The Maryville Police Department recently brought on three new officers to help fill its ranks and bring staffing closer to full capacity at the department.

Maryville Police Chief Mike Stolte welcomed Isaiah Bruley, Ian Long, and Jacob Ferris at the end of last month, sworn in by Maryville City Clerk Stacy Wood on December 22nd, after their graduation from the academy on December 19th.

One position does remain open at the Maryville Police Department, but despite that, Stolte says there are interested candidates for the position. The department has been actively hiring and training new officers over the past year.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Maryville police department welcomes new officers

 Gov. Kim Reynolds proposed a property tax overhaul during her annual Condition of the State address Tuesday night, seeking to limit local government spending and protect senior citizens from rising assessments.

Under the governor's plan, annual revenue growth for city and county budgets would be capped at 2%. Reynolds also called for a property tax freeze for Iowans older than 64 who own homes valued at less than $350,000.

The 2026 legislative agenda also prioritizes rural health care. Reynolds informed lawmakers that she intends to dedicate $50 million in recently acquired federal funding to expand cancer screening tests and treatment services throughout the state.

Reynolds proposes property tax caps, senior tax freeze in annual address

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Leavenworth man on multiple allegations after a high speed chase at speeds of 100mhp.

Just before 11 a.m. Monday, a deputy on Interstate 70 just east of the Brookville exit was attempting to locate a 1997 Toyota Camry&nbsp; reported stolen out of Hays by the Kansas Highway Patrol, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The deputy located the vehicle. He and other law enforcement began a pursuit eastbound.&nbsp; The driver exited onto Hedville Road and continued northbound with speeds ranging from&nbsp;75-120 mph.

The driver entered into Ottawa County and came to the intersection of K-18 going eastbound. As the pursuit continued, the driver tried to pass a Nissan Versa but there was oncoming traffic. The driver then re-corrected back onto the eastbound lane, sideswiping a Nissan that was in front of the Toyota.&nbsp; The Nissan driver was not injured.

The suspect continued eastbound on K-18, following K-18 north and then east into Bennington. The suspect drove a short distance into Bennington, before returning to K-18 and heading back east on K-18.

At the intersection of K-18 and Lincoln Street the driver lost control and struck a tree on the northeast corner of the intersection.&nbsp;

The suspect identified as 37-year-old Shawn Hiatt of Leavenworth was arrested on the scene and transported to Salina Regional Health Center by Ottawa County EMS. Upon his release, Hiatt was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of No Drivers License, Felony Flee and Elude, Possession of Stolen Property Aggravated Battery and a Warrant out of Leavenworth County for Domestic Battery.

Suspect in stolen car captured after 100mph chase, crash

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley expressed firm opposition to the use of American military force in Iran, even as the Iranian government continues a violent crackdown on massive anti-government protests.

The Iowa Republican emphasized a preference for non-military solutions to the escalating crisis. "We don't want military action," Grassley stated. "I don't think it's necessary at this point."

The Senator’s comments come amid harrowing reports from the region. Current estimates suggest that more than 600 people have been killed and upwards of 10,000 have been detained during the demonstrations. Grassley described the mounting death toll as "too many."

While ruling out immediate military intervention, Grassley noted that the administration remains in active deliberations. He confirmed that the president has been meeting with a team of military, diplomatic, and national security advisors to weigh potential U.S. responses to the unrest.

Grassley opposes military action in Iran amid violent crackdown on protesters

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Tuesday in Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Impala driven by a 16-year-old Coffey, Missouri girl was southbound on Interstate 35 one mile south of Bethany.

The car was approaching a 2000 Kenworth semi and changed lanes to avoid rear-ending the vehicle.&nbsp; &nbsp;The teen driver changed lanes to avoid a crash. At the same time the semi driver overcorrected and Impala struck the drivers side of the semi.

North Missouri EMS transported the teen to Harrison County Community Hospital. The semi driver from Iowa was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. teen hospitalized after crash with a semi

Jefferson City-On Tuesday, exactly one year since being sworn in as Missouri's 58th Governor, Governor Mike Kehoe delivered the 2026 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly, outlining his legislative priorities and budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027.

<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MOGOV/2026/01/13/file_attachments/3520534/EMBARGOED%202026%20State%20of%20the%20State%20Address.pdf">&nbsp;Click here to read a full </a>transcript of the address

The Governor's address centered on delivering a responsible, conservative budget recommendation. As state finances normalize following the influx of unprecedented federal funds and elevated general revenue spending, the Governor's budget starts to align ongoing spending with ongoing revenues in an effort to return state finances to a sustainable, pre-pandemic framework.

"Today, we delivered a budget recommendation that focuses on the core functions of government and how we can best serve Missourians without overpromising and overspending," said&nbsp;Governor Kehoe. "Our recommendation proves that state government can live within its means, and our economy can grow and deliver results for taxpayers all at the same time."

