One person is dead and several others are injured following a heavy structure fire in a downtown multi-family dwelling early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters from the St. Joseph Fire Department were dispatched to the scene around 6:00 a.m. Units from Engines 9, 4, and 12, Rescues 1 and 10, Truck 7, and Battalion Chiefs 33 and 43 responded to find the building engulfed in heavy flames.

Crews initiated immediate rescue operations alongside an aggressive fire attack to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, one individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time," the SJFD stated in a release on Facebook.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased or the specific condition of the hospitalized victims.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Downtown St. Joseph Fire leaves one dead, several injured

HARRISON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Freightliner semi driven by a 25-year-old Chicago Ridge, Illinois man was southbound on Interstate 35 six miles south of Bethany. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

North Missouri EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. The Patrol did not have seat belt usage details. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">Anna Spoerre</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri Senate unanimously approved&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/hlrbillspdf/5478H.02P.pdf" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;Tuesday clarifying that pregnant women can get divorced, making it the first non-budget bill to be sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bill, filed by state Reps. Cecelie Williams, a Republican from Dittmer, and Raychel Proudie, a Democrat from Ferguson, also received&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/12/missouri-house-again-approves-bill-clarifying-divorce-rules-during-pregnancy/">unanimous approval in the House</a>&nbsp;last month.&nbsp;

Williams, a domestic violence survivor,<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/24/missouri-bill-removes-barriers-pregnancy-divorce/">&nbsp;first shared her harrowing story of being denied the finalization of a divorce while pregnant&nbsp;</a>when she presented identical legislation last year.&nbsp;

“The number one cause of death in pregnant women is homicide,” Williams told the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee on Monday. “And it’s from partner violence. If we could prevent that by allowing women to leave when they want, we absolutely shouldn’t be creating barriers in situations like that.”

<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/abuse-during-pregnancy" target="_blank">One in six women who experience abuse</a>&nbsp;are first harmed during pregnancy, according to estimates by the March of Dimes.&nbsp;Homicide is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the&nbsp;<a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/homicide-leading-cause-of-death-for-pregnant-women-in-u-s/" target="_blank">United States</a>&nbsp;and among the leading causes in&nbsp;<a href="https://mopqc.org/news/finding-answers-saving-lives-highlights-from-missouris-2025-pamr-annual-report/" target="_blank">Missouri</a>.&nbsp;

While nothing prevents Missourians from filing for divorce while a party is pregnant, the current statute is interpreted by many courts as preventing the final dissolution of marriage from being issued until after the child is born, so that a custody agreement for that child can first be put into place.&nbsp;

The same bill died at the eleventh hour last session after it was returned to the House with an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_web/amendments/1034H02.01S.pdf" target="_blank">amendment</a>&nbsp;proposed by state Sen. Mike Moon, an Ash Grove Republican, that would have required the total alimony amount received be reduced by the amount collected in social security.

Williams on Monday reiterated her belief that the bill will prevent some abortions.&nbsp;

“Where in anything that we stand for as Missourians would we ever allow a woman to have to make that decision,” she said, “to save herself and to sacrifice her child.”

Bill clarifying women’s right to divorce while pregnant heads to Missouri governor

St. Joseph Museums, Inc. is launching a new mobile historical tour, "The Murder Bus: St. Joseph’s Darkest Secrets on Wheels," featuring a curated look at the city's most notorious crime scenes and scandals.

The event is scheduled for April 18 and 19. Organized by the Glore Psychiatric Museum and St. Joseph Museums, the tour takes passengers to locations associated with historic homicides and organized crime.

According to museum officials, the immersive experience focuses on the "shadowy legacy" of the region, using expert storytellers to provide historical context at each site. The tour includes visits to several historic mansions and downtown locations tied to unsolved mysteries and local mayhem.

Tickets for the event are limited and going fast. Interested participants can reserve spots through the museum’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjosephmuseum.org/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawQeZj9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRWU5xOUxsOXdNT0dyZHpWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqvH7XlwB48lg6Pivhg4Z-BEuVeSkn4_HRiKLQjrN6s8KrJiVe1MT8muqShk_aem_Xm7kD8XuaG-oepKlWEWoHQ">stjosephmuseum.org/events</a>. The St. Joseph Museums are located at 3406 Frederick Ave.

