The National Corn Growers Association is urging farmers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a new proposal on multi-pollutant emissions standards. 

The call-to-action was launched after the agency first announced the proposal in April. The comment period deadline closes on July 5. 

The new standards would effectively force automakers to produce electric vehicles at an increasingly rapid rate to comply with the stringent proposed rule. 

NCGA leadership believes with this one-size-fits-all approach, EPA is ignoring other low-carbon solutions like ethanol. The proposal picks winners and losers in the energy sector and puts biofuels on the losing side. 

If it’s left unchanged, this rulemaking has the potential to remove hundreds of millions of bushels of domestic corn demand from the market each year. 

The NCGA is encouraging all members and advocates to let the EPA know that ethanol is a low-carbon solution to emissions reduction that is readily available.

The National Corn Growers Association is urging farmers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a new proposal on multi-pollutant emissions standards. The call-to-action was launched after the agency first announced the proposal in April. The comment period deadline closes on July 5. The new standards would effectively force automakers to produce electric vehicles at an increasingly rapid rate to comply with the stringent proposed rule. NCGA leadership believes with this one-size-fits-all approach, EPA is ignoring other low-carbon solutions like ethanol. The proposal picks winners and losers in the energy sector and puts biofuels on the losing side. If it’s left unchanged, this rulemaking has the potential to remove hundreds of millions of bushels of domestic corn demand from the market each year. The NCGA is encouraging all members and advocates to let the EPA know that ethanol is a low-carbon solution to emissions reduction that is readily available.- NAFB

NCGA call to action on EPA’s Emissions Standards Proposal

Chinese scientists say they’ve identified what appears to be a new strain of the African Swine Fever virus working its way through three counties in the country. 

A paper published in the journal Nature Communications says the new virus appears to be a hybrid of the new genotype 2 strain that caused the 2018 outbreak of ASF that began in China and a more recent but less deadly strain identified in 2021. 

Chris Netherton, head of ASF Vaccinology at the Pirbright Institute, says that the new variant is called genotype 1 for its apparent similarities to older versions of the virus. 

It causes chronic disease in pigs, but it’s not as deadly as genotype 2, which can kill over 80 percent of the hogs it infects. Feed Strategy Magazine says the data from the Chinese study doesn’t appear to show the new strain is more contagious than the existing variants of ASF.

Chinese scientists say they’ve identified what appears to be a new strain of the African Swine Fever virus working its way through three counties in the country. A paper published in the journal Nature Communications says the new virus appears to be a hybrid of the new genotype 2 strain that caused the 2018 outbreak of ASF that began in China and a more recent but less deadly strain identified in 2021. Chris Netherton, head of ASF Vaccinology at the Pirbright Institute, says that the new variant is called genotype 1 for its apparent similarities to older versions of the virus. It causes chronic disease in pigs, but it’s not as deadly as genotype 2, which can kill over 80 percent of the hogs it infects. Feed Strategy Magazine says the data from the Chinese study doesn’t appear to show the new strain is more contagious than the existing variants of ASF.- NAFB

New ASF variant found in China

St. Joseph police report two shootings late Independence Day
resulting only in property damage.

Police report shots were fired from a vehicle in the 2200 block of North Belt shortly after 10 o’clock Tuesday night. Shortly
thereafter, a similar shooting was reported at 22nd and Messanie. Shots
hit and damaged buildings and vehicles. Police report no one was shot and
wounded in either incident.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police report two shootings late Independence Day
resulting only in property damage.Police report shots were fired from a vehicle in the 2200 block of North Belt shortly after 10 o’clock Tuesday night. Shortly
thereafter, a similar shooting was reported at 22nd and Messanie. Shots
hit and damaged buildings and vehicles. Police report no one was shot and
wounded in either incident.No suspects are in custody.The investigation continues.

Independence Day shootings damage property in St. Joseph

An overnight storm knocked out power to more than 18,000 Evergy customers, more than 1,500 in St. Joseph.

Several intersections in St. Joseph have blinking traffic lights.

Evergy reports slightly more than 600 outages throughout its
network in Kansas City, northeast Kansas, and northwest Missouri. The outages
are scattered throughout the region with the largest reported in St. Joseph where
81 outages are reported Monday morning, affecting more than 1,500 customers.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn overnight storm knocked out power to more than 18,000 Evergy customers, more than 1,500 in St. Joseph.Several intersections in St. Joseph have blinking traffic lights.Evergy reports slightly more than 600 outages throughout its
network in Kansas City, northeast Kansas, and northwest Missouri. The outages
are scattered throughout the region with the largest reported in St. Joseph where
81 outages are reported Monday morning, affecting more than 1,500 customers.

Storms knocks out power throughout region, including St. Joseph

A deadly extended holiday weekend in northwest Missouri,
including a wreck near Bethany that took the life of Buchanan County Medical
Director, Dr. Scott Hall.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Hall, who was 38,
lost control of his all-terrain-vehicle, while riding north on a county road
three miles south of Bethany just after noon on Independence Day. The patrol
reports the ATV went off the road, Hall overcorrected and struck an embankment.
The ATV overturned, throwing Hall and a passenger from it.

Hall was taken to the hospital, but pronounced dead later of
his injuries.

Hall’s wife, Maggie, suffered
minor injuries. A one-year-old passenger suffered moderate injuries in the
accident.

The patrol reports a double fatality accident in Caldwell
County the morning of the 4th.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, two Falls City,
Nebraska residents died in a crash at the intersection of Highway 36 and Missouri 13 in Hamilton.

