One person is dead and several others are injured following a heavy structure fire in a downtown multi-family dwelling early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters from the St. Joseph Fire Department were dispatched to the scene around 6:00 a.m. Units from Engines 9, 4, and 12, Rescues 1 and 10, Truck 7, and Battalion Chiefs 33 and 43 responded to find the building engulfed in heavy flames.

Crews initiated immediate rescue operations alongside an aggressive fire attack to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, one individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time," the SJFD stated in a release on Facebook.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the deceased or the specific condition of the hospitalized victims.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Downtown St. Joseph Fire leaves one dead, several injured

St. Joseph Museums, Inc. is launching a new mobile historical tour, "The Murder Bus: St. Joseph’s Darkest Secrets on Wheels," featuring a curated look at the city's most notorious crime scenes and scandals.

The event is scheduled for April 18 and 19. Organized by the Glore Psychiatric Museum and St. Joseph Museums, the tour takes passengers to locations associated with historic homicides and organized crime.

According to museum officials, the immersive experience focuses on the "shadowy legacy" of the region, using expert storytellers to provide historical context at each site. The tour includes visits to several historic mansions and downtown locations tied to unsolved mysteries and local mayhem.

Tickets for the event are limited and going fast. Interested participants can reserve spots through the museum’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stjosephmuseum.org/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawQeZj9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRWU5xOUxsOXdNT0dyZHpWc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqvH7XlwB48lg6Pivhg4Z-BEuVeSkn4_HRiKLQjrN6s8KrJiVe1MT8muqShk_aem_Xm7kD8XuaG-oepKlWEWoHQ">stjosephmuseum.org/events</a>. The St. Joseph Museums are located at 3406 Frederick Ave.

Officials with St. Joseph Museums anticipate holding another 'Murder Bus' tour in July.

St. Joseph Museums to launch ‘Murder Bus’ true crime tour in April

Residents of St. Joseph have until the end of the day to ensure they are eligible to participate in the upcoming local election. 

Today, Wednesday, March 11, marks the final deadline to register to vote for the General Municipal Election scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.

The April ballot features several high-profile races that will shape the city's leadership for the coming years, including the election of the Mayor, members of the City Council, and a Municipal Judge.

To be eligible to vote on April 7, Missouri law requires registration to be completed by the fourth Wednesday prior to the election.

Local officials are encouraging voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their specific voting districts ahead of time.

Polls on Tuesday, April 7, will be open from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Residents are reminded to bring a valid form of photo identification to their polling place.

Deadline Today: Last chance to register for St. Joseph April municipal election

KFEQ Morning Sports 

DAVIESS COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Ford F150 driven by a 59-year-old Gallatin man was northbound on Clay Street at Grand Street in Gallatin. The driver failed to yield to a westbound 2010 Toyota Corolla driven by a 79-year-old Gallatin woman.&nbsp; The Toyota struck the front passenger side of the pickup.

Daviess County EMS transported the 79-year-old driver to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The pickup driver was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

MERCER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before noon Tuesday in Mercer County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by an 84-year-old Chariton, Iowa, man was stopped eastbound on Decal Street at Route P eight miles west of Mercer.&nbsp; The driver failed to yield to a southbound 2013 Chevy 2500 driven by a 48-year-old Cainsville man. The pickup struck the car in the driver's side. 

The Chevy driver was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Roberson Funeral Home. Mercer County ambulance transported the pickup driver to Wayne County Hospital. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Driver killed after pickup, car crash on NW Missouri highway

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 11:30a.m. March 8,&nbsp;a Brown County Deputy responded toa call of a reckless driver complaint involving a white sedan on U,.S. 36 Highway, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

A traffic stop was initiated near Goldfinch.&nbsp; Upon completion of the interdiction with the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, the deputy arrested 61-year-old Daniel Schaefer of Kansas City, Missouri, on requestd charges of DUI and Transport Open Container.

Missouri man accused of DUI, transporting an open container

United Way Success By 6 will host "Seeing Strength, Shaping Supports: Autism-Informed Teaching for Every Learner" on Saturday, March 21, at the Wyatt Park Christian Church Fellowship Hall in St. Joseph.

The training, scheduled from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m., is designed for early childhood educators but remains open to any interested community members. National presenters Cheryl Cotter and Cristen Sassi will lead the session, focusing on how understanding autistic cognitive processing can benefit all students in a classroom setting.

