After evaluation, the Missouri Department of Transportation will keep the Gene Field Road Bridge over I-29 until next spring. 

The bridge was closed on Monday after being struck by an oversized load.  One of the bridge's support girders was badly damaged, causing it to separate from the bridge deck.  Due to this, and the pre-existing condition of the bridge, MoDOT will keep the bridge closed until it can be replaced. 

A project to replace the bridge was scheduled to begin in October of next year, but will now be accelerated to begin in the spring of next year.  Due to an ongoing project by the city of St. Joseph, road traffic is restricted between Karnes and Cook Road and is being detoured

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

Gene Field Bridge closed closed until spring after MoDOT evaluation

KFEQ Week in Review

Beginning Friday at President Trump's direction, records related to Amelia Earhart's final flight and disappearance 88 years ago will be declassified and shared with the American people, according to a statement from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

These records&nbsp;include reports, maps, and other documents tracing Earhart's final journey, her last known communications and location, and the initial search following her disappearance.

Thanks to President Trump's&nbsp;leadership, a historic initiative is underway to digitize and publicly release these records from across the federal government, including newly declassified files today from <a href="https://x.com/NSAgov">@NSAgov</a>.

As agencies identify additional files, the new documents will be uploaded to <a href="https://x.com/USNatArchives">@USNatArchives</a> on a rolling basis, alongside those previously released, at <a href="https://t.co/O9e08dK1wN" target="_blank">http://archives.gov/ameliaearhart</a>.

Records related to Amelia Earhart's final flight will be declassified

Starting today, residents can go into the AFL-CIO Community Service offices, or online, and Adopt a Family in need this Christmas.  

AFL-CIO Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says already nearly 400 applications have come in for the program this year, which is a lot for this time of year.  

Seckinger says the hope is people are being proactive and applying early, but says the reality is, with the state of the economy, they could see more people 

"And we usually rule of thumb is the amount of applications we get in the first two weeks, it’s a crazy way to do it, but multiply that by three and that’s about how many applications we get for the entire season,” Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “And if that is the case, if by the end of this week we have 425, we’ll be looking at over 1,200 families, and all my fingers are crossed that that doesn’t happen because that would set a record for us, but they are coming it at a pretty rapid rate this year.” 

Seckinger says it's just been the perfect storm as of late, with the recent federal government shutdown and the economy, that the number could end up higher that past years 

"Knowing that all those things are in flux going into the holidays, we know people are struggling, I think people who normally don’t have a problem paying bills are struggling some right now,” Seckinger explains.  “So, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see an increase in people applying and people that normally have normally not asked for help in the past being the ones who are tacking onto our numbers this year.” 

Seckinger says fear over food stamp benefits could have played a factor.  The recent bill signed by President Trump reopened the federal government and will fund SNAP until September 2026.  

Seckinger says the estimated cost to adopt a child 11 or older is $75 to $100.  The average cost for a child under the age of 10 is $50.  

Seckinger says under the circumstances of comparing to people's normal bills, spending that much money to have an impact on a kid, it's worth it 

"Sometimes these are the only new things they get all year, sometimes some of them haven’t celebrated Christmas every single year, we see that quite a bit with kids,” Seckinger says.  “A parent will apply and say I didn’t apply last year and we ended up not being able to do Christmas, so I made sure to apply this year, and that’s the last thing you want to think of is that there’s kids out there that don’t get to celebrate Christmas and there’s nothing under the tree when they do.” 

To find out more information about how to help with Adopt a Family, you can go online to AFL-CIO Community Services website, or into the offices.

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

Adopt a Family program in need of adopters with larger number of adoptees expected

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News 

St. Joseph city officials have announced that as the Gene Field Road bridge remains closed with Missouri Department of Transportation crews evaluating the situation, new detours have been posted.&nbsp;

The bridge was struck on Monday by an oversize load traveling on Interstate 29, which runs beneath the structure. MoDOT crews are currently assessing the bridge’s condition and determining if repairs are necessary. The bridge will remain closed until MoDOT deems it safe to reopen.

Drivers traveling on the east side of the bridge are advised to travel east on Gene Field Road to Bishop Road, then go north to Cook Road to avoid Woodbine.&nbsp; Woodbine Road remains closed to general traffic daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the ongoing stabilization project. 

Local traffic will continue to have access throughout the duration of that work. The Woodbine project is expected to continue for about three more weeks, weather permitting.

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

New detours announced during Gene Field Bridge closure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced Thursday that all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Missouri will receive their full November benefits, following the passage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371" target="_blank">FY26 Appropriations Act</a>. , according to a media release from the agency.

