Here is a list of general highway maintenance and construction work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northwest Missouri region for the week of Feb. 9 - 15.

Route C – Utility work at County Road 190, Feb. 4-13.

Interstate 29 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;to all thru traffic between Route 6 (northbound Exit 43) and I-229/Route 71 (Exit 56B) for the demolition of the Gene Field Road Bridge, 6 p.m. Feb.7 through 5 a.m. Feb. 9. Traffic will be detoured onto I-229.

Gene Field Road Bridge –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;due to damage from being struck by an oversized load. The project was awarded to Clarkson Construction Company.&nbsp;

Route 752 (Alabama Street) –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;from U.S. Route 59 to Sherman Street for an intersection improvement project through February 2026.&nbsp;

Route D – Bridge replacement project at the Shoal Creek Bridge through March 2026. The roadway may be narrowed to one lane.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Mid-Fork Chariton River Overflow Bridge for replacement projects through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through March 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Puzzle Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through mid-March 2026.

Route O –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Bee Creek Bridge for a replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route KK –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Little Chariton River Bridge for a deck replacement project through March 2026.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route U to NW Prairie View Road, Feb. 11, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement from Route TT to Vow Avenue, Feb. 9, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Route BB –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a culvert replacement at 110th Street, Feb. 10, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

I-29 – Bridge maintenance southbound at the 86.6 mile marker, Feb. 9-13.

Route 11 –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Badger Creek Bridge, north of New Boston, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route 139 -&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the Parson Creek Bridge, north of Meadville, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through May 2026.

Route K –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the North Fork Crooked Creek Bridge for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route PP –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the West Locust Creek Bridge through June 2026, for a bridge replacement project through the Northwest Bridge Bundle through April 2026.

Route T –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;at the East Locust Creek bridge due to deterioration. The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in the spring of 2026 through the Northwest Bridge Bundle.

Route W –&nbsp;CLOSED&nbsp;for a bridge replacement at the West Fork Grand River Bridge through mid-February 2026.

There may be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT says inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work.

Planned roadwork for Northwest Missouri, Feb. 9 - 15

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/sawyerbess/">Sawyer Bess</a>

A bill that would lower the minimum wage for minors was pitched by its sponsor last week as a way to help small businesses and young workers.

The legislation would create a separate minimum wage for those under age 18 who are employed in Missouri. The new minimum wage rate for minors would be $12.30 per hour, down from the state rate of $15 per hour.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, is aiming to protect both small businesses and teen workers, as he has seen a decrease of teen employment in his district.

“Labor is often the single largest expense when wages rise too quickly,” Nicola said. “Owners are forced to make hard choices, reduce hours, raise prices, automate jobs like installing kiosks instead of having teens employed or stop hiring inexperienced workers altogether.”

Missouri’s minimum wage has nearly doubled in the past decade, increasing from $7.65 in 2016 to $15 in 2026.

Nicola said the bill takes into account that entry-level jobs are “fundamentally different” from adult employment and that Missouri’s wage laws should remain fair.

“These are entry level positions that require training, supervision, patience from employers,” Nicola said.

David Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association, and Dan Shaul, the executive state director for the Missouri Grocers Association and president of Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance spoke in support of the bill.

Those opposed said age discrimination should not be legislated in Missouri and that some families rely on teenagers’ wages.

A member of the public testified that, when he was a youth worker, his family depended on his paycheck after the death of his father. He found it insulting to say that lower wages would be in his best interest.

Jake Hummel, president of Missouri AFL-CIO, said the bill would be creating a two-tiered system. The lower wage would also make it harder for teens to afford the costs of living given they already face higher car insurance prices.

Hummel said that Missouri’s relatively high minimum wage attracts out-of-state employees.

“I’m kind of excited to hear that the citizens of Kansas are coming over for employment in the state of Missouri to pay taxes here in the state,” Hummel said. “And last I checked, we were trying to attract workers to Missouri, not do the opposite.”

Nicola rebutted by saying that the out-of-state minors would be working jobs that Missouri minors could instead have.

This story originally appeared in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/state_news/bill-would-lower-minimum-wage-for-minors-in-missouri/article_b7a00aa6-da28-4a1c-b8cb-e2842dc84b1e.html" target="_blank">Columbia Missourian</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Bill seeks to lower the minimum wage for minors in Missouri

Its the time of year to buy Girl Scout cookies and beginning this week, troops will have booths set up around the area.

Dr. Rochelle Parker, CEO for Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, says a booth will be set up Wednesday at Castle Bridge Event Center beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Then on Thursday and Friday, booths will be located at Hyvee in St. Joseph. And on Valentine's Day, a booth will be set up at Texas Roadhouse from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. "Its going to be a fun week, they will be everywhere.," says Parker.

