(Radio Iowa) - A Snow Squall Warning was issued this (Thursday) morning for parts of western and central Iowa, due to visibility being greatly reduced by heavy snow. 

The D-O-T says many roads across Iowa's western half are completely snow-covered. National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff says the storm system is headed east, roughly following Highway 30 and Interstate 80, and may dump up to four inches of snow. She says a second winter storm may be looming late Saturday and into Sunday with the potential for more heavy snow. 

That system will leave behind much colder weather, as she says we'll have high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

(Radio Iowa) - A Snow Squall Warning was issued this (Thursday) morning for parts of western and central Iowa, due to visibility being greatly reduced by heavy snow. The D-O-T says many roads across Iowa's western half are completely snow-covered. National Weather Service meteorologist Brooke Hagenhoff says the storm system is headed east, roughly following Highway 30 and Interstate 80, and may dump up to four inches of snow. She says a second winter storm may be looming late Saturday and into Sunday with the potential for more heavy snow. That system will leave behind much colder weather, as she says we'll have high temperatures 15 to 20 degrees below normal.

Powerful snowstorm causes near white-outs as it moves over Iowa

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Attorney General’s Office blocked millions in school bond funds to a district in the state’s smallest county based on a rigid interpretation of a 2023 elections law.&nbsp;

Voters in the Greeley County school district, headquartered in Tribune near the state’s westernmost edge, approved in May a $4.6 million school bond for renovations and new construction, but the Attorney General’s Office refused to approve the funds.&nbsp;

“I feel like we have ignored a core tenet of our society and our government as a whole,” said John Niehues, the district superintendent. “You know, it’s the will of the people.”

The Attorney General’s Office determines whether any bond issue across the state meets legal standards. The Greeley County schools decision relied on a 2023 elections reform&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230406185329_890627/" target="_blank">bill</a>. It created a state law requiring county election officials to publish notice of an election three weeks in advance on a county election website, in addition to a traditional newspaper notice.&nbsp;

However, Greeley County, with a population of about 1,200, doesn’t have a website.

The office found the county clerk’s “non-compliance with the website notification” was equal to a failure to follow the law, said Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the attorney general.&nbsp;

“This determination is purely one of compliance verification and not a judgment on the merits of or need for the bond in question,” she said.&nbsp;

In years past, when school districts or election officials were in similar situations, they relied on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_007_0016.html" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;for resolution. It says “the real will of the people may not be defeated by any technical irregularity of any officer, whenever the greater number of votes were in favor of a question submitted.”

Niehues, who has been at the district for about nine years and superintendent for four, said he was going to be OK no matter the result of the bond election. But with that acceptance also came mixed emotions.

“I don’t like that I’m the tip of the spear on this — that we chose the smallest county in Kansas to make a point,” he said.

Leading up to the May 21 primary, Niehues engaged the community to inform them about the bond, which would replace an old one and avoid tax increases for local property owners. Answers to frequently asked questions and in-depth information about the bond were — and still are — visibly posted on the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://tribuneschools.org/35934_1" target="_blank">website</a>.

“There was no way anyone in Greeley County could not have known about this school bond,” said Jerri Young, the county clerk, who has acted as the county’s elections official for about 15 years.&nbsp;

The elections law was poorly written, Young said. State law doesn’t require Kansas counties to operate a website, and no funding was attached to the 2023 bill to ensure they did.

“I still don’t have one,” she said.&nbsp;

Young said she met with Attorney General Kris Kobach and office staff. She said she felt the decision had been made before the meeting began.

Outgoing state Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican whose district encompasses Greeley County, supported the 2023 elections bill at the time of its passage. Before leaving office, he said, he has attempted to help the district and the county remedy the situation without success. He said he didn’t consider how stringently the Attorney General’s Office would interpret it, even when small communities like Greeley County use their schools as sources of information.

The 25-year bond issue would have funded a new gymnasium, renovations in the existing gym and a new accessible playground. A private, anonymous donor also promised to cover about 10% of the project, which totals more than $4.7 million.&nbsp;

All now hangs in the balance as local officials wait to see if the 2025 legislative session might bring change.&nbsp;

The district had limited options in how to proceed once the Attorney General’s Office refused to release the bond funds. The district could still take legal action, which Niehues isn’t fully in favor of. The Legislature could remedy the requirement through new or amended legislation. Or the district could hold another election, but there would be no guarantee that a majority of voters would approve a bond question a second time.&nbsp;

