Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Jan. 26 - Feb. 1.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;

Route D –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.

Route W – Brush cutting from Route T to U.S. Route 65, Jan. 20-23, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. The road will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers guiding motorists through the work zone.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance westbound at the bridge over Turkey Creek, Jan. 26-29. The bridge will be narrowed to one lane around-the-clock.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge beginning Feb. 19 for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ News 01/26/2026

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Sunday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Peterbilt semi driven by a 27-year-old Mission, Texas man was northbound on Interstate 35 three miles northwest of Winston. The semi began to slide, traveled off the west side of the road into the media, spun 180 degrees and overturned.&nbsp;

Daviess County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver injured after violent Daviess Co. semi crash

LIVINGSTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Volvo semi driven by a man from Canada was eastbound on U.S. 36 one mile east of Wheeling behind a 1981 John Deere Tractor driven by a 64-year-old Meadville man.&nbsp; &nbsp; The semi began to follow too closely and attempted to overtake the tractor. The right front of the semi rear-ended the tractor. 

After impact the tractor overturned. A private vehicle transported the tractor driver to Hedrick Medical Center. The semi driver was not injured. The MSHP no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man hospitalized after semi rear-ends a farm tractor.

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Caldwell County.

The Missouti State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota Camry driven by a 73-year-old Braymer woman was northbound on Main Street south of East 6th Street in Braymer. The car traveled off the west side of the road, struck a concrete barrier, struck the ground near a private driveway and came to rest in the driveway.

Livingston County ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after car strikes concrete barrier

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

At least seven marijuana cultivation facilities in Missouri have been fined over the last year for breaking what’s known in the industry as the “immaculate conception rule.”&nbsp;

Marijuana can’t pass over state lines because it’s still federally illegal, and state law mandates that all marijuana must be grown within the state.&nbsp;

However, there is one year after a licensee passes a commencement inspection when the state essentially closes its eyes and puts its hands over its ears on how a cultivation facility starts its inventory.&nbsp;

It’s called the immaculate conception rule, and six facilities were fined up to $500,000 from breaking it last year.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation said regulators “discovered some licensees believed they were permitted to bring in clones or tissue cultures as well as seeds on an ongoing basis. However, this practice is a violation of seed-to-sale tracking regulations.”

To keep up with customers’ preferences and demand, these companies had been bringing in clones, or starter plants, and tissue cultures, which is a form of in-vitro propagation, of popular plant varieties from other states

“In lieu of penalties or other enforcement action, these violations were resolved for amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the circumstances,” said Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which oversees the cannabis regulation division.

The licensees that saw the biggest fines are major players in other states as well, including the companies behind Good Day Farm and High Profile.

The combined fee for four cultivation licenses representing Good Day Farm and Codes, which share management, was $347,495. The facilities are located in Columbia, Carrollton and Chaffee.

For High Profile, it was $500,000 at its O’Fallon cultivation facility.

Two smaller cultivators also saw fines of $20,000 and $50,000.

None of the licensees who were fined by the state returned The Independent’s request for comment.

Cultivation facilities in Missouri are approved to grow marijuana plants, and the harvest is sent to a manufacturing facility that then makes pre-rolls, edibles and other products.

Oftentimes, cultivators will develop “a mother plant” to collect clones, or cuttings, from the plant and put those into their own pots. Those are genetically identical to the plant that they’re cut from.

But where does the mother plant come from?

For a facility’s first year, the “rules and law are silent on how that occurs,” Cox said.

After that, the facilities can ask the state for permission to bring in seeds for “ongoing inventory needs,” she said, or get clones from other licensed cultivators located in Missouri.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But the state fined several licensees last year for not sticking to those rules, sending a clear message to all Missouri companies that they have to grow plants from seed or get starter plants from their competitors.&nbsp;

Ryan Schepers, instructor for St. Louis Community College’s cannabis program, said as a “plant nerd,” he doesn’t believe starting from seed is a necessarily difficult thing — or a bad thing for the industry’s innovation.