The patrol reports a semi-tractor
trailer being driven by 62-year-old James Shipman of North Carolina was driving
east on 36 as a sport utility vehicle was attempting to merge onto the highway from
Highway 13 off ramp. The semi pulled over to allow the SUV to merge onto 36,
but the SUV cut across both lanes into the path of the truck which struck the
SUV. The driver, 70-year-old Ricky Nutzman of Falls City, died in the wreck as
did 70-year-old Susan Nutzman, a passenger in the SUV.

A 13-year-old Bethany boy died, two others suffered serious
injuries, in a single vehicle wreck on US Highway 136 on Saturday, a mile west
of Stanberry in which the vehicle overturned several times.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 46-year-old Dustin
Beaty of Bethany was driving east on 136 when the Jeep went off the south side
of the road and down an embankment. The vehicle struck a field entrance, went
airborne, and overturned multiple times.

The teenager was taken to the hospital in Albany, but died of
his injuries.

Dustin Beaty and another passenger, 43-year-old Angela Beaty,
suffered serious injuries in the wreck, according to the patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688553465605.png" alt="Dr. Scott Hall" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Scott Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA deadly extended holiday weekend in northwest Missouri,
including a wreck near Bethany that took the life of Buchanan County Medical
Director, Dr. Scott Hall.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports Hall, who was 38,
lost control of his all-terrain-vehicle, while riding north on a county road
three miles south of Bethany just after noon on Independence Day. The patrol
reports the ATV went off the road, Hall overcorrected and struck an embankment.
The ATV overturned, throwing Hall and a passenger from it.Hall was taken to the hospital, but pronounced dead later of
his injuries.Hall’s wife, Maggie, suffered
minor injuries. A one-year-old passenger suffered moderate injuries in the
accident.The patrol reports a double fatality accident in Caldwell
County the morning of the 4th.According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, two Falls City,
Nebraska residents died in a crash at the intersection of Highway 36 and Missouri 13 in Hamilton.The patrol reports a semi-tractor
trailer being driven by 62-year-old James Shipman of North Carolina was driving
east on 36 as a sport utility vehicle was attempting to merge onto the highway from
Highway 13 off ramp. The semi pulled over to allow the SUV to merge onto 36,
but the SUV cut across both lanes into the path of the truck which struck the
SUV. The driver, 70-year-old Ricky Nutzman of Falls City, died in the wreck as
did 70-year-old Susan Nutzman, a passenger in the SUV.A 13-year-old Bethany boy died, two others suffered serious
injuries, in a single vehicle wreck on US Highway 136 on Saturday, a mile west
of Stanberry in which the vehicle overturned several times.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 46-year-old Dustin
Beaty of Bethany was driving east on 136 when the Jeep went off the south side
of the road and down an embankment. The vehicle struck a field entrance, went
airborne, and overturned multiple times.The teenager was taken to the hospital in Albany, but died of
his injuries.Dustin Beaty and another passenger, 43-year-old Angela Beaty,
suffered serious injuries in the wreck, according to the patrol.

Deadly holiday weekend includes death of Buchanan CO EMS director

HARRISON COUNTY—The Buchanan County EMS medical director died in an accident just after noon Independence Day in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Polaris ATV driven by Scott A. Hall, 38, Bethany, was northbound on CR West 211 Lane three miles south of Bethany.

The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, began to skid, struck a rock and returned to the road.

The driver overcorrected and the ATV traveled back off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. The driver and&nbsp; passengers were ejected.

Hall was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Harrison County Sheriff's Office transported passengers identified as Maggie F. Hall, 31, Bethany, and a 1-year-old girl from Bethany to Harrison County Community Hospital.

HARRISON COUNTY—The Buchanan County EMS medical director died in an accident just after noon Independence Day in Harrison County.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbuchanancountyems%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0hrAa6ZF12ANfiZAecB98VbuEYAbTnVL3ZTCTfTJPVaQUZroeYLnTxTFStPGmxgUvl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="551" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Polaris ATV driven by Scott A. Hall, 38, Bethany, was northbound on CR West 211 Lane three miles south of Bethany.The vehicle traveled off the east side of the road, began to skid, struck a rock and returned to the road.The driver overcorrected and the ATV traveled back off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. The driver and&nbsp; passengers were ejected.Hall was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Harrison County Sheriff's Office transported passengers identified as Maggie F. Hall, 31, Bethany, and a 1-year-old girl from Bethany to Harrison County Community Hospital.

Buchanan Co. EMS medical director dies in ATV crash

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by Ian Z. Andrews, 18, St. Joseph, was westbound on County Road 345 at Business 71 two miles south of Savannah.

A northbound 2016 Nissan Rogue driven by Terry B. Swartz, 61, St. Joseph, struck the drivers side of the Honda. After impact the vehicles traveled off the east side of the road and. up the embankment.

