A young actress
from California found the St. Joseph area cold, but friendly during a movie
shoot a year ago.

Kylee Levien admits
she accepted the role in A Chrismystery without knowing anything about St.
Joseph.

“Yeah, I booked
the role, and I was like, wait, where’s St. Joseph, Missouri? What is that, you
know?” Levien says during a visit to KFEQmmunity. “I was just aware that it was
a really cold, but pretty Hallmarkee town. So, I showed up on Day One and I
froze my boots off. It was cold, especially coming from a California weather,
but I loved it.”

Levien plays the
daughter of a deputy sheriff trying to adjust to a new city when all the town’s
Christmas decorations disappear.

The movie was shot
in St. Joseph and Savannah late last year.

Levien, who is
from the Los Angeles, says though it was very cold when they filmed the movie,
she found the residents very warm.

“This place looked
naturally cinematic, like it was just the perfect Hallmark town. It looked like
it was copied and pasted from our script and put onto a map. It was actually
insane,” Levien says. “And I got here and I walked around the town a little
bit. I got to go shopping a little bit. We visited Scooters. I don’t know, I
fell in love with the town instantly, because the people were very nice and the
places were very nice.”

Levien says she
found area residents very interested during production, quite the opposite of
filming in L.A.

“People are just
in their own world, whereas here, it’s like, oh it’s such a cool thing that’s
happening. Everybody wants to be in it. Everybody wants to be in the know of
what’s happening,” according to Levien. “And so that was really interesting and
seeing how much people wanted to; people were just so interested and I think
that made me feel like, oh, we filmed in the right town.”

Levien recently
returned to the area for a special screening of the movie at the Trail Theater
in downtown St. Joseph. The production company calls A Chrismystery a
light-hearted, family-friendly story.

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

California actress finds cold weather, warm residents during St. Joe filming

Trump: Military members will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas

The St. Joseph School District and the United Way of Greater St. Joseph are partnering to host KinderClub, a kindergarten readiness program designed for children entering school for the 2026-27 academic year.

The two-part program is scheduled for Jan. 13 and Feb. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. Sessions will be held at all district elementary schools and the Noyes Administration Building.

Led by district staff, the free sessions focus on essential school readiness skills. The program provides parents and primary caregivers with resources to help children transition into the classroom environment. Families who attend will receive a book for their home library and educational tools to continue learning at home.

Registration is available online or by calling United Way at 816-364-2381. Parents with questions regarding specific attendance locations can contact the St. Joseph School District Enrollment Center at 816-671-4115.

Registration underway for United Way KinderClub

The winning number for the Shop St. Joseph Holiday Program&nbsp;

The shopper with the winning ticket has 24 hours to come forward to claim the $10,000 prize. Shoppers are urged to keep their tickets because if the winner hasn’t come forward by 5 p.m. on Thursday, another number will be announced. This process will continue at 5 p.m. on weekdays until a winner comes forward with the winning ticket.

The winner MUST call the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce at (816) 232-4461 during business hours or (816) 261-3610 after business hours to arrange a time to verify the ticket. He or she MUST come to the Chamber office at 3003 Frederick Ave. before 5 p.m. Thursday to claim the prize. The person with the winning ticket should come to the Chamber to have the ticket verified, not a member of the media. Media members cannot verify a winning ticket.

On top of the $10,000 dollar grand prize, there's an extra cash prize of $2,500 dollars this year for shopping at small businesses&nbsp;

The winning number for the Shop Small Business Bonus&nbsp;

The winner will be responsible for any applicable taxes.

The winner must be 18 or older. Proof of age, Social Security number, home address and place of employment (if applicable) is required to claim the prize. Chamber of Commerce staff, Chamber officers and their immediate family members (dependents living at the same address) are not eligible to win the grand prize. Participating business owners, managers and employees are eligible to win, with the exception of tickets distributed through their own place of business (including other participating locations).

One winning number per each second-chance prize were also drawn today. Those numbers will be announced after the grand prize ticket has been verified.

This is the 19th year for the Shop St. Joseph event.&nbsp;

Shop St. Joseph is presented by First Option Bank.

The Winning Shop St. Joe Ticket Number Is?

Someone seeking a
state audit of a governmental body has the option of calling the Missouri State
Auditor’s whistleblower hotline.

State Auditor
Scott Fitzpatrick urges anyone with concerns to call the hotline.

“So, we encourage
people to contact the Whistleblower Hotline and one of the reasons we like to
talk about audits at the beginning of the audit is so that people listening
know that if they have information that could be useful to us in the audit,
they can get that to us in a variety of ways,” Fitzpatrick tells KFEQ/St.
Joseph Post.

