After a complete renovation that took three years the Truman Presidential Library and Museum is once again fully operational.&nbsp;

Aside from the complete renovation the museum also saw limited hours during the same time period.&nbsp;

Presidential Library Director Kurt Graham says that construction projects are always difficult and taxing. &nbsp;

"But when you factor in a pandemic on top of that it has been&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;a challenge, but fortunately a challenge that our crew and the contractors involved were all prepared to meet," Graham tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "They've met it well and the results are just simply stunning, it's a beautiful renovation, it's a beautiful new reconsideration of Truman's legacy."&nbsp;

Graham says one of the big goals with the renovation was to give visitors a variety of ways to learn about Harry Truman.&nbsp;

"Some people are tactile learners, some people want to hear, some people need to see, some people want to touch, I mean there's all kinds of ways that people take in information," Graham explains. "And we really tried to have a diversity."&nbsp;

Graham says that visitors won't see too many of the same types of displays back-to-back, whether that be videos, cases full of artifacts, or even interactive exhibits.&nbsp;

"So, the whole idea was to really bake into that a kind of educational strategy that allowed everyone to sort of get something out of each of the phases of Trumans life as you go through that story," Graham says.&nbsp;

Graham says he has been overwhelmed by the number of visitors to the museum.&nbsp;

"Lots and lots of visitors, I mean our attendance is up, people are enjoying the exhibits, we've had a very robust summer very grateful for that," Graham proudly says. "The people are, you know as we say, voting with their feet they're coming in and they're going through."&nbsp;

Graham says visitors have been amazed by the renovations to the museum.&nbsp; But he says it's their reactions as they're leaving that are always priceless.&nbsp;

"They almost have sometimes a stunned look on their face," Graham explains. "And the thing you hear over and over again is I had no idea, I had no idea that Truman did all that, that he was involved in that many things."&nbsp;

Graham says museum attendance is up 10% from where it was pre-renovations.&nbsp; You can find more information about the museum <a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/">online</a>.&nbsp;

Things are back in full swing at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum

The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show is headed to New Orleans next year, and funding is available to offset some costs for producers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help producers attend CattleCon23, February 1-3, 2023, in New Orleans. 

NCBA President Don Schiefelbein says, “These scholarships are perfect for youth, first-timers and others looking to expand their network at the largest event in the beef cattle business.” Scholarship recipients receive a complimentary Education Package registration and discounted housing accommodations for three nights. 

Scholarships will be awarded to up to five beef cattle industry members, up to three young beef producers, and up to three students in the industry. Applications for all scholarship categories are due by September 23, 2022, and will be evaluated based on eligibility and answers to application questions. For more information about the scholarship program, visit convention.ncba.org.

Scholarships to help producers attend Cattle Industry Convention

The U.S. Agency for International Development, known as USAID, is providing more than $68 million in additional funding to the UN World Food Program. The funding supports the purchase, movement and storage of up to 150,000 metric tons of Ukrainian wheat to help respond to the world’s worst food crises. 

Before Russia's invasion, Ukraine was one of the World Food Program's top grain suppliers and the fourth largest commercial wheat exporter. Opening the Ukrainian market is a vital step forward in the emergency response, according to USAID, which says the world is facing its most severe food crisis in decades. USAID supported the first humanitarian grain shipment to leave the Black Sea this week. The shipment will support the humanitarian response in the Horn of Africa. 

The United States has provided nearly $7.6 billion in assistance to respond to the global food security crisis since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

USAID purchasing Ukrainian wheat for UN food program

Biofuel groups welcome signage of the Inflation Adjustment Act this week. The sweeping legislation includes key priorities for the biofuels industry. 

The legislation signed by the president earlier this week includes an extension for tax credits for carbon oxide sequestration and utilization, the Clean Fuel Production Credit starting in 2025 and expiring at the end of 2027 to produce low-carbon fuels, and five tears of sustainable aviation fuel credits. 

