-4)&nbsp;Trenton 24 (4-5) - FINAL OT

275 DeKalb 52 (1-8)&nbsp;Stewartsville-Osborn 38 (1-7) - FINAL

#9 South Holt 22 (7-2) Nodaway Valley 6 (2-7) - FINAL - The Knights get their sixth straight win.

Rock Port 26 (6-3)&nbsp;Mound City 20 (4-5) - FINAL - Micah Makings had a two-yard winning TD with two seconds left.

Platte Valley 28 (7-2)&nbsp;#3 East Atchison 26 (8-1) - FINAL

Greater KC Suburban Conference #7 Park Hill South 51 (9-0) St. Joseph Central 27 (1-8) - FINAL (Thursday)

#4 Platte County 39 (7-2)&nbsp;Lansing, KS 3 (2-6) - FINAL

Kansas games: Atchison 21 (7-1) Washington 20 (3-4) - FINAL

Troy 40 (4-4)&nbsp;Horton 12 (0-8) - FINAL

Burlingame 36 (5-2)&nbsp;Doniphan West 28 (3-5) - FINAL OT

Maur Hill-Prep Mount Academy 24 (3-4)&nbsp;Riverside 21 (0-8) - FINAL

More scores<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/scoreboard/">&nbsp;can be found here</a>.

Tune into KFEQ again tonight for this season's final episode of 'Friday Night Lights' from 8-10 p.m.! We'll have two hours of scores, interviews, analysis and more! Listen on 680 AM, 95.3 FM, 680kfeq.com and the KFEQ mobile app.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634935278702.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWe have reached the end of the regular season in high school football with week 9 in Missouri and week 8 in Kansas. Here's a look at all of the area matchups and finals from Friday night. We now await district pairings!&nbsp; MEC: Chillicothe 50 (6-3)&nbsp;Benton 21 (1-8) - FINAL#4 St. Pius X 35 (8-1)&nbsp;Savannah 0 (3-6) - FINALMarshall 30 (2-6) Cameron 0 (2-7) - FINALMaryville 37 (5-4)&nbsp;Lafayette 6 (6-3) - FINAL#8 Bishop LeBlond 32 (8-1) Northwest (Hughesville) 30 (5-4) - FINAL - Eagles overcome a 22-6 halftime deficit.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/LeBlond-head-football-coach-Chuck-Davis-e196fgr" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>KCI: #2 Mid-Buchanan 28 (9-0) #8 West Platte 12 (7-2) - FINAL - The Dragons win back-to-back KCI Conference titles and finish with back-to-back undefeated regular seasons.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Mid-Buchanan-coach-Aaron-Fritz-e196f9t" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Lathrop 51 (3-6)&nbsp;Plattsburg 7 (1-8) - FINAL - Third straight win for the Mules, and they win the 100th meeting with Plattsburg.#5 East Buchanan 57 (8-1) North Platte 8 (0-9) - FINAL<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/East-Buchanan-coach-Dan-Ritter-e196fd2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Hamilton 41 (6-3) Lawson 0 (2-7) - FINAL<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Hamilton-head-coach-Alexander-Lloyd-e196fet" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>GRC Albany 84 (4-5)&nbsp;Pattonsburg 0 (3-6) - FINALNorth Andrew 68 (4-4) @ Southwest Livingston 20 (3-6) - FINAL#6 King City 48 (7-2) St. Joseph Christian 0 (0-9) - FINAL#1 Worth County 76 (9-0)&nbsp;#5 Stanberry 16 (5-3) - FINALMilan 28 (5-4)&nbsp;Maysville 12 (3-6) - FINALGallatin 48 (7-2) Princeton 8 (0-9) - FINAL - Bulldogs win their fifth straight.Putnam County 20 (3-6)&nbsp;Polo 16 (6-3) - FINALSouth Harrison 25 (5-4)&nbsp;Trenton 24 (4-5) - FINAL OT275 DeKalb 52 (1-8)&nbsp;Stewartsville-Osborn 38 (1-7) - FINAL<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/DeKalb-head-coach-Kaleb-Wardlow-e196fii" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>#9 South Holt 22 (7-2) Nodaway Valley 6 (2-7) - FINAL - The Knights get their sixth straight win.<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/South-Holt-head-coach-Josh-Petersen-e196fk8" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Rock Port 26 (6-3)&nbsp;Mound City 20 (4-5) - FINAL - Micah Makings had a two-yard winning TD with two seconds left.Platte Valley 28 (7-2)&nbsp;#3 East Atchison 26 (8-1) - FINALGreater KC Suburban Conference #7 Park Hill South 51 (9-0) St. Joseph Central 27 (1-8) - FINAL (Thursday)#4 Platte County 39 (7-2)&nbsp;Lansing, KS 3 (2-6) - FINALKansas games: Atchison 21 (7-1) Washington 20 (3-4) - FINALTroy 40 (4-4)&nbsp;Horton 12 (0-8) - FINALBurlingame 36 (5-2)&nbsp;Doniphan West 28 (3-5) - FINAL OTMaur Hill-Prep Mount Academy 24 (3-4)&nbsp;Riverside 21 (0-8) - FINALHiawatha (4-3) @ Sabetha (3-4) - missingMore scores<a href="https://www.680kfeq.com/scoreboard/">&nbsp;can be found here</a>.Tune into KFEQ again tonight for this season's final episode of 'Friday Night Lights' from 8-10 p.m.! We'll have two hours of scores, interviews, analysis and more! Listen on 680 AM, 95.3 FM, 680kfeq.com and the KFEQ mobile app.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630711670029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area football matchups and scoreboard - October 22, 2021

The House Agriculture Committee Thursday moved several bills through the committee, including the Cattle Contract Library Act. The legislation, announced earlier this week, saw wide support from the agriculture industry. 