And while a
whistleblower doesn’t have to give a reason, those calling the hotline will be
asked about the motivation behind the request.

“No, they don’t
have to give a reason,” Fitzpatrick says. “They generally do give a reason,
because typically the first contact is, hey, we want you to do an audit and the
question that we ask is okay why, what’s the reason for the audit, what are
your concerns with the entity?”

A phone call isn’t
the only way to the Auditor Whistleblower Hotline, but that number is
1-800-347-8597.

You can also go to
the <a href="https://auditor.mo.gov/whistleblowerhotline/form">Auditor’s webpage and request an audit</a>. Email also works at <a href="mailto:moaudit@auditor.mo.gov">moaudit@auditor.mo.gov</a>.

Taxpayers can also
gather signatures on a petition to require the Missouri State Auditor to
conduct an audit. A resident of the St. Joseph School District is circulating a
petition requesting a state audit of the district.

Concerned about a body's finances? Call the Whistleblower Hotline

KFEQ Morning Sports 12/17/2025

KFEQ Morning News 12/17/2025

HOLT COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday in Holt County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Ford Escape driven by a 58-year-old Springfield woman was southbound on Interstate 29 seven miles southwest of Oregon. The SUV rear-ended the towed unit on a 2024 Freightliner semi driven by a 37-year-old Winter Haven, Florida man. After impact the SUV began to overturn.&nbsp;

Atchison Holt EMS transported the SUV driver to Mosaic in St. Joseph. The semi driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Mo. woman hospitalized in St. Joe after rear-end crash

For many, the holidays are full of light, love, family and festivity. But for others, the last weeks of the year can represent loneliness, loss or family tension.

Kristen Peltz, director of wellness services and counseling at Northwest Missouri State University, provided tips for those struggling to cope, noting that everyone deserves peace and a chance for joy during the season.

Peltz advises those who find the holidays a time of isolation — perhaps due to the loss of a loved one, children leaving home or separation from family — to actively seek connection. She recommends avoiding the natural tendency to isolate when sad or lonely, instead accepting the generosity of others.

For those spending the holidays alone, she suggests volunteering. Helping others offers a much-needed service, gets a person out into the community and often leads to a positive self-assessment.&nbsp;

The holidays are often "a setup for perfectionists," Peltz says, noting that media tries to convince people they can create a perfect celebration. She recommends giving yourself room to have a wonderful, and wonderfully imperfect, holiday.

Allow the cookies to be store-bought, the guests to argue and the lights to go out. Life happens in all its wondrous chaos and unpredictability, and people should celebrate it.

Set Limits and Prioritize Self-Care

The holiday season can make it difficult to stand up to pushy or critical friends and family, but setting limits is crucial, Peltz advises. She recommends clearly stating what you are willing to do and where you draw the line.

Peltz stresses the importance of self-care. People should take care of themselves as much as they care for others and encourage a more equitable distribution of responsibility. She recommends staying firm when push-back occurs, as others will adjust.

In addition to setting external boundaries, Peltz suggests taking time for yourself, even when surrounded by family. This can be as simple as running an errand, taking a walk or stepping into another room for a brief respite. Even sitting in your car for a few minutes to breathe deeply can provide a much-needed break.

Address Loss and Financial Pressure

For those who are reminded of someone dear during the holidays, honoring that person can be an important part of healing. Peltz suggests rituals like creating a memory box, writing a letter to the loved one or engaging in an activity they enjoyed. She points out that grief, painful as it may be, reflects something wonderful.

If finances are a source of stress, Peltz encourages reconsidering spending. This may involve letting others know you are cutting back on gift-giving. People should release the pressure of gift-giving expectations and the financial stress that comes with them.

Peltz also advises practicing acceptance regarding family dynamics. What hasn’t changed yet is unlikely to change over the holidays. People should take a deep breath, relax and remember that their powers of persuasion, diplomacy or resolve are limited.

Finally, Peltz urges those struggling with persistent mood, stress or loss-related challenges to consider counseling. There is no wrong time of year to ask for help.

Holiday Survival Guide: Finding peace and joy when the season is a struggle

The Missouri Department of Transportation is shutting down the north interchange between Interstate 29 and 229, north of Saint Joseph and east of Amazonia, for&nbsp; concrete replacement.

Per MoDOT, the northbound lanes of 229, Highway 71, and Highway 59, which all run concurrently there, will be closed below I-29 from 8 AM Thursday to 9 AM Friday, December 19th. The ramp from southbound I-29 to northbound 71 will likewise be closed during this time.

