Bitterly cold temperatures are striking the area starting today and going throughout the weekend.   

Shane Hux with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says as these conditions ravage the area 

"We’re not advising any type of travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “It’s kind of nice that it’s on a weekend, but yet that’s when a lot of people get out and do some traveling.” 

Knowing people will have to travel this weekend, Hux says to be sure your vehicle is road worthy and to be prepared for the worst 

“Have some blankets in there, extra coats, hats, gloves, warm shoes, and then make sure your cell phone is fully charged, have an extra charger with you,” Hux explains.  “If you’re going on long distance travel, medications, take those with you.” 

Hux says every trooper available will be out patrolling during this winter storm, but there still may be delayed response due to the weather, so it's best to be prepared.  He adds if you do have to travel, and you become stranded, it's best to stay in your car 

"Reason why that’s important is because we have seen people who exit their vehicle, are then struck by vehicles, so it’s a lot safer for you to be inside your vehicle,” Hux says.  “But you want to make sure that your vehicle is not in a snow drift, and your exhaust is covered up with snow to cause that carbon monoxide.” 

Hux says when it comes to the first winter event of the year, people usually aren't as prepared, but luckily this isn't the first of this winter 

“We hope that people adhere to the advance warnings that have been in place by the National Weather Service, and like I said, just avoid at all costs any unnecessary travel,” Hus says. 

If you do get stranded, contact 911 or *55 for assistance. 

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

MSHP advises avoiding unnecessary travel as winter weather ravages the area

One person has been arrested after a search warrant was executed by the Buchanan County Sherriff's Department on a home in St. Joseph by the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force

Buchanan County Sherriff Bill Puett reports that on Thursday, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force searched a home in the 2700 block of 21st Street in St. Joseph.&nbsp; Deputies found several pounds of multiple drugs as well as several firearms within the home.&nbsp;

As a result of the search warrant, one man was taken into custody.&nbsp; At this time an identity has not been made known.&nbsp; The case is being turned over to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.&nbsp;

One arrested following execution of search warrant by Buchanan County Sherriff's Department 

A stretch of Interstate 29 in Buchanan County will close in both directions next month for the demolition of the Gene Field Road bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced.

The closure is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, with the interstate expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Clarkson Construction Company is the contractor for the project.

During the closure, MoDOT will implement the following detours:

Gene Field Road will remain closed between Woodbine Road and Woodland Drive for the duration of the bridge replacement. The project, which is scheduled for completion in July 2026, will widen the bridge, replace the driving surface, and add sidewalks to both the north and south sides.

MoDOT officials noted that additional overnight lane closures on I-29 may occur between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. throughout the construction period. A 10.6-foot width restriction will also be in effect.

All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

I-29 in Buchanan County to close Feb. 7 for Gene Field Road Bridge demolition

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, alongside local entrepreneur founders, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for The Launch Pad on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. 

The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the facility’s new downtown location, 801 Felix St.

The Launch Pad is a tech-powered coworking and office space designed to serve as a catalyst for innovators, remote professionals, and small business owners throughout Northwest Missouri. By providing a centralized community hub, the initiative aims to remove traditional barriers for rural and under-resourced entrepreneurs within a 35-mile radius of St. Joseph.

The facility features a versatile range of workspaces tailored to different professional needs, including open coworking areas, dedicated desks, and private office rentals. Members will have access to business-grade amenities, shared-use technology, and modern conference rooms. Beyond physical space, The Launch Pad offers a robust support system including legal, accounting, and business development services.

To strengthen the regional startup ecosystem, the hub will host more than 20 community and business events annually, such as networking mixers, pitch nights, and mentorship sessions. The Launch Pad has set ambitious impact goals for the region, pledging to deliver over 100 mentorship hours and support the creation or retention of at least 10 local jobs each year.

This project was made possible through the Missouri Technology Corporation’s (MTC) Physical Infrastructure Grant Program, with additional programming provided by the Show-Me Network.

St. Joseph Chamber to celebrate grand opening of "The Launch Pad" entrepreneurial hub

Federal regulators are investigating a complaint filed by a local airport group alleging that the City of St. Joseph violated federal grant regulations and bidding processes by awarding an airport lease to Pan-Am Flight Services. 