“I think a lot of the cultivation centers are set up to care for already established plants, and that would be a little bit of a challenge,” he said.&nbsp;

But it’s nothing the “well versed” plant growers working in the cultivation centers can’t handle, he said. The main challenge is the delay in production, he said. It will take about a month to six weeks for a cannabis plant to start to be well established, he said, but they’ll be “pretty hardy plants.”&nbsp;

“Clones are obviously much easier to deal with,” he said.&nbsp;

But tissue cultures involve a small amount of cells to get started, he said, and that process can take about as long as seed sprouting.

He understands that it’s difficult for companies to align the plant growth time with the need to keep up with trends in other states. If a product is selling really well in California, he said, “of course we’re going to try to get that same thing in Missouri.”

However, he said it can disincentivize cultivation centers from trying new things. For the sake of his students, he hopes the emphasis will shift to breeding and innovation.&nbsp;

“We, at St Louis Community College, really emphasize that our students be plant scientists who focus on cannabis,” he said.

Innovation can be difficult when the federal and state laws are rapidly changing, he added.

The Independent asked if the state would consider a variance for licensees to get clones in the future to keep up with popular varieties.&nbsp;

“The department was considering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26501250-dea-letter-on-clones/" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;from the DEA that indicated clones may no longer be considered marijuana under federal law due to low Delta 9 [THC] concentrations,” Cox said.

However, she said recent changes to federal law “may change the status of seeds and clones.” She was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">referring to restrictions</a>&nbsp;on hemp that were passed as part of the federal spending package last year and will be effective in November.

“So the department will need to follow how federal guidance,” Cox said, “and interpretation develops over the next year before it makes any changes to rules or processes.”

Missouri cannabis growers fined for breaking the ‘immaculate conception’ rule

BROWN COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 6:30p.m. on Jan. 19, Brown County dispatch received several reckless driving 911 calls on a white Cadillac Escalade on US 75 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

&nbsp; A Brown County deputy was near the location and was able to observe the vehicle cross the center line at least twice.&nbsp;&nbsp; The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the SUV and spoke with the driver identified as 32-year-old Cassondra Smith of Falls City, Nebraska.

The deputy immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.&nbsp; At the conclusion of the traffic stop,&nbsp; Smith was arrested on charges of DUI and Child Endangerment.

Sheriff: Driver was smoking pot with child in the SUV

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Ram 2500 driven by a 61-year-old Faucett man was northbound on Interstate 229 near the Andrew County line. The driver began braking to avoid a collision with another vehicle.&nbsp; The pickup began to slide, traveled off the east side of the road and down a steep embankment. The pickup struck several trees and cam to rest in a creek.

Andrew County EMS transported the driver and a 67-year-old passenger to Mosaic Life Care. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 Mo. men injured after pickup lands in Buchanan Co. creek

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha and Kansas City districts have released a draft feasibility report and environmental study aimed at revolutionizing flood risk management along the Lower Missouri River.

The System Plan, detailed in a newly published Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster resiliency across the entire basin. Beyond flood protection, the plan identifies projects designed to deliver ecological, recreational, and economic benefits to local communities.

Officials are now inviting federal and state agencies, Tribal nations, local governments, and the general public to review the documents and submit formal comments. The public comment period is open through March 9, 2026.

“The System Plan is a roadmap for the future of the Lower Missouri River,” the districts stated in a joint release. “We are looking for input to ensure these actions effectively address flood risks while supporting the social and environmental health of the region.”

The draft files and an electronic comment form are available on the project’s official website. Written comments can also be submitted via mail or email to the Planning Branches in Kansas City or Omaha:

USACE has scheduled a series of in-person public meetings and webinars for late February 2026. Specific dates, times, and locations will be posted on the project website, though officials noted that schedules may shift due to inclement weather.

Following the review period, the Corps expects to address all feedback and issue a Final PEIS in the spring of 2026.

USACE Seeks Public Input on Lower Missouri River Flood Resiliency Plan

House Speaker Jon Patterson says the intent is to exempt fuel and the bill — which would allow sales tax on ‘any goods and services’ — will be changed so there is no new tax on fill-ups

BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR174&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">version of a proposal</a>&nbsp;meant to implement the governor’s income tax cut could also trigger a first for Missouri: sales taxes on gasoline and diesel, a result the bill’s sponsor says was accidental.

Under the terms of the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services” and the revenue would be exempt from the prohibition on using money generated from a tax on fuel sales for state needs&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(a)&amp;bid=31846&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">other than highways</a>.&nbsp;

Missouri has earmarked money from taxes on motor fuels for highways&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/modot-history" target="_blank">since 1928</a>.