“We did everything,” Young, the county clerk, said, “and the people voted. It was the will of the people.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735849758103.png" alt="The Greeley County Schools campus in Tribune. (Greeley County Schools)" />
 <figcaption>The Greeley County Schools campus in Tribune. (Greeley County Schools)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Attorney General’s Office blocked millions in school bond funds to a district in the state’s smallest county based on a rigid interpretation of a 2023 elections law.&nbsp;Voters in the Greeley County school district, headquartered in Tribune near the state’s westernmost edge, approved in May a $4.6 million school bond for renovations and new construction, but the Attorney General’s Office refused to approve the funds.&nbsp;“I feel like we have ignored a core tenet of our society and our government as a whole,” said John Niehues, the district superintendent. “You know, it’s the will of the people.”The Attorney General’s Office determines whether any bond issue across the state meets legal standards. The Greeley County schools decision relied on a 2023 elections reform&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20230406185329_890627/" target="_blank">bill</a>. It created a state law requiring county election officials to publish notice of an election three weeks in advance on a county election website, in addition to a traditional newspaper notice.&nbsp;However, Greeley County, with a population of about 1,200, doesn’t have a website.The office found the county clerk’s “non-compliance with the website notification” was equal to a failure to follow the law, said Danedri Herbert, a spokeswoman for the attorney general.&nbsp;“This determination is purely one of compliance verification and not a judgment on the merits of or need for the bond in question,” she said.&nbsp;In years past, when school districts or election officials were in similar situations, they relied on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch25/025_007_0016.html" target="_blank">another state law</a>&nbsp;for resolution. It says “the real will of the people may not be defeated by any technical irregularity of any officer, whenever the greater number of votes were in favor of a question submitted.”Niehues, who has been at the district for about nine years and superintendent for four, said he was going to be OK no matter the result of the bond election. But with that acceptance also came mixed emotions.“I don’t like that I’m the tip of the spear on this — that we chose the smallest county in Kansas to make a point,” he said.Leading up to the May 21 primary, Niehues engaged the community to inform them about the bond, which would replace an old one and avoid tax increases for local property owners. Answers to frequently asked questions and in-depth information about the bond were — and still are — visibly posted on the school district&nbsp;<a href="https://tribuneschools.org/35934_1" target="_blank">website</a>.“There was no way anyone in Greeley County could not have known about this school bond,” said Jerri Young, the county clerk, who has acted as the county’s elections official for about 15 years.&nbsp;The elections law was poorly written, Young said. State law doesn’t require Kansas counties to operate a website, and no funding was attached to the 2023 bill to ensure they did.“I still don’t have one,” she said.&nbsp;Young said she met with Attorney General Kris Kobach and office staff. She said she felt the decision had been made before the meeting began.Outgoing state Sen. John Doll, a Garden City Republican whose district encompasses Greeley County, supported the 2023 elections bill at the time of its passage. Before leaving office, he said, he has attempted to help the district and the county remedy the situation without success. He said he didn’t consider how stringently the Attorney General’s Office would interpret it, even when small communities like Greeley County use their schools as sources of information.The 25-year bond issue would have funded a new gymnasium, renovations in the existing gym and a new accessible playground. A private, anonymous donor also promised to cover about 10% of the project, which totals more than $4.7 million.&nbsp;All now hangs in the balance as local officials wait to see if the 2025 legislative session might bring change.&nbsp;The district had limited options in how to proceed once the Attorney General’s Office refused to release the bond funds. The district could still take legal action, which Niehues isn’t fully in favor of. The Legislature could remedy the requirement through new or amended legislation. Or the district could hold another election, but there would be no guarantee that a majority of voters would approve a bond question a second time.&nbsp;“We did everything,” Young, the county clerk, said, “and the people voted. It was the will of the people.”

Kansas AG blocks school bond funds in state’s smallest county

The calendar has flipped to 2025, and after successes in 2024, St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale is looking at all the things that could come in a new year.  

Downtown St. Joseph saw some big changes last year, with the new Children's Discovery Center, and several upgrades to the Civic Arena.  Josendale says there's even more coming in the new year.  

"Coleman Hawkins Park is being redone and we've got a new stage going in there, we're looking at putting a new city market downtown to where we have a gathering place," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. 

Josendale calls the Children's Discovery Center the core of all the developments downtown, and also says he's always looking at what more can be done.  

Another project that has been in the works for some time is renovations to the I-229 double decker bridge.  Josendale says near the end of last year, he had discussions with MoDOT, and says the ball seems to be moving in the right direction on the project.  

"Which we've heard for 10 years I know, but we've got the environmental covered, they're now looking at putting together a design build project, so who will be involved in that," Josendale explains. 

Josendale says the concept of I-229 is there but with entering design and build, contractors and the city could have new ideas to add into the actual design of the project.  

Josendale hopes what he considers successes of 2024 will carry into the new year as it begins.  

Josendale says with an experienced city council, a new city manager, and a new school superintendent, St. Joseph has an incredible opportunity in 2025.  

"We always talk about time and place, and I think we've got an opportunity in St. Joe and in the community to grow ourselves and be a better place, and attract more people to come here," Josendale says. 

Josendale says one big project that will continue to be worked on into the new year will be the new sports complex, which aims to be a destination to draw more families to live in St. Joseph. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735837804688.jpeg" alt="Mayor John Josendale/ File Photo" />
 <figcaption>Mayor John Josendale/ File Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The calendar has flipped to 2025, and after successes in 2024, St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale is looking at all the things that could come in a new year. Downtown St. Joseph saw some big changes last year, with the new Children's Discovery Center, and several upgrades to the Civic Arena. Josendale says there's even more coming in the new year. "Coleman Hawkins Park is being redone and we've got a new stage going in there, we're looking at putting a new city market downtown to where we have a gathering place," Josendale tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. Josendale calls the Children's Discovery Center the core of all the developments downtown, and also says he's always looking at what more can be done. Another project that has been in the works for some time is renovations to the I-229 double decker bridge. Josendale says near the end of last year, he had discussions with MoDOT, and says the ball seems to be moving in the right direction on the project. "Which we've heard for 10 years I know, but we've got the environmental covered, they're now looking at putting together a design build project, so who will be involved in that," Josendale explains. Josendale says the concept of I-229 is there but with entering design and build, contractors and the city could have new ideas to add into the actual design of the project. Josendale hopes what he considers successes of 2024 will carry into the new year as it begins. Josendale says with an experienced city council, a new city manager, and a new school superintendent, St. Joseph has an incredible opportunity in 2025. "We always talk about time and place, and I think we've got an opportunity in St. Joe and in the community to grow ourselves and be a better place, and attract more people to come here," Josendale says. Josendale says one big project that will continue to be worked on into the new year will be the new sports complex, which aims to be a destination to draw more families to live in St. Joseph.

