BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Malibu driven by a 30-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 29 in the St. Joseph city limits. The car rear-ended a 2014 Audi A4 driven by a 22-year-old Stanberry woman. After impact, the Chevy crossed the median and struck a northbound 2022 BMW X3 driven by a 53-year-old St. Joseph woman then struck the guardrail.

A private vehicle transported a 19-year-old female passenger in the Audi to Urgent Care in St. Joseph. Buchanan County EMS transported the driver of the Chevy to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Malibu driven by a 30-year-old St. Joseph man was southbound on Interstate 29 in the St. Joseph city limits. The car rear-ended a 2014 Audi A4 driven by a 22-year-old Stanberry woman. After impact, the Chevy crossed the median and struck a northbound 2022 BMW X3 driven by a 53-year-old St. Joseph woman then struck the guardrail.A private vehicle transported a 19-year-old female passenger in the Audi to Urgent Care in St. Joseph. Buchanan County EMS transported the driver of the Chevy to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases the names of accident victims.

2 injured after 3-vehicle crash in St. Joseph

Northwest Missouri will soon welcome five new state troopers to the region.

Capt. Shawn P. Skoglund, commanding officer of Troop H in St. Joseph, says the officers are members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 124th Recruit Class and graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 19, 2025.&nbsp;

Trooper Matthew J. Dorrell, a Marceline native, will serve Zone 4, covering Grundy, Livingston, and Mercer counties. A 2023 graduate of Marceline R-V, Dorrell joined the Missouri National Guard in 2022, where he continues to serve as a heavy equipment operator. He previously worked as a lawn care specialist for Lawn Boyz in Bucklin.

Trooper Delaney K. Dunkin, of Norborne, has been assigned to Zone 7, serving Caldwell and Clinton counties. Dunkin graduated from Norborne R-8 in 2023 and earned an associate degree from Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods in 2024. Before joining the Patrol, she served as a communications officer for Ray County 911 in Richmond.

Trooper Raul Hernandez, a native of Marshall, is assigned to Zone 10, covering Daviess and DeKalb counties. Hernandez graduated from Marshall High School in 2017 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri Valley College in 2021. He previously served as a police officer with the Marshall Police Department.

Trooper Noah M. Newland, of Queen City, will serve Zone 2, covering Nodaway and Worth counties. A 2022 graduate of Schuyler County R-1, Newland attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Prior to the Academy, he worked as a sales associate for Dollar General in Maryville.

Trooper Lucas N. Reynolds, a Chillicothe native, joins Trooper Dorrell in Zone 4, serving Grundy, Livingston, and Mercer counties. Reynolds is a 2023 graduate of Chillicothe High School and previously worked as a corrections officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Sgt. Shane Hux, with Troop H in St. Joseph, says, "The academy is 25 weeks long and kind of like a military boot camp with college academics on top of it."

Hux says the recruits learn everything about the history of Missouri and the highway patrol, traffic crash investigation, DWI enforcement, and tactical driving.

"They will spend approximately four months with a field training officer for several different phases. It's like you have to learn to crawl before you walk," Hux noted.

The new recruits are scheduled to report for duty Jan. 5, 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743429096085.png" alt="mshp" />
 <figcaption>mshp</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHNorthwest Missouri will soon welcome five new state troopers to the region.Capt. Shawn P. Skoglund, commanding officer of Troop H in St. Joseph, says the officers are members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 124th Recruit Class and graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy on Dec. 19, 2025.&nbsp;Trooper Matthew J. Dorrell, a Marceline native, will serve Zone 4, covering Grundy, Livingston, and Mercer counties. A 2023 graduate of Marceline R-V, Dorrell joined the Missouri National Guard in 2022, where he continues to serve as a heavy equipment operator. He previously worked as a lawn care specialist for Lawn Boyz in Bucklin.Trooper Delaney K. Dunkin, of Norborne, has been assigned to Zone 7, serving Caldwell and Clinton counties. Dunkin graduated from Norborne R-8 in 2023 and earned an associate degree from Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods in 2024. Before joining the Patrol, she served as a communications officer for Ray County 911 in Richmond.Trooper Raul Hernandez, a native of Marshall, is assigned to Zone 10, covering Daviess and DeKalb counties. Hernandez graduated from Marshall High School in 2017 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri Valley College in 2021. He previously served as a police officer with the Marshall Police Department.Trooper Noah M. Newland, of Queen City, will serve Zone 2, covering Nodaway and Worth counties. A 2022 graduate of Schuyler County R-1, Newland attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Prior to the Academy, he worked as a sales associate for Dollar General in Maryville.Trooper Lucas N. Reynolds, a Chillicothe native, joins Trooper Dorrell in Zone 4, serving Grundy, Livingston, and Mercer counties. Reynolds is a 2023 graduate of Chillicothe High School and previously worked as a corrections officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections.Sgt. Shane Hux, with Troop H in St. Joseph, says, "The academy is 25 weeks long and kind of like a military boot camp with college academics on top of it."Hux says the recruits learn everything about the history of Missouri and the highway patrol, traffic crash investigation, DWI enforcement, and tactical driving."They will spend approximately four months with a field training officer for several different phases. It's like you have to learn to crawl before you walk," Hux noted.The new recruits are scheduled to report for duty Jan. 5, 2026.

Five new troopers join Troop H operations

 Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal today to help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, which is expected to lure the team across the state line from Missouri and replace the popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium.

The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously at the state capitol in Topeka to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.

The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m.&nbsp; "to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region." She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America's Center.

Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later today as well regarding "sports team developments."

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.