Andrew County EMS transported Swartz to Mosaic. Andrews was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by Ian Z. Andrews, 18, St. Joseph, was westbound on County Road 345 at Business 71 two miles south of Savannah.A northbound 2016 Nissan Rogue driven by Terry B. Swartz, 61, St. Joseph, struck the drivers side of the Honda. After impact the vehicles traveled off the east side of the road and. up the embankment.Andrew County EMS transported Swartz to Mosaic. Andrews was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured in 2-vehicle crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;

Just after 9p.m. July 1, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 44-year-old&nbsp;Melody C. McCannon, 44, Atchison, for an alleged traffic violation in the 600 Block of North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Investigators found her to be in&nbsp;possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She remains jails on requested charges of no license tag, no driver’s license, no insurance, and possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688393878945.png" alt="McCannon-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>McCannon-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. July 1, police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 44-year-old&nbsp;Melody C. McCannon, 44, Atchison, for an alleged traffic violation in the 600 Block of North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Investigators found her to be in&nbsp;possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She remains jails on requested charges of no license tag, no driver’s license, no insurance, and possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, according to Wilson.

Kansas woman accused of transporting fentanyl

BROWN COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Timothy&nbsp; Pahmahmie, 44, Horton, was westbound on 100th Road one mile west of U.S. 169.

The pickup struck a southbound 2005 Chevy Tahoe driven by Brandon Michael&nbsp;Wingender, 27, Everest, Kansas, at King Fisher Road.

EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Pahmahmie and Wingender to the hospital in Atchison. EMS transported a passengers in the Silverado identified as Roberta Hanchor, 42, Owyhee, Nevada to Stormont Vail in Topeka and Adrian Darnell, 31, Horton,&nbsp; to Hiawatha Community Hospital. EMS transported a passenger in the SUV Brenda Lynn&nbsp;Middleton, 21, Horton, to KU Medical Center.

Pahmahmie, Hanchor,&nbsp;Wingender and Middleton were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY—Five people were injured in an accident just before 5:30a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Timothy&nbsp; Pahmahmie, 44, Horton, was westbound on 100th Road one mile west of U.S. 169.The pickup struck a southbound 2005 Chevy Tahoe driven by Brandon Michael&nbsp;Wingender, 27, Everest, Kansas, at King Fisher Road.EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Pahmahmie and Wingender to the hospital in Atchison. EMS transported a passengers in the Silverado identified as Roberta Hanchor, 42, Owyhee, Nevada to Stormont Vail in Topeka and Adrian Darnell, 31, Horton,&nbsp; to Hiawatha Community Hospital. EMS transported a passenger in the SUV Brenda Lynn&nbsp;Middleton, 21, Horton, to KU Medical Center.Pahmahmie, Hanchor,&nbsp;Wingender and Middleton were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

5 hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a toddler's hospitalization have made an arrest.

On February 13, police began an investigation that focused on a child younger than 2 years old who had suffered a medical emergency, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers had responded to a home in the 900 block Santa Fe in Atchison shortly before 2a.m. that morning where the baby was found to be unresponsive. 

Life saving measures were taken and the baby was transported to the hospital by EMS and subsequently to Children’s Mercy.

On Sunday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Sasha E. Gerard, of Atchison in the 100 block South 3rd Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated endangering a child. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; The child recovered after the hospitalization, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688394163684.png" alt="Gerard-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gerard-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a toddler's hospitalization have made an arrest.On February 13, police began an investigation that focused on a child younger than 2 years old who had suffered a medical emergency, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers had responded to a home in the 900 block Santa Fe in Atchison shortly before 2a.m. that morning where the baby was found to be unresponsive. Life saving measures were taken and the baby was transported to the hospital by EMS and subsequently to Children’s Mercy.On Sunday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Sasha E. Gerard, of Atchison in the 100 block South 3rd Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated endangering a child. She is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.&nbsp; The child recovered after the hospitalization, according to Wilson.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Kansas woman accused after toddler's hospitalization

As people celebrate Independence Day, officials with the state want to make sure people celebrate the holiday safely.  

State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says to be aware and remember the safety of your neighbors and yourself as you shoot off fireworks 

"Elevation in temperatures and the drought conditions across our state really heightens the awareness of being wise when we go to shoot our fireworks," Bean tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Bean says to be sure to follow safety rules this holiday such as making sure you have water nearby and to keep children away from the fireworks.  

While the Fourth of July is tomorrow people might be buying those last-minute fireworks before nightfall on Tuesday. 

Bean says to make sure you are buying fireworks from certified fireworks stands 

"We permit those, and the stand should have a displayed certificate from us showing that they are a qualified individual to be selling them," Bean says. "So, make sure and purchase your fireworks from the certified folks and if you find somebody that's not, please report that to us because we'd like to investigate that." 

Bean says that you should also make sure to check with local authorities about the rules of shooting off fireworks where you live.  

Fireworks are already being shot off as the Independence Day Holiday is here and you should be sure to practice safety with those fireworks.  

Bean says around this time statewide and nationally there is an influx in the number of house and grass fire calls 

"Anytime you have an explosive or a fire involved there is some elevations," Bean explains. "Sometimes like our weather conditions that we find ourselves in across our state elevates some of that due to the dry nature you know." 