President Donald J. Trump signed the act into law on November 12, which restored full federal funding for SNAP benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With federal funding back in place, our team is moving swiftly to issue full November benefits,” said&nbsp;Jess Bax, DSS Director. “We know how important this assistance is to Missouri households, especially after the uncertainty of recent weeks, and we thank the public for being patient with us as we navigated communicating effectively.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSS is taking immediate steps to ensure Missouri families receive their full November benefits as quickly as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DSS is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) and the state’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendor to distribute funds to participating families.&nbsp;

For more information or updates about SNAP benefits in Missouri, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts" target="_blank">https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Full SNAP benefits returning for Missouri families following end of shutdown

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent attack in Brown County.

Just before 3:30p.m. November 10, Brown County dispatched a deputy to a local hospital to take a report from a victim of alleged battery, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; &nbsp; The deputy obtained suspect&nbsp; information from the victim while at the hospital and then alerted other Brown County deputies. 

A short time later, deputies encountered the suspect, Gerry Rilinger, 43 of Sabetha in Fairview, Kansas.&nbsp; When a deputy approached Rilinger for questioning, he became argumentative, defiant and initiated a scuffle which resulted in Rilinger's arrest.&nbsp; He was then&nbsp; transported to the Brown County jail.

He is being held on a $2 million dollar bond on requested charges of&nbsp; 2nd Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated kidnapping, Misdemeanor Battery on Law Enforcement Officers, Felony Battery on a Corrections Officer, Felony Obstruction and Transport an Open Container.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas attempted murder suspect captured

It's been a productive fall sports season at Missouri Western State University, and at least two programs have deep playoff aspirations.    

Athletic Director Andy Carter says MoWest Cross Country had the first ever national qualifier in program history.  Griffon women's soccer is also playing for a chance at the national tournament  

Carter says currently the Griffons are on the outside looking in, because conference tournament winners earn an automatic bid, meaning a higher seed, normally has a better chance, however  

“Since the top three seeds in our conference all lost in the first round of the conference tournament, we’re the highest seed remaining, there’s somebody in a low seed that would not have gotten into that regional tournament if we don’t win somebody’s going to get in and that could be at our demise,” Carter says on the KFEQmnunnity show.  “So, as I told our coach and our players, then it needs to be us, we need to go win the tournament and then earn our way into that tournament.” 

MoWest is the fourth seed in the MIAA tournament and will play Northeastern State today for a trip to the championship game at 3pm   

Volleyball also is on a roll at MoWest.  Carter says the momentum of the volleyball team is in large part thanks to the head coach Jessica Fey (Fi like Wi-Fi] just being able to get her team to play  

"It’s really hard for somebody who's better than the other team to really lose a whole match; they might lose a set and there might be times it doesn’t look good, but this thing plays out they’ve got to beat you three times,” Carter explains.  “And so the best teams just don’t get caught up in the emotion of a bad string of points or a bad set, and that’s what our team has shown is this tremendous resiliency.” 

Fey won her 100th career match on Friday against Central Missouri.  The Griffons are currently on an 11-match win streak.   

MoWest could claim its first MIAA crown since 2017 with matches tonight against Fort Hays State and tomorrow against Nebraska Kearney.  One win would guarantee at least a share of the title, winning both gives the title outright. 

MoWest football wraps up their season on Saturday against Central Oklahoma on Saturday, hoping to wrap up a disappointing season with one more win.  

Carter though, despite the current 3-7 record, he still believes this is one of the best coaching staffs he's worked with in his time as an AD 

"And they’re not all winning at the level we want to win at yet, but they’re people of high character, high integrity, we share the same values of what we want to see in the end result, and sometimes it just takes a little longer in some scenarios,” Carter says.  “I’ve seen things turned around in a year before, and I’ve things that take four years, so a full four years of recruiting, and it just depends.” 

Carter says when you decide to make a change, it has less to do with winning and losing, and more to do with things that the fans are not seeing off the field.  

MoWest and Central Oklahoma kickoff on Saturday at 2pm 

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

Productive fall sports season comes with successes and disappointments

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/robbiesequeira/">Robbie Sequeira</a> <a href="https://stateline.org/">Stateline</a>

Missouri, Maine and Vermont are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages

School districts have made some progress in addressing the national shortage of school bus drivers, but there still aren’t as many drivers as there were in 2019, according to a new study.

The number of drivers has increased by 2,300, or 1.1%, since last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-has-improved-slightly-but-continues-to-stress-k-12-public-education/" target="_blank">according to the Economic Policy Institute</a>, a left-leaning research group. But there are still 21,200 fewer bus drivers than there were&nbsp;in 2019, a decline of 9.5%.

The researchers link the employment gain to higher wages: Average hourly wages are up 4.2% in the past year, the largest jump since the COVID-19 pandemic.

During and after the pandemic, many bus drivers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adpresearch.com/assets/the-missing-school-bus-drivers-a-look-at-employment-data-before-and-after-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank">retired</a>, left the workforce or in some cases, died. Districts across the country have had to scramble to find someone to take the wheel — be it substitute teachers, administrators or even parents.

