In a historic year that saw both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams compete for a state title, both are returning to St. Joseph with second place finishes in the Class 4 Show Me Showdown.&nbsp;

The boys faced a tough test against a Vashon team that coming into the game had won four straight state titles.&nbsp; The Cardinals though didn't waiver through the first quarter, shooting 5 of 12 to the Vashon's 3 of 9 and led at the end of one 14-10.&nbsp;

But the Wolverines showed in the second quarter why they've won so many titles in a row, and shot a blazing 11 of 15 in the quarter, outscoring Benton 30-10 and pushing their lead to 16 at the halftime break.&nbsp; Vashon's Jimmy McKinney III had 11 points at the break, while Myles Bachali led the Cardinals with 4.&nbsp;

Benton's struggles continued into the third quarter while Vashon continued shooting hot, pushing their lead even farther with a 27 point third quarter.&nbsp; The Cardinals did find better luck in the fourth quarter, shooting 57% from the field, but it was too little too late, falling to Vashon 81-45.&nbsp;

Bachali led the Cardinals with 14 points while Lincoln Goodwin added 12 points.&nbsp; The second place finish for the boys was their best finish since 1941, when they won a championship.&nbsp; The Cardinals finished the season 29-4.&nbsp;

For the Benton girls, it was a battle against a Doniphan team that was seeking their first ever state championship, while the Cardinals were looking for their first since 2016.&nbsp;

Much like the boys, the Lady Cardinals led after the first quarter 15-10, but in the second quarter the&nbsp;Donettes shot 71% to Benton's 36%, but even with that a last second shot from&nbsp;Eliana Arambula tied up the game at 27 a piece heading into the halftime break.&nbsp; Andrea Simmons led the Cardinals at halftime with 7 points.&nbsp; Carsyn Hagood also had 7 points for Doniphan.&nbsp;

The Donettes pulled away even more in the third quarter, the Cardinals continuing to shoot cold.&nbsp; While Benton did force seven turnovers in the quarter, Doniphan held a 10 point lead heading into the final quarter 48-38.&nbsp;

The Lady Cardinals did start to push a comeback, battling and continuing to cut into the Donettes lead, eventually getting within two points with 13 seconds remaining.&nbsp; But, a layup from Doniphan, followed by a missed three point shot with five seconds left, brought the game to an end and Benton fell 63-59.&nbsp;

Simmons finished with a team leading 18 points, while&nbsp;Arambula added 12 points.&nbsp; Hagood scored 31 points for Doniphan.&nbsp; The second place finish was the third in the last four years for Benton.

The Lady Cardinals finished the season 24-7.

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

Benton boys, girls finish second in Class 4 championship games

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

May corn closed up 5 3/4 cents and July corn was up 4 cents. May soybeans closed down 6 1/4 cents and July soybeans were down 8 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 2 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 1 1/4 cents and May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

If I could only choose one word to describe this week's grain trade, "uninspired" may be the choice, as markets were unable to move convincingly in either direction as traders await more fundamental clues from the government. Corn and soybean markets finished the week on a sour note as neither were able to build off Thursday's upward momentum and instead erased those gains to close the week. Meanwhile wheat futures found some stability to close the week, with KC contracts managing to hold to meager gains following a two-day selloff which put wheat prices more or less back to where they finished last week. Outside markets Friday leaned negative as stock indices are lower as growth concerns which echoed through the markets in the aftermath of Wednesday's Fed announcement have worn on investors' minds to close the week. On the other hand, the U.S. Dollar Index has found a three-day rally to close the week, as the steady downtrend for the currency since mid-January has seemingly stabilized for now ahead of the next tariff deadline on April 2.

After an incredible week of near non-stop upward momentum, the live cattle complex seems to be holding its breath or pausing its nearly unfathomable rally and is patiently waiting to see what the Cattle on Feed (COF) Report yields. Regardless of what the COF report shows, one could argue that the rally in this week's fed cash cattle market will overpower whatever the COF report details. The fed cash cattle market's movement has been thin, but prices have been hot. So far, Southern live cattle are trading at mostly $210, which is $7 higher than last week's weighted average. Northern dressed cattle are trading at $212 to $214, which is $3 to $5 higher than last week's weighted average. It's rather incredible that on a week when throughput has been reduced because of weather conditions, that packers are still willing to advance the cash market $3 to $7 higher to ensure they have enough supply moving forward. Well done feedlot managers, well done!

