Amid several recent fires, the St. Joseph Fire Department has issued a series of safety reminders aimed at preventing home heating fires.

Fire officials noted that while heating is a primary concern during the winter months, cooking incidents remain the leading cause of residential fires. To mitigate these risks, the department recommends that residents always turn off kitchen appliances when leaving the room and keep any combustible items—such as towels, oven mitts, or packaging—well away from active heat sources.

Space heaters and electrical maintenance are also high on the department's priority list. Residents should turn off portable heaters whenever they leave a room or go to sleep. Additionally, the department advises checking all electrical equipment for damaged or frayed cords, which should be replaced immediately to prevent electrical shorts and potential blazes.

The department also emphasized the life-saving importance of early detection. Officials urge every household to ensure that both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and in proper working order, testing them regularly to ensure they can provide an adequate warning in the event of an emergency.

St. Joseph Fire Department issues safety tips

The Missouri Department of Transportation has reopened the Route D Bridge over Shoal Creek in Caldwell County. 

Following a full bridge replacement conducted by Cale Seymour Construction, LLC, the roadway returned to service on Jan. 28.

 The crossing had been closed for construction since March 2025.

MoDOT reopens Route D Bridge over Shoal Creek following replacement project

Young at Heart Resources, the area agency for aging in northwest Missouri, is launching a program to help make retirement fun, introducing retirees to volunteer opportunities in the region.&nbsp;

The Give 5 Program helps to connect retirees with volunteer opportunities, allowing people to be able to socialize, contribute, and learn new skills as well as be able to share their own lifetime of experiences and meet new people while making a difference in their communities or throughout the region.&nbsp;

Volunteers are currently being recruited in Buchanan, Andrew, Atchison, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties for a series of classes that will take place at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center in St. Joseph.&nbsp; The center is located at 100 S 10th Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four classes will be held throughout March, the first on March 3rd and the final class on March 12th, running from 10am to 2pm each day.&nbsp; A free meal will be provided with each class.&nbsp; At the end of the classes, participants will be able to choose where they would like to volunteer at the end of the two week program.&nbsp; After completing the program, volunteers will give at least five hours or more as a volunteer to officially complete the program.&nbsp;

If you are interested in signing up for the classes, you can contact Young at Heart Resources and the program coordinator Connie Griffith at 660-240-9400.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)

Local agency gives retirees volunteer opportunities in northwest Missouri

The North Central Missouri College Foundation has officially opened its General Scholarship Application for the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year. 

Students planning to enroll full-time for the Fall 2026 semester are encouraged to submit their applications through the NCMC website. To receive priority consideration, applicants must submit their materials by Wed., April 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

The foundation has a proven track record of easing the financial burden of higher education. During the previous 2025–2026 academic year, the NCMC Foundation awarded more than $360,000 to over 365 students. These scholarships are made possible by generous donors who are dedicated to making college more accessible for everyone.

The online application is designed for simplicity. By completing just one general application, incoming, returning, and transfer students are automatically matched with every scholarship for which they qualify. Selection criteria vary across different awards but generally include:

Students can apply directly at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncmissouri.edu/foundation/scholarship/">ncmissouri.edu/foundation/scholarship/</a>. Please note that eligibility requires full-time enrollment at any NCMC campus or through their online programs.

Those selected are also invited to attend the annual scholarship reception held each October to celebrate their achievements and connect with the foundation. For any questions regarding the process, contact Kristi Varner, Scholarship Coordinator, at (660) 357-6321 or&nbsp; kvarner@pirates.ncmissouri.edu.

NCMC Foundation opens 2026–2027 scholarship applications

A Dekalb County woman recently claimed a $100,000 top prize from a Missouri Lottery scratch-off ticket after a stroke of luck led her to double-check her results. 

The winning ticket was sold at SBJ Fuels, located at 1202 N. Walnut St. in Cameron.

The windfall was nearly missed, as the player did not initially notice a matching number while scratching the ticket. It was only after she used the Missouri Lottery app to scan the ticket that she realized she had actually won the game’s top prize.

The winner traveled to the Missouri Lottery regional office in Kansas City to officially claim her winnings on Jan. 20.

Cameron gas station sells $100,000 winning Missouri Lottery ticket

Authorities are investigating a fatal residential explosion and fire that occurred Wednesday evening in the 300 block of East Meadow Street in Smithville.

The Platte County Dispatch Center received reports of an explosion and structure fire at approximately 6:20 p.m. Reports indicate Smithville Police officers arrived on the scene within two minutes to find the residence fully engulfed in flames.

Fire crews from the Smithville Area Fire Protection District led the response, supported by mutual aid from the Kearney, Central Platte, Camden Point, and Edgerton-Trimble fire districts. The Northland Regional Ambulance District (NRAD) also provided assistance at the scene.