The seminar aims to shift the educational perspective toward a strength-based lens. Participants will learn to align teaching strategies and environmental supports with a child's unique perspective and learning needs.

The event is supported by Community Action Partnership Head Start and Wyatt Park Christian Church. United Way Success By 6 is a collaborative initiative dedicated to ensuring children are prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten.

United Way to host Autism-Informed teaching seminar

UPDATE: Southbound Interstate 29 will be restricted to a single lane Thursday morning as crews move equipment for the ongoing Gene Field Road Bridge project, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The lane reduction is scheduled to take place from 6:00 - 10:00 a.m. on March 12 at the bridge construction site. Motorists should be aware of a 10.6-foot width restriction during this window.

This restriction was initially stated to be Wednesday, but has since changed.

The work is part of a larger effort by Clarkson Construction Company and MoDOT to modernize the Gene Field Road Bridge. Key upgrades include:

The project is currently slated for completion in July 2026.

MoDOT officials remind drivers to remain alert when traveling through work zones. All scheduled work is weather-permitting and subject to change. For more information and project updates, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.modot.org/projects/gene-field-road-bridge-replacement-over-interstate-29-buchanan-county">modot.org</a>.

Southbound I-29 at Gene Field Road Bridge to be narrowed to one lane March 12

Missouri Western State University, the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph (CAP St. Joe), and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning at Wilson Hall to celebrate the expansion of the campus-based Head Start facility.

The expansion, funded by more than $630,000 in grants, introduces two new Early Head Start classrooms for children ages birth to 3, an upgraded food service area, and an enhanced outdoor learning environment. President of Missouri Western State University, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, says, "There is kind of a child care desert in St. Joe, so this is expansion is beneficial to the community."

Since moving to the MoWest campus in 2023, the program has served as a dual-purpose hub for regional family support and collegiate training.

"This program represents the best of what MoWest strives to do," said Kennedy. "We are supporting young children and families in our region while creating real-world learning opportunities for our future professionals."

The February expansion was designed to meet a growing demand for early childhood services in the St. Joseph area. According to Kayla Marmaud of CAP St. Joe, the new facilities strengthen the infrastructure for the region's youngest residents.

"This ribbon cutting celebrates the growth of the program since coming to campus," Marmaud said. "With expanded classrooms and new improvements, we’re continuing to strengthen services for local children and families."

Families interested in Head Start or Early Head Start services can call CAP St. Joe at 816-233-8281.

MoWest and CAP St. Joe celebrate Head Start expansion

The City of St. Joseph, in coordination with Union Pacific Railroad, will temporarily close several roads on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, for pavement repairs at two railroad crossings.

Motorists should anticipate detours and increased traffic control throughout the duration of the project.

City crews will conduct flagging operations at the crossing at Industrial Road and Lower Lake Road. Simultaneously, the crossing at Lower Lake Road will be fully closed from Industrial Road to 1986 Lower Lake Road.

Bluff View Drive will be closed from Stockyards Expressway to Lower Lake Road for continued crossing repairs.

The project is weather-dependent and subject to material availability. Officials urge motorists to exercise caution, follow all posted signage, and allow for extra travel time.

St. Joseph railroad crossing repairs to trigger two-day road closures and detours

The Renewable Fuels Association urged the White House to take immediate action allowing broader use of lower-cost, American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply to help blunt the impact of higher prices for crude oil and gasoline. “Adding larger volumes of low-cost ethanol to gasoline is a proven solution for reducing fuel prices and helping to insulate the U.S. market from global supply shocks,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper in a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

 “A series of deregulatory actions could rapidly unleash billions of gallons of additional fuel volume, providing relief at the pump for hardworking families.” Cooper also said the Environmental Protection Agency should issue emergency summertime fuel waivers that allow a 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RPV) volatility tolerance for E15 use nationwide, as well as E10 in certain areas that previously opted out of the RVP Waiver Program. 

As fuel prices soar, the time is now for immediate action on E15

The USDA and the Army Corps of Engineers announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Texas. This facility is a key part of the five-prong strategy by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins that’s designed to fight New World Screwworm. The plan will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering production for U.S. livestock, wildlife, and public health. 