Additionally, the legislation includes $500 million for biofuels infrastructure through the end of 2031, an extension of the Biomass-Based Diesel Blenders Credit, and a $300 million grant program to increase domestic production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says, "This bill puts ethanol on a sustainable path for growth and investment.” Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor adds, “Biofuels are critical to meeting climate goals, and this law will help maximize our industry's contributions to a cleaner future. “

Biofuel groups welcome president’s signature on IRA

Soybean farmers attending the 2022 Farm Progress Show will have the opportunity to experience the value of their soy checkoff investments in research and development firsthand. An installation of more than 42,000 square feet of soy-based asphalt, sponsored by the Iowa Soybean Association, has been completed at the Central Iowa Expo Grounds near Boone, Iowa, just in time for the event. 

As high oleic soybean acres continue to increase, more end users are realizing the value of this soybean variety and the corresponding added value it brings to a range of products, including asphalt. April Hemmes, United Soybean Board member from Iowa, says, “Our goal in funding this project is to highlight the diversity of high oleic soybean oil and its potential for use in pavement, coverings and coatings.” 

The binding agent, developed with high oleic soybean oil, increases asphalt durability and offers a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional binding agents.

Soy-based asphalt installed at Farm Progress show site

The August Wheat Outlook Report from the Department of Agriculture shows Russia, Canada and the United States are all expected to recover from their production issues last year.

 The report shows Global 2022-23 wheat production is pegged at a record 779.6 million metric tons. Production for Russia is expected at a record 88.0 million metric tons. The Canadian Prairies have received ample rains to recover from the devasting drought in 2021-22. The U.S. Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest have recovered from a major drought last year, but year-to-year growth in production is constrained by drought in the Southern Plains. 

U.S. wheat production is forecast at 1.783 billion bushels, up two million bushels from the July forecast. On the other hand, Argentina and Australia are projected down from their record production in 2021-22. A major heat wave has limited the European Union's yield potential. And the ongoing conflict in Ukraine creates a challenge for producers to harvest, and growing conditions have been below average, which has limited yield potential.

USDA releases latest wheat outlook report

President Joe Biden Tuesday signed the Inflation Adjustment Act, a bill that includes billions for USDA conservation programs. Brooke S. Appleton, National Corn Growers Association vice president of public policy, says, “Through this legislation, Congress and the administration recognize that farmers’ voluntary climate-smart agricultural practices are an important part of addressing climate change.”

 The law allocates $19.9 billion in funding for USDA's conservation programs and $1 billion for additional conservation technical assistance. To advance biofuels, the legislation includes $500 million for infrastructure for greater market deployment of higher blends of biofuels, and new tax credits based on carbon reduction to incentivize clean fuels such as biofuels like ethanol and new sustainable aviation fuel. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, welcomed the president's signature on the bill. Stabenow says, "we are equipping farmers, foresters, and rural communities with the tools they need to be a part of the climate solution, while boosting their economic success at the same time."

Biden signs Inflation Adjustment Act

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack head to Iowa this week. 

The duo from the Biden administration will join Representative Cindy Axne, an Iowa Democrat, for a series of events focused on trade. 

Specifically, they will promote the administration's work to expand market access for U.S. farmers and help them bring their goods to customers worldwide. 

Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack will also promote the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, along with the CHIPS and Science Act, which they say will lower costs for Iowa families, reduce inflation, and help the United States maintain its global competitive edge. 

Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Tai says, “the United States is in a stronger position to maintain our global competitive edge for years to come." Meanwhile, Vilsack will also travel to Colorado this week for similar events promoting the Inflation Adjustment Act.

Tai, Vilsack, to visit Iowa this week

House Democrats passed the Inflation Adjustment Act last week following action in the Senate. 

President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, the partisan bill has Republicans concerned about the upcoming farm bill. 

Glen GT Thompson of Pennsylvania is the ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee. 

