The director and a star from a movie filmed throughout the St. Joseph and Savannah area will return next month for a special one-night screening.  

Director Matthew Toronto and co-leading actress Kylee Levien will come to the Trail Theatre on December 4th for a meet and greet and a Q and A session to go along with the screening of ‘A ChrisMystery’. 

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson Christian Mengel says the event came to life thanks to someone local who worked on the film  

"We had somebody who was local to the region on the crew that said hey I’m still in contact with some of the people in the LA area that said they would be willing to come back for a showing,” Mengel tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, naturally we were like what’s their schedule, what’s it look like? And so December 4th was the day that seemed to work for the director and Kylee.” 

 Mengel says people from the movie coming back is a great opportunity, because while they are here, they don't get much of a chance to experience the town.  

"This is an opportunity for them to come back on their own time, on their own schedule, kind of relax and just have conversations with people who maybe were directly involved either as crew in the region or were extras or had property that was part of the film, maybe offered up their car or their home,” Mengel explains. 

Tickets to the screening are $5 and can be purchased online or at the door, while available.  The meet and greet will begin at 6:30pm with the screening at 7.  

Mengel says there will also be an opportunity for people to ask questions about the film 

“This is an opportunity for them in the room to basically give you that off the wall detail of now here’s exactly where we filmed or what it was like on this day, you get those kind of special moments and details that you otherwise wouldn’t get,” Mengel says. 

 The question-and-answer session, hosted by Bob Schultz will follow the movie. 

The movie is available to view currently on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.54a25b9f-4515-4245-8337-a5ab160ab91c?ref_=imdbref_tt_ov_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv&amp;tag=imdbtag_tt_ov_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv-20">Prime Video</a>. A trailer is also available on YouTube.

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

Local film shot in St. Joseph, Savannah to be screened at the Trail Theatre

CLINTON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 10p.m.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Toyota Corolla driven by a 17-year-old Bethany girl was northbound on U.S. 69 just south of NE 121 six miles south of Cameron. the car struck a deer.

Cameron EMS transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. She was properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri teen injured after car, deer crash

Five people were arrested in Faucett on Tuesday by the Buchanan County Special Operation Division in connection with crimes across the Midwest.  

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports that on Tuesday, the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, comprised of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office Career Criminal Unit, St. Joseph Police Department, and Missouri Highway Patrol located three vehicles in Faucett at the Pilot gas station connected to crimes in several states across the Midwest.  

Officers took four males and one female into custody and seized the three vehicles at the scene.  All five suspects were found to be citizens of Venezuela and due to the significance of the alleged crimes ICE was notified. 

All five suspects were taken to the Buchanan County jail for further investigation before being transferred into ICE custody.   

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

Five arrested in connection with multiple crimes across Midwest

DeKalb County
authorities are investigating a fatal fire in Weatherby.

The DeKalb County
Sheriff’s Office reports the residential fire very early Thursday morning
claimed the lives of three occupants. The office reports deputies along with
first responders arrived at the home to find the three dead.

The State Fire
Marshal has been called in to help with the investigation.

If anyone has
information, they are asked to call DeKalb County Captain Mike Morris at
816-449-5802.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Fatal house fire in Weatherby claims three lives

The City of St. Joseph will see just its third change in city clerk leadership in more than 70 years as longtime city clerk Paula Heyde announced her upcoming retirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Heyde will retire at the end of January after more than four decades of service.&nbsp; The St. Joseph City Council has appointed Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton to assume the role at the beginning of February.

Heyde, a native of Stanberry, Missouri, began her work with the city clerk’s office in January 1983 and became an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk in October of 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served since 1954. Her 40-plus-year career has spanned generations of city leaders.

“I’ve enjoyed working with all the different councils and mayors over the years, and some of them, along with coworkers, have become friends I keep in touch with,” Heyde said in a news release from the city. “It’s been great working with Kay, and I’m sure she will do an excellent job.”

