By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5tFro60iddPsM3dAudyzWo?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Week in Review

CALDWELL COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Can-Am ATV driven by an 18-year-old Independence woman was southbound&nbsp; down a hill in a field on NE Pleasant RIdge Road one mile south of New York Township.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. The driver and two passengers were ejected. A private vehicle transported the teen driver a 14-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl, both from Sugar Creek, to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

CALDWELL COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Can-Am ATV driven by an 18-year-old Independence woman was southbound&nbsp; down a hill in a field on NE Pleasant RIdge Road one mile south of New York Township.The driver lost control of the vehicle. The driver and two passengers were ejected. A private vehicle transported the teen driver a 14-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl, both from Sugar Creek, to Cameron Regional Medical Center.&nbsp; The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.___

18-year-old, 2 juveniles hospitalized after ATV accident

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2006 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by a 51-year-old St. Joseph&nbsp; woman and a 2015 Kawasaki UTV driven by a 54-year-old St. Joseph man were northbound on Pigeon Hill Road approaching 40th Road SE five miles south of St.&nbsp; Joseph.

The van rear-ended the UTV. After impact the UTV traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported the UTV driver, a 42-year-old woman, a 7-year-old girl, both passengers on the UTV to Mosaic Life Care. A third passenger on the UTV was checked at the scene by Andrew County EMS&nbsp; and releases. The van driver was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Three people were injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Thursday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2006 Chrysler Town &amp; Country driven by a 51-year-old St. Joseph&nbsp; woman and a 2015 Kawasaki UTV driven by a 54-year-old St. Joseph man were northbound on Pigeon Hill Road approaching 40th Road SE five miles south of St.&nbsp; Joseph.The van rear-ended the UTV. After impact the UTV traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported the UTV driver, a 42-year-old woman, a 7-year-old girl, both passengers on the UTV to Mosaic Life Care. A third passenger on the UTV was checked at the scene by Andrew County EMS&nbsp; and releases. The van driver was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 adults, 7-year-old hospitalized after van rear-ends UTV

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.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

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

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 31-year-old St. Joseph woman was eastbound on U.S. 59 in Country Club. The driver failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Business 29 and yield to oncoming traffic.&nbsp;

The SUV entered the southbound lanes of Business 29 and a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by a 32-year-old Mound City man struck the Outlander.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver of the Ford and his passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The driver of the Outlander was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

ANDREW COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 31-year-old St. Joseph woman was eastbound on U.S. 59 in Country Club. The driver failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Business 29 and yield to oncoming traffic.&nbsp;The SUV entered the southbound lanes of Business 29 and a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by a 32-year-old Mound City man struck the Outlander.Andrew County EMS transported the driver of the Ford and his passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The driver of the Outlander was not injured. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man, woman injured after SUVs collide 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/75nsy32WMEUc67svA82WLD?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4q54LLTcBlDsoLDWs6apJI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

Many will be hitting the road as early as today to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol wants travelers to keep safety top of mind as the roadways will increase with drivers heading back and forth for their Fourth of July plans.  

Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says with the longer weekend the patrol is expecting to see an increased amount of travel 

"People can travel further distances because they have more time to celebrate the holiday weekend," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  

Hux says the patrol will be out in full force starting today (Thu) for the July fourth counting period as they expect many to start their travel today 

"And it will continue through 11:59pm on Sunday July 6th, as we are expecting people to travel back to return back to their destination on Sunday," Hux says.  "That's when we're expecting a bulk of the traffic." 

Hux reminds drivers as they hit the roads of Missouri's new hands-free law now being enforced and the fines it can bring.   

With the Independence Day holiday, there are other distractions such as fireworks, and Hux has one important tip for travelers that see those fireworks 

"If you do see fireworks, don't pull over on the side of the road to enjoy that fireworks show, get to a safe location," Hux says.  "A parking lot, somewhere off the road, if you're on the interstate get on an exit ramp, somewhere there to where you do not have to worry about being struck by another vehicle." 

Hux also reminds drivers along with the hands-free law to not attempt to record any fireworks you see while behind the wheel but rather have a passenger do so if you want a video.  

Hux also reminds drivers if any of those parties possibly involve alcohol, it's important that if you know you are going to drink, to make sure you have a plan 

"If you know that your holiday plans are going to include alcohol, plan ahead," Hux explains.  "Make sure that you have a sober driver to get you home safely, or stay the night where you're at, if you consume alcohol, participate in any type of recreational or medical marijuana, anything that causes impairment, plan ahead, have a plan in place." 

Hux says during last year's Fourth of July counting period, 14 fatalities occurred, 149 arrests for driving while impaired were made, and 12 were arrested for boating while impaired.  

Hux says if you suspect someone is driving impaired, or if you need assistance, you can dial *55 to contact the Highway Patrol.