During the firefighting efforts, crews discovered one deceased individual inside the home. Officials stated that no other victims are believed to be involved at this time.

Utility providers Spire Gas and Evergy were called to the location to manage utility hazards. Firefighters remained on-site to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the area.

The scene will be turned over to the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office for a formal investigation into the cause of the blast. No further details have been released at this time.

Fatal house fire reported in Smithville

(Radio Iowa) - Four of the Republican candidates for governor say life begins at conception and they would work to make Iowa abortion law reflect that. 

Adam Steen -- a former member of Governor Reynolds' cabinet -- says abortion will be the number one issue in the race against Rob Sand, the Democratic Party's likely nominee. 

Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer, says a candidate's stand on abortion is a foundational issue. Life at conception bills that would ban all abortions in Iowa have been introduced in the Iowa legislature, but have never made it to the governor's desk. 

Democrats say the bills could make contraceptives and some certain fertility treatments illegal.

Four Iowa GOP candidates for governor call for life at conception law

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce opened the doors to show off a new space in downtown to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.  

The Launch Pad opened officially at the beginning of this year, after a soft launch in December, giving business owners a co-working space in northwest Missouri.  

Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn says there's already been successes, with the building nearly full, including with an exciting tech start up 

"That was really just officing out of what space he could find, if it was Parkway or a coffee shop or Smooth Endings, and we were able to really get him an office space,” Hawn tells reporters.  “And he’s already gone from one office space to three, plus additional cubicles, he's added three employees since he started here and he relocated one of those employees from Los Angeles.” 

Hawn says that type of synergy is exactly what is being looked for in the space downtown.  It also offers several resources to entrepreneurs to get their businesses started.  

Hawn says the space is available to all of northwest Missouri, and provides whatever business owners might be looking for 

"We’re having classes come up on how to prepare for World Cup, we just had a class on how to learn AI, how to code, how to make an app in a day,” Hawn explains.  “So, I think no matter where you are on that journey, we’ll have a resource for you.” 

Hawn says the space is also going to be adding several other resources for people, such as a podcast studio, to continue adding opportunities for people to be able to utilize the Launch Pad.  

Jamie Donaldson, co-owner of Juniper Lane in St. Joseph, says having the resources to know how to start a business in one space is convenient for entrepreneurs. 

"Instead of having to do all the Googling and being like well how am I supposed to start a business, you have one spot to go, you know you’re getting answers from somebody who understands running a business, operating a business, and can send you in the right direction without feeling like you’re having to do all that leg work yourself and then wondering if you found the right answers to begin with,” Donaldson says. 

Donaldson also points to the collaboration at the space being huge for business owners, with the space giving entrepreneurs the space to work together closely and become more of a unit. 

Launch Pad officially opens to help business owners get off the ground and running

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that the Tarkio River Bridge on Holt County Route 111, located west of Craig, will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 2. 

Bridge crews will be conducting core drilling at the site to gather essential data for an upcoming reconstruction project.

The closure will follow a specific schedule over several days. On Monday, Feb. 2, the bridge will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. Following the initial start, the bridge will remain closed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, through Thursday, Feb. 5.

Motorists who normally travel this route will need to plan ahead and find an alternate path, as the bridge will be impassable during these working hours. 

This preliminary work is being done in advance of a full bridge replacement, which is currently slated for the 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

MoDOT to close Route 111 Tarkio River Bridge for core drilling starting Feb. 2

BY:&nbsp;&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>

The sponsor, Rep. Peggy McGaugh, said she will seek to put the primary language back in bill, which would also extend ‘no-excuse absentee’ voting to four weeks

The push to reinstate Missouri’s presidential primary suffered a defeat Tuesday when the House Elections Committee voted to remove it from a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1871" target="_blank">wide-ranging elections bill</a>.

On a voice vote, the committee removed the provision from the bill. The measure also&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/13/bill-would-ban-missouri-politicians-from-using-recurring-donations-to-fund-campaigns/">extends the period</a>&nbsp;for “no-excuse absentee” voting from two to four weeks.

The committee then voted 13-1, with two abstentions, to send the bill to the full House for debate.

The primary is unpopular with well-organized groups who prefer the caucus system traditionally used to select Missouri’s delegates to presidential nominating conventions, said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Peggy McGaugh, a Republican from Carrollton.&nbsp;

A caucus is easier to control than the primary, she said. Even though Missouri’s primary is just a popularity contest — no delegates are pledged based on the result — opponents don’t want evidence they are not the majority of their party’s voters, she said.