That is not the intent, Patterson said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday, the day after he filed a revised version of the proposal that fixes earlier errors and expands on limitations intended to prevent a windfall of new revenue for state and local governments.

“There is absolutely zero intention on my part to see any increase in the motor fuel tax,” Patterson said.

An amendment to his bill will be prepared to make that explicit, Patterson said. The reference to how taxes on motor fuels are used is intended to prevent a new sales tax on fuel, Patterson said, not to divert money from highways.&nbsp;

“The purpose of that whole paragraph is to say, ‘no, the motor fuel tax is not part&nbsp;of this,’” Patterson said.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, in a brief interview, declined to comment on imposing sales tax on fuel. He said he had not read Patterson’s proposal.

Missourians, who would have to vote on Patterson’s proposal, don’t want to pay more for gasoline, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, at his weekly news conference.

“They’re going to be upset,” Beck said. “I think they’re going to be upset because there’s a lot of this.”

Kehoe and Republicans who control the General Assembly have made&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/gov-mike-kehoe-wants-voters-to-decide-whether-missouri-should-eliminate-its-income-tax/">eliminating the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on individuals their top priority for the year. Patterson’s proposal, which is expected to receive a public hearing next week, does not specify a sales tax rate to replace the income tax.

Missouri currently charges 4.225% on taxable goods other than food from groceries and vending machines. Of that, 3% is for general revenue, generating about one-fifth of the $13.4 billion in general revenue collected in the most recent fiscal year.

Local sales tax can double or almost triple the basic state rate.

The version filed Wednesday is Patterson’s second attempt. A constitutional amendment he&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR165&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">filed last week</a>&nbsp;had a drafting error that misstated which article contains the limit on the use of highway funds.

Patterson’s new proposal asks voters to grant lawmakers broad authority to expand sales tax to currently untaxed goods and services. Services such as accounting fees for tax preparation or car repairs are not currently taxed, and goods currently exempt include prescription drugs and home utilities.

In his State of the State Address, Kehoe said he wants to target “monthly subscriptions and digital services like online advertising, e-books and AI platforms that fall outside our current sales tax base.”

Lawmakers are also authorized by Patterson’s proposed amendment to set revenue triggers that would reduce, and then eliminate, the individual income tax as early as Jan. 1, 2031.

The exact list of things to be taxed, and the rate needed to replace current revenue, will be decided later, if voters approve his amendment, Patterson said.

“The people and their elected representatives will come together and decide, No.1, if they even want to do this, and if they do how they’re going to do it,” Patterson said. “But it’ll be the people and their elected representatives doing it together.”

Asking voters to trust Republican leaders to get the details right is irresponsible, Beck said. The GOP has rushed and made mistakes on tax cuts,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">congressional district maps</a>&nbsp;and state budget estimates, he added.

When a bill eliminating the income tax on capital gains passed last year, it carried an estimated price tag of about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-approves-tax-cuts-for-capital-gains-diapers-and-low-income-seniors/">$160 million</a>&nbsp;in the current fiscal year and ongoing cost of $111 million The actual revenue cut is about $500 million in the current year and $350 million annually.

The mistake in state budget estimates was a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">$250 million math error</a>&nbsp;in the forecast for how much the state would have on hand at the end of June 2027.

“The whole tax scheme in general, I’m just going to be honest with you, is ill conceived,” Beck said.

Missouri’s two largest population centers are on the state’s border and people who can shift purchases over the state line to avoid taxes will do so, Beck said.

“I don’t see this as an economic driver for the state,” Beck said. “I don’t see this as helping anything.”

Gasoline prices are one of the most visible barometers of the economy, rising after disruptions or when there is high sustained demand and falling when supplies are plentiful or purchases fall off in a recession.

Missouri fuel taxes have increased 12.5 cents per gallon since Oct. 1, 2021, and stand at 29.5 cents a gallon.&nbsp;

Missourians consume about 4.1 billion gallons each year, generating approximately $1.2 billion in highway revenue.

That fuel, if sold at $2.50 per gallon, would generate about $435 million if subject to the the current state sales tax. The price of a 15-gallon fill-up would increase from $37.50 to $39.10.