Mayor John Josendale praised Heyde’s enduring contributions to the city.

“Paula is the life and soul of the city. She knows more than anybody when you think about the longevity and the number of councils she’s worked with over the years,” he said. “She’s taught me a lot, which proves you can teach old dogs. I know Kaycee has learned from her as well, which is why I have confidence that she will do an excellent job in this new role and continue the great service that office is known for.”

Garton, a St. Joseph native and Benton High School graduate, began her career with the City of St. Joseph as a police officer in 2018. She transitioned to an administrative assistant role in 2022, supporting the offices of the city manager, City Council, legal, communications and clerk. She was appointed deputy clerk in the summer of 2025.

“I’m honored and excited to step into the role of City Clerk,” Garton said. “This position carries a legacy of integrity, professionalism and service that Paula Heyde embodied for more than 40 years. Paula set the standard for excellence, and I’m committed to upholding that tradition while bringing new energy and dedication to support our organization, our elected officials, and our community. It’s a privilege to build on the foundation she created.”

Garton’s salary will be $80,000 effective on the date of her new appointment.

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

St. Joseph City Clerk Paula Heyde announces retirement; Kaycee Garton to take over role

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News

Buchanan County
commissioners have written the St. Joseph Board of Education, urging the board
to stick with its original long-range plan to move the school district to a two
high school model.

Buchanan County
Presiding Commissioner, Scott Nelson, says the three commissioners simply want
to support the plan to reduce the number of St. Joseph public high schools.

“We just supported
that whole process knowing that they felt at the time and we agreed that St.
Joseph should go to a two (high) school model,” Nelson tells KFEQmmunity. “We’re
not picking schools. It’s just two schools.”

The move came
after it appeared the St. Joseph Board of Education backed off its original
long-range plan and decided to remain with the three high school model. The
board, though, now appears to have again embraced the two high school model,
favoring retaining Central High School along with Benton High School, using
neighboring Hyde Elementary School to provide sufficient space.

Nelson says the
Buchanan County Commission drafted the letter after he spoke with the other two
commissioners following a discussion at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce about
the future of the school district.

“So, I brought that
information back to the commissioners and we said, yeah, we do need to support
our school board and not this whole idea of a last-minute change to things,” Nelson
says. “That’s just chaos. Nothing good comes from chaos. Why is chaos even brought
into the picture? Why a last-minute change? &nbsp;I just don’t understand that.”

Nelson says the
commission understands the importance of the St. Joseph School District to the
county as a whole and believes the plan to reduce the number of high schools
makes the most sense.

“We are losing
population. We are losing school numbers. Those are facts,” Nelson says. “Employers,
and I’m not going to say which ones, are reluctant to come – some – are reluctant
to come to the area or live in the area, because of the school district.”

Nelson says the school
board earlier realized the district needed to change and that change wouldn’t
be easy.

“But I felt like
they kind of did their due diligence and came up with a plan and then all of
the sudden the plan changes on the drop of a hat? &nbsp;I’m not sure that’s productive.”

The St. Joseph
Board of Education is scheduled to consider the move to the two high school model
during its Monday regular meeting.

Buchanan County Commission urges St. Joe school board to stick with plan

A true crime series hosted by the St. Joseph Public Libraries will host a presentation this evening talking about some lesser-known St. Joseph criminals. 

Kim Schutte will present at the East Hills Library, teaching people about St. Joseph's equivalent of Bonnie and Clyde, Clarence and Juanita Spargur. 

Downtown library manager Jen Wildhagen who organized the series says even she had never heard of this couple, so she's excited to learn more about them 

"The fact that the environment could put out people like this regularly and in our area, is very interesting to me,” Wildhagen tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “I’m looking forward to learning more about who these people were, how they got involved in the crimes they did, and what ended up happening to them, because I don’t really know anything about that.” 

