The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum in Atchison is once again nominated to be a part of USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards.  

For a second consecutive year, the museum is nominated in the Best History Museum category.  The hangar museum has come in at number four the last two years, first ranking on the Best New Museum list. 

Executive Director Mindi Love Pendergraft says it's an amazing recognition to be on the national stage among all these other museums 

“Some of the museums that are also included like the Heinz History Center and the American Revolutionary Museum up in Philadelphia, those are amazing museums, they’re very large and they’re in very large cities,” Pendergraft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, to be included in a list like that is just really a wonderful opportunity for our museum.” 

There is one other museum from Kansas on the list as well, the National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, in north central Kansas.   

Pendergraft says making those lists has an impact on the museum, and it shows, because many people do find them because of it. 

“The hard thing to is people are like well I saw it online, but I don’t remember where exactly, but others have absolutely said the USA Today list,” Pendergraft says.  “So that’s wonderful especially international and destination visitors as I call them, folks not from the Kansas and Missouri region, the close end they absolutely say that, and we’ve had visitors from all 50 states.”  

Pendergraft says every single year visitors from all 50 states have come to the museum through its almost three years, as well as from around 10 to 20 countries with about 40 represented.  

Pendergraft says coming at number four is great, and just making the list is an honor in itself, but the hope is to be higher this year 

“I’d love to be number one, love to be higher than four, so that’s our goal this year is to really push votes and have a higher ranking than number four, although four is tremendous,” Pendergraft explains. 

You can vote daily online for the museum until February 9th.  The top 10 list will be announced on February 18th. 

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

Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum nominated again as best history museum in nation

North Central Missouri College is welcoming back Tessie, the College’s beloved groundhog, for a special revival of the classic Groundhog Day celebration. 

The event will take place on Monday, February 2, at noon in front of the Neil and Susanne Nuttall Student Center on the NCMC Main Campus in Trenton. Students, employees, alumni, and community members are all invited to attend this historic gathering.

As part of NCMC’s ongoing Centennial Celebration, this year’s event brings back a cherished campus tradition from the 1980s and 1990s. Tessie’s appearance will honor the College’s history while offering a fun and memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Several members of the original Groundhog Day planning committee have contributed their historical insight and enthusiasm to ensure the celebration serves as a heartfelt tribute to the classic tradition.

The festivities will begin with a welcome from NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver. Following his remarks, NCMC Board of Trustees member and original event organizer Don Dalrymple will share reflections on the history of Groundhog Day at the College, explaining how the tradition became a unique and playful cornerstone of campus culture.

The highlight of the afternoon will be Tessie’s long-awaited return. She is set to offer her local weather prediction alongside light-hearted reflections on NCMC’s past, present, and future. While her forecasts may not always be scientifically precise, her commentary promises a delightful blend of nostalgia and humor for the Pirate community.

To conclude the celebration, guests are invited inside the Nuttall Student Center to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. The event serves as a bridge between the college's storied past and its bright future.

“As we celebrate our Centennial year, we look forward to welcoming Tessie back to campus and reviving a tradition that has brought smiles to generations of Pirates,” said President Dr. Lenny Klaver. “Groundhog Day at NCMC is more than a fun moment; it’s a reminder of the stories, the people, and the spirit that have shaped this college for 100 years. I would like to thank our Trustees, alumni, and individuals who helped plan and revive this event.”

NCMC revives classic Groundhog Day tradition for centennial celebration

Authorities in Brown County, KS are searching for a missing man.

The Brown County Sheriff's Office is seeking help from the public to locate missing Padonia man, Patrick McCaffery, who left his residence on Monday morning (Jan. 12) and has not returned. 

He was last seen walking south out of Hiawatha towards Horton on U.S. 73 Highway. He is described as a 6'1" black male with a goatee, wearing a brown coat, black pants, Under Armour shirt, and black shoes. McCaffery does not have his wallet, ID, or cell phone. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities in Brown County searching for missing man

 The City of St. Joseph is launching a Parks &amp; Recreation Safety Initiative aimed at reducing crime and boosting public confidence through a partnership between city parks and local police.

The initiative begins with pilot projects at Hyde Park and Krug Park, two of the city's most popular public spaces. The program relies on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a strategy that uses improved sightlines, defined access points and consistent maintenance to discourage criminal activity.

“When parks are well maintained and actively monitored, they work better for everyone,” Parks Director Jeff Atkins said. “This initiative focuses on addressing issues early and ensuring our parks are safe and accessible to the entire community.”