Even though fed cash cattle prices are trading higher, traders are reluctant to advance the feeder cattle complex without the support of the live cattle contracts. Friday's weaker technical performance isn't due to any fundamental rhyme or reason, but rather because traders are questioning how much higher the market can actually trade, and as they wait to see what this afternoon's Cattle on Feed report unveils.

After a challenging week, the lean hog complex has finally found some support as its contracts traded higher into Friday's closing bell. It is helpful that again Friday, pork cutout values are higher, which is stemming from a healthy blend of higher prices across nearly all the cuts.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/21135748/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

A proposal from the U.S. Trade Representative to impose new fees on ocean carriers with ties to China could take a major toll on U.S. farmers and ranchers. Two-thirds of all agriculture exports by volume are shipped overseas, and the cost of transporting exports to international trading partners could increase dramatically. In an effort to address China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and logistics, the Trump administration has proposed a series of fees as high as $1.5 million targeting Chinese-operated vessels and Chinese-built vessels that access American ports. 

Proposed fees on ocean carriers bad for farmers

The National FFA Organization is proud to announce that its more than one million members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during the tenth annual Give FFA Day. The money raised will directly support FFA and agricultural education for local FFA Chapters, state FFA associations, and the National FFA as a whole. It’s the most money raised for FFA in a single day, following more than $1.4 million donated during last year’s Give FFA Day event.

Over $1.6 million raised for FFA

Iowa landowners who oppose the carbon pipeline project from Summit Carbon Solutions rallied with renewed energy this week at the state capitol. The renewed energy comes after South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed a law blocking the company from using eminent domain to build its carbon-capture pipelines. Since the South Dakota governor signed the law, Summit has asked the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to suspend its pipeline permit application. 

Iowa landowners rally against eminent domain 

May corn closed up 7 cents and July corn was up 6 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 4 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 3 3/4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 8 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 6 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 7 cents.

Ag markets for the most part continued Wednesday's trading pattern, as wheat markets again led the way lower after a poor round of export data from the USDA Thursday morning. Wheat markets did, however, find some traction in the later hours of the session as the weather for the most part still remains on the bullish side of the fence for hard red growing areas. Corn and soybeans were able to move higher led mostly by corn which benefitted from another solid round of export sales reported Thursday morning. Outside markets were mostly positive with stock indices up but the U.S. dollar strength following the Fed meeting Wednesday has pressured wheat. The Federal Reserve, as expected, decided to leave its target rate steady in the March meeting. The majority of policymakers still see two cuts later in 2025, but the Fed did offer a more uncertain stance on general economic conditions through 2025, expecting a higher level of inflation and a slower rate of growth for the U.S. economy through the year; tariff policy was cited as the leading unknown variable.

The live cattle complex is again trading higher as the market continues to twiddle its fingers, waiting for the cash cattle market to spring into action. Thankfully, boxed beef prices are higher, which continues to lend fundamental support while the market waits to see what the cash cattle complex does. Slaughter disruptions amid blowing snow and hurricane type winds are expected again today. A note was shared earlier Thursday that at least on Eastern Regional, packers will not slaughter today or Friday, which will impact weekly throughput numbers.

The feeder cattle complex also traded higher after the market successfully closed at new all-time highs on Wednesday afternoon. The market has plenty of fundamental support encouraging it to continue to trade higher. However, without full buy-in and support from the live cattle contracts, traders are slowing pulling up the reins on the market's relentless rally.

With a sorry export report, it's not surprising to see the lean hog complex again trading lower. From a solely fundamental sense, it is supportive to see both cash prices and pork cutout values trading higher. However, pork cutout values have been too unreliable to bank on a higher trend at this point.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/20151312/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

May corn closed up 3 1/4 cents and July corn was up 1 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents and July soybeans were down 5 cents. May KC wheat closed down 11 1/2 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 1 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 1 3/4 cents.

It was yet another quiet session for corn and soybean markets as the latter drifted lower, but held above key long-term support for now. Corn futures were marginally higher on May futures while deferred prices relaxed ahead of new crop data from USDA at the end of the month, which is expected to show an increase in corn acreage for 2025. Meanwhile, wheat futures corrected Wednesday after prices appeared very top heavy late in Tuesday's trade. The move lower was led by hard red Kansas City futures as the spread between HRW and SRW prices relaxed Wednesday after surging higher for eight out of the past 10 sessions. U.S. stocks were higher as investors look forward to the conclusion of the Fed's March meeting Wednesday. The Federal Reserve again held its target rate steady in Wednesday's decision, but it is really Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments Wednesday afternoon that will be of interest to the market, especially in light of recent growth concerns and semi-cool February inflationary data. The current CME FedWatch tool is calling for June to be the next rate adjustment, signaling a 53% chance currently of a quarter point cut during that month's FOMC meeting.