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Many will be hitting the road as early as today to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. The Missouri Highway Patrol wants travelers to keep safety top of mind as the roadways will increase with drivers heading back and forth for their Fourth of July plans. Seargent Shane Hux with Troop H says with the longer weekend the patrol is expecting to see an increased amount of travel "People can travel further distances because they have more time to celebrate the holiday weekend," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Hux says the patrol will be out in full force starting today (Thu) for the July fourth counting period as they expect many to start their travel today "And it will continue through 11:59pm on Sunday July 6th, as we are expecting people to travel back to return back to their destination on Sunday," Hux says. "That's when we're expecting a bulk of the traffic." Hux reminds drivers as they hit the roads of Missouri's new hands-free law now being enforced and the fines it can bring. With the Independence Day holiday, there are other distractions such as fireworks, and Hux has one important tip for travelers that see those fireworks "If you do see fireworks, don't pull over on the side of the road to enjoy that fireworks show, get to a safe location," Hux says. "A parking lot, somewhere off the road, if you're on the interstate get on an exit ramp, somewhere there to where you do not have to worry about being struck by another vehicle." Hux also reminds drivers along with the hands-free law to not attempt to record any fireworks you see while behind the wheel but rather have a passenger do so if you want a video. Hux also reminds drivers if any of those parties possibly involve alcohol, it's important that if you know you are going to drink, to make sure you have a plan "If you know that your holiday plans are going to include alcohol, plan ahead," Hux explains. "Make sure that you have a sober driver to get you home safely, or stay the night where you're at, if you consume alcohol, participate in any type of recreational or medical marijuana, anything that causes impairment, plan ahead, have a plan in place." Hux says during last year's Fourth of July counting period, 14 fatalities occurred, 149 arrests for driving while impaired were made, and 12 were arrested for boating while impaired. Hux says if you suspect someone is driving impaired, or if you need assistance, you can dial *55 to contact the Highway Patrol.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Highway Patrol cautions motorists this Independence Day

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Sen. Jerry Moran" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=egx63-18f541d-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, about the Big Beautiful Bill.

🎤 Forward Ever: Senator Moran on the Big Beautiful Bill

HARRISON COUNTY —Five people were injured in accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 39-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles north of Bethany.&nbsp;

The SUV traveled off the left side of the road into the median. It struck a&nbsp; drain field, became airborne and rolled.

Life Flight Eagle transported the driver to Truman Medical Center.&nbsp; NTA EMS transported a 28-year-old female passenger of St. Joseph to Truman Medical Center. NTA ambulance also transported an 8-year-old girl,&nbsp; a 3-year-old girl and an infant girl to Harrison County. Community Hospital. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HARRISON COUNTY —Five people were injured in accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 39-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 35 four miles north of Bethany.&nbsp;The SUV traveled off the left side of the road into the median. It struck a&nbsp; drain field, became airborne and rolled.Life Flight Eagle transported the driver to Truman Medical Center.&nbsp; NTA EMS transported a 28-year-old female passenger of St. Joseph to Truman Medical Center. NTA ambulance also transported an 8-year-old girl,&nbsp; a 3-year-old girl and an infant girl to Harrison County. Community Hospital. All five were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 adults, 3 children from St. Joe injured in SUV rollover crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp; for an alleged violent crime.

Shortly before 10:30a.m. on Tuesday officers responded to a residence in the 600 block South 7th Street where a person was on the premises who had previously been trespassed from that property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 When officers arrived it was determined that the subject, identified as 37-year-old Jeffery E. Walker of Atchison, had threatened great bodily harm to a 57-year-old woman at the residence with a knife. 

Jeffery Walker was located on the property and taken into custody on requested charges of criminal trespass and aggravated assault and taken to the County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751464422887.png" alt="Walker photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Walker photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect&nbsp; for an alleged violent crime.Shortly before 10:30a.m. on Tuesday officers responded to a residence in the 600 block South 7th Street where a person was on the premises who had previously been trespassed from that property, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. When officers arrived it was determined that the subject, identified as 37-year-old Jeffery E. Walker of Atchison, had threatened great bodily harm to a 57-year-old woman at the residence with a knife. Jeffery Walker was located on the property and taken into custody on requested charges of criminal trespass and aggravated assault and taken to the County Jail.

Police: Kan. man threatened woman with a knife

Complaints keep
growing and now the Missouri House hopes to address them.

The Speaker of the
House has formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and a
local state representative will sit on it.

Rep. Dean Van
Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah, is one of 20 members of the committee
appointed by House Speaker Jon Patterson. Van Schoiack says the committee must
balance protecting property owners from huge tax increases and the governmental
functions that rely on property tax revenue.

“We’ve got to
protect our 3rd and 4th Class counties from losing the
funding that they need,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, noting county
schools, fire department, ambulance districts, library boards and other
entities all depend on property tax revenue.

Van Schoiack says
it’s important that rural counties have representation on the committee,
because property tax revenue affects counties differently. Van Schoiack says counties
such as Andrew County cannot rely on sales tax revenue to replace property tax
revenue.

“Most people in
Andrew County come to St. Joseph and Buchanan County to do their grocery
shopping, to go out to eat at restaurants,” Van Schoiack says. “Some go to
Maryville. They’re close to Maryville and they go up that way. There’s a lot of
people living in Andrew County who business in other counties. Take DeKalb
County, for instance. The vast majority of their revenue from sales tax is from
Walmart in Cameron.”

While some
counties contemplate a shift to sales tax revenue to replace property tax
revenue that isn’t feasible to all counties, according to Van Schoiack, who
says some counties simply don’t generate much sales tax revenue.

Van Schoiack also
wants the committee to take a long look at the State Tax Commission. He says
the commission has forced smaller counties, such as Andrew County, to increase
property assessments to market value in one step.

“And that has hit
people hard,” Van Schoiack says. “They’ve contacted me and they’ve contacted
other legislators about it and rightfully so. They’re upset about it and
understand why. I wouldn’t like it either.”

Van Schoiack says
the State Tax Commission must acknowledge the differences between counties such
as Jackson in Kansas City which can rely on sales tax revenue and small
counties that cannot.

Van Schoiack insists
the commission doesn’t acknowledge the different makeup of counties across the
state, especially the differences between rural and urban counties.

“Try to reform the
way assessments are done,” Van Schoiack suggests. “I think that’s what our
problem is right now is the assessment process and how properties are valued in
that. And how we’re trying to make everything equal across the state when
really markets aren’t equal across the state. Markets vary from one location to
another.”