Republicans have been cutting state income tax rates since 2014, when the top rate stood at 6% for taxable incomes greater than $9,000. The top rate is now 4.7%. Two future cuts, bringing the rate down to 4.5%, are already on the books and will take effect if general revenue growth hits certain targets.

Missouri collected $9.2 billion from the individual income tax before refunds in fiscal 2025. Generating the same revenue on the current sales tax base would require an additional sales tax of about 8.5%.

Those funds pay for public schools, prisons and medical care for more than 1.3 million people, among other state services.

The goal, Patterson said, is to replace a tax structure put in place in the 1920s and 1930s with one that fits modern economic activity.

“It really needs to be modernized,” Patterson said. “And this is something that you’re seeing, not just in red states or blue states. A lot of states are looking at modernizing their tax system.”

The lack of details on what will — and what won’t — be taxed is a big problem, Beck said.

“They’re taking (income tax) away,” Beck said, “and they’re saying the legislature knows better than the people, just like they’ve done in the past.”

New Missouri income tax cut plan could allow first-ever sales tax on gas and diesel

March corn closed up 6 1/2 cents and May corn was up 5 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 3 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 3 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 15 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 14 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 1 1/4 cents.

Friday was a generally positive close to a generally positive week for row-crop futures. Corn futures showed bullish life and vastly improved the technical situation for the March contract, thanks largely to a multi-year high for corn sold in the export market during the week ended Jan. 15. Meanwhile, wheat futures posted a double-digit gain on increased weather premium ahead of this weekend's winter storm, with the March KC contract posting its highest close since mid-November. Finally, soybeans also were positive on strong export sales as well but also on continued spillover strength from the soybean oil market.&nbsp;

The live cattle complex was trading sharply higher into midday Friday as traders have grown more confident, and some light cash cattle trade has developed. The feeder cattle complex also traded slightly higher, but its gusto this morning hasn't been as aggressive or notable as the live cattle market's, which could potentially be because demand in the countryside has been slightly off. &nbsp;The lean hog complex was trading mixed and ended in the red as the nearby contracts were trading a bit lower while the deferred months continue to scale higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/26205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Mike Klimesh (KLY-mesh), the Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate, introduced Senate File 2067, which drew applause from the Iowa Corn Growers Association. The bill proposes widening the corridor to find new paths for the carbon capture and sequestration pipeline, relying on eminent domain only after all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted. 

The Iowa Corn Growers Association applauded the bill for its increased flexibility as Iowa fights to pursue low-carbon ethanol markets. “Iowa’s corn farmers are continuing to see corn prices dropping and input costs rising,” said Iowa Corn Growers President Steve Kuiper (KY-per). “Without access to low-carbon fuels through the carbon pipeline, farmers will lose the ability to participate in new markets, like sustainable aviation fuel or marine fuel, and be forced to watch other states like Nebraska adopt CCS technology.” He also said this bill is a big step in the right direction.

Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Carbon Capture Legislation

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance NWS sterile fly production, strengthen response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade. 

APHIS invites proposals that support objectives that develop novel NWS traps and lures, develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics and treatments for animals, and develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS. Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026. The notice of the opportunity is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FCL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%252Ffunding%252Fnew-world-screwworm-grand-challenge-funding-opportunity%253Futm_medium%3Demail%2526utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%2F1%2F0100019be25ebeaa-043d345c-11e9-4451-9e9d-85bb2d63ca1c-000000%2FQHBSb3VXzgsSRZXw7Cc1CeSm97hiapRKakLM97Ybpfg%3D441&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cchad%40nafb.com%7C42a960e137e347b699e308de59308d3c%7C0a0f31dbe88545c9b3cd38cd460b6e25%7C1%7C0%7C639046262256453020%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=yKgs2rfEQHib%2FXZOkl3bUE3wmMxrQbmWxHTkduzCkbg%3D&amp;reserved=0">NWS Grand Challenge</a>&nbsp;webpage.

USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

After weeks of negotiations, it appears that the House funding bill expected to advance today will exclude language that would have allowed nationwide, year-round access to E15. In place of the year-round E15 provision, Congress appears poised to create a new “Rural Domestic Energy Council” that would develop potential legislative proposals on E15 and other renewable fuels issues that could be considered for future adoption. 

