WATCH: St. Joseph Chamber hosts Board of Education nominee forum

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has awarded St. Joseph the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026, recognizing the city’s commitment to law enforcement investment and community partnerships.

The program, established by Gov. Mike Kehoe in January 2025, honors Missouri municipalities that demonstrate measurable dedication to reducing crime and supporting police departments through training, equipment, and stakeholder collaboration.

“This designation is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the St. Joseph Police Department,” said Police Chief Paul Luster. He credited the honor to the combined efforts of city leadership and community partners.

The designation makes St. Joseph eligible for a portion of $10 million in grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment, pending approval of the Governor’s State Fiscal Year 2027 budget by the General Assembly.

According to Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the program provided critical gear to over 200 communities last year, including:

To maintain the Blue Shield status, communities undergo an annual review to ensure they continue meeting public safety goals.

“We are incredibly proud,” said Mayor John Josendale. “This recognition reflects our steadfast support for the men and women of the St. Joseph Police Department. We will continue investing in the resources needed to keep our community safe.”

Gov. Kehoe noted that the initiative aims to highlight safer communities across the state, featuring participating towns on the Department of Public Safety website and executive social media channels.

St. Joseph earns Missouri ‘Blue Shield’ Designation for public safety

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is calling on volunteers to help pack 900 meal kits this month to combat food insecurity across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

As part of its "Caring Connection" initiative, the organization will host three hands-on sessions at its headquarters located at 118 South 5th Street. The events are designed to be flexible, welcoming volunteers of all ages—including individuals, families, and corporate groups—to assist with sorting and packing.

To accommodate different schedules, the United Way has set the following dates:

“These hands-on sessions offer a simple but powerful way for people to make an immediate difference,” said Kylee Strough, President of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. “Each kit assembled represents a person or family who will have access to a nutritious meal.”

The meal kits will be distributed through a network of partner agencies, schools, and local organizations. This effort is supported by funding provided last November by Mosaic Life Care and the Mosaic Life Care Foundation.

The Caring Connection Crew launched last spring as a pilot program and has since expanded, focusing on creating accessible, high-impact service opportunities that address the community's most pressing needs.

Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure adequate supplies.

United Way to pack 900 meal kits for local families this month

KFEQ Morning Sports

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.

Livingston County EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi crash on NW Missouri highway

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

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the state of Missouri with the teams announcement of its move across the state line with a new stadium in 2031.  

While Kansas governor Laura Kelly and many top Kansas representatives praised the move, US Senator Roger Marshall seems a bit more apprehensive towards it, while still having excitement.  

Marshall says while the state will celebrate the move, financially he has his own concerns about the move 

"I’m concerned well how much is this going to cost the people of Kansas, I hope it works out well for everybody, I’m going to do my part and support them as well,” Marshall tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, certainly we’re going to celebrate the Chiefs either way, it’s still a long ways until that new stadium is built and stuff, but they will still be a part of Kansas City and just like I supported them in Missouri, I hope the people of Missouri support them when they’re in Kansas as well.” 

A new stadium for is being built in Wyandotte County, set to open in 2031.  The team is also opening a new practice facility and team headquarters in Olathe as well.  

Marshall, however, sees the economic benefits for his state. 

"Certainly it’s going to mean a lot more jobs, there’s going to be seven more Sunday’s when all the hotel rooms are full, and all the restaurants are full, and I think they’re going to certainly have more of an activity, fun, and restaurants around the stadium there where the current stadium is, so it will mean a lot more jobs,” Marshall explains.  “At the same time, Kansas is making a huge investment of taxpayer money, indirectly, into the project as well.” 

Marshall though acknowledges that the Kansas Speedway, as well as Sporting Kansas City have both had success in Kansas, and they expect the Chiefs to have success as well in bringing in both tourism dollars as well as new jobs. 

US Senator Marshall celebrates Chiefs move to Kansas but still has some concerns

Rosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. 

Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.

The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.

The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.

The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

Pony Express STOL Returns to Rosecrans: Precision aviation competition set for May 30

It's Tournament Time! With the big tournament going on this month. We are putting your knowledge of college basketball to the test. Take this months quiz and you could win $50 at the end of the month!