The Army Corps is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering, and construction of the facility. “The Army Corps is the best in the business, and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure that we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come,” said Rollins. Lt. General William Graham said the Corps of Engineers has helped secure America by engineering solutions to its toughest challenges. 

Plans to fight NWS move forward

May corn closed down 1 1/2 cents and July corn was down 2 1/4 cents. May soybeans closed up 5 1/2 cents and July soybeans were up 6 cents. May KC wheat closed down 11 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 12 1/4 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was down 11 cents.

For at least a few minutes on Tuesday morning, traders took a break from following the geopolitical whirlwind of the past ten days to review fresh crop supply and demand estimates from USDA, with prices showing little to no reaction as USDA left most forecasts unchanged or very close. The theme of the past 24 hours has been an incredible reversal in crude oil, with NYMEX WTI futures back below $85 per barrel after trading just under $120 per barrel late Sunday evening. Comments from President Trump on Monday that the end of the conflict with Iran may be on the horizon increased selling pressure, but on Tuesday Defense Secretary Hegseth signaled more intense bombing campaigns, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi states negotiations with the U.S. were "off the table." The market is anticipating a coordinated release of G7 country oil reserves to stabilize the market, hence Tuesday's price pressure. Meanwhile, price action in equities has been the opposite, with a reversal off Monday lows and the Dow Jones Industrial Average now attempting to post back-to-back higher sessions for the first time in March.

Following Monday's weaker close, the live cattle complex found some renewed technical support and traded moderately higher into Tuesday's closing bell. Unfortunately, the spot April contract is still trading just below the market's 100-day moving average, which will continue to be an important threshold to monitor as whenever the complex is trading below that price-point a level of bearishness is present throughout the marketplace. Still no cash cattle trade has developed and trade will likely be delayed until Thursday or Friday.

Keeping in alignment with the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle complex also traded moderately higher into Tuesday's close. The spot April feeder cattle contract is currently trading above the market's 100-day moving average -- but could face some technical pressure when the complex comes up against the resistance at the 40-day moving average. Despite the immense pressure the futures complex endured Monday, feeder cattle sales held relatively steady; hopefully the same will be said about sales throughout today.

The lean hog complex traded modestly higher into Tuesday's close and is beginning to rival the market's resistance, which could be problematic for traders later this week if the market's fundamental support isn't as strong as desired. Unfortunately, pork cutout values were down at the day's start, which may not help traders in their desire to continue to see the contracts scale higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/10141745/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Farmers are facing high input costs, trade uncertainty, and surging grain production. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins spoke directly about those challenges during the recent Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, her home state. The Secretary told attendees that between 2020 and 2024, fuel costs increased 33 percent, seed costs were up 19 percent, fertilizer prices rose by 48 percent, labor was up 44 percent, and interest expenses were up 71 percent.

 “We’re seven years out from the last farm bill and all of this information we’re trying to work with is so outdated,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association, “Our costs are so different that we have to get something done. It’s like they’ve forgotten about rural America.” There were some stern conversations and tension between farm leaders and representatives of major seed, fertilizer, machinery, and chemical companies during the opening day of the Commodity Classic. 

Farmer frustrations voiced at Commodity Classic

A new poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of Rural Voices USA found that 71 percent of farm families across five Midwestern states say they’re more likely to support a Congressional candidate who votes for year-round E15 legislation. The survey included respondents from Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, and it also found that a majority of all rural voters, at 57 percent, say a candidate’s support of E15 would make them more likely to vote for that candidate.

 “Rural voters see the farm crisis enveloping their communities and are looking for answers from Congress,” said Rural Voices USA Chairman Chris Gibbs. “This survey shows that rural voters and farm families want their members of Congress to go to bat for them on E15 because it ripples across the farm economy.” Gibbs also said that members of Congress would be wise to listen and stop the delays in passing the legislation.

Poll: 71 Percent of farm families back candidates supporting E15

May corn closed down 6 3/4 cents and July corn was down 5 1/2 cents. May soybeans closed down 4 1/2 cents and July soybeans were down 4 cents. May KC wheat closed down 3 3/4 cents, May Chicago wheat was down 13 1/2 cents, May Minneapolis wheat was up 3 cents.