Last year however, Jackson County voters soundly defeated a local sales tax extension which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers today, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766434608613.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly holds a Chiefs jersey with team owner Clark Hunt ahead of a news conference Dec. 22, 2025, at the Kansas Docking State Office Building in Topeka. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal today to help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, which is expected to lure the team across the state line from Missouri and replace the popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium.The Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, voted unanimously at the state capitol in Topeka to allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the cost of a stadium and accompanying district. The bonds would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around it.The council meeting was attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and team president Mark Donovan, along with other officials. They are expected to announce their intention to move later Monday from their longtime home in Kansas City, Missouri.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called a news conference for 3 p.m.&nbsp; "to present a major economic development announcement for the State of Kansas and the Kansas City Region." She will be joined by legislators and Kansas City-area representatives.The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on their own package to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams left St. Louis for Los Angeles in part due to their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America's Center.Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals on the Missouri side of the state line. He has called a news conference for later today as well regarding "sports team developments."The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities sit a couple of hundred yards across the parking lot from each other, and both teams have leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.Last year however, Jackson County voters soundly defeated a local sales tax extension which would have helped to pay for those renovations to the football stadium while helping to fund a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.The most likely landing place for the Chiefs is Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City.The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers today, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Kansas approves STAR  bonds paving way for Chiefs to move across state line

Northwest Missouri
will be well represented in the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
next year.

In fact, Northwest
Missouri State University in Maryville will see two veteran broadcasters
inducted.

The voice of the
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, John Coffey, will enter the Hall in the
2026. But so will longtime Northwest instructor and general manager of the
Northwest radio station KXCV/KRNW, the late Sharon Bonnett.

Coffey remembers
how kind Bonnett was to students and how much she cared about Northwest
broadcast students.

“You knew that she
cared about you and that’s the one thing that really stands out,” Coffey tells
KFEQmmunity. “Over and above from a working relationship or from a student
relationship she just had that caring instinct and that remained in place long
after you graduated from Northwest and the KXCV program.”

Bonnett graduated
from Northwest in 1965. She served as producer, program director, and
eventually general manager of KXCV/KRNW, winning multiple MBA awards as well as
national Corporation for Public Broadcasting Awards. Bonnett died in 2023.
Northwest named its radio studio in her honor.

Coffey actually
nominated Bonnett for the MBA Hall of Fame and received the call that she was
selected. Later, Coffey got another call. This time, he learned he would be
inducted next year.

Coffey enters the
Hall for a number of reasons, but especially for marking the milestone of
broadcasting 500 consecutive Northwest games on the Bearcat Radio Network. Coffey
reached the milestone in a 21-14 Northwest win over Missouri Southern State
University September 20th in Joplin. Coffey graduated from Northwest
in 1982, returning to Maryville to work at KNIM in 1983. He became the voice of
the Bearcats in 1985 and has called all 10 of the Bearcats’ NCAA Division II
national championship contests. Coffey has served as KXCV/KRNW General Manager since
2019.

Coffey says calling
500 consecutive Northwest football games is something he couldn’t imagine when
he started.

“It’s just been a
pleasure to be able to call Northwest games through the years,” Coffey says. “I
guess one thing that really helps as far as getting to that number was the
amount of post season games that Northwest has played. It comes out to about two
or three or four maybe extra seasons of games just from the standpoint of going
into the playoffs as many years in a row as they did. So, that helped get to
the mark a little bit quicker than it ordinarily would.”

Of all the games
he broadcast, including national championships, a 1996 playoff win against the
University of Nebraska-Omaha in icy conditions in Omaha stands out.

“I remember that
game really as the point that you knew that this football program had arrived.
From that point on, Northwest turned into what became a dynasty,” Coffey
recalls. “That game to me stands out as a major one. Of course, the national
championship games all have significance, but that game in particular I think
really stands out for what it meant for the history of the program.”

Northwest defeated
UNO 22-20 on November 23rd of 1996, losing by a point to #15 Northern
Colorado the next round.

Northwest would go
on to win back-to-back national championships under Coach Mel Tjeerdsma in 1998
and 1999. Northwest has won six total NCAA Division II National Championships.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766427552349.jpeg" alt="John Coffey honored for calling his 500th consecutive NWMSU football game/NWMSU photo" />
 <figcaption>John Coffey honored for calling his 500th consecutive NWMSU football game/NWMSU photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINNorthwest Missouri
will be well represented in the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
next year.In fact, Northwest
Missouri State University in Maryville will see two veteran broadcasters
inducted.The voice of the
Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, John Coffey, will enter the Hall in the
2026. But so will longtime Northwest instructor and general manager of the
Northwest radio station KXCV/KRNW, the late Sharon Bonnett.Coffey remembers
how kind Bonnett was to students and how much she cared about Northwest
broadcast students.“You knew that she
cared about you and that’s the one thing that really stands out,” Coffey tells
KFEQmmunity. “Over and above from a working relationship or from a student
relationship she just had that caring instinct and that remained in place long
after you graduated from Northwest and the KXCV program.”Bonnett graduated
from Northwest in 1965. She served as producer, program director, and
eventually general manager of KXCV/KRNW, winning multiple MBA awards as well as
national Corporation for Public Broadcasting Awards. Bonnett died in 2023.
Northwest named its radio studio in her honor.Coffey actually
nominated Bonnett for the MBA Hall of Fame and received the call that she was
selected. Later, Coffey got another call. This time, he learned he would be
inducted next year.Coffey enters the
Hall for a number of reasons, but especially for marking the milestone of
broadcasting 500 consecutive Northwest games on the Bearcat Radio Network. Coffey
reached the milestone in a 21-14 Northwest win over Missouri Southern State
University September 20th in Joplin. Coffey graduated from Northwest
in 1982, returning to Maryville to work at KNIM in 1983. He became the voice of
the Bearcats in 1985 and has called all 10 of the Bearcats’ NCAA Division II
national championship contests. Coffey has served as KXCV/KRNW General Manager since
2019.Coffey says calling
500 consecutive Northwest football games is something he couldn’t imagine when
he started.“It’s just been a
pleasure to be able to call Northwest games through the years,” Coffey says. “I
guess one thing that really helps as far as getting to that number was the
amount of post season games that Northwest has played. It comes out to about two
or three or four maybe extra seasons of games just from the standpoint of going
into the playoffs as many years in a row as they did. So, that helped get to
the mark a little bit quicker than it ordinarily would.”Of all the games
he broadcast, including national championships, a 1996 playoff win against the
University of Nebraska-Omaha in icy conditions in Omaha stands out.“I remember that
game really as the point that you knew that this football program had arrived.
From that point on, Northwest turned into what became a dynasty,” Coffey
recalls. “That game to me stands out as a major one. Of course, the national
championship games all have significance, but that game in particular I think
really stands out for what it meant for the history of the program.”Northwest defeated
UNO 22-20 on November 23rd of 1996, losing by a point to #15 Northern
Colorado the next round.Northwest would go
on to win back-to-back national championships under Coach Mel Tjeerdsma in 1998
and 1999. Northwest has won six total NCAA Division II National Championships.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