Bean says to be sure to properly shoot off fireworks and watch for dry areas to avoid starting any fires.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688410442131.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post As people celebrate Independence Day, officials with the state want to make sure people celebrate the holiday safely. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says to be aware and remember the safety of your neighbors and yourself as you shoot off fireworks "Elevation in temperatures and the drought conditions across our state really heightens the awareness of being wise when we go to shoot our fireworks," Bean tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Bean says to be sure to follow safety rules this holiday such as making sure you have water nearby and to keep children away from the fireworks. While the Fourth of July is tomorrow people might be buying those last-minute fireworks before nightfall on Tuesday. Bean says to make sure you are buying fireworks from certified fireworks stands "We permit those, and the stand should have a displayed certificate from us showing that they are a qualified individual to be selling them," Bean says. "So, make sure and purchase your fireworks from the certified folks and if you find somebody that's not, please report that to us because we'd like to investigate that." Bean says that you should also make sure to check with local authorities about the rules of shooting off fireworks where you live. Fireworks are already being shot off as the Independence Day Holiday is here and you should be sure to practice safety with those fireworks. Bean says around this time statewide and nationally there is an influx in the number of house and grass fire calls "Anytime you have an explosive or a fire involved there is some elevations," Bean explains. "Sometimes like our weather conditions that we find ourselves in across our state elevates some of that due to the dry nature you know." Bean says to be sure to properly shoot off fireworks and watch for dry areas to avoid starting any fires.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Shoot-fireworks-safely-this-fourth-of-July-e26gkuo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Shoot off those fireworks safely this Independence Day holiday 

St. Joseph residents can haul off debris left in the wake of
the weekend storms at the city landfill, starting Wednesday.

The City of St. Joseph has announced it will accept tree
branches for disposal during normal hours of operation from Wednesday, July 5th,
to Saturday, July 8th.

City residency documentation is required. No commercial
vehicles will be allowed. Customers dropping off storm debris will be expected
to follow Clean Sweep guidelines, which can be found on the city website:&nbsp; stjosephmo.gov.

Hours of operation for the St. Joseph landfill are Monday
through Friday from 7am to 4:30pm, and Saturday from 7am to 2pm.

Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7916/Clean-Sweep?bidId=">HERE</a> for the Clean Sweep guidelines.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph residents can haul off debris left in the wake of
the weekend storms at the city landfill, starting Wednesday.The City of St. Joseph has announced it will accept tree
branches for disposal during normal hours of operation from Wednesday, July 5th,
to Saturday, July 8th.City residency documentation is required. No commercial
vehicles will be allowed. Customers dropping off storm debris will be expected
to follow Clean Sweep guidelines, which can be found on the city website:&nbsp; stjosephmo.gov.Hours of operation for the St. Joseph landfill are Monday
through Friday from 7am to 4:30pm, and Saturday from 7am to 2pm.Click <a href="https://www.stjosephmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7916/Clean-Sweep?bidId=">HERE</a> for the Clean Sweep guidelines.

St. Joseph residents can drop off storm debris at city landfill

The National Farmers Union released the 2023 numbers for the Farmers’ Share of the Food Dollar Report covering several items typically found at a Fourth of July cookout. 

The NFU says every year, the troubling trend of farmers earning less of the dollars Americans spend at the grocery store is continuing. 

“Whether it’s the highly consolidated meatpacking industry or harmful mergers in the private sector, farmers and consumers are being squeezed out of their hard-earned money,” says NFU President Rob Larew. 

“It doesn’t have to be that way.” For example, eight-count hamburger buns retail for $3.49, but the farmers’ share is only ten cents. Party-size potato chips are $5.99, but the farmers’ share is 29 cents. 

Two pounds of ground beef is $11.07, but farmers get just $3.42. Last year, the USDA said the farmers’ share of the food dollar bottomed out at only 14.5 cents of every dollar spent.

The National Farmers Union released the 2023 numbers for the Farmers’ Share of the Food Dollar Report covering several items typically found at a Fourth of July cookout. The NFU says every year, the troubling trend of farmers earning less of the dollars Americans spend at the grocery store is continuing. “Whether it’s the highly consolidated meatpacking industry or harmful mergers in the private sector, farmers and consumers are being squeezed out of their hard-earned money,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “It doesn’t have to be that way.” For example, eight-count hamburger buns retail for $3.49, but the farmers’ share is only ten cents. Party-size potato chips are $5.99, but the farmers’ share is 29 cents. Two pounds of ground beef is $11.07, but farmers get just $3.42. Last year, the USDA said the farmers’ share of the food dollar bottomed out at only 14.5 cents of every dollar spent.- NAFB

Farmers’ share of July Fourth food dollar continues to shrink

A derecho storm system hit parts of the Midwest last week. Hundreds of thousands had no power, homes and cars were smashed, and fields of crops were flattened by the high winds. 

The line of severe thunderstorms contained wind gusts of 90 miles per hour. 

The storm moved quickly, starting in southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas before pushing further east into Illinois and Indiana. 

“It was a classic line of severe thunderstorms that met all of the criteria for a typical derecho,” says Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist with weather.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These types of storms typically form in late spring or early summer and are long-lived, widespread, and damaging wind events.” 

A derecho typically forms along the edge of an excessively hot and humid airmass like the heat dome that’s been parked over the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. “They often ride the northern edge of heat domes,” Erdman says.

A derecho storm system hit parts of the Midwest last week. Hundreds of thousands had no power, homes and cars were smashed, and fields of crops were flattened by the high winds. The line of severe thunderstorms contained wind gusts of 90 miles per hour. The storm moved quickly, starting in southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas before pushing further east into Illinois and Indiana. “It was a classic line of severe thunderstorms that met all of the criteria for a typical derecho,” says Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist with weather.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These types of storms typically form in late spring or early summer and are long-lived, widespread, and damaging wind events.” A derecho typically forms along the edge of an excessively hot and humid airmass like the heat dome that’s been parked over the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. “They often ride the northern edge of heat domes,” Erdman says.- NAFB

Derecho hits farm country

Missouri will receive $1.7 billion from the
federal government to expand broadband in the state, an incredible step toward
covering the entire state, according to Broadband Development Office Director B.
J. Tanksley.