As was wildly expected, crude oil (and related energy markets) jumped drastically again on the Sunday open, with oil hitting the highest level seen since the first half of 2022 following the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine. Prices eventually eased on profit-taking, falling back below $100 per barrel, accelerated on reports that G7 nations will discuss a coordinated release of oil reserves to ease the supply shock caused by the trade halt in the Persian Gulf. Row crops fell from highs along with the energy sector, with overbought technical conditions likely playing a role in encouraging profit-taking and hedging as well. Equity markets were lower again but off their daily lows, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average on pace for the first monthly loss since last April, barring a mid-March turnaround. The U.S. dollar was firm but will face a major technical test near 100 on the index, which has held since early 2025.

It's almost as if the live cattle complex thinks cattlemen and traders alike would grow weary if the market simply traded in a lackadaisical mundane fashion as opposed to the rollercoaster ride it turns into at times. Which perfectly describes the market's $3.00 to $4.00 decline Monday, as news broke late last week that union workers will indeed strike at the JBS packing plant in Greeley, Colorado. The strike is expected to happen the week of March 16, and JBS intends to shift production to other facilities during that time. This causes great anxiousness for the cattle complex as the market is already seeing minimal throughput from packers as they try to manage their margins to the best of their ability. It also raises the question: How is this going to affect beef consumers? Unfortunately, a level of uneasiness will likely reside within the market until this ordeal is played out; expect continued volatility until then. New showlists appear to be mixed, higher in Texas, but lower in Kansas and Nebraska/Colorado.

As expected, the feeder cattle complex has noted the decline in the live cattle market and consequently elected to send its contracts tumbling $4.00 to $5.00 lower into Monday's close. Until the live cattle complex settles down and trade in a more stable manner, the feeder cattle contracts will likely continue to scale lower.

Not even the lean hog complex could trade higher Monday, as its market is also seeing a slight regression into the closing bell. For the lean hog complex the market's resistance seems to be inflicting pressure more than anything else.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/09140148/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

A Missouri state court has granted preliminary approval to a proposed $7.3 billion settlement aimed at resolving thousands of lawsuits alleging that Bayer’s Roundup herbicide caused cancer. Reports show the order from the Missouri Circuit Court in St. Louis allows the company to begin notifying potential claimants nationwide and sets a July 9 fairness hearing to determine whether the settlement will receive final approval. As part of the preliminary ruling, Bayer must deposit $500 million into the settlement fund within 10 business days. 

The proposed settlement, announced in February, is intended to compensate current and future plaintiffs who claim Roundup exposure caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The agreement also establishes a long-term program for handling future claims. Attorneys representing plaintiffs said the ruling is an important step toward compensation for victims after years of litigation. Bayer officials said the settlement is part of a broader strategy to resolve ongoing legal challenges tied to the herbicide. The settlement process will now move through a notice period before the court decides whether to grant final approval later this year.

Roundup settlement receives preliminary court approval 

A tick-borne cattle disease is spreading rapidly across Missouri, with confirmed cases now reported in 60 counties, raising concern among veterinarians and livestock producers. Reports say the disease, Theileria orientalis ikeda, was first detected in Missouri in 2023 and has expanded steadily as the Asian long-horned tick, the parasite’s primary carrier, spreads across the state. The organism infects red blood cells and can cause severe anemia in cattle. Veterinary experts say symptoms may include weakness, jaundice, pale mucous membranes and lethargy. 

In severe cases, the disease can lead to death, particularly in stressed animals or calves. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine available in the United States, leaving prevention and tick control as the main tools for managing the disease. Researchers and extension specialists are urging producers to closely monitor cattle for signs of illness and to work with veterinarians to manage tick populations as the parasite continues to expand westward in the state.

Emerging cattle disease spreads across Missouri

March corn closed up 5 1/2 cents per bushel at $4.47 and May closed up 7 cents per bushel at $4.60 1/2 and March soybeans closed up 21 1/4 cents at $11.85 and May soybeans were up 21 1/2 cents at $12.00 3/4. May KC wheat closed up 31 cents at $6.23 1/2, May Chicago wheat was up 33 cents at $6.16 3/4 and May Minneapolis wheat was up 23 1/2 cents at $6.43

Grain and soy markets added more war premium Friday as the bombing of Iran military sites continue; but Iran still has not backed down. Crude oil soared again as the Strait of Hormuz transit of energy and fertilizer supplies continues to be restricted. Wheat led the markets higher on Friday despite still overall bearish fundamentals as funds continued to buy.