Northwest Missouri State will see 2 enter the MBA Hall of Fame

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5p1p39yr11LA2x2knXvWHd?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6xw9zpdxUxrPxCnHTp2wqD?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

A St. Joseph man
has been convicted of child molestation and rape after a jury trial in St.
Joseph.

The Buchanan
County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports a jury took a little more than an
hour and a half to convict 33-year-old Johnathan Sears of two counts of Child Molestation
in the Second Degree and one count of Rape in the First Degree. The jury also
found Sears guilty of three counts of sodomy.

St. Joseph police arrested
Sears for incidents that occurred in 2022 and 2023 between Sears and two
children; one age six, the other age nine.

A sentencing
hearing has been set for February 2nd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766403459903.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Sears/Buchanan County Sheriff's photo" />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Sears/Buchanan County Sheriff's photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph man
has been convicted of child molestation and rape after a jury trial in St.
Joseph.The Buchanan
County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reports a jury took a little more than an
hour and a half to convict 33-year-old Johnathan Sears of two counts of Child Molestation
in the Second Degree and one count of Rape in the First Degree. The jury also
found Sears guilty of three counts of sodomy.St. Joseph police arrested
Sears for incidents that occurred in 2022 and 2023 between Sears and two
children; one age six, the other age nine.A sentencing
hearing has been set for February 2nd.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph man convicted of child molestation, rape

Rescheduling won’t allow interstate commerce, federal legalization or an instant federal regulatory takeover. But it will give Missouri marijuana companies some tax relief

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/repub/trump-signs-order-to-loosen-federal-restrictions-on-marijuana-but-its-still-illegal/">executive order</a>&nbsp;to reschedule marijuana won’t change much in terms of how Missouri’s marijuana industry operates, business owners and legal experts agree.&nbsp;

It doesn’t change the fact that marijuana can’t be transported or sold across state lines. It doesn’t do away with the cap on the number of business licenses to cultivate and sell marijuana in Missouri.&nbsp;

And it doesn’t allow customers to use credit cards at dispensaries,&nbsp; since credit card networks and issuing banks are still governed by institutional risk frameworks that prohibit cannabis transactions.

But the order will give Missouri marijuana companies some tax relief and long-awaited recognition for the medicinal benefits their products can offer, said Mark Hendren, president of Flora Farms cannabis company that operates 12 dispensaries in Missouri.

“Obviously for a cannabis company like us, the big impact is allowing us to pay our taxes and run our businesses just like all other legal businesses,” Hendren said.&nbsp;

Right now, marijuana companies can’t deduct many business expenses from their taxes, including rent, travel, advertising and most professional services.&nbsp;

“Frankly, it’s a testament to the resilience of the industry that they’ve been able to be a profitable model, even without 280E tax deductions,” said Craig Small, a Denver-based cannabis attorney. “But with this coming change, certainly that might immediately increase profits by about 30%.”

Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/increasing-medical-marijuana-and-cannabidiol-research/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;moves cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on the Federal Drug Administration’s list of controlled substances. Schedule I, the most restrictive category under federal law, indicates a high likelihood of abuse and no accepted medical value.&nbsp;

Trump said the move reflected that cannabis could have medicinal value, even if abuse was still possible.

The rescheduling process is predicted to take place during 2026, Small said, but the timeline is still unclear.

Nicholas Rinella, CEO of Hippos cannabis company, said it’s encouraging&nbsp;to see cannabis operators moving closer to being “treated like every other legitimate business.”

“That shift allows us to reinvest into our operations, scale responsibly and continue delivering world-class products,” Rinella said. “It’s also meaningful to see the federal government begin to align with public sentiment in recognizing the real societal benefits of cannabis.”

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said rescheduling properly recognizes cannabis as medicine and allows for greater research of marijuana.

Mullins pointed out that marijuana has been listed as a Schedule I drug since 1970, along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy because the federal government previously determined that there were no currently accepted medical uses for cannabis.&nbsp;

“Federal rescheduling of cannabis removes barriers and creates opportunity for the 40 U.S. states, including Missouri, that have legalized medical and/or adult-use cannabis,” he said. “And no other state in the country is as well positioned as Missouri to take advantage of this reform.