“It’s huge. It’s an historic opportunity for us in
the state of Missouri,” Tanksley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ve been
talking about broadband for a long time and never thought we would have funding
like this to truly be able to address access, the infrastructure access, across
the state.”

Tanksley says the money will go a long way to
providing high-speed internet to all Missourians, no matter where they live.

“Our true goal with this is to connect all
Missourians and that’s what we’re going to try to do and with this amount of
funding, we’ll go a long was towards that,” according to Tanksley.

Pockets of Missouri do not have access to
high-speed internet or have only limited access.

“Especially when you look across the Iowa border,
there’s some significant pockets. Western Missouri does and then also across
southern Missouri,” Tanksley says. “There’s some tough to reach areas, because
of geography and otherwise.”

Tanksley says those parts of the state still
without broadband service have similar characteristics.

“It’s largely two things,” Tanksley says. “It’s
either population density or the difficulty of the terrain or the combination
of the two.”

Tanksley says the state will work with internet
providers to expand broadband. He expects it to take about six months to form a
plan with expansion starting in earnest early next year.

Tanksley calls this allocation of federal funds historic.

“Unbelievable opportunity in front of us to
really close the gap and make sure people in Missouri can live where they want
to and not have to wonder if they’ll have that the services that they expect to
have available to them.”

The money comes from the Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and is based on the
number of unserved or under-served residents in the state.

By BRENT MARTINMissouri will receive $1.7 billion from the
federal government to expand broadband in the state, an incredible step toward
covering the entire state, according to Broadband Development Office Director B.
J. Tanksley.“It’s huge. It’s an historic opportunity for us in
the state of Missouri,” Tanksley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “We’ve been
talking about broadband for a long time and never thought we would have funding
like this to truly be able to address access, the infrastructure access, across
the state.”Tanksley says the money will go a long way to
providing high-speed internet to all Missourians, no matter where they live.“Our true goal with this is to connect all
Missourians and that’s what we’re going to try to do and with this amount of
funding, we’ll go a long was towards that,” according to Tanksley.Pockets of Missouri do not have access to
high-speed internet or have only limited access.“Especially when you look across the Iowa border,
there’s some significant pockets. Western Missouri does and then also across
southern Missouri,” Tanksley says. “There’s some tough to reach areas, because
of geography and otherwise.”Tanksley says those parts of the state still
without broadband service have similar characteristics.“It’s largely two things,” Tanksley says. “It’s
either population density or the difficulty of the terrain or the combination
of the two.”Tanksley says the state will work with internet
providers to expand broadband. He expects it to take about six months to form a
plan with expansion starting in earnest early next year.Tanksley calls this allocation of federal funds historic.“Unbelievable opportunity in front of us to
really close the gap and make sure people in Missouri can live where they want
to and not have to wonder if they’ll have that the services that they expect to
have available to them.”The money comes from the Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and is based on the
number of unserved or under-served residents in the state.

Northern Missouri to benefit from huge broadband grant

The City of St. Joseph has announced that once again the Red Rally will take over Civic Center Park to welcome the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs back to St. Joseph for Training Camp.&nbsp;

The event will be held on Saturday, July 29th beginning at 1pm with live music, food vendors, and inflatables for kids.&nbsp; Red Rally T-Shirts will also be available to purchase.&nbsp;

Live music will include 90's cover bands Motley Crucial and Poison Overdose.&nbsp; &nbsp;Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus will be on stage along with the KC Rumble drum line and the Chiefs Cheerleaders.&nbsp;

Highlighting the event will once again be an appearance from Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne and country singer Blaine Howard who will close out the event which will run until 7:30pm.

The Red Rally is a collaboration of Made with Uncommon Character, an organization supported by Mosaic Life Care, the City of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph School District, and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688396529452.jpeg" alt="Tech N9ne performs during the 2022 Red Rally at Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Tech N9ne performs during the 2022 Red Rally at Civic Center Park in downtown St. Joseph/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe City of St. Joseph has announced that once again the Red Rally will take over Civic Center Park to welcome the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs back to St. Joseph for Training Camp.&nbsp;The event will be held on Saturday, July 29th beginning at 1pm with live music, food vendors, and inflatables for kids.&nbsp; Red Rally T-Shirts will also be available to purchase.&nbsp;Live music will include 90's cover bands Motley Crucial and Poison Overdose.&nbsp; &nbsp;Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus will be on stage along with the KC Rumble drum line and the Chiefs Cheerleaders.&nbsp;Highlighting the event will once again be an appearance from Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne and country singer Blaine Howard who will close out the event which will run until 7:30pm.The Red Rally is a collaboration of Made with Uncommon Character, an organization supported by Mosaic Life Care, the City of St. Joseph, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph School District, and the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Red Rally announced, Tech N9ne returning to St. Joseph and Blaine Howard to headline

A 12-year-old has been taken into custody after a shooting in the
2300 block of Faraon Street in St. Joseph just after midnight.

St. Joseph police report officers arrived at the scene and confirmed
the shooting. It appears no one was shot and there wasn’t any property damage.

Officers took the juvenile into custody. The investigation
continues.

The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers are looking
for a 32-year-old subject who might have been involved.