The move comes in response to rising instances of vandalism and theft, which have increased maintenance costs. While a city survey conducted last spring showed only 9% of residents felt unsafe in parks during the day, that number jumped to 64% after dark.

Rather than focusing solely on reactive enforcement, the program emphasizes visibility. Parks staff and police officers will conduct joint walks and increase patrols during peak hours. Physical improvements will include better lighting, vegetation management, and more aggressive graffiti and litter removal.

Community involvement is also a pillar of the plan. The city intends to expand volunteer efforts, such as youth service days and "Adopt-a-Park" programs. Additionally, officials said they will continue to work with social service partners to provide outreach and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness.

New reporting tools will soon be available for residents to flag safety and maintenance issues directly to city staff. Officials are encouraging the public to remain engaged by attending park events and reporting concerns as the pilot projects move forward.

St. Joseph prioritizes park safety and maintenance in new community initiative

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ News 01/16/2026

Missouri House and Senate committees heard bills this week that would align state policy with the federal limits on intoxicating hemp products, set to go into effect in November

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>

Missouri lawmakers debated two bills this week that would align the state with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">federal limits on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;set to go into effect in November.

Both Missouri bills would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/23/new-federal-regulations-complicate-missouri-debate-over-intoxicating-hemp/">&nbsp;limits</a>&nbsp;included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.

They both would regulate intoxicating hemp the same as marijuana, which would essentially ban current hemp products because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown outside of the state. They would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, where most are currently sold in gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants and smoke shops.&nbsp;

State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">increased in popularity</a>&nbsp;at liquor stores and bars.&nbsp;

While business owners selling these products oppose the federal ban, some said they’re putting their support behind a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2641&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">proposal</a>&nbsp;by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon because it would allow Missouri to sell the products if Congress changes its mind in the future.&nbsp;

A House committee discussed Hinman’s legislation Tuesday, making it one of the first bills to get a public hearing during the new legislative session that began last week.

“The bottom line for us is, if it’s authorized and it’s lawful under federal law, we should be able to sell it here in Missouri, just like all the other 49 states will be able to sell it,” said Ron Leon, executive director of the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, which represents gas stations and convenience stores, during the hearing Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

The other bill, proposed by Republican state Sen. David Gregory of Chesterfield, does not include this provision. Another difference in Gregory’s bill is that it includes an emergency clause, meaning it would be enacted as soon as lawmakers approve it and the governor signs it.

“Now it’s time for us to ensure the safety of our kids, regardless of what Congress did or will be doing in the future,” Gregory said during the Senate committee hearing Wednesday morning. “And we need to prohibit intoxicating cannabis from being sold anywhere except for the way our voters designed it and requested it be sold. And that’s exactly what this bill seeks to do.”

The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, which represents marijuana businesses, has put its support behind both bills. The Missouri Hemp Trade Association, which represents a number of hemp businesses, spoke in opposition to Gregory’s bill but was neutral on Hinman’s bill.&nbsp;

This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/intoxicating-hemp-regulations-stall-in-missouri-senate-after-7-hour-filibuster/">previous debates ending in stalemates</a>.&nbsp;

However, Hinman said this is a priority for the state’s leadership.&nbsp;

“I met with [Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway] last week, and she thinks this needs to be a priority,” Hinman told The Independent. “I believe the governor is the same and the speaker (of the House) is the same, so I think it’s going to move pretty quick.”

The Law Enforcement Legislative Coalition, which represents police chiefs across Missouri, is supporting both bills. Lake Saint Louis Police Department Chief Chris DiGiuseppi emphasized at both the Senate and House committee hearings this week that the federal provision does not give local police authority to enforce the ban, which is why the state bills are necessary.

“In order to enforce federal law, we’d have to go to a federal law enforcement agency,” DiGiuseppi told the state Senate committee members Wednesday. “We would have to get others involved. We can only enforce state statute. That’s what we’re empowered to do.”

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, asked DiGiuseppi how difficult it would be to enforce the federal ban if Missouri lawmakers fail to pass regulations again this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It would be much more difficult,” DiGiuseppi said. “It’s always easier to try to take care of that in house…so we appreciate all the help we can get.”

Kathi Harness, a lobbyist for the Missouri Beer Wholesalers Association, opposed both bills during hearings this week. She argued that state lawmakers should consider conversations that are happening at the national level.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, a U.S. House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7010/text" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;was filed to delay the implementation of the federal ban until 2028.