Mullins said Missouri’s cannabis industry has been called one of the most successful in the entire country.&nbsp;

Since Missouri’s first legal medical marijuana sale in 2020, he said Missouri has surpassed $4.5 billion in total cannabis sales. In 2024 alone, the Missouri cannabis industry generated $244.93 million in sales tax revenue for state and local governments.&nbsp;

Hippos recently launched the state’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/og-yields-division-hippos-llc-211614513.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALJ_nxQp1ZAinJV-pT65fE4BdYdleO-A8xAw0pAlVHx3aOkbGQ6fNFQ6n2l1NlEZWZKnEJXbZa4GZtorTRVOduWWE_96_7IXic5QhftZkoyvpVdnenTuCvQ4wq9p2upLgpSZ0FCp-_aVovC7OVBUnhQhN554ILEREAJ2idcYmoE4" target="_blank">THC oral spray</a>, and the timing couldn’t be better for innovation in the space, Rinella said.&nbsp;

Cannabis prohibition, he said, represents a relatively short chapter in human history, and the country is “approaching a point where history corrects itself.”&nbsp;

“Forty years from now, my grandkids will probably have a harder time understanding that I grew up in an era when cannabis was federally prohibited,” Rinella said, “than they will understanding that I grew up before the internet existed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712141630999.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo by Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rescheduling won’t allow interstate commerce, federal legalization or an instant federal regulatory takeover. But it will give Missouri marijuana companies some tax relief</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/18/repub/trump-signs-order-to-loosen-federal-restrictions-on-marijuana-but-its-still-illegal/">executive order</a>&nbsp;to reschedule marijuana won’t change much in terms of how Missouri’s marijuana industry operates, business owners and legal experts agree.&nbsp;It doesn’t change the fact that marijuana can’t be transported or sold across state lines. It doesn’t do away with the cap on the number of business licenses to cultivate and sell marijuana in Missouri.&nbsp;And it doesn’t allow customers to use credit cards at dispensaries,&nbsp; since credit card networks and issuing banks are still governed by institutional risk frameworks that prohibit cannabis transactions.But the order will give Missouri marijuana companies some tax relief and long-awaited recognition for the medicinal benefits their products can offer, said Mark Hendren, president of Flora Farms cannabis company that operates 12 dispensaries in Missouri.“Obviously for a cannabis company like us, the big impact is allowing us to pay our taxes and run our businesses just like all other legal businesses,” Hendren said.&nbsp;Right now, marijuana companies can’t deduct many business expenses from their taxes, including rent, travel, advertising and most professional services.&nbsp;“Frankly, it’s a testament to the resilience of the industry that they’ve been able to be a profitable model, even without 280E tax deductions,” said Craig Small, a Denver-based cannabis attorney. “But with this coming change, certainly that might immediately increase profits by about 30%.”Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/increasing-medical-marijuana-and-cannabidiol-research/" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;moves cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III on the Federal Drug Administration’s list of controlled substances. Schedule I, the most restrictive category under federal law, indicates a high likelihood of abuse and no accepted medical value.&nbsp;Trump said the move reflected that cannabis could have medicinal value, even if abuse was still possible.The rescheduling process is predicted to take place during 2026, Small said, but the timeline is still unclear.Nicholas Rinella, CEO of Hippos cannabis company, said it’s encouraging&nbsp;to see cannabis operators moving closer to being “treated like every other legitimate business.”“That shift allows us to reinvest into our operations, scale responsibly and continue delivering world-class products,” Rinella said. “It’s also meaningful to see the federal government begin to align with public sentiment in recognizing the real societal benefits of cannabis.”Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said rescheduling properly recognizes cannabis as medicine and allows for greater research of marijuana.Mullins pointed out that marijuana has been listed as a Schedule I drug since 1970, along with heroin, LSD and ecstasy because the federal government previously determined that there were no currently accepted medical uses for cannabis.&nbsp;“Federal rescheduling of cannabis removes barriers and creates opportunity for the 40 U.S. states, including Missouri, that have legalized medical and/or adult-use cannabis,” he said. “And no other state in the country is as well positioned as Missouri to take advantage of this reform.Mullins said Missouri’s cannabis industry has been called one of the most successful in the entire country.&nbsp;Since Missouri’s first legal medical marijuana sale in 2020, he said Missouri has surpassed $4.5 billion in total cannabis sales. In 2024 alone, the Missouri cannabis industry generated $244.93 million in sales tax revenue for state and local governments.&nbsp;Hippos recently launched the state’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/og-yields-division-hippos-llc-211614513.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALJ_nxQp1ZAinJV-pT65fE4BdYdleO-A8xAw0pAlVHx3aOkbGQ6fNFQ6n2l1NlEZWZKnEJXbZa4GZtorTRVOduWWE_96_7IXic5QhftZkoyvpVdnenTuCvQ4wq9p2upLgpSZ0FCp-_aVovC7OVBUnhQhN554ILEREAJ2idcYmoE4" target="_blank">THC oral spray</a>, and the timing couldn’t be better for innovation in the space, Rinella said.&nbsp;Cannabis prohibition, he said, represents a relatively short chapter in human history, and the country is “approaching a point where history corrects itself.”&nbsp;“Forty years from now, my grandkids will probably have a harder time understanding that I grew up in an era when cannabis was federally prohibited,” Rinella said, “than they will understanding that I grew up before the internet existed.”

What Trump’s marijuana rescheduling order does — and doesn’t — mean for Missouri cannabis

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 25-year-old Smithville man was southbound on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph. The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and rear-ended a 2015 Toyota Highlander driven by a 38-year-old Smithville man. After impact the Jeep began to skid, struck the guardrail on the west side of the road and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported the Jeep driver and a 6-year-old boy, 9-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl, who were passengers in the Toyota, to Mosaic Life Care.The Toyota driver was not injured. All were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—Four people were injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 25-year-old Smithville man was southbound on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph. The Jeep traveled off the east side of the road, returned to the road and rear-ended a 2015 Toyota Highlander driven by a 38-year-old Smithville man. After impact the Jeep began to skid, struck the guardrail on the west side of the road and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported the Jeep driver and a 6-year-old boy, 9-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl, who were passengers in the Toyota, to Mosaic Life Care.The Toyota driver was not injured. All were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. man, 3 juveniles injured after rear-end crash

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Civic driven by a 68-year-old Hastings, Nebraska man was southbound on Interstate 29 ten miles south of Oregon. The car traveled off the west side of the road down an embankment. The car struck a sign and the embankment.

