BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;-

The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a third regulatory reform under the Packers and Stockyards Act, with the latest regulation giving greater stability and fairness to chicken farmers working for major meat companies, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press conference Monday the regulation came from “the ground up” and reflects changes that poultry farmers across the country have said they needed.

“This rule basically addresses many of the concerns that we’ve heard from rank and file producers who just simply want a fair shake,” Vilsack said. “They don’t want the field necessarily tilted in their direction, they just don’t want to have to work uphill.”

The regulation limits some of the variability within the poultry tournament system, a system where growers are ranked against one another to determine pay. The new rule stops companies from deducting from a grower’s baseline pay because of their placement in the tournament system.

The rule sets that no more than 25% of a grower’s total compensation can be based on the tournament system and requires greater stability, and information, on the inputs producers receive.

The rule, according to Vilsack, will also provide producers with “key information” on the nature and extent of capital investments that a company would require a contract grower to make in order to extend a contract.

“This is a strong rule and a good rule, and it’s a rule that bubbled up from the ground up, not the top down, and I think those kinds of rules, ultimately, are successful and the ones that are preserved,” Vilsack said.

USDA has made two other rules to strengthen fairness and transparency under of the Packers and Stockyards Act during the Biden administration, including another poultry-oriented rule&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2023/11/08/usda-announces-progress-further-competition-agriculture-level-playing-field-farmers" target="_blank">finalized in 2023</a>&nbsp;that mandated large processing companies give “critical information” to their poultry growers related to earnings, flock placement and protocol for sickness or natural disaster.

The other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/03/05/usda-announces-next-major-step-promoting-competition-agriculture-and-advancing-economic-opportunity#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20Inclusive%20Competition,retaliation%20and%20deception%20in%20contracting." target="_blank">rule prohibited discrimination and banned companies from retaliating</a>&nbsp;against farmers who communicate with government agencies or join grower associations.

Vilsack said USDA has also strengthened partnerships with state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice to better enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“We try to be responsive to the field, to the ordinary folks out there working hard every day, trying to make a living and trying to take care of their family, trying to make sure their their operation remains profitable in a tough time, and that they’re in a position to be able to turn it on to the next generation in better shape than they found it,” Vilsack said, reflecting on the work of USDA during the Biden administration.

USDA additionally announced Tuesday the withdrawal of a fourth rule, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/28/2024-14042/fair-and-competitive-livestock-and-poultry-markets" target="_blank">Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets</a>, which it had proposed in June 2024 and would have defined general practices that were either unfair or in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Vilsack said the department chose to withdraw the rule, rather than leave it to be finalized by the incoming administration, because it was a very complex rule that could have been “fundamentally” changed by a couple of tweaks.

“If there is an intent to do that,” Vilsack said, “then it seems like it ought to start from the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process.”

This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/usda-finalizes-packers-and-stockyards-reform-to-help-chicken-farmers/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736876076607.jpeg" alt="Broiler chickens are raised in a chicken house on the Bobby Morgan chicken Farm in Luling, Texas on Aug. 23, 2013. (Photo by Bob Nichols/USDA)." />
 <figcaption>Broiler chickens are raised in a chicken house on the Bobby Morgan chicken Farm in Luling, Texas on Aug. 23, 2013. (Photo by Bob Nichols/USDA).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/camikoons/">CAMI KOONS</a>&nbsp;-The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized a third regulatory reform under the Packers and Stockyards Act, with the latest regulation giving greater stability and fairness to chicken farmers working for major meat companies, according to an announcement Tuesday.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press conference Monday the regulation came from “the ground up” and reflects changes that poultry farmers across the country have said they needed.“This rule basically addresses many of the concerns that we’ve heard from rank and file producers who just simply want a fair shake,” Vilsack said. “They don’t want the field necessarily tilted in their direction, they just don’t want to have to work uphill.”The regulation limits some of the variability within the poultry tournament system, a system where growers are ranked against one another to determine pay. The new rule stops companies from deducting from a grower’s baseline pay because of their placement in the tournament system.The rule sets that no more than 25% of a grower’s total compensation can be based on the tournament system and requires greater stability, and information, on the inputs producers receive.The rule, according to Vilsack, will also provide producers with “key information” on the nature and extent of capital investments that a company would require a contract grower to make in order to extend a contract.“This is a strong rule and a good rule, and it’s a rule that bubbled up from the ground up, not the top down, and I think those kinds of rules, ultimately, are successful and the ones that are preserved,” Vilsack said.USDA has made two other rules to strengthen fairness and transparency under of the Packers and Stockyards Act during the Biden administration, including another poultry-oriented rule&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2023/11/08/usda-announces-progress-further-competition-agriculture-level-playing-field-farmers" target="_blank">finalized in 2023</a>&nbsp;that mandated large processing companies give “critical information” to their poultry growers related to earnings, flock placement and protocol for sickness or natural disaster.The other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2024/03/05/usda-announces-next-major-step-promoting-competition-agriculture-and-advancing-economic-opportunity#:~:text=The%20final%20rule%20Inclusive%20Competition,retaliation%20and%20deception%20in%20contracting." target="_blank">rule prohibited discrimination and banned companies from retaliating</a>&nbsp;against farmers who communicate with government agencies or join grower associations.Vilsack said USDA has also strengthened partnerships with state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice to better enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act.“We try to be responsive to the field, to the ordinary folks out there working hard every day, trying to make a living and trying to take care of their family, trying to make sure their their operation remains profitable in a tough time, and that they’re in a position to be able to turn it on to the next generation in better shape than they found it,” Vilsack said, reflecting on the work of USDA during the Biden administration.USDA additionally announced Tuesday the withdrawal of a fourth rule, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/06/28/2024-14042/fair-and-competitive-livestock-and-poultry-markets" target="_blank">Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets</a>, which it had proposed in June 2024 and would have defined general practices that were either unfair or in violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.Vilsack said the department chose to withdraw the rule, rather than leave it to be finalized by the incoming administration, because it was a very complex rule that could have been “fundamentally” changed by a couple of tweaks.“If there is an intent to do that,” Vilsack said, “then it seems like it ought to start from the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process.”This story was originally published by the&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/briefs/usda-finalizes-packers-and-stockyards-reform-to-help-chicken-farmers/" target="_blank">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

USDA finalizes packers and stockyards reform to help chicken farmers

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after four&nbsp;dogs were found at the service center in Lyon County on the Kansas Turnpike, according to a social media report from the Lyon County Sheriff.

Two were left in a cage by the dumpster and two were running loose. Someone from out of state picked them up and tried to take them to the animal shelter.

The shelter was unable to take them in. They are being cared for by the Lyon County jail staff. Please contact the Lyone Sheriff's Office if you are interested in adoption or fostering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736865052558.png" alt="Photos Lyon County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lyon County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after four&nbsp;dogs were found at the service center in Lyon County on the Kansas Turnpike, according to a social media report from the Lyon County Sheriff.Two were left in a cage by the dumpster and two were running loose. Someone from out of state picked them up and tried to take them to the animal shelter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869091970.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The shelter was unable to take them in. They are being cared for by the Lyon County jail staff. Please contact the Lyone Sheriff's Office if you are interested in adoption or fostering.