Mayor Josendale looks back on 2024 success: Looks forward to 2025

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating alleged theft by deception at a business in Riley County.

Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of theft by deception in the 300 block of Main Street in Riley, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Meat Works of Kansas reported the business was deceived by email for the purchase of 15,000 pounds of ground beef by an unknown subject. 

Total estimated loss associated with this report is $60,000. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735831295761.png" alt="Meat Works Google image" />
 <figcaption>Meat Works Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating alleged theft by deception at a business in Riley County.Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of theft by deception in the 300 block of Main Street in Riley, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Meat Works of Kansas reported the business was deceived by email for the purchase of 15,000 pounds of ground beef by an unknown subject. Total estimated loss associated with this report is $60,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Email scam involving 15,000 pounds of ground beef at Kan. business

Bills largely split by partisan divides seek to expand or modify charter school operation in Missouri

BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Republican legislators are set to push for further expansion of charter schools around Missouri when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.

Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing for more local control in counties where charters already operate, along with rolling back an expansion into Boone County that passed earlier this year.

Identical bills filed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=346" target="_blank">by Sen. Ben Brown</a>, a Washington Republican, and&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB447&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Rep. Michael O’Donnell</a>, a Republican from St. Louis, seek to authorize charter schools in the state’s five charter counties and in municipalities with at least 30,000 residents.

Iterations of the bill have been filed since 2022. O’Donnell prefiled the legislation last legislative session but did not receive a hearing.

With some exceptions, charter schools are only allowed to operate in Kansas City, St. Louis and Boone County.

Bills authorizing specific counties to establish charter schools had more traction. Rep. Brad Christ, a St. Louis Republican, got&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB498&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">his bill</a>&nbsp;seeking to authorize charter schools in St. Louis County through committee early in the 2024 legislative session and has refiled the bill this year.

He believes legislation providing alternatives to traditional public schools will gain more traction under the leadership of Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/politics/governor-of-missouri/2024/12/17/incoming-governor-kehoe-speaks-about-future-of-missouri-including-crime-taxes-and-amendment-3/" target="_blank">spoken publicly about his support</a>&nbsp;for charter schools and K-12 tax-credit scholarships.

“There will be much more coordination between the governor’s office and both bodies than in the past,” Christ told The Independent.

Residents in his district have asked for more publicly-funded schooling options for various reasons. The schools in his district have a good reputation, so Christ doesn’t anticipate a large exodus from the public districts.

“I don’t think charter schools will be popping up overnight all over St Louis County if this passes,” he said. “But in areas where there’s a need and where there’s a demand, I think it will provide options for families, whether that be academic, personal, social, religious or whatever it might be.”

He’s open to his bill amending a larger education package. Last year, his bill was tacked onto proposals to expand charters into St. Charles and Boone County.

Ultimately, only the Boone County legislation survived a tumultuous 2024 legislative session, with former Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden of Columbia pushing for his county to be a new home for charter schools.

Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, is hoping to reverse the decision with a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB297&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">pair of bills</a>&nbsp;that would remove the authorization from state law and, secondly, call for a vote in Boone County to let voters decide if charters are welcome.

“Ultimately, it would be good to just completely have a repealed charter school provision,” he told The Independent. “But also, if we can take it to the voters and let them decide, I think that would be appropriate.”

Smith said Boone County residents “never wanted” charter schools expanded to their county, calling the legislation “Rowden’s baby.” Rowden is leaving office because of term limits and has accepted a job as director of strategic advocacy at the lobbying firm Strategic Capitol Consulting.

“I don’t know that now that he’s gone, you’re gonna have anyone who’s just adamant about keeping charter schools in Boone County,” Smith said.

He said he didn’t know of anyone in the House pushing for charter schools in Boone County. Last year, Republican Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch from Hallsville filed the legislation. In November, she narrowly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/" target="_blank">lost a bid for Boone County commissioner</a>&nbsp;and is term limited from continuing her work in the Missouri House.

Other bills seek to change the way charter schools operate in Missouri.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=478" target="_blank">proposal by Sen.-elect Maggie Nurrenbern</a>, a Democrat from Kansas City, would require charter schools to obtain a certificate of need from their local school districts to operate. The State Board of Education would review and approve the certificates of need.

Rep. Doug Clemens, a St. Louis Democrat, also filed legislation that would require local oversight.

<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1379H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">His legislation</a>, which he filed last year as well, would require local school districts to sponsor charter schools. Most of the state’s charter schools are currently sponsored by the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, a state board that oversees charters. Clemens’s bill would remove the need for the commission.

“The idea that local school boards don’t have control over charter schools operating within their district is just not okay,” Clemens told The Independent. “I think that it is worth talking about local control when it comes to the education of our children.”

Having local governance of charter schools would allow residents to have more input on the way their tax dollars are spent on education, he said.

His bill did not get a hearing last legislative session, along with bills filed by other lawmakers that would modify charter sponsorship.