The association is supporting separate&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2765&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;to allow the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages to continue, contingent on what happens at the federal level.

“I believe, as do many people,… that what they will do is they will give it back to the states to regulate,” Harness said. “The federal government doesn’t regulate alcohol at the federal level. Alcohol is regulated at the state level, and I think there’s a very good chance that that’s how it will go if, in fact, the federal government decides to allow this product.”

Bills banning intoxicating hemp in Missouri are ‘priority,’ lawmakers say

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an encounter with police.

Shortly after 6:00PM on Wednesday an officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 1600 block South 6th Street in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. During the traffic stop, 51-year-old Bobby Glaspie, a family member of the stopped driver arrived at the scene and a short time later drove away, recklessly. 

Just before 7p.m. officers went to Glaspie’s residence in the 400 block R Street in Atchison regarding the reckless driving. Glaspie came out of the residence in an aggressive manner towards the officers and was subsequently taken into custody on requested charges of assault and battery on the officers as well as the reckless driving.

Glaspie has multiple previous convictions that include forgery, burglary, robbery,&nbsp; theft, criminal damage to property and for a variety of drug arrests.

Kan. felon jailed after agressive encounter with police

MERCER COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 7a.m. Thursday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Dodge Durango driven by a 28-year-old Mercer woman was southbound on U.S 65 four miles north of Princeton. The driver was not paying attention, according to the MSHP report. The SUV rear-ended a 2001 John Deere Farm Tractor driven by a 53-year-old Princeton man.

Mercer County ambulance transported the SUV driver and her 5-year-old male passenger to Wright Memorial Hospital. The tractor driver was not injured. The SUV driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman, 5-year-old injured after SUV rear-ends a farm tractor

Inspirations Dance Academy will debut its first performances at the new Savannah High School Performing Arts Center this weekend, marking the start of the academy's competition and recital season.

The event series begins Friday, Jan. 16, with the Inspirations Competition Team’s Dance Team Showcase. Organized as an open dress rehearsal, the showcase provides a preview of the routines the team will take to regional competitions in the coming months.

The academy’s annual winter recital, titled “Happy Little Recital,” follows on Saturday, Jan. 17. The performance features color-themed music, including selections such as “Golden,” “Colors Go Pow,” and “Colors of the Wind.” Two shows are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Mary Ingersoll, owner of Inspirations Dance Academy, expressed enthusiasm for the new local venue.

“Having a beautiful facility right here in Savannah is such a joy,” Ingersoll said. “We can’t wait to kick off our performance season in the new space and look forward to future performances at our new hometown venue.”

Tickets for the winter recital are available for purchase at the door or in advance through the JoMo Tickets website.

Following the performance weekend, the academy will open registration for new students beginning Monday, Jan. 19.

For more information about the program or to register, visit InspirationsAcademy.com or call 816-646-2404.

Inspirations Dance Academy to host first performances at new Savannah High theater

North Central Missouri College in Trenton has released their list of honor students for Fall 2025.

Students on the President's List have at least six credit hours, and a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA). Students on the Dean's List have at least six hours, and at least a 3.5 GPA.

The complete Honor Rolls can be read <a href="https://www.ncmissouri.edu/north-central-missouri-college-fall-honors-lists/">here</a>. 62 St. Joseph students are on the Dean's and President's Lists, and 37 from Savannah.

NCMC releases fall Honors Lists

March corn closed down 1 3/4 cents and May corn was down 2 cents. March soybeans closed up 10 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 9 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 5 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 4 1/2 cents.

Corn and wheat futures traded mixed Thursday, again fading from early highs as the weight of added supply in both markets continues to serve as a headwind to rally attempts. Meanwhile, soybean futures enjoyed a double-digit jump on Thursday following a number of supportive news reports, most notably as Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) reduced their forecast for 2025-26 soybean production in a surprising split from USDA's increase in Monday's WASDE. Outside markets leaned negative, with crude oil staging a sharp reversal after five straight sessions higher on a perceived and at least temporary easing of tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Equities were higher after a two-day profit-taking dip, and the U.S. dollar moved higher for the twelfth time in the past fifteen sessions.

The live cattle complex is back to trading higher following Wednesday's lower close, as once again the contracts are no longer up against immediate pressure. It's very apparent that the market desires to trade higher, but until traders can see immediate fundamental support in the form of stronger fed cash cattle trade, it's unlikely that they'll boldly advance the market until then. At this point, both bids and asking prices remain elusive. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.91 ($360.44) and select up $2.28 ($359.93) with a movement of 99 loads (78.80 loads of choice, 5.89 loads of select, 7.82 loads of trim and 6.15 loads of ground beef).