Officials with St. Joseph Museums anticipate holding another 'Murder Bus' tour in July.

St. Joseph Museums to launch ‘Murder Bus’ true crime tour in April

Residents of St. Joseph have until the end of the day to ensure they are eligible to participate in the upcoming local election. 

Today, Wednesday, March 11, marks the final deadline to register to vote for the General Municipal Election scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.

The April ballot features several high-profile races that will shape the city's leadership for the coming years, including the election of the Mayor, members of the City Council, and a Municipal Judge.

To be eligible to vote on April 7, Missouri law requires registration to be completed by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election.

Local officials are encouraging voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their specific voting districts ahead of time.

Polls on Tuesday, April 7, will be open from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Residents are reminded to bring a valid form of photo identification to their polling place.

Deadline Today: Last chance to register for St. Joseph April municipal election

KFEQ Morning Sports 

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by a 59-year-old Gallatin man was northbound on Clay Street at Grand Street in Gallatin. The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2010 Toyota Corolla driven by a 79-year-old Gallatin woman.&nbsp; The Toyota struck the front passenger side of the pickup.

Daviess County EMS transported the 79-year-old driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

MERCER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by an 84-year-old Chariton, Iowa, man was stopped eastbound on Decal Street at Route P eight miles west of Mercer.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2013 Chevy 2500 driven by a 48-year-old Cainsville man. The pickup struck the car in the driver's side. 

The Chevy driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Mercer County ambulance transported the pickup driver to Wayne County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver killed after pickup, car crash on NW Missouri highway

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 11:30a.m. March 8,&nbsp;a Brown County Deputy responded toa call of a reckless driver complaint involving a white sedan on U,.S. 36 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

A traffic stop was initiated near Goldfinch.&nbsp; Upon completion of the interdiction with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, the deputy arrested 61-year-old Daniel Schaefer of Kansas City, Missouri, on requestd charges of DUI and Transport Open Container.

Missouri man accused of DUI, transporting an open container

United Way Success By 6 will host "Seeing Strength, Shaping Supports: Autism-Informed Teaching for Every Learner" on Saturday, March 21, at the Wyatt Park Christian Church Fellowship Hall in St. Joseph.

The training, scheduled from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., is designed for early childhood educators but remains open to any interested community members. National presenters Cheryl Cotter and Cristen Sassi will lead the session, focusing on how understanding autistic cognitive processing can benefit all students in a classroom setting.

The seminar aims to shift the educational perspective toward a strength-based lens. Participants will learn to align teaching strategies and environmental supports with a child's unique perspective and learning needs.

The event is supported by Community Action Partnership Head Start and Wyatt Park Christian Church. United Way Success By 6 is a collaborative initiative dedicated to ensuring children are prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten.

United Way to host Autism-Informed teaching seminar

UPDATE: Southbound Interstate 29 will be restricted to a single lane Friday morning as crews move equipment for the ongoing Gene Field Road Bridge project, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The lane reduction is scheduled to take place from 6:00 - 10:00 a.m. on March 13 at the bridge construction site. Motorists should be aware of a 10.6-foot width restriction during this window.

This restriction was initially stated to be Wednesday, but has since changed twice.

The work is part of a larger effort by Clarkson Construction Company and MoDOT to modernize the Gene Field Road Bridge. Key upgrades include:

The project is currently slated for completion in July 2026.

MoDOT officials remind drivers to remain alert when traveling through work zones. All scheduled work is weather-permitting and subject to change. For more information and project updates, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county">modot.org</a>.

Update: Southbound I-29 at Gene Field Road Bridge to be narrowed to one lane March 13

May corn closed up 8 cents and July corn was up 8 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 12 1/4 cents and July soybeans were up 12 1/4 cents. May KC wheat closed up 4 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 3 3/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 cents.

After a brief pause to review underlying fundamentals on Tuesday, markets wasted no time building on their recent bullish trends with another buying spree Wednesday. Once again, soybean oil set the tone rebounding after the first consecutive lower closes for most active futures in over a month to post another high close for the move. Expectations EPA will finalize their biofuel blending mandates this month and those mandates will be very friendly to agriculture is the primary bullish influence, despite USDA cutting soybean oil demand in Tuesday's WASDE. Corn and wheat markets joined in on the rally with soybeans paving the way higher. Outside markets were calmer on Wednesday, with crude oil futures higher but setting lower highs for the second straight session as IEA announced a record 400-million-barrel reserve release to stabilize the market amid the trade choke in the Middle East. Equity markets were lower again on unease regarding the oil situation and its potential impact on the world economy.