“You can see from the people who either voted no or present that there’s a super right wing

faction that would prefer to continue doing it the caucus way,” McGaugh said in an interview after the vote.

McGaugh said she will try to restore the primary through an amendment to the bill when it reaches the House floor.&nbsp;

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-backs-return-to-presidential-primary/">approved a bill</a>&nbsp;re-establishing the primary last year but it died in the state Senate.

Missouri conducted its first presidential primary in 1988 but did not have a regular primary until 2000. The law authorizing the primary was repealed in 2022.

In 2024, Republicans met in caucuses to select the delegates that renominated Donald Trump, while the Democratic Party held a private primary on a Saturday morning to start the process that nominated Kamala Harris.

Under the caucus system, adherents to a party must attend a meeting where voters are grouped based on the candidate they prefer. In the Republican Party, a majority of the meeting can choose all the delegates; at Democratic Party caucuses, every candidate with 15% or more of the voters gets a share of the delegates elected at that level.

While Missouri’s primary has, at times, determined the delegate pledges, by 2012, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/02/07/missouri-primary" target="_blank">former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum won</a>, it was only a popularity contest.

State Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, sponsored the amendment that stripped the primary from the bill. He said the reinstatement may be lost in the bill that makes several other changes to election procedure at the request of local election authorities.

“It should be something as a standalone piece of legislation,” Voss said. “I’m also concerned with the $9 million fiscal notes that’s attached to that, given our&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/20/missouri-discovers-250m-budget-mistake-but-officials-warn-spending-squeeze-remains/">current financial situation</a>.”

State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, accused unnamed opponents of “browbeating individuals” on the committee to remove the primary.

The primary was repealed in a big elections bill in 2022, Smith said, and many legislators didn’t even know it was in the bill.&nbsp;

“I didn’t like how that was handled then and I was glad to see that we were putting it back in,” Smith said. “And I’m again, disappointed that it’s being kind of muscled out of here.”

While he voted against Voss’ amendment, Smith voted for the final version of the bill.

The committee also removed another provision in the bill which would have moved the line protecting voters from solicitations like last-minute candidate appeals or petition signature gathering from 25 feet to 50 feet from the entrance to polling stations.

The bill would also change where a small number of voters, eligible under federal law to register on election day, must report to cast a ballot. Instead of a local polling station, the bill would change the location to offices of the election authority.

The clerks wanted that change for better election management and they wanted to extend the no-excuse absentee, or early, voting period, McGaugh said.

The ability to cast a ballot anytime in the weeks prior to Election Day gives clerks the chance to help voters with issues in their registration or other problems that could prevent voting, said McGaugh, who is a former clerk.

The early voting period was included in the 2022 bill that ended the presidential primary. That law also required voters to show a government-issued ID card, with photo, date of birth and an expiration date, prior to voting.&nbsp;

Republicans at the time opposed early voting and wrote the bill to end it if a court struck down the identification requirement. It was upheld&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/27/challenge-to-voter-id-law-heading-for-appeal-to-missouri-supreme-court/">by a Cole County judge</a>&nbsp;in November 2024 but the decision was appealed and a ruling is pending from&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/19/missouri-supreme-court-reviews-voter-id-mandate-ban-on-paid-registration-efforts/">the Missouri Supreme Court</a>.

McGaugh’s bill would not remove the link between the provisions of law.

The early voting period has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/30/increasing-every-day-voters-line-up-across-missouri-for-chance-to-cast-ballot-early/">proven immensely popular</a>, with thousands of voters daily taking advantage of the convenience.&nbsp;

The presidential primary occurs just weeks before April municipal elections. Clerks were willing to support it if it was on a convenient date and lawmakers extended the no-excuse absentee period to four weeks, McGaugh said.

“They asked me to put it as part of the bill in exchange for the additional weeks of no excuse, which has been an absolute win,” McGaugh said. “It stretches out the days for people, the voters loved it, and so I was happy to have the bill for them.”

This article was updated at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 to clarify that the extended early voting period remained in the bill.

House committee kills plan to reinstate Missouri presidential primary

HOLT COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m.&nbsp; Tuesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Ram 2500 driven by a 52-year-old Kansas City, Missouri man was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles south of Mound City. The driver lost control of the vehicles towed unit and he overcorrected. The pickup&nbsp; traveled off the east side of the road, jackknifed, traveled down an embankment.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported the driver to Mosaic Life Care 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.

Mo. man hospitalized after pickup, trailer jackknifed

March corn closed up 3 1/2 cents and May corn was up 3 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 7 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 8 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 9 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 12 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 2 1/4 cents.