Wildhagen says along with the fascination on true crime, learning about it 100 years later helps soften the blow of what they did 

"The thirties mob, bank robber, Baby Face Nelson and all of that crew, those stories I think are really fun to listen to probably because they are so long ago now that the impact isn’t as direct and awful on a personal level,” Wildhagen explains.  “So that’s another thing it has going for it I think.” 

Wildhagen says the fascination with true crime seems to come with people touching the dark, without worrying about it touching them back 

"Learning about the stories without the fear necessarily of it happening to you personally or learning about terrible stories in a safe environment is fascinating,” Wildhagen says. 

Wildhagen says she has been fascinated with true crime for some time now, and one thing that has been a benefit to her from it, is learning more how to protect herself 

"Because I’ve heard about the terrible things people can do to one another, I am on alert,” Wildhagen points out.  “And I’m not necessarily saying that that’s what everybody gets out of it, but that is something that I’ve gotten from it.” 

The presentation is free to attend and will begin at 6pm tonight at the East Hills Library in the theatre. 

St. Joseph public libraries true crime series spotlights pair of infamous local criminals

It appears the two
high school model is back on the table for the St. Joseph School District.

The Board of
Education, after holding public hearings over the last couple of weeks, has
reverted to the two high school model after switching back to the current three
high school model. The school board now is expected to vote Monday on moving to
two high schools:&nbsp; Central High School
and Benton High School with the addition of neighboring Hyde Elementary School
to provide enough space.

The latest move
comes after the St. Joseph Board of Education in late October scrapped plans to
move to two high schools and embraced the current three high school model.

The board’s
long-range plan reached a couple of years ago called for the elimination of one
high school, but public backlash moved the board to reconsider.

In April, St. Joseph voters rejected a $157 million bond
issue which would have financed the building of a new high school, pivotal to
the St. Joseph School District plan to downsize from three to two high schools.
The Board of Education decided to forge ahead on the two high school model,
first considering using Central High School and Lafayette High School. The
board then instructed staff to consider using Benton High School as well, which
would have required using Hyde Elementary to provide enough space.

A final vote is
expected during the Board of Education regularly scheduled meeting on Monday,
November 24th.

Back to 2:  St. Joseph school board embraces 2 high school model once again

A fight broke out
at a St. Joseph funeral home leading to the arrest of two adults.

St. Joseph police
report officers arrived at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith &amp; Sidenfaden Chapel on
Frederick Avenue shortly after seven o’clock Wednesday night after emergency
calls described a fight involving as many as 50 people.

Police say relatives
began to argue during the funeral leading to a physical altercation. Officers
arrested one woman and one man, both from out of town.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph funeral fight leads to arrest of two

December corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and March corn was down 3 3/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 13 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 12 1/2 cents. December KC wheat closed down 9 1/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 9 3/4 cents, December MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 8 1/2 cents.

The market continued to remove premium from prices on Thursday, despite another strong reported sale to China for soybeans early Thursday morning. It would seem like a classic case of "buying the rumor and selling the fact" in the complex for this week. Now that China has seemingly returned to the U.S. market in a meaningful way, traders likely are seeking to establish a new price range. In other words, from the October lows, how much in cents per bushel is the anticipated business from China worth? Time will tell on that. In outside markets, the general bearish tone for Thursday was well noted, with equities all but giving back a short bounce based on strong earnings from AI darling Nvidia. Fears of an AI bubble are the most pointed to explanation for the stock market weakness. Meanwhile, energy futures are lower again, with diesel prices reversing from multi-month highs perhaps on news that President Trump has reportedly approved a plan for ending the Russian-Ukraine war.

The livestock complex was again trading mixed as the cattle contracts dipped lower upon not seeing enough fundamental support in the market, but the lean hog contracts traded higher. No new cash cattle trade has developed, but bids were on the table in Nebraska.

Without seeing more fundamental support, the live cattle complex was trading lower into midday Thursday as traders were disappointed to note the decline in fed cash cattle prices again this week, and aren't overly thrilled with boxed beef prices being mixed again this morning.