If anyone is unable to shop at a booth, Girl Scouts offer online ordering. "Our next free shipping weekend is Feb 21 and 22. You have to buy a minimum of four packages to qualify for free shipping," says Parker.

The Girl Scout website can be <a href="https://www.gsksmo.org/">found here</a>.

Parker says, locally, Girl Scout troops set their own financial goals, with cookie sales being one of the biggest fundraisers of the year. "They're looking at costs to attend camp in the summer, trips they have planned, and membership dues."

Parker adds that a new cookie flavor is available this year. ""Its called an Exploremore, which is a rocky road inspired sandwich cookie. If you like rocky road ice cream, you'll like these cookies. It also makes a good crumble for desserts."

Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri covers 47 counties throughout the region from St. Joseph to Topeka.

Support Girl Scouts at cookie booths this week

The joint investigation has roots in a civil jury finding that Torch Electronics, the biggest player in the market, pushed competitors out of locations by offering illegal games. The FBI, IRS and other federal agencies are reportedly involved&nbsp;

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>

A state and federal investigation of “illegal” slot machines is looking at how “billions” flow from Missourians to the companies that own the games, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway told a legislative committee Thursday.

The state, at the request of federal investigators, joined the probe that has its roots in a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/07/torch-lured-business-in-missouri-with-illegal-video-games-federal-jury-finds/">federal civil court case</a>&nbsp;where a jury found the games offered by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics are illegal gambling devices, Hanaway said.

“We are investigating what the operators of (of the games) are doing, how their money is flowing, where they have locations, how many machines, so then we can go in with some enforcement action,” Hanaway said to the Missouri House Budget Committee.

Hanaway’s comments come as the House prepares to&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB2989&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">debate a bill</a>&nbsp;to authorize the Missouri Lottery to license and tax similar machines known as video lottery terminals, or VLTs. The bill, with support and opposition that crosses party lines, survived a 6-5 vote Wednesday in the House Rules-Legislative Committee in part because one opponent was absent.

“Whatever you all do as a legislature to regulate them, then we’ll enforce that law,” Hanaway told the committee. “But right now it’s illegal, so I’m going to be going after them.”

The cooperative investigation began on an initiative from federal agencies, Hanaway said in response to questioning from state Rep. Betsy Fogle of Springfield, the ranking Democrat on the committee.

“They came in and said, ‘here’s what we’re doing. Are you doing anything?’,” Hanaway said. “We said ‘yes we are and we would love to work together.’ So now we’re working together.”

There is no accurate count of the number of games owned by Torch or other similar vendors in the state. Some estimates have ranged up to 25,000 machines.

Torch spokesman Gregg Keller said in a text that the company has not been contacted by state or federal investigators.

“But if we ever are, we will continue to do what we have always done: cooperate fully with law-enforcement and the Legislature to pass and enforce fair regulation for everyone in the industry,” Keller said. “Right now, we are focused on helping pass Rep. Hardwick and Sen. Bean’s VLT bill currently before the Legislature.”

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Missouri did not respond to an email about the investigation.

Games provided to retailers by Torch and its competitors are unregulated by the state, and no reports exist showing how much money is being spent on the games by consumers.&nbsp;

The state’s 13 casinos, which must report monthly totals for taxation, reported about $17 billion in bets at slot machines in each of the past three fiscal years, with just over 90% returned to players.

By law, slot machines in casinos must return at least 80% of the money bet as prizes. Casino profits are taxed at 21%, bringing in $364 million for public schools in the most recent fiscal year.

Financial records obtained for the federal trial showed that Torch games pulled in $32 million from 2017 to 2023 at 20 locations, with about 100 machines. Torch split $11 million with retailers, leaving about 65% for prizes.

Hanaway said she does not have a moral objection to the games.&nbsp;

“My concern is that they are all going on in the state, unregulated, bringing in billions of dollars, and that we are going to, if we continue to allow them to just openly ignore the law and just sort of flagrantly believe that they can operate in these illegal circumstances, that we’re going to get real organized crime in the state,” Hanaway said.

For nearly 10 years, games the owners claim are legal have been installed in retail locations including bars, convenience stores and fraternal halls. Efforts to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/09/14/few-charges-result-from-scores-of-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/">prosecute the companies</a>&nbsp;that own the game have largely failed because local prosecutors refuse to file charges in most cases investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol&nbsp;

Hanaway said the FBI, the IRS and other federal agencies with jurisdiction over financial matters are part of the investigation because of “money laundering and banking” questions.

