Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville has announced a restructuring of its academic units to meet the changing needs of higher education.  

Provost Jamie Hooyman says the goal of the restructuring was to increase collaboration in units and help to delineate roles for people in each area 

"We had people doing multiple different tasks, some were able to accomplish those, some had too much on their plate, so really looking at roles and responsibilities," Hooyman tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "Also looking at the student learning process and how do we make that better, that's why we're here, higher education is all about the learning experience for the students." 

Effective July 1, Northwest’s academic schools and departments will be reorganized within four colleges, each led by a dean charged with ensuring the quality of academic programs, research, faculty development and student outcomes. 

Hooyman says the restructuring is to help meet the everchanging needs of higher education.  Hooyman says the change will also help encourage collaboration in departments 

"Take for example the Agriculture and Natural Sciences, by putting those together there are a lot of different ways those two units can collaborate more effectively, because when you're talking soils and working through that and then you have the agricultural side, there are a lot of ways they complement each other," Hooyman explains.  

The academic restructure returns Northwest to a structure in place before its current arrangement was implemented in 2016. 

Along with a restructuring of academics at Northwest Missouri State University next semester, the school will be bringing a brand-new center for students.  

The Center for Engagement and Community Connections will help offer resources for students in several areas including financial concerns, academics, and professional development.  

Hooyman says often times students may not know where all of the offices are on campus that can help them 

"So this office will help, it's right in the middle of the union which is easy access for a lot of our students, so they will also collaborate with a lot of different offices to make sure the services are available and the students know where they're at and how we can help them, things like that," Hooyman says.  

Hooyman says the center will also help broaden first-year peer mentoring and other mentorship programs, including those for first-generation and transfer students. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

NWMSU reorganizing academics, opening new center come fall semester

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

Traders kept their fingers on the sell button for corn and wheat Thursday, driving prices further into multi-month lows for corn, and multi-year lows for wheat prices. Soybean futures were able to find some strength, trading higher on optimism regarding international trade and this weekend's upcoming meeting between the U.S. and China. The big news for Thursday was the announcement of a trade agreement between the U.S. and United Kingdom, of which many finer details are unknown but the early terms appear to be a win for U.S. agricultural interests, with Commerce Secretary Lutnick singling out ethanol and beef exports as examples of U.S. commodities which will enjoy larger market access as a result of the agreement. The agreement comes as the first following the April 2 tariff rollout and subsequent 90-day pause and certainly worked to further ease investors' minds as stocks pressed higher following the news, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average working towards a seventh higher session over the past ten days.

The live cattle complex traded higher upon recognizing the light movement in the North yesterday afternoon and higher for fed cash cattle prices. It's also helpful that boxed beef prices have seemed to find another wind of support as boxes have seen better demand this week than they have in recent weeks. There's been no more trade in the cash cattle market today, but some more trade is likely to develop ahead of the week's end, especially in the North, as movement there has been thin. So far this week, the bulk of transactions have been in Kansas and Texas, with a range of $218 to $221, mostly $219 to $220, $1 to $2 higher than last week's weighted averages. Very light scattered sales in Nebraska and Iowa have been marked at $353 to $360, mostly $353 to $355, $4 to $6 higher than last week's weighted averages.

The feeder cattle complex also traded higher as the market is pleased to see ample support stemming from the live cattle/fed cash cattle market this week. With the live cattle contracts trading higher, boxed beef prices seeing better demand, the fed cash cattle market trading higher, and prices still extremely high in the countryside for feeder cattle, the market honestly has all the support it could wish for.

With a less-than-supportive export sales report and lukewarm market fundamentals, it comes as no surprise that the lean hog market traded mixed again today. The losses currently seen in the pork cutout sector are mainly affecting the carcass prices because of the $5.31 decline in the rib and the $3.00 drop in the belly.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/08144851/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

Commodity markets daily recap

Investors who profit from selling stocks, real estate and other assets soon could reap an even larger benefit in Missouri, which is poised to become the first U.S. state to exempt capital gains from its income tax. Legislation that won final approval Wednesday would halt the capital gains tax this year for individuals and could eventually eliminate it for corporations, if state revenues keep growing. 