Representative Cindy Axne, an Iowa Democrat on the House Ag Committee, says, “The bill we’ve passed today is just one piece of what is needed,” adding, “There’s more that we must do to support transparency and increase competition in our cattle markets.” 

The committee also passed a bill that would provide $100 million in additional funds and make permanent the student scholarship program for students at the nineteen 1890 Colleges and Universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other bills passed through the committee include the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, the, National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act, and the Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act. 

Speaking of the scholarships bill, Chairman David Scott says, “I deeply and sincerely appreciate both my Democratic and Republican Members of Congress for their strong bipartisan support.”

The House Agriculture Committee Thursday moved several bills through the committee, including the Cattle Contract Library Act. The legislation, announced earlier this week, saw wide support from the agriculture industry. Representative Cindy Axne, an Iowa Democrat on the House Ag Committee, says, “The bill we’ve passed today is just one piece of what is needed,” adding, “There’s more that we must do to support transparency and increase competition in our cattle markets.” The committee also passed a bill that would provide $100 million in additional funds and make permanent the student scholarship program for students at the nineteen 1890 Colleges and Universities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Other bills passed through the committee include the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, the, National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act, and the Pyrolysis Innovation Grants Act. Speaking of the scholarships bill, Chairman David Scott says, “I deeply and sincerely appreciate both my Democratic and Republican Members of Congress for their strong bipartisan support.”

Thursday a busy day for House Ag Committee

While traveling in Iowa this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered his support to striking John Deere workers. Visiting union members outside a Deere and Company plant in Iowa, the Secretary told picketers, "You work hard, and you deserve a fair price and a fair deal," according to Reuters. 

The Deere employees, represented by the United Auto Workers, are joining thousands of others who have gone on strike in recent months. The workers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. 

Vilsack told the workers he would be happy to tell Deere Chief Executive Officer John May how important it is to resolve the dispute quickly and fairly. 

Officials with Deere have repeatedly insisted they want to resolve the strike and maintain their workers status as the best paid in the industry. The strike began earlier this month after 90 percent of hourly workers rejected the company’s contract offer. Roughly 10,000 employees are on strike at 14 Deere locations in the United States.

While traveling in Iowa this week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered his support to striking John Deere workers. Visiting union members outside a Deere and Company plant in Iowa, the Secretary told picketers, "You work hard, and you deserve a fair price and a fair deal," according to Reuters. The Deere employees, represented by the United Auto Workers, are joining thousands of others who have gone on strike in recent months. The workers are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. Vilsack told the workers he would be happy to tell Deere Chief Executive Officer John May how important it is to resolve the dispute quickly and fairly. Officials with Deere have repeatedly insisted they want to resolve the strike and maintain their workers status as the best paid in the industry. The strike began earlier this month after 90 percent of hourly workers rejected the company’s contract offer. Roughly 10,000 employees are on strike at 14 Deere locations in the United States.

Vilsack offers support to striking Deere workers

The FCC this week announced that it is ready to authorize nearly $550 million in its third round of funding for new broadband deployments through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.&nbsp; 

Together with two prior funding wave announcements, the FCC has now announced over $1 billion in funding to winning bidders for new deployments. In this funding wave, 11 broadband providers will bring fiber-to-the-home gigabit broadband service to over 180,000 locations in 19 states. 

Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says, “Broadband is an essential service and during the pandemic we’ve seen just how critical it is for families, schools, hospitals, and businesses to have affordable internet access.” The FCC also denied several waiver petitions by companies that did not diligently pursue their applications. 

The 19 states slated for funding are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

The FCC this week announced that it is ready to authorize nearly $550 million in its third round of funding for new broadband deployments through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.&nbsp; Together with two prior funding wave announcements, the FCC has now announced over $1 billion in funding to winning bidders for new deployments. In this funding wave, 11 broadband providers will bring fiber-to-the-home gigabit broadband service to over 180,000 locations in 19 states. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says, “Broadband is an essential service and during the pandemic we’ve seen just how critical it is for families, schools, hospitals, and businesses to have affordable internet access.” The FCC also denied several waiver petitions by companies that did not diligently pursue their applications. The 19 states slated for funding are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.&nbsp;

FCC announces broadband funding through Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a joint statement following bilateral meetings between Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary. 

Vilsack and Victor Villalobos met in Ames, Iowa, Wednesday, with meetings focused on agriculture trade between the two countries. In the statement, the leaders say, “We reaffirm the importance of our two nations’ exceptional agricultural trading relationship.” 

The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to advance rural prosperity and to fulfill a shared responsibility to protect agricultural systems and producers, according to USDA. That includes collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of African swine fever and other animal and plant diseases and pests. 

The two also addressed climate change, saying, “our farmers, ranchers and producers are on the front lines dealing with the increasingly urgent challenges of climate change.” The pair expressed confidence that the U.S. and Mexico agriculture sectors will be a key part of the solution.