Torch has used high-profile lobbyists, large political donations, contacts with prosecutors and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/02/10/missouri-company-accused-of-illegal-gambling-has-sued-the-state/">lawsuits against enforcement agencies</a>&nbsp;to protect its market. In 2023, Hanaway’s predecessor, Andrew Bailey, pulled out of defending the patrol in a lawsuit filed by Torch after&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/01/missouri-ag-faces-criticism-for-dropping-out-of-gambling-lawsuit-against-highway-patrol/">accepting $14,000 in contributions</a>&nbsp;for his campaign and another $12,000 for his PAC from committees funded by Torch.

Last year,&nbsp; the company contributed just under $600,000 to seven political action committees controlled by its chief lobbyist, former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley. It contributed another $60,000 directly, with $25,000 to House Speaker Jon Patterson’s PAC supporting his bid for a seat in the state Senate, Missouri Alliance PAC, and $10,000 to State Treasurer Vivek Malek’s PAC, American Promise.

Committee members on Thursday wanted to know why local prosecutors have not been more active in fighting the machines.&nbsp;

“The owners of the (games) just came in with overwhelming force,” Hanaway said. “They brought in the best lawyers in the world and just put more resources on it than a local prosecutor could respond with.”

Only one felony prosecution has&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/07/smashed-machines-put-emphatic-end-on-missouri-illegal-gambling-case/">resulted in a conviction</a>. There has been a misdemeanor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=20AB-CR03465&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT20#charges" target="_blank">possession of a gambling device case</a>&nbsp;pending in Franklin County against James McNutt, owner of the convenience store chain Midwest Petroleum, since November 2020.

In an interview with The Independent, Hanaway said her office has concurrent jurisdiction with county prosecutors on gambling laws, and can better withstand being “overwhelmed” by&nbsp; “very expensive lawyering.”

The delays are evidence of the lopsided fight, she said.

“If we have some combined resources in the (attorney general’s) office with the county prosecutors and maybe even the feds, it’s going to be a fairer fight,” Hanaway said.

In an interview, Fogle noted that her hometown, Springfield, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2025/10/08/judge-sides-with-springfield-in-torch-electronics-vlt-ban-lawsuit/86581506007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=pp&amp;gca-ds=override" target="_blank">banned Torch’s machines</a>&nbsp;and similar games as a public nuisance.&nbsp;

“There was a lot of information that I wouldn’t expect her to be able to share publicly if there are ongoing investigations, but I was pleased to see that she was in coordination with the federal government to crack down on these illegal machines,” Fogle said.

The games targeted by Hanaway are labeled as “no chance gaming” by the operators and have successfully eluded a definitive prosecution. The only felony conviction, in Platte County, was not appealed.

After years of being stymied by casino lobbyists and Torch’s political strength, video lottery proponents think this is the year for passage. The state will need billions in revenue if Republicans want to keep Gov. Mike Kehoe’s promise to eliminate the state income tax.

Replacing the untaxed and unregulated games with machines licensed by the state, with mandatory 80% payouts, would bring in&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/fiscal/fispdf/6459H.03C.ORG.pdf" target="_blank">about $350 million in revenue</a>&nbsp;within two years, according to official estimates.

The bill sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hardwick, a Republican from Dixon, passed the last stop on the way to a floor debate, the Rules committee, only because the vice chairman, state Rep. Don Mayhew, a Republican from Crocker, was absent.

In an interview, Mayhew said his presence would not have mattered because there were other members, who he would not name, willing to change their vote to get the bill through.&nbsp;

Mayhew and Hardwick are opponents in the GOP primary in the 16th Senate District in August.

“I hate the bill,” Mayhew said. “I hate everything about the bill. Now, in the past, I have supported VLTs, but it was always under the idea that the current things were going to go away.”

The two-year allowance before existing games could not operate is too long, he said.

A bill authorizing video lottery&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/bill-legalizing-video-lottery-games-narrowly-passes-missouri-house/">narrowly passed the House</a>&nbsp;last year. Fogle, who said she will oppose the bill when it is up for debate, said the lobbying effort is intense and the divisions don’t follow party lines.

“There was a lot of strong arming going on (last year), and I would anticipate that to happen again this year,” Fogle said.

Last year’s bill died in the state Senate. If the House does pass it, Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin said Thursday, it will get a chilly reception in the upper chamber.

The discussion about making illegal activities legal too often focuses on the financial benefits of taxation, O’Laughlin said.

“In the short time that I’ve been here, it just seems like we have talked about so many marijuana and gambling bills, and we’re going to tax those, and they’re going to pay for veterans and education and do all of these great things,” O’Laughlin said. “But no one talks about the societal cost of it and what it does to people and their families, and that’s kind of my concern.”

Note: Gregg Keller is not related to the author of this article.