Rudi Keller contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680891715173.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Bills largely split by partisan divides seek to expand or modify charter school operation in Missouri</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Republican legislators are set to push for further expansion of charter schools around Missouri when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.Meanwhile, Democrats are pushing for more local control in counties where charters already operate, along with rolling back an expansion into Boone County that passed earlier this year.Identical bills filed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=346" target="_blank">by Sen. Ben Brown</a>, a Washington Republican, and&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB447&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">Rep. Michael O’Donnell</a>, a Republican from St. Louis, seek to authorize charter schools in the state’s five charter counties and in municipalities with at least 30,000 residents.Iterations of the bill have been filed since 2022. O’Donnell prefiled the legislation last legislative session but did not receive a hearing.With some exceptions, charter schools are only allowed to operate in Kansas City, St. Louis and Boone County.Bills authorizing specific counties to establish charter schools had more traction. Rep. Brad Christ, a St. Louis Republican, got&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB498&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">his bill</a>&nbsp;seeking to authorize charter schools in St. Louis County through committee early in the 2024 legislative session and has refiled the bill this year.He believes legislation providing alternatives to traditional public schools will gain more traction under the leadership of Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/politics/governor-of-missouri/2024/12/17/incoming-governor-kehoe-speaks-about-future-of-missouri-including-crime-taxes-and-amendment-3/" target="_blank">spoken publicly about his support</a>&nbsp;for charter schools and K-12 tax-credit scholarships.“There will be much more coordination between the governor’s office and both bodies than in the past,” Christ told The Independent.Residents in his district have asked for more publicly-funded schooling options for various reasons. The schools in his district have a good reputation, so Christ doesn’t anticipate a large exodus from the public districts.“I don’t think charter schools will be popping up overnight all over St Louis County if this passes,” he said. “But in areas where there’s a need and where there’s a demand, I think it will provide options for families, whether that be academic, personal, social, religious or whatever it might be.”He’s open to his bill amending a larger education package. Last year, his bill was tacked onto proposals to expand charters into St. Charles and Boone County.Ultimately, only the Boone County legislation survived a tumultuous 2024 legislative session, with former Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden of Columbia pushing for his county to be a new home for charter schools.Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Democrat from Columbia, is hoping to reverse the decision with a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB297&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">pair of bills</a>&nbsp;that would remove the authorization from state law and, secondly, call for a vote in Boone County to let voters decide if charters are welcome.“Ultimately, it would be good to just completely have a repealed charter school provision,” he told The Independent. “But also, if we can take it to the voters and let them decide, I think that would be appropriate.”Smith said Boone County residents “never wanted” charter schools expanded to their county, calling the legislation “Rowden’s baby.” Rowden is leaving office because of term limits and has accepted a job as director of strategic advocacy at the lobbying firm Strategic Capitol Consulting.“I don’t know that now that he’s gone, you’re gonna have anyone who’s just adamant about keeping charter schools in Boone County,” Smith said.He said he didn’t know of anyone in the House pushing for charter schools in Boone County. Last year, Republican Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch from Hallsville filed the legislation. In November, she narrowly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.showmeboone.com/clerk/elections/results/" target="_blank">lost a bid for Boone County commissioner</a>&nbsp;and is term limited from continuing her work in the Missouri House.Other bills seek to change the way charter schools operate in Missouri.A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=478" target="_blank">proposal by Sen.-elect Maggie Nurrenbern</a>, a Democrat from Kansas City, would require charter schools to obtain a certificate of need from their local school districts to operate. The State Board of Education would review and approve the certificates of need.Rep. Doug Clemens, a St. Louis Democrat, also filed legislation that would require local oversight.<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/1379H.01I.pdf" target="_blank">His legislation</a>, which he filed last year as well, would require local school districts to sponsor charter schools. Most of the state’s charter schools are currently sponsored by the Missouri Charter Public School Commission, a state board that oversees charters. Clemens’s bill would remove the need for the commission.“The idea that local school boards don’t have control over charter schools operating within their district is just not okay,” Clemens told The Independent. “I think that it is worth talking about local control when it comes to the education of our children.”Having local governance of charter schools would allow residents to have more input on the way their tax dollars are spent on education, he said.His bill did not get a hearing last legislative session, along with bills filed by other lawmakers that would modify charter sponsorship.Rudi Keller contributed to this report.

Republican lawmakers seek further expansion of Missouri charter schools

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/greglarose/">GREG LAROSE</a>

NEW ORLEANS — Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more.

Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians.

After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition.

Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition.

The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. They reported a potential improvised explosive device (IED) was also discovered at the scene. A flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms.

“Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject’s vehicle,” the FBI said in a news release. “Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. The FBI’s Special Agent Bomb Technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable and they will work to render those devices safe.”

At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street.

“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” the police chief said.

Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are&nbsp;<a href="https://nola.gov/next/public-works/projects/bourbon-street-bollard-assessment-replacement-project/" target="_blank">in the process of being replaced</a>&nbsp;according to the city’s Department of Public Works website.

Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs.

An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Year’s Eve.

New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. The game was postponed for 24 hours after representatives with the event have said they were speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments.

Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas.

The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.

