Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, says he enjoyed returning home to honor those who
served in the Vietnam War.

Hausman, a Major
General, gave the keynote address at the Vietnam War Commemoration pinning
ceremony in St. Joseph, his hometown.

“Anytime we can
have a homecoming that’s nice, but then to come home and to recognize these
people, that’s extra special, because this again is the generation that were
our teachers, that really raised us as we were growing up in St. Joseph,”
Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview following the ceremony.&nbsp; “So, yes, it’s extra special to be able to
come here.”

Hausman initially
got into the military to pay for school. He says he never thought he would
become the leader of the Missouri National Guard, but opportunities kept coming
his way.

Hausman enlisted
in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989,
transferred to Aviation in 1993. Hausman deployed three times, including during
Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Hausman leads the
Missouri Guard since being promoted as Adjutant General earlier this year.
Hausman says recruiting has gone well, but the Guard is always in need of
people.

“But we are always
out there looking for talent. We have a lot of great opportunities. And so, for
the future of the Missouri National Guard, really focusing on people has been
our biggest priority when I started,” Hausman says. “And making sure that we’re
keeping the organization very healthy and that we are continually looking for
growth opportunities.”

Hausman says the
National Guard must convince young people they have an opportunity in the Guard
for education and training they simply can’t get anywhere else.

“And then, as we
call it, career broadening, getting the right people into the right positions
so that they will then be better prepared for additional responsibilities in
the future if that’s what they choose to do.”

Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.

Gov. Mike Kehoe
promoted Hausman to National Guard Adjutant General, giving him the rank of Major
General January 8th. He took command on February 1st.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667770141.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Chales Hausman speaks with St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, says he enjoyed returning home to honor those who
served in the Vietnam War.Hausman, a Major
General, gave the keynote address at the Vietnam War Commemoration pinning
ceremony in St. Joseph, his hometown.“Anytime we can
have a homecoming that’s nice, but then to come home and to recognize these
people, that’s extra special, because this again is the generation that were
our teachers, that really raised us as we were growing up in St. Joseph,”
Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in an interview following the ceremony.&nbsp; “So, yes, it’s extra special to be able to
come here.”Hausman initially
got into the military to pay for school. He says he never thought he would
become the leader of the Missouri National Guard, but opportunities kept coming
his way.Hausman enlisted
in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989,
transferred to Aviation in 1993. Hausman deployed three times, including during
Operation Iraqi Freedom.Hausman leads the
Missouri Guard since being promoted as Adjutant General earlier this year.
Hausman says recruiting has gone well, but the Guard is always in need of
people.“But we are always
out there looking for talent. We have a lot of great opportunities. And so, for
the future of the Missouri National Guard, really focusing on people has been
our biggest priority when I started,” Hausman says. “And making sure that we’re
keeping the organization very healthy and that we are continually looking for
growth opportunities.”Hausman says the
National Guard must convince young people they have an opportunity in the Guard
for education and training they simply can’t get anywhere else.“And then, as we
call it, career broadening, getting the right people into the right positions
so that they will then be better prepared for additional responsibilities in
the future if that’s what they choose to do.”Even through
retirement.Hausman says the
Guard has a duty to make sure members get all the retirement benefits for which
they qualify.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752667834261.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the Vietnam War veterans ceremony in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Gov. Mike Kehoe
promoted Hausman to National Guard Adjutant General, giving him the rank of Major
General January 8th. He took command on February 1st.<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0XJjOSMiSGnQWKTN8mCrUM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Adjutant General Hausman says recruitment remains Guard's #1 priority

More than 100 area
Vietnam War veterans received a tangible “thank you” for their service Monday morning
during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph.

The City of St.
Joseph, the AUSA Henry Leavenworth Chapter, and the St. Joseph Community
Alliance hosted a special pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans, giving them
a special pin and certificate for their service during a difficult time.

Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, remembers that when his unit would return from
deployment, Vietnam War veterans – who didn’t receive a warm welcome home – always
participated in the welcome ceremonies.

“They were leading
the Freedom Riders. They were leading that welcome home. And it really, I
think, is because of the treatment they received when they came home, they
never wanted to see that again,” Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post after the
ceremony. “And it was very, very impactful and certainly not lost on all the
soldiers coming back during my generation of who was out there leading that
effort.”

Hausman, a native
of St. Joseph, has served in three deployments:&nbsp;
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation
Inherent Resolve/Spartan Shield.

Hausman gave the
keynote address at the gathering. He and other speakers touched on the
inability of U.S. citizens to separate the unpopular war with the warrior often
drafted into service. Many Vietnam War veterans either returned unheralded or
as the object of protestors’ ire.

That makes their
participation in welcome home ceremonies now even more impressive, according to
Hausman.

“But to see that
generation take that experience and then turn it around and say, okay, never
again,” Hausman says. “It is truly welcomed. It is certainly appreciated by my
generation. And it’s a testament to that sense of never giving up and never abandoning
their duty and their commitment to their nation; very, very impressive.”

Around 115 Vietnam
War veterans from throughout the area registered. Some were unable to attend
Monday’s ceremony.

Special
recognition was given to Wilson Fletcher, the 1,000th veteran recognized in one
of the events coordinated with the Fort Leonard Wood Association of the United
States Army Chapter.

The program in St.
Joseph grew from the United States of America Vietnam War
Commemoration program signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012 to
create a 13-year period to honor the country’s military veterans of that era
and their families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752521182035.jpeg" alt="Vietnam War veterans received pins and certificates to commemorate their service during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Vietnam War veterans received pins and certificates to commemorate their service during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore than 100 area
Vietnam War veterans received a tangible “thank you” for their service Monday morning
during a special ceremony at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph.The City of St.
Joseph, the AUSA Henry Leavenworth Chapter, and the St. Joseph Community
Alliance hosted a special pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans, giving them
a special pin and certificate for their service during a difficult time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752521285018.jpeg" alt="Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the ceremony./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Major Gen. Charles Hausman speaks during the ceremony./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Adjutant
General, Charles Hausman, remembers that when his unit would return from
deployment, Vietnam War veterans – who didn’t receive a warm welcome home – always
participated in the welcome ceremonies.“They were leading
the Freedom Riders. They were leading that welcome home. And it really, I
think, is because of the treatment they received when they came home, they
never wanted to see that again,” Hausman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post after the
ceremony. “And it was very, very impactful and certainly not lost on all the
soldiers coming back during my generation of who was out there leading that
effort.”Hausman, a native
of St. Joseph, has served in three deployments:&nbsp;
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation
Inherent Resolve/Spartan Shield.Hausman gave the
keynote address at the gathering. He and other speakers touched on the
inability of U.S. citizens to separate the unpopular war with the warrior often
drafted into service. Many Vietnam War veterans either returned unheralded or
as the object of protestors’ ire.That makes their
participation in welcome home ceremonies now even more impressive, according to
Hausman.“But to see that
generation take that experience and then turn it around and say, okay, never
again,” Hausman says. “It is truly welcomed. It is certainly appreciated by my
generation. And it’s a testament to that sense of never giving up and never abandoning
their duty and their commitment to their nation; very, very impressive.”Around 115 Vietnam
War veterans from throughout the area registered. Some were unable to attend
Monday’s ceremony.Special
recognition was given to Wilson Fletcher, the 1,000th veteran recognized in one
of the events coordinated with the Fort Leonard Wood Association of the United
States Army Chapter.The program in St.
Joseph grew from the United States of America Vietnam War
Commemoration program signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012 to
create a 13-year period to honor the country’s military veterans of that era
and their families.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Vietnam War veterans get their due during special ceremony

Missouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has signed into law a school safety measure that includes legislation
pushed by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields.

Shields, a
Republican, sponsored legislation in the Missouri House requiring school
districts to tighten security measures on their campuses.

“(It’s a) comprehensive
bill that’s going to allow our teachers and our students to feel safe and when
they feel safe, we know that quality learning happens,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Shields sponsored
<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R">House Bill 416</a><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R"></a>, which was incorporated into <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422">Senate Bill 68</a>, approved by the
legislature and now signed into law.

The legislation
requires school districts to adopt emergency operations plans and have annual
school security assessments. It establishes standards for anti-intruder door
locks in classrooms. Under its provisions, school districts must maintain Stop
the Bleed kits and train staff on their use.

One provision of
the bill has captured the most attention. It bans students from carrying their
cell phones during school hours.

“It’s really just
to encourage students to put their phones down and engage with other students
in the classroom,” Shields says. “When you talk to people that have already
implemented this, they said the difference is amazing what happens in school.”

Shields says school
cell phone bans have proven their worth in other states.

“Lunchrooms have
become very quiet places, because students are all on their phones,” Shields
says. “And when their phones are in their pockets, in their backpacks, not with
them they say the lunchrooms have returned to what we’re used to what
lunchrooms were with students engaging with each other. And I just truly
believe that for the mental health of everyone, people engaging with people
instead of through technology is probably better.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Gov. Mike
Kehoe has signed into law a school safety measure that includes legislation
pushed by St. Joseph state Rep. Brenda Shields.Shields, a
Republican, sponsored legislation in the Missouri House requiring school
districts to tighten security measures on their campuses.“(It’s a) comprehensive
bill that’s going to allow our teachers and our students to feel safe and when
they feel safe, we know that quality learning happens,” Shields tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Shields sponsored
<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R">House Bill 416</a><a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB416&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R"></a>, which was incorporated into <a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=422">Senate Bill 68</a>, approved by the
legislature and now signed into law.The legislation
requires school districts to adopt emergency operations plans and have annual
school security assessments. It establishes standards for anti-intruder door
locks in classrooms. Under its provisions, school districts must maintain Stop
the Bleed kits and train staff on their use.One provision of
the bill has captured the most attention. It bans students from carrying their
cell phones during school hours.“It’s really just
to encourage students to put their phones down and engage with other students
in the classroom,” Shields says. “When you talk to people that have already
implemented this, they said the difference is amazing what happens in school.”Shields says school
cell phone bans have proven their worth in other states.“Lunchrooms have
become very quiet places, because students are all on their phones,” Shields
says. “And when their phones are in their pockets, in their backpacks, not with
them they say the lunchrooms have returned to what we’re used to what
lunchrooms were with students engaging with each other. And I just truly
believe that for the mental health of everyone, people engaging with people
instead of through technology is probably better.”You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Gov. Kehoe signs into law public safety bill pushed by Rep. Shields

A special ceremony
at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church will recognize Vietnam War veterans and
officially thank them for their service during a very divisive time in United States
history.

St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, calls the Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony Monday morning the right thing to do.

“Many of our
veterans from the Vietnam era didn’t receive a thank you and they deserve a
thank you for their service,” Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

This isn’t just
for St. Joseph residents, but for veterans throughout the region.

The Association of
the United States Army, Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the Veterans Home in
Cameron are participating in the ceremony.

Schumacher says
this ceremony goes beyond the divisive politics at the time of the Vietnam War.

“What’s really
important is that the people that served our country during that era and during
that time are welcomed home and receive a thank you for what they did and that’s
the real goal,” Schumacher says. “It’s a very apolitical conversation, so to
speak. It’s all about making sure they get a thank you.”

The City of St.
Joseph is partnering with veterans from Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas as well as
the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cameron, which has about 130 Vietnam War
veterans.

Schumacher says
the ceremony grows from federal legislation formally recognizing the
contributions of the veterans who served in the Vietnam War. President Barack
Obama signed into law the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
program in 2012.

The pin veterans
will receive Monday morning is an official pin from the federal government.

“Kind of backs
that legislation, where I think the government, the federal government, has
recognized that we could have done this better and it’s time to make it right," Schumacher says.

The Vietnam Era
Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Word of Life
Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph. Veterans who served from November 1st
of 1955 to May 15th of 1975 will be honored.

More than 55
veterans have registered. Advance registration is requested, but not required. You
can email Kaycee Garton at <a href="mailto:kgarton@stjosephmo.gov">kgarton@stjosephmo.gov</a>
or call 816-271-4680 to register. You can also go online at <a href="https://stjosephmo.gov/">stjosephmo.gov</a>.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA special ceremony
at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church will recognize Vietnam War veterans and
officially thank them for their service during a very divisive time in United States
history.St. Joseph City
Manager, Mike Schumacher, calls the Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony Monday morning the right thing to do.“Many of our
veterans from the Vietnam era didn’t receive a thank you and they deserve a
thank you for their service,” Schumacher tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.This isn’t just
for St. Joseph residents, but for veterans throughout the region.The Association of
the United States Army, Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the Veterans Home in
Cameron are participating in the ceremony.Schumacher says
this ceremony goes beyond the divisive politics at the time of the Vietnam War.“What’s really
important is that the people that served our country during that era and during
that time are welcomed home and receive a thank you for what they did and that’s
the real goal,” Schumacher says. “It’s a very apolitical conversation, so to
speak. It’s all about making sure they get a thank you.”The City of St.
Joseph is partnering with veterans from Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas as well as
the Veterans Administration Clinic in Cameron, which has about 130 Vietnam War
veterans.Schumacher says
the ceremony grows from federal legislation formally recognizing the
contributions of the veterans who served in the Vietnam War. President Barack
Obama signed into law the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration
program in 2012.The pin veterans
will receive Monday morning is an official pin from the federal government.“Kind of backs
that legislation, where I think the government, the federal government, has
recognized that we could have done this better and it’s time to make it right," Schumacher says.The Vietnam Era
Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 10 o’clock Monday morning at Word of Life
Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph. Veterans who served from November 1st
of 1955 to May 15th of 1975 will be honored.More than 55
veterans have registered. Advance registration is requested, but not required. You
can email Kaycee Garton at <a href="mailto:kgarton@stjosephmo.gov">kgarton@stjosephmo.gov</a>
or call 816-271-4680 to register. You can also go online at <a href="https://stjosephmo.gov/">stjosephmo.gov</a>.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph ceremony will honor and thank area Vietnam War veterans