Following passage of the Inflation Adjustment Act in the House, Thompson stated, "My Democrat colleagues are either politically deaf or blinded by ideology as they ignore 40-year high inflation, exorbitant food and fertilizer prices, severe labor shortages, and relentless overregulation from the Biden Administration." 

Thompson contends the legislation "only complicates the pathway to a Farm Bill and creates even greater uncertainty for farmers." 

However, House Agriculture Committee Chair David Scott, A Georgia Democrat, says, "My colleagues may complain about the steps we had to take to ensure this additional funding,” but adds that Republicans have taken similar actions with the Farm Bill.

Republicans concerned over Inflation Adjustment Act 

With August being back-to-school season, the Department of Agriculture reminds parents to include food safety items on their shopping list. 

Sandra Eskin, USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety, says, “Because children are particularly at risk for serious foodborne illness, food safety must be at the top of the list when preparing lunches for school and field trips.” 

When preparing school lunches, or food for children at any time for that matter, USDA provides a few tips to enhance food safety. 

First, USDA suggests that you clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils to prevent cross-contamination during food prep. Additionally, different colored cutting boards can help keep meat and poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods, such as fruits and vegetables. 

Using food thermometers can help determine whether cooked foods reach a safe temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Also, to keep perishable food safe in a lunch box, use cold gel packs combined with a frozen juice box or bottle of water.

USDA recommends adding food safety items to your back-to-school list

The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service forecasted U.S. corn production down from 2021 and soybean production up from last year. 

The corn production forecast is 14.4 billion bushels, down five percent from last year. 

Soybean production is forecast at 4.53 billion bushels, up two percent from 2021. Average corn yield is forecast at 175.4 bushels an acre, down 1.6 bushels from 2021. 

USDA says soybean yields will average a record-high of 51.9 bushels an acre, a half-bushel higher than last year. Wheat production is predicted at 1.78 billion bushels, eight percent higher than in 2021. Growers will likely produce 1.20 billion bushels of winter wheat, down six percent from last year. 

Spring wheat forecast is 55 percent higher this year at 512 million bushels. NASS forecasts all cotton production at 12.6 million 480-pound bales, 28 percent lower than last year. Yield will average 846 pounds per harvested acre, up 27 pounds from 2021.

USDA forecasts lower corn production and higher soybean production than last year

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for an alleged probation violation.

On Wednesday, police arrested 49-year-old Brenda L. Ogden-Buttron of Atchison on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

She has a history of arrests for alleged crime. On Mother's Day, police arrested Ogden-Buttron in the 500 Block of&nbsp; North 9th Street in Atchison&nbsp;on requested charges&nbsp;for criminal trespass and interference with law enforcement.

On April 26, police arrested her for alleged disorderly conduct and using fighting words, according to Wilson. In 2019 she was jailed for alleged domestic battery, according to online jail records.

Kan. woman back in jail for alleged probation violation

DEKALB COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy passenger vehicle driven by Sydnee C. Reese, 23, Maysville, was westbound on MO 6 in Maysville.&nbsp;

The Chevy pulled into the path of an an eastbound 1995 Dodge pickup driven by Michael G. Bell, 65, Spickard.&nbsp;

A private vehicle transported Reese to Cameron Regional Medical Center. DeKalb-County ambulance transported Bell to Cameron Regional Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle DeKalb County crash

The St. Joseph Police Department is 39 officers short, as they've struggled to recruit and retain officers with some leaving for other cities. The Fraternal Order of Police, NWMO Lodge #3, says the staffing shortage creates an unsafe community.

FOP members were outside City Hall Wednesday, protesting while off-duty, asking for more pay to better recruit officers and to make the city a safer place.

A fully staffed shift at the St. Joseph Police Department includes 15 officers. Right now, the department is averaging nine officers per shift.

For the last two years, the FOP has negotiated with the city for pay increases. The city has offered to increase starting wages to $49,000 to properly compensate recently hired officers and attract new ones.

