An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.

The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.

The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.

An Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.

The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.

Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.

Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.

Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758377370178.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:An Amber Alert for
two 12-year-old Rock Port girls has been canceled after both were safely
recovered in Indiana.The Missouri State
Highway Patrol issued the cancellation, but made no mention of the suspect, a
California man who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.The two girls were
reported taken from the Rock Port high school last night.The patrol reports
Emily Harrington and Emma Sue Hale have been found, safe.---------------------By BRENT MARTINAn Amber Alert has
been issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for two 12-year-old girls
abducted from Rock Port late Friday night.The patrol reports
12-year-old Emily Harrington and 12-year-old Emma Sue Hale were taken from 600
South Nebraska Street in Rock Port, the location of the high school, at 8:40 Friday evening. The suspect is a
white male who goes by the name of Alex or Alec.Emily Harrington
is described as a 12-year-old white girl with brown hair, 5 feet, 4 inches
tall, weighing 135 pounds. She often wears her hair in a bun and has a
birthmark on the front of her neck. Emily was last seen wearing a brown
t-shirt, light colored leggings, and cowboy boots.Emma Sue Hale is
described as a 12-year-old white girl with dark blue hair, 5 feet, 2 inches
tall, weighing 120 pounds. She has very long hair and was last seen wearing a
red Chiefs hooded sweatshirt and black leggings.Call 911 or the
Atchison County Sheriff’s Department at 660-744-6271 with any information to
help located the two girls.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Amber Alert canceled; two 12-year-old Rock Port girls are safe

The St. Louis Cardinals had won as many games as they needed to in order to make a win streak, winning two games in a row, but the mini streak was snapped on Tuesday evening at Busch Stadium as the Colorado Rockies shutout the Redbirds 3-0.&nbsp;

Hunter Goodman's two run home run in the fourth inning put Colorado up first, scoring Ezequiel Tovar.&nbsp; The Rockies extended the lead the very next inning, adding the only other run they needed in the victory, Kyle Farmer singling home Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland held the Cardinals to five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out two and walking two in the win.&nbsp;

Matthew Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-10 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all three runs on four hits and striking out three while walking just one.&nbsp; At the plate, of the Cardinals six hits, Brendan Donovan was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman was 1-for-2 with a double after coming on as a defensive replacement for Willson Contreras in the sixth inning.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Colorado wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael McGreevy (4-2, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-6, 6.52 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm with coverage being joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEThe St. Louis Cardinals had won as many games as they needed to in order to make a win streak, winning two games in a row, but the mini streak was snapped on Tuesday evening at Busch Stadium as the Colorado Rockies shutout the Redbirds 3-0.&nbsp;Hunter Goodman's two run home run in the fourth inning put Colorado up first, scoring Ezequiel Tovar.&nbsp; The Rockies extended the lead the very next inning, adding the only other run they needed in the victory, Kyle Farmer singling home Brenton Doyle.&nbsp; Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland held the Cardinals to five hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out two and walking two in the win.&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore took the loss for St. Louis, falling to 6-10 on the season, pitching four innings and giving up all three runs on four hits and striking out three while walking just one.&nbsp; At the plate, of the Cardinals six hits, Brendan Donovan was 2-for-4.&nbsp; Nolan Gorman was 1-for-2 with a double after coming on as a defensive replacement for Willson Contreras in the sixth inning.&nbsp;St. Louis and Colorado wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Michael McGreevy (4-2, 4.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Cardinals against former Cardinal Austin Gomber (0-6, 6.52 ERA) for the Rockies.&nbsp; First pitch is at 1:15pm with coverage being joined around 1:05 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cards mini win streak snapped as they get shutout by Rockies

A big day for Vinnie Pasquantino at the plate helped the Kansas City Royals win a second game in a row over the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium, earning an 8-5 win on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Pasquantino got the scoring started on the night in the first inning, with his first of five RBI's in the game, driving in Maikel Garcia following his leadoff walk with a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; In the third inning, after another Garcia walk and a single by Bobby Witt Jr, it was Pasquantino again extending the Royals lead with a three run home run into the right field corner, putting Kansas City up 4-0 at the end of three innings.