Sheriff: 4 dogs dumped at service center on Kan. Turnpike

The Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division reminded residents Monday to be aware of a recent change in Kansas state law that may have an effect on daily spending habits.

 As of January 1, 2025, merchants can legally add a surcharge to credit card transactions, as long as clear notice is provided to the customer before the sale.

K.S.A. 16a-2-403 has been amended to allow any person or retailer offering sales, services or lease transactions to impose a surcharge on credit card payments, as long as the amount of the surcharge is disclosed through a “clear and conspicuous notice to the customer at the point of entry or the point of sale and in advance of such transaction.”

Before this change in the law, Kansas had what amounted to a ban on surcharges, allowing only for cash discounts on sales. In 2021, however, the ban was held to be unconstitutional in a federal case, finding it was a violation of the First Amendment.

Although debit cards are not mentioned in the body of the new Kansas statute, adding a debit card surcharge remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law, specifically the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protections Act. Similarly, because Kansas state law has no maximum surcharge, the maximum allowed in Kansas is capped by federal law at 4 percent.

The Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division reminded residents Monday to be aware of a recent change in Kansas state law that may have an effect on daily spending habits. As of January 1, 2025, merchants can legally add a surcharge to credit card transactions, as long as clear notice is provided to the customer before the sale.K.S.A. 16a-2-403 has been amended to allow any person or retailer offering sales, services or lease transactions to impose a surcharge on credit card payments, as long as the amount of the surcharge is disclosed through a “clear and conspicuous notice to the customer at the point of entry or the point of sale and in advance of such transaction.”Before this change in the law, Kansas had what amounted to a ban on surcharges, allowing only for cash discounts on sales. In 2021, however, the ban was held to be unconstitutional in a federal case, finding it was a violation of the First Amendment.Although debit cards are not mentioned in the body of the new Kansas statute, adding a debit card surcharge remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law, specifically the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protections Act. Similarly, because Kansas state law has no maximum surcharge, the maximum allowed in Kansas is capped by federal law at 4 percent.

Why paying with credit card could now cost you more in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Topeka.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, a suspect, described as a black male, 5-foot-10 inches tall, approximately 200-215 pounds and wearing&nbsp; a black jacket with a hood, dark colored jeans, dark colored tennis shoes and a face covering,&nbsp; entered&nbsp;Equity Bank, 3825 SW 29th&nbsp;Street in Topeka,&nbsp;according to a media release from the FBI. 

The approached the teller and made a verbal demand for money and brandished a firearm.

The suspect fled the bank in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736817291492.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Topeka.Just before 5p.m. Monday, a suspect, described as a black male, 5-foot-10 inches tall, approximately 200-215 pounds and wearing&nbsp; a black jacket with a hood, dark colored jeans, dark colored tennis shoes and a face covering,&nbsp; entered&nbsp;Equity Bank, 3825 SW 29th&nbsp;Street in Topeka,&nbsp;according to a media release from the FBI. The approached the teller and made a verbal demand for money and brandished a firearm.The suspect fled the bank in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries.

FBI releases details on Kansas bank robbery suspect

KANSAS CITY —Police have released the names of two women&nbsp; who died in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in Kansas City.

A preliminary investigation revealed a Honda SUV driven by 24-year-old&nbsp; Breanna Bullington was westbound on Interstate 435 too fast for weather conditions on the snow covered highway, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just east of 103rd Street, the Honda traveled off the roadway to the right, up and over the snowbank that was lining the north side of the highway.&nbsp; The Honda then vaulted off the bridge, falling approximately 100 feet and landing in the Blue River.

Bullington and the rear seat passenger of the Honda identified as her sister 22-year-old Alexis Bullington were both declared deceased at the scene.

EMS transported the male front seat passenger of the Honda to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries according to Becchina.

Two lanes of westbound Interstate 435 were closed to traffic as recovery efforts of the Honda and the deceased subjects was made.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736593685157.png" alt="-First responders at the scene early Friday-image from KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>-First responders at the scene early Friday-image from KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police have released the names of two women&nbsp; who died in an accident just after 3a.m. Friday in Kansas City.A preliminary investigation revealed a Honda SUV driven by 24-year-old&nbsp; Breanna Bullington was westbound on Interstate 435 too fast for weather conditions on the snow covered highway, according KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just east of 103rd Street, the Honda traveled off the roadway to the right, up and over the snowbank that was lining the north side of the highway.&nbsp; The Honda then vaulted off the bridge, falling approximately 100 feet and landing in the Blue River.Bullington and the rear seat passenger of the Honda identified as her sister 22-year-old Alexis Bullington were both declared deceased at the scene.EMS transported the male front seat passenger of the Honda to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries according to Becchina.Two lanes of westbound Interstate 435 were closed to traffic as recovery efforts of the Honda and the deceased subjects was made.&nbsp;

KCPD IDs sisters who died after SUV slid on snow into river

JOHNSON COUNTY —A&nbsp;man found guilty for shooting a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer is going to prison.

Jesse J. Flaugher, 37, was sentenced last week to more than 20 years in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

On December 15, 2020, an exchange of gunfire occurred between Flaugher and Officer Daniel Vance who had contacted him in Overland Park, Kansas. The officer was struck by gunfire in the arm and ballistic vest.

Flaugher originally refused to stop for officers who attempted to pull him over in Kansas City, Kansas, when he was seen driving without a seatbelt on. Instead, he ran a stop sign but was hit by another vehicle. Despite the crash Flaugher continued to speed away.

A short time later, police saw Flaugher’s vehicle in a cul-de-sac near W. 47th and Conser Street in Overland Park. As law enforcement officials stopped to observe the vehicle, Flaugher opened fire and shot Officer Vance in the forearm and chest.

Flaugher drove through a yard and fence as he sped away from the scene of the shooting. The vehicle was later found to be stolen. Officer Vance was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Flaugher's sentence is set to begin after he serves a sentence in Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608730975884.png" alt="Jesse James Flaugher-photo Miami County" />
 <figcaption>Jesse James Flaugher-photo Miami County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A&nbsp;man found guilty for shooting a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer is going to prison.Jesse J. Flaugher, 37, was sentenced last week to more than 20 years in prison, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.On December 15, 2020, an exchange of gunfire occurred between Flaugher and Officer Daniel Vance who had contacted him in Overland Park, Kansas. The officer was struck by gunfire in the arm and ballistic vest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608120251326.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Flaugher originally refused to stop for officers who attempted to pull him over in Kansas City, Kansas, when he was seen driving without a seatbelt on. Instead, he ran a stop sign but was hit by another vehicle. Despite the crash Flaugher continued to speed away.A short time later, police saw Flaugher’s vehicle in a cul-de-sac near W. 47th and Conser Street in Overland Park. As law enforcement officials stopped to observe the vehicle, Flaugher opened fire and shot Officer Vance in the forearm and chest.Flaugher drove through a yard and fence as he sped away from the scene of the shooting. The vehicle was later found to be stolen. Officer Vance was treated for non-life threatening injuries.Flaugher's sentence is set to begin after he serves a sentence in Oklahoma.----------

Man who survived gunfight with police in Kan. is going to prison

KANSAS CITY— Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany are now a family of five.