Wheat futures again led the U.S. grain markets higher on Wednesday, putting in a double-digit move higher in Kansas City markets to the highest close in over two months. Corn and soybean futures were also higher, with corn futures catching an early burst of momentum following pro-E15 remarks by President Trump during his speech in Iowa on Tuesday, but eventually faded from daily highs amid a general lack of news to sustain prices. In outside markets, the U.S. dollar recovered after hitting four-year lows on Tuesday, but remains down sharply over the past week. Crude oil and other energy markets were firm as well and added a layer of support to ag markets at midweek.

The live cattle complex wasn't confident at the day's initial start, but the market had longer timeframe to trade, the complex grew stronger. The contracts pushed past the market's resistance and trending higher into the day's closing bell. It's somewhat questionable where traders were getting the additional support from this morning, as boxed beef prices were mixed and we've yet to see any trade in the fed cash cattle market. But maybe traders' confidence lies in the fact that they believe fed cash cattle prices will trade higher later this week and that Friday's Cattle Inventory report will be bullish. I hope all those claims come to fruit. At this point, no cash cattle trade has developed and both bids and asking prices remain elusive. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $1.14 ($369.25) and select down $1.45 ($363.73) with a movement of 50 loads (31.60 loads of choice, 4.20 loads of select, 5.22 loads of trim and 8.48 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was also trading higher into Wednesday's closing bell as the market finds it comforting to see the live cattle contracts trading in a positive manner. As long as the live cattle contracts maintain their upward momentum, it's likely that the feeder cattle contracts will as well.

The lean hog contracts were back to trading lower as the market seems to be facing some technical exhaustion after a significant rally over the last month. Thankfully, pork cutout values were still trading higher, so traders should find some support there, but for the meantime, the market's direction is lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/28143234/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to President Donald Trump highlighting the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel industry’s contribution to U.S. energy security and rural prosperity. The President is embarking on visits across the country to highlight economic conditions. The letter emphasizes that the industry’s growth is at risk as farmers and fuel producers await regulatory rules, specifically the Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027, and rules for the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit that were due under the prior administration.

“Our industry has made substantial investments to meet America’s demand for energy security and rural economic prosperity,” CFA wrote. “Our progress is threatened by delays in policy decisions that should have been made in the previous administration, and we’re hopeful you will quickly finalize these policies and secure your promise as the most pro-biofuel president in history.” 

Clean Fuels Alliance wants 45Z rules finalized

Over 70 FFA student members serving as state officers in their respective states started the new year by exploring the history, culture, and agricultural practices of Spain through the National FFA’s International Leadership Seminar for State Officers. The Seminar is an annual program designed to develop awareness of global agriculture and enhance the cultural competency of student members. The traveling state officers help lead more than one million members in over 9,200 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

“During the trip, students had the opportunity to both demonstrate their knowledge and learn about diverse agriculture practices across the globe,” said Joe Martin, program specialist with the National FFA Organization. “These experiences overseas help state officers share the unique agriculture practices of Spain with members of their home state associations.” State officers on the trip came from Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Missouri and multiple other states.  

FFA members travel to Spain for observation

March corn closed down 2 1/4 cents and May corn was down 2 cents. March soybeans closed down 6 cents and May soybeans were down 5 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 11 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 7 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 1/4 cents.

Traders worked to remove weather related risk premium from U.S. wheat markets on Monday, with the severe cold event forecast to improve by midweek and decent snow cover across much of the U.S. leading to minimal crop damage thoughts for now. Meanwhile, corn and soybean markets also relaxed from firm closing prices on Friday, on a mix of negative influence from wheat as well as technical pressure. Outside markets were mixed with the story of the day being gold's record-breaking push over $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever on Monday. Investors continue to pour money into the commodity amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with markets now zeroing in on the possibility of another government shutdown with funding set to expire on Jan. 30.

Up until the last hour, the live cattle market was trading mostly mixed as traders seemed overwhelmed by the market's technical resistance. Lo and behold, as the noon hour neared, another gust of support seemed to overcome the live cattle complex. The market doesn't however seem confident in either direction as it's longing to see continued fundamental support to justify a higher trend. And it's not likely that enough support will develop until we see what happens in this week's fed cash cattle trade, which meant a teeter-totter like behavior today in the futures complex and the contracts finished softly lower. Still no trade has developed in the fed cash cattle complex and it's mostly likely that trade will be delayed until Thursday at the earliest and likely wait until Friday. It is assumed that prices will trend higher again this week as fed cash cattle supplies are tight, and packers can't afford to be short bought. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $0.37 ($369.27) and select down $2.55 ($364.57) with a movement of 59 loads (42.36 loads of choice, 4.51 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 12.24 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex traded in the exact same manner as the live cattle complex is, as its market was taking more of a mixed approach into Tuesday's noon hour. More than anything, traders seem to want to keep the feeder cattle contracts aligned with the overall direction of the live cattle market. At the same time, traders know supplies are likely to remain thin in the near term and see that as a justification to keep the furthest deferred contracts trading higher, but the feeders likewise finished softly lower.