EMS transported the driver and a 66-year-old female passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Saturday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Civic driven by a 68-year-old Hastings, Nebraska man was southbound on Interstate 29 ten miles south of Oregon. The car traveled off the west side of the road down an embankment. The car struck a sign and the embankment.EMS transported the driver and a 66-year-old female passenger to Mosaic Life Care. They were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

2 hospitalized in St. Joe after car travels down embankment

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram driven by an 18-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man was northbound on Interstate 29 approximately three and one half miles northeast of Oregon. The pickup traveled off the road, struck an embankment and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the pickup traveled off the road again, struck an embankment and came to rest in the ditch.

Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

HOLT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Holt County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram driven by an 18-year-old Kansas City, Kansas, man was northbound on Interstate 29 approximately three and one half miles northeast of Oregon. The pickup traveled off the road, struck an embankment and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the pickup traveled off the road again, struck an embankment and came to rest in the ditch.Atchison Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Kansas man hospitalized in St. Joe after pickup crash

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by an 87-year-old Platte City man was southbound on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph. The driver merged from the driving lane to the passing lane and the car struck the passenger side of a southbound 2008 Kenworth semi driven by a 67-year-old St. Joseph man.

After impact the car traveled off the east side of the road. The semi traveled off the east side of the road and struck a cable barrier, continued into the northbound lanes and overturned.

Buchanan County EMS transported the semi driver to Mosaic Life Care. The 87-year-old driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

BUCHANAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Malibu driven by an 87-year-old Platte City man was southbound on Interstate 29 in St. Joseph. The driver merged from the driving lane to the passing lane and the car struck the passenger side of a southbound 2008 Kenworth semi driven by a 67-year-old St. Joseph man.After impact the car traveled off the east side of the road. The semi traveled off the east side of the road and struck a cable barrier, continued into the northbound lanes and overturned.Buchanan County EMS transported the semi driver to Mosaic Life Care. The 87-year-old driver was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

St. Joseph man injured after semi overturns

The Missouri Department of Transportation has released its schedule for highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Dec. 22 - 28, 2025.

To accommodate increased holiday travel, officials say most projects will be suspended beginning at noon Wednesday, Dec. 24. Work is expected to resume as early as 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26.

While most active crews will be off the road during the holiday break, MoDOT warns that some long-term traffic impacts and work zones will remain in place.

Motorists should also be alert for moving operations throughout the region that may not be listed on the formal schedule, which can be found <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/">here</a>.

All planned work is subject to change due to inclement weather.

Atchison County:&nbsp;Route F – closed at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.

Buchannan County:&nbsp;Gene Field Road Bridge will be closed due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.:&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;closed from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through the remainder of 2025.

Caldwell County:&nbsp;Route D closed for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.

Carroll County:&nbsp;Route B closed at the Sambo Creek Bridge through mid-January 2026 for a bridge deck replacement project.

Chariton County:&nbsp;Route CC closed at the Yellow Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle">Northwest Bridge Bundle</a> through December.

Route PP closed at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK closed at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026. Route KK will also be closed at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route O closed at Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Harrison County:&nbsp;Route W closed for a culvert replacement from 195th Avenue to Route F, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Route W also closed for a culvert replacement from 267th Street to 255th Street, Dec. 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mercer County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Weldon River Bridge, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MoDOT says the bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals to guide motorists through the work zone.

Nodaway County:&nbsp;Route C will see shoulder work from Caravan Road to Route KK heading north out of Elmo, Dec. 22.

Sullivan County:&nbsp;Route T closed at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026.

Worth County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 169 closed for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

Route W closed for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.

MoDOT is reminding drivers to buckle up, put your phone down, and slow down and move over in work zones.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704585565260.png" alt="MoDot" />
 <figcaption>MoDot</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe Missouri Department of Transportation has released its schedule for highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Dec. 22 - 28, 2025.To accommodate increased holiday travel, officials say most projects will be suspended beginning at noon Wednesday, Dec. 24. Work is expected to resume as early as 6 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26.While most active crews will be off the road during the holiday break, MoDOT warns that some long-term traffic impacts and work zones will remain in place.Motorists should also be alert for moving operations throughout the region that may not be listed on the formal schedule, which can be found <a href="https://traveler.modot.org/map/">here</a>. All planned work is subject to change due to inclement weather.Atchison County:&nbsp;Route F – closed at the Rock Creek Bridge for a bridge rehabilitation project through January 2026.Buchannan County:&nbsp;Gene Field Road Bridge will be closed due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The bridge is scheduled to be let for contractor bidding in January 2026.:&nbsp;Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;closed from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through the remainder of 2025.Caldwell County:&nbsp;Route D closed for a bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026.Carroll County:&nbsp;Route B closed at the Sambo Creek Bridge through mid-January 2026 for a bridge deck replacement project.Chariton County:&nbsp;Route CC closed at the Yellow Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the <a href="https://www.modot.org/projects/northwest-missouri-design-build-bridge-bundle">Northwest Bridge Bundle</a> through December.Route PP closed at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Bridge and Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.Route KK closed at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026. Route KK will also be closed at the Little Chariton River Bridge, north of Glasgow, for a deck replacement project through March 2026.Route O closed at Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.Harrison County:&nbsp;Route W closed for a culvert replacement from 195th Avenue to Route F, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Route W also closed for a culvert replacement from 267th Street to 255th Street, Dec. 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Mercer County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 136 – Bridge maintenance at the Weldon River Bridge, Dec. 22, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MoDOT says the bridge will be narrowed to one lane with temporary traffic signals to guide motorists through the work zone.Nodaway County:&nbsp;Route C will see shoulder work from Caravan Road to Route KK heading north out of Elmo, Dec. 22.Sullivan County:&nbsp;Route T closed at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026.Worth County:&nbsp;U.S. Route 169 closed for a bridge deck replacement project at the Middle Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.Route W closed for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through January 2026.MoDOT is reminding drivers to buckle up, put your phone down, and slow down and move over in work zones.