The previous council approved a pay plan with a 3% cost-of-living-adjustment increase and incremental decompression increases from 3.5% to 2.5% to 1.5% over three years.

To get a better sense of employee salaries, the city conducted a pay study. That study shows that starting police officer salary should be increased from $42,695 to $48,348.

The FOP members are asking for what the pay study said they deserve, which is $48,348 for starting officers and a maximum salary of $72,000.

The city has also offered to increase current officer and detective compensation, based on length of service. On average, this offer would increase the annual salary of officers, detectives and sergeants by more than $5,100.

The city sent out a statement Wednesday in response to public concerns regarding St. Joseph Police Department compensation.

According to the statement, less than two years ago, the city&nbsp; and the FOP entered into an agreement under which officers, detectives and sergeants would receive annual wage increases of 3% per year and those employed before October 2017 would receive an additional 7% increase over three years.

The statement also said the city remains committed to compensating its commissioned law enforcement officers fairly, but that the plan must be sustainable.

Although the city agreed to pay $49,000 for starting officers, $700 more than the pay study recommends, the FOP is concerned with compensation based on length of service.

The FOP says a statement from the city did not mention that 4.5% of the $5,100 annual increase was already approved by the council and took effect in July.&nbsp;The FOP also says "the city's offer for current experienced law enforcement was a minimal amount above currently schedule pay increases."

FOP also says the city plan is spread over 29 years with an average increase of $811 per year to reach the top of the pay scale, while their current pay structure is based on a 17-year plan.

The city’s pay study never specifies a duration of time to reach the maximum salary of $72,000.

Fraternity of Police protest outside St. Joseph city hall over pay concerns

St. Joseph city officials have helped to make some changes to the city's transit system.&nbsp;

City Manager Bryan Carter says the buses that travel around the city have gone through a major revision.&nbsp;

"Might have noticed over the last week you're seeing some new branding on the busses, you know we've seen the Ride for a long time, but after a lot of work that's been retired and replace with Go St. Joe," Carter tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, it's just going to be a new look."&nbsp;

And along with that new look comes some new routes following a route study city officials did over two years Carter says.&nbsp;

"They take our overall number of routes from 12 to 8 with some demand service added as well," Carter explains. "So, where you reach out and say hey, we're here we need picked up."&nbsp;

Carter says reducing the number of bus routes from 12 to 8 helped make the routes more centralized.&nbsp;

"It made a focus on the areas where we have the most riders, so in the same way you see traffic increase on certain throw fairs during busy times, kind of your rush hour traffic, of course St. Joe we're pretty fortunate our rush hour is not too bad," Carter points out. "But, in rush hour traffic you see something similar on the bus system, so we'll have some more resources dedicated to those times."&nbsp;

Carter says city officials and transit officials have also begun to see the number of bus riders steadily increasing back to pre-pandemic numbers.&nbsp;

Carter says along with the changes to the buses and travel routes, the city also made changes to several bus stops and bus shelters around the city thanks to federal grant money.&nbsp;

Carter says it's been quite some time since the transit system in the city has seen major changes. &nbsp;

"It's been really about 25 years I think since our last major refresh of our bus routes and of course we've seen a lot of development, a lot of changes in the city over those years," Carter explains. "And over time what happens is you end up plugging in new stops here and there, and you can do that for quite a while pretty efficiently, however after a while you've kind of patchworked it together quite a bit."&nbsp;

Carter says the changes to the transit system is a refresh to get rid of all that patchwork done over the years, comparing the refresh to rebooting your computer when it gets slow.&nbsp;

The Ride no more: City makes major changes to bus system, rebrands to Go St. Joe

Northwest Missouri State University is searching for its new president after not renewing the contract for <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/48238062-02a7-4912-91bd-32ccc71a1b71">John Jasinski</a>. &nbsp;

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f6cc572e-7c95-4ccb-a1ed-822ea9ffe2ae">Clarence Green</a> is currently serving as the interim president for the university. &nbsp;