The live cattle complex was lively as the market is excited to note the $6.02 jump in choice cuts, which has helped traders feel confident about their decision to push the spot June contract above the market's resistance at $201. There still hasn't been any cash cattle trade to speak of, but it's assumed that prices will trade steady if not higher later this week. Asking prices are noted at $205 in the South, but are still not known in the North.

Seeing the live cattle contracts trade higher has sparked even more enthusiasm throughout the feeder cattle complex as its contracts were comfortably trading higher into the closing bell. And with the spring season set to officially begin Thursday, buyer demand in the countryside has been even more aggressive this week than last week, as buyers know that supplies will run thin the closer time gets to turn out season.

The lean hog complex is traded noticeably lower as the market's resistance at $88.00 simply seems to be too much for traders to bear at this point. And yes, pork cutout values were slightly higher this morning, but before traders put much confidence in the market's higher cutout price, they're going to need to see a steady trend in higher cutout prices.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/03/19135344/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity closing markets recap

Several groups and individual stakeholders celebrated National Agriculture Day this week. It’s set aside to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and producers who dedicate their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing the world. “Agriculture isn’t just an industry, but a way of life,” says USDA Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. “I know that firsthand from growing up in agriculture and being a part of 4H and FFA shaped who I am today.” National Agriculture Day celebrates the fact that, through challenges and triumphs, the men and women in agriculture show up every single day. 

The Agriculture Council of America was formed in 1973 when the first National Agriculture Day program began. The organization is uniquely composed of leaders in the agriculture, food, and fiber communities dedicated to increasing public awareness of the vital role agriculture plays in today’s society. National Ag Day encourages the public to learn more about producing food and fuel.

Stakeholders celebrate National Agriculture Day

On National Ag Day, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agency is issuing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program for the 2024 crop year. ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. “Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the administration is making sure they get the support they need without delay,” Rollins said. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.” 

Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, the payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. FSA will soon send out pre-filled applications. Find out the eligible commodities and payment rates at <a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/">fsa.usda.gov</a>.

USDA expediting direct help for producers

The Fertilizer Institute&nbsp; praised President Donald Trump for signing an Executive Order that continues his long-standing recognition for the importance of fertilizers to farmers and the overall U.S. agriculture economy. The President’s action ensures that Canadian and Mexican imports of fertilizers meeting USMCA preference status will be subject to no duty while this round of tariffs remains in effect. Additionally, the executive order further establishes that potash imports from Canada and Mexico lacking USMCA preference status will be subject to a reduced import tariff of 10 percent. 

“President Trump has long been supportive of U.S. farmers and rural communities,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “As the important spring planting season kicks off on farms around the country, the President’s recognition of the critical nature of fertilizers will ensure growers have access to the vital crop nutrients that make possible bountiful harvests and profitable grower operations.”

TFI applauds Trump action on fertilizers

USDA is ending two pandemic-era programs that provided more than $1 billion for schools and food banks to purchase food from local farmers and producers. About $660 million of that went to schools and childcare centers to buy food for meals through the Local Foods for Schools program. A separate program provided money to food banks. USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agency’s priorities. A USDA spokesperson said in a statement “The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”

Proposed spending cuts to fund Republican’s tax bill include raising the poverty level needed for schools to provide universal free meals without an application. Restricting eligibility for food assistance programs and requiring income verification for free or reduced-price school meals, two proposals for cutting costs, would also likely cut out eligible families from accessing food, the School Nutrition Association said.

USDA cancels local foods for schools program 

DONIPHAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Sunday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Lincoln MKZ driven by&nbsp;Etherton, Ashlee B. Etherton, 32, Troy, was westbound on U.S. 36 at Saratoga Road. The car traveled off the road into the north ditch, vaulted, struck a tree and came to rest on its side.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver and a passenger Adam W.&nbsp;Etherton, 42, Troy , to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized in St. Joe after car vaults, strikes a tree

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Mustang driven by a 49-year-old NeKoosa, Wisconsin, man was entering the highway from the southbound rest area and picking up speed. The driver was inattentive and rear-ended the towed unit of a 1985 American General M934 Truck driven by a 33-year-old Infanti, Minnesota man.