Since Fiscal Year FY2022, more than 3,400 new budgetary items have been added to the state’s operatingbudget, resulting in nearly $13 billion in new general revenue spending.

Governor Kehoe’s recommendation reduces more than $600 million from the general revenue core operating budget, beginning to address a projected future imbalance exceeding $2 billion. These reductions prioritize fiscal discipline while continuing to meet mandatory and high-priority obligations, including Medicaid matching requirements, child care subsidies, and disaster relief, without cutting core funding for higher education or the K-12 foundation formula.&nbsp;

While emphasizing smaller government and fiscal discipline, Governor Kehoe highlighted his support for modernizing Missouri's tax code by eliminating Missouri's individual income tax through a responsible, sustainable plan.

"If we are serious about building a foundation for growth, to compete rather than be complacent, then we must begin the work now to phase-out and eliminate Missouri's individual income tax," said&nbsp;Governor Kehoe. "We can do both. We can maintain a balanced budget that supports essential services and pursue a bold tax policy that improves Missouri’s competitiveness."

The first step in this plan is placing the measure before Missourians, so today, Governor Kehoe called on the General Assembly to pass a joint resolution to place a plan for the phased elimination of the individual income tax on the ballot this year. Voter approval would allow legislators to take action on Governor Kehoe's plan next legislative session.

Governor Kehoe previewed the types of modern services that are not currently being taxed that could create new revenue and the safeguards in his plan to ensure fiscal responsibility and protect against economic downturns, including requiring triggered reductions to the income tax rate.

"Eliminating the income tax is not about runaway sales taxes, and I will never support extending sales taxes on agriculture, healthcare, or real estate,"&nbsp;Governor Kehoe&nbsp;continued. "Missouri’s tax code was built for the past 100 years. Our economy demands one for the next 100 years."

In his address, Governor Kehoe highlighted the first year of his administration, emphasizing growth in his four policy priority areas of&nbsp;public safety,&nbsp;economic development,&nbsp;agriculture, and&nbsp;education. Governor Kehoe described his continued focus on these areas, presenting his legislative and budget priorities for this year to the General Assembly.

<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2Fgovernor.mo.gov*2Fmedia*2Fpdf*2Fgovernor-mike-kehoe-2026-legislative-budgetary-priorities/1/0100019bb924ddd7-ef1de22e-fce8-4571-89c4-3ebd73ef24e9-000000/QeDpKSTHwQUB9fb8d5ZWYjNo6TcQRy-CTNlcOT99nO0=440__;JSUlJSU!!I_2Np51FQg!nXFhnR6YOJsYqW3ZEgShmqKO7uSxiQ6FNFpCrS9a1ZPeO86m9yLLvS_EH0FGreAUxFEhKk-Bqjyd6E2n11k5GqQ7pC3hrD4tzkfbAQYqfqj_-Q$" target="_blank">2026 Legislative &amp; Budget Priorities</a>

Governor Kehoe also signed four executive orders in conjunction with his address:

The Governor's address also featured several special guests, highlighting Missouri's economic development tools, public safety initiatives, the next generation of agriculture, access to education opportunity, and the brave heroes and first responders who answered the call when Missouri was tested.&nbsp;

🎥 Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe 2026 State of the State address

Maryville resident David Howell expressed concerns about a property at 724 Prather Ave. being used as a short-term rental during a recent City Council meeting. Despite a 6-1 recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Council unanimously voted against granting a special-use permit for the property to operate as a short-term rental. The property owner, Danielle Erickson, argued that the rental would not be a party house but rather cater to professionals, university visitors, and families. However, the Council cited zoning regulations and neighborhood opposition as reasons for denying the permit. Similar concerns led to the rejection of a short-term rental permit for another property owned by Jeff and Lisa Yosten.&nbsp;

Maryville City Council Sides with Neighbors

Demolition of the former Atchison County Farm Bureau building in Rock Port, Missouri began this week. Dan Athen, under the supervision of Scott Jones, initiated the removal process on January 12, 2026. The expansion of the fire station has become necessary due to the increasing size of trucks and equipment housed there over the years. 

Demolition Starts at Former Atchison County Farm Bureau Site

Kansas currently holds the highest number of confirmed bird flu infections in the United States, with recent outbreaks in two northeast counties pushing the state’s total to more than 400,000 affected birds.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the surge in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted four commercial operations and six backyard flocks across the state. The most significant loss occurred in Pottawatomie County, where a commercial egg-laying facility reported 380,000 birds affected by the virus.

In neighboring Nemaha County, officials recently confirmed the virus in a commercial gamebird flock of more than 4,000 birds. The USDA reports that 65 flocks have been impacted nationwide as the virus continues to spread through migratory bird patterns.