“We are extremely disappointed that Congress appears to have again failed in adopting a simple technical fix that would have made lower-cost American-made E15 available to consumers nationwide all year long,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “Allowing year-round E15 would have provided a lifeline to farmers who are facing the worst economic crisis in almost 50 years, while also helping American families struggling with higher energy bills.” He also pointed out that there was already a compromise deal broadly supported by ethanol and oil refiners in place.

No Year-Round E15 in Congressional Spending Bill

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

Thursday was another quiet session across U.S. crop markets with oilseeds relaxing following a midweek surge on Wednesday, likely the result of hitting some technical resistance points on respective charts. Wheat futures recovered from a sluggish start to the week with Kansas City futures again challenging upside resistance ahead of a weekend of severe winter weather across the United States. Outside markets saw equities complete a two-day recovery of Tuesday's tariff-induced selloff, a common theme through the past year as such value breaks have been viewed as buying opportunities. Natural gas continues to be the most compelling outside market, going from three-month price lows to three-year highs in the course of three trading days, although profit-taking has since taken the top end out of the rally on Thursday. Crude oil and diesel prices moved lower on Thursday, influencing a softer soybean oil market as well.

With still no lofty developments yet in this week's fed cash cattle market, the live cattle contracts were trading on both sides of unchanged throughout the session on Thursday. It's also not been helpful that midday boxed beef prices were lower, which is a seasonal trend for this time, but either way, it doesn't "feel" good to a market that's looking for increased fundamental support. Asking prices are noted in the North at $370 but are still not established in the South. Trade could likely be delayed until after Friday's Cattle on Feed report. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.22 ($365.89) and select down $2.41 ($360.04) with a movement of 56 loads (36.72 loads of choice, 5.00 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 14.19 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex continued to trade mixed and in a sideways fashion headed into the closing bell, and the market is again following in the wake of the live cattle complex. The market will likely maintain a sideways chop until Friday's Cattle on Feed report is released.

The lean hog complex got back to trading softly higher as traders are seeing continued support in pork demand and are willing to scale the contracts higher even though the market is already trading at new contract highs in the spot April contract. The cash market is trading in a thin manner again today, but packers did buy over 2,000 head in Wednesday's market, which is a "big" movement compared to recent days.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/22141730/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The 37th annual Midland Empire Farm, Home, and Rural Lifestyle Show is returning to Civic Arena in St. Joseph this weekend.

Event director, Cindi Cornelius says the event is family friendly with something for everyone. "We love having the kids show up. We have a kid's petting zoo and a kid's activity area upstairs as well, along with a lot of shopping vendors."

With nearly 100 vendors expected to participate at the farm show, Cornelius says she's excited to utilize the space at Civic Arena since the renovations. "We've struggled since Covid but we're back to using both levels this year. The restrooms have been expanded up and down, and the facility looks fantastic, so we're excited."

Cornelius says more food options have been added this year, some of which include Texas Roadhouse, The Enchilada Lady, and The Quilted Cookie. "We'll also have kettle corn, canned pickles, quail eggs, jams, jellies, breads, and brownies, so something for everyone. There will definitely be plenty of food for folks to purchase."

Attendees can also register to win a $250 DeWalt gift card from Family Center Farm and Home, with one winner each day.

Saturday only will feature a free MO Child Identification program.

The farm show takes place Jan. 23 and 24. Hours on Friday are 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

37th annual Midland Empire Farm Show in St. Joseph this weekend

Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry faces continued decline without immediate approval of nationwide, year-round sales of E15 gasoline and access to ultra-low carbon fuel markets, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. The study comes as farmers confront a corn carryout exceeding 2 billion bushels and rising input costs for fertilizer, seed and machinery. It estimates corn prices at $1.52 per bushel, a level that could force some producers to downsize or leave farming without expanded demand. 

Iowa remains the nation’s top corn producer and a leading ethanol state, with yields rising about 15% faster than the U.S. average, the study said. However, new markets are critical to sustaining growth. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Mark Mueller said passage of year-round E15 would help stabilize demand but is not enough long term. He said access to ultra-low carbon ethanol markets, including sustainable aviation and marine fuels, depends on investments such as carbon capture and sequestration pipelines. “Without new corn demand, Iowa could face a 1980s-style farm crisis,” Mueller said.

