It took less than a week for the president of the United
States to end his re-election campaign and for Democrats to replace him as
their presumptive nominee.

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican,
questions whether President Joe Biden ended his candidacy willingly.

“Well, I was just very surprised, very surprised that the
president decided to pull out,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “One day he
said he was in and there was no getting him out and he said his cognitive ability
was as good as it’s ever been. And then the next thing you know, he’s pushed
out and they’ve crowned a new candidate.”

Graves backs up his statement by pointing out Biden had
insisted he was staying in the race.

“And then he meets with a few party leaders and the next thing
you know he announces he’s quitting the race,” Graves says. “There’s no other
explanation than he was pushed out.”

Graves says the exit of Biden and elevation of Harris is a
stunning turnaround.

“The other side likes to claim that President Trump is a
threat to democracy. Yet, they threw the democratic process completely out and
did not have an open forum to pick a new candidate,” Graves says.

But fellow Republican, Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake
LaTurner, says the switch makes sense.

“If I were a Democrat, that’s what I would’ve wanted to happen,”
LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “President Biden clearly didn’t have the
energy or the mental faculties to continue this campaign, let alone be
president for another four years.”

“I don’t know the answer to that,” LaTurner says, adding it
will depend on whether he has the mental capacity to continue as president, “but
Kamala Harris being the president is not something that I am interested in now
or in the future.”

LaTurner says he’s not sure how these events might impact the
November elections. LaTurner is not running for re-election.

Graves, who is running for re-election, says the switch might
actually help Republicans in November.

“I think, ironically, that it’s better for maintaining the
majority in the House and taking the majority in the Senate,” Graves says. “It’ll
be interesting to see. There’s a lot of water to cross under the bridge between
now and November.”

Graves does say it’s extraordinarily late in the political
process to choose a new candidate for president.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721330354017.png" alt="File Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostIt took less than a week for the president of the United
States to end his re-election campaign and for Democrats to replace him as
their presumptive nominee.Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves, a Republican,
questions whether President Joe Biden ended his candidacy willingly.“Well, I was just very surprised, very surprised that the
president decided to pull out,” Graves tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “One day he
said he was in and there was no getting him out and he said his cognitive ability
was as good as it’s ever been. And then the next thing you know, he’s pushed
out and they’ve crowned a new candidate.”Graves backs up his statement by pointing out Biden had
insisted he was staying in the race.“And then he meets with a few party leaders and the next thing
you know he announces he’s quitting the race,” Graves says. “There’s no other
explanation than he was pushed out.”Graves says the exit of Biden and elevation of Harris is a
stunning turnaround.“The other side likes to claim that President Trump is a
threat to democracy. Yet, they threw the democratic process completely out and
did not have an open forum to pick a new candidate,” Graves says.Graves calls it hypocritical.But fellow Republican, Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake
LaTurner, says the switch makes sense.“If I were a Democrat, that’s what I would’ve wanted to happen,”
LaTurner tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “President Biden clearly didn’t have the
energy or the mental faculties to continue this campaign, let alone be
president for another four years.”Should Biden resign as president?“I don’t know the answer to that,” LaTurner says, adding it
will depend on whether he has the mental capacity to continue as president, “but
Kamala Harris being the president is not something that I am interested in now
or in the future.”LaTurner says he’s not sure how these events might impact the
November elections. LaTurner is not running for re-election.Graves, who is running for re-election, says the switch might
actually help Republicans in November.“I think, ironically, that it’s better for maintaining the
majority in the House and taking the majority in the Senate,” Graves says. “It’ll
be interesting to see. There’s a lot of water to cross under the bridge between
now and November.”Graves does say it’s extraordinarily late in the political
process to choose a new candidate for president.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Congressman Graves contends Democrats pushed Biden out of the race

The Red Rally will once again take over Civic Center Park in St. Joseph this Saturday from 1 - 6 p.m.

Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says there is a lot of fun and excitement to be had this year.

KC Wolf will be roaming around for pictures, and eight former Chiefs players have been confirmed to appear at the Red Rally. Hawn says Shawn Barber will MC the event. Chiefs alumni will be available for autographs as well, and Hawn noted, "they are names you would recognize." The annual Rumble will take place later in the day.

With Chiefs tightend Travis Kelce dating the biggest popstar in the world, Hawn says there is a Taylor Swift theme this year with lots of music planned. At 1:00 Saturday afternoon a local musician will take the stage, 17-year old Hailey Hatley. 

"Hailey is a very talented singer-songwriter, who may look like a little like Taylor Swift," Hawn notes.

Nashville recording artist Blaine Howard will perform, along with the Taylor Swift Experience - Sparks Fly.

Hawn adds there will be food trucks on site and bounce houses for kids. 

Beer, water, and soda will also be available for sale, along with Red Rally t-shirts.

The Red Rally is a combined effort between the City of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720540873448.jpeg" alt="Welcome Chiefs yard sign" />
 <figcaption>Welcome Chiefs yard sign</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostThe Red Rally will once again take over Civic Center Park in St. Joseph this Saturday from 1 - 6 p.m.Natalie Hawn, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says there is a lot of fun and excitement to be had this year.KC Wolf will be roaming around for pictures, and eight former Chiefs players have been confirmed to appear at the Red Rally. Hawn says Shawn Barber will MC the event. Chiefs alumni will be available for autographs as well, and Hawn noted, "they are names you would recognize." The annual Rumble will take place later in the day.With Chiefs tightend Travis Kelce dating the biggest popstar in the world, Hawn says there is a Taylor Swift theme this year with lots of music planned. At 1:00 Saturday afternoon a local musician will take the stage, 17-year old Hailey Hatley. "Hailey is a very talented singer-songwriter, who may look like a little like Taylor Swift," Hawn notes.Nashville recording artist Blaine Howard will perform, along with the Taylor Swift Experience - Sparks Fly.Hawn adds there will be food trucks on site and bounce houses for kids. Beer, water, and soda will also be available for sale, along with Red Rally t-shirts.The Red Rally is a combined effort between the City of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic.

Red Rally Set for Saturday in St. Joseph

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Russell E. Plummer, 73, Gower, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Dewey at Avenue in Gower.

The SUV rear-ended a 2013 Honda Pilot driven by Matthew E. Aviles, 51, Smithville, who was stopped to turn west.