The live cattle complex started the day off trading lower, and upon seeing some fed cash cattle trade develop at lower prices, the market extended with that trend through the day's close. Today's weakness seems to be stemming from a number of different areas. Technically speaking, the market's 40-day moving average seems to pose as too much of a technical barrier for traders to challenge at this point. From a fundamental sense, seeing prices trade $3 lower in the North doesn't send the market warm and fuzzy feelings either. Bids are currently on the table in the South, but no Southern trade has been noted yet.

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower as the market witnessed&nbsp; its contracts fall anywhere from $6 to $7 lower by the closing bell. More than anything, the weakness seen in the live cattle complex amid a lower trade in the fed cash cattle market doesn't give the feeder cattle complex much support to rally around.

The cattle contracts may have traded much lower, but the lean hog complex kept with a slightly higher trend as traders remain committed to keeping a sideways/somewhat higher trend in the hog sector. Today's support largely gets attributed to trades as the market's fundamentals aren't helping drive the ship higher.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/03/06140252/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

For many years, the Iowa Corn Growers Association has been raising concerns about the pressure and crushing prices put on farmers by the fertilizer industry. Fertilizer prices continue to rise while commodity prices go in the other direction. ICGA said an investigation by the Department of Justice would be a step in the right direction, as more probing needs to be done. The Association thanked the Iowa Congressional delegation for hearing corn farmers' concerns’ by bringing forward the Fertilizer Research Act in the Senate and House to review the competition and transparency within the fertilizer industry. 

Additionally, ICGA and the Texas Corn Producers Association sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in early February requesting a status update on the report related to fertilizer pricing and industry consolidation. Reports this week show that the DOJ has begun an official investigation into the U.S. fertilizer industry to explore whether several of the country’s largest fertilizer producers conspired to raise prices on American farmers.

Iowa Corn Growers encourage investigation into fertilizer

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

LEAVENWORTH — CoreCivic will reopen its private prison in Leavenworth to house immigration detainees after city commissioners approved the company’s special use permit on Tuesday, the result of a process one commissioner called “agonizing.”

One person was arrested and multiple people were ejected as they shouted profanity during an hour of public comments and 30 minutes of discussion before the city commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the permit.

CoreCivic and the city of Leavenworth have been fighting for a year as the company sought to reopen the prison it closed in 2021. With&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/30/corecivic-inks-new-contract-with-ice-while-awaiting-legal-decisions-on-kansas-prison/">a $60 million</a>&nbsp;U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement annual contract in hand, the Nashville-based private prison company tried through the courts to reopen without going through the city’s development process.

Brian Todd, a CoreCivic spokesman, said in a statement that ICE officials would decide when the Midwest Regional Reception Center will begin housing detainees.

“As we have from the start, CoreCivic remains committed to operating a safe, transparent and accountable facility,” he said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the city and to the benefits the MRRC will bring to Leavenworth and the surrounding communities.”

The vote was a second — and final — consideration of CoreCivic’s special use permit, which sets regulations for how the prison will operate and oversight the city will provide.

Commissioner Rebecca Hollister was the sole vote against the permit, as she was during the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/after-marathon-meeting-corecivic-moves-closer-to-reopening-leavenworth-prison/">first consideration on Feb. 24</a>.

Hollister said specific issues outlined in the permit caused her to vote no, including a clause that requires breaches of the agreement to continue for 30 days after a notice before termination could occur.

“There have been valid concerns regarding potential violations that occur intermittently, but not necessarily for 30 days continuously,” she said.

Hollister said CoreCivic officials answered her questions and invited her into the facility, but that she believes the company’s promise of transparency and cooperation “requires a high level of trust” that is difficult for her to have, especially given the company’s problems at other facilities.

“With the knowledge I have right now, I just do not have sufficient faith that their operation would meet all the ‘golden factors’ in development regulations,” she said. “I hope to be wrong, and I think that’s possible based on my last positive conversations with staff.”

Two commissioners made it clear their positive votes swung on fiscal responsibility.