A
Grain Belt Express spokesman accuses Attorney General, Andrew Bailey,
of playing politics with his latest legal maneuver to cancel the green energy
transmission line.

Bailey
is demanding documents from Invenergy, the
utility behind the project, claiming concerns have arisen about whether
Invenergy misled the Missouri Public Service Commission. Bailey also is asking
the PSC to reconsider its approval of Grain Belt.

“We should be building energy
infrastructure in America, but the Missouri Attorney General is instead playing
politics with U.S. power,” said project spokesperson, Martin Grego, in a
written statement released by Grain Belt. “His last-ditch and obviously
politically-driven attempt to delay construction of a critical American power
project comes&nbsp;at a time when our country is facing a national energy
emergency—declared by the Administration. Electricity demand is rising across
the country, and we urgently need transmission infrastructure to deliver power.
Projects like Grain Belt Express are the answer to providing all forms
of&nbsp;affordable and reliable electricity to U.S. consumers.”

Grain Belt, in a statement sent to
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, said it is reviewing
the Investigative Demand, and project development is continuing. While Grain
Belt has pending eminent domain actions against around 50 landowners, the
utility says it has reached 1,500 agreements with landowners totaling $86
million.

Utility officials noted that Grain Belt Express has been approved by all four states,
including Missouri. It claims the transmission line could save Missouri customers
as much as $18 billion.

In a separate action, U.S. Sen. Josh
Hawley has written Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, asking him to cancel the $4.9
billion loan that Invenergy secured during the Biden Administration.

This article has been updated to eliminate a duplicate word.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA
Grain Belt Express spokesman accuses Attorney General, Andrew Bailey,
of playing politics with his latest legal maneuver to cancel the green energy
transmission line.Bailey
is demanding documents from Invenergy, the
utility behind the project, claiming concerns have arisen about whether
Invenergy misled the Missouri Public Service Commission. Bailey also is asking
the PSC to reconsider its approval of Grain Belt.“We should be building energy
infrastructure in America, but the Missouri Attorney General is instead playing
politics with U.S. power,” said project spokesperson, Martin Grego, in a
written statement released by Grain Belt. “His last-ditch and obviously
politically-driven attempt to delay construction of a critical American power
project comes&nbsp;at a time when our country is facing a national energy
emergency—declared by the Administration. Electricity demand is rising across
the country, and we urgently need transmission infrastructure to deliver power.
Projects like Grain Belt Express are the answer to providing all forms
of&nbsp;affordable and reliable electricity to U.S. consumers.”Grain Belt, in a statement sent to
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, said it is reviewing
the Investigative Demand, and project development is continuing. While Grain
Belt has pending eminent domain actions against around 50 landowners, the
utility says it has reached 1,500 agreements with landowners totaling $86
million.Utility officials noted that Grain Belt Express has been approved by all four states,
including Missouri. It claims the transmission line could save Missouri customers
as much as $18 billion.In a separate action, U.S. Sen. Josh
Hawley has written Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, asking him to cancel the $4.9
billion loan that Invenergy secured during the Biden Administration.This article has been updated to eliminate a duplicate word.&nbsp;You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Grain Belt spokesman accuses AG of playing politics in latest action

Missouri State
Highway Patrol troopers worked eight fatal crashes during the long Independence
Day holiday weekend.

Among those, a
71-year-old woman who walked into the path of an eastbound vehicle on U.S. 136
Highway west of I-35 in Bethany. The patrol reports the woman from Santee,
California walked in front a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old Bethany man just
before 11:30 Saturday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer identifies crash victims.

Statewide, troopers
worked 246 traffic crashes, which resulted in 115 injuries and eight
fatalities. Troopers also made 114 DWI arrests.

Troopers worked
nine boating crashes, which included four injuries. No one died in the boating
crashes. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned
during the counting period.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri State
Highway Patrol troopers worked eight fatal crashes during the long Independence
Day holiday weekend.Among those, a
71-year-old woman who walked into the path of an eastbound vehicle on U.S. 136
Highway west of I-35 in Bethany. The patrol reports the woman from Santee,
California walked in front a vehicle driven by a 61-year-old Bethany man just
before 11:30 Saturday night.The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer identifies crash victims.Statewide, troopers
worked 246 traffic crashes, which resulted in 115 injuries and eight
fatalities. Troopers also made 114 DWI arrests.Troopers worked
nine boating crashes, which included four injuries. No one died in the boating
crashes. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. No one drowned
during the counting period.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Eight highway fatalities, no boating deaths in Missouri's long Independence Day holiday

Missouri Attorney General, Andrew
Bailey, is demanding documents and information from Grain Belt Express,
claiming the utility behind the green energy transmission line might have
misled the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Bailey says his office is moving to
stop Grain Belt Express from constructing its line across north-central
Missouri.

“I am dead set against foreign
corporations abusing eminent domain when there’s no benefit to the people of
the state of Missouri,” Bailey tells KFEQmmunity in a guest appearance.

Bailey claims Invenergy has
considerable foreign backing. The Attorney General says Invenergy either
presented speculative evidence to the PSC that shouldn’t have been used.

“Or, a fraud was perpetrated on the
people of the state of Missouri,” Bailey asserts, “But at the end of the day,
we’re going to get to the bottom of it and hold any wrongdoers accountable.”

Bailey has issued a Civil
Investigative Demand to Grain Belt Express, which demands documentation from
Invenergy.