The first meeting
of the committee is scheduled for July 16th in Jefferson City. Some
meetings will be held across the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751480074524.jpeg" alt="Rep_. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep_. Dean Van Schoiack/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostComplaints keep
growing and now the Missouri House hopes to address them.The Speaker of the
House has formed the Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform and a
local state representative will sit on it.Rep. Dean Van
Schoiack, a Republican from Savannah, is one of 20 members of the committee
appointed by House Speaker Jon Patterson. Van Schoiack says the committee must
balance protecting property owners from huge tax increases and the governmental
functions that rely on property tax revenue.“We’ve got to
protect our 3rd and 4th Class counties from losing the
funding that they need,” Van Schoiack tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post, noting county
schools, fire department, ambulance districts, library boards and other
entities all depend on property tax revenue.Van Schoiack says
it’s important that rural counties have representation on the committee,
because property tax revenue affects counties differently. Van Schoiack says counties
such as Andrew County cannot rely on sales tax revenue to replace property tax
revenue.“Most people in
Andrew County come to St. Joseph and Buchanan County to do their grocery
shopping, to go out to eat at restaurants,” Van Schoiack says. “Some go to
Maryville. They’re close to Maryville and they go up that way. There’s a lot of
people living in Andrew County who business in other counties. Take DeKalb
County, for instance. The vast majority of their revenue from sales tax is from
Walmart in Cameron.”While some
counties contemplate a shift to sales tax revenue to replace property tax
revenue that isn’t feasible to all counties, according to Van Schoiack, who
says some counties simply don’t generate much sales tax revenue.Van Schoiack also
wants the committee to take a long look at the State Tax Commission. He says
the commission has forced smaller counties, such as Andrew County, to increase
property assessments to market value in one step.“And that has hit
people hard,” Van Schoiack says. “They’ve contacted me and they’ve contacted
other legislators about it and rightfully so. They’re upset about it and
understand why. I wouldn’t like it either.”Van Schoiack says
the State Tax Commission must acknowledge the differences between counties such
as Jackson in Kansas City which can rely on sales tax revenue and small
counties that cannot.Van Schoiack insists
the commission doesn’t acknowledge the different makeup of counties across the
state, especially the differences between rural and urban counties.“Try to reform the
way assessments are done,” Van Schoiack suggests. “I think that’s what our
problem is right now is the assessment process and how properties are valued in
that. And how we’re trying to make everything equal across the state when
really markets aren’t equal across the state. Markets vary from one location to
another.”The first meeting
of the committee is scheduled for July 16th in Jefferson City. Some
meetings will be held across the state.

Special committee will review Missouri property taxes

A new class will be enshrined forever into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame next month, a class that St. Joseph Sports Commission Executive Director Brett Esely says has a lot of depth 

Esely points out this class has a legendary broadcaster, the Hall of Fame’s first professional boxer, a personal trainer and power lifter, and two NFL athletes 

Esely says one name that stands out is the late Don Tabor 

"That stint that he coached at Benton in the early 90's, considering that team was in the state playoffs all four of those years he coached the only 11-man football team to ever play in a state championship game from St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin.  "Which I think is significant, given all seven state title games are here in St. Joe this year." 

Tabor is also a member of the Missouri Coaches Hall of Fame and the Bishop LeBlond Athletics Hall of Fame.  

Esely says another name on this year's list honors St. Joseph's rich history of men's fast pitch softball; one thing he felt was a focus when launching the Hall of Fame.  

Esely says when it comes to the best in St. Joseph, Chris Miljavac, is about as close as it gets 

"Chris, his resume speaks for itself, he's going into the USA Softball National Hall of Fame this fall, so just a very, very accomplished player," Esely says.  "And again on that very short list in a city that's got a ton of history of men's fastpitch softball, it's an honor to have him as part of this class." 

Esely says this class, like all of the Hall of Fame classes, is very deep touching many aspects of sport, from broadcasting to the first boxer, to golf, to coaching.  

A ceremony will be held August 24th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center to honor the class of nine individuals, one team, and a special Olympian of the year.  

Esely says the crowds that come out to these ceremonies are always outstanding 

"We've had a couple of standing room only crowds, as I look at this class, I think there will be a ton of interest, and that's why I say don't wait," Esely explains.  "I set our capacity at 500 in that room, that's probably an overflow room, but at the same time I like to make sure family, friends, VIP's, people that have a tie to this class have an opportunity and so don't delay get those tickets now." 

Tickets to this year’s ceremony can be purchased online or by visiting the Sports commission offices at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

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

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post A new class will be enshrined forever into the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame next month, a class that St. Joseph Sports Commission Executive Director Brett Esely says has a lot of depth Esely points out this class has a legendary broadcaster, the Hall of Fame’s first professional boxer, a personal trainer and power lifter, and two NFL athletes Esely says one name that stands out is the late Don Tabor "That stint that he coached at Benton in the early 90's, considering that team was in the state playoffs all four of those years he coached the only 11-man football team to ever play in a state championship game from St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin. "Which I think is significant, given all seven state title games are here in St. Joe this year." Tabor is also a member of the Missouri Coaches Hall of Fame and the Bishop LeBlond Athletics Hall of Fame. Esely says another name on this year's list honors St. Joseph's rich history of men's fast pitch softball; one thing he felt was a focus when launching the Hall of Fame. Esely says when it comes to the best in St. Joseph, Chris Miljavac, is about as close as it gets "Chris, his resume speaks for itself, he's going into the USA Softball National Hall of Fame this fall, so just a very, very accomplished player," Esely says. "And again on that very short list in a city that's got a ton of history of men's fastpitch softball, it's an honor to have him as part of this class." Esely says this class, like all of the Hall of Fame classes, is very deep touching many aspects of sport, from broadcasting to the first boxer, to golf, to coaching. A ceremony will be held August 24th at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center to honor the class of nine individuals, one team, and a special Olympian of the year. Esely says the crowds that come out to these ceremonies are always outstanding "We've had a couple of standing room only crowds, as I look at this class, I think there will be a ton of interest, and that's why I say don't wait," Esely explains. "I set our capacity at 500 in that room, that's probably an overflow room, but at the same time I like to make sure family, friends, VIP's, people that have a tie to this class have an opportunity and so don't delay get those tickets now." Tickets to this year’s ceremony can be purchased online or by visiting the Sports commission offices at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. They cost $25 dollars.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