The complaint, filed by local entrepreneur Lute Atieh, claims the city violated federal grant assurances by improperly awarding the lease. Atieh's bidding group, St. Joseph Air Center, alleges that the city failed to properly evaluate airport bid proposals and allowed internal pressure campaigns to influence the selection process. The city has until February 12 to respond to the allegations, and the FAA will review the case to determine potential noncompliance. 

Atieh's proposal emphasized preserving existing facilities and investments, while the current plan with Pan-Am allegedly violates grant regulations by consolidating property and displacing independent aeronautical businesses.

St. Joseph faces February deadline to answer federal complaint over airport lease selection

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ News 01/23/2026

An investigation by the Missouri Attorney General has inspired lawmakers to consider proposals to supervise the Missouri High School Activities Association

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

Changes to the organization that oversees high school athletics in Missouri are a top priority of state lawmakers this year, following allegations of discrimination under investigation by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway.

State Sen. Jason Bean, a Republican from Holcomb, and state Rep. Bennie Cook, a Houston Republican, have filed bills the past two years seeking to give the state authority when athletes and coaches appeal decisions made by Missouri High School Activities Association . Neither bill got any traction.&nbsp;

This year, their proposals are some of the first to get hearings in House and Senate committees and were namechecked by Gov. Mike Kehoe in his annual State of the State address.

“This reform is about good governance, consistent standards and ensuring that decisions impacting Missouri students and funded by Missouri taxpayers are made openly, fairly and responsibly,” Kehoe said. “Unelected bureaucrats cannot act like kings.”

The House Government Efficiency Committee and Senate Education Committee examined MSHSAA’s appeals process during public hearings Thursday morning. Bean and Cook both focused on incidents in which schools have appealed the association’s rulings, such as when a scoring mistake&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsiltv.com/news/missouri/cooter-high-school-mshsaa-appeal-unsuccessful-in-cooter-basketball-game-error/article_d1460898-be8f-11ed-98b8-5717c15936c2.html" target="_blank">changed the outcome of a basketball quarterfinal game in 2023</a>.

“I don’t see the role of this new oversight board as one to absorb the day-to-day governance of MSHSAA,” Bean told the Senate committee. “Rather, parents, students, coaches, school districts, etc., need an avenue to appeal decisions made by MSHSAA to an independent oversight board.”

Their bills set the framework for a board appointed by the governor that could handle appeals. Currently, MSHSAA has a two-pronged appeals process that allows athletes and their parents to challenge rules and decisions.

But a process in which MSHSAA oversees appeals of its decisions doesn’t satisfy everyone.

Nick Purler, who runs a wrestling academy in Moscow Mills, said he’s watched his wrestlers face MSHSAA decisions “who should have been treated more fairly.”

“MSHSAA seems to be the judge, jury and executioner, and I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.

MSHSAA operates as a member organization and is not run by the state, though most of the state’s public schools and many private schools have signed on as members.

Democrats questioned the idea of regulating a private, nonprofit organization.

“If we start here on nonprofits and say that there could be an appointed board by the governor, where are we to stop?” said state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat. “Think about the amount of nonprofits that exist across the state. Now it is the state’s job to get involved in all of these other nonprofits?”

Senate Education Committee Chairman Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, argued that MSHSAA has a monopoly over high school athletics in the state. Although it’s a voluntary organization, there is not another option for public schools who want to participate in interscholastic competition.

MSHSAA Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad told the committee that the association operates as a democracy, with member schools voting on its bylaws.

“The schools have said, ‘We’ve set up our rules and now we need somebody to help us to follow them,’” she said. “So they have hired a staff, and they have tasked us to be the experts on the rules they have written, and they have asked us to help them enforce those rules.”

MSHSAA’s board of directors, which has eight members and two at-large members, is elected by schools. A policy created in 2004 establishing the two at-large positions has caught the attention of lawmakers, driving attention to the legislation.

The policy requires the at-large positions to be filled by “candidates representing the under-represented gender of the current board or an under-represented ethnicity.”