Tri-County EMS transported a passenger in the Durango Diana M. Plummer, 72, Gower, to Mosaic. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Clinton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Durango driven by Russell E. Plummer, 73, Gower, was northbound on U.S. 169 at Dewey at Avenue in Gower.The SUV rear-ended a 2013 Honda Pilot driven by Matthew E. Aviles, 51, Smithville, who was stopped to turn west.Tri-County EMS transported a passenger in the Durango Diana M. Plummer, 72, Gower, to Mosaic. The drivers were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman injured after rear-end crash

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a man with a history of crime on new allegations.

Early Wednesday, police arrested 49-year-old Tyon M. Whitely of Atchison on a requested charge of disorderly conduct in the 300 block Santa Fe. Taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In 2023, police arrested him on requested charges of theft by deception and later for alleged criminal threat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721828567001.png" alt="Whitely-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitely-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a man with a history of crime on new allegations.Early Wednesday, police arrested 49-year-old Tyon M. Whitely of Atchison on a requested charge of disorderly conduct in the 300 block Santa Fe. Taken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In 2023, police arrested him on requested charges of theft by deception and later for alleged criminal threat.

Kan. man with a history of crime jailed on new allegations

KU Medical Center For more than a decade, amateur and professional photographers have helped Rural Health Education and Services showcase the beauty found in our beloved Kansas communities. These photos have led us to the far corners of the State, transported us to unique landmarks, introduced us to new friends and neighbors, and helped us rediscover the beauty in our own backyards. Most importantly, they have helped us promote the rich history and beauty of Kansas to our future health care providers.

We are excited to partner with&nbsp;<a href="https://kec.coop/kcl" target="_blank">Kansas Country Living</a>&nbsp;magazine for the sixth year in a row. Kansas Country Living is designed to educate Kansas electric cooperative consumer-members on topics that impact rural electrification. With a circulation of more than 133,000, it is an integral communications channel that builds member support for electric cooperatives in Kansas while keeping them informed of the latest news, energy efficiency tips, emerging technology (electric vehicles, smart devices that help save energy) and electrical safety.

The&nbsp;Kansas Country Living&nbsp;editorial team will choose from all of the entries a&nbsp;$100 grand-prizewinning photograph that will be&nbsp;featured on the January 2025 cover&nbsp;of the magazine.&nbsp; The 2024 Rural Kansas Photography Contest will open for entries August 22 through September 30, 2024. For contest rules and categories <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/rural-health/rural-kansas-photography-contest/categories.html">click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721841481131.jpeg" alt="The 2024 Rural Kansas Photography Contest will open for entries August 22 through September 30, 2024. Image Courtesy KUMC " />
 <figcaption>The 2024 Rural Kansas Photography Contest will open for entries August 22 through September 30, 2024. Image Courtesy KUMC </figcaption>
 </figure>KU Medical Center For more than a decade, amateur and professional photographers have helped Rural Health Education and Services showcase the beauty found in our beloved Kansas communities. These photos have led us to the far corners of the State, transported us to unique landmarks, introduced us to new friends and neighbors, and helped us rediscover the beauty in our own backyards. Most importantly, they have helped us promote the rich history and beauty of Kansas to our future health care providers.We are excited to partner with&nbsp;<a href="https://kec.coop/kcl" target="_blank">Kansas Country Living</a>&nbsp;magazine for the sixth year in a row. Kansas Country Living is designed to educate Kansas electric cooperative consumer-members on topics that impact rural electrification. With a circulation of more than 133,000, it is an integral communications channel that builds member support for electric cooperatives in Kansas while keeping them informed of the latest news, energy efficiency tips, emerging technology (electric vehicles, smart devices that help save energy) and electrical safety.The&nbsp;Kansas Country Living&nbsp;editorial team will choose from all of the entries a&nbsp;$100 grand-prizewinning photograph that will be&nbsp;featured on the January 2025 cover&nbsp;of the magazine.&nbsp; The 2024 Rural Kansas Photography Contest will open for entries August 22 through September 30, 2024. For contest rules and categories <a href="https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/rural-health/rural-kansas-photography-contest/categories.html">click here.</a>

2024 Rural Kansas Photography Contest

New Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown has shown quite the connection with Patrick Mahomes through the first four practices at Missouri Western State University.  

Brown says the work with Mahomes that's been shown started early in the offseason 

"It made it a lot easier for me coming to the team and he had me on the same page on a lot of things," Brown tells reporters following practice.  

This year's wide receivers show a lot of speed and ability to stretch the field.  Brown says he's excited to be a part of a room that has Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and Mecole Hardman among others.  

"God willing, we all stay healthy, and we just keep building, keep pushing each other, I think sky's the limit of what we can do," Brown says. 

Chiefs' cornerback Joshua Williams says he felt like there was some good competition from the receivers last year, but.  

"Especially this year with the additions of Hollywood, we got X (Xavier Worthy) out there, even a lot of the other guys Skyy (Moore) out there working J Ross, all of these guys you know Rashee (Rice), they're always giving us work, helping the defense get better, and making us all better as a whole, as a unit," Williams explains.

The Chiefs have been without rookie receiver Xavier Worthy through the last few practices due to an illness.  

Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy says when they get Worthy on the field again, it will be beautiful. 

"Rep wise, timing wise, and the one day that he was out here I think it was exciting to see and feel the speed, but also the tracking of the football on some of those downfield throws, "Nagy says.  "The timing element of staying on time with press that we're getting, our guys on defense press a lot, so like just those guys understanding angles on top of routes." 

Head Coach Andy Reid said on Tuesday Worthy was getting better.   

There is no practice on Thursday.  The first full padded practice will be on Friday, starting at 9:15.

On top of receiver Xavier Worthy missing practice for a third straight day due to an illness, the Chiefs did have two players leave practice with injury. 

Receiver Justin Watson today at practice with a foot injury.  Watson made a sliding catch during seven-on-seven drills and stayed down for some time before trainers helped him to the medical tent.  

Watson was spotted leaving practice early and heading up the hill in front of a golf cart.  

Chiefs' cornerback Nazeeh Johnson also left practice today with a knee injury.   