Planned MoDOT roadwork for Northwest Missouri

An annual holiday
concert takes place this weekend at the Missouri Theater in downtown St.
Joseph.

The Holiday Cheer
concert will feature familiar, classic Christmas music along with more
contemporary music.

St. Joseph
Symphony conductor, Chris Kelts, expects a packed crowd Saturday night.

“This tends to be
one of our very popular concerts, because we get a lot of returning symphony
lovers and also a lot of new people trying us out,” Kelts tells KFEQmmunity. “These
songs that we’ll perform are pretty familiar.”

During the concert
this year, the St. Joseph Symphony will be joined by soprano, Anna Mandina, who
will sing such classics as “Rejoice Greatly,” from Handel’s Messiah to more
modern songs such as “Mary Did You Know?”

Kelts says the
symphony tries to strike a balance that hits on cultural nostalgia during the
concert.

“A holiday memory,
a Christmas memory, whatever people might have or they remember when they were
kids. Something exciting and festive for the moment,” Kelts says. “Also, trying
to feature something different and exciting; something that people can
experience in that moment and remember it for years to come.”

Kelts says this
type of concert stirs emotions in the audience.

“They love singing
Christmas carols and Winter Wonderland. That appeals to them. They can grasp on
to that as a memory,” Kelts says. “That’s a good thing, because it allows them
to experience live, symphonic music and have a very unique experience for
themselves, which is absolutely what we’re all about.”

The Holiday Cheer
concert begins at seven o’clock Saturday evening at the Missouri Theater. There
will be a pre-concert reception at six with complimentary wine, Cherry Mashes,
donuts, and holiday punch.

Click <a href="https://saintjosephsymphony.org/digital-program.html">HERE</a> for a digital program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766168077099.jpeg" alt="Chris Kelts/Photo courtesy of The St. Joseph Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Chris Kelts/Photo courtesy of The St. Joseph Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostAn annual holiday
concert takes place this weekend at the Missouri Theater in downtown St.
Joseph.The Holiday Cheer
concert will feature familiar, classic Christmas music along with more
contemporary music.St. Joseph
Symphony conductor, Chris Kelts, expects a packed crowd Saturday night.“This tends to be
one of our very popular concerts, because we get a lot of returning symphony
lovers and also a lot of new people trying us out,” Kelts tells KFEQmmunity. “These
songs that we’ll perform are pretty familiar.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766168226619.jpeg" alt="Anna Mandina/Photo courtesy of The St. Joseph Symphony" />
 <figcaption>Anna Mandina/Photo courtesy of The St. Joseph Symphony</figcaption>
 </figure>During the concert
this year, the St. Joseph Symphony will be joined by soprano, Anna Mandina, who
will sing such classics as “Rejoice Greatly,” from Handel’s Messiah to more
modern songs such as “Mary Did You Know?”Kelts says the
symphony tries to strike a balance that hits on cultural nostalgia during the
concert.“A holiday memory,
a Christmas memory, whatever people might have or they remember when they were
kids. Something exciting and festive for the moment,” Kelts says. “Also, trying
to feature something different and exciting; something that people can
experience in that moment and remember it for years to come.”Kelts says this
type of concert stirs emotions in the audience.“They love singing
Christmas carols and Winter Wonderland. That appeals to them. They can grasp on
to that as a memory,” Kelts says. “That’s a good thing, because it allows them
to experience live, symphonic music and have a very unique experience for
themselves, which is absolutely what we’re all about.”The Holiday Cheer
concert begins at seven o’clock Saturday evening at the Missouri Theater. There
will be a pre-concert reception at six with complimentary wine, Cherry Mashes,
donuts, and holiday punch.Click <a href="https://saintjosephsymphony.org/digital-program.html">HERE</a> for a digital program.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph Symphony invites you to its annual Holiday Cheer concert

A chronicler of
veteran stories, retired Army Lt. Colonel Milt Toratti of St. Joseph, is
working on five books with several requests pending.

Toratti recently
finished telling the story of veteran, Larry Ralston, who grew up in Carthage
and served in World War II. Toratti says Ralston served in a division that came
in behind the initial surge at Normandy, a unit that lost 3,887 men with
another 347 missing. It suffered 15,541 wounded.

“Over 20,600
soldiers in that division. So, it turned over a few times. His regiment alone
turned over six times,” Toratti tells KFEQmmunity. “All of the bodies, the
numbers of soldiers and he survived. And I was able to write his story.”

Ralston received
his book in October as he celebrated his 101st birthday. Now in
hospice, Ralston shares his book with visitors.

Toratti recently
helped 102-year-old Harold Searcy of Dearborn commit his story to paper. Searcy
entered the Navy after graduating from Weston High School, serving in the V-5
Program, a training program designed to rapidly train combat pilots.

Toratti says he
finds the stories of veterans fascinating.

“Piece of history;
people just don’t know about it until you sit with a soldier and then you start
doing the research and research and research and put it all together,” Toratti
says.

Toratti says
veterans tend to struggle to tell their families about their service, but will
open up to him.

“We just start
talking, because it’s a veteran-to-veteran conversation,” Toratti says. “It’s
not an inquisition. It’s not an interrogation. It’s simply talking veteran to
veteran.

Toratti has helped
more than 100 men tell their tales of serving in the military. Now, he is
working with two women to tell theirs.

Toratti has
co-authored “Angel of Mercy,” the story of Carolyn Joyce “Abby” Auclair of Ohio
who served as a nurse in the Vietnam War.

Toratti also is
working with the Vietnam interpreter for Gen. William Westmoreland, the
commander of US forces in Vietnam, to tell her story.