The number of bus drivers decreased by 15% between September 2019 and September 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-school-bus-driver-shortage-remains-severe-without-job-quality-improvements-workers-children-and-parents-will-suffer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">according</a>&nbsp;to the Economic Policy Institute. Private school bus contractors now account for 38% of the nation’s pupil transportation services, according to the National School Transportation Association.

Other school transportation options,&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/09/30/school-ride-hailing-services-may-be-nudging-aside-traditional-buses/" target="_blank">such as ride-hailing services</a>, have helped fill the gap in some places. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1811462116" target="_blank">roughly half</a>&nbsp;of all U.S. K–12 students rely on a school bus to get to school.

The report warns that school district budgets are tightening as federal pandemic relief funds&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-comes-next-now-that-pandemic-aid-for-education-has-ended/" target="_blank">have expired</a>, and notes that the Trump administration has delayed some federal K-12 funding in its bid to shrink and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/public-education-under-threat-4-trump-administration-actions-to-watch-in-the-2025-26-school-year/" target="_blank">eventually eliminate</a>&nbsp;the U.S. Department of Education.

The report points to&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://fox23maine.com/newsletter-daily/maine-school-districts-still-struggling-to-find-bus-drivers-education-transportation-brunswick" target="_blank">Maine</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2025/09/22/some-st--louis-area-school-districts-still-struggle-to-hire--retain-bus-drivers" target="_blank">Missouri</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcax.com/2025/09/23/pay-boosts-route-cuts-school-districts-deal-with-bus-driver-shortages/" target="_blank">Vermont</a>&nbsp;as states that are dealing with especially severe bus driver shortages. It also notes that a dearth of drivers has a particularly pronounced&nbsp;effect on students with disabilities, and that not having enough drivers can lead to inconsistent bus schedules and routes, which contributes to absenteeism and missed school meals.

Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rsequeira@stateline.org">rsequeira@stateline.org</a>

This story was originally produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/11/12/national-school-bus-driver-shortage-persists-despite-recent-gains/" target="_blank">Stateline</a>, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Missouri Independent, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

National school bus driver shortage persists, despite recent gains

December corn closed down 11 1/4 cents and March corn was down 11 1/2 cents. January soybeans closed down 22 1/2 cents and March soybeans were down 20 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 10 1/2 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 8 1/2 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was down 5 cents.

December corn closed up 3 cents and March corn was up 2 cents. January soybeans closed up 7 1/2 cents and March soybeans were up 10 1/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 1/2 cents and December Minneapolis wheat was up 6 3/4 cents.

Row-crop futures moved sharply lower Friday following the release of new USDA data including Crop Production and WASDE reports, along with a listing of all reportable flash sales which went unreported due to the government shutdown through October and early November. I would characterize Friday's reports as mixed overall, with some undeniably bearish estimates but plenty of silver linings to be found if looked for and discussed in further detail below. Outside markets to close the week were choppy with crude oil turning higher following Ukrainian attacks on Russian ports and the seizure of a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, where over a third of world crude shipments are routed. Stock indices were mixed with tech-focused buying pushing the NASDAQ and S&amp;P500 higher while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped.

The live cattle contracts traded slightly higher into Friday's closing bell, despite the fact that the day's fundamentals are lacking a bit with no new cash cattle trade having developed, and what has developed has been lower than last week's weighted average, and boxed beef prices are lower again. So far this week, Southern live cattle have traded at mostly $228, which is $3.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Northern dressed cattle have traded for mostly $351, which is $8.00 lower than last week's weighted average. And while it's looking like the bulk of this week's trade is done with, some more clean up trade isn't out of the question.

Friday's WASDE report shared less than supportive news for the cattle and beef markets of 2025 and 2026. Beef production for 2025 fell by 70 million pounds from the last report in September, as fed cattle slaughter speeds have declined. The same similar trend is also noted for 2026 beef production as now the year is expected to yield 25,490 million pounds, which is down 100 million pounds from September's report. The biggest expected reason for the decline in slaughter speeds for 2026 is because fed cattle processing is expected to remain light, and with cattle spending more time on feed, marketings will be slower for at least the first half of the year. Quarterly steer prices were also disappointing as steers in the fourth quarter of 2025 are expected to average $234 (down $10.00), steers in the first quarter of 2026 are expected to average $242 (down $5.00) and steers in the second quarter are expected to average $248 (down $3.00). Beef imports for 2025 remained unchanged, but exports for the year fell by 10 million pounds.

Although, the feeder cattle complex was trading fully lower earlier this morning, it rebounded and ended trading higher alongside the live cattle contracts. As long as the live cattle contracts continue to trade higher, the feeder cattle market will likely follow in its shadow.