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721845871589.jpeg" alt="Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy makes a diving grab over Joshua Williams/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy makes a diving grab over Joshua Williams/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post New Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown has shown quite the connection with Patrick Mahomes through the first four practices at Missouri Western State University. Brown says the work with Mahomes that's been shown started early in the offseason "It made it a lot easier for me coming to the team and he had me on the same page on a lot of things," Brown tells reporters following practice. This year's wide receivers show a lot of speed and ability to stretch the field. Brown says he's excited to be a part of a room that has Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and Mecole Hardman among others. "God willing, we all stay healthy, and we just keep building, keep pushing each other, I think sky's the limit of what we can do," Brown says. Chiefs' cornerback Joshua Williams says he felt like there was some good competition from the receivers last year, but. "Especially this year with the additions of Hollywood, we got X (Xavier Worthy) out there, even a lot of the other guys Skyy (Moore) out there working J Ross, all of these guys you know Rashee (Rice), they're always giving us work, helping the defense get better, and making us all better as a whole, as a unit," Williams explains.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721845949415.png" alt="Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice (4), Mecole Hardman (17), Hollywood Brown (5), and running back Clyde Edwards Helaire (25) come down the hill/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice (4), Mecole Hardman (17), Hollywood Brown (5), and running back Clyde Edwards Helaire (25) come down the hill/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chiefs have been without rookie receiver Xavier Worthy through the last few practices due to an illness. Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy says when they get Worthy on the field again, it will be beautiful. "Rep wise, timing wise, and the one day that he was out here I think it was exciting to see and feel the speed, but also the tracking of the football on some of those downfield throws, "Nagy says. "The timing element of staying on time with press that we're getting, our guys on defense press a lot, so like just those guys understanding angles on top of routes." Head Coach Andy Reid said on Tuesday Worthy was getting better. There is no practice on Thursday. The first full padded practice will be on Friday, starting at 9:15.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721845988655.png" alt="Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>Injury Update On top of receiver Xavier Worthy missing practice for a third straight day due to an illness, the Chiefs did have two players leave practice with injury. Receiver Justin Watson today at practice with a foot injury. Watson made a sliding catch during seven-on-seven drills and stayed down for some time before trainers helped him to the medical tent. Watson was spotted leaving practice early and heading up the hill in front of a golf cart. Chiefs' cornerback Nazeeh Johnson also left practice today with a knee injury. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New Chiefs receivers promise to make a dynamic offense more explosive

Eastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner is pleased Secret
Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned in wake of the failed
assassination attempt against Donald Trump.

“Well, it was something that had to happen,” LaTurner tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview from his Washington, D.C. office. “She
was clearly incompetent. You had bipartisan calls for her to resign or to be
fired. The bottom line is this, we had a former president and a nominee of a major
party get shot just over a week ago. And, without him turning his head, he is
dead right now.”

Cheatle stepped down shortly after a bruising appearance
before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Cheatle had faced mounting criticism
from both Republicans and Democrats for the Secret Service breakdown that
nearly led to the death of Trump during a July 13th outdoor rally in
Butler, Pennsylvania. A shot struck and killed 50-year-old Corey Comperatore,
who attended the rally. Two others at the rally were wounded. Officers shot and
killed the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.

LaTurner, a Republican, is a member of the House Oversight Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

“I’m hopeful that her departure is going to mean opportunity for
the Secret Service to get this right, because it doesn’t matter what party, it
doesn’t matter the circumstances, we cannot allow something like this to happen
again.”

The deputy director of the Secret Service has been named acting
director. Cheatle had been director since August of 2022. 

LaTurner says Cheatle failed to answer the questions posed by members
of the committee.

“My line of questioning to her centered around the inconsistencies
with the way she answered questions,” LaTurner says.

LaTurner says Cheatle could have shared with the committee
certain facts about the event that would not have compromised the investigation
into the assassination attempt, facts that he says the American public need.

“Trust in the American government is at an all-time low,”
according to LaTurner. “The only way to build back trust with the American
people is to level with them, to tell them exactly what’s happening, to tell
them the truth, and to be transparent. And that’s not what’s happening here.”

LaTurner adds if government doesn’t provide answers,
conspiracy theories arise to fill the gap.

“Further eroding the very, very little trust that the American
people have in their government is not something that I want to participate in.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721665642710.png" alt="Congressman Jake LaTurner/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Congressman Jake LaTurner/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostEastern Kansas Congressman Jake LaTurner is pleased Secret
Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned in wake of the failed
assassination attempt against Donald Trump.“Well, it was something that had to happen,” LaTurner tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview from his Washington, D.C. office. “She
was clearly incompetent. You had bipartisan calls for her to resign or to be
fired. The bottom line is this, we had a former president and a nominee of a major
party get shot just over a week ago. And, without him turning his head, he is
dead right now.”Cheatle stepped down shortly after a bruising appearance
before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Cheatle had faced mounting criticism
from both Republicans and Democrats for the Secret Service breakdown that
nearly led to the death of Trump during a July 13th outdoor rally in
Butler, Pennsylvania. A shot struck and killed 50-year-old Corey Comperatore,
who attended the rally. Two others at the rally were wounded. Officers shot and
killed the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.LaTurner, a Republican, is a member of the House Oversight Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp; “I’m hopeful that her departure is going to mean opportunity for
the Secret Service to get this right, because it doesn’t matter what party, it
doesn’t matter the circumstances, we cannot allow something like this to happen
again.”The deputy director of the Secret Service has been named acting
director. Cheatle had been director since August of 2022. LaTurner says Cheatle failed to answer the questions posed by members
of the committee.“My line of questioning to her centered around the inconsistencies
with the way she answered questions,” LaTurner says.LaTurner says Cheatle could have shared with the committee
certain facts about the event that would not have compromised the investigation
into the assassination attempt, facts that he says the American public need.“Trust in the American government is at an all-time low,”
according to LaTurner. “The only way to build back trust with the American
people is to level with them, to tell them exactly what’s happening, to tell
them the truth, and to be transparent. And that’s not what’s happening here.”LaTurner adds if government doesn’t provide answers,
conspiracy theories arise to fill the gap.“Further eroding the very, very little trust that the American
people have in their government is not something that I want to participate in.”You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

LaTurner:  Secret Service Dir. resignation "something that had to happen"

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

ATCHISON — A grainy sonar image shows what some hope is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. But it doesn’t show the decades of research, scientific debate and collaboration that has been dedicated to this search through the Pacific Ocean.

Rod Blocksome, a radio communications expert who has been on several expeditions to search for the plane, said folks usually view past explorations as failures –– after all, they didn’t find the plane.&nbsp;

“But we know a lot about where the plane isn’t,” Blocksome said with a laugh.

Blocksome has contributed thousands of hours of research into Earhart’s radio communications and their impact on her navigation, and he is one of many dedicated researchers contributing to the search.&nbsp;

Most explorers are willing to collaborate and share their theories and some of their findings, but they also will share when they think someone has it wrong.

Experts who gathered in Atchison last weekend say it’s all for the collective goal of finding the plane and bringing the Kansas native home to the United States.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;organized several events on Friday and Saturday with notable Earhart explorers, as part of Atchison’s annual Amelia Earhart Festival.