On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DExu1ETx-0Q/" target="_blank">Instagram&nbsp;</a>Monday afternoon, Brittany Mahomes announced the birth of the couples third child, Golden Raye Mahomes. According to the Instagram post, the baby girl was born on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612826326339.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany are now a family of five.On&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DExu1ETx-0Q/" target="_blank">Instagram&nbsp;</a>Monday afternoon, Brittany Mahomes announced the birth of the couples third child, Golden Raye Mahomes. According to the Instagram post, the baby girl was born on Sunday.

Congratulations: Patrick and Brittany Mahomes now a family of 5

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Controlling crime, expanding education options and cutting taxes will be the top priorities for Missouri, new Gov. Mike Kehoe said in his inauguration speech.

The brief speech, delivered before a crowd gathered on a cold, sunny day outside the Missouri Capitol, also traced the Republican’s journey from a north St. Louis home led by a single mother to the top political job in the state.

Instead of lamenting that she could not give her children the things richer families enjoyed, Kehoe said, she told them to pray and work harder.

“That’s been the guiding principle of my life,” Kehoe said Monday, after the oath of office was administered by former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt. “Whenever we saw something that needed to be done, we didn’t complain. We prayed hard, and we worked hard.”

Other state officeholders sworn in Monday are David Wasinger, lieutenant governor, Denny Hoskins, secretary of state, Vivek Malek, state treasurer, and Andrew Bailey, attorney general. All are Republicans.

Kehoe, who will turn 63 on Friday, built a successful car dealership in Jefferson City before being appointed to the state Highways and Transportation Commission in 2005 by then-Gov. Matt Blunt. He made his first bid for public office with a run for the state Senate in 2010. The Republican was appointed to replace Mike Parson as lieutenant governor in 2018 after Parson was elevated to the governor’s office following the resignation of Eric Greitens.

“My life—growing up in the inner city, moving to a small town, building businesses, and operating a ranch—these experiences have taught me one thing: Missourians are more alike than we are different,” Kehoe said.

Kehoe won the governorship by prevailing in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/mike-kehoe-wins-republican-nomination-for-missouri-governor/">hotly contested Republican primary</a>&nbsp;in August and then&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/republican-mike-kehoe-wins-missouri-governors-race-over-democrat-crystal-quade/">easily defeating</a>&nbsp;Democratic nominee Crystal Quade in November.

Monday’s speech didn’t offer many specifics on issues Kehoe said he wanted to address. During his campaign, he said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/24/mike-kehoe-missouri-governor-republican-primary/">address crime and cut taxes</a>, including working to repeal the state income tax, during his four years in office.

Crime, Kehoe said, leaves people in fear and cuts down on productivity. He promised to issue executive orders later in the day to address specific issues facing law enforcement.

He also said he wanted to beef up police agencies.

“In the coming weeks, months and years,” he said, “my administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.”&nbsp;

On education, Kehoe indicated he wanted to build on legislation that last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/03/missouri-education-package-establishes-long-time-priorities-stomping-smaller-bills/">expanded a tax credit used for private schools</a>&nbsp;and allowed for establishment of a charter school in Boone County, as well as increasing base teacher pay.

“Securing Missouri’s future means strengthening public education and expanding school choice

so that every single student has the opportunity to get a world class education,” Kehoe said.

While Kehoe campaigned to eliminate the income tax, promising to start with a tax cut early in his administration, he did not endorse any of the proposals introduced so far in this year’s session as his preferred plan.

Several Republican members of the state Senate, for example, have filed bills to replace Missouri’s progressive income tax with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/flat-tax-proposals-aim-to-put-missouri-on-path-to-eliminate-income-tax/">flat tax of 4%</a>. Currently, Missourians pay 4.7% tax on the portion of their taxable income exceeding $8,900.&nbsp;

“My administration will focus on reducing taxes and cutting regulations, so families keep more of their own money,” Kehoe said, “and so job creators want to come here, expand here and hire more hard-working Missourians.”&nbsp;

Kehoe is the first sitting lieutenant governor to win the state’s top job since Democrat Mel Carnahan in 1993. Kehoe presided over the Senate for the final time a few hours before his noon inauguration and received a standing ovation when Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer spoke of his 14 years as a senator and lieutenant governor.

“Our lieutenant governor has shown us how the Senate can benefit the leadership that prioritizes results over rhetoric,” Luetkemeyer said. “He’s a person focused on building bridges rather than burning them down.”

In his inaugural speech, Kehoe said he wanted to work for solutions and would remain open to proposals regardless of their source.

“This is my promise to you,” Kehoe said. “I will talk to anyone, w

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Controlling crime, expanding education options and cutting taxes will be the top priorities for Missouri, new Gov. Mike Kehoe said in his inauguration speech.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is truly an honor to serve as the 58th Governor of the State of Missouri. Together, we will secure a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri—not just for today, but for generations to come. Let’s get to work. <a href="https://t.co/njvsWsiLJb">pic.twitter.com/njvsWsiLJb</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1878912383260963035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The brief speech, delivered before a crowd gathered on a cold, sunny day outside the Missouri Capitol, also traced the Republican’s journey from a north St. Louis home led by a single mother to the top political job in the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736798179869.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe delivers his inaugural address Monday, promising a Missouri "where it is easier to be a cop than a criminal" (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe delivers his inaugural address Monday, promising a Missouri "where it is easier to be a cop than a criminal" (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>Instead of lamenting that she could not give her children the things richer families enjoyed, Kehoe said, she told them to pray and work harder.“That’s been the guiding principle of my life,” Kehoe said Monday, after the oath of office was administered by former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt. “Whenever we saw something that needed to be done, we didn’t complain. We prayed hard, and we worked hard.”Other state officeholders sworn in Monday are David Wasinger, lieutenant governor, Denny Hoskins, secretary of state, Vivek Malek, state treasurer, and Andrew Bailey, attorney general. All are Republicans.Kehoe, who will turn 63 on Friday, built a successful car dealership in Jefferson City before being appointed to the state Highways and Transportation Commission in 2005 by then-Gov. Matt Blunt. He made his first bid for public office with a run for the state Senate in 2010. The Republican was appointed to replace Mike Parson as lieutenant governor in 2018 after Parson was elevated to the governor’s office following the resignation of Eric Greitens.“My life—growing up in the inner city, moving to a small town, building businesses, and operating a ranch—these experiences have taught me one thing: Missourians are more alike than we are different,” Kehoe said.Kehoe won the governorship by prevailing in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/06/mike-kehoe-wins-republican-nomination-for-missouri-governor/">hotly contested Republican primary</a>&nbsp;in August and then&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/05/republican-mike-kehoe-wins-missouri-governors-race-over-democrat-crystal-quade/">easily defeating</a>&nbsp;Democratic nominee Crystal Quade in November.Monday’s speech didn’t offer many specifics on issues Kehoe said he wanted to address. During his campaign, he said he would&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/24/mike-kehoe-missouri-governor-republican-primary/">address crime and cut taxes</a>, including working to repeal the state income tax, during his four years in office.Crime, Kehoe said, leaves people in fear and cuts down on productivity. He promised to issue executive orders later in the day to address specific issues facing law enforcement.He also said he wanted to beef up police agencies.“In the coming weeks, months and years,” he said, “my administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.”&nbsp;On education, Kehoe indicated he wanted to build on legislation that last year&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/06/03/missouri-education-package-establishes-long-time-priorities-stomping-smaller-bills/">expanded a tax credit used for private schools</a>&nbsp;and allowed for establishment of a charter school in Boone County, as well as increasing base teacher pay.“Securing Missouri’s future means strengthening public education and expanding school choiceso that every single student has the opportunity to get a world class education,” Kehoe said.While Kehoe campaigned to eliminate the income tax, promising to start with a tax cut early in his administration, he did not endorse any of the proposals introduced so far in this year’s session as his preferred plan.Several Republican members of the state Senate, for example, have filed bills to replace Missouri’s progressive income tax with a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/11/flat-tax-proposals-aim-to-put-missouri-on-path-to-eliminate-income-tax/">flat tax of 4%</a>. Currently, Missourians pay 4.7% tax on the portion of their taxable income exceeding $8,900.&nbsp;“My administration will focus on reducing taxes and cutting regulations, so families keep more of their own money,” Kehoe said, “and so job creators want to come here, expand here and hire more hard-working Missourians.”&nbsp;Kehoe is the first sitting lieutenant governor to win the state’s top job since Democrat Mel Carnahan in 1993. Kehoe presided over the Senate for the final time a few hours before his noon inauguration and received a standing ovation when Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer spoke of his 14 years as a senator and lieutenant governor.“Our lieutenant governor has shown us how the Senate can benefit the leadership that prioritizes results over rhetoric,” Luetkemeyer said. “He’s a person focused on building bridges rather than burning them down.”In his inaugural speech, Kehoe said he wanted to work for solutions and would remain open to proposals regardless of their source.“This is my promise to you,” Kehoe said. “I will talk to anyone, w