The Nationals finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning on an RBI triple by Luis Garcia Jr, scoring Riley Adams.&nbsp; Washington added one more run in the sixth inning as Paul DeJong grounded into a forceout, with Josh Bell being thrown out at second and CJ Abrams scoring, cutting the Kansas City lead in half.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the bottom half of the inning though, the Royals added three more runs the first coming with Randal Grichuk hitting an RBI double to bring home Witt Jr, after he led the inning off with a walk, and Grichuk scored in the next at bat as Jonathan India hit his seventh home run of the season, putting Kansas City back up 7-2.&nbsp;

The Nationals scored two runs in the seventh inning, an RBI double by James Wood bringing home Robert Hassell III, and Woods scored in the next at bat on an RBI single by Abrams.&nbsp; The Royals added their final run in the bottom half of the inning, Pasquantino driving in his fifth run with an RBI double scoring Tyler Tolbert, before Washington scored their final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Daylen Lile driving in DeJong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Wacha earned the win on the mound, improving to 7-9 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and five RBIs.&nbsp; India was 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk, and two RBIs.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Washington wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.46 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals with Jake Irvin (8-7, 4.90 ERA) for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

By MATT PIKEA big day for Vinnie Pasquantino at the plate helped the Kansas City Royals win a second game in a row over the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium, earning an 8-5 win on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;Pasquantino got the scoring started on the night in the first inning, with his first of five RBI's in the game, driving in Maikel Garcia following his leadoff walk with a sacrifice fly.&nbsp; In the third inning, after another Garcia walk and a single by Bobby Witt Jr, it was Pasquantino again extending the Royals lead with a three run home run into the right field corner, putting Kansas City up 4-0 at the end of three innings.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Corner three! <a href="https://t.co/fmukUFENx3">pic.twitter.com/fmukUFENx3</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1955426653557100672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Nationals finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth inning on an RBI triple by Luis Garcia Jr, scoring Riley Adams.&nbsp; Washington added one more run in the sixth inning as Paul DeJong grounded into a forceout, with Josh Bell being thrown out at second and CJ Abrams scoring, cutting the Kansas City lead in half.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the bottom half of the inning though, the Royals added three more runs the first coming with Randal Grichuk hitting an RBI double to bring home Witt Jr, after he led the inning off with a walk, and Grichuk scored in the next at bat as Jonathan India hit his seventh home run of the season, putting Kansas City back up 7-2.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Johnny liftoff! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/42p16MVrsw">pic.twitter.com/42p16MVrsw</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1955440586862874747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Nationals scored two runs in the seventh inning, an RBI double by James Wood bringing home Robert Hassell III, and Woods scored in the next at bat on an RBI single by Abrams.&nbsp; The Royals added their final run in the bottom half of the inning, Pasquantino driving in his fifth run with an RBI double scoring Tyler Tolbert, before Washington scored their final run in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Daylen Lile driving in DeJong.&nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Wacha earned the win on the mound, improving to 7-9 on the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings and giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks.&nbsp; Lucas Erceg pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.&nbsp; At the plate, Pasquantino was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and five RBIs.&nbsp; India was 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk, and two RBIs.&nbsp;Kansas City and Washington wrap up their series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.46 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals with Jake Irvin (8-7, 4.90 ERA) for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pasquantino drives in five to help Royals beat Nats 8-5

Coming off their first preseason game, the word of the day at Chiefs Training Camp was improvement. 

After falling to the Arizona Cardinals 20-17, head coach Andy Reid said the team had many mistakes to fix and clean up when it came to penalties, having 11 in the game. 

Reid says you address that in practice by detailing your work

"You've got to focus in on the gameplan, know where you're at, and then understand the snap counts and you have to up your attention span there so you get those things covered," Reid tells reporters following practice in St. Joseph.

It was a light practice as the Kansas City Chiefs returned to Missouri Western State University after their preseason opener against the Cardinals. 

Linebacker Nick Bolton says he felt like the defense as a whole did some good things during the preseason opener

"Our tackling was pretty decent, I think our run defense showed up pretty well, got some physicality, and obviously got a turnover," Bolton says.  "So, I feel like some of the things we wanted to do this year we were able to do that, so I think it's a good start, good foundation, but a lot to improve on still."

The Chiefs defense did suffer a blow in the game, losing Deon Bush to an Achilles tendon tear with the safety expected to miss the entire season. 

Kansas City will hope to address the mistakes quickly with their next preseason game coming up on Friday against the Seattle Seahawks.

For the first time in his career not in a quarterback competition, Gardner Minshew suited up for the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday for the first time in preseason action

Minshew rushed for a touchdown and threw for 54 yards before being pulled from the game.  

Minshew says during practices and leading into the season, the biggest challenge for him from Andy Reid has just been to be aggressive

"Take shots, take chances, these practices are times to learn, figure out your limits what you can do," Minshew explains.  "So it's been good, pushing myself, trying to be aggressive, and trying to figure out where i fit in the offense."