I-229 Interchange to close Thursday and Friday

A Savannah High
School senior faces a weapons charge after allegedly pulling a gun on another
student.

Authorities are
relying on video evidence that seems to indicate 18-year-old Chris Burnett pointed
a gun in the direction of a student who got into an argument with his brother. The
incident occurred Friday on school property. The principal provided
investigators with the video recorded by a student.

Savannah school
officials say no one was hurt.

Burnett is being
held in the Andrew County jail.

Savannah HS senior charged with threatening student with gun

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

It was another mixed to bearish session for U.S. row crops on Wednesday as South American weather bears continue to lead liquidation efforts in the soybean complex, although prices ultimately found interested buyers over the last couple of hours of trade and are oversold from a technical viewpoint. Meanwhile, corn futures found support when March prices fell below the 100-day moving average on Tuesday, rebounding to recapture those losses Wednesday. Wheat markets in the meanwhile fell to new lows in Chicago and Minneapolis. Energy markets turned higher from early 2021 lows set on Tuesday, going largely ignored in the ag sector other than positive influence on corn futures, especially following a mostly positive weekly ethanol report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Equities were again weaker on Wednesday as well on profit-taking following last week's surge to a new record for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

After rallying throughout Tuesday's trade, the live cattle complex has again settled to trade lower as the resistance at the market's 100-day moving average simply remains too stiff of a barrier to challenge at this point. Are you seeing the trend in the market right now? One day the market rallies and trades higher, but then on the next day, it steps lower as traders don't believe that either they possess enough support or that it's the right time to challenge the market's resistance. Either way, the complex is trading merely steady, holding a position just below the 100-day moving average. No cash cattle trade has developed yet. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $1.96 ($356.92) and select down $0.26 ($348.84) with a movement of 91 loads (72.72 loads of choice, 7.09 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 11.61 loads of ground beef).

After closing above the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average, the feeder cattle complex is tradeda tick lower into Wednesday's close. The market still remains above that threshold, which is significant. With the live cattle contracts trading lower, it was not surprising to see the feeder cattle contracts dip back below the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average.

The lean hog complex got back to trading lower as the market remains nervous to trade any higher following the substantial gains made last week. Given that the market is just days away from Christmas, it's likely that a slower, lower trend could develop in the lean hog complex.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/17140429/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. The legislation provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, helping to make sure children get the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom. “I’ve worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said bill author GT Thompson of Pennsylvania.

 “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love.” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said, “By restoring schools’ ability to serve whole and reduced-fat milk, dairy farmers and their cooperatives can further expand their positive impact in school lunchrooms and provide more nutritious outcomes for the next generation.”  

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act awaits presidential signature 

Green Plains Inc. has reached a major operational milestone at its three Nebraska ethanol plants. The company confirmed that biogenic carbon from all three locations is now being captured and permanently stored. The captured emissions are transported by the Trailblazer pipeline and are taken to southeastern Wyoming and injected at Tallgrass’s carbon storage hub, completing an end-to-end carbon capture and sequestration chain. 

The company says this achievement marks an important step for both the company's operations and the broader Nebraska bioeconomy, positioning low-carbon ethanol more competitively in regulated fuel markets. With the capture infrastructure now fully operational, Green Plains plans to advance a broader decarbonization strategy while targeting long-term performance gains. Management views carbon capture as a core lever for future growth in an increasingly carbon-constrained fuel market.

Nebraska ethanol plants reach carbon milestone

March corn closed down 3 1/4 cents and May corn was down 3 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 9 cents and March soybeans were down 9 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 7 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 11 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 3/4 cents.

Row-crop prices continued to deteriorate from November highs on Tuesday. January soybeans have now given back roughly 70% of market gains from the Sept. 30 low close to the Nov. 17 high close, a frustrating turn of events as bearish traders focus on widespread South American rainfall and begin to bank on another record soybean crop in Brazil for 2026 and the potential for record corn production in Argentina as well. Outside markets for Tuesday leaned negative in regard to influence on ag futures, with crude oil prices sliding yet again and officially setting new lows for 2025 amid high world production and lower perceived geopolitical risk as Russia, Ukraine, and world leaders work toward a peace solution in the Black Sea. Equity markets were also lower on a higher-than-expected unemployment reading for November in Tuesday's report.