Board of Regents Chair John Moore, who is also head of the search committee for the new president, says currently the committee does not have any specific candidates in mind for the job.&nbsp;

"The approach is truly going to be open and nationwide, one of the other things we will be asking members of the search committee and members of the community is if they have someone they feel will be qualified for the position," Moore tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.&nbsp;

Moore says recommendations from the community will be given to the search firm to have them contacted about interest in the position. &nbsp;

Moore says he is also not aware of anyone internally at the university that has declared interest in the job. &nbsp;

Moore says as part of the search the search firm will hold public input sessions, after many people with Northwest asked ot have input on the new president.&nbsp;

"Several people, alumni, staff, and faculty, indicated that they would like to have the opportunity to provide that input," Moore explains &nbsp;

Moore said after asking the search firm if it was something that made sense, the firm came back saying that receiving public input is a standard practice&nbsp;

"That this is a norm for how they do things, they like to get the input at the beginning of the process and give everybody a chance to participate," Moore says.&nbsp;

Moore says the search committee has hired Anthem Executive Search Firm out of Houston, Texas to assist in the search for the new president. &nbsp;

Public input sessions will be held on August 22nd and August 23rd at the Student Union on the Northwest campus. &nbsp;

Each session will be 50 minutes with Anthem Executive.&nbsp; You can find more information <a href="https://www.nwmissouri.edu/aboutus/president/search.htm">online</a>.&nbsp;

Moore says he doesn't think the controversy behind the board not renewing John Jasinkis contract will have an impact on the search. &nbsp;

"I'm sure that candidates will ask a few questions about that, but I don't expect it to have any negative effect over candidates' willingness to apply," Moore says. "I think it's going to be a very attractive job for someone who wants to be the President of a regional university."&nbsp;

Board of Regents searching for new President at Northwest Missouri State University

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

On Monday, police arrested 54-year-old&nbsp; Dale W. Birch of Atchison on District Court warrants for violation of a protective order and criminal damage to property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In 2019, Birch served time for battery of a law enforcement officer, criminal damage to property, interference with law enforcement and drug possession, according to online jail records.

Kan. man jailed for alleged protection order violation

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by Gary L. Asher, 79, Eudora, was westbound on MO 190 three miles east of Lock Springs.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

A private vehicle transported Asher to Hedrick Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup overturns

The St. Joseph School District has made some changes to the city high schools to emphasize school safety and security. &nbsp;

Director of Safety and Security Shannon Nolte says safety and security is the district's number one priority&nbsp;

"It supports the teaching and learning that has been talked about here today, it supports those in attendance, and it has to be our number one priority and it is," Nolte tells a group gathered at Coleman Elementary School.&nbsp;

Nolte says in the effort to prioritize safety many updates have been made over the last several years to the entrance of school buildings.&nbsp;

"The last three were the three high schools that have been finished this summer, if you enter one of those high schools, you'll notice a difference and the whole design around those is the safety and security of the staff and the students," Nolte explains.&nbsp;

Nolte says most of the high schools are current in safety procedures. But Nolte says himself and the district are always evaluating what other changes can be made.&nbsp;

"We are updating more camera systems in elementary schools this year, we've done that a lot in all the other middle schools, high schools, and some of the elementary schools," Nolte says. "Again, it's an investment that we take seriously because it is a number one priority."&nbsp;

Nolte says all of the district high schools are down to one entrance through the central office of the building.&nbsp; Nolte also adds all classroom doors will lock once they are closed.&nbsp;

Nolte says this year the district will also be implementing new procedures and intruder drill trainings into the schools. &nbsp;

"Working with the SRO's that we have in the district and the St. Joseph Police Department, we're designing some training for our staff in each of the buildings to make sure that when these situations come up, they are prepared and they are willing to respond appropriately and safely," Nolte elaborates.&nbsp;

Nolte says the St. Joseph Police Department is currently supplying six School Resource Officers between all the schools and one supervisor that flexes his location. &nbsp;

St. Joseph School District staff will be back in the buildings today.&nbsp; Classes begin on Monday.&nbsp;

St. Joseph School District lays out priorities ahead of start of school year

DONIPHAN COUNTY—A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Monday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1965 Ford Mustang driven by Kevin J. Marika, 36, Wathena, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of Ottumwa Road.