The live cattle contracts may be mildly trading higher, but the feeder cattle contracts were trading with more vigor as most of the contracts were trading over $3.00 higher towards the closing bell. The market is currently pushing up against resistance pressure, which could cause the market some anxiety later this afternoon.

With pork cutout values up sharply, the lean hog complex had a breakout day. So long as fundamental support remains evident, it's likely that traders will continue to push the contracts higher as they've been patiently waiting for this amount of fundamental support to develop so that they can charge the market higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/15141340/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The USDA confirmed that farmers harvested a record-large crop in 2025, estimated at over 17 billion bushels. Corn stockpiles are also expected to climb to their highest level in eight years, driving corn prices lower. The Renewable Fuels Association said this underscores the pressing need to eliminate the obstacles that are suppressing demand and limiting market opportunities for corn and ethanol alike. “This is a sobering wakeup call about the farm economy and underscores the need for lawmakers to take immediate action to expand markets for American corn growers,” said Geoff Cooper, RFA President and CEO. 

“The fastest and easiest way to shore up the growing supply-demand imbalance in the corn market is to permanently remove the summertime barrier on E15 sales and eliminate obsolete fuel retail infrastructure rules.” He also said these decades-old regulatory barriers are literally choking off demand and shortchanging America’s farmers. 

RFA: More urgency about approving year-round E15

The U.S. agricultural land market is shifting after years of steady growth. Although land values are still historically high, current signs indicate a more complex situation driven by local and regional factors rather than nationwide trends. “After years of steady growth, we’re seeing the farmland market stabilize,” said Colton Lacina, senior vice president of real estate options at Farmers National Company. “This isn’t a sign of collapse but a recalibration that reflects current commodity prices, input costs, and regional production conditions.” 

Farmland demand now varies widely by location. Areas with high crop yields, diversified farms, and dependable groundwater continue to attract buyers and maintain steady values. “Farmland values are increasingly determined locally, sometimes down to the township,” Lacina added. “Buyers are carefully assessing soil quality, the percentage of tillable acres, water access, and how a parcel fits into their operations.” Despite mixed signals, market conditions still remain favorable for most sellers.

Farmland values enter a new phase

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

Corn, soybean, and wheat futures were all higher Wednesday, with speculators and long-side hedgers likely both seeing opportunity to lock in purchases following the early week, post-USDA price drop. However, upside momentum remained very limited as trading volumes eased following Monday's report day spike. Outside markets Wednesday were supportive as well, as we continue to see a rush to outside commodities this week, such as gold and silver, which have moved once again to new records. Equity markets are softer through the middle of the week on a flow of money from stocks (specifically the tech sector) into commodities. The energy market was firm early in Wednesday's trade, with crude oil futures hitting two and a half month highs on geopolitical risk, specifically ongoing turmoil in Iran, although prices eventually reversed lower likely on profit-taking as well as larger week-on-week crude inventories in the weekly EIA Petroleum Status report.

The live cattle complex traded lower into Wednesday's closing bell as traders are confident that they do not possess enough support to push the contracts any higher. On Tuesday, the market was charged with bullishness, but today, traders seem to look at the markets a tick more level-headed, and while they believe that the bullish sentiment is justified, they also know that they need to see immediate fundamental support before they can confidently push the contracts higher in the near term. Still no cash cattle trade has developed. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.34 ($359.33) and select up $0.33 ($357.51) with a movement of 78 loads (52.90 loads of choice, 5.14 loads of select, 12.17 loads of trim and 8.20 loads of ground beef).

And once again, in alignment with the direction of the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts also traded lower Wednesday. Until the live cattle complex trades higher, the feeder cattle complex will likely continue to trade in a cautious, lower manner.

Traders continue to push the lean hog complex higher, with not a lot of fundamental support behind their ambitions. Both cash prices and pork cutout values have been lax this week, but even so, traders continue to aggressively push the contracts.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/14143027/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The USDA said inspections of corn, soybeans, and wheat for export all rose week to week during the seven days ending on January 8. Corn inspections improved to 1.49 million metric tons from 1.32 million a week earlier. The agency report said that’s higher than the 1.44 million tons that were inspected during the same week last year. Soybean assessments were reported at 1.53 million metric tons, up from just over 984,000 tons the previous week and the 1.36 million tons inspected at the same point last year. 

