The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha and Kansas City districts have released a draft feasibility report and environmental study aimed at revolutionizing flood risk management along the Lower Missouri River.

The System Plan, detailed in a newly published Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), outlines a comprehensive strategy to bolster resiliency across the entire basin. Beyond flood protection, the plan identifies projects designed to deliver ecological, recreational, and economic benefits to local communities.

Officials are now inviting federal and state agencies, Tribal nations, local governments, and the general public to review the documents and submit formal comments. The public comment period is open through March 9, 2026.

“The System Plan is a roadmap for the future of the Lower Missouri River,” the districts stated in a joint release. “We are looking for input to ensure these actions effectively address flood risks while supporting the social and environmental health of the region.”

The draft files and an electronic comment form are available on the project’s official website. Written comments can also be submitted via mail or email to the Planning Branches in Kansas City or Omaha:

USACE has scheduled a series of in-person public meetings and webinars for late February 2026. Specific dates, times, and locations will be posted on the project website, though officials noted that schedules may shift due to inclement weather.

Following the review period, the Corps expects to address all feedback and issue a Final PEIS in the spring of 2026.

USACE Seeks Public Input on Lower Missouri River Flood Resiliency Plan

House Speaker Jon Patterson says the intent is to exempt fuel and the bill — which would allow sales tax on ‘any goods and services’ — will be changed so there is no new tax on fill-ups

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>

The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR174&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">version of a proposal</a>&nbsp;meant to implement the governor’s income tax cut could also trigger a first for Missouri: sales taxes on gasoline and diesel, a result the bill’s sponsor says was accidental.

Under the terms of the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services” and the revenue would be exempt from the prohibition on using money generated from a tax on fuel sales for state needs&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=IV++++30(a)&amp;bid=31846&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">other than highways</a>.&nbsp;

Missouri has earmarked money from taxes on motor fuels for highways&nbsp;<a href="https://www.modot.org/modot-history" target="_blank">since 1928</a>.

That is not the intent, Patterson said in an interview with The Independent on Thursday, the day after he filed a revised version of the proposal that fixes earlier errors and expands on limitations intended to prevent a windfall of new revenue for state and local governments.

“There is absolutely zero intention on my part to see any increase in the motor fuel tax,” Patterson said.

An amendment to his bill will be prepared to make that explicit, Patterson said. The reference to how taxes on motor fuels are used is intended to prevent a new sales tax on fuel, Patterson said, not to divert money from highways.&nbsp;

“The purpose of that whole paragraph is to say, ‘no, the motor fuel tax is not part&nbsp;of this,’” Patterson said.

Gov. Mike Kehoe, in a brief interview, declined to comment on imposing sales tax on fuel. He said he had not read Patterson’s proposal.

Missourians, who would have to vote on Patterson’s proposal, don’t want to pay more for gasoline, said Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, at his weekly news conference.

“They’re going to be upset,” Beck said. “I think they’re going to be upset because there’s a lot of this.”

Kehoe and Republicans who control the General Assembly have made&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/gov-mike-kehoe-wants-voters-to-decide-whether-missouri-should-eliminate-its-income-tax/">eliminating the state income tax</a>&nbsp;on individuals their top priority for the year. Patterson’s proposal, which is expected to receive a public hearing next week, does not specify a sales tax rate to replace the income tax.

Missouri currently charges 4.225% on taxable goods other than food from groceries and vending machines. Of that, 3% is for general revenue, generating about one-fifth of the $13.4 billion in general revenue collected in the most recent fiscal year.

Local sales tax can double or almost triple the basic state rate.

The version filed Wednesday is Patterson’s second attempt. A constitutional amendment he&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR165&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">filed last week</a>&nbsp;had a drafting error that misstated which article contains the limit on the use of highway funds.

Patterson’s new proposal asks voters to grant lawmakers broad authority to expand sales tax to currently untaxed goods and services. Services such as accounting fees for tax preparation or car repairs are not currently taxed, and goods currently exempt include prescription drugs and home utilities.

In his State of the State Address, Kehoe said he wants to target “monthly subscriptions and digital services like online advertising, e-books and AI platforms that fall outside our current sales tax base.”

Lawmakers are also authorized by Patterson’s proposed amendment to set revenue triggers that would reduce, and then eliminate, the individual income tax as early as Jan. 1, 2031.

The exact list of things to be taxed, and the rate needed to replace current revenue, will be decided later, if voters approve his amendment, Patterson said.