“Well, we certainly need to understand
the evidence that they used when estimating the job-creation numbers that they
presented to the Public Service Commission and the public,” Bailey says. “We
want to know why they estimate that they’re going to reduce energy costs for
Missouri.”

The action is being taken under the
Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which prohibits false promises, fraud,
and overall deceptive business practices.

Bailey says the proposal to send
wind-generated energy from Kansas through Missouri to the East Coast won’t
benefit Missouri, but will burden Missouri landowners. 

“I reject the notion that eminent domain
can be used for purely corporate interests that don’t serve Missourians,”
Bailey says. “That coastal elites, coming in to take farmland in Missouri,
destroy family livelihoods and legacies, to pad the pockets of coastal elites.
That’s not good for Missouri. I reject that that should ever be allowed under
our laws.”

Bailey also has written the PSC, urging
the commission to reevaluate its decision to approve the Grain Belt Express. The
letter points out Invenergy made reference to a potential carbon tax that has
not been approved on either the state or federal level.

“Because, again, I think one of two
things happen:&nbsp; either the PSC relied on
bad information or Grain Belt lied, and either way that Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity should have never (been) issued, because they can’t
demonstrate a benefit for Missourians and they based everything on faulty
assumptions,” according to Bailey.

This latest action against the Grain Belt
Express might be coming late in the game.

“This project was underway before I took
office and so, we’re running to catch up with the train, but certainly we feel that
we have a strong case to make.”

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Attorney General, Andrew
Bailey, is demanding documents and information from Grain Belt Express,
claiming the utility behind the green energy transmission line might have
misled the Missouri Public Service Commission.Bailey says his office is moving to
stop Grain Belt Express from constructing its line across north-central
Missouri.“I am dead set against foreign
corporations abusing eminent domain when there’s no benefit to the people of
the state of Missouri,” Bailey tells KFEQmmunity in a guest appearance.Bailey claims Invenergy has
considerable foreign backing. The Attorney General says Invenergy either
presented speculative evidence to the PSC that shouldn’t have been used.“Or, a fraud was perpetrated on the
people of the state of Missouri,” Bailey asserts, “But at the end of the day,
we’re going to get to the bottom of it and hold any wrongdoers accountable.”Bailey has issued a Civil
Investigative Demand to Grain Belt Express, which demands documentation from
Invenergy.“Well, we certainly need to understand
the evidence that they used when estimating the job-creation numbers that they
presented to the Public Service Commission and the public,” Bailey says. “We
want to know why they estimate that they’re going to reduce energy costs for
Missouri.”The action is being taken under the
Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, which prohibits false promises, fraud,
and overall deceptive business practices.Bailey says the proposal to send
wind-generated energy from Kansas through Missouri to the East Coast won’t
benefit Missouri, but will burden Missouri landowners. “I reject the notion that eminent domain
can be used for purely corporate interests that don’t serve Missourians,”
Bailey says. “That coastal elites, coming in to take farmland in Missouri,
destroy family livelihoods and legacies, to pad the pockets of coastal elites.
That’s not good for Missouri. I reject that that should ever be allowed under
our laws.”Bailey also has written the PSC, urging
the commission to reevaluate its decision to approve the Grain Belt Express. The
letter points out Invenergy made reference to a potential carbon tax that has
not been approved on either the state or federal level.“Because, again, I think one of two
things happen:&nbsp; either the PSC relied on
bad information or Grain Belt lied, and either way that Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity should have never (been) issued, because they can’t
demonstrate a benefit for Missourians and they based everything on faulty
assumptions,” according to Bailey.This latest action against the Grain Belt
Express might be coming late in the game.“This project was underway before I took
office and so, we’re running to catch up with the train, but certainly we feel that
we have a strong case to make.”In a separate action, U.S. Sen. Josh
Hawley has written Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, asking him to cancel the $4.9
billion loan that Invenergy secured during the Biden Administration.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

AG Bailey takes aim at Grain Belt Express; filing legal action

Keep safety top of mind this Independence
Day holiday weekend.

National Fireworks Association President,
Stacy Schneitter-Blake of St. Joseph, says those who sell fireworks urge their
customers to be safe as they celebrate.

“We always want to make sure that people that
are using fireworks for their celebration are taking the correct safety
measures,” Schneitter-Balke tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Schneitter-Blake with Schneitter
Fireworks and Importers says just a few steps will ensure your celebration
remains safe.

“We always want to make sure you’re
buying from a reputable company. Always have water handy. Make sure to brace
your cakes, your fountains, definitely your mortar shells,” Schneitter-Blake
says. “We want to make sure that people are celebrating safely this 4th
of July season.”

A couple of websites have safety tips as
well:&nbsp; the National Fireworks Association
website as well as the website maintained by the American Pyrotechnics Safety
and Education Foundation.

Click <a href="https://www.nationalfireworks.com/safety-resources">HERE</a> for the National Fireworks
Association safety tips.

Click <a href="https://www.celebratesafely.org/safety-resources">HERE</a> for by the American
Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation safety tips.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKeep safety top of mind this Independence
Day holiday weekend.National Fireworks Association President,
Stacy Schneitter-Blake of St. Joseph, says those who sell fireworks urge their
customers to be safe as they celebrate.“We always want to make sure that people that
are using fireworks for their celebration are taking the correct safety
measures,” Schneitter-Balke tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Schneitter-Blake with Schneitter
Fireworks and Importers says just a few steps will ensure your celebration
remains safe.“We always want to make sure you’re
buying from a reputable company. Always have water handy. Make sure to brace
your cakes, your fountains, definitely your mortar shells,” Schneitter-Blake
says. “We want to make sure that people are celebrating safely this 4th
of July season.”A couple of websites have safety tips as
well:&nbsp; the National Fireworks Association
website as well as the website maintained by the American Pyrotechnics Safety
and Education Foundation.Click <a href="https://www.nationalfireworks.com/safety-resources">HERE</a> for the National Fireworks
Association safety tips.Click <a href="https://www.celebratesafely.org/safety-resources">HERE</a> for by the American
Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation safety tips.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Keep safe this Independence Day holiday

There should be
plenty of fireworks and prices shouldn’t be too much higher than last year,
despite the trade war between the United States and China.

That, according to
Stacy Schneitter-Blake with Schneitters Fireworks and Importers of St. Joseph.
Schneitter-Blake, the president of the National Fireworks Association, says
nearly all the fireworks we shoot off this Independence Day are imported.