The live cattle complex trading softly higher into Tuesday's closing bell as the market is pleased with the continued support of strong beef demand. The market's 100-day moving average remains a stiff resistance threshold for the market and even with the support from higher boxed beef prices, traders don't firmly believe that they have enough support to currently trade above that threshold. No cash cattle trade has developed yet, but asking prices are noted in the South at $233 plus but still remain elusive in the North. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $0.78 ($360.24) and select up $1.73 ($349.03) with a movement of 48 loads (33.79 loads of choice, 8.30 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 5.98 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was off to a bold start this morning as the market is currently trading above its 100-day moving average in most of the nearby contracts. Fueled by strong buyer demand in the countryside and by the continued support of traders, the market is tiptoeing into territory that hasn't been traded at since late October.

And even with midday pork cutout values a tick lower, the lean hog complex continued to trade higher as traders remain committed to supporting the lean hog market. The market could soften later this week if fundamental support doesn't arise.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/16142313/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the total sales of agricultural tractors in the U.S. dropped almost 20 percent, while combine sales fell 35 percent compared to November 2024. Canadian sales of combines increased 25 percent in November compared to the same time last year, while sales of agricultural tractors dropped seven percent in the same time frame. 

“This month’s numbers reflect the continued economic pressure farmers have been navigating for several months,” said Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “While we’re seeing a short-term slowdown in sales, equipment manufacturers remain focused on supporting farmers with the tools and technologies that deliver efficiency and long-term value.” He also said as the agricultural economy moves into 2026, AEM will continue watching market conditions closely and remains confident in the industry’s underlying strength. 

Tractor and combine sales drop in November

The Trump administration isn’t likely to finalize the 2026 biofuel-blending quotas before the end of 2025. Three sources close to the situation told Reuters that this will only extend uncertainty over a policy closely watched by rival oil and farm sectors. The Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled meetings with industry stakeholders on the quota rule in early 2026, which is a sign the final rule won’t be announced until next year. 

The EPA declined to give a specific timeframe on when a final rule could be reached, noting that it’s still reviewing public comments on the volume requirements. A delay in finalizing the mandate is troublesome because fuel makers, farmers, and commodity traders use them to lock in supply contracts, hedge the volatile crop and energy markets, and justify investments in new production capacity. Earlier this year, the EPA proposed raising total renewable fuel requirements for 2026 and 2027.

2026 biofuel quotas likely not coming this year

March corn closed down 1 cent and May corn was down 1 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 5 cents and March soybeans were down 5 1/2 cents. March KC wheat closed down 6 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 8 1/2 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was down 7 cents.

Corn, soybean, and wheat futures fell again to begin the new week as rainfall in South America through the first half of December has given way to refreshed bearish supply concerns. Meanwhile, from a technical standpoint, if prices are to continue selling off through the week and month, long standing chart support levels will be tested.&nbsp;

The livestock complex was trading mixed into Monday's noon hour as traders sat tight, waiting to see what fundamental support arises this week. But unless something powerful happens in the cattle complex, it's unlikely that trades are going to trade the market above its 100-day moving average any time soon.

Cattle finished the day i the green. Live Cattle was once again, backed up against the market's 100-day moving average, the live cattle complex was on pins and needles as it desired to trade higher, but traders weren't confident that the market possessed enough support to conquer its 100-day moving average.&nbsp;The feeder cattle complex was much the same attitude and followed the live cattle into the green at the end of the day

Although pork cutout values were higher this morning, the lean hog complex was trailing lower into Monday's noon hour as traders seem to be cautious to advance the market much more, given that late last week the complex rallied aggressively. Pork ended the day in the red.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/08204004/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

A USDA report says exports of corn continued their torrid pace while soybean shipments remained well behind 2024 year-end totals during the week ending on November 13. The report contains the latest export sales data as USDA continues playing catchup after the government shutdown that ended a month ago. 

Corn exports from the start of the marketing year through mid-November totaled 16.23 million metric tons, which the agency says is up 74 percent year over year. Commitments from overseas buyers to purchase U.S. corn were up 30 percent annually to 40.72 million metric tons. Soybean exports plunged 41 percent to 10.048 million metric tons. USDA said promises to purchase U.S. soybeans were reported at 18.043 million metric tons, also down 41 percent year over year. Wheat exports from the start of the marketing year totaled 12.196 million metric tons, up 23 percent annually.

U.S. Corn Exports Well Above Last Year’s Pace

The Fertilizer Institute praised the House of Representatives for passing HR 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. It’s legislation designed to bring clarity, consistency, and predictability to the federal Clean Water Act permitting process. 