Missouri poised to become first U.S. state to exempt stock sale profits from income taxes

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the Office of Pesticide Programs will benefit from the dissolution of the Office of Research and Development, the agency’s scientific research arm. The agency said last week the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, which includes OPP, will get more than 130 employees, some of whom will work on pesticide reviews. On Tuesday, Zeldin told farm broadcasters EPA chemicals staff had urged him to bolster chemical reviews and pesticide registrations. 

“They said that if they were able to get scientists sent to them from the Office of Research and Development, that can help them in getting through this backlog that we inherited,” Zeldin said. Zeldin also urged growers to reach out with suggestions for the recently released insecticide strategy. “My message would be for any individual growers that are out there and they read the insecticide strategy, and they have an idea for us on how to do anything better, let us know, and we'll update. This isn't a final document,” according to Zeldin.

EPA working to clear pesticide registration backlog 

July corn closed down 6 1/4 cents and December corn was down 1/2 cents. July soybeans closed down 2 cents and November soybeans were up 2 3/4 cents. July KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, July Chicago wheat was down 1 3/4 cents, July Minneapolis wheat was down 7 3/4 cents.

The market received an early shot of adrenaline Wednesday when it was reported that the U.S. and China will officially kick off trade negotiations later this week when parties from both nations will meet in Geneva, Switzerland. Agricultural and financial markets alike will be keeping close tabs on the talks for clues on the next stage of the 2025 trade war. Strength in U.S. grains and oilseed markets faded through the morning as traders remain in favor of liquidation with the May USDA data drop just days away. By the close, most U.S. markets had slipped lower with the exception of new-crop November soybeans, which managed to hold on to small gains amid the China related headlines. In outside markets, all eyes were again on the Federal Reserve, which again decided to hold rates steady amid ongoing inflation concerns in what was a widely predicted outcome. Fed Chair Powell's comments Wednesday afternoon will undoubtedly have the market's attention.

After reaching new contract highs yet again just Tuesday, and following the light business that took place in the South at $218 to $220 which is steady to $2.00 higher than last week's weighted average, traders have grown cold to the live cattle complex as all its contracts traded lower into Wednesday's close. More than anything it seems as though traders are cautious about overly supporting the complex more than they already have; traders could also be waiting to see what happens in the North for fed cash cattle trade. At this point only a few more cattle have sold in Texas for $219 which is steady with Tuesday's business, but otherwise no more cattle have sold. Asking prices in the South are noted at $220-plus but are still not fully established in the North.

Following in the same direction as the live cattle contracts, the feeder cattle market was trending lower into Wednesday's close. And just like the live cattle complex, this lower move doesn't seem to be because of any rationale other than because traders are worried the market is overbought.

Without any rip-roaring, wild support stemming from the market's fundamentals, it's no surprise to see the lean hog complex trading lower again, just the July contract managed to finish slightly higher. And while pork cutout values may be up slightly, it currently isn't enough to help boost the morale of traders as their tone and sentiment was set on trading lower.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/07142036/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

A new study commissioned by Clean Fuels Alliance America shows the U.S. biomass-based diesel industry generated $42.4 billion in economic activity in 2024, supported 107,400 jobs and paid $6 billion in annual wages. According to the report, nearly half of the total economic impact at $19.9 billion and 41,500 jobs—came from fuel production, while oilseed production supported 30,600 jobs and generated $15.3 billion in economic activity, delivering major benefits to soybean-growing states. 

Significant employment was also reported in oilseed processing and rendering with more than 21,000 jobs.  “The numbers don’t lie; 2024 was a record-setting year for clean fuels, and the benefits reached deep into rural America,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of Clean Fuels. “This study proves that biodiesel and renewable diesel not only lower carbon emissions but deliver real income and jobs, especially for soybean producers and the broader agricultural economy.” The study also analyzes a near-future capacity scenario of 7.4 billion gallons, based on publicly announced investments in new or expanded facilities. 

Clean fuels industry contributes $42.4 Billion to U.S. economy

Farmer sentiment improved in April as producers expressed more optimism about current and future conditions on their farms. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 8 points to a reading of 148, up from 140 in March. The Index of Current Conditions climbed 9 points to 141, while the Index of Future Expectations increased 8 points to 152. The improvement in sentiment came amidst ongoing tensions with many of U.S. agriculture’s largest trading partners, including Mexico, Canada and China. 