“For the consumer
fireworks it’s 95 to 99% comes from China,” Schneitter-Blake tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

Schneitter-Blake
says most fireworks stands bought their fireworks early, before tariffs drove
up the price. Fireworks wholesalers and retailers didn’t have to worry much
about tariffs in the past. Schneitter-Blake says federal policy exempted
fireworks from tariffs until 2019. Now, fireworks are in the thick of trade
talks, especially this time of year.

Schneitter-Blake
says she hasn’t seen a big impact on National Fireworks Association members
this year.

“What I’m seeing
right now, the prices are very similar as they have been in the past years,” Schneitter-Blake
says. “They might have some, you know, maybe a little, slight difference in
price.”

“We did leave some
product in China,” according to Schneitter-Blake. “We have a lot of fireworks
here, but I would encourage people to shop early in case there are certain
items that we might be limited on.”

Schneitter-Blake
says some fireworks manufacturers in China had to shut down production. They
don’t have warehouse space and increasingly higher tariffs dampened demand from
America. A 10% tariff early in the year quickly doubled and as the trade war
escalated, tariffs on goods from China soared to 145% at one time.

Schneitter-Blake does
advise consumers to shop early for their fireworks this Independence Day
holiday. She says fireworks stands might be short on some items. Still, she
doesn’t see much of an interruption to the celebrations this year.

“So, going into
the 2026 season, we’re a little more leery about what that might happen to for
next year, going into the 250th, semiquincentennial of our country,”
Schneitter-Blake says.

The concern for
next year is heightened by the approaching 250th anniversary
celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“My concerns right
now are going into 2026,” Schneitter-Blake says. “Next year, for the
semiquincentennial, the 4th of July lands on a Saturday. It’s kind
of the perfect storm for a 250th anniversary of our country landing on
a Saturday as well, on a weekend.”

Schneitter-Blake
says the National Fireworks Association and the American Pyrotechnics
Association are working together to lobby the federal government to once again exempt
fireworks from tariffs.

Schneitters
Fireworks and Importers is a retail, wholesale company that supplies fireworks
to many companies that put on fireworks displays. It is celebrating its 130th
anniversary. Schneitter-Blake says her parents and grandparents were founding
members of the National Fireworks Association to have more of a say in federal policy.
Schneitter-Blake has made several trips to Washington, D.C. to lobby for
association members.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostThere should be
plenty of fireworks and prices shouldn’t be too much higher than last year,
despite the trade war between the United States and China.That, according to
Stacy Schneitter-Blake with Schneitters Fireworks and Importers of St. Joseph.
Schneitter-Blake, the president of the National Fireworks Association, says
nearly all the fireworks we shoot off this Independence Day are imported.“For the consumer
fireworks it’s 95 to 99% comes from China,” Schneitter-Blake tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.Schneitter-Blake
says most fireworks stands bought their fireworks early, before tariffs drove
up the price. Fireworks wholesalers and retailers didn’t have to worry much
about tariffs in the past. Schneitter-Blake says federal policy exempted
fireworks from tariffs until 2019. Now, fireworks are in the thick of trade
talks, especially this time of year.Schneitter-Blake
says she hasn’t seen a big impact on National Fireworks Association members
this year.“What I’m seeing
right now, the prices are very similar as they have been in the past years,” Schneitter-Blake
says. “They might have some, you know, maybe a little, slight difference in
price.”Supply might be a
different story.“We did leave some
product in China,” according to Schneitter-Blake. “We have a lot of fireworks
here, but I would encourage people to shop early in case there are certain
items that we might be limited on.”Schneitter-Blake
says some fireworks manufacturers in China had to shut down production. They
don’t have warehouse space and increasingly higher tariffs dampened demand from
America. A 10% tariff early in the year quickly doubled and as the trade war
escalated, tariffs on goods from China soared to 145% at one time.Schneitter-Blake does
advise consumers to shop early for their fireworks this Independence Day
holiday. She says fireworks stands might be short on some items. Still, she
doesn’t see much of an interruption to the celebrations this year.Next year could be
a different story.“So, going into
the 2026 season, we’re a little more leery about what that might happen to for
next year, going into the 250th, semiquincentennial of our country,”
Schneitter-Blake says.The concern for
next year is heightened by the approaching 250th anniversary
celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.“My concerns right
now are going into 2026,” Schneitter-Blake says. “Next year, for the
semiquincentennial, the 4th of July lands on a Saturday. It’s kind
of the perfect storm for a 250th anniversary of our country landing on
a Saturday as well, on a weekend.”Schneitter-Blake
says the National Fireworks Association and the American Pyrotechnics
Association are working together to lobby the federal government to once again exempt
fireworks from tariffs.Schneitters
Fireworks and Importers is a retail, wholesale company that supplies fireworks
to many companies that put on fireworks displays. It is celebrating its 130th
anniversary. Schneitter-Blake says her parents and grandparents were founding
members of the National Fireworks Association to have more of a say in federal policy.
Schneitter-Blake has made several trips to Washington, D.C. to lobby for
association members.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Trade war with China shouldn't affect your 4th celebration, at least not much

Northern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.

Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.

“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”

Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.

“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”

Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.

Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.

“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”

A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri
Congressman Sam Graves fully supports President Trump’s military action against
Iran.Graves, a
Republican, says Trump is justified in helping Israel strike against Iran’s
nuclear weapons program.“They are a state
sponsor of terrorism,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Whether that’s
helping Hamas or helping Hezbollah or helping other groups when it comes to
IEDs and targeting Americans and going after Israel. We just simply can’t allow
that to happen.”Graves asserts
Trump did not have to consult with Congress, because it was a military action, targeting
specific strategic sites; not an act of war.“I think he was
absolutely within his power,” Graves says. “You know I’ve had this argument
before, for instance with President Bush back when we struck Iraq. And it’s the
same thing. It’s well within his authority to do this and we are not at war
with Iran.”Graves also points
out President Trump had warned Iran prior to ordering the military strikes. B2
stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base conducted military strikes against
three targets in Iran over the past weekend.Though Graves
expresses optimism that the conflict might end with Iran capitulating, he
understands that attacks create anxiety among Americans.“Well, I know it’s
a troubling time for folks, but I think we will come through this just fine,”
Graves says. “And, again, we can’t allow a terrorist state to have nuclear weapons,
militarized nuclear weapons and this is what this is all about.”A fragile cease
fire is in effect between Iran and Israel.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Congressman Graves backs Trump action against Iran

A St. Joseph state
representative who supported the incentive package for the Kansas City Chiefs
and Royals approved during the special legislative session sees it as an
economic development issue.