The Department of Agriculture Wednesday released a joint statement following bilateral meetings between Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary. Vilsack and Victor Villalobos met in Ames, Iowa, Wednesday, with meetings focused on agriculture trade between the two countries. In the statement, the leaders say, “We reaffirm the importance of our two nations’ exceptional agricultural trading relationship.” The discussions highlighted the importance of continuing to work together to advance rural prosperity and to fulfill a shared responsibility to protect agricultural systems and producers, according to USDA. That includes collaborative efforts to prevent the spread of African swine fever and other animal and plant diseases and pests. The two also addressed climate change, saying, “our farmers, ranchers and producers are on the front lines dealing with the increasingly urgent challenges of climate change.” The pair expressed confidence that the U.S. and Mexico agriculture sectors will be a key part of the solution.

Vilsack, Villalobos meeting focused on trade, ASF and climate change

House lawmakers Wednesday announced a bill to create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Marketing Service Department. 

Cattlemen are currently unaware of contract terms offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson and Texas Democrat Henry Cueller introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. 

USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef &amp; Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. 

Representative Johnson states, “Data drives marketing decisions and a contract library will provide much-needed leverage for independent producers.” 

The legislation received broad support from the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Farmers Union, and the Livestock Marketing Association.

House lawmakers Wednesday announced a bill to create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Marketing Service Department. Cattlemen are currently unaware of contract terms offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. South Dakota Republican Dusty Johnson and Texas Democrat Henry Cueller introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef &amp; Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. Representative Johnson states, “Data drives marketing decisions and a contract library will provide much-needed leverage for independent producers.” The legislation received broad support from the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Farmers Union, and the Livestock Marketing Association.

House lawmakers introduce Cattle Library Contracts Bill

Brazil is partially halting beef production intended for China while waiting on China to lift an export ban. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry made the announcement while claiming China is taking too long to lift the ban. 

The suspension started on September 4 when Brazil confirmed two atypical cases of mad cow disease, and followed existing trade protocols between Brazil and China. 

The ministry has also temporarily allowed beef processors to store for up to 60 days meat produced before China's suspension took place, according to Reuters. 

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry announced this week its Agriculture Minister is willing to travel to China to discuss with Chinese counterparts a potential end to the ban. 

The World Organization for Animal Health last month said it won’t make any change to Brazil’s status as a “negligible risk” country for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, the scientific term for mad cow disease. Brazilian beef accounts for 40 percent of China’s imports.

Brazil is partially halting beef production intended for China while waiting on China to lift an export ban. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry made the announcement while claiming China is taking too long to lift the ban. The suspension started on September 4 when Brazil confirmed two atypical cases of mad cow disease, and followed existing trade protocols between Brazil and China. The ministry has also temporarily allowed beef processors to store for up to 60 days meat produced before China's suspension took place, according to Reuters. Brazil's Agriculture Ministry announced this week its Agriculture Minister is willing to travel to China to discuss with Chinese counterparts a potential end to the ban. The World Organization for Animal Health last month said it won’t make any change to Brazil’s status as a “negligible risk” country for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, the scientific term for mad cow disease. Brazilian beef accounts for 40 percent of China’s imports.

Brazil partially halting beef production over China export ban

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.

In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.

District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.

Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.

The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.

The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.

A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634596496067.png" alt="The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV" />
 <figcaption>The strike began Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract that would have delivered 5% raises to some workers and 6% raises to others depending on their positions in the factory.-Photo courtesy WQAD TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order that details how picketing workers at the Deere &amp; Co. plant in Davenport must conduct themselves.In seeking the injunction Wednesday, Deere officials alleged that striking workers had disrupted access to the Davenport Works plant and put others at risk.District Court Judge Marlita Greve ordered the union to allow only four picketers at a time near the gates of the plant. The order also banned the use of chairs and barrel fires, and prohibited picketers from harassing or intimidating people entering and leaving the plant.Deere spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said the company sought the injunction to provide a safe environment for contractors and employees, including those participating in the strike.The injunction prohibits picketing or congregating “near the Contractor Gate entrance,” which is regarded a neutral gate that cannot be picketed, according to Deere.The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-united-auto-workers-moline-strikes-447c2d911c1314c247011522e30f9bd2">went on strike&nbsp;</a>on Oct. 14 after union members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed contract. Contract negotiations have resumed.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack met with striking workers Wednesday at Deere’s plant in Ankeny. Vilsack told the union workers that he stood with them, noting the UAW had long supported him in his political career, WHO-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://who13.com/news/tom-vilsack-repays-support-to-uaw-members-with-visit-to-john-deere-picket-line/" target="_blank">reported</a>.A contract would cover 10,000 striking workers at 14 Deere plants, including seven in Iowa, four in Illinois and one each in Kansas, Colorado and Georgia.

Restraining order: Strike at Deere plants moves into 2nd week

The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service Tuesday announced a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. 

The agency is initiating several activities to gather data and information necessary to support future action and move closer to the national target of a 25 percent reduction in Salmonella illnesses. 

Despite consistent reductions in the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products, more than one million consumer illnesses due to Salmonella occur annually, and 23 percent of those illnesses are due to consumption of chicken and turkey. 

USDA intends to seek stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies, including pilot projects, in poultry slaughter and processing establishments. 

A key component of the approach is encouraging preharvest controls to reduce Salmonella contamination coming into the slaughterhouse. The data generated from pilots will be used to determine if a different approach could reduce Salmonella illness in consumers.