Wheat examinations for overseas delivery jumped to 317,400 metric tons, up from 183,000 the previous week. That was narrowly higher than the total inspected during the same week a year earlier. Since the start of the marketing year, USDA has inspected 28.4 million metric tons of corn for export, 17.9 million metric tons of soybeans, and wheat assessments since the start of the marketing year totaled 15.6 million metric tons. 

Weekly export inspection up across the board

The USDA released its January WASDE Report, which projected a 17-billion-bushel corn supply in 2025-2026, raising alarms among the nation’s corn growers and triggering an immediate market reaction. If the projections prove accurate, this year’s crop will be the largest on record by far. The surplus supply promises to keep corn prices low as farmers struggle to pay higher input costs. 

“We need long-term market solutions, and we need them quickly, or this is going to deepen the economic crisis in the countryside,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The urgency for Congress and the president to open new markets abroad and expand consumer access to ethanol just increased exponentially.” Bower also noted that an immediate boost to demand would be the passage of legislation authorizing year-round consumer access to fuels with a 15 percent ethanol blend. He said this solution could use 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn annually. 

Corn growers alarmed by new supply projections

March corn closed down 1 3/4 cents and May corn was down 2 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 10 1/4 cents and May soybeans were down 9 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 7 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 3/4 cents.

Row-crop futures traded mixed to lower Tuesday in fallout after Monday's much-more-bearish report than even the most already bearish traders and analysts expected. The question now becomes how quickly traders will choose to move past the USDA estimates and ahead to what will be a very busy first quarter of 2026 for further fundamental developments. Outside markets for Tuesday were mixed, with a higher U.S. dollar for the eleventh time in the past 13 sessions as Tuesday's CPI reading was steady at 2.7% year-over-year inflation. Energy prices were firm for the fourth straight session amid growing turmoil in Iran and President Trump renewing tariff threats against countries that trade with Iran. Equity markets were lower on profit-taking amid record highs for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&amp;P 500.

The live cattle complex stepped higher into Tuesday's close as traders were pleased to see boxed beef prices stronger again today, and are feeling at ease knowing corn prices are projected to remain affordable through 2026 -- as evidenced by Monday's WASDE report. No substantial cash cattle trade has developed yet, and with the futures market trading slightly higher, there's a good chance trade will again be delayed until late in the week. No asking prices have been established either. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $0.91 ($358.02) and select up $0.99 ($359.04) with a movement of 93 loads (61.65 loads of choice, 4.78 loads of select, 18.96 loads of trim and 7.78 loads of ground beef).

With corn prices anticipated to remain affordable through 2026, the feeder cattle complex was sporting a noteworthy $4.00 to $5.00 rally through the bulk of Tuesday's session. Feed costs have remained in feeders' favor over the last year as overall it's been affordable, but with feeder cattle prices so high, buyers need that guarantee as their breakevens on these calves is risky and if feed prices were to grow more expensive, a lot of people could be in a tough position given how much they are simply paying for the calves and feeders they desire to feed out.

Following the slight technical downturn in which the lean hog complex has seen over the last three days, the market was again trading higher as traders are no longer up against immediate resistance pressure. It still remains a tough fundamental position for the marketplace as pork cutout values were again lower and as there hasn't been hardly any trade in the cash hog market -- meaning that today's slight uptick was solely a technical decision.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/13134511/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Kansas currently holds the highest number of confirmed bird flu infections in the United States, with recent outbreaks in two northeast counties pushing the state’s total to more than 400,000 affected birds.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted four commercial operations and six backyard flocks across the state. The most significant loss occurred in Pottawatomie County, where a commercial egg-laying facility reported 380,000 birds affected by the virus.

In neighboring Nemaha County, officials recently confirmed the virus in a commercial gamebird flock of more than 4,000 birds. The USDA reports that 65 flocks have been impacted nationwide as the virus continues to spread through migratory bird patterns.

Despite the high number of poultry infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. While the federal government has recorded 71 human cases of bird flu across the country, none have been identified in Kansas.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation, advising poultry owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread between commercial and wild populations.

Northeast Kansas bird flu outbreaks push state to highest infection rate in U.S.

Enrollment for the USDA’s ARC and PLC Programs will not open until after the 2026 planting season. AgroLatam said the announcement comes as USDA readies a 61-page final rule implementing updates required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Key changes include higher PLC reference prices, a 90 percent guarantee level for ARC, and expanded base acre eligibility for farmers with historically non-program crops. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said the delays are due to the Farm Service Agency workload and the complex nature of implementing the new federally-mandated provisions. 