Again today, the lean hog contracts were trading higher as traders seem to believe that the market has trended lower enough for the time being. It is helpful that pork cutout values were a tick higher this morning, but the volume of cash hogs traded over the week has been relatively thin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/29192003/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

U.S. farm safety net programs are projected to deliver more than $13.5 billion in payments for the 2025 crop year, though farmers will not receive the funds until October 2026. The payments come through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which were modified under the One Big Beautiful Bill reconciliation package signed into law July 4. 

FarmDoc Daily reports the changes, relative to the 2018 Farm Bill, are expected to increase both the likelihood and potential size of ARC and PLC payments in 2025 and future years. Farmers who enrolled in 2025 will receive whichever payment — ARC or PLC — is higher, while enrollment choices will again influence payments starting in 2026. Estimates rely on USDA projections from the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report and data from the Farm Service Agency. Payment rates are calculated using county-level base acres, non-irrigated yields where relevant, and program simulation models, providing detailed projections ahead of next year’s disbursements.

Safety Net Programs Set to Pay More than $13 Billion in 2026

The White House has held separate meetings with oil refiners and biofuel producers as it works to resolve a long-standing dispute over U.S. biofuel-blending requirements, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Biofuels-news.com reports the talks focus on billions of gallons of blending obligations that were waived for small refineries, raising questions about whether larger refiners should make up any of the exempted volumes. 

A decision, originally expected by the end of October, was delayed by the federal government shutdown. The outreach reflects the administration’s effort to balance competing interests: the oil industry argues that federal mandates threaten refinery jobs, while the agricultural sector says the waivers have reduced demand for corn-based ethanol and other biofuels. 

The outcome could influence fuel prices, farm incomes, and energy policy heading into next year. Officials also discussed year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, or E15, potentially linking the measure to small-refinery waiver reforms to win support from both industries.

White House Moving Toward Biofuels Blending Resolution

As the federal government reopens, farmers say the temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill offers little relief from rising costs and growing uncertainty. President Donald Trump’s signature restored funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the farm law that underpins crop insurance, conservation programs and disaster aid is only renewed short term. 

Kentucky farmer Keith Lowry told the Paducah Sun that production and input costs have doubled since 2018 while commodity prices have stagnated, leaving growers without the safety net they need. He added that trade disruptions — including past tensions with China — continue to narrow export opportunities for soybeans and other crops. 

American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland said reopening the government is only a first step and urged Congress to advance regulations and trade efforts that support demand. Farmers say the shutdown hindered access to loans and assistance, compounding a difficult year marked by heavy rains, drought and escalating expenses.

Farmers Worry Renewal of Outdated Farm Bill Doesn’t Adequately Fund Critical Programs

December corn closed down 7 cents and March corn was down 8 cents. January soybeans closed down 17 1/4 cents and March soybeans were down 15 3/4 cents. December KC wheat closed down 10 3/4 cents, December Chicago wheat was down 9 3/4 cents, December MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/2 cents.

The market turned lower across the board Wednesday in a general risk-off session which stretched from commodities to equity markets. In terms of agricultural products, despite no overtly bearish news to point to on Wednesday, there was also little on the bullish side to sustain momentum against firm chart resistance which may have long-term implications, especially for the soybean market. Energy markets were weaker on Wednesday and added a layer of pressure to corn and soybean oil markets, despite the weekly EIA Petroleum Status report showing lower U.S. crude inventories week over week.

The cattle contracts are trading lower into Wednesday's noon hour as the market is disgruntled with the lack of fundamental support. Some light trade has developed in the North, where dressed cattle were trading at $345, which is $6.00 lower than last week's weighted average.

Without a steadfast stamp of approval from the market's fundamentals, the live cattle contracts were back to trading lower. The market would anticipate that beef demand will begin a sharp fourth-quarter rally in the next week or two, as consumers secure their meat for the Christmas holiday. Still, with beef prices already high compared to years past, the market sits in an unknown position, unsure how much of a fourth-quarter rally is really going to play out. The feeder cattle complex was also trading sharply lower as the market continued to closely follow the direction of the live cattle contracts.