Minshew signed with Kansas City on a one year deal in March, replacing Carson Wentz as Patrick Mahomes primary backup, coming to the Chiefs from the Las Vegas Raiders

In a 10-10-10 capacity, in shorts and shells, the Chiefs practiced for just over two hours.  There are just two more practices in St. Joseph, the first tomorrow at 9:15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753213356048.jpeg" alt="Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Gardner Minshew (17) hands the ball off to Brashard Smith (30) as Patrick Mahomes and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy watch on/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostComing off their first preseason game, the word of the day at Chiefs Training Camp was improvement. After falling to the Arizona Cardinals 20-17, head coach Andy Reid said the team had many mistakes to fix and clean up when it came to penalties, having 11 in the game. Reid says you address that in practice by detailing your work"You've got to focus in on the gameplan, know where you're at, and then understand the snap counts and you have to up your attention span there so you get those things covered," Reid tells reporters following practice in St. Joseph.It was a light practice as the Kansas City Chiefs returned to Missouri Western State University after their preseason opener against the Cardinals. Linebacker Nick Bolton says he felt like the defense as a whole did some good things during the preseason opener"Our tackling was pretty decent, I think our run defense showed up pretty well, got some physicality, and obviously got a turnover," Bolton says. "So, I feel like some of the things we wanted to do this year we were able to do that, so I think it's a good start, good foundation, but a lot to improve on still."The Chiefs defense did suffer a blow in the game, losing Deon Bush to an Achilles tendon tear with the safety expected to miss the entire season. Kansas City will hope to address the mistakes quickly with their next preseason game coming up on Friday against the Seattle Seahawks.For the first time in his career not in a quarterback competition, Gardner Minshew suited up for the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday for the first time in preseason actionMinshew rushed for a touchdown and threw for 54 yards before being pulled from the game. Minshew says during practices and leading into the season, the biggest challenge for him from Andy Reid has just been to be aggressive"Take shots, take chances, these practices are times to learn, figure out your limits what you can do," Minshew explains. "So it's been good, pushing myself, trying to be aggressive, and trying to figure out where i fit in the offense."Minshew signed with Kansas City on a one year deal in March, replacing Carson Wentz as Patrick Mahomes primary backup, coming to the Chiefs from the Las Vegas RaidersIn a 10-10-10 capacity, in shorts and shells, the Chiefs practiced for just over two hours. There are just two more practices in St. Joseph, the first tomorrow at 9:15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754992861863.jpeg" alt="Nick Bolton (32) walks to practice during Chiefs Training Camp alongside linebacker Jack Cochrane (43) / Photo by Justin Peacock" />
 <figcaption>Nick Bolton (32) walks to practice during Chiefs Training Camp alongside linebacker Jack Cochrane (43) / Photo by Justin Peacock</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Improvement focus of Chiefs Training Camp after first preseason game

Fillmore city
officials have lifted a boil order issued earlier this week.

Fillmore city
officials have lifted a boil order issued earlier this week.

Fillmore lifts boil order

Missouri and Kansas have made their pitch
for either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium for the
Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas made its offer early, an attempt to lure the Chiefs
over the state line. Missouri countered with the legislature approving a
package during the special session in June.

Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark
Donovan, says team officials continue to pore over offers from both states as
they consider where the team will play in the future.

Donovan declines to indicate whether one
state has the edge over the other.

“As I said before, I’ll say it again, the
commitment on both sides has been really, really humbling,” Donovan tells
reporters during the opening of Training Camp at Missouri Western State
University. “There’s a real interest to figure this out on both sides of the
state line and that gives us a great opportunity to figure out what is best for
our fans and for the organization.”

The Chiefs conducted a survey of fans in
the team’s effort to decide its future. Donovan says three survey results stood
out. Fans take pride in how loud it gets at Arrowhead and want to retain the arguably
loudest stadium in the NFL. Fans like their tailgates and whether the Chiefs renovate
Arrowhead or move to a new stadium, fans want the Chiefs to provide plenty of
room for tailgating. Donovan says the third response that rose to the top was
humbling to the organization. He says fans said they trusted the Chiefs to do
the right thing.

Much hinges on what the Royals decide to
do. The Chiefs and the Royals are neighbors, sharing room in the Truman Sports
Complex which opened in 1972. If the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium as expected,
that creates a different dynamic for the Chiefs, according to Donovan. The NFL
franchise could then spread out to take over the entire complex. Donovan does
add that if the Royals cross the state line and relocate in the Kansas side of
the Kansas City metroplex, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs will move
to Kansas. Previously, the future of the two teams seemed linked. They are
separate now.

Donovan says his team is scrutinizing
every paragraph, every word in the offers from both states. 