The live cattle complex traded lower from the open, but with new developments surfacing in the fed cash cattle market, where cattle are trading sharply lower than compared to a week ago, there's a slim chance the market will do anything but continue to scale lower through the week's end. Some light cash cattle trade is currently being noted in the North at $372, which is $8.00 lower than last week's weighted average. And a handful of steers have also been sold in Kansas at $235, which is $5.00 lower than last week's weighted average. Asking prices are noted in the North at $374, but are not established yet in the South.

It's was a "bah humbug"-like day for the cattle complex, but especially for the feeder cattle market as its contracts were trading anywhere from $5.00 to $7.00 lower. The onset of weaker market fundamentals in the cash sector is why the feeder cattle complex is trading significantly lower and is currently even pressuring the market's 100-day moving average in the spot April contract.

The lean hog complex also traded lower as a weaker note has overcome the entire livestock complex. And with midday pork cutout values lower, the market was not able to turn around and trade higher ahead of the day's end, and may see follow through pressure in the coming day or two.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/11142244/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The Renewable Fuels Association urged the White House to take immediate action allowing broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply to help blunt the impact of higher prices for crude oil and gasoline. “Adding larger volumes of low-cost ethanol to gasoline is a proven solution for reducing fuel prices and helping to insulate the U.S. market from global supply shocks,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

 “A series of deregulatory actions could rapidly unleash billions of gallons of additional fuel volume, providing relief at the pump for hardworking families.” Cooper also said the Environmental Protection Agency should issue emergency summertime fuel waivers that allow a 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RPV) volatility tolerance for E15 use nationwide, as well as E10 in certain areas that previously opted out of the RVP Waiver Program. 

As fuel prices soar, the time is now for immediate action on E15

The USDA and the Army Corps of Engineers announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Texas. This facility is a key part of the five-prong strategy by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins that’s designed to fight New World Screwworm. The plan will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering production for U.S. livestock, wildlife, and public health. 

The Army Corps is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering, and construction of the facility. “The Army Corps is the best in the business, and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure that we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come,” said Rollins. Lt. General William Graham said the Corps of Engineers has helped secure America by engineering solutions to its toughest challenges. 

Plans to fight NWS move forward

May corn closed down 1 1/2 cents and July corn was down 2 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and July soybeans were up 6 cents. May KC wheat closed down 11 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 12 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 11 cents.

For at least a few minutes on Tuesday morning, traders took a break from following the geopolitical whirlwind of the past ten days to review fresh crop supply and demand estimates from USDA, with prices showing little to no reaction as USDA left most forecasts unchanged or very close. The theme of the past 24 hours has been an incredible reversal in crude oil, with NYMEX WTI futures back below $85 per barrel after trading just under $120 per barrel late Sunday evening. Comments from President Trump on Monday that the end of the conflict with Iran may be on the horizon increased selling pressure, but on Tuesday Defense Secretary Hegseth signaled more intense bombing campaigns, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states negotiations with the U.S. were "off the table." The market is anticipating a coordinated release of G7 country oil reserves to stabilize the market, hence Tuesday's price pressure. Meanwhile, price action in equities has been the opposite, with a reversal off Monday lows and the Dow Jones Industrial Average now attempting to post back-to-back higher sessions for the first time in March.

Following Monday's weaker close, the live cattle complex found some renewed technical support and traded moderately higher into Tuesday's closing bell. Unfortunately, the spot April contract is still trading just below the market's 100-day moving average, which will continue to be an important threshold to monitor as whenever the complex is trading below that price-point a level of bearishness is present throughout the marketplace. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and trade will likely be delayed until Thursday or Friday.

Keeping in alignment with the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle complex also traded moderately higher into Tuesday's close. The spot April feeder cattle contract is currently trading above the market's 100-day moving average -- but could face some technical pressure when the complex comes up against the resistance at the 40-day moving average. Despite the immense pressure the futures complex endured Monday, feeder cattle sales held relatively steady; hopefully the same will be said about sales throughout today.