Holt County EMS transported the Wisconsin man to Liberty Hospital. The truck driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after rear-end crash

BROWN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Saturday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2017 Harley Davidson driven by Marlon Steven Carrol, 55, Sabetha, was westbound on 300th Road approximately four miles northeast of Morrill.&nbsp; The motorcycle struck a road sign, traveled into the north ditch and came to rest on its side.

EMS transported Carrol to&nbsp;Amberwell Hiawatha Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man injured after motorcycle strikes a road sign

For the first time in 12 years, TNA Wrestling is coming to St. Joseph for live tapings at the Civic Arena.  

Two legendary wrestlers that might show up are the TNA World Tag Team Champions, and one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history, Matt and Jeff Hardy, the Hardy Boyz.  

Matt Hardy says it's very exciting to be bringing TNA back to St. Joseph 

"You can tell that TNA is really doing everything right right now because we're hitting all these markets that we haven't been to in so many years," Hardy tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "So, TNA has been white hot recently and we're very happy and proud to be part of this great resurgence TNA is having right now."

Earlier this year, the WWE announced a partnership with TNA, which has allowed wrestlers from each company to show up on either TNA Impact! or WWE's NXT.  Matt Hardy says it's exciting because it makes wrestling unpredictable 

"You never know who from NXT might show up on TNA programming, you never know who from TNA might show up on NXT on a Tuesday night," Hardy explains.  "And that's what makes wrestling great, when it's unpredictable and you don't know what's going to happen next and you get legitimately surprised, that's when wrestling is the best-case scenario." 

Recently, during TNA Sacrifice, Matt Hardy was attacked by Nic Nemeth, formerly Dolph Ziggler in the WWE, and his brother Ryan following a win in a steel cage, and the Hardy's could be looking for some revenge when TNA is in St. Joseph

Jeff Hardy says people that come to the tapings should expect exactly what TNA stands for, Total Nonstop Action 

"Beginning of revenge, the Nemeth brothers and they messed with the wrong set of brothers," Hardy says. "And Leon Slater man, he is a star in the making, he does the 450 Swanton and it's just incredible to see him do that in person, so yeah it's going to be some total nonstop action."

Live tapings are being held at the Civic Arena on Friday March 28th and Saturday March 29th. Tickets are still available through<a href="https://tnawrestling.com/"> TNA's website</a>.

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

TNA Wrestling back in St. Joseph for first time in 12 years for live tapings

For the first time since 1992, the Benton boys basketball team will compete in the Final Four, starting today.

Head Coach Jared Boone says while he's told his players it's ok to take step back and realize how special this opportunity is, he's also reminded them to think back to the offseason, and remember this was the goal

"To get down here and have an opportunity to play for a state championship, and it's like you guys have achieved that but we're not satisfied with this, because we want to win," Boone tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Just kind of keep reminding them of that and allowing them to take it in, but also not making it seem like oh it's state so there's a lot of pressure blah, blah, blah, it's like no it's just another game on the schedule."

For the first time ever, both the Benton boys and girls basketball teams will be competing for a state championship, at the same time. 

Boone says a lot of people in the southside of St. Joseph know how important this is

"They know the specialness of this and the importance of this," Boone says.  "And so I've been making jokes to my wife and everybody it's like man I hope people lock their houses up, because the whole south end could get robbed because nobody's going to be down here the next couple days."

Girls head coach Chris Michaels says this is special, and adds after serving as an assistant under Boone, it's something he knew would happen sooner rather than later

"We knew Boone would be there but to be able to be there with him and the both of us going and supporting each other and basically having a built in crowd that travels with you is something that's special, and will never be forgotten," Michaels explains.

The Benton girls basketball team went to two straight Final fours before missing out last year.  This year, they are back in Columbia looking for a state title.

Michaels says his message to his girls coming into this season was to remember what it felt like to not be part of the final four. 

"We just kind of got surprised a little bit last year and I think we thought it was going to be easy to make it again," Michaels says.  "What we did this year is we came in and made sure we understood it was going to take everyday getting better in order to do our goal, and so we've done that and we've gotten better every single time we touch the floor, and we're very intentional in what we do."

Both the boys and girls are in action today, both against Logan Rogersville.  The boys tipoff at 4pm, the girls at 8pm in Columbia.  The championship and third place games will be Saturday

Benton boys and girls look to make history during Final Four

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marymccuebell/">MARY MCCUE BELL</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/hannahtaylor/">HANNAH TAYLOR</a>

With national attention focused on immigration issues, Missouri legislators have joined in efforts to address the issue at the state level but have seen little progress midway through their annual session.