“Permitting reform is essential to strengthening America’s fertilizer supply chain,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch. “For new phosphate and potash mining projects to nitrogen production and modern distribution facilities, today’s permitting process is too often defined by years’-long delays and significant uncertainty.” He added that the PERMIT Act provides the guardrails needed to keep critical projects moving while maintaining protections for water quality and natural resources. 

TFI members routinely face permitting delays for new and expanded fertilizer production operations that stretch into decades and cost tens of millions of dollars. The delay impacts the farmers who rely on a stable, affordable, and abundant supply of fertilizer.

TFI Applauds House Passing the PERMIT Act

March corn closed down 5 3/4 cents and May corn was down 5 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 16 3/4 cents and March soybeans were down 16 cents. March KC wheat closed down 4 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 4 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was down 1/2 cents.

March corn closed down 4 cents and March corn was down 3 1/4 cents. January soybeans closed down 28 1/2 cents and March soybeans were down 29 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed down 13 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 6 1/2 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was up 2 3/4 cents.

The mostly bearish price action in row-crop futures on Friday was not unique just to agricultural products, with heavy selling seen across macroeconomic markets as well from equities to energies. In row crops, soybeans again led the way lower as bears remain in full control of momentum currently; although the market is becoming a touch oversold from a technical standpoint. Corn and wheat markets were lower as well with corn lower on the soybean weakness and wheat markets initially holding stubbornly to short gains were ultimately unable to trade against the overarching bearish tone to close the week. Looking at outside markets, essentially the only major indicator which was higher for Friday was the U.S. Dollar Index, snapping a streak of two lower days primarily due to higher Treasury yields.

Following Thursday's rally, the live cattle complex once again traded lower as the market still doesn't believe it possesses enough support to challenge the market's resistance at its 100-day moving average. One could argue that the rally this week in the fed cash cattle market should be enough support to help traders make that move, but from a technical standpoint, traders still aren't confident about that leap. If traders were to challenge the resistance at the 100-day moving average, they'd need to believe that there's enough support in the marketplace to not only conquer that threshold, but also sustain a position above that mark as a move over the 100-day moving average would signal continued support, which is likely what traders are struggling with most at this point given that they obviously see that the market holds ample fundamental support this week, but don't know what's in store for the upcoming holiday weeks. So far this week Northern dressed cattle have traded at mostly $353 to $355, which is $10.00 to $12.00 higher than last week's weighted average, and Southern live cattle have traded at mostly $230, which is $6.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $0.85 ($357.26) and select up $1.32 ($344.87) with a movement of 89 loads (61.32 loads of choice, 8.07 loads of select, 15.07 loads of trim and 4.20 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex doesn't seem to believe it has enough support either to sustain its position above the market's 100-day moving average, and it's currently trading below that threshold. Today's slight regression doesn't likely mean that traders believe the market needs to again trade vastly lower, but rather that they potentially jumped the gun on challenging the resistance at the market's 100-day moving average.

While the cattle contracts were trading mostly lower, the lean hog complex fought to keep its upward momentum. Today's support mostly came from traders' willingness to continue to advance the complex as pork cash prices and pork cutout values were lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/12/12140312/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

KANSAS CITY—A suspect in a deadly Kansas City gas station killing is facing multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2777/Stallings-RED-COMPLAINT-AS">Adrian Stallings</a>, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On November 18, Kansas City police responded to a gas station and located a victim inside the store, shot multiple times. He was confirmed deceased on the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and observed a man, later identified as the Stallings, enter the gas station store, speak with the victim and other individuals present briefly, and then approached the clerk at the register to purchase an item.&nbsp;

Stallings then looked back at the group of individuals and asked what they were laughing at and an argument and altercation ensued. Stallings pulled out a firearm and shot at the victim, who fell to the ground. Stallings then shot at the victim again as he was on the ground. He stepped back and then stepped forward and fired a third time toward the victim’s head and then fled.&nbsp;

Detectives used department resources to help identify Stallings including booking pictures and social media. Stallings&nbsp;is being held without bond.&nbsp;

Court records: KC man killed victim after group laughed at him

WASHINGTON — President&nbsp;Donald Trump delivered a speech from the White House Wednesday night.

🎥Highlights of President Trump's address to the nation

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for theft of lottery tickets from where he worked.

Just after 9a.m., the Casey's in the 500 Block of N. Ohio in Salina reported that an employee stole over 100 lottery tickets from the store between November 30 and December 14, according to&nbsp;Police Captain Jim Feldman. The lottery tickets were valued at $2,700.

Lottery tickets in Kansas are tracked using barcodes and a centralized computer system that logs each ticket sale and activation.

Officers arrested the suspect identified as 37-year old Robert Davis.