One month away from a new class being etched into St. Joseph sports history

The Missouri National Education Association hopes to stop the use of the state’s general revenue to fund private school scholarships

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri National Education Association is suing the state in an effort to block the appropriation of $51 million to MOScholars, the state’s K-12 scholarship program.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Verified%20Petition%20for%20Declaratory%20Judgment%20and%20Injunctive%20Relief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3602182" target="_blank">lawsuit filed in Cole County Circuit Court Monday</a>, MNEA argues that state funds cannot be directly given to MOScholars under the current statute.

MNEA vice president Rebeka McIntosh and member Kimberly Duvall, who serves as president of the Blue Springs chapter of the National Education Association, are suing on behalf of the organization’s 30,000 members.

“The General Assembly has far overstepped its authority and violated five provisions of the Missouri Constitution by using an appropriations bill to construct out of whole cloth a scheme to divert general revenues to what are essentially vouchers for the payment of private school tuition for elementary and secondary school students,” MNEA’s attorney Loretta Haggard wrote.

MOScholars currently operates using nonprofits dubbed “educational assistance organizations” to gather donations and distribute scholarships to students in private, parochial or home schools. Donors can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of their contribution but can use it to cover no more than half of their state tax liability.&nbsp;

State law allows 4% of donations to be reserved to cover the costs of administering the program, including marketing.

But the budget passed by the lawmakers&nbsp; “dramatically changes the landscape,” Haggard contends.

The budget signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe Monday includes an injection of general revenue to the MOScholars program, budgeting $50 million for scholarships and $1 million to assist marketing the program.

This, MNEA argues, breaks state law for multiple reasons.

The 2021 law that created MOScholars prescribes the use of tax-deductible donations to educational assistance organizations (EAOs), not general revenue, as a funding source.

“The money for (MOScholars) scholarships comes from donations that taxpayers make to EAOs, and EAOs then remit to families. The donated funds never come into the custody of the state, and the state does not select scholarship recipients,” Haggard wrote.

The direct appropriation to the program effectively amends the MOScholars statute, the lawsuit says, which violates laws requiring legislative authorization and limits bills to a single subject. Changing statute in a budget bill is not allowed.

The money would have to flow through a fund overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office which currently does not hold scholarship money. The fund is “to be used by the state treasurer for marketing and administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the program, whichever is less,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=135.715" target="_blank">state law</a>.

Using the fund to administer scholarships is “unauthorized,” the lawsuit says.

MNEA is asking for a preliminary injunction, which would block the $51 million appropriation from being transferred to the MOScholars fund while litigation ensues.

“Once the unlawful appropriations are disbursed to private entities or individuals, it will be difficult if not impossible to claw those funds back to the treasury where they belong,” the lawsuit says.

MNEA argues that the money, if given to MOScholars, would hurt public education statewide.

“Politicians in Jefferson City and their privatization lobbyists are stealing from our kids,” said Missouri NEA President Phil Murray. “In rural Missouri, that $51 million means losing our music teacher, canceling basketball, and watching our schools crumble. They’re killing our small towns.”

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, in an interview with The Independent in May, addressed the possibility of a lawsuit.

“We will deal with it when that happens,” he said. “I cannot predict which course it will take.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719493597787.png" alt="The Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>The Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri National Education Association hopes to stop the use of the state’s general revenue to fund private school scholarships</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri National Education Association is suing the state in an effort to block the appropriation of $51 million to MOScholars, the state’s K-12 scholarship program.In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Verified%20Petition%20for%20Declaratory%20Judgment%20and%20Injunctive%20Relief.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3602182" target="_blank">lawsuit filed in Cole County Circuit Court Monday</a>, MNEA argues that state funds cannot be directly given to MOScholars under the current statute.MNEA vice president Rebeka McIntosh and member Kimberly Duvall, who serves as president of the Blue Springs chapter of the National Education Association, are suing on behalf of the organization’s 30,000 members.“The General Assembly has far overstepped its authority and violated five provisions of the Missouri Constitution by using an appropriations bill to construct out of whole cloth a scheme to divert general revenues to what are essentially vouchers for the payment of private school tuition for elementary and secondary school students,” MNEA’s attorney Loretta Haggard wrote.MOScholars currently operates using nonprofits dubbed “educational assistance organizations” to gather donations and distribute scholarships to students in private, parochial or home schools. Donors can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of their contribution but can use it to cover no more than half of their state tax liability.&nbsp;State law allows 4% of donations to be reserved to cover the costs of administering the program, including marketing.But the budget passed by the lawmakers&nbsp; “dramatically changes the landscape,” Haggard contends.The budget signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe Monday includes an injection of general revenue to the MOScholars program, budgeting $50 million for scholarships and $1 million to assist marketing the program.This, MNEA argues, breaks state law for multiple reasons.The 2021 law that created MOScholars prescribes the use of tax-deductible donations to educational assistance organizations (EAOs), not general revenue, as a funding source.“The money for (MOScholars) scholarships comes from donations that taxpayers make to EAOs, and EAOs then remit to families. The donated funds never come into the custody of the state, and the state does not select scholarship recipients,” Haggard wrote.The direct appropriation to the program effectively amends the MOScholars statute, the lawsuit says, which violates laws requiring legislative authorization and limits bills to a single subject. Changing statute in a budget bill is not allowed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751451315710.png" alt="State Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks during the Disability Advocacy Day rally in the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>State Treasurer Vivek Malek speaks during the Disability Advocacy Day rally in the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>The money would have to flow through a fund overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office which currently does not hold scholarship money. The fund is “to be used by the state treasurer for marketing and administrative expenses or the costs incurred in administering the program, whichever is less,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=135.715" target="_blank">state law</a>.Using the fund to administer scholarships is “unauthorized,” the lawsuit says.MNEA is asking for a preliminary injunction, which would block the $51 million appropriation from being transferred to the MOScholars fund while litigation ensues.“Once the unlawful appropriations are disbursed to private entities or individuals, it will be difficult if not impossible to claw those funds back to the treasury where they belong,” the lawsuit says.MNEA argues that the money, if given to MOScholars, would hurt public education statewide.“Politicians in Jefferson City and their privatization lobbyists are stealing from our kids,” said Missouri NEA President Phil Murray. “In rural Missouri, that $51 million means losing our music teacher, canceling basketball, and watching our schools crumble. They’re killing our small towns.”Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek, in an interview with The Independent in May, addressed the possibility of a lawsuit.“We will deal with it when that happens,” he said. “I cannot predict which course it will take.”