Merlyn Johnson, superintendent of the Cassville School District, reported this policy to the Missouri State Auditor’s Office last year after he was deemed ineligible to run for an at-large position.

Rukstad,&nbsp;<a href="https://ago.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/Lettter-to-AGO.pdf" target="_blank">in an email to Johnson in March</a>, said the board “has a majority of males,” which disqualified him unless he identified with an underrepresented “ethnicity or race group.”

In November, Hanaway announced she was investigating the incident, calling the policy an “overtly racist practice.” Rukstad was not embarrassed when her email to Johnson became public, she told committee members, because she believes the policy is not discriminatory.

The eight original seats on the board are open to any administrator, she said. It is just the two at-large positions with “additional qualifiers.”

State Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, said the email fueled his support for the legislation.

“Seeing this email really has me ticked off,” he said. “Just adding up all the different flaws within MSHSAA, I think that is the reason why this is a sound bill.”

Neither committee took immediate action on the bills Thursday.

State oversight of Missouri State High School Activities Association a priority for lawmakers

Traffic has resumed on Atchison County Route F near Westboro following the successful reopening of the Rock Creek Bridge on Wednesday, Jan. 21.

 The Missouri Department of Transportation, alongside contractor Emery Sapp &amp; Sons, Inc., completed the deck replacement ahead of schedule, restoring access to a route that had been closed since October 20, 2025.

This project was part of a multi-bridge improvement initiative aimed at extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure in the region. In addition to the Rock Creek Bridge, the project included deck replacements for the Mill Creek Bridge on Holt County Route T and the U.S. Route 59 Bridge over Interstate 29.

Rock Creek Bridge reopens in Atchison County

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating three suspects on multiple allegations after a drug bust in Brown County.

Just after 8p.m. on Jan. 18, a sheriff's deputy responded to a&nbsp; call of a domestic disturbance in Fairview, Kansas, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Upon arrival and after the initial investigation, a search warrant was then approved for the residence at 114 W. Front Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 At the conclusion of the warrant, 69-year-old Jane Teske of Fairview was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction.

&nbsp; Robert Hobbs, 50, of Fairview was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction.&nbsp;

Yvette Ward, 56, Pawnee City Nebraska was arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of DrugParaphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Domestic disturbance led to drug bust at Kan. home

HOLT&nbsp; COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Wednesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Toyota Prius driven by an 81-year-old Maitland man was southbound on U.S. 59 at Holt 215 five miles south of Mound City. The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. The car traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The car began to skid, returned to the road, traveled off the east side of the road, struck an embankment and rolled onto its roof.

Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver to Fairfax Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man hospitalized after rollover accident

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

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

Iowa Corn Growers Applaud Carbon Capture Legislation

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

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

USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

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

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

No Year-Round E15 in Congressional Spending Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commodity markets daily recap

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday only will feature a free MO Child Identification program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheep Officials Meet with USDA on Assistance

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

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

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

SNAP to be a Huge Issue in the Midterm Elections

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

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

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

China Meets U.S. Soybean Purchase Pledge

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

Tuesday was an overall mixed to lower day across U.S. row-crop markets, with grain futures easing and oilseed futures surrendering early gains and a selling mindset overtook most markets by early afternoon. Most of the early positive influence on the soybean complex likely came via outside energy markets on Tuesday, with crude oil futures firm on buying interest following last week's profit-taking pullback, and natural gas futures leading the sector with a 25% daily surge amid a return to very cold conditions across the U.S. after a very mild past month. Lastly, stocks and the U.S. Dollar Index both saw intense selling to start the shortened trading week following a heightening of tensions between the U.S. and Europe over President Trump's plans to acquire Greenland, with the president threatening a fresh round of tariff increases on eight countries if a deal is not reached allowing for the U.S. purchase of Greenland.