Despite the high number of poultry infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that the risk to the general public remains low. While the federal government has recorded 71 human cases of bird flu across the country, none have been identified in Kansas.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation, advising poultry owners to implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread between commercial and wild populations.

Northeast Kansas bird flu outbreaks push state to highest infection rate in U.S.

Maryville resident Ashley Marie Farrell, 33, is facing a Class D Stealing charge in Nodaway County Court for allegedly taking cash, lottery tickets, and alcohol from an establishment between January 1, 2025, and September 28, 2024. The Probable Cause Statement revealed that Farrell was caught on video leaving with three bank bags but only deposited two at the bank, claiming one was lost. Approximately $1,100 worth of Missouri Lottery scratch-off tickets were also reported stolen. An internal investigation uncovered missing cashed-out lottery tickets and alcohol beverages. Farrell's bond was set at $10,000.

Missing Bank Bag and $1,100 in Lottery Tickets Lead to Felony Charges for Maryville Woman

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Exam stations will reopen for normal hours Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Driver exam stations to close for MLK Day

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

Corn, soybean, and wheat futures were all higher Wednesday, with speculators and long-side hedgers likely both seeing opportunity to lock in purchases following the early week, post-USDA price drop. However, upside momentum remained very limited as trading volumes eased following Monday's report day spike. Outside markets Wednesday were supportive as well, as we continue to see a rush to outside commodities this week, such as gold and silver, which have moved once again to new records. Equity markets are softer through the middle of the week on a flow of money from stocks (specifically the tech sector) into commodities. The energy market was firm early in Wednesday's trade, with crude oil futures hitting two and a half month highs on geopolitical risk, specifically ongoing turmoil in Iran, although prices eventually reversed lower likely on profit-taking as well as larger week-on-week crude inventories in the weekly EIA Petroleum Status report.

The live cattle complex traded lower into Wednesday's closing bell as traders are confident that they do not possess enough support to push the contracts any higher. On Tuesday, the market was charged with bullishness, but today, traders seem to look at the markets a tick more level-headed, and while they believe that the bullish sentiment is justified, they also know that they need to see immediate fundamental support before they can confidently push the contracts higher in the near term. Still no cash cattle trade has developed. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.34 ($359.33) and select up $0.33 ($357.51) with a movement of 78 loads (52.90 loads of choice, 5.14 loads of select, 12.17 loads of trim and 8.20 loads of ground beef).

And once again, in alignment with the direction of the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts also traded lower Wednesday. Until the live cattle complex trades higher, the feeder cattle complex will likely continue to trade in a cautious, lower manner.

Traders continue to push the lean hog complex higher, with not a lot of fundamental support behind their ambitions. Both cash prices and pork cutout values have been lax this week, but even so, traders continue to aggressively push the contracts.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/14143027/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The USDA said inspections of corn, soybeans, and wheat for export all rose week to week during the seven days ending on January 8. Corn inspections improved to 1.49 million metric tons from 1.32 million a week earlier. The agency report said that’s higher than the 1.44 million tons that were inspected during the same week last year. Soybean assessments were reported at 1.53 million metric tons, up from just over 984,000 tons the previous week and the 1.36 million tons inspected at the same point last year. 

Wheat examinations for overseas delivery jumped to 317,400 metric tons, up from 183,000 the previous week. That was narrowly higher than the total inspected during the same week a year earlier. Since the start of the marketing year, USDA has inspected 28.4 million metric tons of corn for export, 17.9 million metric tons of soybeans, and wheat assessments since the start of the marketing year totaled 15.6 million metric tons. 

Weekly export inspection up across the board

The USDA released its January WASDE Report, which projected a 17-billion-bushel corn supply in 2025-2026, raising alarms among the nation’s corn growers and triggering an immediate market reaction. If the projections prove accurate, this year’s crop will be the largest on record by far. The surplus supply promises to keep corn prices low as farmers struggle to pay higher input costs. 

“We need long-term market solutions, and we need them quickly, or this is going to deepen the economic crisis in the countryside,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “The urgency for Congress and the president to open new markets abroad and expand consumer access to ethanol just increased exponentially.” Bower also noted that an immediate boost to demand would be the passage of legislation authorizing year-round consumer access to fuels with a 15 percent ethanol blend. He said this solution could use 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn annually. 

Corn growers alarmed by new supply projections

March corn closed down 1 3/4 cents and May corn was down 2 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 10 1/4 cents and May soybeans were down 9 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 7 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 3/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 3/4 cents.