This article was initially published by&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/" target="_blank">Louisiana Illuminator</a>, a part of States Newsroom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735738471176.png" alt="First responders on the scene early Wednesday- Photo courtesy WDSU TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene early Wednesday- Photo courtesy WDSU TV</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/greglarose/">GREG LAROSE</a>NEW ORLEANS — Authorities have identified the man who sped down Bourbon Street early Wednesday morning, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more.Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, of Texas was killed after a shootout with police once his pickup truck collided with a lift vehicle at the intersection of Bourbon and Conti streets, the FBI has confirmed. He reportedly drove around a police barricade at Canal Street, intentionally striking pedestrians.After Jabbar struck a lift vehicle, the FBI said he shot at law enforcement on the scene and was killed by return fire. Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and taken to University Medical Center, where New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said they were in stable condition.Another 35 people struck by the truck were also injured and taken to local hospitals, with some reported in critical condition.The FBI is leading the investigation into what the agency said is calling a terrorist attack. They reported a potential improvised explosive device (IED) was also discovered at the scene. A flag for the jihadist Islamic State group was found in the truck, along with other firearms.“Weapons and a potential IED were located in the subject’s vehicle,” the FBI said in a news release. “Other potential IEDs were also located in the French Quarter. The FBI’s Special Agent Bomb Technicians are working with our law enforcement partners to determine if any of these devices are viable and they will work to render those devices safe.”At around 3:15 a.m., the driver of the truck steered around a police barricade at Canal Street meant to keep vehicles off of Bourbon Street and sped into a crowd, Kirkpatrick said. It appears the truck was able to travel three blocks before colliding with a lift vehicle near Conti Street.“He was hellbent on creating the carnage and the damage that he did,” the police chief said.Steel bollards that rise from the street were installed along and near Bourbon Street in 2017 to protect pedestrians, but they are&nbsp;<a href="https://nola.gov/next/public-works/projects/bourbon-street-bollard-assessment-replacement-project/" target="_blank">in the process of being replaced</a>&nbsp;according to the city’s Department of Public Works website.Bomb squad personnel were seen entering the French Quarter, which the FBI said is being scoured for additional explosive devices. Several small booms have been heard blocks away, which City Council members said were controlled detonations to clear possible IEDs.An eight-block stretch of Bourbon Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians, and some hotels in the French Quarter were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The public is being asked to avoid a large portion of the historic neighborhood, which typically sees crowds larger than typical weekends for New Year’s Eve.New Orleans is hosting fans of the University of Georgia and Notre Dame for the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for Wednesday night at the Superdome. The game was postponed for 24 hours after representatives with the event have said they were speaking with local, state and federal authorities to keep apprised of developments.Hospitality and service industry employees reporting for work Wednesday morning were being turned away from cordoned-off areas.The city will also host Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9.This article was initially published by&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/" target="_blank">Louisiana Illuminator</a>, a part of States Newsroom.

Suspect in Bourbon Street Mass Fatality had ISIS flag in Truck: FBI

(Radio Iowa) - Composting can be an environmentally friendly way to take care of holiday waste. Jennifer Trent, with the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, says there are some things that will draw unwanted pests, including crows, hawks and raccoons, so avoid composting things like fats, oils, grease, and dairy. 

Trent also cautions against composting giftwrap because it has a lot of dyes and possibly heavy metals that would be toxic. She says cardboard and food leftovers are of ideal compostables.

(Radio Iowa) - Composting can be an environmentally friendly way to take care of holiday waste. Jennifer Trent, with the Iowa Waste Reduction Center, says there are some things that will draw unwanted pests, including crows, hawks and raccoons, so avoid composting things like fats, oils, grease, and dairy. Trent also cautions against composting giftwrap because it has a lot of dyes and possibly heavy metals that would be toxic. She says cardboard and food leftovers are of ideal compostables.

Careful what you compost, or you may attract unwanted visitors

(Radio Iowa) - One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, and a survey finds 70-percent of Iowa smokers want to quit, while 50-percent will try to quit in the year ahead. 

There are mixed messages circulating about how vaping can help smokers to kick the habit, messages that are blatantly false, according to Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association in Iowa. 

The U-S Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarettes to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit, Sward says, and the Lung Association is urging smokers to step away from all tobacco and nicotine products, and not switch to vaping.

(Radio Iowa) - One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, and a survey finds 70-percent of Iowa smokers want to quit, while 50-percent will try to quit in the year ahead. There are mixed messages circulating about how vaping can help smokers to kick the habit, messages that are blatantly false, according to Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association in Iowa. The U-S Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarettes to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit, Sward says, and the Lung Association is urging smokers to step away from all tobacco and nicotine products, and not switch to vaping.

Seek professional help if resolving to quit smoking in 2025

Dairy checkoff initiatives of 2024 successfully increased dairy access in schools, expanded market share for U.S. dairy products domestically and internationally and supported the industry’s commitment to sustainability. 

Dairy Management Inc. President and CEO Barbara O’Brien says the checkoff is working and achieving a lot in building its next chapter. She outlined the “Now, Next, and Future” checkoff strategies at the joint annual meeting. “All of the successes were made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone across the checkoff federation,” O’Brien said. “This was a strong year of results as we continue to work with and through others to catalyze action in energizing our trust- and sales-building priorities.” 

The Dairy Checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, a resource hub designed to give farm advisors, stakeholders, and conservation professionals science-based information on sustainable practices and technologies. DMI also unveiled its InnovateWithDairy.com tool to help spur industry innovation ideas.

Dairy checkoff initiatives of 2024 successfully increased dairy access in schools, expanded market share for U.S. dairy products domestically and internationally and supported the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Dairy Management Inc. President and CEO Barbara O’Brien says the checkoff is working and achieving a lot in building its next chapter. She outlined the “Now, Next, and Future” checkoff strategies at the joint annual meeting. “All of the successes were made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone across the checkoff federation,” O’Brien said. “This was a strong year of results as we continue to work with and through others to catalyze action in energizing our trust- and sales-building priorities.” The Dairy Checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, a resource hub designed to give farm advisors, stakeholders, and conservation professionals science-based information on sustainable practices and technologies. DMI also unveiled its InnovateWithDairy.com tool to help spur industry innovation ideas.- NAFB

Dairy Checkoff Highlights 2024 Work

The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. 

That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and growing public support for clean transportation fuel. Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen says a strong 2024 has set the industry up for further growth in air, marine, rail, and heavy-duty transportation use. “Consumers and corporations are demanding more clean fuel, and they are increasingly turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel for it,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has become a central force in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.” 