The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service Tuesday announced a stronger and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency is initiating several activities to gather data and information necessary to support future action and move closer to the national target of a 25 percent reduction in Salmonella illnesses. Despite consistent reductions in the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products, more than one million consumer illnesses due to Salmonella occur annually, and 23 percent of those illnesses are due to consumption of chicken and turkey. USDA intends to seek stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies, including pilot projects, in poultry slaughter and processing establishments. A key component of the approach is encouraging preharvest controls to reduce Salmonella contamination coming into the slaughterhouse. The data generated from pilots will be used to determine if a different approach could reduce Salmonella illness in consumers.

USDA launches new effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to poultry

The amount of farmland being sold increased since the first of the year and charged ahead during the pre-harvest time frame recently. The increased selling will continue through the fall land sales season and most likely into early winter, according to Farmers National Company. 

The boost in selling interest by landowners has been largely driven by strong land prices in the past twelve months. A normal amount of land is sold into the open market each year by estates and recent inheritors who decide to sell the newly owned asset instead of keeping it. 

This often happens with larger family groups who conclude that it is easier to settle the estate with cash instead of land. However, several other reasons are bringing more landowners to conclude that now is the time to sell. 

Landowners cite high land prices, succession planning, and trading into better quality land. Others cite the uncertainty in tax policy being discussed in Washington.

The amount of farmland being sold increased since the first of the year and charged ahead during the pre-harvest time frame recently. The increased selling will continue through the fall land sales season and most likely into early winter, according to Farmers National Company. The boost in selling interest by landowners has been largely driven by strong land prices in the past twelve months. A normal amount of land is sold into the open market each year by estates and recent inheritors who decide to sell the newly owned asset instead of keeping it. This often happens with larger family groups who conclude that it is easier to settle the estate with cash instead of land. However, several other reasons are bringing more landowners to conclude that now is the time to sell. Landowners cite high land prices, succession planning, and trading into better quality land. Others cite the uncertainty in tax policy being discussed in Washington.

Farmland sales expected to be especially brisk

This week, more than 80 agricultural groups filed formal objections to the Environmental Protection Agency’s August 30 rule to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos. Stakeholders can object to pesticide tolerance changes or cancellations, and the EPA Administrator must then respond. 

In the coalition letter, the agriculture sector cited numerous concerns with EPA's revocation decision, including the processes EPA used and lack of scientific basis. 

EPA's scientific record on chlorpyrifos shows many safe uses of the chemistry do not pose a dietary or environmental risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, the coalition charges, the agency is opting to revoke tolerances for these safe, low-risk uses.&nbsp; 

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called the EPA action shortsighted, saying, “Taking care of the land and our natural resources is a top priority for farmers, and this revocation rule actually makes it harder for us to do that.” Additionally, EPA’s rule revokes tolerances on crop uses where many growers have few or no alternatives.

This week, more than 80 agricultural groups filed formal objections to the Environmental Protection Agency’s August 30 rule to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos. Stakeholders can object to pesticide tolerance changes or cancellations, and the EPA Administrator must then respond. In the coalition letter, the agriculture sector cited numerous concerns with EPA's revocation decision, including the processes EPA used and lack of scientific basis. EPA's scientific record on chlorpyrifos shows many safe uses of the chemistry do not pose a dietary or environmental risk.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regardless, the coalition charges, the agency is opting to revoke tolerances for these safe, low-risk uses.&nbsp; American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall called the EPA action shortsighted, saying, “Taking care of the land and our natural resources is a top priority for farmers, and this revocation rule actually makes it harder for us to do that.” Additionally, EPA’s rule revokes tolerances on crop uses where many growers have few or no alternatives.

Ag groups formally object to EPA Chlorpyrifos rule

GRUNDY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Peterbilt tractor driven by Paul G. England, 52, Marshall, was northbound on U.S. 65 at Route C in Spikard.

The truck struck a 2011 Lincoln MKZ driven by Samantha R. Lynch, 28, Trenton, who was making a left turn onto Route C from U.S. 65.

A private vehicle transported a 4-year-old boy in the Lincoln to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Peterbilt tractor driven by Paul G. England, 52, Marshall, was northbound on U.S. 65 at Route C in Spikard.The truck struck a 2011 Lincoln MKZ driven by Samantha R. Lynch, 28, Trenton, who was making a left turn onto Route C from U.S. 65.A private vehicle transported a 4-year-old boy in the Lincoln to Wright Memorial Hospital. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4-year-old Missouri boy injured after semi tractor, car crash

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Michael A. Minnick, 35, Wheeling, was southbound in an alley off 2nd Street in Braymer. A 2013 Nissan Sentra driven by Tammy K. Clearhout, 50, Braymer, was northbound in another alley. The front of the Pontiac struck the front of the Nissan.

Caldwell County EMS transported Cearhout to Hedrick Medical Center. Minnick was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Michael A. Minnick, 35, Wheeling, was southbound in an alley off 2nd Street in Braymer. A 2013 Nissan Sentra driven by Tammy K. Clearhout, 50, Braymer, was northbound in another alley. The front of the Pontiac struck the front of the Nissan.Caldwell County EMS transported Cearhout to Hedrick Medical Center. Minnick was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after head-on crash in an alley

BROWN COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 International semi driven by Michael J. Palmer, 36, Topeka, was eastbound on Kansas 246 three miles east of Scandia. The truck&nbsp;left the roadway and rolled into the south ditch.