“This has been an agonizing process,” said Commissioner Joe Wilson. “Everybody wants to make this morality over fiduciary responsibility, but I think there is a real risk to the future of the city, based on how the vote turns out that has to be considered, that could have long-term ramifications for our children, for our tax base, for our law enforcement and our firefighters and the services that we can provide.”

Commissioner Holly Pittman agreed, saying leadership doesn’t mean choosing an easy path.

She was mayor last year for much of the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/23/federal-government-accuses-kansas-town-of-aggressive-and-unlawful-interference-in-corecivic-operations/">city’s court fights</a>&nbsp;with CoreCivic and was the subject of&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/06/16/dark-money-ads-target-kansas-mayor-after-town-pushed-back-against-private-prison/">dark-money political ads</a>&nbsp;accusing her of holding back progress by forcing CoreCivic to go through the special permit process.

Pittman said the vote wasn’t about immigration policy or national politics, or whether she or anyone else dislikes CoreCivice.

“It is a land use decision governed by law and by the constraints of our political authority,” she said. “After reviewing all the legal framework, the zoning standards and the court rulings, I believe denying this permit would expose our taxpayers to a significant financial risk, and I will not gamble the financial stability of this city.”

Mayor Nancy Bauder said Leavenworth didn’t have a permit when CoreCivic was previously open and if the company violates it, the city can pull the permit.

Commissioner Samuel Maxwell declined to comment.

More than 115 people signed up to speak, but Bauder limited public comment to one hour, which allowed about 45 people to speak, three of whom were in favor of approving the special use permit.

At the February meeting, public comment lasted three hours.

Bauder said commissioners offered multiple opportunities for residents to share their views over the past year, and typically on second consideration of a special use permit, they don’t take public comment.

Many people ceded their time to others with simple statements asking the commissioners to vote against the permit. Others were passionate in their opinions about how CoreCivic and ICE’s presence would change Leavenworth.

“They drug you through the mud by the scalp face first for a year, and I will not see you bend a knee now,” said John Watt, of Junction City. “Stand up.”

Watt expressed a concern echoed by others that once the company is open and holding ICE detainees it will be difficult to enforce stipulations in the permit.

“Like a bloated tick, they’re going to get their head in and they’re going to swell up on those tax dollars and it will be very difficult to get them to move,” he said.

Some acknowledged the challenge facing commissioners.

“Unfortunately, CoreCivic has now put you in a position where your responsibilities to the city’s finances now lie in direct opposition to the responsibilities that you have as leaders to protect our people and our community,” said Daniel McIntosh, of Leavenworth.

The equation comes down to assessing risk, he said.

“If you vote yes, you lessen the risk to the immediate situation of the city’s finances, but you also place at risk the health, safety, welfare and liberty of individuals in that facility and outside,” McIntosh said. “While we appreciate the efforts you’ve taken to mitigate those risks, you run the risk that any oversight granted by this permit may not be enforceable at all.”

After the commission meeting ended, police took CreCivic officials and commissioners out through side doors to avoid the angry crowd of about 150 people who gathered outside, shouting “shame” repeatedly.

William Rogers, a former CoreCivic employee who has been active in protesting the company’s attempts to reopen, said before the commission meeting that he expected the permit to pass. He has little hope CoreCivic will treat incarcerated people better than in the past.

Rogers pointed to the recent death of Emmanuel Damas, an immigrant applying for asylum, who was arrested by ICE in Boston last year. Damas died from an infected tooth and the resulting sepsis infection after being held at the Florence Detention Center in Arizona, which is owned by CoreCivic.

Damas’ death reminded Rogers of the exact same situation that occurred when he was a prison guard at CoreCivic’s facility in Leavenworth. Rogers said he repeatedly sought medical treatment for a prisoner with an infected tooth and was ignored. He was off one day and returned to find the prisoner was in the hospital, near death from sepsis, Rogers said.

The prisoner lived, but Roger said he saw repeated instances like that while working at CoreCivic and that it makes him dread the future for the facility.

He also is concerned about the effects of a larger ICE presence in Leavenworth on people of different ethnicities.

“Let’s just call it what it is —- this is an attack on the brown people,” he said. “In the Hispanic community, people are afraid to come out. It doesn’t matter what their status is right now.”

Rogers said people who are doing everything they are supposed to and are here as asylum seekers are being put in jail by ICE.

At the gathering after the commission meeting, speakers stood to express their frustration but also to offer encouragement.