Mike Kehoe was sworn in as Missouri’s 58th governor on the steps of the state Capitol

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

An infectious disease expert says the relatively mild cases of avian influenza detected so far among dairy workers don’t warrant making a vaccine available to them, even as they work to contain and prevent spread of the contagious virus among herds.

Dr. Shira Doron, an epidemiologist and chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine in Boston, said the minor spread of the H5N1 among humans – and no reported instances of human-to-human transmission – makes any widespread administration of a vaccine premature right now.

“There are also many logistical issues that would be associated with deployment of vaccine to farm workers – language barrier, undocumented status, compliance – so that is not the plan at this time, “ Doron said Friday morning during an Infectious Diseases Society of America teleconference.

H5N1 has circulated globally for decades, she said. Analysis of the strains currently circulating shows them to be poorly suited for transmission between humans and with low pandemic potential, according to Doron.

Human patients have also responded well to antiviral treatments such as Tamiflu, the doctor said.

The current avian flu strains have led to two severe cases in humans. One involved a 65-year-old person from Louisiana who contracted the virus from exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds, state health officials said. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/01/06/avian-flu-louisiana/" target="_blank">the nation’s first ever fatal human case</a>&nbsp;of avian flu, though the patient was reported to have underlying conditions that worsened after they contracted H5N1.

The other severe case was a teen in Canada who had to be admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit. That patient contracted the virus from wild birds, Doron said.

Dr. Julio Figeroua, LSU Health chief of infectious diseases and a professor at Louisiana State University’s medical school in New Orleans, also took part in the IDSA teleconference. There have been no secondary avian flu cases related to the patient in Louisiana who died, he said.

“We have people who do hunting, hunting of geese and ducks, and so advisories have been put out to those for proper handling of those particular animals,” Figeroua said. “A lot of backyard flocks that are here and in urban and suburban areas are potentially also potential sources for transmission.”

In addition to 919 dairy herds in 16 states, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu has impacted more than 133 million poultry farms in all 50 states as of Wednesday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coordination about the various federal and state agencies responding to avian flu outbreaks will be crucial to containing its spread, especially as the incoming Trump administration takes over, Doron and Figueroa said.

Asked to provide an estimate for when the current H5N1 outbreak might be contained or peter out on its own, Doron said it’s difficult to determine at this point.

“I think it really is going to depend on how long immunity lasts, and it’s too early in the outbreak to know that,” she said. “… If the immunity doesn’t last more than a few months, then we could have ongoing spread indefinitely.”

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/01/10/avian-flu/" target="_blank">Louisiana Illuminator</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/greglarose/">GREG LAROSE</a>&nbsp;An infectious disease expert says the relatively mild cases of avian influenza detected so far among dairy workers don’t warrant making a vaccine available to them, even as they work to contain and prevent spread of the contagious virus among herds.Dr. Shira Doron, an epidemiologist and chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine in Boston, said the minor spread of the H5N1 among humans – and no reported instances of human-to-human transmission – makes any widespread administration of a vaccine premature right now.“There are also many logistical issues that would be associated with deployment of vaccine to farm workers – language barrier, undocumented status, compliance – so that is not the plan at this time, “ Doron said Friday morning during an Infectious Diseases Society of America teleconference.H5N1 has circulated globally for decades, she said. Analysis of the strains currently circulating shows them to be poorly suited for transmission between humans and with low pandemic potential, according to Doron.Human patients have also responded well to antiviral treatments such as Tamiflu, the doctor said.The current avian flu strains have led to two severe cases in humans. One involved a 65-year-old person from Louisiana who contracted the virus from exposure to a combination of a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds, state health officials said. It was&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/01/06/avian-flu-louisiana/" target="_blank">the nation’s first ever fatal human case</a>&nbsp;of avian flu, though the patient was reported to have underlying conditions that worsened after they contracted H5N1.The other severe case was a teen in Canada who had to be admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit. That patient contracted the virus from wild birds, Doron said.Dr. Julio Figeroua, LSU Health chief of infectious diseases and a professor at Louisiana State University’s medical school in New Orleans, also took part in the IDSA teleconference. There have been no secondary avian flu cases related to the patient in Louisiana who died, he said.“We have people who do hunting, hunting of geese and ducks, and so advisories have been put out to those for proper handling of those particular animals,” Figeroua said. “A lot of backyard flocks that are here and in urban and suburban areas are potentially also potential sources for transmission.”In addition to 919 dairy herds in 16 states, the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu has impacted more than 133 million poultry farms in all 50 states as of Wednesday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coordination about the various federal and state agencies responding to avian flu outbreaks will be crucial to containing its spread, especially as the incoming Trump administration takes over, Doron and Figueroa said.Asked to provide an estimate for when the current H5N1 outbreak might be contained or peter out on its own, Doron said it’s difficult to determine at this point.“I think it really is going to depend on how long immunity lasts, and it’s too early in the outbreak to know that,” she said. “… If the immunity doesn’t last more than a few months, then we could have ongoing spread indefinitely.”This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/01/10/avian-flu/" target="_blank">Louisiana Illuminator</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

No need to provide an avian flu vaccine for humans yet, expert says

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to seven years in prison for her two-year-old child’s fatal fentanyl poisoning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

