 United Way of Greater St. Joseph is seeking community volunteers to help determine how local donor dollars will be invested in 2027.

The annual allocations process serves as the organization’s primary method for evaluating partner agencies and ensuring financial accountability. Volunteers are tasked with examining agency operations, programs, and finances to provide funding recommendations to the United Way Community Investment Council and Board of Directors.

Participants help ensure that community contributions achieve a measurable impact in three key areas: education, health, and financial stability. In 2025, more than 160 residents from diverse professional and personal backgrounds participated in the process. Organizers note that serving on a subcommittee offers a unique "behind-the-scenes" look at how local nonprofits operate and provides a direct voice in community investment.

Volunteers are assigned to subcommittees, each responsible for reviewing two to three partner agencies. The commitment involves:

Those interested in volunteering for the 2026 cycle should contact Jodi Flurry at United Way of Greater St. Joseph:

Call for volunteers: United Way annual allocations process

Six Flags announced a big change this week, selling seven different theme parks, including Kansas City's Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis.

In a press release on its website touting "a new chapter," the entertainment company announced it has entered into a sales agreement with EPR Properties for seven parks:

The list of theme parks includes Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis, along with&nbsp;Michigan’s Adventure in Grand Rapids, Michigan,&nbsp;Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, Six Flags La Ronde in Montreal, Quebec, and&nbsp;Valleyfair in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The company said this was part of a "thoughtful decision about where we focus our energy," adding that this allows the company to focus on "parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion, and elevated guest experiences."

The sale, valued at $342 million, is EPR's largest acquisition since 2017.&nbsp; The company has also acquired the use of the Six Flags brand through 2026, meaning very little will change at Worlds of Fun and the other properties to begin with.&nbsp;&nbsp;Six Flags said the included parks will still maintain their regular operating schedules and all season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season, including the multipark pass privileges.

For Dining Pass, Fast Lane, Photo Pass and Drink Plans, Six Flags is still working through the particulars, but said, "To ensure you are receiving fair value for your dining plan purchase, we are providing you with a $10 credit to be used in F&amp;B at your home park this season."

EPR will retain the Six Flags branding rights to all of the parks through the end of 2026, so no name change will be coming to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun yet, but changes are expected in 2027.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Six Flags changes include sale of Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun as well as Six Flags St. Louis

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa House has voted to toughen Iowa's law on habitual offenders and set a minimum 20-year prison sentence for people convicted of several serious crimes. 

Representative Steve Holt, a Republican from Denison, says the bill will close the revolving prison door for repeat offenders and make Iowa communities safer because it would be a mandatory sentence of at least two decades, since there would be no possibility for parole under the new system. Multiple convictions for theft, harassment or possession of a controlled substance would not be considered when a court decides whether someone should be sentenced to 20 years as a habitual offender. 

The clock for counting felony and aggravated misdemeanor convictions that would lead to getting a 20 year sentence wouldn't start until the bill becomes law. Critics of the bill say states that passed similar laws in the 1990s saw dramatic increases in prison costs without a long-term drop in crime.

Iowa bill sets mandatory 20-year sentence for repeat offenders

On a party-line vote, a Missouri House committee approved the bill putting a constitutional amendment on the ballot to allow expanded sales tax to supplant income tax

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

The proposal to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/28/missouri-gop-backs-income-tax-repeal-as-critics-warn-sales-taxes-hit-poor-hardest/">eliminate the state income tax</a>&nbsp;is moving to the Missouri House floor following a party-line committee vote Wednesday.

The 7-3 vote on Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe’s top priority followed a heated discussion where Democrats on the House Commerce Committee accused Republicans of steering the state into a fiscally dangerous future.

“You don’t turn an economy around on a dime,” said state Rep. Steve Butz, a St. Louis Democrat. “If there is a mistake made, either by the public or by this legislature — and surely we have enough examples of the legislature making plenty of mistakes — we’re not going to be able to react quickly enough to offset that.”

Republicans, in response, said Missouri is losing out to states like Tennessee and Florida that have no income tax. Eliminating the tax would put each taxpayer in charge of whether they want to spend their money on taxable goods and services or use it elsewhere, they said.

“We can see what’s happened to other states,” said state Rep. Brian Seitz, a Republican from Branson. “It’s affected them in a very positive manner. People are staying. The states are being built and rebuilt. Industries are coming in, and we want to have a piece of that pie.”