Missouri educators sue state over $51 million appropriation to private school vouchers

The St. Joseph Mustangs will celebrate the Fourth of July all weekend long, starting early with Thursday with three days of fireworks extravaganzas at Phil Welch Stadium.  

General Manager and Owner Ky Turner says playing at a stadium within a community, it's unique to play at Phil Welch on the Fourth of July 

"Here's a ballpark and there's houses all around us, well what do those houses do around that holiday? They shoot off fireworks too, so it's really kind of like a 360 of fireworks when you're sitting there watching a baseball game," Turner says on the KFEQmunnity show.  "You know, they talk about the batter's eye and being able to pay attention to that pitch, I don't know how you do that when you've got fireworks going off all around you, but it makes for a great show for us in the stands." 

Fireworks extravaganza will highlight the end of each Mustangs home game during the holiday. Turner says there are also some other fun things going on as well 

"On the 3rd we are hosting Sluggerrr from the Kansas City Royals and Fredbird, thanks to Eagle Radio, from the St. Louis Cardinals, they'll be there for a meet and greet, we'll have pregame skydivers, notice I didn't say Sluggerrr and Fredbird are skydiving but they will be there," Turner says.  "And then the 4th we have a Mr. and Miss Mustangs competition which is a blast." 

On Saturday the 5th, the Mustangs will also honor area fire, police, and EMT personnel.  The pregame police versus fire softball game will also be held on that day.

Turner says the games will also be an opportunity to thank some of our nation’s heroes 

"On the 3rd all veterans and active military receive two free general admission tickets, we're going to honor some local military heroes for pregame that night, and then on the 4th all retired and active military can get two free party deck tickets, we do encourage people to reserve those in advance as they can sell out," Turner explains.  "But we're here to celebrate and honor America playing America's game, you know America's pastime is baseball, we've got fireworks, of course we've got the hot dogs." 

The Mustangs kick off things on Thursday against the Chillicothe Mudcats.  All games over the holiday begin at 7pm.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751389450759.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph Mustangs will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday for three consecutive days at Phil Welch Stadium, starting on Thursday and going through Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Mustangs Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph Mustangs will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday for three consecutive days at Phil Welch Stadium, starting on Thursday and going through Saturday/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Mustangs Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE The St. Joseph Mustangs will celebrate the Fourth of July all weekend long, starting early with Thursday with three days of fireworks extravaganzas at Phil Welch Stadium. General Manager and Owner Ky Turner says playing at a stadium within a community, it's unique to play at Phil Welch on the Fourth of July "Here's a ballpark and there's houses all around us, well what do those houses do around that holiday? They shoot off fireworks too, so it's really kind of like a 360 of fireworks when you're sitting there watching a baseball game," Turner says on the KFEQmunnity show. "You know, they talk about the batter's eye and being able to pay attention to that pitch, I don't know how you do that when you've got fireworks going off all around you, but it makes for a great show for us in the stands." Fireworks extravaganza will highlight the end of each Mustangs home game during the holiday. Turner says there are also some other fun things going on as well "On the 3rd we are hosting Sluggerrr from the Kansas City Royals and Fredbird, thanks to Eagle Radio, from the St. Louis Cardinals, they'll be there for a meet and greet, we'll have pregame skydivers, notice I didn't say Sluggerrr and Fredbird are skydiving but they will be there," Turner says. "And then the 4th we have a Mr. and Miss Mustangs competition which is a blast." On Saturday the 5th, the Mustangs will also honor area fire, police, and EMT personnel. The pregame police versus fire softball game will also be held on that day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751389710599.jpeg" alt="Fireworks over Phil Welch Stadium/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs" />
 <figcaption>Fireworks over Phil Welch Stadium/ Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Mustangs</figcaption>
 </figure>Turner says the games will also be an opportunity to thank some of our nation’s heroes "On the 3rd all veterans and active military receive two free general admission tickets, we're going to honor some local military heroes for pregame that night, and then on the 4th all retired and active military can get two free party deck tickets, we do encourage people to reserve those in advance as they can sell out," Turner explains. "But we're here to celebrate and honor America playing America's game, you know America's pastime is baseball, we've got fireworks, of course we've got the hot dogs." The Mustangs kick off things on Thursday against the Chillicothe Mudcats. All games over the holiday begin at 7pm.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoemustangs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0vfXmb8aPfutw5FibuSVnV7UZFJGDSzWwDpukgp2jgASDzmNFAbViXo7fugNFJJral&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="730" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Celebrate Fourth of July with the St. Joseph Mustangs 

It has changed
ownership, but it hasn’t changed its commitment to customers.