One factor in the improvement is the number of states that implemented clean fuel policies. Updated fuel specs will create opportunities in the new year. Biodiesel and renewable diesel will continue making farms stronger in 2025.

The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and growing public support for clean transportation fuel. Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen says a strong 2024 has set the industry up for further growth in air, marine, rail, and heavy-duty transportation use. “Consumers and corporations are demanding more clean fuel, and they are increasingly turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel for it,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has become a central force in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.” One factor in the improvement is the number of states that implemented clean fuel policies. Updated fuel specs will create opportunities in the new year. Biodiesel and renewable diesel will continue making farms stronger in 2025.- NAFB

Rapid Growth for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel in 2024

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says a recent decision putting the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements on hold is “confusing.” 

Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, says the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court reversed the ruling it had issued before Christmas and has instead decided to uphold the injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect. “This means U.S. cattle producers have yet another reprieve from filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCen,” Bacus says. “These court rulings have gone back and forth and continue to add to the overall confusion.”

 He also says NCBA urges all cattle producers to consult with their attorney and tax professional for the latest information in case of more changes. “NCBA is continuing to urge Congress to pass legislation that will permanently protect cattle farmers and ranchers from this burdensome mandate,” Bacus added.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says a recent decision putting the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements on hold is “confusing.” Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, says the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court reversed the ruling it had issued before Christmas and has instead decided to uphold the injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect. “This means U.S. cattle producers have yet another reprieve from filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCen,” Bacus says. “These court rulings have gone back and forth and continue to add to the overall confusion.” He also says NCBA urges all cattle producers to consult with their attorney and tax professional for the latest information in case of more changes. “NCBA is continuing to urge Congress to pass legislation that will permanently protect cattle farmers and ranchers from this burdensome mandate,” Bacus added.- NAFB

NCBA Reacts to Temporary Relief from CTA

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in the Kansas City area are investigating reports of fake cash used at businesses.&nbsp;

On social media, the Lawson Police Department featured $100 bills stamped with&nbsp;“this note is not legal, it is to be used for motion pictures."

"Anyone who looks at the bills closely will see that something doesn’t look quite right."

Any business taking a $100 bill should inspect it closely to make sure it doesn’t have the stamp that identifies it as prop money.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735609429404.png" alt="Photo Lawson Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in the Kansas City area are investigating reports of fake cash used at businesses.&nbsp;On social media, the Lawson Police Department featured $100 bills stamped with&nbsp;“this note is not legal, it is to be used for motion pictures.""Anyone who looks at the bills closely will see that something doesn’t look quite right." Any business taking a $100 bill should inspect it closely to make sure it doesn’t have the stamp that identifies it as prop money.&nbsp;

‘Movie money’ used at Missouri businesses

The St. Joseph School District is working to make transportation for students to and from school safe  

One primary issue the district has heard from parents is behavior from students on the bus rides.  

Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Robert Sigirst says the job of a bus driver is complex 

"Because the safety of those students is paramount for them," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "So, driving and focus on what's in front of them is obviously their most important thing, but there's a lot going on behind them, some routes we have monitors on if it's a more full route, things like that to assist with that." 

Sigrist says anyone who thinks a bus drivers' job is easy, he would challenge them to ride an elementary bus route to see the challenges they deal with.  

Director of Non-Academic Services Shannon Nolte says a big focus in the district is on building relationships and says the district's behavior specialists talked to several bus drivers for the district.  

"Talked about those relationships, how you build those, and really its just no different, bus drivers build good relationships usually those busses run well and there's fewer behavior issues, there's always going to be a few, but I think that's the biggest key is building those relationships with those kids," Nolte explains. 

Nolte says the district received good feedback from drivers within the district about the talks on learning how to build those relationships with students.  

A new contract with First Student has also helped the St. Joseph School District in keeping its busses filled with drivers to transport students to and from school.  

Robert Sigirst says the district is currently in a much better spot than they were just four years ago.  

Sigrist says back then, there were days where the district didn't know who would be going out to pick up students on the buses. 

"Because we just were that short on drivers and they were pulling drivers from the Kansas City area to fill our routes," Sigrist says.  "So, where we're at today as we sit here in December 2024, from where we were say in January of 2021, much improved, much improved." 

Sigrist says First Student has helped train drivers and has given incentives that help recruit and retain drivers to ensure the district knows who will be out driving on any given day. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph School District is working to make transportation for students to and from school safe One primary issue the district has heard from parents is behavior from students on the bus rides. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Robert Sigirst says the job of a bus driver is complex "Because the safety of those students is paramount for them," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, driving and focus on what's in front of them is obviously their most important thing, but there's a lot going on behind them, some routes we have monitors on if it's a more full route, things like that to assist with that." Sigrist says anyone who thinks a bus drivers' job is easy, he would challenge them to ride an elementary bus route to see the challenges they deal with. Director of Non-Academic Services Shannon Nolte says a big focus in the district is on building relationships and says the district's behavior specialists talked to several bus drivers for the district. "Talked about those relationships, how you build those, and really its just no different, bus drivers build good relationships usually those busses run well and there's fewer behavior issues, there's always going to be a few, but I think that's the biggest key is building those relationships with those kids," Nolte explains. Nolte says the district received good feedback from drivers within the district about the talks on learning how to build those relationships with students. A new contract with First Student has also helped the St. Joseph School District in keeping its busses filled with drivers to transport students to and from school. Robert Sigirst says the district is currently in a much better spot than they were just four years ago. Sigrist says back then, there were days where the district didn't know who would be going out to pick up students on the buses. "Because we just were that short on drivers and they were pulling drivers from the Kansas City area to fill our routes," Sigrist says. "So, where we're at today as we sit here in December 2024, from where we were say in January of 2021, much improved, much improved." Sigrist says First Student has helped train drivers and has given incentives that help recruit and retain drivers to ensure the district knows who will be out driving on any given day.