The lean hog complex also found a little technical support, which could be trader moral given that the cattle contracts were trading higher too, or it could partly be because consumer demand is showing more interest today as the midday pork cutout is up $4.68. It's unlikely that any more cash hog trade is going to develop throughout the day.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/14143023/web-closing-markets-2.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins led the largest USDA agribusiness trade mission in the history of the U.S. to Mexico City last week. During the trip to Mexico, 41 U.S. businesses, 33 cooperators and agriculture advocacy groups, six state departments of agriculture, and 150 participants conducted more than 500 business-to-business meetings over three days. This was a critical opportunity for American businesses to further trade ties, and for the USDA to continue its aggressive response to the New World Screwworm in Mexico. 

“Whether it’s securing the Southern Border from illegal immigration, combating the New World Screwworm, or expanding market access for American agricultural products, we are working every day to put American interests first,” Rollins said. Mexico was the top market for U.S. agricultural exports in 2024, with shipments valued at $30.2 billion. Products like meat and meat products, dairy, processed foods, fruits, and beverages constituted almost 50 percent of that. 

Rollins leads trade trip to Mexico City

Late Wednesday, the government shutdown ended as President Donald Trump signed into law a measure that brought the standoff to a close. Trump signed a bill that fully funds the USDA and FDA for fiscal year 2026. It also ends a legal battle over partial or full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November. The measure also extended farm bill programs that expired on September 30. While two Republicans voted against the bill, six Democrats stepped across party lines to vote in favor of it. 

Reports say that farmers can expect full services to return to their local Farm Service Agency offices, including processing loan applications for farm ownership or home loans that have been frozen since the start of the government shutdown. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is also expected to reopen for business. A report from Politico said that millions of low-income Americans should receive their full food benefits this week. 

Shutdown ends as Farm Bill programs extended

December corn closed up 6 1/4 cents and March corn was up 6 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed up 13 1/4 cents and March soybeans were up 12 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed up 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 1/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was unchanged.

Thursday was a day of general strength across row-crop futures with the soybean complex once again leading the way higher, specifically with another burst of bullishness in the soybean meal market as prices set new calendar year highs. With the government shutdown officially ended following President Trump's signing of the funding bill, and operations set to ramp up again, Thursday's strength may be a display of optimism that the release of missing data will support the recent bullish swing in crop prices. Grain and oilseed markets will receive a big piece of the puzzle on Friday morning when USDA releases their November supply and demand estimates after six weeks of relatively few updates from the agency.

With some light trade in the South developing at $282 (which is $3.00 lower than last week's weighted average), combined with seeing boxed beef prices trading lower too -- it comes as no real surprise that the live cattle contracts were trading lower into Thursday's closing bell. And some extremely light sales have been reported in Nebraska at $351, but not enough cattle have traded to say that any sort of a trend has been established this week. Without fundamental support rising to comfort traders, it's likely that a downward trend will remain with the market at least today, and potentially into Friday's session as well.

With the fundamentals in the live cattle complex not helping boost bullish sediment, the feeder cattle contracts were once again left to trade lower. And until the live cattle complex finds some support, it's likely that the feeder cattle market will continue to trade lower in its shadow.

With there not being much interest in the cash market and pork cutout values are lower too, the lean hog complex also traded lower into Thursday's closing bell. And until there's an improvement in the market's fundamentals, mainly from consumers in the form of stronger pork cutout values, it's unlikely that the market will find much upward potential.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/13140255">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmers and their families can learn to recognize stress, manage their well-being, and access resources by attending an upcoming Penn State Extension webinar promoting resilience and mental health in agriculture. “Mending the Stress Fence” will take place from 7–8 pm Eastern time on December 8 and from 9-10 am on December 16. The webinar specifically addresses the unique challenges of farm life by focusing on stress management, balanced well-being, and reducing the stigma around seeking mental health support. 

Organizers pointed out that agriculture is among the most stressful and hazardous industries in the country. Workshop participants will learn the signs and symptoms of stress, how to self-identify stress, how to balance the dimensions of wellness, how to ask open-ended questions that demonstrate care, the warning signs of suicide, and where to find resources to support someone in need. The event is offered at no cost to participants, but pre-registration is required.

Mending the “Stress Fence” in farm country

Chinese purchases of soybeans from the U.S. appear to have stalled only two weeks after the U.S. touted a wide-ranging trade truce between the two countries. Bloomberg said it appeared to show a thawing in relations between the world’s biggest economies. Chinese imports of American cargoes seem to have faltered after a flurry of orders in October. That’s according to traders who asked not to be identified while discussing confidential information with sources. 

“The traders said they were not aware of any new shipments,” and, “The pause is causing significant uncertainty over whether the biggest consumer of American soybeans will be back in the market at a level the White House claimed to expect.” An agricultural broker with StoneX in Singapore said many experts view China’s commitment to purchase 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans this year to be more of a diplomatic gesture than a firm agreement. 

Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans have stalled

December corn closed up 3 1/4 cents and March corn was up 2 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed up 6 1/2 cents and March soybeans were up 6 cents. December KC wheat closed up 1 3/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was unchanged, December Minneapolis wheat was up 1/4 cents.

Row crops moved modestly higher Wednesday in another choppy session as corn and soybean prices benefitted from late strength to move back toward recent highs with traders awaiting USDA guidance on Friday in what will be the first Crop Production and WASDE reports since Sept. 12. Meanwhile, outside markets were mixed with lower energy futures, led by a sharply lower crude market on renewed world supply concerns following the monthly OPEC+ report. Stock indices were mixed, with the Dow Jones completing a comeback over the last four sessions to set new record highs on Wednesday. The markets as a whole are expressing optimism that the government shutdown will soon end, with the House of Representatives set to vote this evening on the funding package approved earlier this week by the Senate.

Following Monday's sharp run-up, the live cattle complex is now back to trading in a more cautious manner as traders look around for support and reassurance. No cash cattle trade has developed yet, but asking prices are noted at $232 plus in the South, but asking prices in the North remain unestablished at this point. There's a chance that trade could hold steady this week if the board remains supportive, as holiday demand is right around the corner.

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower as the market looks for some fundamental support to reassure traders that Monday's big jump was justified. It's most likely that the reason why the deferred contracts are trading so much lower is because, in this volatile market, with time, looms risk.

The lean hog complex also traded lower as the market wants to see more consumer support. And until traders see more widespread fundamental support, they'll likely either let the contracts trade sideways or venture a tick lower as the contracts need reassurance.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/12141205/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A new poll shows soybean processors likely crushed a record number of soybeans in September as new facilities ramp up operations. That poll took place as market watchers continued relying on private estimates during the government shutdown. According to a note to clients from CoBank, the crush totaled 205.4 million bushels in September. If that’s accurate, that would be a ten percent month-over-month increase, and the highest on record for the month. 

On a daily basis, the poll said crush likely rose 7.8 percent to 6.8 million bushels a day. USDA’s Fats and Oilseeds Report, which is usually released monthly, has been nonexistent for the past two months due to the record-long government shutdown. The National Oilseeds Processors Association said earlier this month that it estimated the September crush at 197.9 million bushels during the month, up almost 12 percent year over year and a record for the month. 

September soybean crush likely sets record

Republican Senators are asking Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, to follow through on months of evaluation and finally revoke a public lands rule from the Biden era. Critics say the rule restricts uses on millions of acres that the Bureau of Land Management oversees. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, who chairs the Senate Western Caucus, joined 11 other GOP senators in issuing “strong support” in a letter for rescinding the public lands rule that elevated conservation as an official use of BLM lands. 

In September, the Department proposed revoking the rule that was put in place during 2024, and the 60-day comment period recently concluded. One report said the proposal to revoke the rule followed five months of review. “Our constituents live with and rely on the use of Federal lands every day,” the senators wrote. “These working lands are not abstract reserves that need to be locked away.”

Senators want public lands rule revoked

December corn closed up 2 1/4 cents and March corn was up 2 1/2 cents. January soybeans closed down 2 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 1 1/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 3 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was up 1/4 cents, December Minneapolis wheat was up 5 1/4 cents.

In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. banks as well as the bond market was closed on Tuesday. Canadian markets were also closed for Remembrance Day. Naturally, the resulting trade in grain futures was a low volume and stable session. It is likely we will see activity pick up toward the end of the week as traders begin to position around the first WASDE report since early September, which is due out on Friday at 11 a.m. CST. Outside markets were mostly positive influence on ag markets for Tuesday, with energy futures moving higher and the diesel market impressive at its highest price since late June. The U.S. dollar continues to retreat from last week's highs while stocks were mostly positive Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average riding a 3-day bullish wave spurred on by optimism that the government will soon reopen following the Senate's successful vote on the funding package which will now go back to the House for approval.

Live cattle futures traded mixed for the bulk of Tuesday's session, which is a general disappointment following the sharp limit gains Monday, strong triple digit support in feeder cattle futures, and active gains in morning boxed beef values. But the good news in nearby live cattle futures is that prices have bounced back from triple-digit losses seen early in the trading day and ended close to near steady. Which would put prices still sharply higher for the week. Cash cattle is starting with another slow start to the day with some early asking prices starting out around $232-plus in the South, but they are still not established in the North. Significant trade volume will likely be delayed until Wednesday or later. Beef cutouts are expected to be mixed with light to moderate box movement.