Kruse’s Auto
Center has celebrated 30 years in business with a ribbon cutting from the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce and a reception for its customers in late June.

The business has been honored with a resolution passed by the Missouri General Assembly.

Founded by David
Kruse, Kruse’s Auto Center is now owned by Craig Collings and Jeff Schomburg.
Both new owners attribute the success of the business to sticking to its roots
as a family-oriented business that is involved with the community.

Kruse sold the
business to Collings and Schomburg in 2009.

Kruse’s Auto
Center, located at 901 North Fourth Street, providing a wide variety of auto
services.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751395180869.jpeg" alt="Resolution honoring Kruse's Auto Center approved by the Missouri General Assembly" />
 <figcaption>Resolution honoring Kruse's Auto Center approved by the Missouri General Assembly</figcaption>
 </figure>It has changed
ownership, but it hasn’t changed its commitment to customers.Kruse’s Auto
Center has celebrated 30 years in business with a ribbon cutting from the St.
Joseph Chamber of Commerce and a reception for its customers in late June.The business has been honored with a resolution passed by the Missouri General Assembly.Founded by David
Kruse, Kruse’s Auto Center is now owned by Craig Collings and Jeff Schomburg.
Both new owners attribute the success of the business to sticking to its roots
as a family-oriented business that is involved with the community.Kruse sold the
business to Collings and Schomburg in 2009.Kruse’s Auto
Center, located at 901 North Fourth Street, providing a wide variety of auto
services.

Kruse's Auto Center:  serving autos for more than 30 years

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3LT9D6EXjcFJijZq221EVx?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2ui4W2jbNZdY0mE4yEz9Qt?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The Trump administration wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to raid worksites in the agriculture and hospitality industries, despite an initial reprieve this month. Experts say the policy could hurt businesses that rely on immigrant workers.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>

Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations, with a reported goal to make a minimum of 3,000 arrests each day. That includes raids on farms, ranches and dairies.

The approach to immigration enforcement among farm workers continues to swing back and forth under the Trump administration.

On Friday, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-looking-new-steps-farm-labor-2025-06-20/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;he’s considering a new policy that would allow the agriculture industry to keep employing immigrants who are not authorized to work, if farmers and ranchers can assume “responsibility” for their workers.

“We're looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can't put the farms out of business," Trump said at a recent press conference. "And at the same time we don't want to hurt people that aren't criminals."

Yet last week, the Department of Homeland Security told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/16/trump-farms-hotels-immigration-raids/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank">continue raids</a>&nbsp;on farms, ranches and dairies across the United States.

That directive was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels.html" target="_blank">briefly paused</a>&nbsp;by Trump following large ICE operations earlier this month — including the arrests of more than 70 people at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/people-are-scared-ice-agents-raid-facilities-in-omaha/" target="_blank">meat-packing facility</a>&nbsp;in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114670684664650262" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that the policy was “very aggressive” and could take long-time immigrant workers away from farms.

Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5430846/farming-industry-immigration-ice-worksite-enforcement-trump" target="_blank">pushback</a>&nbsp;from some leaders in the agriculture industry, as well as people advocating for immigrant worker rights, the Trump administration then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/19/trump-immigration-raids-farms-hotels-border-czar" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it will continue targeting agriculture worksites, as well as in the hospitality industry, with a focus on people with a criminal background.

Many in the agriculture industry are concerned the policy will constrict labor and hurt both the farm business and everyday consumers. That includes Matt Teagarden, the head of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kla.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Livestock Association</a>, which represents more than 5,000 members in the state.

“These raids disrupt our food supply and contribute to higher food prices,” Teagarden said. “In addition to the workers who’ve been detained, these raids contribute to fear in these communities and lead to workers— fully legal workers — staying home out of fear.”

Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations around the U.S., with a reported goal to make a minimum of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ices-tactics-draw-criticism-it-triples-daily-arrest-targets-2025-06-10/" target="_blank">3,000 arrests</a>&nbsp;each day.

“There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” said Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/homeland-security-official-on-the-trump-administrations-immigration-policy-changes" target="_blank">interview with PBS</a>. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.”

For immigrant workers and the rural communities who depend on their labor, the potential for incoming raids is concerning, said Sonia Parras, an immigration attorney in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The unintended consequence is that they destroyed the lives of the immigrant community, but also the industries, the mom-and-pops shops, and businesses,” Parras said. “Is the cost of a raid — on U.S. citizens and the economy of a town and surrounding areas — worth extracting or detaining immigrants in the area?”

In 2008, Parras provided pro-bono legal services when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/06/09/91327136/immigration-raid-leaves-mark-on-iowa-town" target="_blank">ICE raided a meat-packing plant</a>&nbsp;and arrested nearly 400 people in Postville, Iowa. This past week, she said her phone has been ringing “off the hook” with people calling in a panic, asking for help if they get arrested.

“When the administration — to me — prioritizes punitive enforcement that targets these workers, it creates a bit of a paradox where the very workforce that the farmers relied upon is being driven into the shadows,” said Parras.

Throughout the country, 42% of farm workers were not legally authorized to work in the U.S. in 2022, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=63466" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another 19% were immigrants authorized to work through visas or who had legal permanent resident status.

Although Teagarden and others in the agriculture industry support immigration enforcement in the form of “securing” the southern U.S. border and “removing violent criminals,” he said they want to work with Trump and Congress to address the issue in a “reasonable way” that supports the industry.