Row-crop futures traded mixed to lower Tuesday in fallout after Monday's much-more-bearish report than even the most already bearish traders and analysts expected. The question now becomes how quickly traders will choose to move past the USDA estimates and ahead to what will be a very busy first quarter of 2026 for further fundamental developments. Outside markets for Tuesday were mixed, with a higher U.S. dollar for the eleventh time in the past 13 sessions as Tuesday's CPI reading was steady at 2.7% year-over-year inflation. Energy prices were firm for the fourth straight session amid growing turmoil in Iran and President Trump renewing tariff threats against countries that trade with Iran. Equity markets were lower on profit-taking amid record highs for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&amp;P 500.

The live cattle complex stepped higher into Tuesday's close as traders were pleased to see boxed beef prices stronger again today, and are feeling at ease knowing corn prices are projected to remain affordable through 2026 -- as evidenced by Monday's WASDE report. No substantial cash cattle trade has developed yet, and with the futures market trading slightly higher, there's a good chance trade will again be delayed until late in the week. No asking prices have been established either. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $0.91 ($358.02) and select up $0.99 ($359.04) with a movement of 93 loads (61.65 loads of choice, 4.78 loads of select, 18.96 loads of trim and 7.78 loads of ground beef).

With corn prices anticipated to remain affordable through 2026, the feeder cattle complex was sporting a noteworthy $4.00 to $5.00 rally through the bulk of Tuesday's session. Feed costs have remained in feeders' favor over the last year as overall it's been affordable, but with feeder cattle prices so high, buyers need that guarantee as their breakevens on these calves is risky and if feed prices were to grow more expensive, a lot of people could be in a tough position given how much they are simply paying for the calves and feeders they desire to feed out.

Following the slight technical downturn in which the lean hog complex has seen over the last three days, the market was again trading higher as traders are no longer up against immediate resistance pressure. It still remains a tough fundamental position for the marketplace as pork cutout values were again lower and as there hasn't been hardly any trade in the cash hog market -- meaning that today's slight uptick was solely a technical decision.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/13134511/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Enrollment for the USDA’s ARC and PLC Programs will not open until after the 2026 planting season. AgroLatam said the announcement comes as USDA readies a 61-page final rule implementing updates required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Key changes include higher PLC reference prices, a 90 percent guarantee level for ARC, and expanded base acre eligibility for farmers with historically non-program crops. USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce said the delays are due to the Farm Service Agency workload and the complex nature of implementing the new federally-mandated provisions. 

According to the rule, farmers will likely know their 2026 production and yields before enrolling in PLC and ARC – a significant shift in timing that could allow more informed decisions but may compress the planning window for each U.S. producer. At the same time, enrollment in the Dairy Margin Coverage began on Monday, January 12. 

ARC/PLC enrollment delayed until after planting

Recognizing the vital role that dogs often play on family farms and ranches, Farm Bureau launched the Farm Dog of the Year contest several years ago, which is now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau’s National Convention. The winner of this year’s award is Max, a four-year-old Border Collie owned by John, Charla, and Brynley Enns of Oklahoma. AFBF, with support from Nestle, picked Max as the winner from among almost 100 entries. 

Max fills a number of roles on the farm, but his primary occupation is herding cattle. His assistance is valuable for John, who’s disabled and uses a mobility scooter. “I can’t imagine doing this without Max,” said John Enns. “Max is not only a working dog, but also great with the family.” After a long day of herding boisterous cattle on mostly hilly terrain, Max often accompanies John and Charla to pick up daughter Brynley from school. 

Farm Bureau selects farm 'Dog of the Year'

The USDA’s January World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates Report said the 2025-2026 U.S. corn outlook is for larger production, higher feed and residual use, reduced food, seed, and industrial use, and greater ending stocks. With more supply and less usage, corn stocks rose by 198 million bushels to 2.2 billion. The season-average corn price for producers was raised ten cents to $4.10 per bushel. 

The U.S. soybean supply was raised by 17 million bushels on higher beginning stocks and production. Soybean ending stocks rose 60 million bushels to 350 million, and the season-average soybean price for farmers is projected to be 30 cents lower at $10.20 per bushel. The 2025-2026 wheat outlook this month is for slightly larger supplies, lower domestic use, unchanged exports, and larger ending stocks. Projected wheat ending stocks were raised by 25 million bushels to 926 million, up eight percent from the previous year. The season-average farm price dropped by a dime to $4.90 per bushel. 

USDA issues January WASDE report

March corn down 24 1/4 cents per bushel, March soybeans were down 13 1/2 cents, March KC wheat was down 3 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 6 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/4 cents.

Corn, soybeans and wheat all fell hard at midday following the shockingly bearish yield, production, stocks and acreage reports from the USDA. Corn and soy yields hit records, with corn production and December 1 stocks reaching the same milestone. Harvested corn acres also surged by an unexpected 1.3 million acres, while both soybean and wheat ending stocks also rose.