The lean hog complex traded fully higher into Tuesday's closing bell, although a couple of the nearby contacts are traded slightly lower for some of the session. More than anything, the market's uptick in consumer demand seems to be encouraging traders to continue to push the complex higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/27134519/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity market daily recap

House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN) introduced the “Farm and Family Relief Act,” calling it a bill introduced to provide meaningful relief to family farmers. The bill would also help those getting crushed by inflation and higher costs caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and Republican cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

“Family farmers have been hit hard by tariffs and lost market opportunities,” Craig said when introducing the bill this month. “The Farm and Family Relief Act helps get America back on track by supporting farmers, foresters, and families together and putting an end to the president’s ill-conceived tariffs.” A new report from Joint Economic Committee Democrats said President Trump’s inflation cost the average family $1,625 in the past year. Fruit and vegetable prices are up 5.3 percent, while hardworking Americans paid $310 more for groceries in 2025 than the year before. 

House democrats introduce “Farm and Family Relief Act”

Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden said two companies have been working together to control the price of fertilizer in the U.S. by limiting supplies. Reports said Vaden’s collusion accusation against Mosaic and Nutrien could suggest the administration may take future steps to inject more competition into the markets, if it becomes necessary. During a webinar hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center, Vaden said, “This administration is going to do everything it can to ensure that farmers have the fertilizer they’ll need and at a price they can pay. We’re not going to permit these companies to do anything that might undermine that.” 

He also said Nutrien and Mosaic were responsible for over 90 percent of phosphate fertilizer and potash production in North America during 2024. Farm Action, an ag industry accountability group, said only seven companies control 70 percent of crop input sales, including Nutrien Ag Solutions, the retail business of Nutrien. 

Vaden accuses companies of fertilizer collusion

March corn closed down 2 1/4 cents and May corn was down 2 cents. March soybeans closed down 6 cents and May soybeans were down 5 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 11 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 7 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 5 1/4 cents.

Last Friday was a whirlwind of developing factors for the live cattle market to note and keep track of, between the fed cash cattle that finally developed, and the monthly Cattle on Feed report that was released. Thankfully, the neutral to slightly bearish tone of the Cattle on Feed report was quickly overlooked by the strong developments in the fed cash cattle market, as traders elected to again push the live cattle contracts higher today. What will remain an obstacle for the market to manage this week is the technical resistance that's formed in the live cattle complex. There's an argument to be made that the market could potentially break through that barrier if fed cash cattle prices are higher again this week, but that's taking a fairly bullish look at the marketplace. Even if prices do trade higher again this week, there's a strong likelihood that traders won't want to challenge that threshold, especially considering that later this week, the highly anticipated Cattle Inventory report is set to be released. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Texas, but lower in Kansas, and Nebraska/Colorado.

Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $0.33 ($369.25) and select up $3.58 ($365.97) with a movement of 50 loads (32.53 loads of choice, 3.84 loads of select, 4.95 loads of trim and 8.53 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle contracts were also trading higher as the market finds power and momentum in the fact that fed cash cattle prices continue to scale higher. So long as the live cattle contracts continue to trade higher, the feeder cattle complex will also likely do the same.

And last but not least, the lean hog contracts were also enjoying a mild rally into midday Monday. The market has seen steady support from consumers, which has helped encourage the contracts to continue to trade higher, although the market is continuing to drive to new contract highs when it does so.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/26140354/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, was very unhappy after it was announced that a legislative fix for year-round E15 was dropped from the January government funding bill. It was further incensed that Congress would instead form a “rural energy council” to formulate another compromise bill with petroleum interests, and with expectations for a vote in February. “What an incredible travesty as Congress picked refiners over American farmers and drivers today,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. 

“E15 delivers cost savings for consumers and generates long-term demand for American agriculture, facts that have been well-known for over a decade.” She also said the debate involves the simple act of allowing consumers the choice to buy a better value fuel year-round. This failure will lead to farmers missing out on a critical market during the worst farm crisis in four decades. “It’s imperative we get this over the finish line in an expedited manner,” Skor added.

Rural Energy Council is a “disgrace”

The Agriculture Council of America is proud to announce the celebration of National Ag Day on March 24, 2026. The annual event recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by agriculture, acknowledging the essential role it plays in our daily lives. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: Together we grow: Celebrating 250 Years of Progress in Agriculture.” 