Toratti says the
veterans who chronicle their stories have to be ready. Toratti acknowledges
that now that he is in his 80s, he likely won’t be able to get to the 34 requests
from veterans to help tell their stories.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766166072549.jpeg" alt="Milt Toratti/file photo" />
 <figcaption>Milt Toratti/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA chronicler of
veteran stories, retired Army Lt. Colonel Milt Toratti of St. Joseph, is
working on five books with several requests pending.Toratti recently
finished telling the story of veteran, Larry Ralston, who grew up in Carthage
and served in World War II. Toratti says Ralston served in a division that came
in behind the initial surge at Normandy, a unit that lost 3,887 men with
another 347 missing. It suffered 15,541 wounded.“Over 20,600
soldiers in that division. So, it turned over a few times. His regiment alone
turned over six times,” Toratti tells KFEQmmunity. “All of the bodies, the
numbers of soldiers and he survived. And I was able to write his story.”Ralston received
his book in October as he celebrated his 101st birthday. Now in
hospice, Ralston shares his book with visitors.Toratti recently
helped 102-year-old Harold Searcy of Dearborn commit his story to paper. Searcy
entered the Navy after graduating from Weston High School, serving in the V-5
Program, a training program designed to rapidly train combat pilots.Toratti says he
finds the stories of veterans fascinating.“Piece of history;
people just don’t know about it until you sit with a soldier and then you start
doing the research and research and research and put it all together,” Toratti
says.Toratti says
veterans tend to struggle to tell their families about their service, but will
open up to him.“We just start
talking, because it’s a veteran-to-veteran conversation,” Toratti says. “It’s
not an inquisition. It’s not an interrogation. It’s simply talking veteran to
veteran.Toratti has helped
more than 100 men tell their tales of serving in the military. Now, he is
working with two women to tell theirs.Toratti has
co-authored “Angel of Mercy,” the story of Carolyn Joyce “Abby” Auclair of Ohio
who served as a nurse in the Vietnam War.Toratti also is
working with the Vietnam interpreter for Gen. William Westmoreland, the
commander of US forces in Vietnam, to tell her story.Toratti says the
veterans who chronicle their stories have to be ready. Toratti acknowledges
that now that he is in his 80s, he likely won’t be able to get to the 34 requests
from veterans to help tell their stories.You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph author still working to help veterans tell their stories

A 33-year old Savannah, MO man has pleaded guilty to charges of child sex trafficking involving two minors.

Ross Rutherford entered a plea to two counts of second-degree child sex trafficking on Dec. 12 in Andrew County Circuit Court.

According to court documents, Rutherford admitted that a victim under age 18 sent him suggestive pictures in May 2024. Rutherford stated in his plea that he sent the victim money on several occasions.

In a separate court filing, Rutherford admitted to asking a second victim, also a minor, to send nude pictures of herself in January 2025.

Rutherford could face 10 years to life in prison.

A judge denied bond for Rutherford, who is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 26, 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766171500992.png" alt="From Andrew County Sheriff 's Dept" />
 <figcaption>From Andrew County Sheriff 's Dept</figcaption>
 </figure>A 33-year old Savannah, MO man has pleaded guilty to charges of child sex trafficking involving two minors.Ross Rutherford entered a plea to two counts of second-degree child sex trafficking on Dec. 12 in Andrew County Circuit Court.According to court documents, Rutherford admitted that a victim under age 18 sent him suggestive pictures in May 2024. Rutherford stated in his plea that he sent the victim money on several occasions.In a separate court filing, Rutherford admitted to asking a second victim, also a minor, to send nude pictures of herself in January 2025.Rutherford could face 10 years to life in prison.A judge denied bond for Rutherford, who is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 26, 2026.

Savannah man pleads guilty to child sex trafficking

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to author Ted Harbin about his book, "The World's Toughest Rodeo."

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tQOndtQhuaY?si=nErzqXVkl3XrS-6A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to author Ted Harbin about his book, "The World's Toughest Rodeo."

🎙 Forward Ever: Ted Harbin, author of 'World's Toughest Rodeo'

It will not be a white Christmas in the Midland Empire.

Meteorologist Dan Holiday says to expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 60s. "The computer models are showing we should be somewhere around 62 degrees Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day its going to be closer to 64 degrees."

Holiday says travel should not be impacted by the weather. Travelers heading to Southeast Kansas or Central and Southern Missouri could see temperatures closer to 70 degrees.

The warmer weather is expected to last through at least mid-January, however, Holiday notes, "If you get beyond fourteen days, there are just things that can upend the long-range forecast, but for now we can expect well above average temperatures and below-average precipitation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740600536187.jpg" alt="clouds, heaven, blue, white, nature, summer day, sunny day, sunny, sun, sunbeams, beautiful day, summer, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day" />
 <figcaption>clouds, heaven, blue, white, nature, summer day, sunny day, sunny, sun, sunbeams, beautiful day, summer, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day, sunny day</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHIt will not be a white Christmas in the Midland Empire.Meteorologist Dan Holiday says to expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 60s. "The computer models are showing we should be somewhere around 62 degrees Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day its going to be closer to 64 degrees."Holiday says travel should not be impacted by the weather. Travelers heading to Southeast Kansas or Central and Southern Missouri could see temperatures closer to 70 degrees.The warmer weather is expected to last through at least mid-January, however, Holiday notes, "If you get beyond fourteen days, there are just things that can upend the long-range forecast, but for now we can expect well above average temperatures and below-average precipitation."

Midland Empire can expect unseasonably warm holiday week

KFEQ Morning Sports 12/19/2025

KFEQ Morning News 12/19/2025

TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced a settlement with Menards, a home improvement retail chain. Kansas, along with nine other states, investigated Menards for its business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its merchandise credit check program, also known as Menards’ “11% Rebate.”

&nbsp;In addition to paying Kansas $81,570.75, Menards agreed to clearly disclose limitations relating to its 11% Rebate, allow 12 months for consumers to submit an 11% Rebate claim and investigate the ability to redeem the 11% Rebate online.