“It’s the detail of those deals. What
deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, for a future
perspective. And I think it’s important to point this out – what makes the most
sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan says. “There are a
lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that
decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next
generation.”

Donovan emphasizes the decision on where
the Chiefs call home has no impact on whether the Chiefs continue to hold
training camp in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University announced just
prior to the beginning of this year’s camp that the university had reached a multi-year
extension with the Chiefs.

But will the Chiefs stay in St. Joseph in
the future?

Donovan says much like the team’s
decision on whether to renovate Arrowhead or build new, it all depends.

“Look, we don’t want to leave, but we may
find a better option in the future and decide to do that,” Donovan says. “It’s
kind of what we’re doing with the stadium right now. We may and we may not.”

Donovan says when the Chiefs began
holding training camp in St. Joseph in 2010, no one could have guessed the
impact it would have on the city.

“And you look at it today, 15 years in, it’s
measurable and it’s exceeded everyone’s expectations and we’re proud of that,” Donovan
says. “But we also believe that’s what we bring to the table. We can bring
something that can change, have impact. And, if you look at the history of
this, we’ve done that.”

The Chiefs moved training camp from the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before that, the Chiefs held training
camp at William Jewel College in Liberty.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753375239183.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark Donovan/Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark Donovan/Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt is a border battle like no other.Missouri and Kansas have made their pitch
for either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium for the
Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas made its offer early, an attempt to lure the Chiefs
over the state line. Missouri countered with the legislature approving a
package during the special session in June.Kansas City Chiefs President, Mark
Donovan, says team officials continue to pore over offers from both states as
they consider where the team will play in the future.Donovan declines to indicate whether one
state has the edge over the other.“As I said before, I’ll say it again, the
commitment on both sides has been really, really humbling,” Donovan tells
reporters during the opening of Training Camp at Missouri Western State
University. “There’s a real interest to figure this out on both sides of the
state line and that gives us a great opportunity to figure out what is best for
our fans and for the organization.”The Chiefs conducted a survey of fans in
the team’s effort to decide its future. Donovan says three survey results stood
out. Fans take pride in how loud it gets at Arrowhead and want to retain the arguably
loudest stadium in the NFL. Fans like their tailgates and whether the Chiefs renovate
Arrowhead or move to a new stadium, fans want the Chiefs to provide plenty of
room for tailgating. Donovan says the third response that rose to the top was
humbling to the organization. He says fans said they trusted the Chiefs to do
the right thing.Much hinges on what the Royals decide to
do. The Chiefs and the Royals are neighbors, sharing room in the Truman Sports
Complex which opened in 1972. If the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium as expected,
that creates a different dynamic for the Chiefs, according to Donovan. The NFL
franchise could then spread out to take over the entire complex. Donovan does
add that if the Royals cross the state line and relocate in the Kansas side of
the Kansas City metroplex, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs will move
to Kansas. Previously, the future of the two teams seemed linked. They are
separate now.Donovan says his team is scrutinizing
every paragraph, every word in the offers from both states. “It’s the detail of those deals. What
deal makes the most sense from a business perspective, for a future
perspective. And I think it’s important to point this out – what makes the most
sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan says. “There are a
lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that
decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next
generation.”Donovan emphasizes the decision on where
the Chiefs call home has no impact on whether the Chiefs continue to hold
training camp in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University announced just
prior to the beginning of this year’s camp that the university had reached a multi-year
extension with the Chiefs.But will the Chiefs stay in St. Joseph in
the future?Donovan says much like the team’s
decision on whether to renovate Arrowhead or build new, it all depends.“Look, we don’t want to leave, but we may
find a better option in the future and decide to do that,” Donovan says. “It’s
kind of what we’re doing with the stadium right now. We may and we may not.”Donovan says when the Chiefs began
holding training camp in St. Joseph in 2010, no one could have guessed the
impact it would have on the city.“And you look at it today, 15 years in, it’s
measurable and it’s exceeded everyone’s expectations and we’re proud of that,” Donovan
says. “But we also believe that’s what we bring to the table. We can bring
something that can change, have impact. And, if you look at the history of
this, we’ve done that.”The Chiefs moved training camp from the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Before that, the Chiefs held training
camp at William Jewel College in Liberty.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Chiefs weigh proposals from Missouri & Kansas in deciding future home

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.

Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore city
officials have issued a boil order until further notice.Fillmore officials
say the boil order has been issued while repairs are being made to a fire hydrant. Residents are advised to boil water from the tap until the boil order is lifted.

Fillmore under a boil order

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.

<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.”

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.

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