March Quiz

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host a series of Public Affairs Coffee sessions throughout the month of March, providing a platform for local candidates to address the community ahead of upcoming elections.

The series begins Wednesday, March 4, featuring candidates for the St. Joseph School District Board of Education. The forum will run from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, located at 1201 N. Woodbine Road. 

Kevin Waltman of Eagle Media will serve as the moderator. For those unable to attend in person, the session will be recorded and broadcast on 680 KFEQ the following day at 9:00 a.m.

A final forum is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, focusing on the St. Joseph City Council candidates and the finalists in the mayoral race. The forum will also take place at Stoney Creek.

Registration is required for all attendees to cover the cost of a full breakfast. The fee is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for the general public. Interested parties can register online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://saintjoseph.com/">saintjoseph.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 816-232-4461.&nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Chamber to host school board candidate forum Wednesday

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

The U.S. farm machinery equipment market experienced challenges across many fronts in 2025. Recent data suggests many new and used equipment sales categories continued to decline last year. Additionally, lower grain prices and farm incomes, along with the elevated cost of borrowing money, have dampened farmer demand for equipment and machinery. Major manufacturers like Deere, CNH Industrial, and AGCO are adjusting their inventories by scaling back production. 

Reports show the most significant challenge was the tariffs implemented in 2025, which further squeezed manufacturer margins. In 2020, farm tractor sales grew by 17.7 percent, and combine sales rose by almost five percent. A market downturn became more pronounced in 2023 and continued sharply the following year. But despite the decline in sales, machinery and equipment prices remain high. The National Agricultural Statistics Service said the index for machinery prices increased 0.8 percent in December 2025 compared to 2024.  

Farm machinery manufacturers facing headwinds

Farmer sentiment improved in February as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose from 113 points in January to 116. The Current Conditions Index increased by 11 points, while the Future Expectations Index dropped one point. The Future Expectations Index this month was 45 points lower than last year’s February index, reaching its lowest level since September 2024. 

Although concerns about agricultural exports moderated somewhat from the previous month, they’re still higher than those expressed in December. In addition, the percentage of respondents who think the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” declined for the second month in a row. Almost 44 percent of respondents to the survey indicated that their farm operations were worse off in February than they were a year earlier. About 15 percent of respondents plan to reduce the size of their operations, while 34 percent said they don’t plan to grow at all. 

Farmer sentiment rebounds

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

Row crop futures raced to a strong start following Monday evening's open, bullishly influenced by another 5-6% move in crude oil futures as the U.S. and Israel-Iran war rages on. However, as was the case on Monday, the U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to other currencies, hitting the highest mark since late November before fading slightly through Tuesday's trade. Moreso, soybeans and soybean oil remain well overbought from a technical standpoint, and rally attempts beyond November highs are understandably being met with profit-taking speculative selling and likely producer hedging pressure as well. Still, despite finishing well below daily highs, futures appeared equally stubborn to move drastically lower than even, with several markets setting higher lows as compared to Monday's reversal session and ultimately closing with modest gains on Tuesday. Equity markets were a bearish flagship on Tuesday as well, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down for a third consecutive session, although bouncing from what were almost three-month lows in early trade.

The live cattle complex got back to trading higher as traders seemed to have found some technical support throughout the day's trade. Today's slight uptick in price doesn't mean that the pressures (both external and internal) have merely disappeared, because they haven't, but rather instead that traders believe enough downside regression has been seen in the near term and that it's both acceptable and safe for the complex to trade mildly higher. No cash cattle trade has developed yet. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.60 ($387.94) and select up $1.53 ($379.74) with a movement of 54 loads (34.97 loads of choice, 4.66 loads of select, 3.63 loads of trim and 11.11 loads of ground beef).

And in keeping in unison, most of the feeder cattle complex followed the live cattle market's direction and was also trading slightly higher. The live cattle contracts were trading higher in a somewhat stable fashion, but the feeder cattle complex was much more sporadic about its trade this morning, bouncing back and forth throughout the vast majority of the entire session.