Feeder cattle futures continued the Monday rally with active triple-digit gains seen in all contract months for the bulk of the session, only to give most of that back before the closing bell. With prices closing at limit gains Monday, the ability to utilize expanded trade limits creates optimism but also uncertainty within the market. Currently prices are far from reaching the expanded trade limits, which would allow markets to revert back to normal limits Wednesday if markets close near the current levels. Traders are trying to rebound from recent losses, but it is uncertain just how much additional short-term fundamental support remains within the feeder cattle complex.

Lean hog futures remain generally quiet on Veterans Day with narrow trade ranges seen through the complex. At midday, the spot month December contracts remained the only contract trading with a negative value, but the losses were minimal as traders adjusted to the early week rally seen across the complex. Narrow gains seen in spring months focusing on the hope of additional pork demand kindling through the export market. But for now, very few traders are willing to break away from Monday's active gains.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/11142119">Click HERE for audio</a>

OSAGE COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to an officer-involved shooting where multiple law enforcement officers were shot.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m., at a residence north of 113th Street and S Topeka Boulevard in Osage County, according to a media release from the KBI.

 The injured officers include three Osage County Sheriff's deputies and one Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.&nbsp;

This is a developing story. Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Deputies, State Trooper injured in shooting at Kansas home

FORD COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) trooper following a domestic violence investigation, according to a media release from the agency.

Just before 9p.m. Friday, KBI agents served an arrest warrant for Dillon Keller, 34, of Dodge City, at his residence. Keller was arrested on requested charges that include one count of kidnapping, one count of forgery, two counts of criminal threat, and two counts of domestic battery.

On July 2 of this year, the Dodge City Police Department requested the KBI investigate an off-duty KHP trooper and allegations of domestic violence. The alleged incidents occurred over several months leading up to the start of the investigation.

Following the arrest, Keller was booked into the Ford County Jail. He met the requirement for bond and was released just before 11p.m. Friday, according to online jail records.

The case is expected to be prosecuted by Kiowa County Attorney’s Office.

KHP Trooper accused of kidnapping, forgery and domestic battery

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;resident who&nbsp;was present&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;terminal&nbsp;at the Kansas City International Airport&nbsp;(MCI)&nbsp;on November 5 from approximately 2 a.m.&nbsp;until noon,&nbsp;and&nbsp;on November 10,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2 a.m. until 4&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.&nbsp;Measles&nbsp;is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. Measles cannot be spread to others by&nbsp;an&nbsp;exposed&nbsp;person&nbsp;unless that person develops&nbsp;measles&nbsp;disease&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;

If you are up to date on your Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, your risk of getting sick is&nbsp;very low.&nbsp;The best way to prevent measles is to get your MMR vaccination. Those not vaccinated or infants under the age of 1 who are too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk for contracting measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We want people to stay calm but stay aware,”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“Measles is highly contagious, but vaccination offers strong protection. If you&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;received your MMR vaccine, now is the time to get it.&nbsp;I also&nbsp;urge&nbsp;people to avoid travel if they&nbsp;haven’t&nbsp;been vaccinated.”&nbsp;

Any exposed person would be expected to develop symptoms between November 12&nbsp;-&nbsp;December 1. The symptoms of measles&nbsp;generally include&nbsp;a rash that appears 7-21 days&nbsp;after exposure. Measles symptoms typically begin with:&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health/measles" target="_blank">Click here for more information about measles.</a>&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measles&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to&nbsp;contact their primary care provider&nbsp;or&nbsp;call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Health department: Potential measles exposure at KCI

After growing since the end of June, the Mega Millions® jackpot was won for just the fifth time this year on Friday night. 

A single ticket sold in Georgia matched all six numbers in the November 14 drawing – the white balls 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57, plus the gold Mega Ball 7 – to win the estimated $980 million prize ($452.2 million cash),&nbsp; according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. 

 It’s by far the largest prize ever won in the month of November, and the eighth largest jackpot in the history of the game.&nbsp;

Georgia is one of the founding members of Mega Millions, and this is the largest-ever Mega Millions jackpot won in the state, and its first since November 2016.“$980 million is the largest jackpot that’s been won since the Mega Millions game changed back in April,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium. 

“Congratulations to our big winner from Georgia and to all our players who are winning more than ever with this new version of the game.”Indeed, in the 40 drawings since the jackpot was last won at $348 million in Virginia on June 27 – the most drawings in a single jackpot run in the game’s history – there were almost 14.3 million winning tickets at all prize levels. With the new greatly-enhanced prize values, total non-jackpot prizes won were nearly $343.4 million. 

These include 21 second-tier prizes of $2 million or more (won in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia).&nbsp;Also in this jackpot run, a total of 347 third-tier prizes of $20,000 to $100,000 were won in 40 different jurisdictions across the country: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

In the November 14 drawing alone, there were 1,112,941 winning tickets at all prize levels, plus the single jackpot-winning ticket. One ticket, sold in Michigan, matched the five white balls for the second-tier prize; with the 3X multiplier, it is worth $3 million. 