More than a dozen bills have been introduced, but the main activity on immigration has been two executive orders Gov. Mike Kehoe signed when he took office in January.

The push for stricter immigration policy comes after President Donald Trump signed 10 executive orders during his first week in office. Since then, several states, including Missouri, have introduced legislation to follow suit.

On the day Kehoe was inaugurated, he signed two executive orders dealing with how state agencies will handle immigration issues.

Executive Order 25-05 states that law enforcement systems will begin collecting immigration status from criminal offenders. In his second order, 25-04, certain members of the Missouri Highway Patrol will be trained in federal immigration laws. Once trained, these officers will enforce federal immigration laws, focusing on preventing illegal immigration, apprehending criminal offenders and intercepting drug trafficking.

Here’s what to know about proposed immigration policies making their way through the Missouri legislature.

Several pieces of legislation aim to limit or punish immigrants lacking permanent legal status.

Sponsored by Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, Senate Bill 58 allows the governor to assist other states through an interstate compact in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

Carter said her bill was designed as a catalyst for a broader conversation about how states are dealing with this “crisis,” which is classified into three main categories: humanitarian, health and public safety.

After a tumultuous committee hearing — with one witness calling a state senator a fascist and others carrying signs in protest — the bill won approval and is on the Senate calendar for consideration.

Also debated in the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety, SB 72 would create a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program at the state level, said sponsor Sen. David Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield.

The bill also makes entering the country illegally a felony in Missouri, which makes immigrants lacking permanent legal status ineligible to vote in elections, receive a driver’s permit or license, receive public benefits or become a legal state resident. Many of those provisions are already part of federal or state law.

Commonly known as the “bounty hunter” immigration bill, this would create a new program to train bounty hunters who would be allowed to arrest those in Missouri who entered the country illegally, Gregory said.

Speaker of the House Jon Patterson said in January he had not heard any enthusiasm from House Republicans for a bill that would put a bounty on immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Patterson said even if the bill makes its way through the Senate, it is unlikely to gain much support in the House.

Also sponsored by Gregory, SB 480 would require a court to determine whether a defendant charged with an immigration trespassing offense is seeking asylum. If they are not seeking asylum, the court can order that they be jailed until trial. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety.

Two bills, SB 137 and SB 282, would create the offense of improper entry by immigrants lacking permanent legal status with additional provisions, such as deportations. The latter, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, Washington Republican, would impose a $10,000 fine with incremental punishments, while the former, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, would impose a fine of $100,000.

Sponsored by Rep. Richard West, a Republican from Wentzville, House Bill 540 would create the “offense of trespass by an illegal alien” for immigrants lacking permanent legal status who violate state law or county municipal ordinance. The bill has since been referred to the House Committee on Emerging Issues.

Another bill, HB 120, establishes the “Immigrant Employment Registration and Taxation Protection Act.” Sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis, the bill would require that the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations maintain a “database or registry of qualified immigrant workers.” Those who fail to provide the correct documentation to verify work authorization status would be charged with a felony.

The bill has not been assigned to a committee.

On a similar note, SB 528 would impose penalties for employers who fail to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. The penalties could be things like fines for employing an immigrant lacking permanent legal status. Sponsored by Minority Floor Leader Sen. Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on General Laws.

Sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, SB 114 would fine communities that declare themselves sanctuaries for immigrants lacking permanent legal status $25,500 per day. The bill expands the offense of transporting an immigrant lacking permanent legal status to include concealment or encouraging one to come to Missouri. It would also allow law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws that establish criminal penalties. No hearing has been scheduled.

Current Missouri statute prohibits municipalities from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal requirements to verify or report illegal immigration statuses or grant one the right to lawful presence. HB 1163, sponsored Rep. Bill Lucas, R-DeSoto, clarifies that any municipality that adopts such policy would be prohibited from receiving state money. The bill has not been sent to a committee.

Rep. Wick Thomas, D-Kansas City, introduced HB 1051 to repeal the prohibition against sanctuary cities. Current law states if a municipality fails to suspend business permits of those employing immigrants lacking permanent legal status, it is subject to penalties. This bill would repeal the penalties. The bill has not been assigned to a committee.

Some bills would act as provisionary safeguards for immigrants, given aggressive efforts to question and detain members of certain ethnic groups.