Missouri AG: State and feds are investigating ‘illegal’ slot machines

Missouri lawmakers are debating the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state

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

People who drink cannabis beverages – that often come in cans, like beer or hard seltzers – may be consuming less alcohol, according to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26877350-2026-cannabis-beverages/" target="_blank">study</a>&nbsp;from University of Buffalo.&nbsp;

More than 60% of the study’s participants who drank cannabis beverages said they had either reduced (61.5%) or stopped (1.1%) drinking alcohol as a result.

“We believe this may be because of the similarity in administration method and context of use — people at parties or bars will likely have a drink in their hand, in this case a cannabis beverage rather than an alcoholic one,” said Daniel Kruger, a co-author and research associate professor in University of Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Kruger said the study, which was published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs last month, is the first of its kind to focus on cannabis beverages and the potential for alcohol harm reduction.

And it comes as&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/15/bills-banning-intoxicating-hemp-in-missouri-are-priority-lawmakers-say/">Missouri lawmakers debate</a>&nbsp;the future of hemp-derived THC beverages, which are already sold in bars, liquor stores and convenience shops across the state but sit in a legal gray area, with proposals to rein them in or ban them altogether still unresolved.

&nbsp;“Several previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption by switching to cannabis,” he said.

Sales of these beverages are estimated to be about $1 billion nationwide – with 76% of that being hemp-derived THC beverages and 24% being products sold in marijuana dispensaries, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">report</a>&nbsp;from Whitney Economics last year.

About half of Kruger’s study participants were from New York, where intoxicating hemp beverages are prohibited — unlike in Missouri where people can order them in bars and restaurants.&nbsp;

More than 80% of the survey respondents who used cannabis beverages said they were more likely to buy their cannabis products from marijuana dispensaries.

Kruger acknowledged the results would likely be different among participants that live in states that haven’t banned intoxicating hemp beverages.

“In Missouri, we might even see a greater effect there than we did in New York,” he said.&nbsp;

Based on the survey results, the research team plans to further explore the effect of cannabis drinks over time and compare modes of cannabis consumption.

“Cannabis has been proposed as harm reduction for other drugs such as opioids but not talked about as often for legal substances such as alcohol,” said study first author Jessica Kruger, a clinical associate professor of community health and health behavior in UB’s School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Missouri lawmakers are debating legislation that would align the state with the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/11/11/missouri-hemp-businesses-fear-new-federal-thc-limits-will-destroy-the-industry/">federal limits on intoxicating hemp products</a>&nbsp;set to go into effect in November.

The federal limit will prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, a provision that was included in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.&nbsp;

This would place a national ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, which typically contain 10 milligrams of THC or below. It wouldn’t impact marijuana-derived THC beverages sold in dispensaries.

Missouri officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations.&nbsp;

Missouri senators debated a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.mo.gov/26Info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&amp;BillID=313" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;this week to allow the continued sale of THC cannabis beverages, if Congress passes legislation allowing them. They are currently unregulated by any government agency in Missouri, and the bill aims to establish testing, labeling and licensing requirements.&nbsp;

“What we’re trying to do here is really tighten it up,” said Republican state Sen. Mike Henderson of Desloge, during a committee hearing Tuesday. “You got to be 21, and you got to be 21 to serve them.”

Henderson also said he wants to make sure companies aren’t advertising to children.&nbsp;

“We’ve got to stop that practice, where it looks like it’s some kind of candy or some kind of drink that would appeal to kids,” he said, “and we can’t have it being done that way.”

Cannabis drinks may cut alcohol consumption, study finds, as Missouri weighs hemp THC rules

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11p.m. Friday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Ford F350 driven by a 61-year-old St. Joseph man was eastbound on U.S. 36 at SW Emma Road three miles northwest of Osborn. The pickup traveled off thee north side of the road, struck a ditch, entered the median and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and came to rest on the south side of the road.

DeKalb-Clinton ambulance transported the driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The driver was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Man from St. Joe hospitalized after pickup accident

ANDREW COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Andrew County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 GMC Yukon driven by a 64-year-old Mound City woman was northbound on Interstate 29 four miles north of Country Club. The SUV rear-ended a 1998 Ford Mustang that broke down and partially blocking the passing lane of I-29. After impact the SUV traveled off the west side of the road and struck a guard rail.

Andrew County EMS transported a 56-year-old passenger from SUV to Mosaic Life Care. She had not been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after I-29 rear-end crash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, Feb. 12, in observance of President Lincoln's Birthday.

Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President Washington's Birthday.

MSHP Driver Exam stations to close for February holidays

(Radio Iowa) - With the Super Bowl this Sunday, Iowans might be willing to wager on the outcome to make it a little more interesting. 

While five dollars between friends is likely harmless, the temptation to go bigger is strong for some, and that could be a sign of a larger problem. Chris Sekorski, a substance use counselor at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says gambling on pro sports has never been easier -- or more hazardous. You used to have to go to a casino or Las Vegas, he says, but with the rapid proliferation of sports betting apps for smartphones, now it's in the palm of your hand. 