According to the rule, farmers will likely know their 2026 production and yields before enrolling in PLC and ARC – a significant shift in timing that could allow more informed decisions but may compress the planning window for each U.S. producer. At the same time, enrollment in the Dairy Margin Coverage began on Monday, January 12. 

ARC/PLC enrollment delayed until after planting

Recognizing the vital role that dogs often play on family farms and ranches, Farm Bureau launched the Farm Dog of the Year contest several years ago, which is now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau’s National Convention. The winner of this year’s award is Max, a four-year-old Border Collie owned by John, Charla, and Brynley Enns of Oklahoma. AFBF, with support from Nestle, picked Max as the winner from among almost 100 entries. 

Max fills a number of roles on the farm, but his primary occupation is herding cattle. His assistance is valuable for John, who’s disabled and uses a mobility scooter. “I can’t imagine doing this without Max,” said John Enns. “Max is not only a working dog, but also great with the family.” After a long day of herding boisterous cattle on mostly hilly terrain, Max often accompanies John and Charla to pick up daughter Brynley from school. 

Farm Bureau selects farm 'Dog of the Year'

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that that critically injured a woman.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, police responded to an aggravated assault in the 1800 Block of East 76th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to a statement from police.

First responders found a woman on the front porch of a home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. EMS transported the woman was to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police reported no additional detais.

KCPD: Woman shot on the porch of her home

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

Billy Long’s prospects of becoming ambassador to Iceland hit a stumbling block this week, as the former Missouri congressman had to apologize Thursday after facing backlash for his comments suggesting the country should become a U.S. state, with him serving as governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Long, in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arctictoday.com/trumps-iceland-ambassador-pick-apologizes-for-52nd-state-comment/" target="_blank">an interview with Arctic Today</a>, a non-profit Alaska-based digital news publication that covers the Arctic region, apologized for joking with former colleagues in the U.S. House that Iceland will become the 52nd state, after America takes over Greenland.&nbsp;

The comments set off a firestorm of criticism in the Arctic nation, where Long was nominated to serve as ambassador after stepping down from his leadership role at the Internal Revenue Service last year.&nbsp;

The Icelandic Foreign Ministry confirmed to Politico that it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/iceland-us-ambassador-billy-long-donald-trump-52nd-state/" target="_blank">contacted the U.S. embassy in Reykjavík&nbsp;</a>seeking clarification about the comments. And a member of Iceland’s ruling party said Long’s statement must be taken seriously and represented a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">fundamental disrespect for the sovereignty of small nations</a>.

“There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland. We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland,” Viðreisn Sigmar Guðmundsson, a member of Iceland’s parliament, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2026/01/15/sigmar_ekkert_serstaklega_fyndid_grin/" target="_blank">a local newspaper</a>.&nbsp;

Icelanders launched a petition urging Foreign Minister Katrín Gunnarsdóttir to reject Long as ambassador. It currently has 2,000 signatures.

Long told the editor of Arctic Today that he was not serious when he made that statement. It was a joke, he said, about Jeff Landry, President Donald Trump’s U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, becoming governor of Greenland.

“I was with some people, who I hadn’t met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland,” Long told Arctic Today, “and they started joking about me. And if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize.”

Long acknowledged that the reaction was justified, given the tensions internationally regarding Greenland.&nbsp;

Long, a former auctioneer and talk radio host who represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the IRS in June. &nbsp;Two months later&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/08/repub/missouris-billy-long-ousted-by-trump-as-irs-chief-after-less-than-2-months-in-office/">he was pushed out with little explanation</a>&nbsp;and nominated instead to be ambassador for Iceland. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/nominations-sent-to-the-senate-078c/" target="_blank">not yet been confirmed</a>&nbsp;by the Senate for that job.

Missouri’s Billy Long apologizes after joking Iceland should become 52nd state

On his social media account, Jackson County, Missouri Legislator Manny Abarca posted a video of&nbsp; federal agents telling him he was trespassing after he showed up at a nearly 1-million-square-foot warehouse on the outskirts of Kansas City.

Abarca wrote, "Folks, I shared the below video in nearly the moments it happened: 

I was informed that ICE/DHS was touring a potential “mega detention facility” in south <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KansasCity?src=hashtag_click">#KansasCity</a> and decided to stop by."