In December, 33-year-old Tierra O’Field pled guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2479/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-OField-Redacted">Involuntary Manslaughter in the 1st Degree</a>&nbsp;last month.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2477/Tierra-Ofield-PC-Statement_Redacted" target="_blank">court records</a>, Kansas City police and EMS were dispatched on Oct. 11, 2022, to a Kansas City apartment where they located a two-year-old child who was cold to the touch, with rigor mortis and beyond medical help.&nbsp;

Detectives interviewed the child’s mother, the defendant, who said she fell asleep in a chair in the living room with her child. She was awoken by her sister and mother knocking at the front door. The defendant got up to answer the door, but the child remained on the chair, and she thought he was still asleep. When the defendant went back to check on him, the child was unresponsive and cold to the touch. She called 911.&nbsp;

During the interview with detectives, the defendant said she kept fentanyl in a baggie in her bra and when she checked on her child, she saw the baggie was on the chair and empty. When she moved her child, she saw particles of fentanyl on the chair under where he was sleeping. When detectives interviewed the defendant’s mother, she said the defendant struggles with drug addiction.

When police processed the scene, they also found a glass pipe on the chair along with an empty plastic bag and a torch lighter. On the floor next to the chair was a red straw and a whitish rock-like substance. Detectives located multiple pieces of tin foil with burnt residue in multiple locations in the apartment along with five syringes with apparent residue.&nbsp;

The Jackson County Medical Examiner found the child’s manner of death was a result of fentanyl intoxication.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736614244462.png" alt="O'field photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>O'field photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City woman to seven years in prison for her two-year-old child’s fatal fentanyl poisoning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.In December, 33-year-old Tierra O’Field pled guilty to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2479/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet-OField-Redacted">Involuntary Manslaughter in the 1st Degree</a>&nbsp;last month.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2477/Tierra-Ofield-PC-Statement_Redacted" target="_blank">court records</a>, Kansas City police and EMS were dispatched on Oct. 11, 2022, to a Kansas City apartment where they located a two-year-old child who was cold to the touch, with rigor mortis and beyond medical help.&nbsp;Detectives interviewed the child’s mother, the defendant, who said she fell asleep in a chair in the living room with her child. She was awoken by her sister and mother knocking at the front door. The defendant got up to answer the door, but the child remained on the chair, and she thought he was still asleep. When the defendant went back to check on him, the child was unresponsive and cold to the touch. She called 911.&nbsp;During the interview with detectives, the defendant said she kept fentanyl in a baggie in her bra and when she checked on her child, she saw the baggie was on the chair and empty. When she moved her child, she saw particles of fentanyl on the chair under where he was sleeping. When detectives interviewed the defendant’s mother, she said the defendant struggles with drug addiction.When police processed the scene, they also found a glass pipe on the chair along with an empty plastic bag and a torch lighter. On the floor next to the chair was a red straw and a whitish rock-like substance. Detectives located multiple pieces of tin foil with burnt residue in multiple locations in the apartment along with five syringes with apparent residue.&nbsp;The Jackson County Medical Examiner found the child’s manner of death was a result of fentanyl intoxication.&nbsp;

KC mother sentenced for toddler son’s fatal fentanyl poisoning 

State education officials credit recent legislative efforts for a small boost to teacher retention rates while setting guidelines for more growth

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>

More Missouri educators are staying in their jobs following efforts to raise teachers’ base pay and provide alternative measures for certification, the State Board of Education learned last week.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education predicts schools will have fewer vacancies in the future, speaking positively about small gains and outlining a path for more improvement.

“It is encouraging data to see because it signals that while supply of new teachers is increasing, we’re also seeing a decrease in the demand for new teachers,” Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner in the office of educator quality, told the board.

Following Katnik’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/presentation-teacher-workforce-data-missouri-teacher-recruitment-and-retention-playbook" target="_blank">presentation</a>, the department announced the creation of a&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-playbook-january-2025" target="_blank">playbook</a>&nbsp;to improve teacher recruitment and retention in Missouri with eight cornerstones to guide lawmakers and education officials.

“The data confirms we’re making positive, incremental progress, and this indicates we are doing the right things,” Katnik said. “The data also indicates we have more work yet to do.”

Teacher retention in Missouri increased in the 2023-24 school year after a decrease the year prior. Among all Missouri teachers, 88.7% remained in the profession, compared to 88.2% the year prior.

Despite a continued push for teacher recruitment efforts from the state department, lawmakers have less emphasis on the problem than in years past with few bills filed addressing the issue head on.

“From what we passed last year, there will be a $700 million core increase, so that will be the increase this year,” state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, told The Independent. “Will we go beyond that? No, I can’t imagine that we have any appetite to go higher than that this year.”

Lewis has filed numerous bills aimed at teacher recruitment and retention in years past, and his legislation was made law in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">large education package</a>&nbsp;last year. His proposals included a grant that helps upcoming teachers pay for college education, so long as they teach in Missouri afterward.

The new law is expected to pour hundreds of millions into schools alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/14/lawmakers-consider-boosting-missouri-public-education-funding-by-300-million/">an increase to the formula that funds public schools</a>.

This year, Lewis hopes to just see “tweaks” to the existing measures and funding in the appropriations process.

“We have to realize that we just put a lot of money into education, and we’ve got to make sure that we appropriate all that and that we figure out how, long term going forward, we’re going to continue to meet the educational needs in public education,” he said.

Still, a few bills seek to expand programs to retain teachers.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB444&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;hoping to create a grant program incentivizing teachers to stay in their jobs. But, Steinhoff knows the appetite for public education spending is particularly weak this year.

Steinhoff’s bill would combine local efforts with a matching fund from the state to supplement teacher salaries by $5,000 to $6,000 annually.

Last year, the legislature increased the minimum teacher pay to $40,000 and $46,000 for those with at least 10 years of experience. Base pay for those with at least 10 years of experience will rise to $48,000 over two years.

The pay bump has caused compression in some districts, with teachers having served in a district for five years making little more than newcomers, Steinhoff said. And average teacher pay, which rose to over $55,000 this year in Missouri, is still “way behind” careers requiring similar levels of education.

Lewis said districts could use the increase to the foundation formula to make “more competitive” salary schedules, putting onus on local authorities to use the state funds for retention.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB341&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;proposed by state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield, seeks to dictate how much districts can spend on administrative salaries compared with teacher compensation. The bill would require districts to spend at least 88% of educator salaries on teachers in the 2026-27 school year, with that portion rising 1% annually until it reaches 95%.

Other bills filed addressing teacher pay include fixes to a provision passed last year that incentivizes a five-day school week, clarifying that a school calendar can be shorter based on inclement weather and still qualify.