“Our work here, throughout the entire three years that we’ve been involved in this, is not in vain,” said Karla Juarez, executive director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation. “I see new faces. I see new people advocating. New people making public comments. New people, actually a lot of people who believed that CoreCivic should open, now on our side.”

Leavenworth officials approve permit for CoreCivic to reopen prison for ICE detainees

🎥Missouri U.S. Senator: We've achieved our Iran objectives

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of 55th and Chestnut Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived, they located a man lying in a grassy area, unresponsive, and suffering from gunshot trauma. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officers on scene were updated later he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives continue working to determine what led up to the shooting. Police have not reported an arrest and did not release the name of the victim.

&nbsp;This incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time and is ongoing.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD looking for witnesses in man's shooting death

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 39-year old Rolla man is in custody following a multi-county investigation into a string of livestock thefts across Missouri.

Melvin J. Fincher was apprehended March 9 by the U.S. Marshals Service and "Operation Relentless Pursuit" officers in Neosho. The arrest marks the culmination of a months-long probe led by the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU).

The investigation began on September 3, 2025, when Polk County Sheriff Danny Morrison requested state assistance regarding cattle stolen from a local resident. Investigators soon linked Fincher to that case, as well as separate thefts in Phelps and Barry counties.

According to the Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), investigators identified specific patterns in the thefts that matched incidents reported across several jurisdictions.

Following the RCIU's findings, the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Fincher on February 11 with one felony count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife.

Fincher was transported to the Newton County Jail following his arrest. A judge has set his bond at $50,000.

Serial cattle theft suspect apprehended after state-led investigation

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas Highway Trooper in southeast Kansas stopped a car for failing to maintain its lane, according to a social media report from the patrol

During the stop, he noticed blood on the outside of the bed of the truck and upon further investigation, located a deceased buck which had just been poached. 

The Trooper contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks was to assist. The game warden seized 2 rifles and the poachers were given over $5,500 in fines.

Kansas game warden seized rifles and issued fines after traffic stop

SHAWNEE COUNTY. —Law enforcement are investigating a violent domestic incident and have made an arrest.

Just after 3:38 p.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported domestic disturbance in the 4200 block of SE 85th Street in rural Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the incident, a 61-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being physically assaulted by his daughter. During the disturbance, the suspect, later identified as 39-year-old&nbsp;Chelsea M. Sinning of Berryton, Kansas,&nbsp;also discharged a firearm in the victim’s direction, striking the cell phone he was holding.

Deputies responded to the area and began searching for Sinning. At approximately 4:42 p.m., Sinning was located and taken into custody in the 2100 block of SW 66th Street. The firearm involved was also recovered.

Deputies arrested Sinning and booked her into the Shawnee County

Department of Corrections on requested charges of Attempted murder in the 1st degree; intentional and premeditated, Aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon,&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal damage to property,&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Kansas woman jailed for alleged violent attack on her father

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects involved in a chase and crash involving an SUV stolen from a dealership.

Just after 9:30a.m. Tuesday, Kansas City Police officers were pursuing a stolen blue Ford Explorer that was involved in numerous property crimes, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

The stolen Ford was traveling westbound on Independence Avenue at a high rate of speed. The driver attempted to make a left turn from Independence Avenue onto southbound Indiana. As the driver was making the turn, the SUV went into a slide and struck the curb. The Ford overturned, striking a wooden electrical pole and the east side of the building at&nbsp;3253 Independence Avenue. 

The driver of the Ford sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The front seat passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries but refused medical treatment/transport at the scene. 

The building and electrical pole sustained minor damage from the crash. The driver was reported in stable condition. There were no injuries to any of the involved officers and or uninvolved civilians as a result of the pursuit, according to&nbsp;Gonzalez.

KCPD: Driver hospitalized after police chase, crash with stolen SUV 

🎥US destroyed 16 mine-laying vessels as Iran threatens to block Gulf oil exports

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal apartment fire in Topeka have&nbsp;identified the woman who died as Lynette Newman, 60, of Topeka, according to a statement released Tuesday from the Topeka Fire Department.

Just after 9p.m. March 4, 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.

Newman was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units were displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined unattended cooking and not an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details on Tuesday.