The lean hog complex traded modestly higher into Tuesday's close and is beginning to rival the market's resistance, which could be problematic for traders later this week if the market's fundamental support isn't as strong as desired. Unfortunately, pork cutout values were down at the day's start, which may not help traders in their desire to continue to see the contracts scale higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/10141745/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmers are facing high input costs, trade uncertainty, and surging grain production. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins spoke directly about those challenges during the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, her home state. The Secretary told attendees that between 2020 and 2024, fuel costs increased 33 percent, seed costs were up 19 percent, fertilizer prices rose by 48 percent, labor was up 44 percent, and interest expenses were up 71 percent.

 “We’re seven years out from the last farm bill and all of this information we’re trying to work with is so outdated,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, “Our costs are so different that we have to get something done. It’s like they’ve forgotten about rural America.” There were some stern conversations and tension between farm leaders and representatives of major seed, fertilizer, machinery, and chemical companies during the opening day of the Commodity Classic. 

Farmer frustrations voiced at Commodity Classic

A new poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of Rural Voices USA found that 71 percent of farm families across five Midwestern states say they’re more likely to support a Congressional candidate who votes for year-round E15 legislation. The survey included respondents from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, and it also found that a majority of all rural voters, at 57 percent, say a candidate’s support of E15 would make them more likely to vote for that candidate.

 “Rural voters see the farm crisis enveloping their communities and are looking for answers from Congress,” said Rural Voices USA Chairman Chris Gibbs. “This survey shows that rural voters and farm families want their members of Congress to go to bat for them on E15 because it ripples across the farm economy.” Gibbs also said that members of Congress would be wise to listen and stop the delays in passing the legislation.

Poll: 71 Percent of farm families back candidates supporting E15

May corn closed down 6 3/4 cents and July corn was down 5 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents and July soybeans were down 4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 3 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 13 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 cents.

As was wildly expected, crude oil (and related energy markets) jumped drastically again on the Sunday open, with oil hitting the highest level seen since the first half of 2022 following the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prices eventually eased on profit-taking, falling back below $100 per barrel, accelerated on reports that G7 nations will discuss a coordinated release of oil reserves to ease the supply shock caused by the trade halt in the Persian Gulf. Row crops fell from highs along with the energy sector, with overbought technical conditions likely playing a role in encouraging profit-taking and hedging as well. Equity markets were lower again but off their daily lows, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average on pace for the first monthly loss since last April, barring a mid-March turnaround. The U.S. dollar was firm but will face a major technical test near 100 on the index, which has held since early 2025.

It's almost as if the live cattle complex thinks cattlemen and traders alike would grow weary if the market simply traded in a lackadaisical mundane fashion as opposed to the rollercoaster ride it turns into at times. Which perfectly describes the market's $3.00 to $4.00 decline Monday, as news broke late last week that union workers will indeed strike at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. The strike is expected to happen the week of March 16, and JBS intends to shift production to other facilities during that time. This causes great anxiousness for the cattle complex as the market is already seeing minimal throughput from packers as they try to manage their margins to the best of their ability. It also raises the question: How is this going to affect beef consumers? Unfortunately, a level of uneasiness will likely reside within the market until this ordeal is played out; expect continued volatility until then. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Texas, but lower in Kansas and Nebraska/Colorado.

As expected, the feeder cattle complex has noted the decline in the live cattle market and consequently elected to send its contracts tumbling $4.00 to $5.00 lower into Monday's close. Until the live cattle complex settles down and trade in a more stable manner, the feeder cattle contracts will likely continue to scale lower.

Not even the lean hog complex could trade higher Monday, as its market is also seeing a slight regression into the closing bell. For the lean hog complex the market's resistance seems to be inflicting pressure more than anything else.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/09140148/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A Missouri state court has granted preliminary approval to a proposed $7.3 billion settlement aimed at resolving thousands of lawsuits alleging that Bayer’s Roundup herbicide caused cancer. Reports show the order from the Missouri Circuit Court in St. Louis allows the company to begin notifying potential claimants nationwide and sets a July 9 fairness hearing to determine whether the settlement will receive final approval. As part of the preliminary ruling, Bayer must deposit $500 million into the settlement fund within 10 business days. 