And without the support of stronger pork demand, the lean hog complex was trading mixed to lower into Tuesday's closing bell. And at this point, a sideways lower trend is expected to continue in the lean hog complex until fundamental support improves.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/03142506/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, another action designed to put “farmers first” with sweeping technological improvements at the USDA. Speaking during the Commodity Classic, she said USDA’s plan is to create a single, streamlined record that follows farmers, no matter where they go in the USDA system. “The modernization of old, duplicative, wasteful systems has just one goal in mind, which is to improve our customer service so the people we serve are able to farm and feed America and the world,” she said. 

“So, the ‘One Farmer, One File’ prevents our farmers from duplicating tasks while it increases their productivity and time in the field.” Not only will it reduce the administrative burden for farmers, but it will also make program delivery more efficient, save time for USDA staff, and decrease spending on disparate information technology systems. 

USDA launches “One Farmer, One File” initiative

About 180 million metric tons of fertilizers are consumed each year, and Forbes said roughly 55 to 60 million metric tons of urea move through international seaborne trade annually. The Middle East accounts for approximately 40 to 50 percent of that traded volume, and nearly all of those exports have to travel through the Strait of Hormuz. “In other words, more than one-quarter of the globally traded nitrogen fertilizer, and a meaningful share of total nitrogen production, moves through a single maritime choke point that is now threatened by war,” Forbes said. 

What Iran means for global fertilizer markets 

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

It should come as no shock headlines were dominated Monday with potential market implications to the spreading conflict in the Middle East which began over the weekend as the U.S. and Israel struck Iran and, in the process, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leadership personnel. President Trump warned on Monday the operation could last a month if not longer, leaving investors and traders with simply more questions than answers at this point regarding the impact on energy trade in particular. The U.S. dollar surged higher on investor flight to safety, pressuring ag commodities as a result, particularly wheat which broke away from a recently strong tie to oil futures. Crude oil futures gapped higher to levels not seen since the first U.S. strike against Iran back in June of 2025. Normally, firm energy markets would be a reason to expect spillover bullishness in U.S. row crops, but the high degree of anxiety over several unknowns (notably how U.S.-China relations will hold up) was too much for prices to overcome.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/09204004/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties Report, the only source of detailed production and sales data for floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops in 2024. Horticulture sales in 2024, compared to 2019, all show an increase in sales and number of operations due to the addition of mushroom and hemp grown under protection in the latest Census of Horticultural Specialties. The number of horticulture operations in the U.S. totaled 23,060. 

“The horticulture census provides data on sectors for which there are no other comprehensive data sources,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “It’s a valuable tool to highlight the contribution horticulture growers bring to our local, state, and national economies, as well as changes in the industry during the past five years.” Family or individual-owned businesses make up the largest number of operations at 56 percent.

U.S. Horticulture Operations Report $18.3 Billion in Sales

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized the removal of the Northern and Southern Distinct Population Segments of the lesser prairie chicken from the Endangered Species Act list. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council filed litigation to remove the listing when the lesser prairie chicken was first listed in 2022 due to the protections being both legally and scientifically flawed. 

“The ESA listing of the lesser prairie chicken, coupled with the designation of critical habitat across cattle country, created an unnecessary and unlawful burden for ranchers,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Established science has repeatedly proven that healthy rangelands maintained by cattle grazing are exactly where the lesser prairie chicken thrives.” 

He also said grazing creates robust, sustainable habitat for the bird, and by removing this listing, the Trump administration is helping ranchers continue that stewardship.

Lesser Prairie Chicken Delisted from the ESA

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, another action designed to put “farmers first” with sweeping technological improvements at the USDA. Speaking during the Commodity Classic, she said USDA’s plan is to create a single, streamlined record that follows farmers, no matter where they go in the USDA system. 

“The modernization of old, duplicative, wasteful systems has just one goal in mind, which is to improve our customer service so the people we serve are able to farm and feed America and the world,” she said. “So, the ‘One Farmer, One File’ prevents our farmers from duplicating tasks while it increases their productivity and time in the field.” 

Not only will it reduce the administrative burden for farmers, but it will also make program delivery more efficient, save time for USDA staff, and decrease spending on disparate information technology systems.

