The Benton girls basketball team claimed their first Kearney tournament title since 2016, defeating Lafayette 60-46, holding off a rally from the Lady Irish in the second half after posting a dominant first half effort.&nbsp;

The Cardinals took over things in the first half of the game, in the first quarter knocking down four shots from beyond the arc and taking a 14-7 lead, before outscoring Lafayette in the second quarter 14-4, as the Lady Irish got off just two shots in total the entire quarter, going into the halftime break trailing 28-11.

Benton knocked down just five three's in the first half, taking 13 shots total.&nbsp; Senior Eliana Arambula says what she saw through the first half was drive and kick.&nbsp;

"Being able to attack we knew that they were going be out pressuring us a lot, so the best way to do that is go right through them and then try to find the kick out," Arambula tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "I know we have some really amazing shooters on our team, so being able to find them was really the biggest part for us."

Head Coach Rebecca Bailey says she thought her team did a good job getting downhill in the first half and getting open for shots on those kickouts.

"We tried to penetrate and do the same thing in the second half, we just weren't hitting as well in the second half as we were in the first half, but I thought the girls did a really good job of just trying to penetrate, draw the defense, and then knock the shots that we needed to hit when we hit them," Bailey says.

The Cardinals did continue to pull away in the third quarter, making the game look well in hand, though the Lady Irish fought back into it, trailing still by double digits at the end of the third quarter 44-25.&nbsp; The fourth quarter, things began to get interesting, and a last ditch effort by Lafayette proved fruitful.&nbsp;

The quarter was filled with mistakes for Benton, turnovers and missed shots that gave the Lady Irish the ball back, and Lafayette capitalized, ultimately cutting the Cardinals 19 point lead at the end of the third, down to as few as eight points.&nbsp; That's when Bailey called the timeout that turned the tide back in Benton's favor.&nbsp;

"The message to the girls was hey we're still up so don't hang your heads, you have worked your rears off to get to this point, so take a deep breath, be patient, go do what we know how to do, so just lock it in real quick," Bailey explains.&nbsp; "Really concentrate on doing the little things, getting where you need to be on defense, boxing out every possession, being really strong with the ball, moving the ball on offense, so just really take a deep breath, and let's get back to doing what we know how to do let's just do those basics, just kind of help us take a deep breath and reset a little bit."

Out of the break, Benton extended their lead back to double digits, and never let Lafayette get closer on way to the victory.&nbsp; It was the Cardinals first victory in the Kearney Bulldog Classic since 2016 when standout&nbsp;Daejah Bernard, a current assistant coach for the Arizona Sun Devils, was on the team.&nbsp; Arambula along with&nbsp;Jalynn Brown were named to the All Tournament team for Benton, while&nbsp;Emery Omon &amp; Laniya Carriger made the team for Lafayette.&nbsp;

Arambula and Brown both had 14 points to lead the Cardinals.&nbsp; Klarabelle Turner had nine points.&nbsp; For the Lady Irish, Omon had 14 points, while Carriger had 12 points.&nbsp; Rozlyn McDevitt had nine points.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

Benton girls top Lafayette for first Kearney Tournament title since 2016

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Jan. 19, certain St. Joseph city facilities will be closed or operating under different hours.

City offices, along with the recycling center, Remington Nature Center, and JRP Activity Center will be closed.

The landfill will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

City of St. Joseph offices to close for MLK Day

The Bushman Planetarium at Missouri Western State University will present a public showing of “Stars of the Pharaohs” coming up next week on January 23rd.

The show will allow viewers to travel to ancient Egypt to see how science was used to tell time, make a workable calendar and align huge buildings, as well as learn about the connection the ancient Egyptians felt with the stars and various astronomical phenomena.&nbsp; People will be able to experience some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of the ancient world.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children age 13 and under, students, employees, military and senior citizens age 60 and up. The show begins at 7pm next Friday, and planetarium tickets must be purchased in advance either online or in person at Agenstein Hall, room 140 during regular business hours.&nbsp; The planetarium is located in Agenstein Hall, room 147. 

For more information, please call 816-271-4288 or email planetarium@missouriwestern.edu.

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

New show coming to Bushman Planetarium at MoWest

South 22nd Street on the south side of Garfield Avenue in St. Joseph will be closed for repairs due to a leak by Missouri American Water.

Drivers traveling north on 22nd Street will be detoured to take Interstate 229 south to A Highway, A Highway to north 169, north 169 to Pear Street and then Pear Street west to 22nd Street.&nbsp; Drivers traveling south on 22nd Street will take Pear Street east to 169, 169 south to A Highway, A Highway to I-229 and then I-229 north to Highway 371.