SB 738 provides that if a person submits certain federal documents relating to employment authorization, they are eligible for a temporary professional or occupational license. Sponsored by Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, the bill is waiting to be read a second time on the Senate floor before being assigned to a committee.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/missouri-legislators-propose-bills-to-address-immigration/article_1d001382-fe94-11ef-a898-cf1211938a34.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.

Bills cracking down on immigration moving slowly in Missouri legislature

The Maryville R-II Board of Education approved a separation agreement from its superintendent in closed session late Wednesday night.

Board president Josh McKim said the vote was unanimous to part ways with Superintendent Logan Lightfoot at the end of the school year. The Maryville Forum reports he did not give a specific reason why.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Referencing a joint statement provided by the district’s and Lightfoot’s attorneys in the matter, McKim said, “Our goals are no longer mutually aligned. … Dr. Lightfoot has resigned.”

The statement also includes the following: “Dr. Lightfoot and the Board of Education both wish each other well in their future endeavors.”

Lightfoot will remain on paid leave until his resignation takes effect on June 30. He was placed on leave on Feb. 24 without public explanation. The school board did not acknowledge the superintendent had been placed on leave until March 3 in response to a Forum inquiry.

Maryville board of education unanimously approves split from superintendent

 Chiefs Radio Network executive producer Dan Israel has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;His family shared the news of his passing on Thursday.

The Kansas City Chiefs also shared their condolences on social media. Owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid and President Mark Donovan each shared their own statements.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Israel was an important part of the organization for more than 35 years.

"Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day," Hunt said. "Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers."

Israel is credited with building up the network, which now has affiliates in 12 states.

"I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said. "Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten."

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network."&nbsp; Said Chiefs President Mark Donovan.&nbsp; "He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.”

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

Chiefs Mourn the Passing of Chiefs Radio Network Executive Producer Dan Israel

State Sen. Rusty
Black has a lot on his plate this year, chairing the Missouri Senate Local
Government, Elections, and Pensions Committee.

Black, a
Republican from Chillicothe, says his committee has been hearing bills on
election integrity, though Black says he has been in touch with county clerks
throughout northwest Missouri who don’t report any problems in their counties.

“But I do
understand the concerns people have in other areas where the people have access
to voting or the fact are the right people voting? And those things can
probably be strengthened,” Black tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “A lot of times
those don’t have to be strengthened but by little bitty changes that help
benefit that.”

Black says
Republicans still want to increase the voter threshold needed to approve
changes to the state constitution through initiative petition. The senator says
that will remain a priority of the Republican Caucus until the issue is placed
before voters.

Black says the
state needs to do something to shore up the pensions for county sheriffs since
voters rejected a proposed fix in November. Missouri voters soundly rejected
Amendment 6 on the November ballot. It would have reinstated a $3 court fee to
fund the Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System, a fee charged for years, yet thrown
out recently by the courts. The ballot initiative would have put the fee back
in place to help fund pensions for sheriffs, circuit attorneys, and prosecuting
attorneys.

Supporters say
without the money the fee generated the pension will dry up in nine years. The
Missouri Sheriff’s Retirement System reports it supports 200 retirees and their
survivors and has 114 sheriffs contributing to the fund.

Black says the funding
problem remains in wake of the issues defeat.

“When that lost
that caused tremendous problems with the sheriffs’ retirement system funding,”
according to Black. “I’m hoping that we find some kind of path forward to try
to make sure that the retirement system for our sheriffs around the state can
be stabilized from where it’s at today.”

Black expects a
much more productive legislative session this year than the past two in Jefferson
City.

“Already, it’s more
productive than it’s been in the past. Doesn’t mean that we’re not going to
have filibusters, we’re not going to have hard conversations. But, yes, the
fact that we don’t have a bunch of people running for statewide office that I
serve with is very, very helpful this year,” Black says with a chuckle.

Aside from the
budget bills, the Missouri legislature approved only 28 bills last year, a
historically low level.

Black says the
pace has changed after some of his colleagues decided to run for higher office
and left the Senate. Many blamed the Senate’s Freedom Caucus, comprised of very
conservative Republicans, for bottling up the legislative session, leading to
its lack of productivity.

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

Sen. Black, busy this year, expects more productive legislative session

Open burning will be allowed in St. Joseph starting next month.  