Notably, a majority of producers said they believe the increased use of tariffs will ultimately benefit the U.S. agricultural economy; a view reflected in the stronger future expectations reading. Producers seem to be gaining confidence in the ag economy’s longer-term outlook in spite of concerns they have about the impact of tariffs. This month’s results suggest some producers are starting to look beyond near-term uncertainty and focus more on positioning their farms for the future. The April barometer survey took place between April 14-21. 

Producer sentiment slips on rising policy uncertainty 

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

Row crop and associated products markets were mixed for Tuesday, with wheat futures posting marginal gains after finding support amid multi-year lows. Monday's planting data from the USDA was the main source of bearish sentiment to the corn and soybean markets for Tuesday, as both crops remain ahead of schedule through the season thus far, with good planting weather still observed in the 6-10-day forecast. Outside markets were mixed, with a weaker U.S. dollar for the third straight session, and crude oil posting strong reversal action to trade almost $4 per barrel above Monday's low price. U.S. crop markets did not reflect the influence of energy markets on Tuesday that was seen on Monday, as traders for the moment are finding U.S. planting storylines as enough reason to keep the pressure on prices, although the stronger crude market may have offered some support to corn futures.

It was another prosperous day for the live cattle complex as the market again showed its fundamental strength as some light sales were reported in the Southern Plains at $218 to $220, which is steady to $2.00 higher than last week's weighted average. Given the market's norm here lately it's unusual to see cattle trading this early in the week; but packers continue to be short bought and to their advantage some feedlot managers were willing to let some cattle go to ensure they got their business done. At this point, no trade has developed in the North, but given the fact that sales have been reported in the South at steady/higher money, it's fully assumed that Northern cattle will trade in the same manner.

All the feeder cattle contracts aside from the May contract were able to close mildly higher Tuesday afternoon. And more than anything it seemed as although traders are more concerned about how the August feeder cattle contract is trading as opposed to the May feeder cattle contract as there's more cumulative volume in the August contract. But aside from the slight dip in the May contract, traders continue to seem focused on strong buyer demand in the countryside, along with the helpful support of strong market fundamentals (boxed beef prices and fed cash cattle trade) already developing in this week's market.

The lean hog complex merely drifted lower throughout the day as the market wasn't able to gain any footing throughout Tuesday. The cash hog complex may have seen a sizeable volume trade and prices may have been higher -- but that wasn't enough to offset some of the pressure endured technically and pork cutout values closed lower too. June lean hogs closed $1.42 lower at $97.57, July lean hogs closed $1.00 lower at $99.40 and August lean hogs closed $0.80 lower at $98.12. The biggest deterrent in the carcass price's ability to close higher was the $3.29 decline in the loin, although minor losses were seen throughout most of the cuts.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/06154156/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

House leaders are delaying a planned Agriculture Committee markup that was tentatively set for this week as big issues remain for the GOP’s massive domestic policy bill, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to relay the decision ahead of an official announcement. Politico reports the meeting had been expected on May 7 or 8, but it is now likely to push into next week. It’s the second megabill markup that Republican leaders have delayed in the past few days. 

The Energy and Commerce Committee also pushed back its own planned meeting alongside the tax-writing Ways and Means panel. Republicans are counting on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce to find the bulk of the spending cuts they are relying on to finance the GOP’s planned tax cuts. The Agriculture panel is still dealing with several serious issues from members raising concerns over deep cuts across the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.  

Farm Bill markup delayed again 

More than 15,000 USDA employees have taken one of the Trump administration's two financial incentive offers to leave the agency, according to a readout from a USDA briefing with congressional staff seen by Reuters. The sum represents about 15% of the USDA's total workforce. President Donald Trump's administration has offered federal employees several months of pay and benefits if they opt to leave their jobs as part of his effort to shrink the federal workforce. 

15,000+ USDA employees accept buyouts

July corn closed down 14 3/4 cents and December corn was down 7 1/4 cents. July soybeans closed down 12 1/2 cents and November soybeans were down 8 1/4 cents. July KC wheat closed down 8 1/2 cents, July Chicago wheat was down 11 3/4 cents, July Minneapolis wheat was down 1 1/2 cents.