USDA Launches “One Farmer, One File” Initiative

The wheat market led row crops higher on Friday, shaking off an otherwise sluggish week as traders took Thursday's successful hold of chart support, and lack of a deal between the U.S. and Iran as reason enough to halt profit-taking and follow the influence of higher crude oil prices to close the week. Along those lines, there were reports that Thursday's negotiations made some progress, and talks are expected to continue. Meanwhile, the surge in wheat prices positively influenced corn futures as well, which rose for the third straight session while covering technical ground. Soybeans were mixed through much of the session, struggling with resistance and hedging pressure as prices tread among November highs currently, but well supported to the downside by trade optimism and concerning conditions for the Argentine crop and ultimately managing a very strong close for the week. In outside markets, equities moved sharply lower again with the Dow Jones Industrial Average threatening a monthly loss for February, which would be the first monthly loss since April of 2025.

May corn closed up 5 cents and July corn was up 4 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 7 1/4 cents and July soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 18 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 17 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 14 cents.

Live cattle futures posted active pressure across all futures contracts, with spot month February contracts trading $2 per cwt lower, while other nearby contracts traded $3 to $3.60 per cwt lower. Continued strong pressure in outside markets is adding additional pressure to the entire live cattle complex. Cash cattle markets are starting to improve with light trade reported in parts of Kansas at $244, $5 lower than last week's weighted averages. A few live deals are also being reported in parts of Nebraska. Some bids are now on the table in Texas, but so far, they are being passed. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $1.08 ($378.97) and select up $3.44 ($374.23) with a movement of 48.35 loads (38.87 loads of choice, 2.46 loads of select, no loads of trim and 7.02 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Friday, as buyer support seemed to crack during the Thursday trading session. The overall lack of buying interest stepping into the market during initial trade Friday in outside markets seemed to leave even more pressure flooding into the complex. Spot month contracts held the best at this point with prices over $5 per cwt lower at midday, while other nearby contracts held $7 to $7.50 per cwt losses as traders have not only focusing on outside market pressure, but also a lack of market stability through the entire beef complex at the end of the month.

Lean hog futures once again were the quiet and more stable livestock market of the complex, with prices mixed within a very narrow trading range despite the aggressive selling pressure flooding into both the cattle trade and outside financial markets. April futures continued to trade higher through the morning and heading into midday, with a 30-cent gain developing. The rest of the complex remained slightly under pressure with losses of 5 to 15 cents per cwt holding in most nearby contracts. The overall lack of direction in both pork market technical trade as well as stability in market fundamental direction through late February seems to be a welcome relief compared to the market pressure across other markets.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/27140315/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.

Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.

“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”

Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.

Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.

She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.

Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.

Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.

Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.

The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire March 28

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;

“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;

People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&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;&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;&nbsp;

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

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

For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;

Measles reported in Kansas City

🎥 Details on US submarine torpedo attack on Iranian warship

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim.

Officers rendered aid to the victim and called for EMS. EMS transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

A short time later detectives were notified the victim was pronounced deceased from his injuries at the hospital.

Preliminary information indicates the victim and multiple other people were at a location nearby on 71st Street. When they came in contact with one or more suspects. That interaction escalated to shots being fired and the victim was struck.

The victim and others entered a vehicle and left the scene and drove to the location where police contacted them on 70th and Cleveland

Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the victim's name.

Homicide: Dispute led to deadly gunfire in Kansas City

With bill sponsors seeking to protect women, some warn against ‘unintended consequences’

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

With blonde hair flowing over her shoulders and spilling onto a blousy blue mini dress, Landon Patterson sat in front of the Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee Monday.

The committee was debating bills that sought to separate public restrooms and changing rooms by sex as assigned at birth, rather than gender identity. The bills varied in scope, but they all would require Patterson to use the men’s restroom, which she hasn’t used in over a decade.

“It caused no harm (to use women’s facilities), not to my classmates, not to my school, not to my community,” she said. “It gave me dignity and allowed me to focus on my education instead of fighting to exist.”

The hearing came three days after lawmakers in neighboring Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/26/trans-kansans-struggle-with-reality-of-legislatures-cruelty-as-drivers-licenses-are-invalidated/" target="_blank">passed a law invalidating the licenses</a>&nbsp;of those who have changed their gender marker and barring transgender Kansans from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity.