The car left the roadway to the north. The driver&nbsp; over-corrected. The car crossed the road, entered the south ditch, rolled and came to rest on its top.

EMS transported Marika to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after rollover accident

The St. Joseph Animal Shelter is currently at capacity. &nbsp;

Humane Educator Aubrey Silvey says the biggest problem causing the overflow is not enough people having their pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;

"So, there's a large, during the summer months we see all the litters of puppies and kittens and overpopulation and people just can't keep all those animals, and that's when they come to us," Silvey tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "So, it's just really important that people remember to spay and neuter and realize that shelters across the nation are overwhelmed, there's just simply too many animals and not enough homes for those animals."&nbsp;

Silvey emphasizes again that truly the number one way to combat shelter overpopulation is to, as Bob Barker reminded folks for years, have your pets spayed and neutered. &nbsp;

Currently, the shelter is seeing an overflow of cats and dogs in need of adoption or foster care. &nbsp;

Silvey says with the shelter being at capacity it is always providing resources to help or asking people to rehome a pet themselves.&nbsp;

"The animal shelter should be a last resort because we get over capacity and we're open intake so we can't say, there's no cutoff, we can't say our last cage is full we can't take anymore pets, we just have to keep taking them no matter what," Silvey explains.&nbsp;

The animal shelter is currently running an event to encourage adoption where adoption costs are $25.&nbsp; The event runs through tomorrow.&nbsp;

Silvey says the number of adoptions usually drops during summer and drops even more as the start of school gets closer. &nbsp;

"So, we do struggle a little bit more during that time which unfortunately is also, August is when we are at max capacity notoriously every year," Silvey says. "It's an unfortunate way that it works out but usually we have pretty good luck if we have an adoption event or some specials that we can run that we can encourage people to come out and get pets anyways."&nbsp;

The shelter has run many adoption events through this summer to encourage adoption and foster care of pets.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Animal Shelter overwhelmed with number of animals in its care

The St. Joseph city high school football jamboree comes up Friday at Spratt Stadium with Benton, Lafayette and Central going at it in this annual showcase.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on StJosephPost.com with pregame starting at 6:30. <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/SJPOST">Click on this link to listen</a>.

Tommy Rezac and Matt Pike will be on the call, with coaches Regi Trotter, Scott Finley and Kevin Keeton joining the pregame show.

The jamboree will be split up into three quarters with each team getting 18 offensive plays per quarter.

Benton and Lafayette play quarter one, Central and Lafayette quarter two and Central/Benton in quarter three.

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

St. Joseph city high school football jamboree - broadcast info

SAVANNNAH -&nbsp;The Savannah volleyball team is under new leadership this season, as Taylor Grubb takes over as head coach.

Grubb, a former college volleyball player at MidAmerica Nazarene University, was a volunteer assistant last year when the Savages went 22-11-2 and were district runners-up to Smithville.

Savannah returns six players with starting varsity experience, while also having six seniors on roster.

Grubb says this group of returning talent has made her job easier in the early days of practice.

"I mean, that helps with me being a first-time head coach," Grubb said. "Having so many returning players. Really great, talented players. So, I think it's going to be a really good team this&nbsp; year."

One leader back from last year is senior and outside hitter Sailor Bodenhausen. She had 97 kills to go with 13 blocks and 51 digs.

Bodenhausen says this senior class is determined to improve off of last year and make a deep postseason run.

"We all worked extremely hard in the summer," Bodenhausen said. "We put countless hours in during the summer and right now. Yeah, so I think we're really trying to after it this year."