Although midday pork cutout values are lower, once again, the lean hog contracts were trading slightly higher into Wednesday's noon hour as the market has seemed to stumble into some technical support.&nbsp;

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/08/13201542/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Omaha Steaks President and CEO Nate Rempe (REM-pee) said, unfortunately, America’s beef bills will likely keep climbing. He told Fox News that the nation’s shrinking cattle supply and continued record demand are driving the possibility of ten-dollar-per-pound ground beef that could stretch family budgets for some time. 

“We need to get our arms around this in the U.S.,” he said. “By the third quarter of next year, American families are going to see ten dollars a pound for ground beef in the grocery store, so we’re in for a bit of a haul here.” He added that prices likely won’t come down in a significant way until 2027. “Heifer retention is a decision that the rancher and feedlot operator make to hold back female animals to help rebuild the herd,” Rempe said. “It’s a double-edged sword, because that means the supply is going to continue shrinking as fewer cattle go to market.”

Beef May Reach Ten Dollars Per Pound

President Donald Trump announced that many fertilizers U.S. farmers rely on will be exempt from reciprocal tariffs. The Fertilizer Institute said it’s extremely good news for the industry. 

“The Fertilizer Institute appreciates the Trump administration’s continued recognition of the importance of fertilizers to America’s food security, national security, well-being, and health,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “While the U.S. has robust domestic fertilizer manufacturing and production, it’s a net fertilizer importer and relies on both domestic production and imports during the busy spring planting and fall application periods.” 

He also said the fertilizer market is highly competitive and characterized by a complex web of global supply and demand factors. “Without farmers, there would be no fertilizer industry, and as farmers continue to face economic challenges, the focus of the industry remains promoting a stable industry that supports U.S. agriculture and ensures affordable food prices for American families,” Rosenbusch added.

TFI Reacts to Fertilizer Tariff Exemption

Groups like the American Soybean Association applauded the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers for proposing a more workable version of the “Waters of the United States” rule for agriculture. 

“For too long, shifting interpretations have created real uncertainty about whether everyday decisions might trigger federal oversight,” said ASA President Caleb Ragland. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said WOTUS has been a longstanding and frustrating issue. 

“This WOTUS announcement acknowledges that the government should work to protect lakes, rivers, and oceans, rather than regulating ditches and ponds on family farms and ranches,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. 

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture said the federal government has recognized the states’ expertise in managing and protecting local lands and resources. As NASDA previously stated, states are currently responsible for enforcing more than 96 percent of federal water laws in the Clean Water Act.

U.S. Ag Groups React to New EPA WOTUS Proposal

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

It was a return to low volume, slow news trade on Tuesday across row-crop futures with prices chopping on either side of unchanged but falling from early highs, which were the highs for the rally thus far for the soybean market. It is likely traders saw the need to lock in some profits following confirmation of rumored soybean purchases by China on Monday. In outside markets, diesel prices continue to push higher, positively influencing soybean oil futures, which have surged higher through the first half of the week. In financial markets, equities are under heavy pressure to start the week, led by AI bubble fears. Meanwhile, the potential for money flow out of equities and into commodities as a hedge against inflation may be a story of growing importance to watch through the end of 2025 and into 2026.

The live cattle complex traded mixed, erring on the side of caution as traders would like to see the contracts trade fully higher but need sure-fire fundamental support this week to successfully do so. No developments have surfaced in the fed cash cattle market, and trade will likely be delayed until later in the week, as that's usually what happens whenever a Cattle on Feed report is released. No bids or asking prices are currently on the table.

Likewise, the feeder cattle complex also traded in a mixed manner as the market isn't confident that there will be enough support in the market to trade fully higher. Until something wildly bullish develops, the feeder cattle complex will likely continue to trade in a sideways manner as it's going to take some substantial support to push the contracts back over the market's 100-day moving average.