Some worried that Missouri was pursuing the same kind of law, with one bill in particular that would create new definitions of “male” and “female” throughout state law. These definitions separate the sexes by whether their reproductive systems utilize eggs or sperm.

Keith Rose, who is a legal advocate with nonprofit law firm Center for Growing Justice, said this could affect whether Missourians can change gender markers on their birth certificates. Currently, the state requires proof of gender reassignment surgery or a court order to switch one’s gender marker — a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/19/missouri-agency-quietly-made-it-harder-to-change-gender-marker-on-drivers-licenses/">rule established in 2024</a>&nbsp;after lawmakers complained about a transgender woman using a dressing space at a private gym.

The bill, filed by Republican state Rep. Becky Laubinger of Park Hills, would require all public buildings to separate restrooms, changing rooms and sleeping areas by her proposed definition of sex.

It is a protective measure, she said, for spaces where people are “most vulnerable.” She gave a secondhand story about two men “who made no attempt to look female” who used a women’s restroom and claimed they identified as women.

As Democratic lawmakers on the committee pressed Laubinger about what danger her legislation seeks to protect people from, the two sides agreed. It wasn’t transgender people that were the problem, but predators who Laubinger described as “riding the coattails of people who are gender dysphoric.”

As long as places allow transgender people to use facilities aligning with their gender identity, she said, those seeking to do harm could claim to be transgender.

But Democrats and a majority of those who testified Monday said “bathroom bans” place targets on people’s backs rather than protect.

Stevie Miller, a West Plains resident, said his presence in a women’s room, as the bill would require, would undoubtedly make families uncomfortable.

“I’m scared of what will happen to me when someone sees me follow their little girl into the restroom, following the law,” he said. “I am supposed to go in that room.”

Other transgender Missourians posed similar hypotheticals: did lawmakers really want them in the other restroom? The transgender men, many bearded and broad shouldered, worried they would be unwelcome in the women’s room. Transgender women told the committee that the legislation would put them at greater risk of assault.

May Hall, a Columbia resident, said they use men’s facilities when a place is busy and there are enough people around. Hall, who usually banters through public testimony with a few quips and jabs, was unusually bleak.

“I’ve been grabbed. I’ve been groped. I’ve been called slurs. I’ve been cat-called,” Hall said. “It is not comfortable.”

Laubinger’s bill would be enforced through lawsuits, allowing those who witness someone in the opposite sex’s restrooms to sue the public entity operating the facilities.

A bill by state Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Warrensburg Republican, would withhold state funding when a violation occurs. While more narrow than Laubinger’s proposal, Phelps’ bill would create sex-designated restrooms for public buildings, K-12 schools and universities.

It would also bar multi-occupancy restrooms that don’t have male and female delineations, such as the all-gender facilities at the Kansas City Municipal Airport.

The logistics, though, drew questions. State Rep. Wick Thomas, a Kansas City Democrat and the House’s first nonbinary lawmaker, asked what someone would do if they think a transgender person is using the wrong restroom.

“You would call the police,” Phelps said. “Let them take care of it.”

Aro Royston, a LGBTQ+ advocate from St. Louis, said police presence “threatens (his) life” as a Black man.

“These bills create hostile environments that drive people away rather than drive people to strengthen communities, he said. “This bill also creates detrimental problems, and it is unenforceable without violating everyone’s privacy.”

The third bill heard Monday, filed by Republican state Rep. Wendy Hausman of St. Peters, takes a different approach to bathroom restrictions. The legislation would protect private schools from being sued for having sex-designated spaces.

In Missouri, a handful of cases have addressed public schools’ restrictions on transgender students’ use of restrooms. Last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/06/10/missouri-supreme-court-rejects-transgender-students-sex-discrimination-claim/">state Supreme Court ruled against a former Blue Springs student</a>&nbsp;who alleged the school district discriminated against him on the basis of sex for preventing him from using locker rooms. The court’s decision, though, was based on a lack of evidence and did not seek to rule on the constitutionality of restroom restrictions.

Hausman, like the two other bills’ sponsors, said the legislation was a safeguard.