A study done in 2021 for the Iowa Department of Public Health found more than 18-thousand adult Iowans met the criteria for having a gambling disorder. Help is available in Iowa by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Betting on the big game is no game for thousands of Iowans

Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) has introduced the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, a legislative effort to shield small business owners from exploitative legal tactics. 

Information from Graves's website says the bill is designed to give entrepreneurs a fair opportunity to make their websites accessible to Americans with disabilities, rather than being forced into costly "sue-and-settle" schemes that often prioritize financial gain over actual accessibility improvements.

The legislation addresses a growing trend where small businesses in North Missouri and across the country are targeted with "copy-and-paste" demand letters. These letters claim website non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and typically demand immediate cash settlements. Rather than encouraging a fix, trial attorneys often use the threat of years of expensive litigation to pressure "mom-and-pop" shops into paying out, even if the business was unaware of the technical requirements.

Rep. Graves emphasized that small businesses should not be forced to choose between paying for a legal defense and paying their employees. “Small businesses should not be targeted and exploited for a quick cash grab. They should not have to choose between paying a lawyer or paying their employees,” Graves stated. “These lawsuits are not about helping or ensuring access for customers, they are about making money off hardworking business owners. This bill gives small businesses much-needed protection.”

Under the proposed changes to the ADA, a civil lawsuit regarding website compliance cannot be filed until the owner or operator is officially notified of the specific issues. Once notified, the business is granted a 180-day window to bring the website into compliance. By allowing small business owners a chance to make things right, this legislation seeks to protect Main Street America while strengthening the ADA by ensuring more websites are actually accessible to Americans with disabilities.

Graves introduces legislation to protect small businesses from predatory ADA website lawsuits

A Buchanan County jury convicted a Kansas man Thursday of first-degree child molestation for an assault involving an eight year-old girl nearly 25 years ago.

Robert Haskin was found guilty of the 2001 incident following a trial in which prosecutors alleged he inappropriately touched the child while babysitting her. Although the abuse occurred decades ago, the victim’s repeated statements to various individuals over the years eventually led to formal charges being filed in 2024.

Haskin, who maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, was taken into custody following the verdict. He is scheduled to appear before a judge for sentencing on March 27.

Kansas man convicted of 2001 child molestation in Buchanan County

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents and May corn was up 6 cents. March soybeans closed up 20 cents and May soybeans were up 21 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 8 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 8 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 5 1/2 cents.

The soybean market continued to set a bullish tone across row-crop futures Thursday, following President Trump's comments on Wednesday that China may look to extend their old-crop purchase goal for U.S. soybeans by an additional 8 million metric tons (mmt) above the previous 12 mmt. There are obviously a lot of question marks regarding how feasible this is but for now the market is reflecting added demand potential with a 45-50 cent move over the past two sessions. Corn and wheat markets were able to join soybeans with higher prices as well on Thursday, despite being a little more subdued in their rallying efforts. Outside markets on Thursday were mostly a negative influence on ag futures, with lower energy markets after Iran and U.S. officials did agree to move forward with planned negotiations in Oman on Friday. The U.S. dollar was firmer for the fifth time in the past seven sessions, and equity markets moved lower as trade has turned sideways over the past month.

Live cattle futures quickly backed away from part of early week gains Thursday. Losses of $4 to $5 per cwt were seen at midday, creating some concern that additional sharp losses may continue to develop over the coming days. The news focus seems to be pointed to the processing reduction seen in the JBS Greeley plant based on reported impending strikes at the plant. The likelihood that this will have a major impact on overall industry processing capacity beyond a few days is limited given the current structure of the market and current overall company and industry availability. This industry is not beyond rerouting trucks to other plants or companies in order to sustain needs and capacity levels. But watching daily slaughter rates through the month of February will help give an indicator of overall capacity levels. Firm pressure in outside markets and weaker beef values cannot be downplayed in the hesitancy for futures buyers to step into a market which very well could have run out of oxygen at current price levels. Cash cattle markets are still sluggish with a few bids on the table in parts of Iowa, and a major packer has offered to "call in" for $378 in eastern Nebraska. Packer inquiry should continue to improve as the day progresses, but significant trade volume will likely be delayed until later today and/or Friday. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $0.82 ($367.20) and select down $1.08 ($361.01) with a movement of 48.79 loads (38.54 loads of choice, 4.14 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 6.11 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Thursday. This market move seems like a general reversal to early week buyer support that flooded the market during trade Monday and Tuesday. The news cycle focus in the market seems to be centered on the developing strike at the JBS plant in Greeley, but this move is likely much more focused on the ability to sustain additional buyer support at current price levels. Nearby futures have rallied nearly $70 per cwt since the November low, creating a generally unchecked upward market surge within the entire cattle market. This lack of small to moderate corrections can make any market vulnerable, including the cattle market which is focusing on tight supplies. In comparison to the wild shifts seen last fall, these swings seem generally tame. But it does create significant uncertainty given how lightly traded the feeder cattle market remains with generally light volume.