“It really is clear to me that the people pushing for these raids that target farms and feed yards and dairies, have no idea how farms operate.” Teagarden said. “You can’t just turn off a cow. It doesn’t work that way. Cows have to be milked, cattle have to be fed.”

Work from immigrants in the agriculture industry has allowed labor costs for farmers and ranchers to remain low, and ultimately keep food prices lower for consumers, according to David Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.

“The agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers in order to do some of those critical activities that many U.S. born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform,” Ortega said. “Things like harvesting, planting, working in meatpacking plants, all of the critical activities that are needed to get food from the farm all the way to the table.”

Some agriculture stakeholders throughout the Midwest, particularly in the specialty crop sector who rely on immigrant labor, are already raising concerns, Ortega said. Without some protections in place for immigrants working in the agriculture industry, the enforcement policy is having a “chilling effect” on workers who are not easily replaced — even those who are authorized to work in the U.S. — he said.

“It's not surprising that we're seeing producers reach out to individuals in elected positions, noting that these activities, the rhetoric that the Trump administration has on illegal immigration and these mass deportations, are affecting their business,” Ortega said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751055280443.png" alt="A Mason /&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement" />
 <figcaption>A Mason /&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Trump administration wants Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to raid worksites in the agriculture and hospitality industries, despite an initial reprieve this month. Experts say the policy could hurt businesses that rely on immigrant workers.</h2><a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations, with a reported goal to make a minimum of 3,000 arrests each day. That includes raids on farms, ranches and dairies.The approach to immigration enforcement among farm workers continues to swing back and forth under the Trump administration.On Friday, President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-is-looking-new-steps-farm-labor-2025-06-20/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;he’s considering a new policy that would allow the agriculture industry to keep employing immigrants who are not authorized to work, if farmers and ranchers can assume “responsibility” for their workers.“We're looking at doing something where, in the case of good, reputable farmers, they can take responsibility for the people that they hire and let them have responsibility, because we can't put the farms out of business," Trump said at a recent press conference. "And at the same time we don't want to hurt people that aren't criminals."Yet last week, the Department of Homeland Security told Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2025/06/16/trump-farms-hotels-immigration-raids/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank">continue raids</a>&nbsp;on farms, ranches and dairies across the United States.That directive was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/us/politics/trump-ice-raids-farms-hotels.html" target="_blank">briefly paused</a>&nbsp;by Trump following large ICE operations earlier this month — including the arrests of more than 70 people at a&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/people-are-scared-ice-agents-raid-facilities-in-omaha/" target="_blank">meat-packing facility</a>&nbsp;in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114670684664650262" target="_blank">wrote on Truth Social</a>&nbsp;that the policy was “very aggressive” and could take long-time immigrant workers away from farms.Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5430846/farming-industry-immigration-ice-worksite-enforcement-trump" target="_blank">pushback</a>&nbsp;from some leaders in the agriculture industry, as well as people advocating for immigrant worker rights, the Trump administration then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/19/trump-immigration-raids-farms-hotels-border-czar" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it will continue targeting agriculture worksites, as well as in the hospitality industry, with a focus on people with a criminal background.Many in the agriculture industry are concerned the policy will constrict labor and hurt both the farm business and everyday consumers. That includes Matt Teagarden, the head of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kla.org/" target="_blank">Kansas Livestock Association</a>, which represents more than 5,000 members in the state.“These raids disrupt our food supply and contribute to higher food prices,” Teagarden said. “In addition to the workers who’ve been detained, these raids contribute to fear in these communities and lead to workers— fully legal workers — staying home out of fear.”Under orders from the Trump administration, ICE is ramping up arrests and deportations around the U.S., with a reported goal to make a minimum of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ices-tactics-draw-criticism-it-triples-daily-arrest-targets-2025-06-10/" target="_blank">3,000 arrests</a>&nbsp;each day.“There will be no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine ICE’s efforts,” said Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/homeland-security-official-on-the-trump-administrations-immigration-policy-changes" target="_blank">interview with PBS</a>. “Worksite enforcement remains a cornerstone of our efforts to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability.”For immigrant workers and the rural communities who depend on their labor, the potential for incoming raids is concerning, said Sonia Parras, an immigration attorney in Des Moines, Iowa.“The unintended consequence is that they destroyed the lives of the immigrant community, but also the industries, the mom-and-pops shops, and businesses,” Parras said. “Is the cost of a raid — on U.S. citizens and the economy of a town and surrounding areas — worth extracting or detaining immigrants in the area?”In 2008, Parras provided pro-bono legal services when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2008/06/09/91327136/immigration-raid-leaves-mark-on-iowa-town" target="_blank">ICE raided a meat-packing plant</a>&nbsp;and arrested nearly 400 people in Postville, Iowa. This past week, she said her phone has been ringing “off the hook” with people calling in a panic, asking for help if they get arrested.“When the administration — to me — prioritizes punitive enforcement that targets these workers, it creates a bit of a paradox where the very workforce that the farmers relied upon is being driven into the shadows,” said Parras.Throughout the country, 42% of farm workers were not legally authorized to work in the U.S. in 2022, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=63466" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Another 19% were immigrants authorized to work through visas or who had legal permanent resident status.Although Teagarden and others in the agriculture industry support immigration enforcement in the form of “securing” the southern U.S. border and “removing violent criminals,” he said they want to work with Trump and Congress to address the issue in a “reasonable way” that supports the industry.“It really is clear to me that the people pushing for these raids that target farms and feed yards and dairies, have no idea how farms operate.” Teagarden said. “You can’t just turn off a cow. It doesn’t work that way. Cows have to be milked, cattle have to be fed.”Work from immigrants in the agriculture industry has allowed labor costs for farmers and ranchers to remain low, and ultimately keep food prices lower for consumers, according to David Ortega, a professor of food economics and policy at Michigan State University.“The agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers in order to do some of those critical activities that many U.S. born workers are either unable or unwilling to perform,” Ortega said. “Things like harvesting, planting, working in meatpacking plants, all of the critical activities that are needed to get food from the farm all the way to the table.”Some agriculture stakeholders throughout the Midwest, particularly in the specialty crop sector who rely on immigrant labor, are already raising concerns, Ortega said. Without some protections in place for immigrants working in the agriculture industry, the enforcement policy is having a “chilling effect” on workers who are not easily replaced — even those who are authorized to work in the U.S. — he said.“It's not surprising that we're seeing producers reach out to individuals in elected positions, noting that these activities, the rhetoric that the Trump administration has on illegal immigration and these mass deportations, are affecting their business,” Ortega said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