Following last Friday's sharp decline, the live cattle complex traded cautiously higher into the closing bell on Tuesday. The spot April contract is hovering above the market's 100-day moving average, which remains a very critical threshold to monitor, as a close below that price point could signal continued downward pressure. Still nothing has developed in this week's fed cash cattle market and won't likely until Thursday or Friday. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Kansas, about steady in Nebraska/Colorado, but lower in Texas. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $1.99 ($366.32) and select down $0.79 ($359.54) with a movement of 54 loads (42.95 loads of choice, 6.13 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 5.24 loads of ground beef).

And much like the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts are trading slightly higher into midday Tuesday following last Friday's severe break. The feeder cattle complex will likely continue to follow in the live cattle market's wake, waiting and hoping for increased fundamental support.

The lean hog complex is traded narrowly mixed on Tuesday, seeming technically unafraid that the market is breaking into new contract highs in the spot April contract. It is worth noting that pork cutouts were higher, but it will remain critical that fundamental support remains strong this week if traders are going to keep their momentum in the market.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/20142724/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

TOPEKA — A Senate committee endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases to appraised property values at 3%, and roll back the clock to 2022 assessments.

Republicans on the Senate tax committee said during debate Wednesday that the cap was just part of the solution for easing the property tax burden on homeowners.

“We all know that this constitutional amendment will not lower property tax, right? said&nbsp; Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston. “And I want to be clear, we put that out there, will not lower it. May slow the growth, but it will not lower it.”

Owens said he hopes the committee also will look at ways to limit mill levies that local governments can assess.

The committee is considering a variety of measures to address property taxes, including legislation that would provide a tax refund when a house sells for below the appraised value.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/scr1616/" target="_blank">Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616</a>&nbsp;would require county appraisals in 2027 to be no more than 3% higher than the values as assessed in 2022, and it would limit year-to-year increases after that to 3%. If two-thirds of the full Senate and House were to approve the resolution, voters in the August primary would have the opportunity to rewrite the state constitution with the 3% cap.

Sen. Jeff Klemp, R-Lansing, noted that by going back to 2022 appraisals, the amendment would provide some immediate relief in lowering property tax bills.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/14/kansas-republicans-home-assessed-value-cap-may-or-may-not-reduce-property-taxes/">During an earlier hearing</a>&nbsp;on the proposed constitutional amendment, opponents complained that it would have the effect of shifting the burden of funding local government services to other taxes.

“I did spend several hours yesterday evening on the phone with several county commissioners across the state taking a look,” said Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, who chairs the tax committee. “They all understand that we have to move on property taxes. So, may not be an agreement on the movement, but they understand this is part of the puzzle.”

After advancing SCR 1616 on Wednesday, the committee heard testimony on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb319/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 319</a>, which would allow residential, commercial and industrial property owners to apply for a tax rebate if property sells for less than the appraised value.

Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, introduced the bill. He told the committee he was upset that the Johnson County appraiser compared his 24-year-old home to newly built homes and one directly on a golf course to determine its value. He blamed the unfair comparisons for a 6.5% increase in his appraisal last year.

“We’ve been, basically, in my personal experience, overpaying tax, what I believe to be overpaying tax, for quite some time on the property based on the assigned value, based on the comparables,” Thompson said.

He said he understands the job of appraisers is difficult but that he thinks the bill will force them “to get as close as they can.”

Under the bill, property owners could seek a refund for property taxes paid in excess of the actual sale price for the year of the sale, as well as the past four years.

The committee received written testimony from eight proponents, including the Kansas Chamber and individual taxpayers. The Kansas Association of Counties and League of Kansas Municipalities opposed the bill.

Jay Hall, with the Kansas Association of Counties, told the committee that residential appraisals actually average about 93% of the sale price.

Kansas Senate panel advances constitutional amendment to cap property value increases

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in Kansas City continue investigating the circumstances that prompted an Amber Alert Thursday in Kansas City.

Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued the Amber Alert for a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister who were missing.&nbsp; The children, who were found safe, had last been seen about 6:30p.m. on Thursday near Barry and Maple Woods Road in Kansas City, according to Kansas City Police.

The siblings were with 27-year-old Lyrick Bryson who was driving a&nbsp;silver 2-door Infiniti with Missouri temporary tags, 008DMLF, according to the Alert.