Analysis shows need for E15 for Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry

Last week, producers and staff from the American Sheep Industry Association met with USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce.

They advocated for the inclusion of wool under the Farmer Bridge Assistance program. Eleven of the $12 billion set aside in the program will go to traditional row crop commodities, and the remaining $1 billion is set aside in reserves for uncovered commodities like specialty crops and sugar, but will exclude livestock and meat products. During the meeting, ASI provided testimony, and the discussion helped USDA better understand the market disruption and high harvesting costs facing the U.S. wool industry with the persistently low prices sheep producers have experienced since 2019.

USDA indicated that wool will be considered within the competitive reserve for uncovered commodities, but no decisions have been made at this time. Fordyce did say that additional information can be expected in the coming weeks.

Sheep Officials Meet with USDA on Assistance

The Democratic Party is previewing this year’s mid-term elections by highlighting the continued importance of food aid, affordability, the job market, and the health of local economies. 

A report from Politico said that over 22 million households will lose SNAP benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “On the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump taking office for his second term, families everywhere have been devastated by Trump’s tariffs and the Big Ugly Bill,” said DNC spokesman Abhi Rahman. “Trump has sacrificed families who need critical food assistance to put dinner on the table to line the pockets of his billionaire backers.” 

Research compiled by the Democratic National Committee said the states projected to have the most families losing SNAP benefits include California, New York, and Florida. The report warned of spillover damage to farmers and grocers, such as reduced food purchases and a reduction in local employment.

SNAP to be a Huge Issue in the Midterm Elections

China has purchased about 12 million metric tons of soybeans. Three traders told Reuters that the total meets a U.S.-stated pledge to purchase that amount by the end of February. 

“The 12-million-ton target was met last week after bulk purchases by state buyer Sinograin and state trader COFCO, which were the only buyers of U.S. soybeans,” Reuters reported. “Private crushers continued to favor cheaper supplies from Brazil and Argentina.” Bloomberg agrees that the current total reflects continued bookings by state-owned firms in recent weeks. The USDA’s export data, which lags behind real-time totals, put China’s total purchases at just over eight million tons as of January 8. 

Hitting the 12-million-ton target will likely boost trader and exporter confidence that China could also meet the broader goal outlined by the White House of buying at least 25 million tons of U.S. soybeans through 2028.

China Meets U.S. Soybean Purchase Pledge

BUTLER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 12 midnight Monday morning in Butler County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F150 driven by a 61-year-old Poplar Bluff man was backing the vehicle on Mo 53 three miles south of Poplar Bluff. The pickup struck a pedestrian identified as a 57-year-old Portageville man. After impact, the pedestrian struck a 2012 Chevy Silverado.

EMS transported Poplar Bluff Regional&nbsp; Hospital were he was pronounced dead. The Ford F150 driver was not wearing a seat belt and not injured, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Pickup backing up struck and killed Missouri man

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are investigating the death of a juvenile in the 700 block of Pacific Avenue.

Just before 5p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a home on a report of an unresponsive juvenile. The juvenile was transported to the University of Kansas Medical&nbsp; Center where they were pronounced deceased. 

&nbsp;The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Police released no additional details including the age and name of the child.

Police investigate death of child at Kansas home

While Department of Homeland Security officials and others investigate after a&nbsp;U.S. Border Patrol agent&nbsp;fatally&nbsp;shot a man on Saturday in Minneapolis, two former Presidents of the United States have shared their thoughts on the tragedy and accountability.

Meanwhile President Donald Trump is calling on Democrat governors to enforce the nation's laws rather than resist.

2 former U.S. Presidents speak out on fatal Minneapolis shooting

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

In the early morning Saturday before the snow started to fall, troopers initiated a traffic stop for a traffic violation, and the driver fled, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. 

After a short pursuit, the vehicle came to a stop. The driver was arrested, and troopers located drugs inside the vehicle. The Patrol did not report the name of the suspect or possible charges involved.

KHP: Drug suspect captured after running from traffic stop

LYON COUNTY —The Emporia Police Department, with the assistance of K9 Daisy and her team from Search &amp; Rescue of Kansas, have recovered the body of a missing woman approximately 300 yards from the area 28-year-old Rebecca Rauber was last seen on video, according to a statement from Emporia Police Captain Lisa Hayes.