The live cattle complex was mostly higher moving into Monday's closing bell, as traders were pleased to see that after Friday's close, the fed cash cattle market did see higher prices in the South. It seems as though traders have been reluctant to overly advance the contracts without seeing more robust fundamental support. Monday's WASDE report shared mostly supportive news for the cattle and beef markets of 2026. Beef production for 2026 was increased by 10 million pounds as carcass weights continue to grow bigger. Beef imports for 2026 were increased by 75 million pounds as shipments from Oceania and South America are expected to continue. Beef exports for 2026 were decreased by 60 million pounds as the price of beef remains a limiting export factor. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.64 ($357.27) and select up $3.17 ($355.34) with a movement of 22 loads (14.54 loads of choice, 3.46 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 3.95 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex also traded mostly higher into Monday's close, despite the fact that some of the furthest deferred months were trading slightly lower. Much like the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle complex again seems willing to advance the contracts -- but is hungry to see more fundamental support as the market is facing some new resistance. Thankfully feeder cattle demand was strong last week and hopefully buyers will meet sales with the same level of enthusiasm as they did last week.

The lean hog complex continued to trade lower as the market simply hasn't seen enough fundamental support for traders to feel comfortable pushing the market back up to its resistance threshold. Last week packers weren't very aggressive in the cash market, so one would assume they'll need to be more active this week. But so far they aren't showing much interest.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/12142023/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Agriculture policy analysts say 2026 could mark the end of the traditional five-year U.S. farm bill era, as lawmakers struggle to produce comprehensive legislation. The most recent farm bill provisions expired in 2023 and Congress has extended them annually since, leaving perennial programs in limbo. Experts say shifting political priorities and partisan divides have complicated efforts to craft a broad farm policy package that addresses commodity supports, conservation, nutrition and rural development. 

Without a full farm bill, many programs are funded through short-term fixes, delaying long-term planning for producers. Agriculture advocates warn that prolonged uncertainty could impact crop insurance, disaster assistance and trade programs. Some lawmakers are calling for scaled-down legislation focusing on critical elements, while stakeholders stress the need for stability in federal agricultural policy.

Uncertainty grows over future of U.S. farm bill legislation

President Trump signed the&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Wednesday in the Oval Office. &nbsp;The legislation restores healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

Senator Roger Marshall wrote,&nbsp;“Our country is getting back to the basics when it comes to healthier living – eating real food – and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act fits right in. This legislation is a win for our kids, ensuring they get the nutrients they need, and for the hardworking farmers who make it possible,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“As a physician, there’s no drink I recommend more for growing kids than whole milk. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Peter Welch of Vermont on this bipartisan effort, and I was thrilled to see President Trump sign it into law today.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

🎥 Trump signs Kan. U.S. Senators bill that returns whole milk to schools

RENO COUNTY —Due to a significant rise in student and staff illness, Fairfield USD 310 will be closed on Thursday, January 15th and Friday, January 16th and all after school activities have been cancelled for Wednesday, according to an online message from Richard Spencer, Superintendent of Schools

The basketball games scheduled for this Thursday and Friday at Skyline have been postponed to a later date as well and there will be no practices held on either of these days.

"The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families."

"Our night custodian will be fogging the buildings to help disinfect any germs still hanging around and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Thank you for your understanding and continued support."

Kansas school district cancels classes due to illness

NEWTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident during a law enforcement pursuit just before 9p.m. Tuesday in Newton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 1995 Chevy Silverado driven by a 38-year-old Joplin man was fleeing from patrol vehicles eastbound on Rosebay Driver seven miles northeast of Seneca. The pickup traveled off the left side of the road and struck a river embankment.

EMS transported the 38-year-old driver to Mercy Hospital in Joplin where he was. pronounced deceased. EMS transported a 36-year-old male passenger to Freeman Hospital in Joplin. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies after crash during police chase

Women in nearby states with abortion bans might not have to travel so far for the procedure.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The outcome of a trial over Missouri’s abortion regulations could ripple far beyond the state, potentially creating new availability for women in the Midwest and South who can’t access abortion close to home.

As a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/" target="_blank">weighs the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of a litany of state restrictions on abortion, the stakes are clear for Missouri women: The decision could hamper access for nearly everyone in the state — or greatly broaden it in ways not seen in decades. That would allow women in a dozen nearby states with abortion bans to travel a shorter distance to access the procedure.

“Opening and reestablishing rights in the state of Missouri would help to alleviate some of the pressure that other states have since so many Southern states have banned abortion,” said Julie Burkhart, the co-owner of Hope Clinic in Granite City, Illinois. “It just seems logical that we would see a shift in migration patterns of patients in the country.”