Rep. Brenda
Shields, a Republican, says the state needed to act to keep the Chiefs from
crossing the state line into Kansas and keep the Royals from moving to another
city. Shields understands many object to offering incentives to professional
teams.

“And if Missouri
was the only state offering incentives, I could question incentives, but there
are incentives offered for every industry across every state in America,” Shields
tells KFEQmmunity. “Incentives are just part of the deal of growing your
economy in your state, because businesses are going to go where they get the
best deal. And currently, right now, Kansas had a deal on the table that they
would pay for 70% of the build of a new stadium.”

Missouri lawmakers
met in special session the first two weeks of the month to primarily consider
an incentive package to keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. The special
session called by Gov. Mike Kehoe also delivered disaster aid for homeowners in
the St. Louis area as well as a few capital improvement projects, such as the
nuclear reactor own by the University of Missouri vital to cancer research.

Shields says the
Missouri economy has become stagnant and cannot afford the loss of a 
Chiefs and Royals.

“We’ve lost a
Congressional seat, because Missouri hasn’t grown,” Shields points out. “We
used to have nine. Now we have eight. I think that should be evident to
everyone that we need to do everything we can to continue to grow Missouri’s
economy.”

The prestige
factor plays a role as well.

“Prestige has a
lot of impact,” Shields says. “When we are attracting businesses to our state,
they are looking for the amenities that they need for their employees.”

Shields says the
Chiefs and Royals generate tremendous tax revenue and economic activity to
Missouri. Shields adds keeping the teams provides that little extra used to
attract other businesses to the state.

“They want to know
what type of amenities that you have in your community. Is it major league baseball,
major league football? Is it arts?&nbsp; It’s
the whole package. And how we draw top quality to our state is based upon what
we have to offer them in their spare time.”

Gov. Mike Kehoe
has signed the three bills approved in the special session into law.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph state
representative who supported the incentive package for the Kansas City Chiefs
and Royals approved during the special legislative session sees it as an
economic development issue.Rep. Brenda
Shields, a Republican, says the state needed to act to keep the Chiefs from
crossing the state line into Kansas and keep the Royals from moving to another
city. Shields understands many object to offering incentives to professional
teams.“And if Missouri
was the only state offering incentives, I could question incentives, but there
are incentives offered for every industry across every state in America,” Shields
tells KFEQmmunity. “Incentives are just part of the deal of growing your
economy in your state, because businesses are going to go where they get the
best deal. And currently, right now, Kansas had a deal on the table that they
would pay for 70% of the build of a new stadium.”Missouri lawmakers
met in special session the first two weeks of the month to primarily consider
an incentive package to keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. The special
session called by Gov. Mike Kehoe also delivered disaster aid for homeowners in
the St. Louis area as well as a few capital improvement projects, such as the
nuclear reactor own by the University of Missouri vital to cancer research.Shields says the
Missouri economy has become stagnant and cannot afford the loss of a 
Chiefs and Royals.“We’ve lost a
Congressional seat, because Missouri hasn’t grown,” Shields points out. “We
used to have nine. Now we have eight. I think that should be evident to
everyone that we need to do everything we can to continue to grow Missouri’s
economy.”The prestige
factor plays a role as well.“Prestige has a
lot of impact,” Shields says. “When we are attracting businesses to our state,
they are looking for the amenities that they need for their employees.”Shields says the
Chiefs and Royals generate tremendous tax revenue and economic activity to
Missouri. Shields adds keeping the teams provides that little extra used to
attract other businesses to the state.“They want to know
what type of amenities that you have in your community. Is it major league baseball,
major league football? Is it arts?&nbsp; It’s
the whole package. And how we draw top quality to our state is based upon what
we have to offer them in their spare time.”Gov. Mike Kehoe
has signed the three bills approved in the special session into law.<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4JYeXBt82kHEieStTXKeda?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ.

Shields says Chiefs-Royals package provides economic boost

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2008 Dodge Magnum driven by a 28-year-old Elmo man was southbound on Route KK at 135th Street one mile north of Elmo. The driver fell asleep. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the rear drivers side of a northbound 2008 Chevy 1500 driven by a 65-year-old Clarinda, Iowa man.

Nodaway County EMS transported the 28-year-old to the hospital in Clarinda, Iowa. The pickup driver was not injured. The injured driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2008 Dodge Magnum driven by a 28-year-old Elmo man was southbound on Route KK at 135th Street one mile north of Elmo. The driver fell asleep. The vehicle crossed the center line and struck the rear drivers side of a northbound 2008 Chevy 1500 driven by a 65-year-old Clarinda, Iowa man.Nodaway County EMS transported the 28-year-old to the hospital in Clarinda, Iowa. The pickup driver was not injured. The injured driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. driver fell asleep just before 2-vehicle crash

GRUNDY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Toyota Corolla driven by 49-year-old Princeton man was southbound on U.S. 65 one mile northeast of Tindall. The car reportedly crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2023 Ford Maverick driven by a 54-year-old Trenton man.

EMS transported a 10-year-old male passenger in the car to Children's Mercy. EMS transported the driver of the Toyota and a 73-year-old female passenger in the car to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

GRUNDY COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Toyota Corolla driven by 49-year-old Princeton man was southbound on U.S. 65 one mile northeast of Tindall. The car reportedly crossed the center line and collided with a northbound 2023 Ford Maverick driven by a 54-year-old Trenton man.EMS transported a 10-year-old male passenger in the car to Children's Mercy. EMS transported the driver of the Toyota and a 73-year-old female passenger in the car to Wright Memorial Hospital. The driver of the pickup was not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 adults, 10-year-old injured in car, pickup crash

A veteran
legislative reporter says a decision at the end of the Missouri legislature’s
regular session could cast a long shadow on the special session that is underway
in Jefferson City.

Missourinet News
Director, Alisa Nelson, says the decision by House Budget Committee chair, Dirk
Deaton of Seneca, to kill House Bill 19, the $513 million capital improvement
bill, set a sour tone that just might carry over.

“I mean the session
was going so well until that point,” Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “I mean in terms
of the personalities and the dynamics and things and all the different
lawmakers working together in a pretty bipartisan fashion to some degree. It
was going so well until then and then it just really went downhill after that.”

Nelson says
tension built in the Missouri Senate even further when the House approved a tax
incentive package for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals just after killing the
capital improvement bill. Several senators questioned why House leadership
could kill a bill funding capital improvements throughout the state, claiming
the state needed to be careful about spending, then turn around and approve tax
breaks for the two professional sports teams.