Davis was booked into the Saline County Jail on a requested charge of Felony Theft. He also had a warrant out of Russell County.

Kan. convenience store employee accused of stealing lottery tickets

Trump pays respects to National Guardsmen, interpreter killed in Syria 

RENO COUNTY—The Reno County Sheriff has identified the UPS driver who died in the accident with a train on Tuesday as&nbsp;has 47-year-old Darick Navarro of Hutchinson

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, deputies from the Reno County Sheriff's Office along with Burrton Fire and EMS, Reno County EMS, and Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched to a train, UPS truck collision at Blanchard and Woodberry in eastern Reno County. 

  Arriving units located a UPS delivery truck with heavy damage. The driver, later identified as Navarro, was removed from the vehicle and emergency services began life saving procedures. He was pronounced deceased by EMS on scene.  The train was occupied by two BNSF employees who were uninjured.

Sheriff IDs  Kansas UPS driver who died in collision with a train

🎥Mo. U.S. Senator: Focus is to blow the boats killing Americans out of the water

Less than two months after pleading guilty in the deaths of 32-year-old Kalsey Payton and a 4-year-old girl, 37-year-old Wendell Payton was sentenced Monday afternoon to consecutive life terms in Reno County District Court.

27th Judicial District Judge Daniel Gilligan ordered two 50-year sentences for first-degree murder to run consecutively, resulting in a controlling sentence of 100 years without the possibility of parole. Payton will not be eligible for parole consideration until after serving 50 years. Additional sentences related to aggravated arson, child endangerment, and interference with law enforcement were ordered to run concurrently with the homicide sentences.

Payton pleaded guilty on Oct. 17 to two counts of intentional, premeditated first-degree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated endangering of a child, two counts of interference with law enforcement officers, and domestic battery against Kalsey Payton. As part of the plea agreement, Payton waived his right to appeal the sentence.

The charges stem from a Feb. 1 fire at a residence in the 1000 block of East Third Avenue in Hutchinson. Kalsey Payton and the 4-year-old girl were found inside the home after firefighters responded to the reported blaze.

Kan. man sentenced for murder of wife and 4-year-old daughter

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department says it has upgraded its investigation into Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over a video where he and other members of Congress told members of the military they didn’t need to follow illegal orders.&nbsp;

“The Office of the Secretary of War, in conjunction with the Department of War’s Office of the General Counsel, is escalating the preliminary review of Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.), to an official Command Investigation,” a spokesperson for the department wrote in an email Monday night.&nbsp;

“Retired Captain Kelly is currently under investigation for serious allegations of misconduct,” the spokesperson continued. “Further official comments will be limited to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”

Paul J. Fishman, an attorney at the Arnold &amp; Porter law firm who is representing Kelly, wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26379142-ltr-to-secretary-phelan-dec-15-2025/#document/p1" target="_blank">a Monday letter</a>&nbsp;to the secretary of the Navy that “there is no legitimate basis for any type of proceeding against Senator Kelly, and any such effort would be unconstitutional and an extraordinary abuse of power.”

“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum—criminal, disciplinary, or administrative—we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach,” Fishman wrote.&nbsp;

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had set Dec. 10 as the deadline for the secretary of the Navy to recommend what to do about Kelly’s appearance in the video, but that came and went without any public announcements.

Hegseth also remained silent on the matter after rebuking Kelly weeks ago for posting the video where he and five other Democrats warned against illegal orders.

Kelly said on Dec. 9, one day before the deadline, he hadn’t received any information from the Navy or other administration officials.&nbsp;

“Forget about an update. I haven’t heard anything from the guy,” Kelly told reporters. “That’s a good question for you guys to ask the Navy.”

The secretary of the Navy’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

The Department of Defense posted in late November that officials were&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/pentagon-investigates-arizona-sen-mark-kelly-after-he-appears-video-blasted-trump" target="_blank">looking into</a>&nbsp;“serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly for appearing in the video.&nbsp;

It didn’t detail how Kelly might have violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice but stated that “a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”&nbsp;

Hegseth&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/DeptofWar/status/1993436056008507865/photo/1" target="_blank">referred</a>&nbsp;the issue to Navy Secretary John Phelan for any “review, consideration, and disposition” he deemed appropriate. Hegseth then asked for a briefing on the outcome of the review “by no later than December 10.”