EMS transported Palmer Stormont Vail. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Friday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 International semi driven by Michael J. Palmer, 36, Topeka, was eastbound on Kansas 246 three miles east of Scandia. The truck&nbsp;left the roadway and rolled into the south ditch.EMS transported Palmer Stormont Vail. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man injured after semi rolls into ditch

St. Joseph Police are investigating a possible threat to Central High School that was made on social media.

Police and St. Joseph School District officials were made aware of a threat at least a day ago.&nbsp;

Officers enhanced security at the school Friday, but are unsure of the threat's credibility. Numerous parents were seen picking up their students from Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools during the day Friday.

St. Joseph Police and school district officials have not yet elaborated on the exact nature of the threat. The incident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631723141626.jpeg" alt="Central High School." />
 <figcaption>Central High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Police are investigating a possible threat to Central High School that was made on social media.Police and St. Joseph School District officials were made aware of a threat at least a day ago.&nbsp;Officers enhanced security at the school Friday, but are unsure of the threat's credibility. Numerous parents were seen picking up their students from Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools during the day Friday.St. Joseph Police and school district officials have not yet elaborated on the exact nature of the threat. The incident remains under investigation.

Police investigate threat made to St. Joseph Central High School

Lake Avenue in St. Joseph has been reopened after a shooting incident involving St. Joseph&nbsp;police officers early Friday morning.

The area was closed for a few hours with several officers on the scene. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. on the city's south side.

Officers were called to the area for a reported vehicle crash involving a minivan. The van fled the scene when they arrived.

The suspects exchanged gunfire with officers after they abandoned the van on Lake Avenue between Michigan and Ohio streets. The incident remains under investigation.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostLake Avenue in St. Joseph has been reopened after a shooting incident involving St. Joseph&nbsp;police officers early Friday morning.The area was closed for a few hours with several officers on the scene. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. on the city's south side.Officers were called to the area for a reported vehicle crash involving a minivan. The van fled the scene when they arrived.The suspects exchanged gunfire with officers after they abandoned the van on Lake Avenue between Michigan and Ohio streets. The incident remains under investigation.

St. Joseph Police investigate officer-involved shooting incident Friday

GOWER, Mo. (AP) — Workers began digging holes this week to erect an 8-foot wall outside a northwest Missouri abbey after shots were fired into the abbey's walls at least four times in the last two years.

The Clinton County Sheriff's office said it is investigating the shootings at the abbey for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles near Gower but has not identified any suspects.

The last shooting in March sent bullets into Mother Abbess Cecilia's bedroom, <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shootings-catholic-abbey-benedictines-of-mary-queen-of-apostles-clinton-county/38017670?fbclid=IwAR26P5hOlbBuGVmeddYnnYjmX75jx6QZUXAjxl0sMK72ClWTFEiu4QWEjTg#">KMBC reported.</a> Two other shootings were in February and the first was reported in July 2019.

Mother Cecilia said she doesn't believe the shots were from hunters or nearby property because they happened late in the evening.

“There’s more to life than shooting at sisters,” Mother Cecilia said. “We’re just trying to live a life given to God, praying for them, praying for the world.”

Gower is about 37 miles north of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634846263682.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>GOWER, Mo. (AP) — Workers began digging holes this week to erect an 8-foot wall outside a northwest Missouri abbey after shots were fired into the abbey's walls at least four times in the last two years.The Clinton County Sheriff's office said it is investigating the shootings at the abbey for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles near Gower but has not identified any suspects.No one has been injured.The last shooting in March sent bullets into Mother Abbess Cecilia's bedroom, <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shootings-catholic-abbey-benedictines-of-mary-queen-of-apostles-clinton-county/38017670?fbclid=IwAR26P5hOlbBuGVmeddYnnYjmX75jx6QZUXAjxl0sMK72ClWTFEiu4QWEjTg#">KMBC reported.</a> Two other shootings were in February and the first was reported in July 2019.Mother Cecilia said she doesn't believe the shots were from hunters or nearby property because they happened late in the evening.“There’s more to life than shooting at sisters,” Mother Cecilia said. “We’re just trying to live a life given to God, praying for them, praying for the world.”Gower is about 37 miles north of Kansas City.

Sheriff investigates after shots fired at NW Missouri abbey

The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art will be holding fun events here at the end of the year looking to draw more people in.

Jill Carlson with the museum says the first event will be to show off a brand new driveway the museum added on the west side of the property, a ribbon cutting will be held on Friday.

With the new driveway also comes a new sculpture outside of the museum, one that Carlson says really makes a statement about what the building is as people look at it from the outside.

"I think it really says to people on the street this is an art museum, this is much more visible a reminder that we're not just a historic home on Frederick, we're not just another house, we are a museum, we're an art museum as well," Carlson tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We're the only art museum in St. Joseph and really in northwest Missouri."

Carlson says the statue, designed by Brent Collins of Gower, reminds her of a double helix sits in the front yard of the museum.

You can find more information about the Albrecht Kemper Museum and upcoming events at the link with this story on stjosephpost.com

The museum of Art is holding fun events over the next few weeks, including one coming up on Monday

Carlson says the annual witches tea is a fun Halloween time event held by the museum, but what exactly is a witches tea?