Lewis also filed legislation that would sunset a fund created to help districts raise teacher salaries to the new minimum in 2035, unless the grant is renewed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736771004392.png" alt="The Missouri House of Representatives, as photographed during discussion of a bill aimed at teacher recruitment and retention (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>The Missouri House of Representatives, as photographed during discussion of a bill aimed at teacher recruitment and retention (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State education officials credit recent legislative efforts for a small boost to teacher retention rates while setting guidelines for more growth</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>More Missouri educators are staying in their jobs following efforts to raise teachers’ base pay and provide alternative measures for certification, the State Board of Education learned last week.The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education predicts schools will have fewer vacancies in the future, speaking positively about small gains and outlining a path for more improvement.“It is encouraging data to see because it signals that while supply of new teachers is increasing, we’re also seeing a decrease in the demand for new teachers,” Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner in the office of educator quality, told the board.Following Katnik’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/presentation-teacher-workforce-data-missouri-teacher-recruitment-and-retention-playbook" target="_blank">presentation</a>, the department announced the creation of a&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-playbook-january-2025" target="_blank">playbook</a>&nbsp;to improve teacher recruitment and retention in Missouri with eight cornerstones to guide lawmakers and education officials.“The data confirms we’re making positive, incremental progress, and this indicates we are doing the right things,” Katnik said. “The data also indicates we have more work yet to do.”Teacher retention in Missouri increased in the 2023-24 school year after a decrease the year prior. Among all Missouri teachers, 88.7% remained in the profession, compared to 88.2% the year prior.Despite a continued push for teacher recruitment efforts from the state department, lawmakers have less emphasis on the problem than in years past with few bills filed addressing the issue head on.“From what we passed last year, there will be a $700 million core increase, so that will be the increase this year,” state Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, told The Independent. “Will we go beyond that? No, I can’t imagine that we have any appetite to go higher than that this year.”Lewis has filed numerous bills aimed at teacher recruitment and retention in years past, and his legislation was made law in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-468m-education-bill-that-boosts-teacher-pay-expands-charters/">large education package</a>&nbsp;last year. His proposals included a grant that helps upcoming teachers pay for college education, so long as they teach in Missouri afterward.The new law is expected to pour hundreds of millions into schools alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/14/lawmakers-consider-boosting-missouri-public-education-funding-by-300-million/">an increase to the formula that funds public schools</a>.This year, Lewis hopes to just see “tweaks” to the existing measures and funding in the appropriations process.“We have to realize that we just put a lot of money into education, and we’ve got to make sure that we appropriate all that and that we figure out how, long term going forward, we’re going to continue to meet the educational needs in public education,” he said.Still, a few bills seek to expand programs to retain teachers.State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB444&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;hoping to create a grant program incentivizing teachers to stay in their jobs. But, Steinhoff knows the appetite for public education spending is particularly weak this year.Steinhoff’s bill would combine local efforts with a matching fund from the state to supplement teacher salaries by $5,000 to $6,000 annually.Last year, the legislature increased the minimum teacher pay to $40,000 and $46,000 for those with at least 10 years of experience. Base pay for those with at least 10 years of experience will rise to $48,000 over two years.The pay bump has caused compression in some districts, with teachers having served in a district for five years making little more than newcomers, Steinhoff said. And average teacher pay, which rose to over $55,000 this year in Missouri, is still “way behind” careers requiring similar levels of education.Lewis said districts could use the increase to the foundation formula to make “more competitive” salary schedules, putting onus on local authorities to use the state funds for retention.A&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB341&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;proposed by state Rep. Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield, seeks to dictate how much districts can spend on administrative salaries compared with teacher compensation. The bill would require districts to spend at least 88% of educator salaries on teachers in the 2026-27 school year, with that portion rising 1% annually until it reaches 95%.Other bills filed addressing teacher pay include fixes to a provision passed last year that incentivizes a five-day school week, clarifying that a school calendar can be shorter based on inclement weather and still qualify.Lewis also filed legislation that would sunset a fund created to help districts raise teacher salaries to the new minimum in 2035, unless the grant is renewed.

Missouri lawmakers unlikely to prioritize teacher pay as past efforts bring growth

&nbsp;Walmart has recalled Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth due to packaging issues that could lead to spoilage, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The recall announced on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=96023">FDA’s website on Jan. 8</a>, affects products sold in 242 stores across nine states including Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

The recalled cartons are marked with a “best used by” date of March 25, 2026, and carry the UPC code 007874206684. A total of 2,023 cases, each containing six cartons, are included in the recall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736722376955.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Walmart has recalled Great Value Family Size Chicken Broth due to packaging issues that could lead to spoilage, according to the Food and Drug Administration.The recall announced on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=96023">FDA’s website on Jan. 8</a>, affects products sold in 242 stores across nine states including Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.The recalled cartons are marked with a “best used by” date of March 25, 2026, and carry the UPC code 007874206684. A total of 2,023 cases, each containing six cartons, are included in the recall.

Walmart recalls Great Value chicken broth in Missouri, 8 other states

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a rural Kansas burglary have made two arrests.

&nbsp;Between January 3rd and January 5th, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to several burglary and theft reports near Osage City and one near Overbrook, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. These incidents prompted an immediate response by deputies and investigators who began working diligently to gather information and follow leads.

Through their efforts, deputies and investigators developed key information regarding potential suspects involved in these crimes. A search warrant was executed, and most of the stolen property was recovered.

Deputies took two suspects into custody as a result of the ongoing investigation: Colton R. Hill, 23, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft, Misdemeanor theft, Driving while license suspended and Illegal registration.

Brian R. Stevenson, 52, of Pomona was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft and Misdemeanor theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736542042881.png" alt="Stevenson-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Stevenson-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a rural Kansas burglary have made two arrests.&nbsp;Between January 3rd and January 5th, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office responded to several burglary and theft reports near Osage City and one near Overbrook, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. These incidents prompted an immediate response by deputies and investigators who began working diligently to gather information and follow leads.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736541994662.png" alt="Hill photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Hill photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>Through their efforts, deputies and investigators developed key information regarding potential suspects involved in these crimes. A search warrant was executed, and most of the stolen property was recovered.Deputies took two suspects into custody as a result of the ongoing investigation: Colton R. Hill, 23, of Osage City is being held on requested charges of Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft, Misdemeanor theft, Driving while license suspended and Illegal registration.Brian R. Stevenson, 52, of Pomona was jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Felony burglary, Attempted burglary, Felony theft and Misdemeanor theft.

Suspects accused in series of rural Kansas burglaries

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire at a home in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 2500 block of Mersington Avenue, according to Battalion Chief MIchael Hopkins.

Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant house.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported. After investigation the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature due to multiple start locations.&nbsp;

Police have not reported any suspects or arrests as the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736712509892.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire at a home in Kansas City. Just before 6p.m. Saturday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 2500 block of Mersington Avenue, according to Battalion Chief MIchael Hopkins.Crews reported smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant house.&nbsp; Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported. After investigation the cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature due to multiple start locations.&nbsp;Police have not reported any suspects or arrests as the investigation continues.

Fire intentionally set at home in Kansas City 

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently announced the creation of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

This new caucus will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.&nbsp;

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has endorsed the creation of this new caucus that will work to build a stronger and healthier America. Senator&nbsp;Marshall, a physician who practiced medicine for over 25 years,&nbsp;met with Mr. Kennedy&nbsp;earlier this week to discuss his nomination to lead HHS. Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;endorsed Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy following the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The MAHA caucus is committed to improving health outcomes by prioritizing nutrition, providing access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on primary care availability to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases,”&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“With our 'Food is Medicine' approach, support from RFK Jr., and a shared goal to Make America Healthy Again, we aim to foster transparency, innovation, and a transformative agenda that builds a healthier, stronger nation."