As originally filed, the proposed constitutional amendment would ask voters to give lawmakers broad authority to set up a new expanded sales tax system and use the revenue to reduce and then eliminate the state income tax. The committee passed a revised version Wednesday morning that sets revenue growth goals for reducing the top income rate, which is currently 4.7%.

For each additional $20 million in revenue over the base year of fiscal year 2025, the top rate would be cut by 0.01 percentage points, with a cap of a 1.6 percentage point reduction in the top rate in any given year.

To achieve the maximum reduction in a single year, revenue would have to grow by $3.2 billion from the expanded sales tax base.

The tax would be eliminated when those reductions combine to lower the top rate to 1.4%.

Missouri’s personal income tax is almost flat, with the top rate applying to taxable incomes greater than $9,436. There are significant exemptions from the tax, including&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/07/missouri-will-exempt-social-security-public-pension-payments-from-state-income-taxes/">all Social Security payments</a>, a share of retirement income and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/07/missouri-lawmakers-set-to-pass-capital-gains-tax-cut-with-questions-about-its-total-cost/">capital gains</a>, which are the profits from the sale of property or other assets.

The income tax generated about 65% of the state’s annual general revenue receipts in fiscal year 2025, which were $13.4 billion in the year that ended June 30.&nbsp;

The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, would go on the ballot in August or November. It would give lawmakers three years to expand the sales tax to “all goods and services” and eliminate exemptions to raise enough revenue to replace the income tax without having to seek another statewide vote.&nbsp;

The current state sales tax is 3% for general revenue, plus 1.225% earmarked for public schools, conservation, state parks and soil conservation. Local option sales taxes add to the 4.225% total, and there are more than 50 locations in the state where the total sales tax is 11% or higher.

Matching the current revenue from the individual income tax without expanding the transactions that are taxed would require raising the state sales tax to nearly 13%.

The proposal would allow sales tax on motor fuel for the first time. It would also exempt revenue from sales tax on fuel from a constitutional provision&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/23/new-missouri-income-tax-cut-plan-would-allow-first-ever-sales-tax-on-gas-and-diesel/">dedicating all taxes</a>&nbsp;on gasoline and diesel to highway needs.

Missourians will reject the plan, Democrats said during committee debate.

“They’re already worried about the current budget and the cost of living,” state Rep. Pattie Mansur, a Kansas City Democrat. “They’re concerned about essential programs that are being cut now. The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/02/27/missouri-lawmakers-explore-options-to-restore-disability-services-funding/">building has been full</a>&nbsp;of people the last couple of weeks worrying about this. No one is asking for the elimination of state income tax.”

Republicans responded by saying the proposal will test what voters want and make the legislature conform to that.

“This really does nothing but go to the voters and say, ‘Do you want to change the system and try a new approach’,” said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Republican from Lee’s Summit who is sponsoring the proposal.&nbsp;

And there are plenty of people, he said, asking to eliminate the income tax.

“A lot of times they ask with their feet,” Patterson said. “They move, they go to different places. They might not ask, but they’ve told us what their answers are.”

Republicans push forward with proposal to replace Missouri income tax with sales tax

HARRISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 5a.m. Wednesday in Harrison County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Freightliner semi driven by a 28-year-old Cleveland, Tennessee, man was southbound on Interstate 35 five miles north of Pattonsburg. The semi travened into the median and the driver overcorrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road and overturned partially blocking the driving line.

North Missouri EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi overturns

(Radio Iowa) - House Republicans have created their own "Make America Healthy Again" agenda and their bill calls for new standards for school lunches, limits on access to digital devices in early elementary grades and a continuation of the state policy that bars food stamps from being used to buy things like candy and pop. 

If the bill becomes law, Iowa students would have to take the Presidential Fitness Test and Iowa schools would have to ensure students in kindergarten through fifth grades have 120 minutes of physical activity each week. High school students would be required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity. Another section of the bill would limit digital instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms to 60 minutes a day. 

The bill has some elements of the governor's MAHA bill, including a move that could give Iowans over-the-counter access to ivermectin if a pharmacist agrees to sell it without a prescription.