"It is a fundraiser for the museum and also an extremely fun themed, sort of Halloween themed, event," Carlson says enthusiastically. 

The event will include a gourmet meal as well as many fun activities, including specialty vendors in the "Boo-tique".  

Eric Fuson also with the museum says this is an especially fun event if you like getting dressed up.

"These are they type of thing that if you ever go to an event and you wish everybody dressed up, that's what happens here, if you don't at least a witches hat on you're the odd one out that's for sure," Fuson says.

The Christmas season, as much as some may not want to admit, is getting evercloser, and the museum is also prepared to help celebrate that.

The long lasting annual Sugarplum Festival is back again this year in the second week of November at the museum. 

Fuson says that there is just something magical about the museum building around the holiday time that has helped make the event so long lasting.&nbsp;

"I think a lot of it has to do with the place that it's in, it's a magic place, and it transforms completely," Fuson explains to Birr. "We take down all the art work so it really just transforms into Christmas and that holiday season, which it's just noticeable, you know, you really walk in and wham it's a different place and it is magic, it really is." 

The Sugarplum festival features many specialty crafts, local small businesses as well as live music performances and will run November 11-13th. 

You can find out more information about this years Sugarplum festival <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/sugarplum/">HERE</a>, as well as information about other events at the museum, including the witches tea, <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/">HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634840209985.jpeg" alt="A new sculpture created by Gowers&nbsp;Brent Collins adorns the front yard of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, along its new driveway/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>A new sculpture created by Gowers&nbsp;Brent Collins adorns the front yard of the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, along its new driveway/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art will be holding fun events here at the end of the year looking to draw more people in.Jill Carlson with the museum says the first event will be to show off a brand new driveway the museum added on the west side of the property, a ribbon cutting will be held on Friday.With the new driveway also comes a new sculpture outside of the museum, one that Carlson says really makes a statement about what the building is as people look at it from the outside."I think it really says to people on the street this is an art museum, this is much more visible a reminder that we're not just a historic home on Frederick, we're not just another house, we are a museum, we're an art museum as well," Carlson tells Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "We're the only art museum in St. Joseph and really in northwest Missouri."Carlson says the statue, designed by Brent Collins of Gower, reminds her of a double helix sits in the front yard of the museum.You can find more information about the Albrecht Kemper Museum and upcoming events at the link with this story on stjosephpost.comThe museum of Art is holding fun events over the next few weeks, including one coming up on MondayCarlson says the annual witches tea is a fun Halloween time event held by the museum, but what exactly is a witches tea?"It is a fundraiser for the museum and also an extremely fun themed, sort of Halloween themed, event," Carlson says enthusiastically. The event will include a gourmet meal as well as many fun activities, including specialty vendors in the "Boo-tique". Eric Fuson also with the museum says this is an especially fun event if you like getting dressed up."These are they type of thing that if you ever go to an event and you wish everybody dressed up, that's what happens here, if you don't at least a witches hat on you're the odd one out that's for sure," Fuson says.The Christmas season, as much as some may not want to admit, is getting evercloser, and the museum is also prepared to help celebrate that.The long lasting annual Sugarplum Festival is back again this year in the second week of November at the museum. Fuson says that there is just something magical about the museum building around the holiday time that has helped make the event so long lasting.&nbsp;"I think a lot of it has to do with the place that it's in, it's a magic place, and it transforms completely," Fuson explains to Birr. "We take down all the art work so it really just transforms into Christmas and that holiday season, which it's just noticeable, you know, you really walk in and wham it's a different place and it is magic, it really is." The Sugarplum festival features many specialty crafts, local small businesses as well as live music performances and will run November 11-13th. You can find out more information about this years Sugarplum festival <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/sugarplum/">HERE</a>, as well as information about other events at the museum, including the witches tea, <a href="http://albrecht-kemper.org/events/">HERE</a>

New look and fun events look to draw more people to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art

St. Joseph police have been seeing more and more dangerous
overdoses, such as the one that led to the death of a Chillicothe teen earlier
this week.

St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says opioid overdoses
have become such a problem concerned citizens have begun holding an annual
opioid awareness event each August at Civic Center Park. Connally made a point
to attend this year.

“The more powerful part of the event was some of those that
have overcome opioid problems speaking about what it took to overcome opioid
problems, the things that made a difference in their life to help them get on
the right track to turn it around,” Connally tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.

Connally says the counterfeit drugs, such as those found in
the system of the 17-year-old Chillicothe girl, are often laced with fentanyl,
a powerful synthetic opioid.

Connally says opioid addiction is a terribly difficult
addiction to break.

“There’s a lot of very committed people in our community that
work hard to work with folks to get help them get it turned around,” Connally
says.

Connally says law enforcement cannot solve the problem by
itself. He says it will take an entire community commitment. But, Connally
cautions there are a lot of different views about how best to tackle the
problem.

“There’s got to be a negative consequence if we’re going to
make more progress,” Connally says. “But I think when you bring things like the
Opioid Task Force around, you get all different minds around, attacking it from
different directions that what it’s going to continue to take.”