Markets were weaker in general to kick off the new week as U.S. crop markets are pressured by the upcoming dry stretch of weather which is being seen as minimizing any planting delay risks that may have been emerging after rainfall through the latter part of April, particularly in the Eastern Corn Belt. Outside markets were mixed with equities inching higher in a very muted session, while the big story as it pertains directly to agricultural interests is the continued plunge in crude oil prices, with NYMEX futures hitting a fresh low for the move Monday morning following the OPEC+ decision to increase production by 411,000 barrels per day in June.

The live cattle complex has aggressively stepped into the new week as the market is traded upwards at $1.00 to $2.00 higher in all contracts. Just when you think the futures complex has found a top -- traders seem to catch a second wind and run the contracts higher. Of course, at these levels, risk is always looming, but the name of the game Monday was bold bullishness. Last week Southern live cattle traded at mostly $218, which is $5.00 to $6.00 higher than the previous week's weighted average, and Northern dressed cattle traded at mostly $350, which is $8.00 higher than the previous week's weighted average.

With the added encouragement from the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts leapt back into action as they traded mostly $2.00 higher into Monday's closing bell. So long as fundamental support remains plentiful again this week, there's a chance the feeder cattle complex will be able to at least maintain its position, if not trade a little higher as buyers will likely stay engaged in the feeder cattle market as turn-out season to grass is just a month away.

The lean hog complex&nbsp; traded mixed to kick the week off as traders want to see more fundamental support before they do any more advancing on the futures front. But if pork cutout values find some stability in terms of consistent price and daily support, then there's a chance traders may be willing to trade the contracts higher.

Click <a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2025/05/05141500/web-closing-markets.mp3">HERE</a> for audio

In a three-hour session, negotiators added millions more in general revenue across eight spending bills The negotiations conclude Thursday with final votes scheduled for Friday.

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

Missouri’s public schools would be fully funded and a policy some blame for undermining a child care subsidy program would be fixed, legislative budget negotiators decided Wednesday night as they worked through eight of the 13 spending bills for state operations in the coming year.

Over about three hours, the conference committees of five lawmakers from both the House and Senate resolved differences between the spending bills, more often than not by selecting the option that spent more money.

Tracking by The Independent shows the eight bills completed Wednesday would spend $450 million more general revenue than Gov. Mike Kehoe’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/28/gov-mike-kehoe-dips-deeply-into-surplus-as-missouri-budget-grows-to-nearly-54-billion/">January budget proposal</a>, $636 million more than the House version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/03/missouri-house-finishes-work-on-48-billion-state-budget-plan/">approved in April</a>&nbsp;and $118 million more than the version&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/missouri-senate-approves-budget-plan-with-boost-for-schools-child-care/">approved in the Senate last week</a>.

The committees will reconvene Thursday to finalize spending decisions on five more bills, with the full House and Senate scheduled to vote Friday in advance of the constitutional deadline.

The differences that must be resolved are between the $49.4 billion plan for day-to-day operations approved in the Senate and the $47.9 billion plan approved in the House.

The education budget that will go to the chambers for final approval includes $4 billion for the public school foundation formula, including a $297 million increase that Kehoe opposed. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education budget will also include $107 million Kehoe recommended to revamp how child care providers are paid, basing it on enrollment instead of attendance.

House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, a Republican from Noel, tried to defend the decision to back Kehoe’s view that the money shouldn’t be spent. But he was outnumbered, with Democratic House members joining unanimous backing from senators for Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough’s position that state law required the money to be appropriated.

“This is the most important thing we’re going to do today, and this is a statutory minimum that we have in a commitment that we’ve made to our kids back home,” state Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said as she advocated for the foundation formula increase.

As he agreed to the increase, Deaton looked forward to the commission Kehoe created to consider changes to the formula.

“I do hope, when you look at the formula, if we have an opportunity to rewrite it, that we won’t let unelected bureaucrats make a $300 million call or something similar to future general assemblies,” Deaton said.

Along with the two big items in the education department, the conference committees:

The budget negotiators began working about 8:30 p.m., about 12 hours later than the scheduled start.

The day began with tensions between Deaton and Hough. As Hough was wrapping up a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee two rooms away, Deaton was announcing that because Hough was absent, the conference meetings would begin at 10 p.m.

Deaton said he was kept waiting six hours Monday before Hough met with him. They worked for about seven hours to resolve issues that they could present to the conference committees, then for 15 minutes on Tuesday.