Iowa House GOP's MAHA bill includes several school-related policies

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph is calling on volunteers to help pack 900 meal kits this month to combat food insecurity across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

As part of its "Caring Connection" initiative, the organization will host three hands-on sessions at its headquarters located at 118 South 5th Street. The events are designed to be flexible, welcoming volunteers of all ages—including individuals, families, and corporate groups—to assist with sorting and packing.

To accommodate different schedules, the United Way has set the following dates:

“These hands-on sessions offer a simple but powerful way for people to make an immediate difference,” said Kylee Strough, President of United Way of Greater St. Joseph. “Each kit assembled represents a person or family who will have access to a nutritious meal.”

The meal kits will be distributed through a network of partner agencies, schools, and local organizations. This effort is supported by funding provided last November by Mosaic Life Care and the Mosaic Life Care Foundation.

The Caring Connection Crew launched last spring as a pilot program and has since expanded, focusing on creating accessible, high-impact service opportunities that address the community's most pressing needs.

Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure adequate supplies.

United Way to pack 900 meal kits for local families this month

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Tuesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Volvo semi driven by a 57-year-old Orland Park, Illinois, man was westbound on U.S. 36 at Route CC one mile east of Chillicothe. The semi traveled off the left side of the road, struck a culvert, an embankment and came to rest in the median.

Livingston County EMS transported the driver to Liberty Hospital. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver hospitalized after semi crash on NW Missouri highway

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

just after 2p.m. March 1, police arrested&nbsp;Steven L. Crockett, 70, Atchison, was arrested at 2:15PM on Sunday in the 300 block Santa Fe Street, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Crockett was arrested&nbsp;on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court and was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; He remains in custody and is due to make a court appearance this week, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man who skipped court was also carrying fentanyl

Rosecrans Memorial Airport will once again host the Pony Express STOL event on Saturday, May 30, welcoming the National STOL Series back to St. Joseph for its second year. 

Following a successful 2025 debut that drew 35 entrants and approximately 600 spectators, organizers anticipate even higher pilot participation and attendance as the competition evolves into a community staple.

The Pony Express STOL is an aviation fly-in that showcases pilot skill and aircraft performance through a thrilling, head-to-head format. The level of precision on display is remarkable; last year’s champion achieved a combined score of just 86 feet, taking off in 46 feet and landing in 40. To put that into perspective, the total distance is nearly 50 feet shorter than the wingspan of a C-130.

The competition is designed to be a family-friendly experience, featuring a variety of food and refreshment vendors. Organizers are currently planning additional activities to enhance the atmosphere for this year's crowd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, with the official competition beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This is a ticketed event managed by National STOL with local planning provided by the aerial event committee and community sponsors. While Rosecrans Memorial Airport serves as the host and provides operational support, ticket pricing and series information can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalstol.com/">nationalstol.com</a>. For specific airport-related inquiries, you can call Rosecrans at 816-271-5374.

The Pony Express STOL kicks off a trio of major aviation gatherings at the airport this year. From June 24 - 26, Rosecrans will host Stop 7 of the Women’s Air Race Classic, marking the race’s first-ever visit to St. Joseph. Additionally, the airport is developing a new recurring aviation-themed event for the fall, inspired by the success of the 2022 Warbird Fly-In, with more details expected soon.

Pony Express STOL Returns to Rosecrans: Precision aviation competition set for May 30

It's Tournament Time! With the big tournament going on this month. We are putting your knowledge of college basketball to the test. Take this months quiz and you could win $50 at the end of the month!

March Quiz

May corn closed up 9 3/4 cents and July corn was up 9 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 9 3/4 cents and July soybeans were up 9 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 20 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 15 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 10 1/4 cents.

For Thursday, traders saw the need for added risk premium in commodity markets, with wheat futures leading the way with another double-digit spike back toward calendar year highs. That positively influenced corn futures as well in tandem with another very strong round of export data released by USDA on Thursday morning. Soybeans were higher and back toward early week highs for the rally, with soybean oil providing bullish influence given the firm energy sector. Meanwhile, in other outside markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average crashed again following a brief midweek reprieve from selling. Inflation and high interest rates fears (as a result of high energy costs) are driving investor sentiment, with the U.S. Dollar pressing higher and back towards 2026 highs as well.

