August 20th, 2026 Local News
St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Congressman Jason Smith visited Thomure Land & Cattle in St. Francois County last week, touring the cattle operation and meeting with Chip and Linda Thomure to discuss challenges facing Missouri's cattle producers.
The Thomures operate a commercial cattle operation across St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Madison Counties. Their operation includes approximately 500 cow-calf pairs and 20 bulls.
During the visit, the Thomures raised concerns about high interest rates on farm loans, particularly as ranchers work to recover from flooding that affected the region in early July.
Smith said the Thomures' operation demonstrates the hard work and innovation found throughout Missouri's cattle industry.
"Chip and Linda have built an impressive cattle operation through years of hard work and dedication, and it's the same kind of commitment I see all across our district's cattle country," Smith said.
Smith also pointed to the Thomures' custom cattle mineral operation as an example of innovation among Missouri ranchers.
"I'm committed to making sure Missouri ranchers have the support they need to keep doing what they do best, which is exactly why I fought to include the ACRE Act in the Working Families Tax Cuts — to help lower borrowing costs for ranchers like the Thomures," Smith said.
The ACRE Act was included in the Working Families Tax Cuts and is intended to lower borrowing costs for farmers and ranchers. Smith also said the legislation includes permanent 100 percent immediate expensing, the small business deduction and doubled small business expensing thresholds, provisions he says can help agricultural producers reinvest in their operations.
The Thomures also discussed the impact of the recent flooding and the financial challenges associated with recovering from livestock and property losses.
Smith encouraged producers who suffered losses in the flooding to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to determine whether they may qualify for federal assistance programs. Those programs include the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish, and the Emergency Conservation Program.
In addition to flood recovery and borrowing costs, Smith said he continues to push the U.S. Department of Agriculture for stronger support in addressing emerging animal health threats, including New World Screwworm and Theileria, which could pose risks to Missouri cattle herds.
Chip Thomure also has spent approximately 30 years in the concrete business, while Linda Thomure operates several Airbnb properties on and around the farm.
The visit gave Smith an opportunity to hear directly from local cattle producers about the financial pressures and agricultural challenges facing ranchers in the region.
Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Robert Winkelman, the suspect in the July 25 double shooting in House Springs, has died.
According to authorities, Winkelman died Sunday, August 2nd, at a local hospital.
Investigators say Winkelman shot himself in the head at the scene of the crime on July 25th as deputies approached and attempted to take him into custody.
The shooting occurred in the area of Doetzel Drive in House Springs. Detectives alleged that Winkelman confronted people at a neighboring residence before shooting a 38-year-old woman in the head. Authorities said the woman’s 17-year-old daughter was then shot while attempting to provide first aid to her mother.
Both victims were transported to area hospitals in critical condition and later died from their injuries.
Following the victims’ deaths, the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office upgraded the case to include two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action against Winkelman.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing despite the suspect’s death.
Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Robert Winkelman, the suspect in the July 25 double shooting in House Springs, has died.
According to authorities, Winkelman died Sunday, August 2nd, at a local hospital.
Investigators say Winkelman shot himself in the head at the scene of the crime on July 25th as deputies approached and attempted to take him into custody.
The shooting occurred in the area of Doetzel Drive in House Springs. Detectives alleged that Winkelman confronted people at a neighboring residence before shooting a 38-year-old woman in the head. Authorities said the woman’s 17-year-old daughter was then shot while attempting to provide first aid to her mother.
Both victims were transported to area hospitals in critical condition and later died from their injuries.
Following the victims’ deaths, the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office upgraded the case to include two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action against Winkelman.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing despite the suspect’s death.