The lean hog complex traded fully lower and currently pressuring the market's support plane as traders aren't seeing enough support arise in the marketplace to send the contracts higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/11/18140529/web-closing-markets-2.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency has extended the sign-up deadline for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program to Nov. 21, 2025, after many ranchers were unable to apply during county office closures tied to the federal shutdown. The program provides payments to producers facing added feed costs or grazing losses from 2023–24 floods and wildfires. FSA Administrator Bill Beam said offices are now open five days a week under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ directive to restore full access to core services. 

To simplify enrollment, FSA pre-qualified counties where disasters were already verified, allowing eligible producers to apply without submitting additional documentation. Covered livestock include beef and dairy cattle, sheep, llamas and other grazing animals. Payments are based on supplemental feed costs, offering up to 60% of one month’s feed cost for wildfire losses or three months for flood impacts. Annual payments are capped at $125,000, with limited exceptions up to $250,000.

USDA extends livestock relief deadline 

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall released the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act&nbsp;expands healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind, and for whatever reason, the federal government took it out of our schools over a decade ago – robbing an entire generation of essential dairy intake. As an obstetrician, I cannot stress the extensive list of benefits that comes from drinking whole – and most of all, it just tastes better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I’m proud to see another win on the MAHA agenda cross the finish line in the Senate and am looking forward to seeing it signed into law.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

Kan. U.S. Senator's bill to restore whole milk in schools passes the Senate

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;36-year-old Amber Kirk, according to Topeka Police Lt. Ron Ekis.

The Topeka Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating anyone who was in the area of the NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Street intersection in Topeka at the time of the incident.

Just before 6p.m. November 15, police&nbsp;responded to a hit-and-run injury accident call at the intersection of NW Topeka Boulevard and NW Paramore Streets in Topeka. The accident involved a vehicle and pedestrian. 

The pedestrian, later identified as Kirk, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries where she died.

During investigation of this incident, police identified Sultan Y. Andemichael, 18, Topeka, as a suspect. Andemichael was located and transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on November 17. He remains jailed on requested charges of&nbsp; Involuntary manslaughter;&nbsp;Interference with LEO;  Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case and Failure to stop accident resulting in death.

Police look for witnesses to hit-and-run that killed Kansas woman

President Trump is accusing six Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by DEATH” after the lawmakers, all veterans, called on U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and defy “illegal orders” in a video posted to X.

This is the original video that prompted President Trump to respond.

🎥Dem lawmakers respond to President Trump's accusation of sedition

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

Republicans have been trying since 2006 to enact the photo ID requirement in Missouri. Prior to the 2022 law, every attempt had been rebuffed by the courts

The Missouri Supreme Court must decide if voters need government-issued ID cards and whether people trying to register new voters can be paid.

The judges on Wednesday heard a pair of cases arising from a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1878&amp;Year=2022&amp;code=R" target="_blank">2022 law</a>&nbsp;that also established two weeks of early voting before each election. If the high court throws out the voter ID portion of the law, it would trigger a provision that also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/09/voter-id-requirement-absentee-ballot-changes-clear-missouri-senate/">scuttles the early voting period</a>.

The Missouri NAACP and the League of Women Voters filed both lawsuits and got a split result at the trial court level in Cole County. Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/challenge-to-voter-id-law-heading-for-appeal-to-missouri-supreme-court/">photo ID requirements</a>&nbsp;were “everyday burdens” that did not violate voter rights but that the limitations on individuals and organizations running&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/FINAL%20ORDER%20AND%20JUDGMENT.PDF?courtCode=19&amp;di=3368715" target="_blank">voter registration campaigns</a>&nbsp;“chill speech and advocacy related to voting and decrease participation in elections.”

Together, the outcome of the two cases will determine whether Republicans have finally succeeded in goals they have sought for years — stricter limits on acceptable voting identification and higher obstacles for organizations engaged in voter registration campaigns.