He said he was not informed of Hough’s intent to be ready to work in the afternoon after a recess of the committee for short floor sessions.

“I’ve not heard anything since yesterday at 1 o’clock,” Deaton said.

Hough said he worked with Senate leadership to plan time for the conference meeting. He thought it was communicated to the House.&nbsp;

“It was stated by me on multiple occasions that my intention was to get together this afternoon after a few hours of floor time,” Hough said.

Hough tried to get the conference committees together about 3 p.m., after both chambers had adjourned for the day, but Deaton was not willing and did not appear.

The budget negotiations, when they finally began, went relatively quickly and without rancor. Deaton and Hough took turns reading through the budget lines and stating the intent to take the House or Senate position, or a compromise number in between.

Members interrupted often, usually to challenge a decision about an item among the 166 new earmarked items for programs or projects added to the eight bills. Only 12 added at some point didn’t make the final cut.

State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, spoke up in favor of one threatened with a cut, $50,000 for Global One Urban Farming in Kansas City.

“This really helps the children in that community with growing food,” Washington said. “It is only $50,000. It’s so little. I know I ask for a lot, but I don’t ask for a lot of money.”

Instead of being cut, the organization will receive $25,000.

Hough and Deaton both got the earmarks most identified with them in the budget. Deaton cut $8 million to restore a historic footbridge in Springfield and Hough cut $19 million to buy land for a state park in McDonald County.

Unsurprisingly, both made it into the budget.

State Sen. Brian Williams, a University City Democrat, questioned Deaton on the decision to cut $500,000 slated for an urgent care program for veterans in Kansas City. It was one of three earmarked items for veterans alongside $1 million for temporary housing for veterans in St. Louis and $1 million for a veterans housing program in Columbia.

Williams said one consideration for earmarked appropriations of general revenue should be where the money is generated in taxes. Kansas City and St. Louis need to be treated fairly as the richest areas of the state, he said.

“Jackson County makes up a significant amount of the economy in our state, we need to ensure that our budget reflects that,” Williams said.

Deaton said one factor in the decision was the amount being dedicated to veterans programs and the limited nature of state funds.

“There’s the give and the take, there’s money in, money out,” Deaton said. “We can’t do everything, unfortunately and be all things for all people at all times. We’re doing a lot for veterans in this budget.”

The final budget will have $500,000 for the Kansas City urgent care program and $500,000 for the St. Louis temporary housing program.

No one challenged Hough or Deaton when they said they were approving earmarked spending that was in or near their districts. Fogle, however, challenged Hough when he cut $4 million from an economic development organization called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.innovatesomo.org/about-us" target="_blank">Innovate SOMO</a>.&nbsp;

“I know you feel like you gotta give a little bit, but I would rather not give with our community,” Fogle said.

“I think,” Hough replied, “our community is fairly well served in this legislature.”

Lawmakers negotiating Missouri budget add $300M to public schools spending

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The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office is reporting that over the last week instances of drug smuggling into the jail have had to be stopped. 

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett reports that just in the last week alone three seperate incidents involving people bringing illegal drugs into the jail concealed on their body have been stopped.  Seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills have been made.

Charges have been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on all individuals involved, including other inmates in the jail.

Specific charges filed, and case information will be released from Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson's office.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Buchanan County Sheriff's Office stops drug smuggling into jail

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Local laws prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants who receive public assistance would be unenforceable under&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">legislation</a>&nbsp;sent to the governor’s desk Wednesday.

The bill passed by a final vote of 23 to 10 on Wednesday in the Senate, over the opposition of Democrats. It previously passed the House&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/bill.aspx?bill=HB595&amp;year=2025&amp;code=R" target="_blank">103 to 37.&nbsp;</a>

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/23/bill-overturning-protections-for-section-8-renters-a-step-away-from-missouri-governors-desk/">legislation takes aim at ordinances</a>&nbsp;passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent.

The bill was co-sponsored by state Reps. Chris Brown, a Republican from Kansas City, and Ben Keathley, a Republican from Chesterfield. In the Senate, it was carried by state Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance.&nbsp;

“Various municipalities are trying to force landlords to put their homes into Section 8 programs,” Brown said during House debate Monday. “We feel like that is overstepping their authority.”