Lean hog futures had been the quiet market through the entire livestock complex Thursday. Spot February futures were leading the market lower with light pressure, while very narrow losses are seen through the rest of the contracts. The continued upward move higher in nearby futures since hitting seasonal lows in November have continued to move prices well above the 40-day moving average. Recent volatility in cattle trade seems to have lost its short-term impact on hog traders at this moment as traders continue to look for continued strong demand support as 2026 develops. At current price levels and comparative price relationships to beef, the pork industry seems well insulated to potential economic pressure that may develop over the coming weeks and months.

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Commodity markets daily recap

Groups representing fuel retailers across America expressed serious concerns with the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The associations say that 45Z is a giant step backward for American biofuel policy. NATSO, representing truck stops and travel plazas, SIGMA, America’s leading fuel marketers, and the National Association of Convenience Stores are urging Congress and the Administration to support simpler biofuel policies that would quickly reinvigorate biodiesel consumption and higher ethanol blends while enhancing the economy and energy market security.

 “The transition away from the Biodiesel Tax Credit to the 45Z production credit instituted a catastrophic decline in biofuels consumption that hurts the economy,” said NACS Deputy General Counsel Matt Durand. “Congress can fix it by bringing back the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which has a proven track record of delivering lower prices to consumers while benefiting farmers and biofuel producers.” 

Fuel retailers express concerns about 45Z guidelines

March corn closed up 2 3/4 cents and May corn was up 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 4 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 1 cent, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

It was a generally positive session for ag markets Tuesday with soybean futures recovering from three consecutive lower sessions and building off bullish momentum which showed glimpses through Monday's rally off daily lows. Wheat markets, on the other hand, remain sluggish with bullish traders thus far lacking the confidence to extend the recent bounce beyond two-month highs which were hit last week. Corn was caught between the soybean rally and heavy wheat prices. Meanwhile, a recovery in energy prices following Monday's risk-off session provided a base of support Tuesday. In early afternoon Tuesday, it was reported that the U.S. had shot down an Iranian drone in the Persian Gulf, a swift ratcheting of tensions which had seemed to be cooling to begin the week, with nuclear negotiations set for Friday in Turkey. It is unclear at this point if those talks will move forward as planned.

The live cattle complex continued to move higher as traders have gained another level of confidence following last Friday's bullish Cattle Inventory report. The market is pressuring its technical barriers as this is currently the highest price point traded at since last October. As long as fundamental support continues to remain robust, traders will likely remain supportive and push the contracts higher. But it's undeniable traders will need to see continued fundamental support. Following last week's strong trade in the fed cash cattle market, there's been no new business develop yet and it's most likely trade will be delayed until Thursday or Friday of this week. It is assumed prices will be higher again this week as supplies of market-ready cattle remain thin. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.66 ($370.87) and select up $2.85 ($367.76) with a movement of 56 loads (40.98 loads of choice, 3.08 loads of select, 4.94 loads of trim and 6.53 loads of ground beef).

With encouragement from last week's bullish Cattle Inventory report, the stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market last week, and the live cattle contracts trading higher, the feeder cattle complex traded higher thanks to these support factors. If the live cattle contracts happen to weaken, there's a strong chance the feeder cattle contracts will too.

The lean hog complex started moderately higher and went into the closing bell the same way the day started. Hog prices average $86.27 on the Daily Direct Morning Hog Report, with prices ranging from $80.00 to $88.00 on 2,461 head and a five-day rolling average of $85.12. Pork cutouts total 191.65 loads with 176.52 loads of pork cuts and 15.13 loads of trim. Pork cutout values: up $0.35, $96.05.

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The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reapprove Dicamba for over-the-top use on tolerant soybeans and cotton for the 2026 season. Reports say the decision is aimed at addressing weed control challenges and will likely include stricter regulations like buffering agents and a possible ban on applying Dicamba when the temperatures are high. In a draft statement from the EPA, the agency called the pending decision the most “protective” Dicamba registration in agency history. 

Producers were prohibited from using the herbicide last year because of a 2024 court decision vacating previous registrations. It would be the third time that the EPA approved the pesticide. On both previous occasions, federal courts blocked the approvals, citing the underestimation of the risks of chemical drift that could harm other farms.