“The people and their elected representatives will come together and decide, No.1, if they even want to do this, and if they do how they’re going to do it,” Patterson said. “But it’ll be the people and their elected representatives doing it together.”

Asking voters to trust Republican leaders to get the details right is irresponsible, Beck said. The GOP has rushed and made mistakes on tax cuts,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/09/18/court-battle-looms-over-kc-precinct-listed-twice-in-missouris-new-congressional-map/">congressional district maps</a>&nbsp;and state budget estimates, he added.

When a bill eliminating the income tax on capital gains passed last year, it carried an estimated price tag of about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-approves-tax-cuts-for-capital-gains-diapers-and-low-income-seniors/">$160 million</a>&nbsp;in the current fiscal year and ongoing cost of $111 million The actual revenue cut is about $500 million in the current year and $350 million annually.

The mistake in state budget estimates was a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">$250 million math error</a>&nbsp;in the forecast for how much the state would have on hand at the end of June 2027.

“The whole tax scheme in general, I’m just going to be honest with you, is ill conceived,” Beck said.

Missouri’s two largest population centers are on the state’s border and people who can shift purchases over the state line to avoid taxes will do so, Beck said.

“I don’t see this as an economic driver for the state,” Beck said. “I don’t see this as helping anything.”

Gasoline prices are one of the most visible barometers of the economy, rising after disruptions or when there is high sustained demand and falling when supplies are plentiful or purchases fall off in a recession.

Missouri fuel taxes have increased 12.5 cents per gallon since Oct. 1, 2021, and stand at 29.5 cents a gallon.&nbsp;

Missourians consume about 4.1 billion gallons each year, generating approximately $1.2 billion in highway revenue.

That fuel, if sold at $2.50 per gallon, would generate about $435 million if subject to the the current state sales tax. The price of a 15-gallon fill-up would increase from $37.50 to $39.10.

Republicans have been cutting state income tax rates since 2014, when the top rate stood at 6% for taxable incomes greater than $9,000. The top rate is now 4.7%. Two future cuts, bringing the rate down to 4.5%, are already on the books and will take effect if general revenue growth hits certain targets.

Missouri collected $9.2 billion from the individual income tax before refunds in fiscal 2025. Generating the same revenue on the current sales tax base would require an additional sales tax of about 8.5%.

Those funds pay for public schools, prisons and medical care for more than 1.3 million people, among other state services.

The goal, Patterson said, is to replace a tax structure put in place in the 1920s and 1930s with one that fits modern economic activity.

“It really needs to be modernized,” Patterson said. “And this is something that you’re seeing, not just in red states or blue states. A lot of states are looking at modernizing their tax system.”

The lack of details on what will — and what won’t — be taxed is a big problem, Beck said.

“They’re taking (income tax) away,” Beck said, “and they’re saying the legislature knows better than the people, just like they’ve done in the past.”

New Missouri income tax cut plan could allow first-ever sales tax on gas and diesel

The Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art will again host a special Valentine's Day event for people to attend 

Marketing and Communications Manager Madison McKinley says the museum has been lucky to have the special event to welcome people in on the weekend 

“We’re doing a five course meal from Luna’s Fine Dining and Catering, we’re going to have a specialty bar,  (Executive Director) Eric (Fuson) is going to give an artist talk over some of the pieces in our collection that relate to love,” McKinley says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “It’s just going to be an evening to bring your special someone out.” 

McKinley says it is also a great event to bring your friends out to if you are hosting the ever-popular GALentine day.   

Executive Director Eric Fuson says the event is well attended and always popular because it's different from every other sort of dinner the museum hosts. 

"We do have our regular seating in our cafe, but just for a little bit more you can sit out in the gallery spaces, so it will be kind of very intimate,” Fuson explains.  “We have a few tables out throughout the gallery spaces, and that is just a totally different experience to sit down, really take a little time to enjoy your food, and enjoy the space you’re in, it really is a special night for sure.” 

McKinley says it is best to get your tickets early if possible. 

“The sooner the better, we have a registration on our website, or you can also call the museum and get set up with it directly over the phone if that’s easier for you,” McKinley says. 

The event will run from 6 to 9pm on Valentine's Day evening.  Tickets are $85 per person, or $95 if you'd like to sit in the gallery.  Contact the museum or go online to purchase tickets. 

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

Have your Valentine's date among the art at the Albrecht Kemper

NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.

The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled.  Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.

He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station.  Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. 

Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. 

I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time.

So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.

I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.

I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. 

That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.

Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that.

You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small."