Kelly said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/arizonas-kelly-vows-stay-outspoken-despite-threats-over-illegal-order-video" target="_blank">during a press conference</a>&nbsp;in early December the military’s investigation and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrats-threatened-trump-over-video-say-theyre-now-being-probed-fbi" target="_blank">a separate one</a>&nbsp;by the FBI were designed to intimidate the six lawmakers in the video from speaking out against President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The lawmakers in the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenatorSlotkin/status/1990774492356902948" target="_blank">video</a>, who have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies, told members of those communities they “can” and “must refuse illegal orders.”

“No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant,” they said. “But whether you’re serving in the CIA, in the Army, or Navy, or the Air Force, your vigilance is critical.”

The other Democrats in the video — Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander — are not subject to the military justice system.&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-accuses-6-democratic-lawmakers-seditious-behavior-punishable-death" target="_blank">railed against the video</a>&nbsp;a couple days after it posted, saying the statements represented “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Pentagon ‘escalating’ investigation into Sen. Kelly for illegal-orders video

By:<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/author/nancy-lavin/">Nancy Lavin</a> <a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/">Rhode Island Current</a>

Newly released,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/BYzr71Vlqz4" target="_blank">enhanced video footage&nbsp;</a>and photos build out the description of suspected Brown University mass shooter: his gait, his pacing, appearance.

But the identity of the man seen pacing the residential neighborhood as early as 10:30 a.m. the day of the shooting remains unknown. Local and federal investigators continue to ask for information, including photo and video evidence, as the search for the person responsible for<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/two-brown-university-students-who-lost-their-lives-in-campus-shooting-identified/">&nbsp;killing two students</a>&nbsp;and injuring nine people stretches into a fourth day.&nbsp;

“We’re looking for a moment that is short, shorter than a person taking a breath,” Col. Oscar Perez, Providence Police chief, said during a press conference late Tuesday afternoon. “It’s incredibly hard work to do that and so we’re asking the public to assist with that.”

More than 200 “credible” tips have poured into city and federal tip lines, along with terabytes of video and photo footage from residential properties surrounding the Ivy League campus. Yet there is no video from inside the Barus and Holley engineering building that shows the gunman.

“The only video of that presumed, anticipated, suspected however you want to define it person of interest — you have it,” Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Tuesday.&nbsp;

Nor have investigators been able to trace the person of interest’s movements a few blocks beyond Governor Street, a few blocks east of the engineering building.

“What’s really critical first, is that we identify who the person is,” Neronha said. “Once we identify who the person is, I believe we’ll be able to locate them. It’s very hard to hide in this country.”

Neronha continued, “Once we’ve identified him, we’ll know more information about where he’s from, and who his friends are, and where he might have gone.”&nbsp;

The FBI is offering a&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/15/new-videos-show-suspect-casing-brown-campus-and-neighborhood-before-mass-shooting/">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;to anyone with information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible.&nbsp;

Besides a rough description of a 5-foot-8, stocky man wearing various shades of dark clothing, a satchel strapped across his body in some of the video segments, officials were reluctant to comment on any more facets of his identity, including an age, motive or connection to the university.&nbsp;

Perez said he appears to be casing the area in preparation for the shooting, noting it was a common practice among criminals who take days, sometimes weeks, to ready themselves before committing a crime.

Even the behavior exhibited in the video, strolling down the sidewalk, then later standing with hands clasped behind his back, looking out the street, was not enough to draw firm conclusions from, said Ted Docks, special agent in charge for the FBI’s Boston field office.

“To get into the mind of an individual that would commit such a heinous act, that’s a place I don’t want to go right now,” Docks said.&nbsp;

Perez said the mid-morning walk Saturday suggests the suspect was casing the neighborhood, familiarizing himself with the setting in preparation for the crime.

Several reporters asked questions about student and faculty pages that have allegedly been taken down since the shooting, along with conflicting reports that the gunman shouted something before opening fire.

But Perez and Christina Paxson, Brown University president, denied any knowledge of university pages being scrubbed. The words spoken, if any, remain unknown, Perez said.

The ever-outspoken Neronha again jumped in with another word of caution.

“It’s easy to jump from words that were spoken to what those words are, to a name that reflects a motive, targeting a particular person,” he said. “That’s a really dangerous road to go down.”