Additional members of the MAHA Caucus include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

"I met with RFK Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, I’ve heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Tuberville said.

“As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I want to give my full endorsement of the official Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. From the day we are born, we start aging—and my goal is that every American has the resources and information to live long, happy lives. If you have your health, you have everything and I am looking forward to working with my fellow MAHA members and RFK Jr. to Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Scott said.

“America is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America’s chronic disease epidemic,”&nbsp;Senator Lummis said.&nbsp;“I am partnering with Dr.&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable.”

Making America Healthy Again is an effort that has broad support across the political spectrum.&nbsp; It is a completely nonpartisan issue. It should start by restoring integrity to scientific research and our federal agencies. I am happy to join the MAHA caucus and use our Senate platforms to inform the public and accomplish those goals,”&nbsp;Senator Johnson said.

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;- U.S. Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently announced the creation of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, according to a statement from the Senator's office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America is sick, and it’s time we hold federal agencies accountable. I’m partnering with <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerMarshallMD</a> to make America healthy again and address the chronic disease epidemic that has plagued our country.&mdash; Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenLummis/status/1871201597063389479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This new caucus will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Department of Health &amp; Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has endorsed the creation of this new caucus that will work to build a stronger and healthier America. Senator&nbsp;Marshall, a physician who practiced medicine for over 25 years,&nbsp;met with Mr. Kennedy&nbsp;earlier this week to discuss his nomination to lead HHS. Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;endorsed Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy following the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The MAHA caucus is committed to improving health outcomes by prioritizing nutrition, providing access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on primary care availability to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases,”&nbsp;Senator&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“With our 'Food is Medicine' approach, support from RFK Jr., and a shared goal to Make America Healthy Again, we aim to foster transparency, innovation, and a transformative agenda that builds a healthier, stronger nation."Additional members of the MAHA Caucus include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI)."I met with RFK Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, I’ve heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Senator&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Tuberville said.“As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I want to give my full endorsement of the official Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. From the day we are born, we start aging—and my goal is that every American has the resources and information to live long, happy lives. If you have your health, you have everything and I am looking forward to working with my fellow MAHA members and RFK Jr. to Make America Healthy Again,”&nbsp;Senator Scott said.“America is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America’s chronic disease epidemic,”&nbsp;Senator Lummis said.&nbsp;“I am partnering with Dr.&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable.”Making America Healthy Again is an effort that has broad support across the political spectrum.&nbsp; It is a completely nonpartisan issue. It should start by restoring integrity to scientific research and our federal agencies. I am happy to join the MAHA caucus and use our Senate platforms to inform the public and accomplish those goals,”&nbsp;Senator Johnson said.

Kan. U.S. Senator to lead Congressional Make America Healthy Again Caucus

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GARDEN CITY — Preliminary results indicate 2024 was a more active year for severe weather in Kansas.

Scientists at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, are tallying last year’s severe weather reports. Across Kansas, 89 tornadoes were reported, more than double the 39 tornadoes counted in 2023.

The most powerful tornado to strike the Sunflower State for the year was the April 30 storm that hit Westmoreland. It was rated EF-3, with estimated winds of 140 mph. Ann Miller, a 58-year-old lifelong Pottawatomie County resident and a county health department employee for 28 years, died when her home was destroyed by the storm.

Miller was the only storm-related fatality recorded in Kansas in 2024. The last time a tornado claimed a person’s life in Kansas was during a severe weather outbreak on April 14, 2012. One person died and 110 tornadoes were counted across Kansas and Oklahoma, including an EF-4 that scoured a section of gravel road up to five inches deep and swept a home from its foundation in Ellsworth County.

Last year, there were nearly 1,000 reports of severe wind gusts, with about 70 for gusts above 75 mph. Kansas also saw 495 reports of severe hailstones, 86 for stones larger than two inches in diameter.

In Westmoreland, 22 homes were destroyed by the tornado, with several other structures receiving damage, including the Pottawatomie County noxious weed building and two sheds housing public works equipment. Pottawatomie County officials said cleanup operations were completed just a few days after the tornado struck.

The tornado tally in 2024 continues a roller-coaster trend across the Plains states. While 2023 saw just 39 tornadoes in Kansas, the total for 2022 was 68, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center. For 2021, the total figure was 46 twisters, and in 2020 the state experienced only 27 tornadoes.

National Weather Service meteorologists noted that more tornadoes touched down in the Sunflower State by May 2024 than in all of 2023. In April, 37 tornadoes were counted, including the Westmoreland storm. It’s the only Kansas twister to receive a significant rating in 2024 — all others received ratings on the lower end of the scale, from EF-0 up to EF-2, based on the damage surveyed by NWS meteorologists.

A group of meteorologists and severe weather researchers are working to implement changes to the system used to measure the intensity of tornadoes.

Tim Marshall, engineer with Texas-based Haag Global and a longtime storm chaser, said during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University that he is part of the committee tasked with revising the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale.

Marshall said the refreshed scale will include new damage indicators, such as irrigation pivots and grain bins, and more photographs, as well as commentaries from the surveyors, to better describe the damage observed.

Marshall also hopes to include wind speed estimates in the next iteration of the EF-Scale. Right now, the EF-Scale does not include in-situ wind speed measurements based on radar scans as part of its damage indicators, largely because remote sensing technology was not available when the EF-Scale was introduced.

Marshall said the original Fujita Scale needed to be revamped after its development in the 1970s by its creator, renowned tornado scientist Ted Fujita. In 2006, Marshall helped create a 111-page document detailing new damage indicators and associated wind speeds required to cause specific damage.