St. Joseph School District works to make busses safe and efficient

PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.

He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.

According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.

Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735611961132.png" alt="Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

Kansas U.S. Senator meets with President-elect Trump

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by 21-year-old Maysville man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 approximately 2 miles west of Stewartsville.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road, skidded across the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned

DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported to the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by 21-year-old Maysville man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 approximately 2 miles west of Stewartsville.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road, skidded across the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and overturnedDeKalb-Clinton EMS transported to the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.<figure>
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Missouri man injured in DeKalb Co. pickup rollover accident

WASHINGTON —On Monday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs as part of the surge of security assistance the President directed to put Ukraine in the best possible position. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $1.25 billion, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: missiles for air defense; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.

In addition, DoD announced an approximately $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package to provide Ukraine with additional air defense, air-to-ground, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other capabilities to fight Russian aggression.

The capabilities in this announcement include:

Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions;&nbsp; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;&nbsp; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS);&nbsp; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.

This is the Biden Administration's twenty-third USAI package and seventy-third tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.The United States continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Monday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs as part of the surge of security assistance the President directed to put Ukraine in the best possible position. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $1.25 billion, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: missiles for air defense; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.In addition, DoD announced an approximately $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package to provide Ukraine with additional air defense, air-to-ground, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other capabilities to fight Russian aggression.The capabilities in this announcement include:Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions;&nbsp; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;&nbsp; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS);&nbsp; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.This is the Biden Administration's twenty-third USAI package and seventy-third tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.The United States continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.

 Read list of $2.5 billion in new weapons U.S. sending to Ukraine

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;

City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;

Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;

“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;

The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;

“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;

The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;

When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;

“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234496874.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. " />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

State sales tax on groceries drops to zero Jan. 1 

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will have served 12 years for two American presidents when he leaves his role as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in three weeks. 

Vilsack, who moved to his wife's hometown of Mount Pleasant after finishiing law school, says his legal work representing farmers during the Farm Crisis gave direction to his life -- and it ultimately led to him serving as the country's top ag official. Vilsack says one of the recent highlights at the U-S-D-A was an uptick in the number of farms in Iowa. The U-S-D-A conducts a census every five years.

 The last census in 2022 found the number of farm units in Iowa had increased by about one percent the number of farmers had increased seven percent from 2017.

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will have served 12 years for two American presidents when he leaves his role as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in three weeks. Vilsack, who moved to his wife's hometown of Mount Pleasant after finishiing law school, says his legal work representing farmers during the Farm Crisis gave direction to his life -- and it ultimately led to him serving as the country's top ag official. Vilsack says one of the recent highlights at the U-S-D-A was an uptick in the number of farms in Iowa. The U-S-D-A conducts a census every five years. The last census in 2022 found the number of farm units in Iowa had increased by about one percent the number of farmers had increased seven percent from 2017.

Vilsack's 12 year run as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture winding down

Fifth Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb has been clearing out
his office and preparing for retirement after 38 years on the bench; 45 years
total working in the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Robb served as assistant Buchanan County prosecutor, the lead
prosecutor in many high-profile cases, before being elected Associate Circuit
Judge in 1986. He won election as Circuit Judge two years later. Robb won
re-election in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018.

Robb, who is 69, faced mandatory retirement at age 70.

“I’m ready to take on new projects in retirement,” Robb tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an interview in his chambers. “Fortunately, I’m
healthy. So, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of retirement,
whatever challenge there may be.”

“I don’t have any professional goals in retirement,” Robb
says. “I’ve always been interested, my wife and I, in traveling. So, I like to
travel. I like to hike. And so, I plan to do a little bit more of that probably
in the next few years. But, most of the time I’ll be at home. So, I’m hoping to
find something perhaps that I can do in the community that would be something I
would find rewarding and be helpful. So that’s probably my goal.”

Robb says he has little interest in serving as judge emeritus
and taking on new cases, but says he will see what the Missouri Supreme Court
offers.

We asked Robb if it seems like it has been 45 years.

“No, it does not,” Robb replies. “As I’ve reflected on it the
last six months, as I’m approaching retirement, it just seems like it’s gone by
very quickly. You keep showing up for work every day, doing the work, and next
thing you know 45 years have gone by.”

Robb has seen a lot over that time, has learned a lot about
being a judge, applying the law. Robb served as the 5th Judicial Circuit
Presiding Judge from 1995 to 2018. Robb says he’s proud the Missouri Supreme
Court recognized the circuit, which covers Buchanan and Andrew Counties, for
its efficiency in dealing the cases before it, both criminal and civil.

Over the years, Robb has presided over many, many cases.
Several stand out, but perhaps none more than a change of venue from Harrison
County heard in the Buchanan County Courthouse. The suspect pleaded guilty,
avoiding a trial. But the prosecutors wanted to talk to Robb.

“And they said, judge, I just wanted to give you a heads up
before the sentencing hearing that the victim of the offense is going to be here
for the sentencing hearing,” Robb recalls.&nbsp;
“And I said, what do you mean the victim’s going to be here for the
sentencing hearing?&nbsp; They go, well, the
family has brought the victim’s ashes to the sentencing hearing. They want to
be present, but I wanted to make sure that you were okay with it.”