 One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.

I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. 

I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. 

I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.

Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.

But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. 

But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this.

There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. 

And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. 

So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. 

This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.

That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.

And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. 

So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently.

So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. 

But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.

But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

🎥 Forward Ever: Astronaut Victor Glover discusses Artemis II mission to moon

Extremely frigid temperatures are ravaging the area and it's important to keep not only your safety in mind, but also your pets.  

Wind chills are expected to make temperatures feel as low as –22 today and possible snow is expected this weekend as well. 

Melanie Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says pets should never be outside in these temperatures, but if they have to be make sure to have adequate housing for them 

"If you have an outside dog house or a cat shelter, it needs to be up off the ground, or there needs to be a lot of insulation like foam piece in between, not like an egg shell foam I’m talking about like an actual white foam cooler that kind of thing, but it really should be up off the ground,” Barnes says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “People don’t realize the ground when it is frozen, when temps are going to get like they are for us, that ground will absorb heat in a matter of a short period of time.” 

Barnes says to also ensure your pet has a fresh source of water, because it will freeze, and that it also has the right amount of food to keep it safe and healthy.  

Barnes with Friends of the Animal Shelter says if you have to let your pet out in the cold, be sure to watch for signs they need to come inside 

"They may be having fun, but if they start to shiver and, or whine, even though they may still be looking like they enjoy it, they’re getting cold,” Barnes explains.  “They’re showing you the signs that they are getting cold, so that may be the time to bring them in.” 

Barnes says if you get beyond the shivering and your pet starts to slow down or curl up things are getting beyond safe for the animal.  

While keeping your pets in mind in the extreme cold, it’s also important to consider those pets and animals that live outside 

Barnes says if you have cats that live outside in your area, be sure to check your car before getting on the road 

"Go ahead and do a couple bangs on the hood, or just some light taps, make some noise they say clap your hands, I’m not saying you have to get real aggressive with your car don’t hurt yourself, clap your hands do some other things just to make sure  we don’t have, not only cats, but maybe just anything else that likes to climb up underneath there,” Barnes says. 

Barnes says it's also important, much like the hotter months, to not keep your pets inside a car as the temperatures get this cold to avoid hypothermia. 

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

As extreme cold temps strike area keep your pets protected

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

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. 

MSHP advises avoiding unnecessary travel as winter weather ravages the area

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

March corn closed up 6 1/2 cents and May corn was up 5 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 3 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 3 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 15 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 14 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 1 1/4 cents.

Friday was a generally positive close to a generally positive week for row-crop futures. Corn futures showed bullish life and vastly improved the technical situation for the March contract, thanks largely to a multi-year high for corn sold in the export market during the week ended Jan. 15. Meanwhile, wheat futures posted a double-digit gain on increased weather premium ahead of this weekend's winter storm, with the March KC contract posting its highest close since mid-November. Finally, soybeans also were positive on strong export sales as well but also on continued spillover strength from the soybean oil market.&nbsp;

The live cattle complex was trading sharply higher into midday Friday as traders have grown more confident, and some light cash cattle trade has developed. The feeder cattle complex also traded slightly higher, but its gusto this morning hasn't been as aggressive or notable as the live cattle market's, which could potentially be because demand in the countryside has been slightly off. &nbsp;The lean hog complex was trading mixed and ended in the red as the nearby contracts were trading a bit lower while the deferred months continue to scale higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/26205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

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>

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 for Life: Vance touts Trump admin. record against abortion

LAWRENCE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Friday in Lawrence County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda Civic driven by a 19-year-old Aurora man was southbound on MO K three miles north of Aurora. The car crossed the center of the road and struck a 2012 Dodge Ram driven by a 36-year-old Springfield man head-on.

The Honda driver was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported the pickup driver and two passengers in the pickup including a 36-year-old woman and a 9-year-old boy to Mercy Hospital. The drivers and female passenger in the pickup were not wearing seat belts, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victim.

Mo. man dead, 9-year-old and 2 adults injured after head-on crash

DOUGLAS COUNTY – After a nearly 4-hour city-wide search, Lawrence Kansas Police officers arrested a man they suspect went to an apartment, knocked on the door, then shot another man at the entrance, according to a media release from Lawrence Police.

Just before noon Friday, police were called to the Hawks Point apartments on Lynch Court. Responding officers found the victim and others at the scene. They identified a suspect and gained a description of the vehicle he took off in. The victim was reported in critical condition.

Local

Region

Sports

Agriculture