Kansas woman identified as victim in deadly apartment fire

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

TOPEKA — Douglas County District Judge James McCabria declined Tuesday to pause enforcement of a new state law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents, saying he doesn’t have enough information yet and that he believes Kansans are tolerant.

In a six-page ruling — which includes a section titled “Who to believe?” — McCabria said attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Kris Kobach provided no examples to support their claims that the law will harm transgender people or that the law makes bathrooms more secure.

“In hearing the arguments of each side, the Court is struck by a basic assumption each side makes about the other — that our ‘lesser angels’ drive our choices,” McCabria wrote. “Yet, the very paucity of actual examples that&nbsp;either side&nbsp;has put forward in&nbsp;any&nbsp;of the arguments suggests the opposite — that the vast majority of Kansans are tolerant, understanding, accepting and generally supportive of each other and that the vast majority of transgender persons have experienced this as Kansans.”

Two transgender men from Lawrence&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">filed a lawsuit Feb. 26</a>, the day the law took effect, arguing it violates their constitutional rights to due process, privacy, equality and expression. They also argue the law violates a constitutional requirement that bills passed by the Legislature contain only one subject.

Attorneys with the ACLU and the Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr law firm represent the plaintiffs, who are identified by the pseudonyms Daniel Doe and Mathew Moe. They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, which would have paused enforcement of the law for 14 days, which a possible 14-day extension.

McCabria wrote in his decision that the request for a temporary restraining order requires plaintiffs to pass multiple legal tests: They have to demonstrate a likelihood of winning the case, show the law would cause immediate and irreparable harm, and show that a restraining order serves the public interest and no other remedy is available.

“The conclusion became self-evident — this Court simply does not have the information the law requires to enter a Temporary Restraining Order at this stage of the proceedings,” he wrote.

Plaintiffs can continue to provide evidence and arguments in support of an injunction, which would block enforcement of the law while the case is being litigated. McCabria scheduled a case management conference for March 18.

“This is a devastating, but hopefully temporary, setback for our clients and transgender people across the state of Kansas,” said Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU. “The harm of this law has already had sweeping impacts on the lives of transgender people like our clients, threatening their ability to hold a job, go to school, or go about their daily lives.”

The GOP-led Kansas Legislature this year fast-tracked&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 244</a>, limiting public input and debate at every step. The Legislature overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the bill on Feb. 18, and the law took effect as soon as paperwork could be finalized.

Under the law, individuals in public buildings must use bathrooms and other private spaces, such as locker rooms, that align with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender. It isn’t clear how governments, schools, universities, libraries and other entities are supposed to ensure proper bathroom use, but failure to do so will result in a $25,000 fine on first offense and $125,000 fines on subsequent offenses.

Individuals who use the “wrong” bathroom will receive a warning on first offense, a $1,000 fine for breaking the law on subsequent offenses, and be charged with a Class B misdemeanor crime on third and subsequent violations. They also are subject to civil lawsuits from anyone “aggrieved” by their bathroom choice.

Proponents said the law will make it safer for cisgender women to use the bathroom, even though there is no evidence to support the claim. They ignore the reality that the law now requires transgender men, who look and sound like men, to use the women’s bathroom.

In his ruling, McCabria said he rejected the assumption “that every restroom visit is fraught with the potential for violence or embarrassment if this law is not immediately suspended. Or, especially, to assume the Legislature intended to promote such negative experiences when the law was passed.”

The law also requires that gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates match an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

Shortly before the law took effect, the Kansas Department of Revenue sent letters to 275 residents who had changed their gender markers to let them know their driver’s licenses had been invalidated.

Kobach said during a court hearing Friday that 138 of the 275 individuals who were affected by the law had already gotten a new driver’s license.

“You can’t take it seriously, the impossibility of complying, when so many already have,” Kobach said.

Trans Liberty, a national advocacy group, announced Monday it was launching Operation Lifeboat to serve transgender Kansans who need support. The organization previously issued a statewide evacuation warning for transgender people.

Operation Lifeboat provides&nbsp;<a href="https://www.translifeboat.org/" target="_blank">an online portal</a>&nbsp;for trans people to request help with transportation, packing, hauling and getting settled somewhere else, breaking leases, emergency financial aid, legal guidance, DMV escorts and other assistance. Allies can offer to help as drivers, hosts, movers and donors.

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