St. Joseph Health Educator Stephanie Malita says only burning of limbs, branches and brush is allowed and it needs to be contained 

"We need people to keep the contents in a 55-gallon sized container, so it can be an old 55-gallon drum, it can even chicken wire or some kind of mesh that is that same volume," Malita tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post 

Malita says someone also needs to watch the fire at all times and keep a source of water nearby in case the fire gets out of control.  Only one fire can burn at a time. Burning is allowed between 8am and 6pm 

Also, no fires must be within 15 feet of a building.  Malita says fires can be unpredictable 

"And the weather in this region is unpredictable, so the wind changes and you know maybe some spark gets blown away into a neighbor's yard that's dry, there's a lot of things to take into consideration if you're going to be burning that yard waste," Malita explains. 

Malita says if a fire were to occur, be sure to call the fire department 

"They have stated, and this has been the case for years, they will come to a yard fire without lights and sirens, unless it's actually involving a structure," Malita says.  "They'll ask those questions if you call into the dispatch." 

If conditions are not ideal for burning officials will cancel open burning for the day.  An announcement will be made online.

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

Spring open burning allowed in St. Joseph starting next month

The Kansas City Royals made a late spring move and added a veteran outfielder on Friday evening, trading with the Milwaukee Brewers for Mark Cahna for a player to be named later or cash considerations, a source told MLB.com.&nbsp;

The 36 year old Cahna was on a Minor League deal in Spring Training with Milwaukee and is 2-for-23 in Cactus League play with one homer, four strikeouts and four walks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Canha has spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors playing for five teams and has hit 120 career home runs with a .349 career on-base percentage, with more gap-to-gap doubles power than home run power. He’s had neutral splits but has a .763 career OPS against southpaws. And as Spring Training progressed, the Royals thought an offensive hole of theirs would be a right-handed bat off the bench who could come in against lefties. Canha could be a backup left fielder and first baseman on the days he plays or comes in late in the game.

Canha slashed .242/.344/.346 with seven homers and 42 RBIs across 125 games between Detroit and San Francisco last season. A right-handed hitter who can play the corner outfield and first base, Canha will enter the 2025 season as a bench player for the Royals, who have had several options in camp fighting for a bench spot but no clear answers with Opening Day next week.

With Canha, the Royals will have two bench spots now accounted for along with backup catcher Freddy Fermin. Outfielder Dairon Blanco is viewed as a heavy favorite for a spot because of his pinch-running value.

The last spot could go any number of ways. Speedy outfielders Joey Wiemer, a right-hander, and Drew Waters, a switch-hitter, are in the running. Infielder/outfielder Tyler Tolbert could fill Blanco’s role if Blanco isn’t 100% after dealing with Achilles tendon soreness earlier this spring. Utility players Cavan Biggio and Harold Castro -- both left-handed -- as well as right-handed Nick Loftin have all shown off their versatility and ability to get on base this spring. Outfielder Nelson Velázquez and first baseman/outfielder Nick Pratto are both out of Minor League options, but they might be blocked now with Canha in the fold -- especially if the Royals went out and found a right-handed option in Canha despite having Velázquez in camp.

Royals add veteran outfielder Mark Cahna in trade with Brewers

The 11th seeded Drake Bulldogs, led by former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and former player Bennett Stirtz, controlled the pace of the game and held off a rally from the six seed Missouri Tigers, winning 67-57 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;

The Tigers and Bulldogs traded blows early before Drake pulled away in the first half, controlling the tempo and keeping the ball away from Missouri, leading 30-23 at the end of the first half.&nbsp;

Drake continued to pull away to start the second half after Missouri scored the first two points, going on a 12-3 run before the Tigers could score again thanks to a layup by Tamar Bates.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Tigers would make a furious comeback, and for a moment it looked like they might have a miracle stored up.&nbsp; Missouri started inching closer and closer. Down 15 points with 12:40 remaining, the Tigers went on a 5-of-5 run from the field to get back into the game.

Mizzou's Marques Warrick clipped a rare step-back triple to cut the deficit to eight points. Caleb Grill, who led the Tigers with 14 points, opened his 3-point account on his sixth attempt at the 7:42 mark of the second half to get them out of a double-digit deficit hole again.

Mizzou battered and bruised its way to the free throw line — making seven straight in the space of three minutes — until it was a one-point game with 4:20 to play. Drake’s mistakes began to stack, with empty trips to the stripe and turnovers piling.

The misses started to pile up again, and Drake again became the aggressor in the game’s final four minutes, when Stirtz, who led the game with 21 points, made a jumper that kicked off Drake’s ride to the second round. The Bulldogs closed the game on a long 16-6 run. Mizzou made two shots from the field in the final four minutes.

Drake will now play either three seed Texas Tech or 14 seed UNC Wilmington in the round of 32 on Saturday.