At her clinic, about a 15-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, Missourians account for about half of all patients, Burkhart said. Though Missouri voters in 2024 enshrined a right to abortion in the state constitution, access has remained&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/missouri-abortion-legal-access-hinges-courts-rebuilding/" target="_blank">highly limited because of restrictive state laws</a>. Only procedural abortions are available on a limited basis across three Planned Parenthood clinics in the state.

Many of those state laws face legal scrutiny this week as a Missouri judge weighs the constitutionality of regulations targeting abortion providers. Those include a 72-hour waiting period between initial appointments and procedures, mandatory pelvic exams for medication abortions and a ban on telemedicine appointments for medication abortions.

Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri argue state restrictions are unconstitutional under 2024’s voter-approved constitutional amendment. Over decades, state restrictions have gutted Missouri’s provider networks, limited appointment availability and ultimately forced abortions to a halt in 2022, before a limited number resumed after the 2024 vote.

Experts and advocates are closely monitoring the Missouri case, which is expected to be appealed regardless of the outcome, because of its practical implications on access in the region. While many women now rely on abortion medication, procedural abortion is still crucial for those seeking later-term abortions or who prefer an in-clinic procedure.

But the two-week bench trial in downtown Kansas City also tests lawmakers’ ability to put in place rules so restrictive that they effectively ban abortion — a practice used by anti-abortion lawmakers in other states looking to limit access to the procedure.

“Judges do not operate in a vacuum,” Burkhart said, “ … and we know for a fact that judges look outside the borders of their state for information and for guidance. I do see this as having national importance.”

That’s especially true in other states also litigating abortion access, including Arizona, Michigan and Ohio, said Rebecca Reingold, an associate director at Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.

While state judges are not bound by the decisions of judges in other states, their deliberations can be informed by court rulings, particularly involving novel legal questions or areas of the law that are evolving.

“There is little doubt that advocates and decision-makers in other states navigating similar legal challenges are closely monitoring the litigation over Missouri’s abortion regulations,” Reingold said.

In the first days of the trial, Planned Parenthood leaders argued that ever-changing state laws and agency regulations have drastically limited access, caused needless red tape and posed privacy risk for their patients.

Dr. Margaret Baum, chief medical officer with St. Louis-based Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said the Missouri requirements specifically target abortion rather than all other kinds of medical care.

“I provide vasectomies routinely. … And I am not required to have a complication plan, contact a primary care physician, even ask the patient how many miles they live from the health center.”

Baum said state-mandated reporting rules unique to abortion require clinicians to ask the race, education level, marital status and specific location of each patient — none of which is relevant to their care.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers would like to offer abortion services in Springfield, Baum testified. Access in that region would provide an option for rural Missourians, and also could help serve residents in nearby Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, where abortion is almost universally banned.

But the organization’s facilities there do not meet state abortion regulations for physical attributes, including hallway size, doorway size and the number of recliners in recovery rooms, Baum testified.

Lawyers for the state defended Missouri’s restrictions as commonsense safeguards aimed at protecting vulnerable women. The attorney general’s office argued that complication risks of abortion justify additional state regulation — despite professional medical associations saying it’s generally safe. The AG’s office also maintained that Planned Parenthood faced a conflict of interest because of its financial motivations.

“Abortion is a business,” Deputy Solicitor General Peter Donohue said during a procedural argument on Monday. “Your Honor, the plaintiffs are asking to deregulate their profession in order to make more money.”

The state was expected to call as witnesses anti-abortion doctors and activists later in the trial.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned federal constitutional protections for abortion in June 2022, the number of abortions has increased slightly across the country, according to the health research nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/abortion-trends-before-and-after-dobbs/" target="_blank">KFF</a>.

The group points to expanded telehealth, which can offer medication abortion more affordably through virtual appointments.

Since the 2022 ruling and subsequent state abortion bans, patients have experienced higher travel costs for abortions and delays in care, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/07/16/travel-time-costs-for-abortions-increased-after-state-bans-researchers-find/">research</a>&nbsp;published in the American Journal of Public Health in July.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco found that travel time to access abortion increased from 2.8 hours to 11.3 hours for residents in states with abortion bans. Travel costs increased from $179 to $372. And more than half of survey respondents said their abortion care required an overnight hotel stay, compared with 5% before an abortion ban.

In 2024, an estimated 7,880 Missourians traveled to Illinois and 3,960 traveled to Kansas to access abortion, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/monthly-abortion-provision-study" target="_blank">Guttmacher Institute</a>, a research and policy organization focused on advancing reproductive rights.

Those Missourians were among the approximate 155,000 people who crossed state lines to access abortion care that year, representing 15% of all abortions provided in states without total bans.

Regardless of its outcome, the Missouri case is expected to be appealed. Even if the plaintiffs are ultimately successful, it may take a long time to restore care networks across the state, said Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist at the Guttmacher Institute.