The current draft document for the revised EF-Scale is about 500 pages, and Marshall said he’s hopeful to reveal the new scale by 2030.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736647562291.png" alt="A severe storm releases a bolt of lightning on May 19 over Finney County. Kansas saw more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 than the previous year, with a preliminary report of 89. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A severe storm releases a bolt of lightning on May 19 over Finney County. Kansas saw more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 than the previous year, with a preliminary report of 89. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Preliminary results indicate 2024 was a more active year for severe weather in Kansas.Scientists at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, are tallying last year’s severe weather reports. Across Kansas, 89 tornadoes were reported, more than double the 39 tornadoes counted in 2023.The most powerful tornado to strike the Sunflower State for the year was the April 30 storm that hit Westmoreland. It was rated EF-3, with estimated winds of 140 mph. Ann Miller, a 58-year-old lifelong Pottawatomie County resident and a county health department employee for 28 years, died when her home was destroyed by the storm.Miller was the only storm-related fatality recorded in Kansas in 2024. The last time a tornado claimed a person’s life in Kansas was during a severe weather outbreak on April 14, 2012. One person died and 110 tornadoes were counted across Kansas and Oklahoma, including an EF-4 that scoured a section of gravel road up to five inches deep and swept a home from its foundation in Ellsworth County.Last year, there were nearly 1,000 reports of severe wind gusts, with about 70 for gusts above 75 mph. Kansas also saw 495 reports of severe hailstones, 86 for stones larger than two inches in diameter.In Westmoreland, 22 homes were destroyed by the tornado, with several other structures receiving damage, including the Pottawatomie County noxious weed building and two sheds housing public works equipment. Pottawatomie County officials said cleanup operations were completed just a few days after the tornado struck.The tornado tally in 2024 continues a roller-coaster trend across the Plains states. While 2023 saw just 39 tornadoes in Kansas, the total for 2022 was 68, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center. For 2021, the total figure was 46 twisters, and in 2020 the state experienced only 27 tornadoes.National Weather Service meteorologists noted that more tornadoes touched down in the Sunflower State by May 2024 than in all of 2023. In April, 37 tornadoes were counted, including the Westmoreland storm. It’s the only Kansas twister to receive a significant rating in 2024 — all others received ratings on the lower end of the scale, from EF-0 up to EF-2, based on the damage surveyed by NWS meteorologists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736647626007.png" alt="Engineer and storm chaser Tim Marshall explains the changes coming to the Enhanced Fujita Scale during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University. Edits to the scale include adding new damage indicators and incorporating wind speed measurements from radar. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Engineer and storm chaser Tim Marshall explains the changes coming to the Enhanced Fujita Scale during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University. Edits to the scale include adding new damage indicators and incorporating wind speed measurements from radar. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Rating change</h2>A group of meteorologists and severe weather researchers are working to implement changes to the system used to measure the intensity of tornadoes.Tim Marshall, engineer with Texas-based Haag Global and a longtime storm chaser, said during a presentation in September at Texas Tech University that he is part of the committee tasked with revising the Enhanced Fujita Scale, or EF-Scale.Marshall said the refreshed scale will include new damage indicators, such as irrigation pivots and grain bins, and more photographs, as well as commentaries from the surveyors, to better describe the damage observed.Marshall also hopes to include wind speed estimates in the next iteration of the EF-Scale. Right now, the EF-Scale does not include in-situ wind speed measurements based on radar scans as part of its damage indicators, largely because remote sensing technology was not available when the EF-Scale was introduced.Marshall said the original Fujita Scale needed to be revamped after its development in the 1970s by its creator, renowned tornado scientist Ted Fujita. In 2006, Marshall helped create a 111-page document detailing new damage indicators and associated wind speeds required to cause specific damage.The current draft document for the revised EF-Scale is about 500 pages, and Marshall said he’s hopeful to reveal the new scale by 2030.

Kansas records more than double the number of tornadoes in 2024 over previous year

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating and&nbsp; asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39 year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

On Friday morning video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag.

 He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. 

While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.

If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736686363226.png" alt="Photos KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating and&nbsp; asking for the public’s assistance in locating 39 year-old Jason Keith, a homeless man believed to have stolen a firearm from a Kansas City, Kansas retailer, according to a media release from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.On Friday morning video surveillance at the Bass Pro Shop, 10300 Cabela Drive in Kansas City, Kansas, captured Keith taking a firearm and walking out of the store with it concealed in a tan, backpack-style rifle bag. He then boarded a Metro Bus and was last seen in the area or 12th and Main Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Keith is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5-foot-9 and 135 pounds. He was wearing a green utility jacket, black hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, a beanie, and neon-colored athletic shoes with black laces on the left shoe and yellow laces on the right shoe. While Keith is believed to be homeless, his last known address was in Peculiar, Missouri.If you believe you have seen Keith, or know of his whereabouts, please call 911 or the CrimeStoppers Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Police: Suspect stole firearm from Bass Pro Shop, boarded bus

On Saturday, President Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors. This is the first time that President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.

As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio sought a career in science before faith led him to a life with the Jesuits. For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.

On Saturday, President Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pope Francis, your humility and your grace are beyond words, and your love for all is unparalleled. As the People&#39;s Pope, you are a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world. Today, it was my honor to award His Holiness Pope Francis the Presidential… <a href="https://t.co/q4a0DKoSyi">pic.twitter.com/q4a0DKoSyi</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1878181517068836894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors. This is the first time that President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736637074926.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Citation:&nbsp;As a young man, Jorge Bergoglio sought a career in science before faith led him to a life with the Jesuits. For decades, he served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina. As Pope Francis, his mission of serving the poor has never ceased. A loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. A challenging teacher, he commands us to fight for peace and protect the planet. A welcoming leader, he reaches out to different faiths. The first pope from the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis is unlike any who came before. Above all, he is the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world.

Biden honors Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home where two young children were living.

Deputies conducting surveillance at a residence at 601 E. Edison in Independence observed activity leading to a vehicle stop conducted by the Independence Police Department, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.

The driver, identified as 59-year-old Bobbie Austin Jr. of Independence, was found in possession of over 7 pounds of suspected marijuana and was taken into custody. Based on evidence gathered, deputies obtained a search warrant for 601 E. Edison. 

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, and Kansas Bureau of Investigations executed the warrant. Several individuals were located at the residence, including 65-year-old Clifford Craft; 34-year-old&nbsp; Dylan Craft; 41-year-old Tabitha Parks and 25-year-old Chase Vankirk all of Independence, Kansas,

Two juveniles, aged six and four, were also present. Law enforcement seized suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and various pills from the residence. 

The juveniles were placed in police protective custody, and all adults were arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.Recommended Charges:

Bobbie Austin Jr was jailed on requested charges of Distribution of marijuana (450 grams to 30 kilograms).

Clifford Craft was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of depressants and aggravated child endangerment.

Dylan Craft as jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; aggravated child endangerment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736462567725.png" alt="Dylan Craft -photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Dylan Craft -photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating suspect on multiple allegations after a drug bust at a Kansas home where two young children were living.Deputies conducting surveillance at a residence at 601 E. Edison in Independence observed activity leading to a vehicle stop conducted by the Independence Police Department, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade.The driver, identified as 59-year-old Bobbie Austin Jr. of Independence, was found in possession of over 7 pounds of suspected marijuana and was taken into custody. Based on evidence gathered, deputies obtained a search warrant for 601 E. Edison. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736462763377.png" alt="Clifford Craft-photo Montgomery&nbsp; Co." />
 <figcaption>Clifford Craft-photo Montgomery&nbsp; Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, and Kansas Bureau of Investigations executed the warrant. Several individuals were located at the residence, including 65-year-old Clifford Craft; 34-year-old&nbsp; Dylan Craft; 41-year-old Tabitha Parks and 25-year-old Chase Vankirk all of Independence, Kansas,Two juveniles, aged six and four, were also present. Law enforcement seized suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and various pills from the residence. The juveniles were placed in police protective custody, and all adults were arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections.Recommended Charges:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736462593726.png" alt="Parks-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Parks-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bobbie Austin Jr was jailed on requested charges of Distribution of marijuana (450 grams to 30 kilograms).Clifford Craft was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of depressants and aggravated child endangerment.Dylan Craft as jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; aggravated child endangerment.Tabitha Parks was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736462652443.png" alt="Vankirk photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Vankirk photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>Chase Vankirk was jailed on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; interference with a law enforcement officer.This investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be recommended, according to Sheriff Wade.