Kansas falls in Round of 64 for first time since '06 to Arkansas

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- — Jonas Aidoo scored 22 points to help 10th-seeded Arkansas to a 79-72 opening-round NCAA Tournament victory over No. 7 seed Kansas in the latest meeting between two of college basketball’s winningest coaches.

Johnell Davis added 18 points, including some crucial late free throws, to help John Calipari to his first tournament victory as Razorbacks coach. Freshman standout Boogie Fland played for the first time since having right thumb surgery in January and scored six points in 24 minutes.

Zeke Mayo had 18 points for Kansas (21-13), which has made 35 straight NCAA Tournaments and hadn't lost in the first round since 2006. Aj Storr finished with 15 points and Hunter Dickinson added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Thursday’s matchup was the third March Madness meeting between two of the four active win leaders in men’s college basketball. Calipari is second (876), with Bill Self of Kansas fourth (831) on the list. Both previous meetings were in the national championship game, with each winning once.

Kansas erased what was an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.

The Jayhawks kept the lead until Aidoo connected on a pair of free throws to put the Razorbacks back in front. Arkansas got a stop on the other end and then got a 3-pointer by Davis that gave it a 71-67 cushion with less than two minutes on the clock.

Arkansas’ edge was down to 71-69 before Davis dropped in a pair of free throws. Dickinson missed a 3 on Kansas’ next trip and Arkansas added two more free throws.

The Jayhawks got it back down to 75-72 on a 3-pointer by Rylan Griffen with 13 seconds left. The Razorbacks called back-to-back timeouts trying to get the ball inbounds. They finally did and Davis calmly sank two free throws to help close it out.

&nbsp;Kansas fell to 47-6 record in first-round games all-time.

Arkansas will get either No. 2 seed St. John’s or No. 15 Omaha in the second round of the West Region on Saturday.

Mizzou comeback bid falls short, Arkansas downs Kansas for first 1st round loss since '06

The Missouri Tigers begin their NCAA Tournament run today, taking on former Northwest Missouri State coach Ben McCollum and the Drake Bulldogs. 

Missouri finished the season 22-11 and earned the sixth seed in the tournament, while Drake finished 30-3 getting the 11th seed.  

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates says while Drake wants to control the pace of the game, the Tigers aim to make it a high school affair 

"Both programs will continue to do what they've done throughout the course of the season, and we'll continue to do that as well," Gates tells reporters.  "I think at the end of the day, if their ball isn't going in and ours is going in, it can feel like things are being sped up a bit and that's kind of what we want to continue to do." 

McCollum says it is difficult to prepare for the variety of defenses the Tigers will throw at them 

"You know you can kind of get down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out, and a lot of it just comes back to conceptual basketball of just playing the right way," McCollum explains.  "Move the basketball, do what we've done all season long, and keep it pretty simple."

Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz, who followed McCollum to Drake, says the Bulldogs want the game played at their pace 

"We're going to have to play our game, obviously the SEC is the best conference in the nation, Mizzou will be ready to go, they play really physical, and they try to speed you up, things like that," Stirtz says.  "So, I'd just say play our speed, try not to get sped up and just play calm." 

Meanwhile Tigers guard Tamar Bates says pushing the tempo begins on the defensive end 

"We're not going to try to do anything outside of what we've done all year to speed things up," Bates says.  "I mean we'll be solid defensively and take away what we can, obviously they have some things that they're really good at on the offensive end that they've stuck too, so for us it's just about doing what we do." 

Missouri and Drake tipoff tonight at 6:35 in Wichita.  Coverage begins on KFEQ at 6pm.

Missouri opens up NCAA tournament tonight against Drake

KFEQ Morning Sports

After Robin Pingeton announced her resignation as the head coach of Missouri women's basketball, the program has hired&nbsp; a proven winner to lead the team.&nbsp;

Missouri Athletic Director Laird Veatch announced today that Kellie Harper has been hired as the fifth head coach in Mizzou program history.&nbsp; Harper brings a championship pedigree to Columbia, including 16 postseason appearances in 20 seasons as a Division I head coach.&nbsp;

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Kellie Harper and her family to Mizzou," Veatch says in a news relase. "Kellie is a proven winner and dynamic leader who understands the 'Will to Win' necessary to succeed at the sport's highest level. "

"She is nationally respected, and her experience in the SEC, her deep ties to the state of Missouri and her ability to recruit and develop championship-level players make her the ideal leader for our program. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball under her leadership."