This year’s theme emphasizes the collaborative efforts of farmers, ranchers, and all stakeholders in the agricultural sector who work tirelessly to provide safe, abundant, and affordable products, and also recognizes 250 years of progress. A series of events is scheduled in Washington, D.C., and virtually, to mark the day, including an Ag Day Virtual Event. At 9:00 am, a livestream of events from the USDA will also be available. Ag Day at the USDA will run from 8:30 am to Noon at the USDA’s Whitten Patio, where attendees will hear from multiple speakers. 

National Ag Day activities announced

March corn closed up 2 1/4 cents and May corn was up 2 1/2 cents. March soybeans closed down 1/2 cent and May soybeans were up 1 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 6 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 7 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 10 cents.

Thursday was another quiet session across U.S. crop markets with oilseeds relaxing following a midweek surge on Wednesday, likely the result of hitting some technical resistance points on respective charts. Wheat futures recovered from a sluggish start to the week with Kansas City futures again challenging upside resistance ahead of a weekend of severe winter weather across the United States. Outside markets saw equities complete a two-day recovery of Tuesday's tariff-induced selloff, a common theme through the past year as such value breaks have been viewed as buying opportunities. Natural gas continues to be the most compelling outside market, going from three-month price lows to three-year highs in the course of three trading days, although profit-taking has since taken the top end out of the rally on Thursday. Crude oil and diesel prices moved lower on Thursday, influencing a softer soybean oil market as well.

With still no lofty developments yet in this week's fed cash cattle market, the live cattle contracts were trading on both sides of unchanged throughout the session on Thursday. It's also not been helpful that midday boxed beef prices were lower, which is a seasonal trend for this time, but either way, it doesn't "feel" good to a market that's looking for increased fundamental support. Asking prices are noted in the North at $370 but are still not established in the South. Trade could likely be delayed until after Friday's Cattle on Feed report. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.22 ($365.89) and select down $2.41 ($360.04) with a movement of 56 loads (36.72 loads of choice, 5.00 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 14.19 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex continued to trade mixed and in a sideways fashion headed into the closing bell, and the market is again following in the wake of the live cattle complex. The market will likely maintain a sideways chop until Friday's Cattle on Feed report is released.

The lean hog complex got back to trading softly higher as traders are seeing continued support in pork demand and are willing to scale the contracts higher even though the market is already trading at new contract highs in the spot April contract. The cash market is trading in a thin manner again today, but packers did buy over 2,000 head in Wednesday's market, which is a "big" movement compared to recent days.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/22141730/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Critics say the foundation’s mission is vague, leaving questions about how taxpayer dollars will be used

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

A $250,000 earmark in Missouri’s budget for a nonprofit founded by former Gov. Mike Parson — including money drawn from a federal program designed to help low-income families — raised red flags for Democratic lawmakers Wednesday, who questioned how and why the money was requested by the executive branch.

The nonprofit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iiitbiiutm.org/" target="_blank">The 57 Foundation</a>, takes its name from Parson’s tenure as Missouri’s 57th governor. In&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/331372792/202501829349300410/full" target="_blank">federal tax filings</a>, the organization says its mission is to “provide a facility to educate the public on the history of Gov. Parson’s life and administration.”

The filings also describe plans for “straightforward charitable giving” aimed at helping “only those who are inadequately able to help themselves.”

Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed budget directs $125,000 in general revenue and another $125,000 from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, to the foundation. Beyond a brief description that the group provides “essential resources and support” to Missourians in need,&nbsp;<a href="https://budplan.oa.mo.gov/media/pdf/fy27-dss-appropriation-book-governors-recommendations" target="_blank">the budget</a>&nbsp;offers no details on how the money would be used.

“I find it really hard to believe that the nonprofit that is best situated to serve the constituents of Missouri just happens to be the former governor,” said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.&nbsp;&nbsp;

State lawmakers repeatedly asked staff from the Missouri Department of Social Services about criteria used to identify organizations to receive funding or cuts. Staff said that for The 57 Foundation, they only have the description included in Kehoe’s proposed budget.&nbsp;

Gabby Picard, a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office, quoted that description in an email to The Independent and said the budget recommendation is not intended to fund a gubernatorial library.

Some lawmakers queried other funding recommendations affecting organizations located in their districts and expressed displeasure when department staff were unable to provide explanations of spending recommendations.

Much of their scrutiny concerned Missouri’s proposed use of&nbsp;<a href="https://acf.gov/ofa/programs/temporary-assistance-needy-families-tanf" target="_blank">TANF funds</a>. Federal law requires states to use the federal funds to help low-income families meet basic needs — namely, through a&nbsp;<a href="https://mydss.mo.gov/temporary-assistance/apply" target="_blank">cash assistance</a>&nbsp;program and employment and training services mandated for recipients. States can decide how to use the rest of the funding, though programs they fund must further TANF goals.