Connally says opioid overdoses have become so common that his
officers carry NARCAN with them at all times. NARCAN, the product name of naloxone,
is a nasal spray that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572037176389.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police have been seeing more and more dangerous
overdoses, such as the one that led to the death of a Chillicothe teen earlier
this week.St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally says opioid overdoses
have become such a problem concerned citizens have begun holding an annual
opioid awareness event each August at Civic Center Park. Connally made a point
to attend this year.“The more powerful part of the event was some of those that
have overcome opioid problems speaking about what it took to overcome opioid
problems, the things that made a difference in their life to help them get on
the right track to turn it around,” Connally tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ
Hotline.Connally says the counterfeit drugs, such as those found in
the system of the 17-year-old Chillicothe girl, are often laced with fentanyl,
a powerful synthetic opioid.Connally says opioid addiction is a terribly difficult
addiction to break.“There’s a lot of very committed people in our community that
work hard to work with folks to get help them get it turned around,” Connally
says.Connally says law enforcement cannot solve the problem by
itself. He says it will take an entire community commitment. But, Connally
cautions there are a lot of different views about how best to tackle the
problem.“There’s got to be a negative consequence if we’re going to
make more progress,” Connally says. “But I think when you bring things like the
Opioid Task Force around, you get all different minds around, attacking it from
different directions that what it’s going to continue to take.”Connally says opioid overdoses have become so common that his
officers carry NARCAN with them at all times. NARCAN, the product name of naloxone,
is a nasal spray that can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

Death in Chillicothe raises fears of counterfeit drug dangers

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy driven by a 15-year-old girl from Jamesport was eastbound on MO 190 one mile north of Lock Springs.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected, traveled off the west side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY —A Missouri teen was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Daviess County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy driven by a 15-year-old girl from Jamesport was eastbound on MO 190 one mile north of Lock Springs.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road. The driver overcorrected, traveled off the west side of the road and overturned. A private vehicle transported the teen to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Daviess County teen injured after vehicle overturns

Snowy weather is just around the corner. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, Oct. 21. With high turnover rates and many positions still open, the training is more critical than ever.

“With nearly 20% of our plow operators with less than one year of experience, this training drill is important to be ready when snow flies,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations officer. “One of the most valuable parts of the drill is it allows our newest employees the opportunity to drive a snowplow over their designated routes so they are aware of curbs and raised islands that might be hidden in snow or ice.”

Despite the department’s best efforts, it has not made progress filling the winter operations vacancies. Additionally, the department is experiencing record high turnover, including more than 70 employees leaving every month for the past six months. “We are several hundred employees below what we need in order to cover more than one shift in a statewide storm,” said Patrick McKenna, MoDOT director. “If a widespread winter storm lasts more than one 12-hour shift, we will not have enough employees to fill all the trucks on the second shift and therefore it will take longer to clear the roads.”

During the drill, motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. The exercise should be completed by 3 p.m.

MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.

“The drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee,” said Allmeroth. “In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely.”

MoDOT spent more than $58 million on winter operations last year and used over 139,000 tons of salt; 2.8 million gallons of salt brine; and nearly 490,000 gallons of beet juice. MoDOT has purchased 118,000 tons of salt to refill salt supplies and has a total of 240,000 tons available for use statewide this winter.

For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information you can click <a href="https://www.modot.org/">HERE</a>

Snowy weather is just around the corner. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, Oct. 21. With high turnover rates and many positions still open, the training is more critical than ever.“With nearly 20% of our plow operators with less than one year of experience, this training drill is important to be ready when snow flies,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations officer. “One of the most valuable parts of the drill is it allows our newest employees the opportunity to drive a snowplow over their designated routes so they are aware of curbs and raised islands that might be hidden in snow or ice.”Despite the department’s best efforts, it has not made progress filling the winter operations vacancies. Additionally, the department is experiencing record high turnover, including more than 70 employees leaving every month for the past six months. “We are several hundred employees below what we need in order to cover more than one shift in a statewide storm,” said Patrick McKenna, MoDOT director. “If a widespread winter storm lasts more than one 12-hour shift, we will not have enough employees to fill all the trucks on the second shift and therefore it will take longer to clear the roads.”During the drill, motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. The exercise should be completed by 3 p.m.MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.“The drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee,” said Allmeroth. “In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely.”MoDOT spent more than $58 million on winter operations last year and used over 139,000 tons of salt; 2.8 million gallons of salt brine; and nearly 490,000 gallons of beet juice. MoDOT has purchased 118,000 tons of salt to refill salt supplies and has a total of 240,000 tons available for use statewide this winter.For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information you can click <a href="https://www.modot.org/">HERE</a>

MoDOT announces statewide winter weather drill set for Thursday

Bishop LeBlond had a historic run in girls' tennis in 2020, qualifying as a team for state and finishing in the top four for the first time since 2009.

With a healthy crop of returning talent, along with two new freshmen, the Eagles (12-3) felt confident they could do it again. Lo and behold, LeBlond is headed back to Springfield for the team semifinals.

"It really means a lot," said senior Lily Sullivan. "We've put a lot of work into this year and this season to push and win every match like every match counted. So, we really deserve to be here and I think we can pull through."

LeBlond won their <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d713746e-4cc9-4421-91cb-0129e6883316">second straight district title on October 6</a>, defeating Savannah 5-0.

They went onto beat Marshall in sectionals, 5-3, and then Harrisonville, 5-0, in quarterfinals on Oct. 12, putting them in the Final Four for a second consecutive season, and for the first time under new head coach Jackson Gwinn, who's also a professional tennis instructor at Genesis St. Joseph.