Just after 10:15p.m., police reported they located the car and the children in south Kansas City, and took Bryson into custody.. Police released no additional details including the relationship between Bryon and the children.

Amber Alert suspect in custody, children found and are safe

Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation at 7:30 a.m. Friday due to winter weather forecast to impact the state this weekend, according to a statement from the Adjutant General’s Department. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance, specifically the waiver of hours of service for transportation, fuel, hours of service, and propane providers.&nbsp;

A significant winter storm is forecast to impact a large portion of the country. An arctic front will usher in frigid temperatures and strong, gusty winds, creating dangerous wind chills. Snowfall amounts will vary across Kansas, ranging from light accumulations to several inches.

“The current forecast for much of the state calls for frigid temperatures accompanied by snow and wind gusts,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “I urge everyone to be prepared. Stay inside as much as possible and avoid travel if you can. Make sure your home emergency kit is stocked and if you must travel, be sure your car emergency kit is ready.”

A home emergency kit should include a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing, nonperishable food, high-energy snacks, and drinking water, at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of seven days. For more information on emergency kits, go online to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ready.gov/kit">https://www.ready.gov/kit</a>.

It is also advisable to keep an emergency supply kit in your car that also includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, and cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).

Avoid travel if you can. If you do travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans and that your vehicle has a full tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Ensure your mobile phone is charged and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. Whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather forecast.

For continuously updated road information, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.KanDrive.gov</a>&nbsp;and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 - for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be monitoring the situation and will assist counties and local responders if requested.

Kansas gov. issues state of disaster emergency for winter storm

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City continue asking the public for help with information to locate a suspect in the death of 33-year-old Charles Lewis.

At 4:30p.m. Wednesday, police were called to Linwood and Broadway in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While en route officers were advised there was a person possibly shot inside a vehicle there.&nbsp;On arrival officers were directed to a vehicle near the intersection where they located a shooting victim, later identified as Lewis, unresponsive alone inside the vehicle. 

Officers called for EMS who responded for treatment of the victim. EMS subsequently transported Lewis to the hospital where he was ultimately declared deceased by medical personnel. This case is being investigated as a homicide, according to Becchina. 

Preliminary information from callers and people at the scene when officers arrived indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when another vehicle pulled along side his vehicle and shots appear to have been fired from that vehicle into the victim vehicle striking the victim.

Detectives worked through the night and have made significant progress identifying a subject of interest, according to Becchina.

This is a heavily traveled area with vehicle and foot traffic at this time of day, detectives are optimistic that there could be multiple very valuable witnesses.

 If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline

KCPD making progress investigating drive-by killing 

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — The House Thursday passed four appropriations bills to fund the government and avert a partial shutdown, but Democrats largely objected to spending on the Department of Homeland Security amid aggressive immigration enforcement in communities across the country.&nbsp;

Democrats have pushed for tougher oversight of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. In addition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/progressives-congress-vow-oppose-immigration-enforcement-funding" target="_blank">members of the progressive wing</a>&nbsp;of the caucus vowed to not approve any funding for DHS after federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this month.&nbsp;

The 37-year-old mother’s death led to massive community protests and&nbsp; thousands of ICE agents have aggressively descended into Minnesota.

“(Homeland Security Secretary) Kristi Noem and ICE are out of control,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. “Taxpayer dollars are being misused to brutalize U.S. citizens, including the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. This extremism must end.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20260119/DEF%20LHHS%20HS%20THUD%20-%20Bill%20Text%20-%201-19-2026.PDF" target="_blank">The four bills</a>&nbsp;— Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services and Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development — are the last remaining appropriations bills needed to avoid a partial government shutdown by Jan. 30.&nbsp;

The Homeland Security funding bill passed&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202642?Page=2" target="_blank">220-207</a>. The remaining bills passed&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202645?Page=2" target="_blank">341-88.</a>

Democrats who joined Republicans in voting for the Homeland Security bill included Reps. Jared Gold of Maine,&nbsp;Henry&nbsp;Cuellar of Texas, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state, Tom Suozzi of New York, Don Davis of North Carolina, Laura Gillen of New York and&nbsp;Vicente Gonzalez of Texas.