The closure is expected to last until Wednesday, weather permitting.&nbsp; The City advised drivers to be cautious in work zones to ensure safety for themselves and the crews working.&nbsp;

Portion of South 22nd street closed due to water leak

Missouri hunters harvested a preliminary total of 301,954 deer during the 2025-2026 season, marking a significant rebound from the previous year, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The season, which concluded Jan. 15 with the close of archery hunting, saw an increase from the 275,656 deer taken during the 2024-2025 cycle. This year’s total included 145,222 antlered bucks, 25,129 button bucks, and 131,603 does.

MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said the results met expectations, particularly in southern Missouri where numbers had previously dipped. The 2025-2026 total was slightly above the state's five-year average and represents only the sixth time in Missouri history that the harvest has surpassed the 300,000 mark.

Franklin County led the state in overall harvest with 6,770 deer. Howell County followed with 5,490, and Callaway County rounded out the top three with 5,346.

Archery season alone accounted for 62,203 deer, an increase over the 56,516 taken by bowhunters last year. Jefferson County recorded the highest archery total with 1,571 deer, followed by Franklin County at 1,272 and St. Louis County at 1,076.

The MDC reported four non-fatal, self-inflicted firearms-related hunting incidents during the season. One of those incidents involved deer hunting, while the remaining three occurred during the pursuit of other game.

Missouri deer harvest surpasses 300,000 as 2025-26 season rebounds

Missouri American Water is urging residents and business owners to prepare their plumbing systems for freezing temperatures to avoid costly repairs and service disruptions this winter.

Company officials emphasize that proactive maintenance is the most effective way to prevent pipes from bursting when the thermometer drops.

"A little preparation goes a long way," said Jody Carlson, vice president of operations for Missouri American Water. "Locate your main shut-off valve, insulate exposed pipes, and stay alert to prevent costly damage."

The utility recommends that customers first locate and test their main water shut-off valve. These valves are typically found near the water meter or where the main pipe enters the building. Officials suggest hanging an identification tag on the valve so it can be found quickly during an emergency. To test the valve, residents should close it completely and check sinks to ensure the water flow has stopped.

While checking these lines, the company also encourages customers to identify their service line material. Missouri American Water is currently working to replace lines made of lead or galvanized steel.

To prevent freezing, homeowners should eliminate drafts in crawl spaces, basements and garages. Exposed pipes should be wrapped in insulation or heat tape. Additionally, outdoor irrigation systems should be completely drained and turned off for the season.

When temperatures remain below freezing, Carlson recommends opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach indoor plumbing and keeping a small trickle of water running through faucets to keep water moving.

For those traveling during the winter, the utility suggests keeping thermostats set to at least 55 degrees and having a neighbor check the property regularly.

If a pipe does freeze, the company advises shutting off the main water valve immediately. Pipes should be thawed by warming the air around them, but residents should never leave space heaters unattended or use open flames. Once thawed, the water should be turned back on slowly to check for leaks or cracks in the joints.

Missouri American Water urges residents to prep plumbing for winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NCMC revives classic Groundhog Day tradition for centennial celebration

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

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

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

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

Authorities in Brown County searching for missing man

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KFEQ Morning Sports

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

March corn closed down 21 cents and May corn was down 21 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 4 3/4 cents and May soybeans were down 5 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 3 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 3/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was down 2 1/2 cents.

Markets continued recovery efforts on Friday to close the week with relatively minimized losses in wheat and soybean futures, while Monday's plunge still leaves the corn market with a significant weekly turn lower. Grain markets will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Wheat was the flagship of the group for Friday, moving double digits higher on increased weather risk for U.S. crops through the weekend. Outside markets were mixed to close the week, with a firm U.S. Dollar on higher Treasury yields, while energy markets recovered from Thursday's risk-off session.

It turned out to be a grim session for the live cattle complex as most of the contracts were trading $3.00 to $4.00 lower into midday and into the close on Friday. Pinpointing why the market is trading lower to such a notable degree is challenging because, up until this point this week, the market has been solely focused on its strong fundamental position. But part of the market's uncertainty could stem from the fact that Thursday afternoon, eight new cases of New World screwworm were detected in Mexico, or because there's yet to be any cash cattle traded, which causes traders to become anxious. Nevertheless, today's downturn is somewhat out of the blue, following a week of mostly bullish sentiment. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.14 ($361.91) and select up $0.59 ($360.30) with a movement of 53 loads (37.00 loads of choice, 2.54 loads of select, 4.14 loads of trim and 9.53 loads of ground beef).