Investigators already ran into one dead end after detaining a person found at a Coventry hotel&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/police-withhold-details-on-brown-mass-shooting-suspect-investigators-search-coventry-hotel/">early Sunday morning</a>, only to&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/14/we-have-not-yet-solved-this-case-officials-say-person-of-interest-to-be-released/">release him</a>&nbsp;less&nbsp;than 24 hours later because there was no evidence tying him to the crime. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley described the initial, incorrect suspect as a “setback” in an interview with the Boston Globe’s Rhode Island Report podcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/15/metro/providence-mayor-brown-university-shooting-setback-ri/" target="_blank">released Monday.</a>

Neronha, however, said Tuesday that while disappointing, it was not unusual for investigations to generate multiple leads that don’t always result in an arrest. Investigators&nbsp;<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/12/16/providence-police-prepare-to-release-more-surveillance-video-of-suspect/">continue to canvass</a>&nbsp;the East Side neighborhood around the scene of the shooting Tuesday in search of additional clues, but the search may expand beyond the neighborhood, or the city limits, in the coming days, Neronha said.

Providence police are also working with law enforcement across the state, and in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Perez said.

Enhanced video released: Brown University gunman still at large

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas sheriff's deputy for alleged crimes.&nbsp;

Just before 2a.m. Monday, 34-year-old Shawn Swanson was booked in the Shawnee County jail on a requested charge of&nbsp; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship, according to online jail records.

Just before 11a.m. Monday he met the requirement of a $1,000 bond and is no longer in custody.&nbsp; He has been placed on administrative leave, according to the sheriff's department.

The Topeka Police Department is in charge of the investigation.

Kansas sheriff's deputy is out of jail after arrest

KFEQ Morning Sports 12/16/2025

KFEQ Morning Sports 12/15/25

For the first time since the 2014 season, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be a part of the NFL postseason, losing the Los Angeles Chargers 16-13 officially ending their postseason hopes after results of three other games turned into elimination for Kansas City.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chiefs needed a win against the Chargers to keep their playoff hopes alive, along with a loss from the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.&nbsp; Even with the Chiefs loss, had any of those teams lost, there still would have been a chance, but the Jaguars blew out the New York Jets, the Bills came back for a win against the New England Patriots, and the Texans beat the Arizona Cardinals.&nbsp;

Kansas City did hold a lead for most of the first half, outscoring Los Angeles 13-3 for a lead.&nbsp; A 12 yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes gave the Chiefs the lead in the opening quarter.&nbsp; Cameron Dicker cut into the lead for the Chargers with a 49 yard field goal, but Harrison Butker knocked through field goals of 27 and 47 yards to extend Kansas City's lead in the second quarter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From there, it was all Los Angeles, as the Chargers outscored the Chiefs 13-0, first cutting the lead to three points just before the halftime break with a 16 yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to KeAndre Lambert, making the score 13-10 at the halftime break.&nbsp; The first half was also riddled with injuries for Kansas City.&nbsp; Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore left, but did return, though later left with a knee injury and did not return.&nbsp; Xavier Worthy and Nick Bolton also went into the blue injury tent, but returned to action.&nbsp;

In the second half, Dicker tied up early in the third quarter with a 23 yard field goal, and then near the end of the quarter put Los Angeles in the lead with a 41 yard field goal.&nbsp; Kansas City's ensuing drive ended with an interception, Mahomes being picked off by Daiyan Henley at the Chargers 17 yard line.&nbsp; Kansas City forced Los Angeles to punt, after a 12 play drive that consumed over seven minutes of clock, and on a last ditch drive, it was a Chiefs fans worst nightmare with the playoffs on the line.&nbsp;

On 1st and 10, just after the two minute warning,&nbsp;Mahomes was sprinting toward the sideline and throwing the ball away when he was spun to the ground by defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, leaving the two-time MVP grabbing at his left knee.&nbsp; Backup Gardner Minshew would come into the game, Mahomes headed to the locker room, and six plays later Minshew's pass attempt was picked off by Derwin James, ending the game.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 16 of 28 passing for 189 yards and one interception, adding two rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown.&nbsp; Isiah Pacheco had 11 carries for 21 yards while Kareem Hunt had six carries for 12 yards.&nbsp; Travis Kelce was the leading receiver with seven catches for 70 yards, Rashee Rice had seven catches for 51 yards, and Tyquan Thornton had two catches for 47 yards.

Kansas City is now 6-8 on the season and will be on the road next week to take on the Tennessee Titans.&nbsp; Kickoff is at noon with pregame at 11am on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country (92.7 FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention for first time since 2014

The Kansas City Royals continued their activity after the conclusion of the MLB Winter Meetings, making a trade Saturday evening with the Milwaukee Brewers in their mission to upgrade their outfield and bullpen.&nbsp;

The Royals&nbsp;acquired switch hitting outfielder Isaac Collins and right-handed reliever Nick Mears from the Brewers, sending lefty reliever Angel Zerpa to Milwaukee, sources told MLB.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trade has not been confirmed by the clubs.

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