Robb gave his okay as long as the victim’s family did not turn
it into a demonstration in the courtroom.

“I went out and had the sentencing hearing and they had a
little urn sitting in one of the chairs in the front row of the courtroom
during the sentencing hearing of the defendant.”

Robb says the biggest misconception the public has about
judges is that they are the law.

“I make a decision how the law applies to the particular facts
they might present to me as a judge or I might instruct the jury, if it goes to
a jury trial, on what the law is and let the jury decide what the facts are and
who should recover, who should win in that case,” Robb says, pointing out it is
the Missouri General Assembly that makes the law.

Robb says he does understand the decisions he makes during a
trial or during sentencing touches people’s lives.

“Those are important decisions. I understand those impact
people greatly, potentially, them and their families,” Robb says. “Those do
weigh on you and they haven’t gotten easier as you get older. You realize the
kind of decisions judges make do impact people’s lives. That’s one part of my
job I will not miss.”

Robb says the dedication to the day-to-day work makes for a
good judge.

“A judge that’s one willing to listen and willing to work,”
according to Robb. “Willing to be there and have the tribunal move cases, listen
to people, not be impatient with the process, but make sure that we understand,
if you’re filing a case in court, that we’re moving toward adjudication.”

Robb says he doesn’t think much about any legacy he might
leave.

“Feel like I was a fair judge. I think most people do. And
that I was a hard worker and that I ran an orderly court. That’s kind of what I
want.”

Robb’s influence went beyond the Buchanan County Courthouse.
He served as chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Procedure in Criminal
Cases and on the Presiding Judges’ Executive Committee.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735329647963.jpeg" alt="5th Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>5th Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFifth Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb has been clearing out
his office and preparing for retirement after 38 years on the bench; 45 years
total working in the Buchanan County Courthouse.Robb served as assistant Buchanan County prosecutor, the lead
prosecutor in many high-profile cases, before being elected Associate Circuit
Judge in 1986. He won election as Circuit Judge two years later. Robb won
re-election in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018.Robb, who is 69, faced mandatory retirement at age 70.“I’m ready to take on new projects in retirement,” Robb tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an interview in his chambers. “Fortunately, I’m
healthy. So, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of retirement,
whatever challenge there may be.”Most of those new projects are personal.“I don’t have any professional goals in retirement,” Robb
says. “I’ve always been interested, my wife and I, in traveling. So, I like to
travel. I like to hike. And so, I plan to do a little bit more of that probably
in the next few years. But, most of the time I’ll be at home. So, I’m hoping to
find something perhaps that I can do in the community that would be something I
would find rewarding and be helpful. So that’s probably my goal.”Robb says he has little interest in serving as judge emeritus
and taking on new cases, but says he will see what the Missouri Supreme Court
offers.We asked Robb if it seems like it has been 45 years.“No, it does not,” Robb replies. “As I’ve reflected on it the
last six months, as I’m approaching retirement, it just seems like it’s gone by
very quickly. You keep showing up for work every day, doing the work, and next
thing you know 45 years have gone by.”Robb has seen a lot over that time, has learned a lot about
being a judge, applying the law. Robb served as the 5th Judicial Circuit
Presiding Judge from 1995 to 2018. Robb says he’s proud the Missouri Supreme
Court recognized the circuit, which covers Buchanan and Andrew Counties, for
its efficiency in dealing the cases before it, both criminal and civil.Over the years, Robb has presided over many, many cases.
Several stand out, but perhaps none more than a change of venue from Harrison
County heard in the Buchanan County Courthouse. The suspect pleaded guilty,
avoiding a trial. But the prosecutors wanted to talk to Robb.“And they said, judge, I just wanted to give you a heads up
before the sentencing hearing that the victim of the offense is going to be here
for the sentencing hearing,” Robb recalls.&nbsp;
“And I said, what do you mean the victim’s going to be here for the
sentencing hearing?&nbsp; They go, well, the
family has brought the victim’s ashes to the sentencing hearing. They want to
be present, but I wanted to make sure that you were okay with it.”Robb gave his okay as long as the victim’s family did not turn
it into a demonstration in the courtroom.“I went out and had the sentencing hearing and they had a
little urn sitting in one of the chairs in the front row of the courtroom
during the sentencing hearing of the defendant.”Robb says the biggest misconception the public has about
judges is that they are the law.“I make a decision how the law applies to the particular facts
they might present to me as a judge or I might instruct the jury, if it goes to
a jury trial, on what the law is and let the jury decide what the facts are and
who should recover, who should win in that case,” Robb says, pointing out it is
the Missouri General Assembly that makes the law.Robb says he does understand the decisions he makes during a
trial or during sentencing touches people’s lives.“Those are important decisions. I understand those impact
people greatly, potentially, them and their families,” Robb says. “Those do
weigh on you and they haven’t gotten easier as you get older. You realize the
kind of decisions judges make do impact people’s lives. That’s one part of my
job I will not miss.”Robb says the dedication to the day-to-day work makes for a
good judge.“A judge that’s one willing to listen and willing to work,”
according to Robb. “Willing to be there and have the tribunal move cases, listen
to people, not be impatient with the process, but make sure that we understand,
if you’re filing a case in court, that we’re moving toward adjudication.”Robb says he doesn’t think much about any legacy he might
leave.“Feel like I was a fair judge. I think most people do. And
that I was a hard worker and that I ran an orderly court. That’s kind of what I
want.”Robb’s influence went beyond the Buchanan County Courthouse.
He served as chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Procedure in Criminal
Cases and on the Presiding Judges’ Executive Committee.Robb serves his last day on the 31st.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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