EPA is expected to reapprove Dicamba

The cattle inventory was 86.2 million head on January 1, 2026, which continued a long-standing downward trend. Despite a year of strong prices, the USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the overall U.S. cattle herd shrank by another 0.35 percent, and it’s now at the smallest level in 75 years. The beef cow herd total was 27.6 million head, down by one percent. The 2025 calf crop was 32.9 million head, the smallest total since 1941. 

Beef replacement heifers rose one percent to 4.71 million head. All cattle on feed totaled 13.8 million head, a three percent reduction from 2025. The number of milk cows in the U.S. increased to 9.57 million. Dr. Derrell Peel, a livestock market analyst for Oklahoma State University, said the market is likely still trying to find a bottom. “We’re probably stabilizing, but it’s a very slow process,” Peel said. “We’re likely not going to rebuild very fast.” 

Cattle inventory hits a 75-year low

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced this week that 17 Missouri youth groups have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.

The awards provide $500 each to seven National FFA Organization chapters and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local community service initiatives. Projects range from physical upgrades to fairgrounds and parks to the improvement of community centers.

“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” Director Chinn said. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”

Established in the 1970s, the BOAC program is funded through the Missouri Agriculture Development Fund via an agreement with the USDA. All selected projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026.

FFA and 4-H groups receive state grants

March corn closed down 2 1/2 cents and May corn was down 2 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed down 4 cents and May soybeans were down 4 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 9 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 10 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 6 3/4 cents.

U.S. row-crop futures were lower to begin the new week and month with wheat prices leading the way on a combination of technical pressure as well as outside market pressure from a firm U.S. dollar and sharply lower energy prices as U.S. and Iranian officials are set to hold nuclear talks in Turkey this upcoming Friday in a path of de-escalation of tensions which had driven crude oil prices to their highest level in four months. Direct fundamental news for corn, soy, and wheat markets was limited on Monday, but a quick start to soybean harvesting and safrinha corn planting in Brazil over the latter half of January is likely at least part of the cause of bearishness in the markets to begin February.

Live cattle futures surged higher Monday following the bullish news from last week's cattle inventory report. The focus on overall reduction in all cattle numbers and 2025 calvings decreasing by 2% has continued to spark renewed buying support through early trade. Although contracts backed away from initial highs, the focus on strong early week gains is likely to keep buyers active through the rest of the early week trade. Cash cattle markets look to be a typically quiet Monday with both buyers and sellers busy taking inventory and preparing for the week ahead. Bids and asking prices have yet to be established, and if the trend of the last couple of weeks continues, significant trade volume will be delayed until much later in the week. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $2.14 ($367.70) and select up $2.35 ($364.29) with a movement of 32.80 loads (20.27 loads of choice, 4.93 loads of select, 3.40 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market higher Monday, as renewed focus on tight supplies continues to be seen through the entire cattle complex. The announcement in Friday's cattle inventory report of a 2% drop in calves born during 2025 continues to not only leave current buyers actively looking for cattle to fill yards, but it indicates that the trend will not be changing any time soon. It will be interesting to see how active buyer support remains over the next couple of days and weeks following this bullish report. Although the report gives actual numbers to the market supply tightness, the fact is that the market has already factored in much of the tightness, and this will not change the overall expectations of the beef market over the upcoming months.

Lean hog futures moved actively higher Monday as well. Although the same dynamics seen in the cattle market are not seen in the hog complex, the spill-over bullish support from surging cattle markets and active outside market buying activity has helped to push nearby contracts to triple-digit gains during morning trade. Spot month February futures are holding 80 to 90 cent gains through most of the morning, but the rest of nearby contracts held strong triple-digit gains near $2 per cwt into the closing bell. Traders continue to not only gain spill-over support from any beef market support during the year, but continued gains in financial markets are helping to keep hog market traders actively buying in initial February trade.

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GT Thompson, the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has tentatively set a farm bill markup for the week of February 23. That’s according to three sources familiar with Thompson’s plans. While the formal text of his farm bill has yet to be introduced, it will likely have the same priorities as the version that advanced out of committee in 2024 but never became law. “Committee staff is still waiting for the cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, which could delay the markup in February.” 

Two people who were granted anonymity to discuss private details said that House Ag Republicans want to get a floor vote on the farm bill before the Easter recess. The ‘Farm Bill 2.0,’ as Thompson refers to it, will address multiple industry priorities like rural development, research plans, and could be a vehicle for year-round E15. 

House ag chair wants 'Farm Bill 2.0' in February

The National Young Farmers Coalition expresses deep concern over the continued delay of the 2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land Survey, originally scheduled for release on October 31, 2025. The survey aims to provide important insights into the trends and patterns of ownership of agricultural land across the U.S. “Without the TOTAL Survey, we’re flying blind on one of the most urgent issues in agriculture, which is land access,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, the government relations director with the National Young Farmers Coalition. 