In attendance were Tony and Lloyd Romeo, who earlier this year released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">sonar image&nbsp;</a>of what they believe is Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;

Romeo’s discovery follows the “date line theory,” authored by Liz Smith, who was also in attendance. The two collaborated virtually throughout Romeo’s expedition but met face to face for the first time in Atchison for “<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">Adventure Amelia: A Conversation With Explorers In The Search For Amelia</a>.”

The other panelists were Gary LaPook, an expert on celestial navigation, and Blocksome. Tony and Lloyd Romeo consulted these seasoned navigators while on the Deep Sea Vision search last year.&nbsp;

“We know all of these people through various conversations, but to sit in one room … I’m looking forward to it,” Tony Romeo said in a press event Friday morning.&nbsp;

Tony Romeo visited Atchison and the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum two years before and saw Muriel, the only surviving plane of the same model that Earhart took off in almost 90 years ago.

He said seeing the plane in person made the search for Earhart’s plane feel less like a “needle in a haystack” mission.&nbsp;

Beyond the mission to find Earhart’s plane, the Romeo brothers are building Deep Sea Vision, with its marine robotics technology, as a company that can go after some of the other mysteries in the ocean. The crew is also exploring more sustainable methods for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deepseavision.com/service-details#minerals" target="_blank">extracting the mineral nodules</a>&nbsp;on the ocean floor that power important technology elements.&nbsp;

But the search for Earhart’s plane is the dream that started the company.

“We don’t want one bit of the plane to be lost or damaged,” Tony Romeo said. “We certainly don’t want it to be found by a foreign entity. … It’s an American treasure, and we want to bring it home.”&nbsp;

There are many theories about Earhart’s fate — some tend toward conspiracy, but the theorists gathered at the museum believe Earhart ran out of fuel and sank in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Dorothy Cochrane, a curator for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, said she agreed to moderate the panel because it included folks looking at Earhart’s disappearance “based on the evidence, the factual evidence of her flight.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/effects-of-date-line.html" target="_blank">date line theory</a>&nbsp;proposes that as Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, crossed the international date line on their flight from Lae, Papua New Guinea, to Howland Island, they got mixed up on the date. This would have affected key navigational calculations and put them off course by about 60 nautical miles.&nbsp;

LaPook cleared his throat from the stage at Fox Theatre Atchison, where more than 200 people came to attend the panel.

“When you navigate you don’t change your clocks,” LaPook said to argue Smith’s theory.

He explained some of the intricacies of celestial navigation, his knowledge of Noonan’s charts from earlier legs of the trip, and he pulled out the nautical almanac of 1937 to show the charts to Smith, who was seated to his right.&nbsp;

Smith defended her theory, with support from Tony Romeo, who attributes his discovery, in part, to the date line theory.

A question from the audience asked what this means for the Romeo sonar image and its probability of being Earhart’s plane.&nbsp;

“I’ve seen this happen twice on our expeditions,” Blocksome said.

A reading comes up that appears to be an artificially constructed object, but is disappointing when the team goes back for further imaging.&nbsp;

They have all encountered various forms of what Smith called a “plane shaped rock” on the bottom of the Pacific.

Despite their competition and differences of opinion, the panelists all want to see Earhart found and are hopeful for the Romeo brothers’ next venture into the Pacific.&nbsp;

“I think it’s the most interesting target that has shown up,” Blocksome said, and he noted he has future explorations planned. “But we all want to find out first what Tony has got.”

Tony Romeo said Deep Sea Vision plans to return to the site of the sonar image before the end of the year and gather detailed images of what he believes is Earhart’s plane. He hopes to then execute a salvage operation.&nbsp;

“She needs to come home,” Romeo said. “If it turns out that we didn’t find her, we’ll be the biggest cheerleaders for the guys that do.”

Heather Stemp attended the panel on Friday. She traveled to Atchison from Ontario, Canada, to present her newest book, “<a href="https://www.heatherstemp.com/" target="_blank">Beyond Amelia</a>,” as part of the festival.

Stemp’s young adult novels follow Earhart’s lasting influence on Ginny Ross, who is based on Stemp’s real-life Aunt Ginny.

“When (Earhart) disappeared, she didn’t really disappear, because she inspired so many,” Stemp said.&nbsp;The goal of her novels is to help inspire young readers to find something they are passionate about and stick with it, just like Earhart did.&nbsp;

She was excited by the panel on Friday morning and the possibility of solving the mystery. Like the others, Stemp said she believes it would only reinvigorate Earhart’s influence.&nbsp;

“If it’s found and ends up in a museum, then it becomes accessible to everyone and we can pique the curiosity of kids who want to follow a dream,” Stemp said.&nbsp;

The panelists, who agreed Earhart’s plane should live in the Smithsonian once it is found, believe solving the mystery would allow Earhart’s impressive accomplishments and body of work to step into the limelight.&nbsp;