ICE raids push farm workers to stay home ‘out of fear.’ That could hurt U.S. food production

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on U.S. Highway 75, near 126th Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

The driver, Tim Wurzbacher, 37, of Atchison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail&nbsp; on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751298708768.png" alt="Wurzbacher photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wurzbacher photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on U.S. Highway 75, near 126th Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver, Tim Wurzbacher, 37, of Atchison, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail&nbsp; on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: NE Kansas man caught transporting meth

University of
Missouri officials say they suffered a setback, not a death blow to the idea of
creating a dental school in St. Joseph.

It seemed certain
a $7 million appropriation for the University of Missouri-Kansas City to
establish a dental school in St. Joseph would pass during the legislative
session this year. That is, until it didn’t

UMKC Chancellor,
Mauli Agrawal, says the school still plans to start a dental school on the
Missouri Western State University campus.

“It usually takes
a little bit to collect all the money together to launch something this big and
it will get done,” Agrawal tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.

Agrawal says
though UMKC didn’t get the money it expected during the legislative session,
the project isn’t dead.

“Oh, no, no, we
will continue to work at this,” Agrawal says. “It’s a very large project, as I
said. It usually takes a little bit of time to get everything together. We have
full intent to get this done. It may be delayed a little bit, but we’ll get it
done.”

The dental school
funding was one of the dozens of victims when the Missouri House Budget chair,
Dirk Deaton of Seneca, unexpectedly skipped over House Bill 19 toward the end
of the session, never bringing it to the House floor for a vote. The move even
caught fellow House Republicans off guard. Deaton failed to give a hint to his
own caucus that he never planned to allow the $513 million capital improvement
package to come to a vote. Afterward, he simply said the state couldn’t afford
the bill and there was nothing vital in it.

Though shocking,
the move hasn’t shaken the commitment of UMKC to establish a dental school in
St. Joseph or, at least, so it seems when talking with University of Missouri officials
during their visit to St. Joseph for a Board of Curators meeting at the St.
Joseph Country Club last week.

Agrawal says the
university understands rural northwest Missouri needs dentists and dental
hygienists, a point Agrawal says was made clear to him during visits throughout
the region.

“Health care delivery
is a need,” Agrawal says. “Both medicine and dental were brought up and since
we are the only public dental school for the state it’s on us to see what we
can do to address those issues.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1751307596372.jpeg" alt="UMKC Medical school under construction/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>UMKC Medical school under construction/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostUniversity of
Missouri officials say they suffered a setback, not a death blow to the idea of
creating a dental school in St. Joseph.It seemed certain
a $7 million appropriation for the University of Missouri-Kansas City to
establish a dental school in St. Joseph would pass during the legislative
session this year. That is, until it didn’tUMKC Chancellor,
Mauli Agrawal, says the school still plans to start a dental school on the
Missouri Western State University campus.“It usually takes
a little bit to collect all the money together to launch something this big and
it will get done,” Agrawal tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.Agrawal says
though UMKC didn’t get the money it expected during the legislative session,
the project isn’t dead.“Oh, no, no, we
will continue to work at this,” Agrawal says. “It’s a very large project, as I
said. It usually takes a little bit of time to get everything together. We have
full intent to get this done. It may be delayed a little bit, but we’ll get it
done.”The dental school
funding was one of the dozens of victims when the Missouri House Budget chair,
Dirk Deaton of Seneca, unexpectedly skipped over House Bill 19 toward the end
of the session, never bringing it to the House floor for a vote. The move even
caught fellow House Republicans off guard. Deaton failed to give a hint to his
own caucus that he never planned to allow the $513 million capital improvement
package to come to a vote. Afterward, he simply said the state couldn’t afford
the bill and there was nothing vital in it.Though shocking,
the move hasn’t shaken the commitment of UMKC to establish a dental school in
St. Joseph or, at least, so it seems when talking with University of Missouri officials
during their visit to St. Joseph for a Board of Curators meeting at the St.
Joseph Country Club last week.Agrawal says the
university understands rural northwest Missouri needs dentists and dental
hygienists, a point Agrawal says was made clear to him during visits throughout
the region.“Health care delivery
is a need,” Agrawal says. “Both medicine and dental were brought up and since
we are the only public dental school for the state it’s on us to see what we
can do to address those issues.”Agrawal says the
success of the UMKC medical school in St. Joseph has provided momentum for
starting a dental school on the Missouri Western campus. The model for the
dental school would be different, according to Agrawal, with dental students
spending two years on the Kansas City campus before finishing their training at
the clinic in St. Joseph.Agrawal says the
failure of the capital improvement package in the last days of the legislative
session is a mere setback for the proposal.“None of these
things work the first time around,” according to Agrawal. “Even the medical
school, it took us a little while to get everything together and this one will
come together. Almost did this time, but I’m pretty sure and confident that it
will next time.”UMKC has operated
a medical school in St. Joseph on the Mosaic Life Care campus. It moves into a
new building this fall.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

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