The proposed settlement, announced in February, is intended to compensate current and future plaintiffs who claim Roundup exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The agreement also establishes a long-term program for handling future claims. Attorneys representing plaintiffs said the ruling is an important step toward compensation for victims after years of litigation. Bayer officials said the settlement is part of a broader strategy to resolve ongoing legal challenges tied to the herbicide. The settlement process will now move through a notice period before the court decides whether to grant final approval later this year.

Roundup settlement receives preliminary court approval 

A tick-borne cattle disease is spreading rapidly across Missouri, with confirmed cases now reported in 60 counties, raising concern among veterinarians and livestock producers. Reports say the disease, Theileria orientalis ikeda, was first detected in Missouri in 2023 and has expanded steadily as the Asian long-horned tick, the parasite’s primary carrier, spreads across the state. The organism infects red blood cells and can cause severe anemia in cattle. Veterinary experts say symptoms may include weakness, jaundice, pale mucous membranes and lethargy. 

In severe cases, the disease can lead to death, particularly in stressed animals or calves. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available in the United States, leaving prevention and tick control as the main tools for managing the disease. Researchers and extension specialists are urging producers to closely monitor cattle for signs of illness and to work with veterinarians to manage tick populations as the parasite continues to expand westward in the state.

Emerging cattle disease spreads across Missouri

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents per bushel at $4.47 and May closed up 7 cents per bushel at $4.60 1/2 and March soybeans closed up 21 1/4 cents at $11.85 and May soybeans were up 21 1/2 cents at $12.00 3/4. May KC wheat closed up 31 cents at $6.23 1/2, May Chicago wheat was up 33 cents at $6.16 3/4 and May Minneapolis wheat was up 23 1/2 cents at $6.43

Grain and soy markets added more war premium Friday as the bombing of Iran military sites continue; but Iran still has not backed down. Crude oil soared again as the Strait of Hormuz transit of energy and fertilizer supplies continues to be restricted. Wheat led the markets higher on Friday despite still overall bearish fundamentals as funds continued to buy.

The live cattle complex started the day off trading lower, and upon seeing some fed cash cattle trade develop at lower prices, the market extended with that trend through the day's close. Today's weakness seems to be stemming from a number of different areas. Technically speaking, the market's 40-day moving average seems to pose as too much of a technical barrier for traders to challenge at this point. From a fundamental sense, seeing prices trade $3 lower in the North doesn't send the market warm and fuzzy feelings either. Bids are currently on the table in the South, but no Southern trade has been noted yet.

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower as the market witnessed&nbsp; its contracts fall anywhere from $6 to $7 lower by the closing bell. More than anything, the weakness seen in the live cattle complex amid a lower trade in the fed cash cattle market doesn't give the feeder cattle complex much support to rally around.

The cattle contracts may have traded much lower, but the lean hog complex kept with a slightly higher trend as traders remain committed to keeping a sideways/somewhat higher trend in the hog sector. Today's support largely gets attributed to trades as the market's fundamentals aren't helping drive the ship higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/06140252/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. – Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On March 8, Teddy Lynn Moore, 58, of Topeka, was arrested on a warrant issued by the Jackson County District Court for multiple felony charges involving a minor, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The charges include two counts of rape of a child under 14 years of age and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy with a child under 14 years of age.&nbsp;

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that began in July of 2025.  Moore was taken into custody by the United States Marshal’s Service and is being held in the Jackson County Jail with bond set at $1,000,000.00.&nbsp;

U.S. Marshals jail Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 9p.m. March 8, a Sheriff’s Deputy developed probable cause to search a vehicle in the 12000 block of 150th&nbsp;Road, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; During the search of the vehicle, illegal drugs or narcotics were discovered. The vehicle occupants were identified as Tristin William Howard, 28 and Jade Heffner, 23, both of Topeka, Kansas.

Heffner and Howard were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for requested charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant&nbsp;(cocaine), Possession of hallucinogenic drug; Possession of THC and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas couple caught transporting cocaine

WICHITA, Kan. —&nbsp;The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office is issued an urgent warning to the public regarding a sophisticated text messaging scam (known as "smishing") currently targeting residents. Scammers are impersonating the Kansas Department of Vehicles (DOV) to steal sensitive personal and financial information.