Just after 1a.m. Saturday, Emporia Police received a report of a missing woman identified as&nbsp;

The report indicated that Rebecca Rauber, a school teacher from Emporia, had left the Town Royal bar in the 400 block of Commercial Street, on foot without her purse, phone, or jacket.

Officers began searching for Rebecca immediately and utilized business surveillance cameras in the area. Rebecca was observed walking alone westbound on West 5th Avenue. Video footage from a residence showed Rebecca walking north on Neosho Street from West 5th Avenue at approximately 11:37 p.m. on Friday, January 22.

Several additional videos from the intersection of 6th Avenue and Neosho Street were reviewed; however, Rebecca did not appear to cross 6th Avenue at that location.

 During the investigation on Sunday, an additional video showed Rebecca in the 700 block of W. 4th Ave. at approximately 11:44 p.m on January 23rd.  Rebecca's body was found approximately 300 yards south of West 4th Avenue, where she was last seen on video.  Rebecca was located in a wooded area. At this time, it appears, Rebecca may have succumbed to hypothermia early on in her disappearance as she was covered in snow due to the snowstorm that became heavy on Saturday.

Police detectives were processing the scene and the investigation is still continuing, according to Hayes.

Police: Body of missing Kansas teacher found in wooded area

DOUGAS COUNTY —It was supposed to be a traffic stop, but the driver didn’t – and ended up crashing into five parked cars and narrowly escaping serious injury of his own and that of his passenger, according to a social media report from police in Lawrence.

Just after 1:30a.m. Jan. 21, a&nbsp; patrol officer noticed a car run through a red light at a high rate of speed at 11th and Tennessee in Lawrence. The officer activated his lights, but the driver didn’t stop.  The car continued south on Tennessee at more than 50 miles per hour until he wasn’t able to navigate the lanes and swiped through five parked cars.

He crashed near 19th Street, got out, and ran. Officers caught up with him between nearby houses.  His passenger was trapped in the wreckage.  Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical responded to get the passenger out of the crumpled metal.  Both the driver and the passenger refused further medical treatment.

The 22-year-old driver, whose name was not released, was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility suspected of several crimes including Possession of Drugs, Possession of a Firearm under the Influence, Driving Under the Influence, Flee and Elude, and additional traffic violations.&nbsp;

Kan. driver left passenger in wreckage after police chase, crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and arrest with a stolen vehicle.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;1:30 a.m. Jan. 22, a sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a gray 2025 Ford SUV, that was recently reported stolen through the City of Topeka, near Interstate 70&nbsp; and SE Adams Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 1900 block of South Kansas Avenue and the driver fled the scene on foot. A K-9 Unit located the suspect exiting a nearby creek and wooded area. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Joshua S. Bessette, 45, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Jail on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stolen vehicle, Possession of stolen property; value $25,000 to $100,000 and Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case.

Sheriff's K9 helps track down Kansas stolen car suspect 

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cami-koons/">Cami Koons</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/01/22/house-bill-would-lead-iowa-to-explore-wildlife-overpasses/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

An Iowa House subcommittee advanced a bill Thursday that would initiate a state committee to study the feasibility of adding wildlife crossings on certain highways.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HSB562" target="_blank">House Study Bill 562</a>&nbsp;calls for an analysis of animal-vehicle collisions along highways, a ranking of high-crash corridors and suggestions for animal crossing solutions, which could include wildlife overpasses, underpasses or improved fencing along a highway corridor.

Wildlife overpasses are popular in some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nina.no/english/About-NINA/News/article/wildlife-overpass-in-trondheim-norway-enhances-habitat-connectivity" target="_blank">European</a>&nbsp;countries and have been adopted in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/world-s-largest-wildlife-crossing-set-to-open-this-fall-price-tag-climbs/ar-AA1Ueapq" target="_blank">handful</a>&nbsp;of U.S. states.&nbsp;

At the end of 2025, Colorado completed a wildlife overpass across a stretch of Interstate 25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.codot.gov/projects/archives/i25greenlandwildlifeoverpass" target="_blank">state transportation department</a>, the $15 million project was completed within a year and it, combined with wildlife underpasses and other crossing systems, is expected to reduce animal collisions along the stretch of interstate by 90%.&nbsp;

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