Opponents of the voter ID requirements aren’t arguing that there should be no requirement for identification, Jason Orr of the ACLU of Missouri told the court Wednesday. It is the limited list of acceptable identification that violates voter rights, he said.

To vote under the 2022 law, a person must present a Missouri drivers license, non-driver identification or another identification card issued by Missouri or the federal government with a photo, birthdate and expiration date.

“This type of state photo ID requirement does not pass muster under the Missouri Constitution,” Orr said.

Beetem’s ruling misses the mark, Orr said, because people with mobility issues who cannot obtain documents such as a birth certificate or who have misspellings on their documents have far more trouble than others getting identification issued.

The burdens “certainly are not shared by majority citizens, but they are real, and they frustrate the ability of some Missourians to exercise this right,” Orr said.

Missouri Republicans have been trying since 2006 to enact the photo ID requirement. Prior to the 2022 law, every attempt had been rebuffed by the courts. Before the law took effect, acceptable identification included a school ID, a voter card issued by their county clerk or a utility bill in their name at their voting address.

The photo ID requirement protects the integrity of elections and there is little evidence it has prevented Missourians from voting, said Lou Capozzi, state solicitor general.

People without ID can cast provisional ballots that will be counted if their signature matches the one on file, he said. In 2022, he said, only 116 ballots were not counted.

In his ruling, Beetem decided that the individual plaintiffs named in the lawsuit had not shown sufficient injury to sue and neither had the NAACP or the league as organizations. Capozzi noted that in his arguments.

“They could present the court with a single person unable to vote under the law,” he said.

At a news conference after the hearing, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said 116 “is not a lot of votes” and it shows the law is working as intended.

“The goal is that anybody who is trying to vote&nbsp; who shouldn’t be voting because they’re an illegal immigrant, because they don’t live in Missouri, because they’re trying to vote more than once, doesn’t get that opportunity,” Hanaway said.

Denise Lieberman of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition said she sees 116 votes not being counted as a violation of all Missourians’ rights. The inclusion of both the voter ID requirements and limitations on signing up new voters in the same bill shows the intent to make it harder, not easier, to vote, she said at a news conference.

“The burdens to voters of a strict photo ID requirement to vote, the burdens on political speech of the voter registration and absentee ballot solicitations, are not academic,” Lieberman said. “They are not simply a matter of constitutional debate. These affect real voters here in the state of Missouri.”

The voter registration provisions bar paid voter registration solicitors, require anyone working to register voters to be a registered Missouri voter at least 18 years old and to file paperwork with the secretary of state’s office. The law also banned the practice of paying people to collect absentee ballots on behalf of homebound voters.

Arguing to overturn Beetem’s ruling, Deputy Solicitor General Michael Patton said the lower court ruling accepted too broad a definition of soliciting. Organizations can engage in voter registration drives that direct people to sign up through official government websites, he said, but cannot have individuals fill out cards that are turned in by the group.

Judge Paul Wilson was skeptical. He asked where else the limited definition would be acceptable.

“Should we apply that in a soliciting sex case, saying that if it does not result in a completed transaction, it isn’t soliciting?” Wilson asked.

Patton said the intent to receive sexual activity is what qualifies the act as soliciting.&nbsp;

And if a person working for a voter registration drive does not intend to personally collect registration forms, he said, it would not violate the law.

“Unless there is an exchange of a completed application, we do not believe that is soliciting,” Patton said.

The law includes criminal penalties for people who violate the restrictions on registering new voters. That has a chilling impact on free speech because it is open to interpretation, Kristen Mulvey of the Missouri ACLU told the judges.

The state has been unable to provide a consistent definition, Mulvey said. That will lead local law enforcement to make its own interpretations, she added.

“It is not the secretary of state,” Mulvey said, “but each of the 115 prosecutors who are also defendants in this case, who are tasked with enforcing the criminal provisions.”