This article has been updated since first published.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 12-year-old has been taken into custody after a shooting in the
2300 block of Faraon Street in St. Joseph just after midnight.St. Joseph police report officers arrived at the scene and confirmed
the shooting. It appears no one was shot and there wasn’t any property damage.Officers took the juvenile into custody. The investigation
continues.The St. Joseph Police Department reports officers are looking
for a 32-year-old subject who might have been involved.This article has been updated since first published.

Juvenile taken into custody after early morning St. Joseph shooting

Evergy reports nearly all of its customers have had power restored in wake of the severe thunderstorms that battered the Midland Empire late Friday night into Saturday morning.

The utility reports Sunday morning that only 56 customers lack electricity from seven outages that remain.

The storm took down power lines and ripped down tree limbs throughout the area, leaving more than one thousand St. Joseph residents in the dark.&nbsp;

A severe storm gathered strength late Friday evening, prompting several warnings from the National Weather Service in Kansas City. NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Leavenworth and Wathena, Kansas shortly after 9:30pm. Rosecrans Memorial Airport, located across the Missouri River from St. Joseph, reported 82 mph winds around 10pm, according to NWS.&nbsp;

The storm knocked out power throughout the Midland Empire.&nbsp;

Evergy reported early Saturday afternoon that slightly more than one thousand St. Joseph residents remained without power. A total of nearly 3,000 Evergy customers in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas lost power from the storm.

The National Weather Service in Kansas City reported some storms returned to northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri Saturday evening, but a lot of the severe weather moved to central and southeast Missouri.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEvergy reports nearly all of its customers have had power restored in wake of the severe thunderstorms that battered the Midland Empire late Friday night into Saturday morning.The utility reports Sunday morning that only 56 customers lack electricity from seven outages that remain.The storm took down power lines and ripped down tree limbs throughout the area, leaving more than one thousand St. Joseph residents in the dark.&nbsp;A severe storm gathered strength late Friday evening, prompting several warnings from the National Weather Service in Kansas City. NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Leavenworth and Wathena, Kansas shortly after 9:30pm. Rosecrans Memorial Airport, located across the Missouri River from St. Joseph, reported 82 mph winds around 10pm, according to NWS.&nbsp;The storm knocked out power throughout the Midland Empire.&nbsp;Evergy reported early Saturday afternoon that slightly more than one thousand St. Joseph residents remained without power. A total of nearly 3,000 Evergy customers in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas lost power from the storm.The National Weather Service in Kansas City reported some storms returned to northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri Saturday evening, but a lot of the severe weather moved to central and southeast Missouri.&nbsp;

Power restored after storms batter greater St. Joseph area

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

On June 27, deputies investigating&nbsp;criminal activity on and or near the Kickapoo reservation applied for and received a $50,000&nbsp; Brown County&nbsp;&nbsp; warrant for Joseph Ross, 46, of&nbsp; Horton for Felony Aggravated Assault, Felony Criminal Threat and Battery.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Topeka police arrested Ross without incident. Ross has previous convictions for criminal damage to property, criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle and DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687985360318.png" alt="Ross-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an investigation.On June 27, deputies investigating&nbsp;criminal activity on and or near the Kickapoo reservation applied for and received a $50,000&nbsp; Brown County&nbsp;&nbsp; warrant for Joseph Ross, 46, of&nbsp; Horton for Felony Aggravated Assault, Felony Criminal Threat and Battery.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Topeka police arrested Ross without incident. Ross has previous convictions for criminal damage to property, criminal deprivation of a motor vehicle and DUI, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Sheriff: Wanted Kansas felon accused of new crimes

GENTRY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Gentry County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Dustin W. Beaty, 46, Bethany, was eastbound on U.S.136 one mile west of Stanberry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Jeep traveled off the south side of the road down an embankment, struck a field entrance, became airborne and rolled.

A 13-year-old male passenger from Bethany was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Grand River Ambulance transported Beaty to Mosaic Life Care. A second passenger identified as Angela D. Beaty, 43, Bethany, was airlifted to Mosaic. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GENTRY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Gentry County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Jeep Wrangler driven by Dustin W. Beaty, 46, Bethany, was eastbound on U.S.136 one mile west of Stanberry.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jeep traveled off the south side of the road down an embankment, struck a field entrance, became airborne and rolled.A 13-year-old male passenger from Bethany was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Grand River Ambulance transported Beaty to Mosaic Life Care. A second passenger identified as Angela D. Beaty, 43, Bethany, was airlifted to Mosaic. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

13-year-old Bethany boy dead after Jeep rollover crash

More than one thousand St. Joseph residents remain without power early this afternoon following a severe storm that packed winds topping 80 miles an hour, taking down power lines and trees limbs throughout the evening.&nbsp;

Evergy reports early this afternoon that 1,189 St. Joseph residents remain without power from 265 outages. A total of nearly 3,000 Evergy customers in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas remain without power.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service in Kansas City forecasts scattered storms could return to northwest Missouri Saturday afternoon, moving east to southeast with central Missouri and southeast Missouri expected to take the brunt of this storm system later this afternoon into the evening.&nbsp;

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMore than one thousand St. Joseph residents remain without power early this afternoon following a severe storm that packed winds topping 80 miles an hour, taking down power lines and trees limbs throughout the evening.&nbsp;A severe storm gathered strength late Friday evening, prompting several warnings from the National Weather Service in Kansas City. NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Leavenworth and Wathena, Kansas shortly after 9:30pm. Rosecrans Memorial Airport, located across the Missouri River from St. Joseph, reported 82 mph winds around 10pm, according to NWS.&nbsp;The storm knocked out power throughout the Midland Empire.&nbsp;Evergy reports early this afternoon that 1,189 St. Joseph residents remain without power from 265 outages. A total of nearly 3,000 Evergy customers in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas remain without power.&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Kansas City forecasts scattered storms could return to northwest Missouri Saturday afternoon, moving east to southeast with central Missouri and southeast Missouri expected to take the brunt of this storm system later this afternoon into the evening.&nbsp;

Some St. Joe residents remain without power after severe storm

Drought is spreading in Missouri and throughout the Midland
Empire.