&nbsp;“When a supplier offers rebates or in-store credits to consumers, the Kansas Consumer Protection Act requires the conditions and limitations of said program be fully and clearly disclosed,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Castillo. “Anything less can mislead the consumer in violation of the Act.”

&nbsp;Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and operates approximately 9 stores across Kansas.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24700/639016562246570000" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to read the agreement between Menards and the Kansas Attorney General.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766145107129.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced a settlement with Menards, a home improvement retail chain. Kansas, along with nine other states, investigated Menards for its business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its merchandise credit check program, also known as Menards’ “11% Rebate.”&nbsp;In addition to paying Kansas $81,570.75, Menards agreed to clearly disclose limitations relating to its 11% Rebate, allow 12 months for consumers to submit an 11% Rebate claim and investigate the ability to redeem the 11% Rebate online.&nbsp;“When a supplier offers rebates or in-store credits to consumers, the Kansas Consumer Protection Act requires the conditions and limitations of said program be fully and clearly disclosed,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Castillo. “Anything less can mislead the consumer in violation of the Act.”&nbsp;Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and operates approximately 9 stores across Kansas.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24700/639016562246570000" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to read the agreement between Menards and the Kansas Attorney General.

Menards settles complaint over deceptive discount ads

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has verified the winning tickets for Shop St. Joseph.

The grand prize winner of $10,000 is Jackie Miller, a teacher from St. Joseph. She got the winning ticket at Narrative Home, 2702 Ashland Ave.

Miller grew up in Amazonia and she says that she knows how important it is for local people to shop local. "I love shopping local. I love eating at local shops. I don't really like the big chains, so I feel like giving into our community is important, that's just what I always do."

Miller plans to donate part of the winnings to a child-related local charity. She added, "I also want to do some special things for my kids this Christmas."

Along with the grand prize, there was also the Shop Small Business Bonus. A check for $2,500 was presented to Billie Sue Wall at Quality Hearing &amp; Audiology Center. Wall plans on giving all the money to charity.

This is the 19th year for the Shop St. Joseph event.&nbsp;

Kristi Bailey, Director of Communications and Marketing with the Chamber of Commerce, said just under 2-million tickets were distributed this year.

More than 60 merchants chose to give away second chance prizes, as well. Those winning numbers are available on the <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/winning-numbers-drawn-for-shop-st-joseph/">Chamber's website</a>. Winners have 30 days to claim the prize directly from the merchant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1766096195481.jpeg" alt="Shop St. Joseph Winner 2025" />
 <figcaption>Shop St. Joseph Winner 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has verified the winning tickets for Shop St. Joseph.The grand prize winner of $10,000 is Jackie Miller, a teacher from St. Joseph. She got the winning ticket at Narrative Home, 2702 Ashland Ave.Miller grew up in Amazonia and she says that she knows how important it is for local people to shop local. "I love shopping local. I love eating at local shops. I don't really like the big chains, so I feel like giving into our community is important, that's just what I always do."Miller plans to donate part of the winnings to a child-related local charity. She added, "I also want to do some special things for my kids this Christmas."Along with the grand prize, there was also the Shop Small Business Bonus. A check for $2,500 was presented to Billie Sue Wall at Quality Hearing &amp; Audiology Center. Wall plans on giving all the money to charity.This is the 19th year for the Shop St. Joseph event.&nbsp;Kristi Bailey, Director of Communications and Marketing with the Chamber of Commerce, said just under 2-million tickets were distributed this year.More than 60 merchants chose to give away second chance prizes, as well. Those winning numbers are available on the <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/winning-numbers-drawn-for-shop-st-joseph/">Chamber's website</a>. Winners have 30 days to claim the prize directly from the merchant.

Winners announced for Shop St. Joseph

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in Leavenworth.&nbsp;

Just after 3:30 p.m., the Leavenworth Police Department received several calls reporting an armed man behind the bank located at 601 Delaware St. in Leavenworth, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; Multiple officers arrived and located a man who was armed with a rifle and wearing a trench coat and a surgical mask. Officers made contact with the man, who was later identified as Andrew L. Hutchinson, 24, of Leavenworth.&nbsp;

Preliminary information indicates that Hutchison briefly complied with commands to get on the ground, but then fled on foot through the alley behind the bank. Multiple officers chased Hutchison. During the chase one officer fired toward Hutchinson, striking him.&nbsp;

The rifle was secured, and officers and EMS rendered aid to Hutchinson. He was then transported to an area hospital. Hutchinson is currently in stable condition, and is expected to recover from his injuries.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in Leavenworth.&nbsp;Just after 3:30 p.m., the Leavenworth Police Department received several calls reporting an armed man behind the bank located at 601 Delaware St. in Leavenworth, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; Multiple officers arrived and located a man who was armed with a rifle and wearing a trench coat and a surgical mask. Officers made contact with the man, who was later identified as Andrew L. Hutchinson, 24, of Leavenworth.&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates that Hutchison briefly complied with commands to get on the ground, but then fled on foot through the alley behind the bank. Multiple officers chased Hutchison. During the chase one officer fired toward Hutchinson, striking him.&nbsp;The rifle was secured, and officers and EMS rendered aid to Hutchinson. He was then transported to an area hospital. Hutchinson is currently in stable condition, and is expected to recover from his injuries.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.When this investigation concludes, case findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.---------------LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an officer involved shooting in Leavenworth County.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a suspicious person near 6th and and Shawnee Street in Leavenworth, according to a media release.Officers found a person wielding a rifle and wearing a mask and trench coat. Officers did shoot the armed suspect.&nbsp; The suspect was transported to an area hospital. Police did not release details on what led up the shooting or the the condition of the hospitalized suspect. No officers were injured.&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is in charge of the investigation.

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