The live cattle complex traded mildly higher following Wednesday's sizeable surge. Traders are cautiously advancing the spot April contract above its 40-day moving average, but it's not come without some worry as traders question whether or not they're overdoing the upward trend right now. If we had seen some stronger trade in the fed cash cattle market, then there likely wouldn't be any worry amongst traders; but we've yet to see any cash trade develop. There's a single bid currently on the table at $375 in Nebraska, but otherwise the market is sitting idle as feedlot managers wait for packers to offer up stronger bids. Asking prices are noted at $244 in the South but are still not established in the North.

The live cattle complex is pushing its spot April contract above the 40-day moving average, but the feeder cattle complex isn't seeing the same level of support as traders aren't comfortable pushing above their 40-day moving average at this time. The feeder cattle contracts continued to hedge on the side of safety and continue to trade steady to slightly lower.

Following Wednesday's sharp rally, the lean hog complex was mixed heading into Thursday's close as traders no longer want to push the contracts up to the market's resistance. It is helpful to see pork cutout values mildly higher as traders need to see continued fundamental support.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/05135830/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

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

Row-crop futures fell marginally Wednesday, retreating from chart resistance after hitting fresh highs for their recent moves early this week, with little fundamental news to influence price direction. Outside markets have settled to some degree after a volatile start to the week amid the onset of war in the Middle East and corresponding disruptions to world energy trade. Crude oil futures, of course, remain elevated but have stalled on attempted moves above $75 per barrel on NYMEX futures. The U.S. Dollar Index also moved lower for the first time this week, still among the highest level of 2026 but a touch below the mid-January high after Tuesday's reversal. Equity markets have recovered well from early Tuesday lows as investors recover from the initial market shock through the weekend and turn to monitoring the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

The live cattle complex was charging full steam ahead into Wednesday's closing bell as the market is currently trading $3.00 to $4.00 higher into the afternoon. Pinpointing what's driving the rally in the cattle sector is somewhat challenging, but more than anything it seems as though traders have reignited their bullish sentiment toward the market and are now giving the complex more technical support. There's a single bid currently on the table in Nebraska at $375, but otherwise no cattle have traded yet in the cash market. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $0.78 ($388.83) and select up $1.79 ($380.37) with a movement of 52 loads (40.57 loads of choice, 4.68 loads of select, 2.56 loads of trim and 4.11 loads of ground beef).

Upon seeing the live cattle complex rally aggressively, the feeder cattle contracts jumped into action as well as most of the contracts were sizeable $6.00 to $7.00 increases. The 40-day moving average seems to be giving the complex a little bit of resistance, but if the live cattle complex continues to trade higher traders may elect to conquer it later in the week.

With a slight uptick in pork demand, the lean hog contracts were also rallying into Wednesday's close. So far this week the market has chopped mostly sideways as traders haven't wanted to push the contracts any higher without increased fundamental support. But the slight uptick in pork demand has traders willing to advance the contracts at this point in time.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/04135038/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The U.S. farm machinery equipment market experienced challenges across many fronts in 2025. Recent data suggests many new and used equipment sales categories continued to decline last year. Additionally, lower grain prices and farm incomes, along with the elevated cost of borrowing money, have dampened farmer demand for equipment and machinery. Major manufacturers like Deere, CNH Industrial, and AGCO are adjusting their inventories by scaling back production. 

Reports show the most significant challenge was the tariffs implemented in 2025, which further squeezed manufacturer margins. In 2020, farm tractor sales grew by 17.7 percent, and combine sales rose by almost five percent. A market downturn became more pronounced in 2023 and continued sharply the following year. But despite the decline in sales, machinery and equipment prices remain high. The National Agricultural Statistics Service said the index for machinery prices increased 0.8 percent in December 2025 compared to 2024.  

Farm machinery manufacturers facing headwinds

Farmer sentiment improved in February as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose from 113 points in January to 116. The Current Conditions Index increased by 11 points, while the Future Expectations Index dropped one point. The Future Expectations Index this month was 45 points lower than last year’s February index, reaching its lowest level since September 2024. 

Although concerns about agricultural exports moderated somewhat from the previous month, they’re still higher than those expressed in December. In addition, the percentage of respondents who think the U.S. is headed in the “right direction” declined for the second month in a row. Almost 44 percent of respondents to the survey indicated that their farm operations were worse off in February than they were a year earlier. About 15 percent of respondents plan to reduce the size of their operations, while 34 percent said they don’t plan to grow at all. 