The scam begins with an unsolicited text message claiming that the recipient’s driver’s license is at risk of suspension due to "unpaid traffic citations" or "unresolved violations." To create a sense of panic, the message often includes a strict deadline (e.g., "by the end of the day") and threatens additional 35% processing fees or legal action.

Once a user clicks the link, they are directed to a fraudulent site that uses official logos, fonts, and layouts to mirror the legitimate DOV website. The site prompts users to enter their:

The fraudulent website (shown first below)vs. the official website, (shown 2nd below)&nbsp; Note the slight differences in the URL.

What To Do If You Receive This Text

If you have already provided financial information to a suspicious site, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze your accounts and monitor for unauthorized charges.

Text scam targets Kan. drivers with fake license suspension threats

President Trump says he will tap the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to bring gas prices down.

🎥President Trump's good news on gas prices and Strategic Petroleum Reserve

SALINE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Hyundai Elantra driven by&nbsp; Joseph Doss, 15, Junction City, was actively fleeing law enforcement in a stolen vehicle. The teen driver turned northbound onto Ohio from the Interstate 70 westbound entrance.&nbsp; The car continued northbound on Ohio one half mile North of Thatcher Road, where the asphalt turns to gravel. The driver&nbsp; lost control of the car. It traveled off the the roadway to the right, struck an embankment and rolled onto its&nbsp; top in the roadway.

EMS transported&nbsp;&nbsp;Doss and a passenger Landon L.&nbsp;Alexander, 18, Junction City, to Salina Regional Health Center. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The Patrol did not report possible charges the teens face.

Kan. teens hospitalized after police chase, crash in stolen car

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri.

&nbsp;A blue Harley-Davidson Sportster was eastbound on Coal Mine Road, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road just before Winchester. The motorcycle traveled off the roadway to the left, struck multiple trees, and ramped through a wooded area before coming to rest. 

The driver was ejected from the motorcycle and transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff. 

This marks fatality #15 for 2026, compared to #11 at the same time last year, according to Gonzalez.

KCPD: Motorcyclist killed after crash into wooded area

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LEAVENWORTH — CoreCivic will reopen its private prison in Leavenworth to house immigration detainees after city commissioners approved the company’s special use permit on Tuesday, the result of a process one commissioner called “agonizing.”

One person was arrested and multiple people were ejected as they shouted profanity during an hour of public comments and 30 minutes of discussion before the city commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the permit.

CoreCivic and the city of Leavenworth have been fighting for a year as the company sought to reopen the prison it closed in 2021. With&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/30/corecivic-inks-new-contract-with-ice-while-awaiting-legal-decisions-on-kansas-prison/">a $60 million</a>&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement annual contract in hand, the Nashville-based private prison company tried through the courts to reopen without going through the city’s development process.

Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesman, said in a statement that ICE officials would decide when the Midwest Regional Reception Center will begin housing detainees.

“As we have from the start, CoreCivic remains committed to operating a safe, transparent and accountable facility,” he said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the city and to the benefits the MRRC will bring to Leavenworth and the surrounding communities.”

The vote was a second — and final — consideration of CoreCivic’s special use permit, which sets regulations for how the prison will operate and oversight the city will provide.

Commissioner Rebecca Hollister was the sole vote against the permit, as she was during the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/after-marathon-meeting-corecivic-moves-closer-to-reopening-leavenworth-prison/">first consideration on Feb. 24</a>.

Hollister said specific issues outlined in the permit caused her to vote no, including a clause that requires breaches of the agreement to continue for 30 days after a notice before termination could occur.

“There have been valid concerns regarding potential violations that occur intermittently, but not necessarily for 30 days continuously,” she said.

Hollister said CoreCivic officials answered her questions and invited her into the facility, but that she believes the company’s promise of transparency and cooperation “requires a high level of trust” that is difficult for her to have, especially given the company’s problems at other facilities.

“With the knowledge I have right now, I just do not have sufficient faith that their operation would meet all the ‘golden factors’ in development regulations,” she said. “I hope to be wrong, and I think that’s possible based on my last positive conversations with staff.”

Two commissioners made it clear their positive votes swung on fiscal responsibility.