Then, Senate
Republicans picked up a rarely used parliamentary procedure to cut off debate
and force a vote on two controversial issues – sending the abortion issue back
to voters and removing paid sick leave provisions from the voter-approved
minimum wage law. The move further angered Senate Democrats.

The Senate
adjourned two days early. The House adjourned a day early.

Nelson points to
the decision by Deaton to bypass HB 19 and not bring it to a vote as the
turning point. She says Deaton’s decision to kill the capital improvement
package took nearly everyone by surprise and angered many.

“So, there was definitely
some bad blood that occurred because of the timing of all of this and I think
that bad blood and that friction and all of that will spill over into this
special session.”

Nelson says Gov. Mike
Kehoe must find a way to cut through that tension and bring the legislature
back together if he is to steer the Chiefs/Royals incentives through the
General Assembly.

The special
session will also consider a much scaled down version of HB 19 along with tax breaks
for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage during recent severe
storms.

By BRENT MARTINA veteran
legislative reporter says a decision at the end of the Missouri legislature’s
regular session could cast a long shadow on the special session that is underway
in Jefferson City.Missourinet News
Director, Alisa Nelson, says the decision by House Budget Committee chair, Dirk
Deaton of Seneca, to kill House Bill 19, the $513 million capital improvement
bill, set a sour tone that just might carry over.“I mean the session
was going so well until that point,” Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “I mean in terms
of the personalities and the dynamics and things and all the different
lawmakers working together in a pretty bipartisan fashion to some degree. It
was going so well until then and then it just really went downhill after that.”Nelson says
tension built in the Missouri Senate even further when the House approved a tax
incentive package for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals just after killing the
capital improvement bill. Several senators questioned why House leadership
could kill a bill funding capital improvements throughout the state, claiming
the state needed to be careful about spending, then turn around and approve tax
breaks for the two professional sports teams.Then, Senate
Republicans picked up a rarely used parliamentary procedure to cut off debate
and force a vote on two controversial issues – sending the abortion issue back
to voters and removing paid sick leave provisions from the voter-approved
minimum wage law. The move further angered Senate Democrats.The Senate
adjourned two days early. The House adjourned a day early.Nelson points to
the decision by Deaton to bypass HB 19 and not bring it to a vote as the
turning point. She says Deaton’s decision to kill the capital improvement
package took nearly everyone by surprise and angered many.“So, there was definitely
some bad blood that occurred because of the timing of all of this and I think
that bad blood and that friction and all of that will spill over into this
special session.”Nelson says Gov. Mike
Kehoe must find a way to cut through that tension and bring the legislature
back together if he is to steer the Chiefs/Royals incentives through the
General Assembly.The special
session will also consider a much scaled down version of HB 19 along with tax breaks
for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage during recent severe
storms.

One decision sent the Missouri legislative session into tailspin

Missouri lawmakers
return to Jefferson City today for a special legislative session, primarily to
consider an incentive package to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in
Missouri.

State Sen. Rusty
Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, says discussions continue as Gov. Mike
Kehoe attempts to gain the votes needed to approve the package.

“I do think that there’s
a path for this to end up on the governor’s desk and signed, but I certainly
don’t think all the negotiation is over yet,” Black says.

Kansas has an
offer on the table to lure both the Chiefs and the Royals across the state
line. Other cities, such as Nashville and Salt Lake City, are reputably
interested in luring the Royals away.

Black says
supporters must overcome objections that the issue only concerns western
Missouri.

“If you’re from
St. Louis, this is for Kansas City and we don’t care about that,” Black says. “And
we’ve got to get past some of that I believe if we’re going to get this piece
of legislation passed.”

Black says St.
Louis should actually be an example. He recalls driving by the former Edward Jones
Dome, now the Dome at America’s Center, and noticing it hasn’t spurred economic
development in downtown St. Louis since the Rams left.

Black views this as
an economic development issue.

“And sports teams
in my mind, professional sports teams in Rusty Black’s mind, they’re somewhat
like talking about a Ford plant closing down or a General Motors plant closing
down or, in St. Joe, all of the sudden Altec decides that they’re going to
leave, that has a lot more economic impact than inside their chain link fence.”

The governor also
wants lawmakers to consider a few capital improvement projects as well as tax
incentives for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage in the
recent storms.

Black says there
could be a possibility of reviving projects for St. Joseph, along with
improvements for North Central Missouri College and other northwest Missouri
interests in the original $500 million capital improvement package.

“At this point in
time, they’re not in there, but it’s not like that I’m not paying attention to
what’s going to move forward and if the opportunity comes, I’m probably going
to ask for those things to be included again,” Black says.

Another obstacle
to overcome in this special legislative session is the way the regular session
ended. The Missouri Senate adjourned abruptly and early with much acrimony
after Republicans used a parliamentary procedure to cut off debate and force
votes on two controversial issues.

Black says the
tensions haven’t been smoothed over, at least not yet.

“We’re going to
have to work through those and hope that we can find a path even though there’s
still hurt feelings,” Black says.

Lawmakers will
also consider authorizing tax breaks for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered
property damage during recent storms.

By BRENT MARTINMissouri lawmakers
return to Jefferson City today for a special legislative session, primarily to
consider an incentive package to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in
Missouri.State Sen. Rusty
Black, a Republican from Chillicothe, says discussions continue as Gov. Mike
Kehoe attempts to gain the votes needed to approve the package.“I do think that there’s
a path for this to end up on the governor’s desk and signed, but I certainly
don’t think all the negotiation is over yet,” Black says.Kansas has an
offer on the table to lure both the Chiefs and the Royals across the state
line. Other cities, such as Nashville and Salt Lake City, are reputably
interested in luring the Royals away.Black says
supporters must overcome objections that the issue only concerns western
Missouri.“If you’re from
St. Louis, this is for Kansas City and we don’t care about that,” Black says. “And
we’ve got to get past some of that I believe if we’re going to get this piece
of legislation passed.”Black says St.
Louis should actually be an example. He recalls driving by the former Edward Jones
Dome, now the Dome at America’s Center, and noticing it hasn’t spurred economic
development in downtown St. Louis since the Rams left.Black views this as
an economic development issue.“And sports teams
in my mind, professional sports teams in Rusty Black’s mind, they’re somewhat
like talking about a Ford plant closing down or a General Motors plant closing
down or, in St. Joe, all of the sudden Altec decides that they’re going to
leave, that has a lot more economic impact than inside their chain link fence.”The governor also
wants lawmakers to consider a few capital improvement projects as well as tax
incentives for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered property damage in the
recent storms.Black says there
could be a possibility of reviving projects for St. Joseph, along with
improvements for North Central Missouri College and other northwest Missouri
interests in the original $500 million capital improvement package.“At this point in
time, they’re not in there, but it’s not like that I’m not paying attention to
what’s going to move forward and if the opportunity comes, I’m probably going
to ask for those things to be included again,” Black says.Another obstacle
to overcome in this special legislative session is the way the regular session
ended. The Missouri Senate adjourned abruptly and early with much acrimony
after Republicans used a parliamentary procedure to cut off debate and force
votes on two controversial issues.Black says the
tensions haven’t been smoothed over, at least not yet.“We’re going to
have to work through those and hope that we can find a path even though there’s
still hurt feelings,” Black says.Lawmakers will
also consider authorizing tax breaks for St. Louis area homeowners who suffered
property damage during recent storms.