“So much of it is about her disappearance,” Smith said. “It’s so cool Atchison celebrates her birthday and accomplishments.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821349213.png" alt=" From left, Gary LaPook, Dorothy Cochrane, Liz Smith, Tony Romeo, Lloyd Romeo and Rod Blocksome stand in front of Muriel, a plane identical to the one in which Amelia Earthart and Fred Noonan took their fateful last flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> From left, Gary LaPook, Dorothy Cochrane, Liz Smith, Tony Romeo, Lloyd Romeo and Rod Blocksome stand in front of Muriel, a plane identical to the one in which Amelia Earthart and Fred Noonan took their fateful last flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>ATCHISON — A grainy sonar image shows what some hope is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. But it doesn’t show the decades of research, scientific debate and collaboration that has been dedicated to this search through the Pacific Ocean.Rod Blocksome, a radio communications expert who has been on several expeditions to search for the plane, said folks usually view past explorations as failures –– after all, they didn’t find the plane.&nbsp;“But we know a lot about where the plane isn’t,” Blocksome said with a laugh.Blocksome has contributed thousands of hours of research into Earhart’s radio communications and their impact on her navigation, and he is one of many dedicated researchers contributing to the search.&nbsp;Most explorers are willing to collaborate and share their theories and some of their findings, but they also will share when they think someone has it wrong.Experts who gathered in Atchison last weekend say it’s all for the collective goal of finding the plane and bringing the Kansas native home to the United States.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum</a>&nbsp;organized several events on Friday and Saturday with notable Earhart explorers, as part of Atchison’s annual Amelia Earhart Festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821313285.png" alt="The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has information and exhibits about Earhart’s life, accomplishments and final flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum has information and exhibits about Earhart’s life, accomplishments and final flight. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In attendance were Tony and Lloyd Romeo, who earlier this year released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/01/29/1227574179/amelia-earharts-lost-plane-howland-island" target="_blank">sonar image&nbsp;</a>of what they believe is Earhart’s lost Lockheed Electra 10-E.&nbsp;Romeo’s discovery follows the “date line theory,” authored by Liz Smith, who was also in attendance. The two collaborated virtually throughout Romeo’s expedition but met face to face for the first time in Atchison for “<a href="https://ameliaearharthangarmuseum.org/event/adventure-amelia/" target="_blank">Adventure Amelia: A Conversation With Explorers In The Search For Amelia</a>.”The other panelists were Gary LaPook, an expert on celestial navigation, and Blocksome. Tony and Lloyd Romeo consulted these seasoned navigators while on the Deep Sea Vision search last year.&nbsp;“We know all of these people through various conversations, but to sit in one room … I’m looking forward to it,” Tony Romeo said in a press event Friday morning.&nbsp;Tony Romeo visited Atchison and the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum two years before and saw Muriel, the only surviving plane of the same model that Earhart took off in almost 90 years ago.He said seeing the plane in person made the search for Earhart’s plane feel less like a “needle in a haystack” mission.&nbsp;Beyond the mission to find Earhart’s plane, the Romeo brothers are building Deep Sea Vision, with its marine robotics technology, as a company that can go after some of the other mysteries in the ocean. The crew is also exploring more sustainable methods for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deepseavision.com/service-details#minerals" target="_blank">extracting the mineral nodules</a>&nbsp;on the ocean floor that power important technology elements.&nbsp;But the search for Earhart’s plane is the dream that started the company.“We don’t want one bit of the plane to be lost or damaged,” Tony Romeo said. “We certainly don’t want it to be found by a foreign entity. … It’s an American treasure, and we want to bring it home.”&nbsp;There are many theories about Earhart’s fate — some tend toward conspiracy, but the theorists gathered at the museum believe Earhart ran out of fuel and sank in the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Dorothy Cochrane, a curator for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, said she agreed to moderate the panel because it included folks looking at Earhart’s disappearance “based on the evidence, the factual evidence of her flight.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.datelinetheory.com/p/effects-of-date-line.html" target="_blank">date line theory</a>&nbsp;proposes that as Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, crossed the international date line on their flight from Lae, Papua New Guinea, to Howland Island, they got mixed up on the date. This would have affected key navigational calculations and put them off course by about 60 nautical miles.&nbsp;LaPook cleared his throat from the stage at Fox Theatre Atchison, where more than 200 people came to attend the panel.“When you navigate you don’t change your clocks,” LaPook said to argue Smith’s theory.He explained some of the intricacies of celestial navigation, his knowledge of Noonan’s charts from earlier legs of the trip, and he pulled out the nautical almanac of 1937 to show the charts to Smith, who was seated to his right.&nbsp;Smith defended her theory, with support from Tony Romeo, who attributes his discovery, in part, to the date line theory.A question from the audience asked what this means for the Romeo sonar image and its probability of being Earhart’s plane.&nbsp;“I’ve seen this happen twice on our expeditions,” Blocksome said.A reading comes up that appears to be an artificially constructed object, but is disappointing when the team goes back for further imaging.&nbsp;They have all encountered various forms of what Smith called a “plane shaped rock” on the bottom of the Pacific.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721821253122.png" alt="Fox Theatre Atchison displays a sonar image of what some believe is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. On Friday, explorers and Earhart experts gathered for panel discussion as part of the annual festival in Atchison. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Fox Theatre Atchison displays a sonar image of what some believe is Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. On Friday, explorers and Earhart experts gathered for panel discussion as part of the annual festival in Atchison. (Cami Koons for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite their competition and differences of opinion, the panelists all want to see Earhart found and are hopeful for the Romeo brothers’ next venture into the Pacific.&nbsp;“I think it’s the most interesting target that has shown up,” Blocksome said, and he noted he has future explorations planned. “But we all want to find out first what Tony has got.”Tony Romeo said Deep Sea Vision plans to return to the site of the sonar image before the end of the year and gather detailed images of what he believes is Earhart’s plane. He hopes to then execute a salvage operation.&nbsp;“She needs to come home,” Romeo said. “If it turns out that we didn’t find her, we’ll be the biggest cheerleaders for the guys that do.”Heather Stemp attended the panel on Friday. She traveled to Atchison from Ontario, Canada, to present her newest book, “<a href="https://www.heatherstemp.com/" target="_blank">Beyond Amelia</a>,” as part of the festival.Stemp’s young adult novels follow Earhart’s lasting influence on Ginny Ross, who is based on Stemp’s real-life Aunt Ginny.“When (Earhart) disappeared, she didn’t really disappear, because she inspired so many,” Stemp said.&nbsp;The goal of her novels is to help inspire young readers to find something they are passionate about and stick with it, just like Earhart did.&nbsp;She was excited by the panel on Friday morning and the possibility of solving the mystery. Like the others, Stemp said she believes it would only reinvigorate Earhart’s influence.&nbsp;“If it’s found and ends up in a museum, then it becomes accessible to everyone and we can pique the curiosity of kids who want to follow a dream,” Stemp said.&nbsp;The panelists, who agreed Earhart’s plane should live in the Smithsonian once it is found, believe solving the mystery would allow Earhart’s impressive accomplishments and body of work to step into the limelight.&nbsp;“So much of it is about her disappearance,” Smith said. “It’s so cool Atchison celebrates her birthday and accomplishments.”

Amelia Earhart event brings conflicting theories and hope for finding the lost plane

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chrysler 300 driven by Beth A. Danner, 40, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 north of the King City exit.

The driver fell asleep. The car traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the highway, traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Andrew County EMS transported a passenger Tisha T. Kirby, 44, St. Joseph to Mosaic Life Care. Danner was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

ANDREW COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Andrew County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chrysler 300 driven by Beth A. Danner, 40, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 north of the King City exit.The driver fell asleep. The car traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car returned to the highway, traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.Andrew County EMS transported a passenger Tisha T. Kirby, 44, St. Joseph to Mosaic Life Care. Danner was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Woman from St. Joe hospitalized after car overturns.

Significant changes could be coming soon to a significant area
of downtown St. Joseph.

St. Joseph City councilmembers have approved a design contract
to review Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square.