“This has been an agonizing process,” said Commissioner Joe Wilson. “Everybody wants to make this morality over fiduciary responsibility, but I think there is a real risk to the future of the city, based on how the vote turns out that has to be considered, that could have long-term ramifications for our children, for our tax base, for our law enforcement and our firefighters and the services that we can provide.”

Commissioner Holly Pittman agreed, saying leadership doesn’t mean choosing an easy path.

She was mayor last year for much of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/23/federal-government-accuses-kansas-town-of-aggressive-and-unlawful-interference-in-corecivic-operations/">city’s court fights</a>&nbsp;with CoreCivic and was the subject of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/16/dark-money-ads-target-kansas-mayor-after-town-pushed-back-against-private-prison/">dark-money political ads</a>&nbsp;accusing her of holding back progress by forcing CoreCivic to go through the special permit process.

Pittman said the vote wasn’t about immigration policy or national politics, or whether she or anyone else dislikes CoreCivice.

“It is a land use decision governed by law and by the constraints of our political authority,” she said. “After reviewing all the legal framework, the zoning standards and the court rulings, I believe denying this permit would expose our taxpayers to a significant financial risk, and I will not gamble the financial stability of this city.”

Mayor Nancy Bauder said Leavenworth didn’t have a permit when CoreCivic was previously open and if the company violates it, the city can pull the permit.

Commissioner Samuel Maxwell declined to comment.

More than 115 people signed up to speak, but Bauder limited public comment to one hour, which allowed about 45 people to speak, three of whom were in favor of approving the special use permit.

At the February meeting, public comment lasted three hours.

Bauder said commissioners offered multiple opportunities for residents to share their views over the past year, and typically on second consideration of a special use permit, they don’t take public comment.

Many people ceded their time to others with simple statements asking the commissioners to vote against the permit. Others were passionate in their opinions about how CoreCivic and ICE’s presence would change Leavenworth.

“They drug you through the mud by the scalp face first for a year, and I will not see you bend a knee now,” said John Watt, of Junction City. “Stand up.”

Watt expressed a concern echoed by others that once the company is open and holding ICE detainees it will be difficult to enforce stipulations in the permit.

“Like a bloated tick, they’re going to get their head in and they’re going to swell up on those tax dollars and it will be very difficult to get them to move,” he said.

Some acknowledged the challenge facing commissioners.

“Unfortunately, CoreCivic has now put you in a position where your responsibilities to the city’s finances now lie in direct opposition to the responsibilities that you have as leaders to protect our people and our community,” said Daniel McIntosh, of Leavenworth.

The equation comes down to assessing risk, he said.

“If you vote yes, you lessen the risk to the immediate situation of the city’s finances, but you also place at risk the health, safety, welfare and liberty of individuals in that facility and outside,” McIntosh said. “While we appreciate the efforts you’ve taken to mitigate those risks, you run the risk that any oversight granted by this permit may not be enforceable at all.”

After the commission meeting ended, police took CreCivic officials and commissioners out through side doors to avoid the angry crowd of about 150 people who gathered outside, shouting “shame” repeatedly.

William Rogers, a former CoreCivic employee who has been active in protesting the company’s attempts to reopen, said before the commission meeting that he expected the permit to pass. He has little hope CoreCivic will treat incarcerated people better than in the past.

Rogers pointed to the recent death of Emmanuel Damas, an immigrant applying for asylum, who was arrested by ICE in Boston last year. Damas died from an infected tooth and the resulting sepsis infection after being held at the Florence Detention Center in Arizona, which is owned by CoreCivic.

Damas’ death reminded Rogers of the exact same situation that occurred when he was a prison guard at CoreCivic’s facility in Leavenworth. Rogers said he repeatedly sought medical treatment for a prisoner with an infected tooth and was ignored. He was off one day and returned to find the prisoner was in the hospital, near death from sepsis, Rogers said.

The prisoner lived, but Roger said he saw repeated instances like that while working at CoreCivic and that it makes him dread the future for the facility.

He also is concerned about the effects of a larger ICE presence in Leavenworth on people of different ethnicities.

“Let’s just call it what it is —- this is an attack on the brown people,” he said. “In the Hispanic community, people are afraid to come out. It doesn’t matter what their status is right now.”

Rogers said people who are doing everything they are supposed to and are here as asylum seekers are being put in jail by ICE.

At the gathering after the commission meeting, speakers stood to express their frustration but also to offer encouragement.