The latest map issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor has nearly
every part of Missouri in some stage of drought, with other parts of the state
considered abnormally dry.

Farmer Jason Kurtz from Oregon, Missouri, a Missouri Farm
Bureau board member, says the lack of moisture has gotten serious in much of
northwest Missouri.

“We’ve seen some droughts and dry weather, but I have never
seen it this dry this early in the growing season,” Kurtz tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “Usually, the crop is made and then it will turn off
really dry toward the end of July/August.”

Hardest hit in Missouri is the central portion of the state.
That extreme drought is growing, though, spreading into much of northeast
Missouri, according to the Drought Monitor map. The map shows much of
north-central Missouri in severe drought with nearly all of northwest Missouri
in moderate drought.

Most of Buchanan County is abnormally dry with the northeast
portion considered in a moderate drought condition. Only a small portion of
extreme south-central Missouri has escaped the drought, so far.

Northeast Kansas is starting to feel the effects of the dry
weather with most of the region considered abnormally dry with portions
beginning to show moderate drought. Nebraska has been suffering under spreading
drought conditions with southeast Nebraska now considered in a moderate
drought. Iowa also has been suffering from dry weather with southwest Iowa experiencing
moderate to severe drought.

Kurtz says the dry conditions combined with increasingly hot
temperatures are hurting crops throughout the area.

“It’s going to take some time to turn it around. We were dry going
into the last part of the fall last year,” according to Kurtz. “So, the ground
moisture wasn’t there like we’ve had in the past and I think that’s really
showing evident this year.”

Agreeing is former Missouri Farm Bureau member Vernon Hart, a
Buchanan County farmer, who says it will take sustained rains to turn this
around.

“Your winter moisture, snow and everything, that adds up to
the sub-soil moisture and we just do not have that,” Hart says. “There are
creeks not running. I run cattle, a cow-calf operation besides farming row crop
with my brother. Creeks are dry and everything. The cows have got to drink on
the rural water district. That’s more expense. The hay crop, it’s been running
about half to two-thirds, at the best, of what it normally should run.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor operates out of the National Drought
Mitigation Center on the Lincoln campus of the University of Nebraska with the
aid of the USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrentKFEQ and @StJosephPost.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostDrought is spreading in Missouri and throughout the Midland
Empire.The latest map issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor has nearly
every part of Missouri in some stage of drought, with other parts of the state
considered abnormally dry.Farmer Jason Kurtz from Oregon, Missouri, a Missouri Farm
Bureau board member, says the lack of moisture has gotten serious in much of
northwest Missouri.“We’ve seen some droughts and dry weather, but I have never
seen it this dry this early in the growing season,” Kurtz tells host Barry Birr
on the KFEQ Hotline. “Usually, the crop is made and then it will turn off
really dry toward the end of July/August.”Hardest hit in Missouri is the central portion of the state.
That extreme drought is growing, though, spreading into much of northeast
Missouri, according to the Drought Monitor map. The map shows much of
north-central Missouri in severe drought with nearly all of northwest Missouri
in moderate drought.Most of Buchanan County is abnormally dry with the northeast
portion considered in a moderate drought condition. Only a small portion of
extreme south-central Missouri has escaped the drought, so far.Northeast Kansas is starting to feel the effects of the dry
weather with most of the region considered abnormally dry with portions
beginning to show moderate drought. Nebraska has been suffering under spreading
drought conditions with southeast Nebraska now considered in a moderate
drought. Iowa also has been suffering from dry weather with southwest Iowa experiencing
moderate to severe drought.Kurtz says the dry conditions combined with increasingly hot
temperatures are hurting crops throughout the area.“It’s going to take some time to turn it around. We were dry going
into the last part of the fall last year,” according to Kurtz. “So, the ground
moisture wasn’t there like we’ve had in the past and I think that’s really
showing evident this year.”Agreeing is former Missouri Farm Bureau member Vernon Hart, a
Buchanan County farmer, who says it will take sustained rains to turn this
around.“Your winter moisture, snow and everything, that adds up to
the sub-soil moisture and we just do not have that,” Hart says. “There are
creeks not running. I run cattle, a cow-calf operation besides farming row crop
with my brother. Creeks are dry and everything. The cows have got to drink on
the rural water district. That’s more expense. The hay crop, it’s been running
about half to two-thirds, at the best, of what it normally should run.”The U.S. Drought Monitor operates out of the National Drought
Mitigation Center on the Lincoln campus of the University of Nebraska with the
aid of the USDA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.You can follow Brent on Twitter @GBrentKFEQ and @StJosephPost.

Drought spreading throughout the Midland Empire

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Acadia driven by by Clarence R. Bell, 84, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 65 at U.S. 136.

The driver fell asleep. The SUV traveled off the road, struck a light post and came to rest in a parking lot. 