"As I was observing, from my truck at a taxpayer subsidized facility; I was swarmed by ice agents. They attempted to threaten to have me arrested for trespassing if I didn’t leave; however they blocked me in both the front and rear of my truck"

"I refused to get out until a supervisor came over. 

I identified myself and my position, and asked what was going on. I confirmed they are looking to place a 7,500 bed facility in this or a similar building in the area from the agents. 

Local Electeds must step up, and engage. We cannot sit ideally by and let things happen in our community. Today, I put my and my families security on the line. What are YOU willing to sacrifice for democracy in America?"

ICE officials looking at large detention space in Kansas City

What President Trump said about gift of Machado's Nobel Peace Prize

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">Jason Hancock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/squinn/">Steph Quinn</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Senate Democrats blocked debate on more than a dozen gubernatorial appointments Thursday, bringing the chamber to a standstill and vowing to spend the year slowing down the legislative process.&nbsp;

For two hours Thursday, a Democratic filibuster prevented the Senate from considering appointments by Gov. Mike Kehoe to various boards and commissions. With no end in sight, the Senate adjourned for the week without taking the appointments up for a vote.&nbsp;

Democrats argued their stall tactics were an effort to restore the Senate’s role as the more deliberative legislative chamber that thoroughly vets bills before they go to governor.&nbsp;

“It’s probably more important than ever that there is at least one entity in this government that serves as a speed check,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, “that says ‘whoa, we’re gonna pump the brakes and do our jobs.’ If we do, we’ll get better public policy.”

The filibuster was the fulfillment of a threat Democrats made before the legislative session began earlier this month.&nbsp;

The party, which holds only 10 of the Senate’s 34 seats, fumed as Republicans invoked a rarely-used rule to cut off debate four times last year to pass an abortion ban amendment, repeal expanded sick leave, put initiative petition changes on the ballot and approve a gerrymandered congressional map.&nbsp;

Most expected Democrats to show up on the session’s first day ready to engage in procedural trench warfare, using the few tools available to them to slow the chamber to a crawl and exact some measure of payback.

But the Senate proceeded for the first two weeks with no drama though mostly ceremonial and procedural business. That changed Thursday, when it tried to conduct its first real business of the year by approving gubernatorial appointments.

Democrats didn’t focus on Republicans cutting off debate last year. Instead, they spent Thursday afternoon digging into legislation they argue the Senate rubber stamped that should have received more scrutiny.

State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, pointed to last year’s capital gains tax cut, which was approved by the Senate despite concerns that the estimated $111 million annual revenue reduction was inaccurate.

The state budget director now says the revenue loss&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/missouri-faces-budget-crunch-as-capital-gains-tax-cut-hits-harder-than-expected/">could be as much as $500 million</a>&nbsp;the first year and $360 million annual thereafter.

Webber said the same could be said of the gerrymandered congressional map. A lawsuit claims&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">one Kansas City precinct was accidentally placed in two different districts</a>, something Webber said would have been avoided if the Senate didn’t rush the map through the process.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“If we’d spent some time drawing it ourselves,” he said, “that wouldn’t have happened.”

Democrats also questioned whether the Senate is doing a good enough job vetting gubernatorial appointments.&nbsp;

“Somewhere along the way,” McCreery said, “it feels like senators have slowly been removed from the process.”

State Sen. Steven Roberts, a St. Louis Democrat and member of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, asked President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican and the committee’s chair, about the process to approve reappointments.

“My understanding is, for reappointments, and these are folks who may be reappointed for six years later, we don’t really have any background information on them,” Roberts said.

“You would have to ask the Governor’s Office,” O’Laughlin said.&nbsp;

Roberts said he was struck by the lack of public hearings of the state Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. O’Laughlin is sponsoring two nominees for that board.

“It just caught me by surprise that by this one, it seems like all of their meetings are closed, and it gives me a little bit of concern,” Roberts said.

Roberts asked O’Laughlin whether the board sends newsletters about their decision-making process.

“No, I have never even thought about that,” O’Laughlin said. “I do think a lot of people feel that way about us.”

“But all of our meetings have to be public,” Roberts said.

“Well, supposedly,” O’Laughlin responded.

State Sen. Jason Bean, a Holcomb Republican, said Thursday’s Democratic filibuster didn’t come as a surprise.&nbsp;

“We knew this was going to&nbsp; occur, because of what happened last session,” he said, adding: “Up until now, we’ve run pretty smoothly. We’ve still got a long session ahead of us, and we’ll just see what that brings.”