Farmer sentiment rebounds

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

Row crop futures raced to a strong start following Monday evening's open, bullishly influenced by another 5-6% move in crude oil futures as the U.S. and Israel-Iran war rages on. However, as was the case on Monday, the U.S. Dollar strengthened relative to other currencies, hitting the highest mark since late November before fading slightly through Tuesday's trade. Moreso, soybeans and soybean oil remain well overbought from a technical standpoint, and rally attempts beyond November highs are understandably being met with profit-taking speculative selling and likely producer hedging pressure as well. Still, despite finishing well below daily highs, futures appeared equally stubborn to move drastically lower than even, with several markets setting higher lows as compared to Monday's reversal session and ultimately closing with modest gains on Tuesday. Equity markets were a bearish flagship on Tuesday as well, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down for a third consecutive session, although bouncing from what were almost three-month lows in early trade.

The live cattle complex got back to trading higher as traders seemed to have found some technical support throughout the day's trade. Today's slight uptick in price doesn't mean that the pressures (both external and internal) have merely disappeared, because they haven't, but rather instead that traders believe enough downside regression has been seen in the near term and that it's both acceptable and safe for the complex to trade mildly higher. No cash cattle trade has developed yet. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $6.60 ($387.94) and select up $1.53 ($379.74) with a movement of 54 loads (34.97 loads of choice, 4.66 loads of select, 3.63 loads of trim and 11.11 loads of ground beef).

And in keeping in unison, most of the feeder cattle complex followed the live cattle market's direction and was also trading slightly higher. The live cattle contracts were trading higher in a somewhat stable fashion, but the feeder cattle complex was much more sporadic about its trade this morning, bouncing back and forth throughout the vast majority of the entire session.

And without the support of stronger pork demand, the lean hog complex was trading mixed to lower into Tuesday's closing bell. And at this point, a sideways lower trend is expected to continue in the lean hog complex until fundamental support improves.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/03142506/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the “One Farmer, One File” modernization plan, another action designed to put “farmers first” with sweeping technological improvements at the USDA. Speaking during the Commodity Classic, she said USDA’s plan is to create a single, streamlined record that follows farmers, no matter where they go in the USDA system. “The modernization of old, duplicative, wasteful systems has just one goal in mind, which is to improve our customer service so the people we serve are able to farm and feed America and the world,” she said. 

“So, the ‘One Farmer, One File’ prevents our farmers from duplicating tasks while it increases their productivity and time in the field.” Not only will it reduce the administrative burden for farmers, but it will also make program delivery more efficient, save time for USDA staff, and decrease spending on disparate information technology systems. 

USDA launches “One Farmer, One File” initiative

About 180 million metric tons of fertilizers are consumed each year, and Forbes said roughly 55 to 60 million metric tons of urea move through international seaborne trade annually. The Middle East accounts for approximately 40 to 50 percent of that traded volume, and nearly all of those exports have to travel through the Strait of Hormuz. “In other words, more than one-quarter of the globally traded nitrogen fertilizer, and a meaningful share of total nitrogen production, moves through a single maritime choke point that is now threatened by war,” Forbes said. 

What Iran means for global fertilizer markets 

The wheat market led row crops higher on Friday, shaking off an otherwise sluggish week as traders took Thursday's successful hold of chart support, and lack of a deal between the U.S. and Iran as reason enough to halt profit-taking and follow the influence of higher crude oil prices to close the week. Along those lines, there were reports that Thursday's negotiations made some progress, and talks are expected to continue. Meanwhile, the surge in wheat prices positively influenced corn futures as well, which rose for the third straight session while covering technical ground. Soybeans were mixed through much of the session, struggling with resistance and hedging pressure as prices tread among November highs currently, but well supported to the downside by trade optimism and concerning conditions for the Argentine crop and ultimately managing a very strong close for the week. In outside markets, equities moved sharply lower again with the Dow Jones Industrial Average threatening a monthly loss for February, which would be the first monthly loss since April of 2025.