If you think the downturn in the live cattle complex is steep, don't even take a glimpse at the feeder cattle contracts, as most of them are traded $7.00 to $8.00 lower for the bulk of the session. Unfortunately, given how steep the contracts have declined, it's likely that the market will continue short term downward momentum even though fed cash cattle prices are expected to trade higher.

While the cattle complex plummeted ahead of the weekend, the lean hog contracts were minding their own business, trading mildly higher into Friday's close. It is helpful to note that midday pork cutout values were a tick higher, which continues to lend traders additional fundamental support and help keep the contracts trading higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/16145127/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Market estimates show that Brazil surpassed the U.S. as the world’s number one beef producer in 2025. Reports said that happened after Brazil beat output forecasts by hundreds of thousands of tons, easing a global supply squeeze and helping limit a surge in meat prices. Reuters said Brazil was already the biggest beef exporter, with shipments totaling almost $17 billion in 2025. 

Reports said that “Beef production numbers are not due till February, but analysts have recently raised their estimates,” and “Farmers are sending more animals to slaughter and cashing in on high export demand from countries like China and the U.S., where low beef supplies have pushed prices to record levels.” In addition reports also show that beef demand has stayed resilient, despite high prices, and the Trump administration’s overhaul of dietary guidelines putting protein at the top of the food pyramid will likely encourage Americans to buy more meat.

Brazil passes U.S. as top beef producer

New data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers said sales of ag tractors and combines in the U.S. fell in December 2025 compared to the same time last year. U.S. sales of total ag tractors dropped by 15 percent, while sales of combines declined 4.3 percent in December 2025 compared to the year before. Also, Canadian sales of ag tractors were down almost 14 percent, while combine sales jumped by 26 percent in December compared to the prior year.

 "December’s data is the result of economic instability and pressures farmers have been facing for the past several months,” said Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “Throughout this short-term decline in sales, equipment manufacturers remain committed to supporting farmers with the equipment they need.” Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, AEM remains confident in the industry’s resilience and unique ability to adapt. 

U.S. sales of ag tractors, combines decline in December 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RFA: More urgency about approving year-round E15

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

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

Farmland values enter a new phase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekly export inspection up across the board

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

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

Corn growers alarmed by new supply projections

The Kansas Supreme Court has unanimously affirmed the convictions of a man found guilty of killing two people in Reno County, rejecting arguments that errors during the trial warranted a new proceeding.

A jury previously convicted Hardwick of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. On direct appeal, Hardwick argued that the Reno County District Court erred by failing to instruct jurors on imperfect self-defense and by allowing evidence related to his post-arrest silence, which he said violated his Fifth Amendment rights.

In a unanimous opinion authored by Melissa Standridge, the court upheld the convictions, concluding that any error related to jury instructions was harmless in light of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial.

The court determined that even if an imperfect self-defense instruction should have been given, the absence of that instruction did not affect the outcome of the case because the evidence supporting the jury’s verdict was substantial.

The justices also rejected Hardwick’s claim regarding his post-arrest silence. The court ruled that the admission of this evidence did not violate constitutional protections because Hardwick “opened the door” through his own testimony by suggesting a willingness to cooperate with law enforcement that was inconsistent with his actual silence after arrest.

Additionally, the court found that prosecutors used the evidence narrowly and appropriately for impeachment purposes, rather than to suggest guilt, which the court said is constitutionally permissible.

As a result of the ruling, Hardwick’s convictions and sentences remain in place.

Hardwick was sentenced in April of 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for the murders of Marion Edward “Ed” Bates, 56, and Phillip “Phil” D. Anstine, 58, both of Hutchinson. Concurrent with his life convictions, Hardwick was sentenced to eight months for his third alternative count of theft and seven months for solicitation of perjury.

Kansas Supreme Court affirms conviction for double murder

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/j-patrick-coolican/">J. Patrick Coolican</a> <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey as part of a criminal investigation into whether they’ve impeded federal immigration enforcement, the&nbsp;Washington Post&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/16/trump-minnesota-walz-frey-criminal-investigation/" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;Friday.