“And that’s particularly the case when there are states that have a lot of legal uncertainty or restrictions coming into effect and then coming out of effect,” he said. “It’s not quick to open up a clinic. It’s not quick to even necessarily expand the kinds of services, or the kinds of the number of people that a clinic can see.”

Kimya Forouzan, the organization’s principal state policy adviser, said Missouri’s landscape is evidence that lawmakers can drastically curb abortion access without total bans. And despite an overwhelming vote to amend the constitution, legal battles can follow.

Even if the state’s laws are found unconstitutional, Forouzan said, lawmakers will likely still push anti-abortion measures. She noted that several bills have already been introduced in this year’s just-convened legislative session, and that Republican lawmakers are pushing a ballot&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/04/missouri-appeals-court-rejects-abortion-ban-ballot-language/" target="_blank">measure to repeal</a>&nbsp;2024’s reproductive rights amendment.

“There’s very much a push to pass as many restrictions as possible and kind of see what happens later and how things shape up later. … Time will tell, but we do know that they’re still pushing forth restrictions,” she said.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:khardy@stateline.org">khardy@stateline.org</a>. Missouri Independent reporter Anna Spoerre can be reached at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aspoerre@missouriindependent.com">aspoerre@missouriindependent.com</a>.

Missouri trial could affect abortion access across the Midwest and South

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp; The Riley County Police Department made two arrests Tuesday during a traffic stop, followed by the execution of a search warrant at a Manhattan residence.

David Labombarbe, 39, of Manhattan, was arrested at approximately 3:32 p.m. in the 2700 block of Pembrook Place, according to a media release from the RCPD.

Labombarbe is being held on a&nbsp;a total bond of $300,000 on requested charges of distribution of material containing fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school,&nbsp; distribution or possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, distribution or possession with intent to distribute fentanyl within 1000 feet of a school, possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance.

Bailey Crumpton, 27, of Manhattan, was also arrested in the 2700 block of Pembrook Place on requested charges including two counts of possession, including fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a depressant. Crumpton met the requirment of a&nbsp;&nbsp;$7,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Police: Suspect accused of selling fentanyl near a Kansas school

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a violent knife attack in Topeka.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the area of 722 SW Taylor in Topeka on the report of an aggravated battery, according to Topeka Police Lt. Jayme Green.

First responders found three individuals suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds. The victims were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries. The injuries to one person was considered life threatening, according to Green.

&nbsp;All parties are known and accounted for. Police did not report an arrest or additional details.

Police: 3 hospitalized after violent Kansas knife attack

From $4.3 billion left over on June 30, the governor’s budget proposal says there will be only $4.7 million left on June 30, 2027

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>

Missouri’s revenue surplus, nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/06/30/missouri-surplus-peaking-at-8-billion-as-governor-prepares-to-act-on-state-budget/">$8 billion a few years ago</a>, will be exhausted at the end of the coming fiscal year even with a proposed budget that has no new money for public schools, higher education or state employee pay raises.

That’s the forecast for the budget plan unveiled Tuesday by Gov. Mike Kehoe in his annual State of the State address. He’s asking lawmakers for $527 million from the general revenue fund to make up shortfalls in this year’s budget but only $2 million more overall from general revenue for the coming year.

To slow spending, Kehoe proposes cutting $600 million in general revenue being spent in the current budget from his proposal for the coming year. Those cuts will make room for increases in demands on general revenue due to the depletion of funds that were used to substitute for general revenue in past budgets.

Kehoe’s budget proposal calls for $54.5 billion for all state government operations and building needs in the coming fiscal year, including $16.3 billion in general revenue. If lawmakers agree to all of Kehoe’s proposed supplemental spending for the current year, that would represent a year-to-year cut of about $600 million from all funds.

In his speech, Kehoe said he expects lawmakers to try to restore some or all of those cuts.

“While that is certainly your prerogative, any reversal or new spending items must have a pay-for,” Kehoe said.

There are few big, new spending items in the budget proposal. The foundation formula, the state’s basic aid program for public schools, will see no increase after receiving a $500 million boost last year to $4.2 billion. The budget also recommends no new funding for school transportation.

And after four years of substantial pay raises for state employees, the budget does not recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/01/11/gov-parson-proposes-raise-for-missouri-state-employees-extra-pay-for-night-work/">any adjustments for inflation</a>. The budget will continue the practice of giving state workers a pay raise of 1% for every two years in their position on their anniversary dates, state Office of Budget and Planning Director Dan Haug said.

In a message to state employees explaining the decision, Kehoe noted the state will add $71.7 million to its contribution to the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan. That additional money, he said, is “to shield team member health plans from excessive cost increases, because supporting those who serve Missouri is essential to sustaining a strong workforce.”