City Manager Bryan Carter says the design contract will
consider how to best reconfigure the park and what will be done with the
present gazebo and stage.

“So, it’s going to be a pretty significant project for downtown,”
Carter says. “It will potentially revise how that park is used for most of the
major outdoor events that happen downtown.”

Carter says Coleman Hawkings Park is a good park, the city
simply hopes to make it better.

Carter says the changes will be funded through money from the
2021 parks tax approved by voters.

“An important piece of this is as the summer season comes to an
end here in a few weeks, we’ll be working with a design firm to do some public
outreach, public events to determine what the community wants to see out of
that park, because of the importance of that park to the downtown area.”

A design contract has been issued by the city council to
consider whether the park can be reconfigured for better use as well as whether
the stage and gazebo should be moved.

&nbsp;“One of the things that
will be talked about is the possibly moving the location of that, but doing it
in a way that also doesn’t create a wall to an active intersection,” Carter
says.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721763132796.jpeg" alt="Coleman Hawkins Park/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Coleman Hawkins Park/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSignificant changes could be coming soon to a significant area
of downtown St. Joseph.St. Joseph City councilmembers have approved a design contract
to review Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square.City Manager Bryan Carter says the design contract will
consider how to best reconfigure the park and what will be done with the
present gazebo and stage.“So, it’s going to be a pretty significant project for downtown,”
Carter says. “It will potentially revise how that park is used for most of the
major outdoor events that happen downtown.”Carter says Coleman Hawkings Park is a good park, the city
simply hopes to make it better.Carter says the changes will be funded through money from the
2021 parks tax approved by voters.“An important piece of this is as the summer season comes to an
end here in a few weeks, we’ll be working with a design firm to do some public
outreach, public events to determine what the community wants to see out of
that park, because of the importance of that park to the downtown area.”A design contract has been issued by the city council to
consider whether the park can be reconfigured for better use as well as whether
the stage and gazebo should be moved.&nbsp;“One of the things that
will be talked about is the possibly moving the location of that, but doing it
in a way that also doesn’t create a wall to an active intersection,” Carter
says.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Coleman Hawkins Park could undergo significant change

A new director prepares to take over at St. Joseph Community
Alliance, but new only to the role, not the community.

Tom Brand worked as KFEQ Farm Director for 15 years before
moving on to become executive director of the National Association of Farm
Broadcasting, where he served for 12 years.

Brand says it is important to remember St. Joseph’s past as
the city looks to its future.

“I told the committee as I interviewed for the job, there’s a
reason the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror,” Brand tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s because you’ve got to look ahead and see
the full landscape. At the same time, you’re glad to have that rearview mirror,
so you can see where you’ve been and have an appreciation of what’s been in the
past.”

St. Joseph Community Alliance is a partnership with a number
of groups in the community, including the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, the
Chamber of Commerce, the St. Joseph School District, Missouri Western State
University, the United Way, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, and
the 139th Airlift Wing.

Brand says St. Joseph shouldn’t worry about the image some
people have of it.

“There are some communities I think might get bruised by,
‘We’re a manufacturing town, We’re a blue-collar town.’ And I don’t know that you
can say St. Joe is a blue-collar town,” Brand says. “I think it’s a blue-collar
town, it’s a white-collar town, it’s a no collar town. It’s a working community
and community, of course, being the key word there.”

Brand points out St. Joseph is the third biggest exporter in
Missouri, only behind Kansas City and St. Louis.

Though Brand left KFEQ for NAFB, he never moved from St. Joseph,
commuting to the NAFB offices in Platte City. Brand proudly states he and his
wife have spent more than half their lives in St. Joseph.

“Bottom line, I do care,” Brand says. “As I’ve grown older,
that’s one of those things that’s been a theme that I’ve noticed is when people
care then they seem to do extremely well in the position.”

Brand takes over for Tama Wagner, who served as director for
five years.

Brand plans to use Imagine St. Joseph 2040 as his guide in the
new role.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676918194951.png" alt="Tom Brand/NAFB photo" />
 <figcaption>Tom Brand/NAFB photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new director prepares to take over at St. Joseph Community
Alliance, but new only to the role, not the community.Tom Brand worked as KFEQ Farm Director for 15 years before
moving on to become executive director of the National Association of Farm
Broadcasting, where he served for 12 years.Brand says it is important to remember St. Joseph’s past as
the city looks to its future.“I told the committee as I interviewed for the job, there’s a
reason the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror,” Brand tells host
Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. “It’s because you’ve got to look ahead and see
the full landscape. At the same time, you’re glad to have that rearview mirror,
so you can see where you’ve been and have an appreciation of what’s been in the
past.”St. Joseph Community Alliance is a partnership with a number
of groups in the community, including the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, the
Chamber of Commerce, the St. Joseph School District, Missouri Western State
University, the United Way, the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, and
the 139th Airlift Wing.Brand says St. Joseph shouldn’t worry about the image some
people have of it.“There are some communities I think might get bruised by,
‘We’re a manufacturing town, We’re a blue-collar town.’ And I don’t know that you
can say St. Joe is a blue-collar town,” Brand says. “I think it’s a blue-collar
town, it’s a white-collar town, it’s a no collar town. It’s a working community
and community, of course, being the key word there.”Brand points out St. Joseph is the third biggest exporter in
Missouri, only behind Kansas City and St. Louis.Though Brand left KFEQ for NAFB, he never moved from St. Joseph,
commuting to the NAFB offices in Platte City. Brand proudly states he and his
wife have spent more than half their lives in St. Joseph.“Bottom line, I do care,” Brand says. “As I’ve grown older,
that’s one of those things that’s been a theme that I’ve noticed is when people
care then they seem to do extremely well in the position.”Brand takes over for Tama Wagner, who served as director for
five years.Brand plans to use Imagine St. Joseph 2040 as his guide in the
new role.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

New director at St. Joseph Community Alliance is not new to St. Joseph

Throughout Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph two young offensive tackles will be battling for the starting left tackle position, replacing Donovan Smith.  

Wanya Morris and Kinglsey Suamataia have been rotating at the position, Morris the one-year pro, getting a majority of the first team snaps.  

Head Coach Andy Reid says there's no timeline to have that battle settled, and that as a staff they'll see how things go. 

"You obviously want to get the guys reps in there and all that, but you also want to make sure you get the best guy in there," Reid tells the media following practice.  "And so, you give them a chance to play with one another, as far as the guards and tackles go, and see what the best match is there and how they fit together." 