Forty-eight tickets matched four white balls plus the Mega Ball to win the game’s third-tier prize: 22 at 2X (two each in California, Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, plus one each in Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Wyoming), 17 at 3X (two each in Georgia, Maryland and Texas, and one each in California, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia), seven at 4X (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York and Texas), and two at 10X (New York and Pennsylvania).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/Winning-Numbers.aspx">Find complete drawing results here.</a>

<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/Winning-Numbers.aspx"></a>Due to California’s pari-mutuel rules, all prizes in that state will vary from the standard values.The jackpot is the largest won since last December’s whopping $1.269 billion prize awarded in California. Four earlier jackpots were won this year; in addition to the Virginia win on June 27, jackpots were awarded in Ohio ($112 million on April 18), Illinois ($349 million on March 25), and Arizona ($112 million on January 17).<a href="https://www.megamillions.com/About/Jackpot-History.aspx">See the complete Mega Millions jackpot history.</a>The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, November 18, resets to its new starting value of $50 million ($23.1 million cash). This starting jackpot level is another benefit of the game change.

Single ticket wins Mega Millions lottery jackpot of nearly a billion dollars

The U.S. military is reported another deadly strike on a drug boat in the Caribbean.

On Nov. 10, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization, according to the U.S. Southern Command.

 Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. 4 male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed. The vessel was trafficking narcotics in the Caribbean Sea and was struck in international waters

This the U.S. military 20th strike on a boat accused of transporting drugs.

US. conducts another deadly strike on alleged drug-running boat

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Saline County are investigating a burglary and asking for help to ID a suspect.

Just after 2:30a.m.&nbsp;November 10, a male suspect gained entry to Casey’s, 1100 E. Iron, Salina, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain James Feldman. Once in the business the suspect accessed the store safe and removed&nbsp; the contents. 

Surveillance video showed the suspect was wearing brown overalls, gloves and had their face covered. Coins stolen from the safe were recovered behind the business. The suspect got away&nbsp; with an undisclosed amount of currency.


Police: Kan. burglary suspect stole valuable contents from business safe

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Sen. Mary Ware announced her retirement from the state Senate on Thursday, leaving open a Wichita-area seat ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Ware, a Democrat, did not cite a reason, and her retirement was effective immediately.

“Serving our state and representing the 25th District has been an incredible privilege. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by my constituents and for the opportunity to work on meaningful legislation,” Ware said in a news release through Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes’ office.

Ware, a retail store owner, replaced Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers in 2018 in a precinct committee election. She won reelection in 2020 and 2024 and is departing halfway through her term.

“Mary has been focused on creating a full and safe future for our children since joining the Senate,” Sykes said. “Her commitment to collaboration and progress have made our team stronger. We will miss her dynamic and compassionate leadership. Our caucus wishes her the very best in retirement.”

Ware was the ranking Democrat on Senate committees on commerce and agriculture and natural resources. She also sat on the Assessment and Taxation Committee.

In 2025, she sponsored legislation to require the state library to provide services to people who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled. It was introduced but never heard by a committee.

“While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life,” Ware said.

Kan. state senator retires, opening Democratic seat ahead of legislative session

EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Friday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder driven by&nbsp; Rebecca Oberley, 44, Kinsley was&nbsp; eastbound on U.S. 50 highway just north of 110th Avenue. The SUV struck a deer and came to a stop on the eastbound shoulder of the of the highway.&nbsp; Oberley got out to check the damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was in reverse, the driver tripped and the SUV ran over her.

Oberley was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. A 14-year-old male passenger in the SUV was not injured.&nbsp;

Kan. woman run over, killed by her SUV after deer collision

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the University of Kansas Medical Center, and local health departments, announced Friday the official end of the tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in the Kansas City, Kansas metropolitan area, according to a statement from the agency.

This milestone reflects nearly two years of coordinated public health response, with no new patients diagnosed with Active TB Disease since April 2025 and all affected individuals successfully completing treatment.

“Marking the end of the TB outbreak in the Kansas City, Kansas metro area is the result of the collaborative efforts of the KDHE staff, the CDC, KU Medical Center and the impacted local health departments,”&nbsp;KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said.&nbsp;“The state is fortunate to have qualified medical professionals to be able to handle this and future outbreaks.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The outbreak, first detected in early 2024, involved Wyandotte and Johnson counties, resulting in 68 confirmed active TB cases. This made it one of the largest TB outbreaks in the United States in recent decades. Through extensive screening efforts, an additional 91 latent TB infections were identified and treated preventively. More than 650 individuals were evaluated or monitored throughout the investigation.

Response efforts included widespread testing, directly observed therapy to support treatment adherence, and education campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early reporting. No drug-resistant TB strains were identified, and the risk to the public remained low throughout the outbreak, as TB primarily spreads through prolonged, close contact with someone infectious.