“It’s not an attack on any group of individuals,” she said. “This is just a protection for these private schools and what they would like to do.”

The committee did not take immediate action on the legislation, adjourning after five hours of testimony.

House committee debates restroom restrictions for transgender Missourians

LANSING, Kansas. –&nbsp;Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Raymond Michael Sanders, 32, died Tuesday afternoon, according to statement from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Sanders was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and Emergency Medical Service personnel administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Sanders was serving a 10-month sentence for parole violations. He previously served 33 months on four convictions of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in Jefferson County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Kan. inmate with conviction of assault on law enforcement officer found dead

MARION COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged child sex crimes involving a teacher.

On February 23, the Marion County Sheriff's office Lt. Detective Aaron Christner received a report on inappropriate communication between a student and a teacher from Peabody-Burns High School, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

The investigation revealed the teacher had sexual contact with a student. With assistance from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force, further evidence was discovered. On Tuesday, 30-year-old Brett T.&nbsp; McGee was arrested. He was booked into jail just before noon Wednesday, according to online jail records.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is listed as the&nbsp;Vocational Agriculture teacher at Peabody-Burns USD 398, according to the school web site.

The Marion County Sheriff asked that anyone with additional information on the case or any other mistreatment of a child to call them.

Kansas teacher jailed for alleged sexual contact with a student

&nbsp;Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;Kristi Noem&nbsp;defended her department’s immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday.&nbsp;It was her first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters in Minneapolis.

🎥Hot seat: Senators grill DHS Secretary on immigration enforcement

The Department of War on Tuesday announced the names of four Army Reserve Soldiers who were supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to a media release.

Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. 

All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa. The incident is under investigation.

Soldier from Nebraska among those killed in Iran conflict 

The Kansas City Chiefs have made a blockbuster trade, moving All Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a haul of draft picks including three in this year's NFL draft.&nbsp;

It's&nbsp;the second time in three years the Chiefs have traded away a top cornerback instead of handing out a big-money extension. In 2024, Kansas City traded L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.&nbsp; Cornerback will become a need in the free agent market and draft also with&nbsp;Jaylen Watson set to become a free agent next week.

Per a source, the Rams will receive McDuffie and in exchange the Chiefs will get the 29th pick in the first round of this years draft, as well as Los Angeles' fifth and sixth round picks, along with a 2027 third round selection.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rams had two first-round picks in this year's draft as a result of a trade they made with the Atlanta Falcons last year. Los Angeles still owns the 13th pick in this draft.

McDuffie is expected to sign a long term contract extension with the Rams.&nbsp; During last week's NFL Combine, Chiefs GM Brett Veach had expressed interest in keeping McDuffie on the team as the two sides negotiated a contract extension as he was entering the final year of his contract.&nbsp;

“We had a lot of dialogue with Trent last spring, last summer. He’s first out of the gate. Looking forward to get with him and obviously Trent’s a great player.&nbsp; We’d certainly love to have Trent back for the long-term,” Veach said to reporters in Indianapolis.

McDuffie is coming off a season in which he started 13 games with the Chiefs. He registered one interception, one sack and one forced fumble during the regular season.&nbsp; Through his career in Kansas City, McDuffie had just three interceptions, with 34 passes defended, five and a half sacks, and eight forced fumbles.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs gain more draft picks trading CB Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles Rams

With hopes to win a championship this season, after a third place finish last year, the Troy Lady Trojans controlled the game from the very tip against the Goessel Bluebirds in a dominant 91-37 victory in the sub state semifinals for the Trojans final home game of the season on Monday.&nbsp;

"Well it's a lot of fun when the ball goes in the hole, and the ball was going in the hole tonight, that doesn't happen very often we shoot the ball like that, everybody hit and we had five girls in double figures," Head Coach Derek Jasper told KFEQ/St. Joseph Post after the game.&nbsp; "Everybody knows about Harper (Whetstine), but man what a great night for our two other seniors on their last night here."&nbsp;

The Trojans pressured the Bluebirds all through the first half, capitalizing on points off of turnovers, along with their shots falling, holding a 31-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, before adding 25 more points in the second quarter, extending their lead to 56-21 at the halftime break after Nicole Judd hit a three point shot as time expired.

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