Lawmakers return to Jefferson City to decide fate of Chiefs-Royals

The St. Louis Cardinals have been trending in the right direction as of late, but saw a minor setback against the top team from the American League Central, falling to the Detroit Tigers 5-1 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, losing the series 2-1.&nbsp;

Detroit opened the scoring in the second after back to back singles by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith grounding into a sacrifice double play that allowed Greene to race home for a run.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, Torkelson doubled home Greene for another run, and Greene scored again in the sixth inning on a&nbsp;Dillon Dingler pushing the Tigers to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

St. Louis scored their lone run in the bottom half of the sixth, Willson Contreras singling home Victor Scott who singled to start the inning.&nbsp; In the eighth, Detroit added the final two runs, a Trey Sweeney sacrifice fly first scoring Torkelson before&nbsp;Javier Báez singled to drive in Keith.&nbsp;

Cardinals starter Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking four.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the Cardinals, who had just five hits, at the plate going 2-4.

St. Louis has an off day on Thursday and will welcome Arizona to town on Friday.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (3-2, 3.77 ERA) is set to start for the Cardinals while the Diamondbacks starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, pregame coverage being joined at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Louis Cardinals have been trending in the right direction as of late, but saw a minor setback against the top team from the American League Central, falling to the Detroit Tigers 5-1 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, losing the series 2-1.&nbsp;Detroit opened the scoring in the second after back to back singles by Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith grounding into a sacrifice double play that allowed Greene to race home for a run.&nbsp; In the fourth inning, Torkelson doubled home Greene for another run, and Greene scored again in the sixth inning on a&nbsp;Dillon Dingler pushing the Tigers to a 3-0 lead.&nbsp;St. Louis scored their lone run in the bottom half of the sixth, Willson Contreras singling home Victor Scott who singled to start the inning.&nbsp; In the eighth, Detroit added the final two runs, a Trey Sweeney sacrifice fly first scoring Torkelson before&nbsp;Javier Báez singled to drive in Keith.&nbsp;Cardinals starter Andre Pallante took the loss, falling to 4-3 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings giving up three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking four.&nbsp; Alec Burleson led the Cardinals, who had just five hits, at the plate going 2-4.St. Louis has an off day on Thursday and will welcome Arizona to town on Friday.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas (3-2, 3.77 ERA) is set to start for the Cardinals while the Diamondbacks starter is listed as TBD.&nbsp; First pitch is at 7:15pm, pregame coverage being joined at 7:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards trending in right direction lately, but fall to Tigers 5-1 in finale

A Georgia man has
been arrested in Maryville in connection with a 19-year-old cold case.

Georgia Bureau of
Investigation officials say 58-year-old Jon Worrell has been the prime suspect
in the shooting death of his wife in 2006.

The Bureau reports
Worrell, who had been living in Maryville, was taken into custody without incident.

Thirty-nine-year-old Doris
Worrell was found shot and killed at Jon's Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia in
September of 2006.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Nodaway County Sheriff's
Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety assisted Georgia law
enforcement in make the arrest.

Georgia officials say
an extradition hearing will be held to return Worrell to Georgia.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845292431.png" alt="Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Jon Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA Georgia man has
been arrested in Maryville in connection with a 19-year-old cold case.Georgia Bureau of
Investigation officials say 58-year-old Jon Worrell has been the prime suspect
in the shooting death of his wife in 2006.The Bureau reports
Worrell, who had been living in Maryville, was taken into custody without incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747845466660.png" alt="Doris Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Doris Worrell- Photo Coffee County Georgia Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Thirty-nine-year-old Doris
Worrell was found shot and killed at Jon's Sports Park in Douglas, Georgia in
September of 2006.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, Nodaway County Sheriff's
Office, and the Maryville Department of Public Safety assisted Georgia law
enforcement in make the arrest.Georgia officials say
an extradition hearing will be held to return Worrell to Georgia.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Georgia fugitive arrested in Maryville in 19-year-old cold case

The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year.  

Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing.  

Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce 

"Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics 

"They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says.  

The new program will be solely offered on campus.  Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus 

Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents has approved some new programs for students heading into a new school year. Starting in the fall semester, Northwest will offer a Bachelor of Science in Technology Systems Management degree in agricultural mechanics and manufacturing. Provost Jamie Hooyman says Northwest has always had a strong ag mechanics program, but this is about changing with demands of the workforce "Mechanics aren't the same now as they were 50 years ago, so this also gives the students abilities to get some course work in robotics, technologies, safety, AC/DC," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hooyman says it's advancing what was a staple in ag mechanics "They're also bringing in what's a lot of the requirements, what's nowadays to be able to continue in those fields," Hooyman says. The new program will be solely offered on campus. Also starting in the fall, Northwest will offer a new Master of Science degree in management science, which will be available online or on campus Hooyman says this course is about data collection and teaching students how to use AI responsibly in this world where it's part of everyday life "How do you use it and how do you use critical thinking tools to make sure that the information that you're getting is good?" Hooyman asks. "So, what this degree will do is focus a lot on the analytical tools and deciphering information to make sure that the corporation is able to move forward using good data." Hooyman says the new program is huge because when you're basing decisions to determine people's future on data, you need to make sure the data you find is correct. In the spring semester, a Bachelor of Science degree in public administration will be offered to students. Hooyman says this degree is incredibly important to help keep young leaders in the area "And help build the communities to make them stronger so we don't lose all of our youth to the cities," Hooyman explains. "But they can also go work in large cities and things like that, public administration has been a high request area for many years, and we're excited to finally be able to launch it." The program will be available both online and on campus and is designed to increase readiness in areas such as accounting, economics, or media. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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