Democrats have no intention of killing the appointments that were stalled Thursday. But&nbsp;Webber said the filibuster is a sign of things to come, with his party trying to force a much slower legislative pace and demanding more oversight.

“I’ve had Republicans come to me,” he said, “and say they want to get back to the way the Senate has been in the past.”

Democrats stall Missouri governor’s appointments, vow to slow Senate pace

Washington&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Thursday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall issued a statement in support of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-calls-on-congress-to-enact-the-great-healthcare-plan/">Great Healthcare Plan</a>&nbsp;– a comprehensive package released by President Trump.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-calls-on-congress-to-enact-the-great-healthcare-plan/">Click here to read details on President Trump's plan</a>

“President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan includes many of the key reforms we’ve been fighting for in a comprehensive healthcare package,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Price transparency is exactly what my Price Tags legislation delivers — lowering costs for every American by empowering patients to shop for care and forcing the system to compete. We must also put patients back in control through Health Savings Accounts and cut out the PBM middleman that drives up prescription drug prices. I’m ready to work with President Trump and my colleagues to get this done.”

The Great Healthcare Plan is a comprehensive package aimed at lowering costs for American families and improving access to patient-centered care. Many of its core components align with Senator Marshall’s ‘<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-drops-the-marshall-plan/">Marshall Plan’</a>, including stronger price transparency requirements, expanded HSAs, reforms to reduce prescription drug middlemen, and targeted efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.&nbsp;

🎥Kan. U.S. Senator supports President Trump's new healthcare plan

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of stolen government property and/or the arrest of individuals responsible for the destruction and theft of government property in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On January 14, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., FBI personnel responded to an assault on a federal officer investigation in North Minneapolis, Minnesota.&nbsp; Several government vehicles were subsequently vandalized and broken into, and government property was stolen from inside the vehicles.&nbsp; The FBI seeks information that will lead to the recovery of the stolen government property and/or the arrest of the individuals responsible for the destruction and theft of government property.

If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may also contact your<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/" target="_blank">local FBI office</a>, the nearest&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/legat/" target="_blank">American Embassy or Consulate</a>, or you can submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/" target="_blank">tips.fbi.gov</a>.

Field Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/minneapolis">Minneapolis</a>

<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/?fugitive_type=fbi&amp;fugitive_name=VANDALISM%2C+DESTRUCTION%2C+AND+THEFT+OF+GOVERNMENT+PROPERTY" target="_blank">Submit an anonymous Tip online</a>

FBI offering reward to find items taken from federal  vehicles

WASHINGTON — An indictment unsealed Wednesday in the District of Kansas charged a Honduran man and Kansas woman for conspiring to submit, and submitting, a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) after the child entered the U.S. illegally, according to a statement from the Department of Justice.

“This indictment represents the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting individuals who fraudulently pose as suitable&nbsp;Unaccompanied Alien Child sponsors to obtain custody of vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conduct represents a violation of the societal responsibility to safeguard children. Our efforts are a continuation of the Department’s commitment to hold accountable those who commit crimes related to the exploitation of UACs, and will serve to strengthen ORR’s UAC program and ensure it is not manipulated.”

“We are determined to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “This task often takes a multi-faceted approach involving multiple agencies and superior coordination. Given Task Force Alpha’s efforts, we are seeing real results, and my office is happy to be on the front line.”

According to the indictment, Romulo Hernandez Murillo, 45, a Honduran national without legal authorization to be in the U.S., agreed to pay defendant Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo, 48, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assist him with applying to sponsor and obtain custody of a Honduran Unaccompanied Alien Child.

 The agreement included being permitted to misrepresent himself by using Lopez’s address on the application to sponsor the minor. The defendants intended for the child to reside with Hernandez and work in the United States. In furtherance of his fraudulent sponsorship application, Hernandez submitted and signed, under the penalty of perjury, documents falsely claiming he resided at Lopez’s address. An employee of the HHS-funded care provider where the child was staying ultimately recommended that Hernandez’s application be denied after an investigation uncovered Hernandez’s false representations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The defendants are both charged with one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement and one count of conspiracy to commit the same offense. If convicted of either offense, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.&nbsp;

This investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and ForfeitureSection, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests, which includes those of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

HHS’s Office of Inspector General and DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas Department of Labor, Special Investigations Unit; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided invaluable assistance along with the United States Marshals Service.

Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indictment: Kan. woman fraudulently obtained custody of unaccompanied alien child

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating the death of two people at a Kansas City home.

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