Democratic State Rep. Raychel Proudie of Ferguson told The Independent that the earmark for The 57 Foundation is an example of a lack of oversight of how taxpayer dollars are spent.

“It doesn’t appear that our departments are doing due diligence when they are appropriating these funds,” Proudie said. “They’re getting the money out the door, but not in a way that meets the needs of the community.”

Proudie said it is ultimately lawmakers’ responsibility to prevent fraud and wasteful spending.

“It’s on us, first and foremost, and secondarily, it’s on these state departments,” Proudie said.

The 57 Foundation was created in the waning months of Parson’s final term as governor in 2024. Its president is Tom Burcham, a former Republican state lawmaker from Farmington who also serves as treasurer for the political action committee created to boost Parson’s 2020 gubernatorial campaign, Uniting Missouri.&nbsp;

After Parson won a full term in 2020, the PAC&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/pro-parson-pac-has-spent-110k-on-private-plane-expenses-so-far-in-2023/">shifted</a>&nbsp;from supporting his political career to largely paying for his travel — including spending around $120,000 for Parson’s trips to watch the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 and 2024 Super Bowls.

Uniting Missouri also donated $100,000 to support Kehoe’s run for governor in 2024. Parson appointed Kehoe lieutenant governor in 2018.

An email to The 57 Foundation seeking comment was not returned on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Social Services Director Jess Bax said her agency will provide lawmakers with additional information and that the department supports Kehoe’s recommendations.

“The governor had to make really tough decisions in a budget year where we don’t have enough funding,” Bax said. “So we do support his recommendations.”

Democratic State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins of St. Louis pressed department staff about their stance on blanket support for Kehoe’s recommendations, asking why The 57 Foundation is worthy of state funding.

“What is it about this particular item that you support, to support the health and well-being of children and families?” Collins asked.

The department’s chief financial officer, Patrick Luebbering, said his team worked with the Office of Administration to identify areas to reduce funding. He added that when little information is available about an organization, the department relies on the governor’s judgment.

“The governor is our boss, and we trust him,” Luebbering said. “Items like these, even though we don’t have all the information, we assume that what he’s doing is right.”

Republican State Rep. Darin Chappell of Rogersville, chair of the House appropriations subcommittee covering social services, said “the fiscal accountability that we’re asking of the departments is fair and right.” And he encouraged lawmakers to come to him with feedback about Kehoe’s budget recommendations and to make the case for organizations they see as deserving state appropriations.

“It warms the cockles of my heart to hear the bipartisan support for the very principles of budgeting that I’ve been screaming about for three years,” Chappell said.

State lawmakers insisted on asking their questions about funding recommendations in the public hearing even if department staff didn’t have the answers on hand.

Fogle said she has been “frustrated” in her six years on the committee about the difficulty of getting answers from departments about budget recommendations.

“I do expect,” Fogle said, “if the department is going to support the governor’s recommendations, that they can answer baseline questions about the things that they’re requesting funds for.”&nbsp;

Collins said to Bax that she doesn’t think some of the organizations that would receive funding in the proposed budget are helping Missourians in need.

“I am in all of these meetings, and some of these organizations we’ve never even heard of,” Collins said. “We’ve never seen them lift up [anyone]…. And so I just find it jaw-dropping that you all are stating that we support the governor’s recommendations, but you don’t know what some of these organizations do. That’s heartbreaking.”

Democrats question $250K budget earmark for former Missouri governor’s foundation

🎥 New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with officers days before his death

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child and have made two arrests.

Just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday, police t responded to a medical call in the 500 block of SW Buchanan Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Topeka Police Department officers located a 5-year-old girl who was transported by AMR to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was pronounced deceased.

As a result of the investigation, 24-year-old Lia Corbin and 25-year-old Kyle Valle, both of Topeka, were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of First Degree Murder, Aggravated endangering of a child and Abuse of a child.

Kansas couple accused in abuse death of 5-year-old

DOUGLAS COUNTY — A group of four suspected scammers tried to make&nbsp; Walmart stores in Lawrence their next target, but the responding police officer called in the Kansas Highway Patrol to catch up with them and put an end to their travel plans, according to Lawrence Police.

A Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper, at the request of a Lawrence police, pulled the group over on Interstate 70 just west of Bonner Springs about 10:30 Tuesday night.&nbsp;

 Lawrence Officers then traveled to the scene and found suspected stolen merchandise, more than $6,000 in cash, numerous potentially fraudulent receipts, and evidence that the spree spread through the Kansas City metro area.