May corn closed up 5 cents and July corn was up 4 3/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 7 1/4 cents and July soybeans were up 6 1/2 cents. May KC wheat closed up 18 1/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was up 17 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 14 cents.

Live cattle futures posted active pressure across all futures contracts, with spot month February contracts trading $2 per cwt lower, while other nearby contracts traded $3 to $3.60 per cwt lower. Continued strong pressure in outside markets is adding additional pressure to the entire live cattle complex. Cash cattle markets are starting to improve with light trade reported in parts of Kansas at $244, $5 lower than last week's weighted averages. A few live deals are also being reported in parts of Nebraska. Some bids are now on the table in Texas, but so far, they are being passed. Boxed beef prices are Higher: choice up $1.08 ($378.97) and select up $3.44 ($374.23) with a movement of 48.35 loads (38.87 loads of choice, 2.46 loads of select, no loads of trim and 7.02 loads of ground beef).

Feeder cattle futures were leading the market lower Friday, as buyer support seemed to crack during the Thursday trading session. The overall lack of buying interest stepping into the market during initial trade Friday in outside markets seemed to leave even more pressure flooding into the complex. Spot month contracts held the best at this point with prices over $5 per cwt lower at midday, while other nearby contracts held $7 to $7.50 per cwt losses as traders have not only focusing on outside market pressure, but also a lack of market stability through the entire beef complex at the end of the month.

Lean hog futures once again were the quiet and more stable livestock market of the complex, with prices mixed within a very narrow trading range despite the aggressive selling pressure flooding into both the cattle trade and outside financial markets. April futures continued to trade higher through the morning and heading into midday, with a 30-cent gain developing. The rest of the complex remained slightly under pressure with losses of 5 to 15 cents per cwt holding in most nearby contracts. The overall lack of direction in both pork market technical trade as well as stability in market fundamental direction through late February seems to be a welcome relief compared to the market pressure across other markets.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/27140315/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the imminent disposal of USDA’s South Building and Braddock Place, designed to reduce the real estate footprint of the U.S. Government in the National Capital Region. “This is a long overdue move to protect the American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C., area when our government should be closer to the producers we serve,” Rollins said. 

“More than 85 percent of the South Building is unoccupied, and there’s a $1.6 million backlog in deferred maintenance.” She also said it’s “unacceptable” to put these costs on the U.S. taxpayer. “We’re being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promise to American farmers,” Rollins added. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden added that the massive, underutilized real estate footprint wasn’t sustainable in the current USDA budget. 

USDA relocation plans moving forward

The Fertilizer Institute voiced strong support for key conservation, innovation, and nutrient stewardship provisions included in the House Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill proposal. The organization is grateful that Chairman GT Thompson recognized the important role that nutrient stewardship and conservation technologies play in helping farmers produce abundant, affordable food while protecting natural resources. “These provisions in the draft Farm Bill reflect a practical, science-based approach to strengthening American agriculture,” said Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of the Institute. 

Of particular importance to TFI is the inclusion of a clear definition of plant biostimulants, as well as an exclusion to ensure that these innovative, nutrition-based products are not regulated as pesticides. “Incentivizing precision agriculture and enhanced efficiency technologies through conservation programs is a smart investment,” Rosenbusch added. “These tools help farmers get the most out of their applied fertilizer and deliver economic benefits on the farm while enhancing environmental protections.” 

Fertilizer Institute applauds Farm Bill 2.0 

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>McConnell Air Force Base’s aircraft are departing today, moving away from the waves of&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/weatherstory">severe weather</a>&nbsp;which is forecasted for the Wichita area Thursday night and then again Friday night, according to a statement from the base.

That forecast calls for a slight to enhanced risk of severe storms with potential for severe winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes.

Air Force active duty and reserve aircrews from the 22nd&nbsp;and 931st&nbsp;Air Refueling Wings are relocating the base’s KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to several other military bases across the country. This will ensure the aircraft maintain full readiness as they continue to support tasked missions and be available for future taskings, while also avoiding any potential damage from the upcoming weather.

All remaining aircraft, undergoing various phases of maintenance, along with a range of flightline vehicles and equipment, are being stored in hangars as the base readies for the full range of potential weather outcomes.

Kan. Air Force base to relocate aircraft ahead of severe weather

&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people

On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." 

"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."