Kehoe is making room for some smaller increases:

There are mandatory increases in general revenue spending that do not increase the overall budget because the money is replacing banked federal COVID relief funds that are now being exhausted.

The total cost of replacing the exhausted funds is about $1 billion, Haug said.

In his speech, Kehoe said that after adding 3,400 new budget lines at a cost of $13 billion since fiscal 2022, it was time for restraint.

“Simply put, the days of excusing budgetary decisions with fund balances and ‘so-called surpluses’ are over,” Kehoe said.

State Rep. John Voss, a Republican from Cape Girardeau and a member of the House Budget Committee, said he supports steps to restrain spending and will try to resist pressure to add to the budget, he said.

“I was glad to hear that the governor has done an exhaustive review of all the programs that we’ve added to the budget in the last few years, and acknowledges that perhaps we need to spend less money, not more money,” Voss said.

Democratic budget leaders, however, said denying needed increases to programs like health care and education will shift costs to Missourians or make it harder to provide needed services.

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City who sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the absence of pay raises for state workers will make it harder to recruit. And, she said, inflation will mean current dollars buy fewer services in the coming year.

“These are cuts to essential services that Missourians depend on,” Nurrenbern said.

State colleges and universities will have to increase tuition if the state can’t provide additional funding, said state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee.

“The role of House Democrats will be to protect the vital services that our departments provide,” Fogle said.

Kehoe and the state budget office have been warning that the surplus, partially due to unprecedented revenue growth in 2022 and 2023 and partially due to billions in federal COVID-relief funding, would soon be exhausted.

From $4.3 billion left over on June 30, Kehoe’s budget proposal states, there will be only $4.7 million left on June 30, 2027.

“If we don’t get this budget on a sustainable path, we are going to see significant issues in the future, and the (fiscal 2027) budget is the first step in that journey,” Haug said in a briefing with reporters.

Kehoe vetoed $300 million in discretionary spending in June, and restricted the release of $211 million more.

The state expects $13.15 billion in general revenue in the coming fiscal year, which would be a decline of about 2% from the previous year. While revenues are expected to grow again in fiscal 2027, the increase is only about $500 million, leaving a gap of $2.7 billion between revenue and projected spending.

The future revenue picture is clouded by Kehoe’s call to eliminate the state income tax. He wants voters to approve the concept of eliminating the income tax this year, with the details of how to replace the revenue to come later.

In the state’s current tax system, about 65% of general revenue comes from the individual income tax, about 21% comes from sales taxes and another 6.5% comes from corporate income taxes. That tax structure is one reason the state’s population is stagnant and its economic performance is lackluster, Kehoe said in his speech.&nbsp;

“I’m tired of being in the middle of the pack,” he said. “I’m tired of pretending like merely keeping pace with everyone else is good enough.”

For the year ending June 30, the supplemental budget recommendation includes $80 million in general revenue, and $491 million overall, for increased costs in the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2020/10/22/missouri-medicaid-expansion-will-it-bust-the-budget-or-pay-for-itself/">Medicaid expansion program</a>&nbsp;covering&nbsp;<a href="https://timothymcbride.substack.com/p/missouri-medicaid-november-2025-update" target="_blank">363,000 low-income adults</a>&nbsp;aged 18 to 64, as well as $71 million more for mental health services for that population.

There is also $131 million, including $28 million in general revenue, for increased costs in the Medicaid managed care system.

The budget does project that Medicaid overall will cost the state $16.8 billion in the coming year, down from $17.3 billion this year.

“This is going to be a multi-year task of getting our budget on a sustainable path,” Haug said. “This is the first year, but I think we’re making great strides to that with the $600 million in cuts.”

Missouri revenue surplus nearly gone as Gov. Kehoe unveils his budget plan

KANSAS CITY—Police investigating a second homicide this week in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 41-year-old Chris Wells.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 2500 block of NE 78th Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located a Wells&nbsp; lying in the street, suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD Medics responded simultaneously and began performing life saving measures. However, Wells was pronounced deceased on scene.

This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody by patrol officers on scene. The preliminary investigation revealed there was a dispute between two individuals that were known to one another. A physical altercation ensued, which led to shots being fired and Wells being struck. Investigator canvassed the area for witnesses, physical evidence, and any possible surveillance footage.

41-year-old identified as homicide victim in KC neighborhood

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just&nbsp; 1p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A black Honda Motorcycle was southbound on Paseo at 9th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil Dimartino. A Metro Bus was traveling westbound on&nbsp;9th Street. The bus driver failed to stop for the posted stop sign, entered the intersection and struck the motorcycle. 

The operator of the motorcycle, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected off the motorcycle. EMS transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The bus driver, as well as all the passengers on the bus were uninjured in the collision. 

This is fatality #4 compared to #2 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.

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