Savannah was likely at its best toward the end of last season, winning seven of its last nine matches and reaching the district title match.

Junior outside hitter Rhyan Shrick, a returning starter who had 166 kills last season, says the hard work has continued ever since last season ended.

"We put in a lot of hours in the weight room as well," she said. "I think most of us take a weights class. We all work hard in the summer and the school year and we're all very close and have very good bonds. So, that always helps us."

Savannah has won 20 or more matches in two of the last three seasons and they seek their first district title since 2015.

Savannah opens the season at St. Joseph Christian on September 1.

"I'm excited now to get into the season and take these next two weeks for our girls to get ready for our first game," Grubb said.

Sophomore Trinity Fansher is expected to play a key role as a middle blocker after filling in for injured players last year. Another sophomore, Sara Younkin, is another that's impressed so far in practice.

"We're really just trying to finish strong this year," Bodenhausen said. "I know all of the seniors want to go out district champs."

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

Post Preview: Savannah volleyball seeks continued success under new head coach

With the season in the rearview mirror and a third straight MINK League championship in its belt, the accolades continue to roll in for the St. Joseph Mustangs organization. 

In a season where the organization saw an average of 2,400 fans per game, the Mustangs are ranked in the top 12 in summer collegiate baseball national attendance rankings by BallparkDigest.com.

The 2,400 fan average placed the Mustangs at number 11 on the chart among collegiate summer baseball teams all across the country.

This is the ninth consecutive year the Mustangs have placed in the top 12.  After averaging just over 2,200 guests in 2021 per game, the team saw a 7% increase in 2022.

St. Joseph Mustangs rank nationally in attendance

The Kansas City Chiefs officially concluded training camp for 2022 in St. Joseph Thursday with a fairly short, half-padded practice.

The Chiefs held a 10-10-10 practice - 10 plays for the first-team offense, 10 for the first-team defense and then 10 minutes of special teams plays. They cycled through that order three times on a clear, cool morning with temperatures in the low 70s Thursday.

This marks the end of the 12th training camp held at Missouri Western State University. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, just like every other year, was sure to thank the University for all of their hard work getting ready for camp and then hosting the team for three weeks.

"We appreciate everything Missouri Western State University does for us," Reid said. "They roll out the red carpet. It's a great situation here."

In terms of on-the-field work, Reid felt that the 17 practices were overall productive and created strong competition across the board.

"They challenged each other and that's all you can ask for as a coach," he said. "I thought it was great for the young guys to see that and feel that. That you have to come out here every day in the right mindset."

Patrick Mahomes says a number of players jumped out to him over the last three or so weeks in camp.

"Chris Jones," he said right off the bat. "I mean, he was dominant. He's the first one I think of. I think the biggest thing with Chris this year was with the run and the pass. He was down there, dominating stuff, making tackles on the run game."

Certainly on the offensive end, everyone was curious to see how Mahomes would work with the plethora of new receivers, namely Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Justin Watson was also in the mix, while the tight ends also had a productive camp.

"Those receivers, in training camp and OTAs, there's a lot of routes run," Mahomes pointed out. "We practice fast. We keep things rolling, and they kind of have to be in and out. As you got to this middle part of camp, you could see it. They had their legs under them. They were running these routes."

Running back Jerick McKinnon returned to the field Thursday after missing Wednesday's workout with a hamstring injury. Chris Jones (back spasm), Mecole Hardman (groin spasm) and Juju Smith-Schuster (knee) did not practice, nor did Blake Bell (hip) or Lucas Niang (knee).

Niang spent the entirety of camp on the physically unable to perform list, as he recovers from offseason knee surgery.

Reid said Jones and Hardman are both "improving." He said also that Smith-Schuster is "making progress." It's not yet known if Jones or Hardman will play Saturday against Washington. Reid noted it's unlikely that Smith-Schuster will see action.

As for who will play in the game, Reid said the starters will play for most of the first half, with the third and fourth-string offense playing the entirety of the second.

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