“This delay prevents policymakers, advocates, and farmers from understanding the scale of farmland loss, speculation, and consolidation, and from acting to keep farmers on the land.” Young Farmers calls on the administration to release the critical information they’re looking for, and they had planned to hold a congressional briefing upon the Survey’s release to discuss how the data should inform proactive federal policy. 

Young Farmers concerned about land survey

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

Friday featured widespread selling pressure across ag and outside markets to close the week, with row crop futures posting moderate losses to close what was otherwise a mixed week for price action. Outside markets also saw profit taking with sharp moves lower for equity markets as well as a notable reversal in gold and silver. The U.S. dollar stabilized through the latter half of this week, with the recovery from four-year lows accelerated on Friday by money flow out of precious metals. Energy markets were also mixed on Friday after a firm week, adding another headwind to ag futures heading into the weekend.

The live cattle complex was truly a mixed bag heading into Friday's closing bell. Only the February live cattle contract traded higher, while the deferred contracts traded moderately lower as the market sits on pins and needles waiting for the industry's Cattle Inventory report to be released later this afternoon. It has been exciting to see some stronger trade develop in the fed cash cattle market, but unfortunately with traders knowing the big report is set to be released this afternoon, the strong developments in the cash market seem to be overlooked. Some light cash cattle trade developed in the South at $238 to $240, which is $3.00 to $5.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Some Northern dressed cattle trade developed at $375 to $378, which is $6.00 to $9.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices were mixed: choice down $1.22 ($366.55) and select up $2.28 ($363.00) with a movement of 57 loads (38.15 loads of choice, 3.95 loads of select, 4.97 loads of trim and 9.61 loads of ground beef).

Between seeing the equity markets and live cattle contracts all fall lower, the feeder cattle contracts were following suit as most of the contracts traded $4.00 to $5.00 lower into Friday's close. There's a cloud of uncertainty that's seemed to overcome the entire marketplace, and currently seems to be ensuing the most havoc on the feeder cattle contracts.

While the cattle contracts sink back in anxiousness, the lean hog contracts at least traded higher in the market's deferred contracts, but the nearby contracts were following suit in a minor regression. It is helpful that midday pork cutout values were up over $2.00 higher -- showing strong continued consumer support.

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By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Bipartisan legislation reflects idea devices distract students, harm mental health

TOPEKA — Central Christian Academy and Atchison County Community Schools serve distinct K-12 populations, but superintendents of both oppose a proposed mandate by the Kansas Legislature to force private and public schools to ban personal cellphones and other electronic devices during school hours.

A House Education Committee hearing Friday generated criticism that such a state law would undermine local control of education. Supporters of reform said personal devices could be a classroom impediment to academic success and contributed to mental health challenges of students.

David Landis, superintendent of the 660-student private Christian school in Wichita, said the school’s leadership adopted several years ago nearly all the cellphone restrictions proposed in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2421/" target="_blank">House Bill 2421</a>. He objected to the Legislature mandating those policies from Topeka.

“We stand opposed to the state making financial and reporting policy decisions on behalf of any private school,” he said. “We ask that HB 2421 be rewritten to exclude all nonpublic schools.”

Andrew Gaddis, superintendent of the Atchison County district and its 500 students, said the bill was a departure from the state’s commitment to the principle of local control in public education. He said elected school boards collaborating with administrators, teachers and families were best suited to adopt policy respectful of local values and culture.

While many public school districts in Kansas previously enacted cellphone restrictions, Gaddis said, a one-size-fits-all law wouldn’t reflect diversity of thought on the in-school use of devices.

“Preserving local control allows districts to adjust practices as student needs change, technology evolves and community input is considered,” Gaddis said.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly endorsed the concept of an in-school ban on cellphones. Twenty-eight Republicans and Democrats in the Kansas Senate sponsored a bill creating a statewide ban. In the House, nine Republicans or Democrats did the same.

Under House and Senate versions of the bill, students attending accredited nonpublic and public elementary or secondary schools would be prohibited from using cellphones, smartwatches and earbuds during instructional time. The prohibition would include lunch breaks and gaps between classes.

The bills would require personal electronic communication devices owned by students and brought to school to be securely stored. The legislation wouldn’t allow storage in backpacks or lockers, but neither bill would provide state funding for schools to buy containers to sequester electronic devices. A legislative document outlining the bills say it could cost nearly $13.4 million for public schools to purchase $30 fabric pouches with locks for 446,000 students.

Exceptions to the ban would be made for students with personal medical issues. Exemptions would extend to students with an individualized education plan, or IEP, and those with a 504 plan outlining school accommodations designed to guarantee equal access to education. Students would be able to contact a parent or guardian with a school-owned telephone or device.

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