“Our work here, throughout the entire three years that we’ve been involved in this, is not in vain,” said Karla Juarez, executive director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation. “I see new faces. I see new people advocating. New people making public comments. New people, actually a lot of people who believed that CoreCivic should open, now on our side.”

Leavenworth officials approve permit for CoreCivic to reopen prison for ICE detainees

🎥Missouri U.S. Senator: We've achieved our Iran objectives

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of 55th and Chestnut Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a man lying in a grassy area, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot trauma. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene were updated later he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting. Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the name of the victim.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time and is ongoing.&nbsp;

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

KCPD looking for witnesses in man's shooting death

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 39-year old Rolla man is in custody following a multi-county investigation into a string of livestock thefts across Missouri.

Melvin J. Fincher was apprehended March 9 by the U.S. Marshals Service and "Operation Relentless Pursuit" officers in Neosho. The arrest marks the culmination of a months-long probe led by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU).

The investigation began on September 3, 2025, when Polk County Sheriff Danny Morrison requested state assistance regarding cattle stolen from a local resident. Investigators soon linked Fincher to that case, as well as separate thefts in Phelps and Barry counties.

According to the Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), investigators identified specific patterns in the thefts that matched incidents reported across several jurisdictions.

Following the RCIU's findings, the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Fincher on February 11 with one felony count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife.

Fincher was transported to the Newton County Jail following his arrest. A judge has set his bond at $50,000.

Serial cattle theft suspect apprehended after state-led investigation

Former Missouri Western State University women's basketball head coach Candi Whitaker is returning to the place where her head coaching career began, hired as 11th head coach in UMKC women's program history.&nbsp;

Whitaker returns to UMKC, where she previously served as the seventh head coach in program history for the Roos from 2006 to 2012, after two years as an assistant coach for the program.&nbsp; Whitaker tallied 77 wins in her first six seasons with the Roos, the third most for a head coach in school history at the Division I level.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It is a tremendous honor to once again have the opportunity to take over the program here at Kansas City. This place means so much to me. It's where I got my first head coaching job at twenty-six and where Matt and I started our family," Whitaker said in a news release from UMKC. "In many ways, it shaped me for all that would lie ahead on my coaching journey. I could not be more excited to be back and to get to work to elevate this program once again."

After leaving UMKC, Whitaker was the head coach at Texas Tech from 2013-2018 before she returned to Missouri, and coached at MoWest for five years with the Griffons.&nbsp; &nbsp;Whitaker led the Griffons to four 20-plus win seasons, building up a .680 winning percentage across her five years in St. Joseph. Whitaker led MoWest to the Elite Eight in 2022, pulling off three straight victories over higher-seeded opponents to pull the Griffons to their best postseason finish since 1995.

Whitaker was most recently the head coach at North Alabama, where she spent the last two seasons. In this past season, Whitaker led the Lions to a 17-14 overall record and went 11-7 in ASUN play, the program's best finish since 2019-20. Following the 2025-26 campaign, Whitaker has amassed a career coaching record of 261-253, just recently completing her 18th season as a head coach.

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

Former MoWest women's coach Candi Whitaker returning to UMKC

KFEQ Morning Sports

Travis Kelce isn’t ready to hang up the cleats just yet. The future Hall of Fame tight end is expected to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for his 14th NFL season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The report, shared via X (formerly Twitter), indicates that the Chiefs have signaled their intentions to rival teams interested in the veteran All-Pro. Despite speculation regarding a potential retirement or move, the message from Kansas City is clear: Kelce remains a cornerstone of their offense.

While no longer at his statistical peak, the 36-year-old remained a vital target for Patrick Mahomes during the 2025 season.

Travis Kelce to return for 14th season in Kansas City

The Missouri Western State University men's basketball team is back in the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time since the COVID shortened 2021 season, earning the #5 seed in the Central Region in Topeka hosted by Washburn University.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It's been a remarkable season for the Griffons under first year head coach Brooks McKowen, who came to the university after his time at Upper Iowa University where he led the Peacocks to three NCAA tournament appearances in his time.&nbsp; McKowen says the fit had to be right for him and his family to leave Upper Iowa, and the support he's received from MoWest is what makes this run so special.&nbsp;

Local

Region

Sports

Agriculture