It began when officers were dispatched to Walmart on 33rd&nbsp;and Iowa in Lawrence about 9:30pm.&nbsp; The store’s alert asset manager told the officer he knew something was suspicious and had knowledge of similar scams.&nbsp;

We will detail the suspected deception here hoping it arms retailers with information to combat the elaborate scam.

Here’s how it works:&nbsp;The purchaser uses a fake card with specific instructions on the back.&nbsp; One of the cards in this case read, “ATTENTION: If cardholder exceeds daily limit for future transactions cashier must follow 2 step verification: SCAN ALL items, Input EXACT AMOUNT + ENTER to complete transaction.”&nbsp; It is our understanding that the purchaser then only partially slides the card into the payment device and when the cashier presses cash, the drawer opens and a receipt is printed.&nbsp; The cashier then believes the transaction is successful.&nbsp;Several variations of the scam likely exist -- all intended to intimidate and fool cashiers.

During Tuesday night’s interaction, four men approached a variety of cashiers with separate purchases and with returns including receipts. Some purchases were completed and some were not.&nbsp; As cashiers became suspicious, they contacted the asset manager. The manager got a description of the vehicle the men left in and called dispatch.

In total, the group left with about $4,400 worth of cash and merchandise.

The responding officer immediately alerted his fellow Lawrence officers and the Highway Patrol to be on the lookout for the vehicle. Officers ultimately learned that the men were in a car they rented in Michigan. They also recovered receipts worth thousands of dollars from various stores around Kansas City and another Lawarence Walmart.&nbsp; LKPD is in contact with the corresponding police departments and the investigation continues.

Police detail elaborate scam uncovered at Kansas retailer

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran on Wednesday spoke on the Senate floor to honor the victims of the January 29th, 2025, tragedy that occurred nearly a year ago when Flight 5342, originating from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA), resulting in the loss of 67 lives.

“A year later, the memory of this tragedy, the deadliest aviation incident that America has witnessed in nearly 25 years, is as painful as it was when we first heard the news,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“The victims were husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and coworkers.”“I can’t imagine the pain each of the families of the victims has experienced every day since January 29th,”&nbsp;concluded Sen. Moran.&nbsp;

“This week, their loss must feel especially hard as they face the anniversary of the plane crash. Today, we resolve to honor their legacy, work to make our skies safer and cherish their memories.”

Sen. Moran’s full remarks as prepared:

“Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and honor the 67 lives we lost nearly one year ago on January 29th, 2025.“On that night, Flight 5342 took off from Wichita, Kansas and flew toward our nation’s capital with 64 on board.“In Washington, D.C., a Black Hawk helicopter with three Army soldiers would soon be in the air as well.“Flight 5342 was just minutes away from a safe landing at Reagan National Airport, when the plane and Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River.

“Shortly after 9:00 pm, I received a call with the news that a flight from Kansas was involved in an accident in our nation’s capital. As I made my way to Reagan National Airport that night, the banks of the Potomac River were illuminated with lights from emergency responders who were searching the icy water of a crash site.

“At the airport, I was joined by local leaders and newly sworn in Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. Our conversation that night was one of many that would span the course of the following year trying to understand how an accident like this could occur and how to prevent it from happening again.

“At the airport we learned the tragic news that there were no survivors. Of those who perished, seven were Kansans:“Kiah Duggins – a civil rights attorney and Wichita native – was set to begin teaching at Howard University School of Law.“Lindsey Fields – a professor at Butler Community College and the president-elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers – was traveling to our nation’s capital to advocate for the issues that mattered to her.“Bob and Lori Schrock – farmers from Kiowa, Kansas – were on their way to visit their daughter at college in Pennsylvania.

“Grace Maxwell – an engineering student from Wichita – was returning to college after attending her grandfather’s funeral in Kansas.

“Dustin Miller, an IT professional who grew up in El Dorado and was a lifelong Chiefs fan, told his mom he was going to try to make it back in time to watch his team play in the Super Bowl.“P.J. Diaz, of Wichita, was described by his loved ones as a world traveler who had been to 49 states. He especially loved cruises and had an extra-long cruise planned for later in the year.

“Sadly, 28 members of the U.S. Figure Skating community also lost their lives – young athletes traveling back from a National Development Camp in Wichita with their coaches and family members.“Maxim Naumov, a 24-year-old U.S. figure skater, lost both his parents, in the accident.

“In the wake of this tragedy, Maxim used his love of skating to overcome immense loss and now heads to the 2026 Olympic games, just weeks away, to achieve the lifelong dream he had shared with his parents. We all will be cheering him on.

“A year later, the memory of this night, the deadliest aviation incident that America has witnessed in nearly 25 years, is as painful as it was when we first heard the news. The victims were husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, friends and coworkers.

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