Also spotted along the offensive line at today's practice was Lucas Niang filling in at left guard for Joe Thuney who is on the PUP list.

While there's a battle for the starting left tackle spot along the offensive line, one player locked into a starting job is right tackle Jawaan Taylor.  

Early on last season Taylor struggled with penalties in his first year with Kansas City, a total of nine false start calls on him all season.  

Taylor says he's been working this camp on getting less penalties and says part of that has been working on his technique. 

"Really just homing in on my technique, getting better with that, and just making sure I'm in the playbook more," Taylor says. "Now it's my second year going into that I'm pretty comfortable with it, and just getting better with that overall." 

After adding Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown to the wide receiver room, the Chiefs are working on different ways to use Kadarius Toney 

During camp, Toney has been spotted working with both the receivers and the running backs. 

Reid says one of the strengths of Toney is being able to move around the offense. 

"He had some positive snaps for us at running back last year and so I think he enjoys doing that," Reid says.  He's pretty multi-faceted there with what he can do and we're going to try to utilize it to the best of his abilities there." 

Worthy was once again missing from practice today with an illness.   

The Chiefs practiced for close to two hours today, and will practice for the same amount of time tomorrow at 9:15 

There is no practice Thursday.  Players will practice with pads starting on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721759134184.png" alt="Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Torres (79), Griffin McDowell (68), Kinglsey Suamataia (76) and wide receiver Jaaron Hayek (89) make their way down the hill for practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Torres (79), Griffin McDowell (68), Kinglsey Suamataia (76) and wide receiver Jaaron Hayek (89) make their way down the hill for practice/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post Throughout Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph two young offensive tackles will be battling for the starting left tackle position, replacing Donovan Smith. Wanya Morris and Kinglsey Suamataia have been rotating at the position, Morris the one-year pro, getting a majority of the first team snaps. Head Coach Andy Reid says there's no timeline to have that battle settled, and that as a staff they'll see how things go. "You obviously want to get the guys reps in there and all that, but you also want to make sure you get the best guy in there," Reid tells the media following practice. "And so, you give them a chance to play with one another, as far as the guards and tackles go, and see what the best match is there and how they fit together." Also spotted along the offensive line at today's practice was Lucas Niang filling in at left guard for Joe Thuney who is on the PUP list.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721759260951.jpeg" alt="Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Kingsley Suamataia signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>While there's a battle for the starting left tackle spot along the offensive line, one player locked into a starting job is right tackle Jawaan Taylor. Early on last season Taylor struggled with penalties in his first year with Kansas City, a total of nine false start calls on him all season. Taylor says he's been working this camp on getting less penalties and says part of that has been working on his technique. "Really just homing in on my technique, getting better with that, and just making sure I'm in the playbook more," Taylor says. "Now it's my second year going into that I'm pretty comfortable with it, and just getting better with that overall." After adding Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown to the wide receiver room, the Chiefs are working on different ways to use Kadarius Toney During camp, Toney has been spotted working with both the receivers and the running backs. Reid says one of the strengths of Toney is being able to move around the offense. "He had some positive snaps for us at running back last year and so I think he enjoys doing that," Reid says. He's pretty multi-faceted there with what he can do and we're going to try to utilize it to the best of his abilities there." Worthy was once again missing from practice today with an illness. The Chiefs practiced for close to two hours today, and will practice for the same amount of time tomorrow at 9:15 There is no practice Thursday. Players will practice with pads starting on Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721759196894.jpeg" alt="Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney (19) maneuvers through two defenders during Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney (19) maneuvers through two defenders during Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Young lineman look to make impact on Chiefs offensive line

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

For the next two weeks, Missouri voters can cast an absentee ballot in person at designated locations — and they no longer need an excuse to do it.&nbsp;

In 2022, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks prior to each election. For the Aug. 6 primary, that means up until the Monday before the election.&nbsp;

With traditional absentee voting, residents must apply for a ballot that arrives in the mail. While residents don’t have to apply to vote no-excuse absentee, it’s only available in person and at a few locations.&nbsp;

To vote no-excuse absentee, you first need to find the jurisdiction you’re registered in if you don’t already know, and you can do that on the secretary of state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal/" target="_blank">website</a>.&nbsp;

Then check with your local election authority to find the nearest no-excuse absentee polling location and the times and days they’re open. The secretary of state’s<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority" target="_blank">&nbsp;website</a>&nbsp;can also help you find your election authority’s information.

You’ll need to bring&nbsp;a current Missouri driver’s license, a Missouri non-driver’s license, a military photo identification or a passport.&nbsp;

If you don’t have an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/board-election-commissioners/voter/voter-identification.cfm" target="_blank">acceptable&nbsp;</a>ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot on Election Day, but not during early voting.&nbsp;

Local election authorities should also have a sample ballot available on their website.&nbsp;

No-excuse absentee voting looks just like regular voting. You’ll show your identification to a poll worker and then get either a paper or electronic ballot.&nbsp;

If you vote electronically, you will receive a receipt. No matter what method you use to vote, you can pick up an “I Voted” sticker on your way out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721753807243.png" alt=" In 2022, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks prior to each election. For the Aug. 6 primary, that means up until the Monday before the election (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> In 2022, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks prior to each election. For the Aug. 6 primary, that means up until the Monday before the election (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By REBECCA RIVAS,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>For the next two weeks, Missouri voters can cast an absentee ballot in person at designated locations — and they no longer need an excuse to do it.&nbsp;In 2022, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing no-excuse absentee voting during the two weeks prior to each election. For the Aug. 6 primary, that means up until the Monday before the election.&nbsp;With traditional absentee voting, residents must apply for a ballot that arrives in the mail. While residents don’t have to apply to vote no-excuse absentee, it’s only available in person and at a few locations.&nbsp;To vote no-excuse absentee, you first need to find the jurisdiction you’re registered in if you don’t already know, and you can do that on the secretary of state’s&nbsp;<a href="https://voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal/" target="_blank">website</a>.&nbsp;Then check with your local election authority to find the nearest no-excuse absentee polling location and the times and days they’re open. The secretary of state’s<a href="https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/localelectionauthority" target="_blank">&nbsp;website</a>&nbsp;can also help you find your election authority’s information.You’ll need to bring&nbsp;a current Missouri driver’s license, a Missouri non-driver’s license, a military photo identification or a passport.&nbsp;If you don’t have an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/board-election-commissioners/voter/voter-identification.cfm" target="_blank">acceptable&nbsp;</a>ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot on Election Day, but not during early voting.&nbsp;Local election authorities should also have a sample ballot available on their website.&nbsp;No-excuse absentee voting looks just like regular voting. You’ll show your identification to a poll worker and then get either a paper or electronic ballot.&nbsp;If you vote electronically, you will receive a receipt. No matter what method you use to vote, you can pick up an “I Voted” sticker on your way out.