The investigation intensifies an already combustible conflict between the feds and Minnesota, while also adding to the DOJ’s list of targets deemed enemies by President Donald Trump and his administration.&nbsp;

A DOJ spokesperson declined comment.&nbsp;

Walz’s office said he hadn’t received any notice of investigation.&nbsp;

Walz replied in a statement to the news: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” he said, referring to the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/3-democratic-lawmakers-federal-investigation-illegal-orders-social/story?id=129244803" target="_blank">U.S. senators</a>&nbsp;who made a video telling U.S. servicemembers that&nbsp;they can and must refuse illegal orders, as well as the&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5687457-fed-jerome-powell-justice-department-gop-criticism/" target="_blank">chairman</a>&nbsp;of the Federal Reserve, who has refused to lower interest rates as quickly as Trump desires. “Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” Walz said.&nbsp;

Frey called the investigation “an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement and our residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets.”&nbsp;

He added: “I will not be intimidated.”&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Post&nbsp;reported that “the&nbsp;subpoenas suggest that the Justice Department is examining whether Walz’s and Frey’s public statements disparaging the surge of officers and federal actions have amounted to criminal interference in law enforcement work.”

Walz, who announced earlier this month he&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/05/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-ends-campaign-for-third-term/">won’t seek</a>&nbsp;a third term, also used his statement to criticize the federal government for not properly investigating the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration officer Jonathan Ross. “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Six prosecutors in the Minnesota Office of U.S. Attorney quit this week,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/us/prosecutors-doj-resignation-ice-shooting.html#:~:text=Six%20Prosecutors%20Quit%20Over%20Push,supposed%20ties%20to%20activist%20groups." target="_blank">reported</a>, because they objected to their bosses’ push to investigate the widow of Good and their ties to anti-ICE groups.&nbsp;

The ICE surge, which has put as many as 3,000 federal agents in the state — or nearly five times the number of sworn officers with the Minneapolis Police Department —&nbsp;is just the latest round of an ongoing conflict between Minnesota and the federal government. Fraud in Minnesota’s social programs —&nbsp;often funded in whole or part by the federal government —&nbsp;has caught the attention of right-wing media and activists, and the Trump administration has followed with a wide array of investigations of Minnesota programs across a range of agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/15/homeland-security-audits-hennepin-healthcares/">auditing Hennepin Healthcare</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;Minnesota’s largest safety net hospital —&nbsp;for compliance with immigrant employment eligibility laws.

The<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-establishes-new-department-of-justice-division-for-national-fraud-enforcement/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Trump administration</a>&nbsp;has frozen child care payments and halted small business grants. The administration also says it’s investigating possible housing assistance fraud and looking into Minnesota’s&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/trump-admin-announces-target-review-of-minnesotas-unemployment-insurance-program/">unemployment insurance program</a>. The federal government has also attempted to withhold funds to Minnesota for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, but a federal court issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/15/federal-judge-blocks-usda-from-cutting-snap-benefits-in-minnesota" target="_blank">preliminary injunction.</a>

Earlier this week, Trump said he would cut all federal funding to Minnesota and other states that have sanctuary cities beginning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/13/white-house-end-funding-sanctuary-cities-states-00726557" target="_blank">Feb. 1,</a>&nbsp;but it’s unclear what that means and few details have been released.

Minnesota gov. to receive subpoena in criminal matter related to ICE

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that critically injured one person.

Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting call at the intersection of SE 6th St. and Sherman Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Police then received information on a shooting victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle. The shooting victim was air-lifted to a Kansas City hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police have reported no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim air lifted to a hospital

RILEY COUNTY— An elementary school was briefly evacuated on Friday due a fire.

Just before noon Friday, crews responded to a small fire at Marlatt Elementary School,&nbsp;2715 Hobbs Drive in Manhattan, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department.. Before 1p.m. the fire was extinguished and students&nbsp; allowed back into the building. No injuries were reported.&nbsp; The fire department has not released details on what cause the fire ore additional information.

Kan. elementary school evacuated due to fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Legislators got their first look at Gov. Laura Kelly’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 on Wednesday, finding a plan that prioritizes funding for schools and special education, expanded mental health services and creating a 10-year water plan.

Budget director and administration secretary Adam Proffitt presented the spending blueprint virtually at the joint meeting of the Senate and House budget committees.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://budget.kansas.gov/budget-report/" target="_blank">governor’s budget</a>&nbsp;was set after Kelly completed a statewide tour to hear from Kansans, Proffitt said.

“Last fall, I spoke directly with Kansans, who were clear about the priorities they wanted reflected in my budget: fully funded public schools, investments in health care, and action to address our water challenges,” Kelly said in a news release. “My budget delivers on Kansans’ wishes while remaining balanced and ensuring that we protect Kansas’ fiscal foundation.”