Although the outbreak is over, KDHE continues to encourage vigilance. Kansas reports approximately 50 TB cases annually statewide. Routine surveillance will remain essential to early detection and prevention.

For more information on TB prevention and resources, visit the KDHE Tuberculosis Program’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F530%2FTuberculosis-TB-Program%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019a8339878f-93f04bd3-4342-4101-9c6a-9418879c02a8-000000/ml1j7kG5ju43MZpRVaZatysoqgF9zIslbJ0C7LHDuoA=431">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/530/Tuberculosis-TB-Program</a>&nbsp;or contact your local health department.

KDHE: Kansas City, Kan. metro tuberculosis outbreak is over

First lady launches new effort to support foster care children

It's the final round of  the district playoffs in Missouri and sectional play in Kansas. Below is a list of the games scores from around the area for Thursday and Friday and the matchups for the second round of districts next week.

St. Joseph Christian 54&nbsp; Bishop LeBlond 38

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

High School Football District Championship and Sectionals scoreboard for Nov. 14th

A season to remember for the Riverside Cyclones football team has come to an end, falling to the Jackson Heights Cobras in the Kansas Class 1A Sectionals 21-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The co-op made of athletes out of Wathena and Elwood put together one of the best season's in the programs history, becoming regional champions for the first time ever, after beating Centralia last week to reach the sectional round, and finishing as the sectional runners up.&nbsp;

Head Coach Bryce Paden says even through the emotions of the loss, there's a lot to be proud of this season

"It was such a good group of kids that played hard to the very end, played a really good team at their place and just came up short," Paden tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "Got a lot of emotions, kids are great, but yeah it was a good season, great season, but not the way we wanted it to end."

After the Cyclones fell behind 6-0 in the first quarter, going three and out in their first offensive possession, the team responded by marching down the field and scoring a touchdown on a quarterback sneak from Beckam Griffin, taking the lead after converting the extra point attempt.&nbsp; Riverside held a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.&nbsp;

It was a strong defensive effort from the Cyclones as well in the first half, forcing fumbles on back-to-back drives by Jackson Heights, recovering the ball both times, but not scoring until the second takeaway, again on a sneak from Griffin to extend the lead to 14-6, which is where the score stood at halftime, after the Riverside defense made a huge stop against the Cobras on 4th and 5 as they attempted to drive down and tie the game before the break.&nbsp;

Momentum changed hands in the second half however, Jackson Heights getting the ball to start and consuming much of the clock through the third quarter, soon scoring on a quarterback sneak of their own by Drake Mellies to go down by two.&nbsp; The Cobras tied up the game on a two point conversion pass from Mellies to Ian Allen.&nbsp;

Paden says they knew Jackson Heights was going to come out and give their best straight out of half, which the Cyclones saw on the opening drive.

"Then we were just trying to hold turf, we ended up going three plays and kicking it right back to them and we knew we were going to have to dig our heels in and stay with it," Paden explains.&nbsp; "And like I said they kind of just made some plays and put one in and we just couldn't recover, we had some chances and different things, but overall just a great season and our kids fought to the very end."

Jackson Heights indeed made some plays on a drive to take the lead, the biggest being a conversion on a long third down before heading to the fourth quarter all tied up.&nbsp; The Cobras scored to take the lead near the start of the fourth, a touchdown pass from Mellies to Brody Browning for the 21-14 lead.&nbsp;

Riverside drove down the field in an attempt to tie up the game, moving onto the other side of the 50 yard line on a long pass from Griffin to Keagan Hughes, and inching closer to the red zone on a barreling run from Elijah Moore.&nbsp; But soon, Moore would be stuffed in the backfield, forcing a 3rd and 11, then an incomplete pass that went just over the outstretched hand of Hughes in the endzone made it 4th and 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the danger zone, with time ticking away, a false start moved the Cyclones back even farther and on the 4th and 16 play Griffin looked for Ty'Zell Harrington but found no one for the turnover on downs.&nbsp; The last chance for Riverside came late, a chance to get the ball back after the defense made a big stop on 3rd and 1, but the Cobras converted on fourth down, going on to kneel out the remaining clock for the win.&nbsp;

Despite the loss, it was still a strong defensive effort from the Cyclones, making some big plays.&nbsp; Paden says they've played well on the defensive side of the ball all season.&nbsp;

"That team right there has been averaging 50 some points a game it seems like since we played them week one, and held them to 21, so we knew our defense was going to be able to do it but they just found some holes," Paden says.&nbsp; "When you're a good team and you have a lot to defend, and a lot of good players to defend, the good coaches and good teams find little nicks they can exploit, and they did that in the second half."

Riverside finished the season 8-3 and as sectional runners up.  Eight seniors graduate from the team heading into next year.

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