Republican Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted against the DHS funding bill.

Separately, GOP Rep. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the Rules Committee, added a provision to repeal a law that allows members of the U.S. Senate to sue for up to half a million dollars if their phone records were obtained by special counsel Jack Smith during his investigation into President Donald Trump’s efforts to subvert the 2020 presidential election. In a rare move, the&nbsp;<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/202640" target="_blank">provision passed unanimously.&nbsp;</a>

Smith was also on Capitol Hill Thursday to testify about his investigation before lawmakers on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.&nbsp;

The Senate will take up the appropriations bills when senators return from recess next week.

What does the Homeland Security bill include?

The Homeland Security bill provides $64.4 billion in funding for fiscal year 2026. It cuts funding for Customs and Border Protection by $1.3 billion, and maintains flat funding for ICE at $10 billion.

The bill attempts to put guardrails around immigration enforcement by allocating $20 million for body cameras for ICE and CBP officers.&nbsp;

It also requires DHS to provide monthly updates on how the agency is spending the $190 billion it received from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the president’s signature tax and spending cuts package signed into law last summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill also restricts ICE to spending only $3.8 billion of its fiscal budget on detention. However, the agency will still be able to pull $75 billion from OBBBA, including for detention.

Most Dems say they can’t back any ICE funding

During Thursday’s debate of the bill, Republicans supported the Homeland Security bill, and argued that it contains other agencies beside immigration enforcement.&nbsp;

But a majority of Democrats said they could not vote to approve the agency’s funding because of ICE’s actions.

“I think we should look at the bill in its totality,” GOP Appropriations Chair Tom Cole of Oklahoma said. “Encouraging people to believe we have massive bad actors in a particular agency… comparing law enforcement officers to the Gestapo or Nazis, that’s not true. The right thing to do is to fund the people who protect America.”

Foxx criticized Democrats for their concerns over ICE enforcement tactics. On the House floor, she defended the agency, arguing that “ICE agents are arresting some of the worst criminals imaginable.”

“The issue is that ICE is terrorizing communities and attacking people, including U.S. citizens,” countered the top Democrat on the Rules Committee, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts. “This is an out-of-control agency at war with communities across the country and they don’t give a damn that you are a U.S. citizen.”

The top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said he could not support voting for the bill because the Trump administration has weaponized the agency and “DHS has strayed from its core mission.”

“Republicans in control of Congress, however, are conducting zero oversight and do nothing but send blank check after blank check to DHS,” he said in a statement. “I have consistently supported the DHS workforce over the past two decades and continue to do so, but I cannot – in good conscience – vote to send another dime to CBP and ICE as they terrorize our communities and sully the constitution.”

Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said she will vote against the bill, even though she is proud of several provisions, such as the increase to Federal Emergency Management Agency funding and a pay raise for air traffic controllers.&nbsp;

But, she said, “It is impossible to ignore the impact ICE has had.”

“ICE is an agency that has shown itself to be lawless,” she said.

GOP Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada, the chair of the panel that deals with funding for Homeland Security, defended the funding bill, and noted that it provides immigration officers with body cameras. He said funds are also provided in the measure for the Coast Guard and agencies dealing with cybersecurity.&nbsp;

Cuellar of Texas, the top Democrat on that same panel, acknowledged that “this bill is not perfect.”&nbsp;

“It’s better than the alternative, leaving the department with a blank check,” he said. “This bill flat funds ICE but at the same time, we strengthen oversight of ICE.”

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum said the ICE enforcement in Minnesota and across the country is one of the “worst cases of civil rights violations by the federal government in recent history.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Minnesotans are being racially profiled on a mass scale, assaulted on our streets, kidnapped from our communities,” she said.&nbsp;

Many Dems refuse to vote to fund ICE as US House passes 4 spending bills

KANSAS CITY—One person died from injuries in an accident that occurred just after 12:30p.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

A man had off-loaded a grey Dodge Caravan from a transport truck&nbsp; at the Manheim Auto Auction, 8750 NE Parvin Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Captain Jake Bechina.

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