The governor’s budget used a projected 1.7% revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, as a basis, Proffitt said. The recommended budget total of $10.8 billion comes in 1.6% higher than last fiscal year’s approved budget, he said.

Proffitt said $35 million of the increase comes from one-time expenditures, and if those expenditures are removed, the budget increase would be 1.3%, the amount total tax collections are expected to grow during the upcoming fiscal year.&nbsp;

Diving into budget details, Proffitt said a few spending increases are tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which shifted some costs to the states. For instance, the state will pay a higher portion of administrative costs for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the governor accounted for by including $21 million in the budget, he said.

Legislators at the hearing questioned whether the budget included paying a penalty for&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/committee-questions-delay-on-implementing-kansas-food-assistance-ban-on-soda-candy/">the state’s high SNAP error rate</a>, which could be between $20-40 million, depending on the rate, but Proffitt said the penalty won’t be assessed until fiscal year 2028.&nbsp;

That gives the state time to get the error rate below 6%, which would carry no penalty, he said.

The error rate measures mistakes that have been made in allocating dollars for recipients, and can include data entry mistakes and incorrect calculations. The federal goal is a rate below 6%.&nbsp; Kansas had a 9% rate for 2025.

The federal law also had more stringent work requirements for SNAP recipients, which increased administrative costs at the state level an estimated $4 million, Proffitt said.

Kelly recommended full funding for K-12 general education for two full years, Proffitt said, which provides predictability to school districts.

The school funding formula sunsets at the end of fiscal year 2027, and Proffitt said the governor’s budget extends the current school finance formula into 2028.

The governor recommended spending $2.5 million to eliminate the co-pay for 34,000 students who receive reduced lunches.

“The governor is recommending an incremental $50.6 million of (State General Fund) to fund special education for fiscal year 2027,” Proffitt said, adding that is 70% of excess costs, which is still well below the 92% required in statute.

The state has not funded special education to the 92% level in 15 years, he said.

“Funding for special education is really a shared responsibility between the federal government and the state government,” Proffitt said. “The governor is calling on the feds again to meet their obligation and increase their level of funding here in Kansas for special education. We simply cannot get to 92% without more federal support.”

“Water remains among the top priorities in the state, not just for the administration but obviously for many in the Legislature,” Proffitt said. “It’s one of the most critical resources we have in the state, and we know we have a tall order ahead of us to make sure it’s available for the next several generations.”

The governor’s budget recommends full funding at $8 million for the state water plan fund, and Kelly wants to work with the Legislature to develop a long-term water roadmap, Proffitt said.&nbsp;

Kelly asked for $12.6 million to fully fund a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/04/kansas-advocacy-organizations-offer-strategy-for-curtailing-waitlist-for-disability-services/">new Community Support waiver</a>, which is expected to eliminate some of the stress from the current intellectual and developmental disability waiver, Proffitt said.

In addition, Kelly’s budget outlines an additional $10 million to address increased demand on the technology assistance waiver, which helps individuals younger than 21 who need life-sustaining medical equipment and technology.

Kelly’s budget includes $15 million to support increased Children’s Health Insurance Program caseloads. Her budget includes dollars for contract nursing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital, about $37 million for both.

The state hospital system has been scrutinized closely over the past couple of years, Proffitt said, and the governor recommends a budget allocation of $38.9 million to strengthen the system.

“We recognize that there is both a capacity issue across the state hospital system but also staffing issues,” Proffitt said.

The House proposed a budget bill,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2434_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2434</a>, this week, breaking tradition with past years when the governor’s budget is taken into consideration before they put together their budget,

Kansas governor’s budget highlights education, mental health care, water and state employee raises

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

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

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

KCPD: Woman shot on the porch of her home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ICE officials looking at large detention space in Kansas City

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

Ahead of Spring Training beginning, the Kansas City Royals announced their minor league coaching staffs for 2026.

With longtime coach Mike Jirschele retiring after over three decades with the organization, Patrick Osborn will take over as manager for the Omaha Storm Chasers.&nbsp; Osborn becomes the 20th manager in the history of the franchise, after serving as the Stormchasers bench coach in 2025.&nbsp; His staff will include, pitching coach Dane Johnson, hitting coach Bijan Rademacher, assistant pitching coach David Lundquist, assistant coach Tripp Keister, athletic trainers James Stone and Amanda Gallone, strength and conditioning Coach CJ Mikkelsen, and clubhouse coordinator Mike Brown.

 The support staff also includes assistant coordinator, Minor League video Ben Nicholas and nutrition fellow Alyssa Druey.

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