The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kansas U.S. Senators explain their vote on War Powers Resolution

Concession companies at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are gearing up for the FIFA 2026 World Cup by planning to increase staff. 

A hiring fair hosted by Vantage Group will be held on March 12 at the airport for various positions. Companies like Dunkin’ Donuts, Smoothie King, and others will be hiring immediately for open positions. Prospective employees are encouraged to bring resumes and valid identification to the fair, which aims to prepare for the influx of visitors expected in Kansas City during the World Cup. 

Free parking will be available for attendees at the event.

Kansas City Airport Concessions to Host Hiring Fair Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>

KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.

<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/looking-forward-a-new-chapter-for-six-flags?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWihBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsYzZtakF3WTVuRkxQZXZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkaAETJ4zMV0das0yoP6MkXkVMOgW3h5bzqF6ejIleo_FtIJzLiF41qZtpNt_aem_so5pEBI0IvQUgjNyUMGUwA">Click here for more detail</a>s on what the sale means for park guests

The seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship.

"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Properties Included In Transaction

The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

Worlds of Fun sold as part of $342 million deal

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.

On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.

Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.

Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.

Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

Tip to Kan. sheriff helps in arrest of Calif. man for killing his brother

SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Thursday.

One dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas apartment fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus, of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Mr. Meyer was an aviation legend, leading Cessna for nearly 30 years and overseeing the development and launch of Citation business jets. He played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

He believed in using aviation to help others, founding the&nbsp;<a href="https://airlift.txtav.com/">Special Olympics Airlift</a>&nbsp;— which has transported athletes to the Games for forty years — and supporting workforce development by starting Wichita's 21st Street Training Program to create career opportunities for underserved residents. His passion for youth development extended to many important charitable organizations and causes.

“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of the entire Textron Aviation team, I extend my deepest condolences to Russ’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. I was truly privileged to know Russ as a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”

Russ leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy and service. He shaped our company, our industry and the Wichita, Kansas, community in ways that will be felt for generations to come.&nbsp; For more on the li

Aviation legend, former Cessna CEO has died

On Wednesday, a Department of State charter flight of American citizens departed the Middle East in route to the United States, as part of our ongoing efforts to assist Americans return home.


Additional flights will be surged across the region and American citizens in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel interested in the Department's charter flight or ground transportation options, should complete the Crisis Intake Form at <a href="https://t.co/ZUvr9gptAQ" target="_blank">http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake</a> or contact the State Department's 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444.

US begins charter flights for stranded Americans wanting to leave the Middle East

KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.

On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Two child victims report sex abuse involving Kan. jail deputy 

The Department of War announced the death of two more Army Reserve Soldiers who was supporting Operation Epic Fury.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif., was at the scene of the incident on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, and is believed to be the individual who perished at the scene, according to a statement from the DOW.

 Positive identification of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marzan will be completed by the medical examiner.  The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.

Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. The Soldier was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa.

Pentagon releases names of 2 more U.S. soldiers killed in Iran conflict

The Kansas City Chiefs have made a blockbuster trade, moving All Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a haul of draft picks including three in this year's NFL draft.&nbsp;

It's&nbsp;the second time in three years the Chiefs have traded away a top cornerback instead of handing out a big-money extension. In 2024, Kansas City traded L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.&nbsp; Cornerback will become a need in the free agent market and draft also with&nbsp;Jaylen Watson set to become a free agent next week.

Per a source, the Rams will receive McDuffie and in exchange the Chiefs will get the 29th pick in the first round of this years draft, as well as Los Angeles' fifth and sixth round picks, along with a 2027 third round selection.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rams had two first-round picks in this year's draft as a result of a trade they made with the Atlanta Falcons last year. Los Angeles still owns the 13th pick in this draft.

McDuffie is expected to sign a long term contract extension with the Rams.&nbsp; During last week's NFL Combine, Chiefs GM Brett Veach had expressed interest in keeping McDuffie on the team as the two sides negotiated a contract extension as he was entering the final year of his contract.&nbsp;

“We had a lot of dialogue with Trent last spring, last summer. He’s first out of the gate. Looking forward to get with him and obviously Trent’s a great player.&nbsp; We’d certainly love to have Trent back for the long-term,” Veach said to reporters in Indianapolis.