Mercer County EMS transported a passenger Josephine E. Bell, 84, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, to Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa. Clarence Bell was treated and released at the scene. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Friday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 GMC Acadia driven by by Clarence R. Bell, 84, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, was northbound on U.S. 65 at U.S. 136.The driver fell asleep. The SUV traveled off the road, struck a light post and came to rest in a parking lot. Mercer County EMS transported a passenger Josephine E. Bell, 84, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, to Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa. Clarence Bell was treated and released at the scene. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

One injured after SUV strikes light post when driver falls asleep

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

On Thursday, police arrested 35-year-old&nbsp; Jeffery E. Walker of Atchison on a requested charge for domestic battery in the 200 block North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In October of 2o21, police arrested Walker after a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 900 block South 4th Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.

During the disturbance a 51 year old man who resides at the complex was threatened with a hammer. Police took Walker into custody at his apartment in the complex on a requested charge of aggravated assault, according to Wilson. There were no injuries.

Walker has a previous convictions involving drugs, according to online jail records

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688133060268.png" alt="Walker-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.On Thursday, police arrested 35-year-old&nbsp; Jeffery E. Walker of Atchison on a requested charge for domestic battery in the 200 block North 9th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In October of 2o21, police arrested Walker after a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 900 block South 4th Street in Atchison, according to Wilson.During the disturbance a 51 year old man who resides at the complex was threatened with a hammer. Police took Walker into custody at his apartment in the complex on a requested charge of aggravated assault, according to Wilson. There were no injuries.Walker has a previous convictions involving drugs, according to online jail records

Kan. man accused of threatening neighbor with hammer is back in jail

The Independence Day holiday travel period signals more drivers going to and from holiday gatherings. &nbsp;

It also signals more fireworks displays going off as you travel. &nbsp;

Missouri State Highway Patrol Seargent Shayne Hux with Troop H says be sure you don't get distracted by all those displays while you're driving.&nbsp;

"It's great if the passengers inside of a vehicle want to watch fireworks displays as they're going down the highway, however we do not recommend that for the driver," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If the driver wants to do that pull over at a safe location, but other than that driving is a full-time job and it requires 100% of your attention, so do not get distracted by firework displays as you're traveling down the roadway."&nbsp;

Hux says to be aware of people traveling slower with campers or boats during the holiday period as well.&nbsp;

The Highway Patrol counting period will run today starting at 6pm until Tuesday July 4th at midnight.&nbsp;

Fireworks displays will be going off all around holiday travelers this Independence Day holiday, but there's one place the Missouri State Highway Patrol doesn't want to see them... from moving vehicles. &nbsp;

Hux says during this holiday period, the patrol receives influxes of calls about fireworks being shot from moving cars.&nbsp;

"Roman candles, things like that, and can you imagine if you light one and you don't get it out the window and that thing goes off inside the vehicle?" Hux says. "Everybody inside that vehicle is going to be at risk and then also the other motoring public if the driver loses control and has a vehicle crash, there's just a lot at stake there, lot of lives at risk, that's why we highly discourage that."&nbsp;

Hux says it's a crime to shoot fireworks from both vehicles and boats out on the water. &nbsp;

And with more people heading to the lake this Independence Day holiday period to enjoy fireworks and being out on the water, Hux says to be vigilant as you get out. &nbsp;

"Remain alert for other boats and swimmers when they're out there on the water," Hux explains. "And as always, be courteous, and never operate a vessel if you've consumed any type of alcohol or controlled substance."&nbsp;

Hux says last year statewide there were nine boating crashes with no fatalities and five injuries during the Independence Day holiday.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Independence Day holiday travel period signals more drivers going to and from holiday gatherings. &nbsp;It also signals more fireworks displays going off as you travel. &nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol Seargent Shayne Hux with Troop H says be sure you don't get distracted by all those displays while you're driving.&nbsp;"It's great if the passengers inside of a vehicle want to watch fireworks displays as they're going down the highway, however we do not recommend that for the driver," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "If the driver wants to do that pull over at a safe location, but other than that driving is a full-time job and it requires 100% of your attention, so do not get distracted by firework displays as you're traveling down the roadway."&nbsp;Hux says to be aware of people traveling slower with campers or boats during the holiday period as well.&nbsp;The Highway Patrol counting period will run today starting at 6pm until Tuesday July 4th at midnight.&nbsp;Fireworks displays will be going off all around holiday travelers this Independence Day holiday, but there's one place the Missouri State Highway Patrol doesn't want to see them... from moving vehicles. &nbsp;Hux says during this holiday period, the patrol receives influxes of calls about fireworks being shot from moving cars.&nbsp;"Roman candles, things like that, and can you imagine if you light one and you don't get it out the window and that thing goes off inside the vehicle?" Hux says. "Everybody inside that vehicle is going to be at risk and then also the other motoring public if the driver loses control and has a vehicle crash, there's just a lot at stake there, lot of lives at risk, that's why we highly discourage that."&nbsp;Hux says it's a crime to shoot fireworks from both vehicles and boats out on the water. &nbsp;And with more people heading to the lake this Independence Day holiday period to enjoy fireworks and being out on the water, Hux says to be vigilant as you get out. &nbsp;"Remain alert for other boats and swimmers when they're out there on the water," Hux explains. "And as always, be courteous, and never operate a vessel if you've consumed any type of alcohol or controlled substance."&nbsp;Hux says last year statewide there were nine boating crashes with no fatalities and five injuries during the Independence Day holiday.&nbsp;

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