No-excuse absentee voting has officially begun for Missouri’s Aug. 6 primary

Area residents will have the opportunity to learn about cemetery preservation during a workshop Wednesday at Mount Mora in St. Joseph.

Kurt Jordan says Jonathan Appell will lead the workshop. Appell operates Atlas Preservation, based in Connecticut, and has been involved in cemetery preservation for over twenty-five years. He leads cemetery preservation workshops all over the country.&nbsp;

Jordan says, "We're incredibly fortunate that St. Joseph is the one and only stop Appell will make in the state of Missouri."

Jordan adds this is a very "hands-on expericence. You can grab a shovel or brush to help clean headstones. Appell walks people through the proper process for doing this sort of work." Participants will learn the most common and effective techniques to maintain gravestones.

The workshop begins at 9:00 Wednesday morning at Mount Mora and lasts until 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;

It was noted that participants are encouraged to bring snacks and dress appropriately for the weather. The workshop is free to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721756032990.jpeg" alt="Mount Mora, Skaith" />
 <figcaption>Mount Mora, Skaith</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostArea residents will have the opportunity to learn about cemetery preservation during a workshop Wednesday at Mount Mora in St. Joseph.Kurt Jordan says Jonathan Appell will lead the workshop. Appell operates Atlas Preservation, based in Connecticut, and has been involved in cemetery preservation for over twenty-five years. He leads cemetery preservation workshops all over the country.&nbsp;Jordan says, "We're incredibly fortunate that St. Joseph is the one and only stop Appell will make in the state of Missouri."Jordan adds this is a very "hands-on expericence. You can grab a shovel or brush to help clean headstones. Appell walks people through the proper process for doing this sort of work." Participants will learn the most common and effective techniques to maintain gravestones.The workshop begins at 9:00 Wednesday morning at Mount Mora and lasts until 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;It was noted that participants are encouraged to bring snacks and dress appropriately for the weather. The workshop is free to attend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721761598315.jpeg" alt="Mount Mora, Skaith" />
 <figcaption>Mount Mora, Skaith</figcaption>
 </figure>

Cemetery Preservation Workshop to be Held at Mount Mora

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Polaris Ranger driven by John E. Gant, 67, Oak Grove, was northbound on Route A three miles north of Modena.

The passenger identified as Tammy G. Gant, 58, Oak Grove, was attempting to roll up the passenger window in the rain and inadvertently opened the passenger side door.&nbsp; She fell from the vehicle.

Mercer County EMS transported Gant to Harrison County Community Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; John Gant was not injured.

MERCER COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Monday in Mercer County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Polaris Ranger driven by John E. Gant, 67, Oak Grove, was northbound on Route A three miles north of Modena.The passenger identified as Tammy G. Gant, 58, Oak Grove, was attempting to roll up the passenger window in the rain and inadvertently opened the passenger side door.&nbsp; She fell from the vehicle.Mercer County EMS transported Gant to Harrison County Community Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; John Gant was not injured.

Missouri woman hospitalized after fall from UTV

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; &nbsp; Caleb James&nbsp; Stricker, 17, Atchison, was northbound on U.S. 73 just south of Lowemont Road.&nbsp;

The Toyota traveled across the center line and struck a southbound 2014 Freightliner semi driven by Dustin Lee Anderson, 24, Williamsburg, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Stricker was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;First Call Morgue. Anderson was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 11a.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; &nbsp; Caleb James&nbsp; Stricker, 17, Atchison, was northbound on U.S. 73 just south of Lowemont Road.&nbsp; The Toyota traveled across the center line and struck a southbound 2014 Freightliner semi driven by Dustin Lee Anderson, 24, Williamsburg, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Stricker was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;First Call Morgue. Anderson was not transported for treatment of a minor injury. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen dies after head-on crash with a semi

The Chiefs secondary lost a big piece when cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans this offseason.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721674165746.jpeg" alt="The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>The Chiefs defense huddles up during the first training camp practice at Missouri Western State University/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Chiefs secondary lost a big piece when cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans this offseason. While replacing one of the top corners in the league won't be easy, there are people there to fill those shoes, like third year corner Trent McDuffie. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo it's yet to be determined if McDuffie will fill those shoes. "Almost every game we had LJ travel with "top receiver", whether we do that with Trent or not we'll see, it'll just be a game-by-game plan," Spagnuolo tells the media following practice. "We'll see who the other corner is, who the nickel is, there's still a lot of unknowns right now, we've got some work to do back there we certainly miss LJ, I miss him every day." Another one of those players the Chiefs are looking to replace is linebacker Willie Gay, who signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagunolo says while they'll miss the energy of Gay, there are guys who can step up to fill that role. "Drue (Tranquill), we've got Drue has been there and played that spot, Jack Cochrane has been doing a terrific job, Leo (Chenal) is going to probably have different roles than he had last year, in conjunction with Nick (Bolton) we have some young guys out there," Spagnuolo explains. "So hopefully if we can find five, six, however many linebackers and get some good ones." The Chiefs will practice again tomorrow at 9:15. That practice is open to the public; tickets must be acquired online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721674208033.png" alt="Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo signs autographs for fans/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>With threepeat on mind as camp starts, Clark Hunt says eliminate distractions A goal on many a mind this season is the chance to make history, a three peat as Super Bowl Champions Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt's message to the team prior to camp was to eliminate distractions "The players, the coaches, everybody in the organization have a lot of people reaching out to them, a lot of people asking about the potential threepeat," Hunt tells the media. "And really to be successful in the National Football League you've got to focus on the task at hand, which is the next team you're playing." Hunt says in turn as the reigning champs the Chiefs also have a target on their backs and every team will be playing their best football against them. Injury update and roster moves Chiefs' rookie receiver Xavier Worthy missed practice on Monday due to an illness. The Chiefs also announced they have signed former Missouri safety Tyree Gillispie and released safety Trey Dean Gillespie was on the Chiefs’ practice squad in December and January last season and re-signed with the team in February before getting cut again when the team signed undrafted rookie free agents. He also spent time with the Texans last summer after playing three games for the Jaguars in 2022 and 11 games for the Raiders in 2021. Gillespie had eight tackles in those 14 appearances. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.