Missouri Supreme Court reviews voter ID mandate, ban on paid registration efforts

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating another fatal shooting in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the area of 55th and Wabash on the sound of gunshots, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers checked the area and located a vehicle mid block to the south in the east side alley. Inside the vehicle officers located an a woman shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS who responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene canvassing for any witnesses.&nbsp; The shooting appears to have happened in the alley of the location, according to Becchina. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: KC woman found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle

COWLEY COUNTY—The Arkansas City Police Department recognized the outstanding work and bravery of Master Police Officer Shannese McIntosh Thursday.

According to a social media report from the police department, on November 12, officers were dispatched to a call involving an unresponsive 6-week-old baby who wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. Upon arriving, MPO McIntosh immediately took action, performing CPR and giving the infant every possible chance. 

The baby was transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Wichita for additional care. On Thursday, the police department shared that baby Nova Raie is doing great.

Nova Raie and her mother even stopped by the department to visit MPO McIntosh after she was released from the hospital — a moment that meant a great deal to all at the Arkansas City Police Department.

"Please join us in commending Master Police Officer McIntosh for her quick response, skill, and compassion. Her actions made a profound difference, and we are incredibly proud to have her on our team."

Kansas officer's quick action helped save life of baby

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal&nbsp;accident that occurred just after midnight November 14 in Wyandotte County have released the name of the victim as 32-year-old Antonio Rutiaga-Leyva, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.

A vehicle was northbound in the 300 Block of North James Street at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control at a curve and continued over the bridge.

EMS transported one occupant to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The second occupant, identified as&nbsp;Rutiaga-Leyva, was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police did not release information on who was driving or other details as they continue to investigate.

Police ID victim who died after vehicle traveled off Kan. bridge

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Two suspects are in custody and facing multiple allegations following a stolen vehicle pursuit, initiated by the Real Time Crime Center in Shawnee County.

Just after 10a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) received notification of a stolen vehicle near SE 21st Street and SE California Avenue, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies responded to the area and received updates from the RTCC, leading them to the stolen vehicle. The white Nissan Rogue was recently reported stolen out of Lawrence and the license plate on the Nissan was reported stolen out of Topeka.

A deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the 2000 block of SE California Avenue. However, the driver, later identified s 38-year-old Destine S. Back of Topeka refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit ended near SW 27th Street and SW Fillmore Street and both occupants ran from the vehicle. 

A K-9 Unit found Back hiding near a residence’s trashcans and a male passenger identified as 28-year-old Daizhon D. W. Amos of Topeka was located walking in the area.

Destinee S. Back is being held in the the Shawnee County Department

of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Fail to stop for a red traffic control device, Vehicles; display plate not assigned, Possession of a hallucinogenic drug,&nbsp;Possession of stolen property and Flee or attempt to elude

Daizhon D. W. Amos, booked into jail on requested charges of Interference with law enforcement and Possession of marijuana. Amos also had a parole violation hold.

Kansas woman, wanted for car theft, was hiding behind trash cans

MCDONALD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in McConald County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Buick Park Avenue driven by a 39-year-old Anderson man was eastbound on Highway F one half mile west of Anderson. The car was traveling too fast for conditions. It crossed the center line and struck a 2026 Ram 2500 driven by a 54-year-old Anderson man.

 The Buick driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver was not injured. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of a ccident victims.&nbsp;

Mo. driver traveling too fast for conditions killed in car, pickup crash

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">Ashley Murray</a>

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition on social media Thursday and threatened them with punishment as severe as death, after they appeared in a video message encouraging U.S. armed forces to refuse “illegal orders.”

Trump also shared another social media post that said the Democrats should be hanged.

The video’s distribution online by Democrats comes as the Trump administration is mired in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5612793/national-guard-tennessee-trump-court-lawsuit" target="_blank">multiple legal cases</a>&nbsp;objecting to the president’s deployment of National Guard troops to cities across the country, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/trump-v-illinois/" target="_blank">challenge</a>&nbsp;to Guard troops in Chicago which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In several morning posts on his own social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT”&nbsp;