McDuffie is coming off a season in which he started 13 games with the Chiefs. He registered one interception, one sack and one forced fumble during the regular season.&nbsp; Through his career in Kansas City, McDuffie had just three interceptions, with 34 passes defended, five and a half sacks, and eight forced fumbles.

Chiefs gain more draft picks trading CB Trent McDuffie to Los Angeles Rams

The Kansas City Chiefs informed right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the NFL's new league year, barring a trade to help free cap space as free agency opens next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter the Chiefs informed Taylor of the move, which will&nbsp;will save the Chiefs $20 million against the salary cap and will allow them to be under the cap when the league year starts March 11.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Chiefs entered the offseason more than $57 million over the cap, but have made moves over the past months including&nbsp;releasing veteran defensive end Mike Danna and restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes' contract.

The 28 year old offensive lineman&nbsp;Taylor had one year remaining on a four-year, $80 million deal. He joined the Chiefs in 2023 as a free agent and helped stabilize the offensive line as Kansas City won the Super Bowl that season to become the NFL's first repeat champion in 20 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Taylor was a productive pass blocker, he struggled with penalties, committing 49, 41 which were accepted, in 45 games with the Chiefs, the most of any lineman during that span.

Kansas City still could create even more cap space by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray while also restructuring the contracts of pass rusher Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year contract worth $30 million before last season, is expected to be the starting right tackle for the upcoming season.

Barring trade, Chiefs plan to cut OL Jawaan Taylor ahead of new league year

The Penney Hornets battled with the Nodaway Valley Thunder in the Class 2 District 16 championship game at St. Joseph Christian High School, battling through foul troubles in a back and forth contest to a 66-63 victory and their first district title since 2016.

Head coach Doug Burnett says it feels really good to bring the first district title in a decade back to Hamilton.&nbsp;

"Our guys have to deal with, I tell them all the time, they have to deal with me being on them nonstop, all game long, about what it takes to be a champion, the attitude you have to have every single day," Burnett tells reporters after the game.&nbsp; "We know this was not won the last week, this was won all the work they did in the summer, all the work they did in the fall, all of those things, we're just lucky to have great kids."

Despite constant pressure from the Thunder, many times being triple covered, Jacob Miller scored seven of the Hornets first 10 points of the afternoon, helping lead Penney to a 21-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.&nbsp; Miller was held to just two points the remainder of the half and Nodaway Valley went on the attack, outscoring the Hornets 19-17 heading into the halftime break trailing by just six points, with Penney leading 38-32.

As the third quarter rolled along, fouls began to pile up for Miller, having three by the end, but again posting another seven point quarter to help keep Penney ahead 51-42 heading into the final quarter.&nbsp; Early on in the fourth though, Miller picked up his fourth foul, forcing him to the bench.

Even with Miller in foul trouble though, eventually even fouling out late in the final quarter, the Hornets had young players step up in the absence of the senior big man.&nbsp; Burnett says it was big to have those other players step up.

"We do that on purpose sometimes, we do a whole bunch of Jake with four JV players versus our other five guys, and we tell them all the time we're going to need you in this moment, we're going to need you in this moment, we're going to need you in this moment," Burnett explains.&nbsp; "And they stepped up and they did it, it's fun as a coach that you hammer them on stuff and you're talking to them about stuff, and then it just pops up like you said it was going to, it makes us feel good that they believe in us."

With Miller out of the game, the Thunder did rally back to tie the game at 59 with 1:11 left in regulation.&nbsp; The Hornets hit key free throws down the stretch though, and some big shots, to pull out the 66-63 victory and advance to their first sectional round of the state tournament since 2016.&nbsp;

Along the way to the district title, the Hornets who sat as the #3 seed, beat Maysville by one point, the #2 seed Gallatin Bulldogs by six, before beating the top seed Nodaway Valley in the championship.&nbsp; Miller say's he's just blessed in the position he's in with this team.&nbsp;

"We've been working so hard this season and the proof is in the pudding," Miller says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with Miller, another player that's stepped up this season for Penney is freshman point guard Hudson Creekmore.&nbsp; Creekmore says this district title is a credit to all the extra work this team has put in.

"All of us are in the gym after practice putting in the work and just stick to our gameplan," Creekmore says.&nbsp; "And we've got this mindset that says no more losses and we stick to it."

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