"I was just really impressed with how the girls fought to keep going and keep progressing through all of it," Gwinn said. "We had a couple close matches going through sectionals and everything. It just made it really worthwhile getting there."

LeBlond was represented in the individual state tennis tournament in doubles last Friday by senior Peyton Netten and sophomore Emily Weddle. They lost in the sectional round to&nbsp;Mount Vernon's Brooke Loftus and Jessah Anderson, 6-4, 6-3, but Weddle says getting that postseason experience again as an individual was valuable.

Weddle qualified for the individual state tournament in singles as a freshman last season, too. She says going to state with her entire team helps relieve some of the pressure.

"But, going into (state) as a team, you have a lot more help," she said. "So, it's more relieving."

Another young player who had a big season for LeBlond is freshman Iris Ideker, who finished second in singles at districts and made it to the Class 1 Section 8 meet before getting eliminated 6-2, 6-0 by Marshall's Karsyn King.

"It was super fun," Ideker said. "I didn't expect to make it that far as a freshman."

LeBlond has 10 players on its current roster that were part of last season's fourth place finish at state - the ninth top four finish for Eagles' girls tennis at state in school history.

Gwinn had previously worked with about half of those 10 girls as their tennis instructor at Genesis. That made his first season as their varsity coach in 2021 that much smoother.

"About half of the team already knew me," Gwinn explained. "So, they were not afraid to ask me questions and joke around with me a little bit. So, that helped a lot and made it a bit of a lighter mood going into it. So, I appreciated that personally."

The Eagles will first face Westminster Christian Academy (12-7) on Friday morning at 9 a.m. The winner will face either Kennett (19-0) or Bolivar (16-6) in the championship at 3 p.m.

The third place match will also take place Friday at 3 p.m.

As LeBlond looks to win its first state title in girls' tennis since 1979, Sullivan is confident that her and the four other seniors on the team can go out on top - as long as they continue on the path they've been on.

"We have a lot of confidence," she said. "We just need to put our minds to it and not get in our heads and worry too much, because we can do whatever we put our minds to. Like, if we try hard enough, we can do it. Nothing is impossible."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634845804885.jpeg" alt="Murphy King. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Murphy King. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBishop LeBlond had a historic run in girls' tennis in 2020, qualifying as a team for state and finishing in the top four for the first time since 2009.With a healthy crop of returning talent, along with two new freshmen, the Eagles (12-3) felt confident they could do it again. Lo and behold, LeBlond is headed back to Springfield for the team semifinals."It really means a lot," said senior Lily Sullivan. "We've put a lot of work into this year and this season to push and win every match like every match counted. So, we really deserve to be here and I think we can pull through."LeBlond won their <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d713746e-4cc9-4421-91cb-0129e6883316">second straight district title on October 6</a>, defeating Savannah 5-0.They went onto beat Marshall in sectionals, 5-3, and then Harrisonville, 5-0, in quarterfinals on Oct. 12, putting them in the Final Four for a second consecutive season, and for the first time under new head coach Jackson Gwinn, who's also a professional tennis instructor at Genesis St. Joseph."I was just really impressed with how the girls fought to keep going and keep progressing through all of it," Gwinn said. "We had a couple close matches going through sectionals and everything. It just made it really worthwhile getting there."LeBlond was represented in the individual state tennis tournament in doubles last Friday by senior Peyton Netten and sophomore Emily Weddle. They lost in the sectional round to&nbsp;Mount Vernon's Brooke Loftus and Jessah Anderson, 6-4, 6-3, but Weddle says getting that postseason experience again as an individual was valuable.Weddle qualified for the individual state tournament in singles as a freshman last season, too. She says going to state with her entire team helps relieve some of the pressure."But, going into (state) as a team, you have a lot more help," she said. "So, it's more relieving."Another young player who had a big season for LeBlond is freshman Iris Ideker, who finished second in singles at districts and made it to the Class 1 Section 8 meet before getting eliminated 6-2, 6-0 by Marshall's Karsyn King."It was super fun," Ideker said. "I didn't expect to make it that far as a freshman."LeBlond has 10 players on its current roster that were part of last season's fourth place finish at state - the ninth top four finish for Eagles' girls tennis at state in school history.Gwinn had previously worked with about half of those 10 girls as their tennis instructor at Genesis. That made his first season as their varsity coach in 2021 that much smoother."About half of the team already knew me," Gwinn explained. "So, they were not afraid to ask me questions and joke around with me a little bit. So, that helped a lot and made it a bit of a lighter mood going into it. So, I appreciated that personally."The Eagles will first face Westminster Christian Academy (12-7) on Friday morning at 9 a.m. The winner will face either Kennett (19-0) or Bolivar (16-6) in the championship at 3 p.m.The third place match will also take place Friday at 3 p.m.As LeBlond looks to win its first state title in girls' tennis since 1979, Sullivan is confident that her and the four other seniors on the team can go out on top - as long as they continue on the path they've been on."We have a lot of confidence," she said. "We just need to put our minds to it and not get in our heads and worry too much, because we can do whatever we put our minds to. Like, if we try hard enough, we can do it. Nothing is impossible."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Emily-Weddle-e194c31" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Lily-Sullivan-e194c9r" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Iris-Ideker-e194cet" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Jackson-Gwinn-e194cnl" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633521630943.jpeg" alt="Peyton Netten." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Netten.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634845934025.jpeg" alt="Emily Weddle." />
 <figcaption>Emily Weddle.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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