Schroer on Wednesday called it a “common sense bill that was just limiting what political subdivisions can do when it comes to property rights.”

Kansas City passed a source of income discrimination ban&nbsp;<a href="https://nlihc.org/resource/kansas-city-passes-source-income-discrimination-ordinance#:~:text=Lawmakers%20in%20Kansas%20City%2C%20Missouri,8%20Housing%20Choice%20Voucher%20program." target="_blank">last year</a>, though it was in large part&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article300295239.html" target="_blank">paused by the courts</a>&nbsp;in February.

<a href="https://www.prrac.org/columbia-missouri-ordinance-amended-to-include-source-of-income-discrimination-language-march-2023/" target="_blank">Columbia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/city-laws/ordinances/ordinance.cfm?ord=69953" target="_blank">St. Louis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-passes-changes-to-fair-housing-code/article_781c0820-f0e4-11e9-bfbd-cb1232da5b2f.html" target="_blank">Webster Groves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://ecode360.com/27565605" target="_blank">Clayton</a>&nbsp;have similar protections on the books. The laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate based solely on the fact of renters’ lawful sources of income, including Section 8, veterans’ benefits and Social Security.

An amendment previously added by Democrat state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City, would have carved out most of Kansas City from the legislation. But that language was removed in the final bill.

“The amendment that we stripped out would have excluded Kansas City from the bill,” Brown said.&nbsp;“Kansas City was a big reason we originated this bill.”

Schroer said there were also constitutional concerns that carving out Kansas City could get “litigated and thrown out” in court.

“This was the only path forward to make it through both chambers,” Schroer said.

Lewis said she was frustrated not to be consulted during the final negotiations.

“Affordable housing is extremely important to me, and that’s the basis of what they were trying to do with the ordinance,” Lewis said. “And I’m just trying to protect the local control.”

An amendment added by Democratic state Sen. Stephen Webber of Columbia was kept in the bill to clarify protections for renters receiving veterans’ benefits.&nbsp;

The legislation had the&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/-testimony/witnesses-hb595.pdf?c=34589" target="_blank">support</a>&nbsp;of landlords groups, apartment associations, the realtors’ association and the conservative think tank Show Me Institute. Proponents characterized localities’ source-of-income protections as an overreach into property owners’ rights.

Opponents said the bill infringed on local control and would hurt affordable housing availability, exacerbating homelessness. The city of Kansas City has been opposed along with the anti-poverty nonprofit Empower Missouri and an association of&nbsp;<a href="https://instatrac-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/GovWatch/text/pdfs/23/testimony/30ac2530ca5d2f6efc3863113c35adae.pdf?c=53409" target="_blank">public housing</a>&nbsp;authorities in Missouri.

The legislation will go into effect Aug. 28 if signed into law by the governor.

Bill overturning protections for Section 8 renters sent to Missouri governor

Springtime brings the farmer's market to Maryville and Downtown Marville will kick it off by hosting a Spring into Fun event this weekend.  

DeAnn Davison with Downtown Maryville says the second annual event is the kickoff to the farmers market season in downtown 

"We focus on our local vendors, but then we also have kids' games, we have some live music performances going on in our park downtown, so there's just a lot of activities and things to try to bring vibrancy to our downtown," Davison tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it is a free event, so we just welcome everybody to come downtown and hopefully enjoy a beautiful spring day." 

Last year the event saw 1,400 people visit downtown Maryville and several local vendors selling their goods filling the Nodaway County Courthouse Square during the inaguaral kickoff event.  

Davison says over 70 vendors will participate in this year's event with several types of goods for sale 

"So definitely we have produce and as the growing season continues there gets to be more variety, so we definitely have produce that's available this time of year," Davison explains. "We have flower bouquets, a lot of baked goods, cookies, cakes, pies, cinnamon rolls, things like that but then we focus on anything that's homemade as well." 

Davison says there are local artisans that may make jewelry, candles, leatherwork, or custom gifts and it's really a hodgepodge of items for sale 

The event will also feature live music, games for kids, food trucks, and new this to this year's event will be a classic car show.  

Davison says the idea for a car show came from volunteers who have done the work to put together the car show 

"They reached out to some local car clubs and some different groups and so we're hoping Saturday morning we'll have a great variety of some classic cars," Davison says. 

The event runs from 12 to 6pm on Saturday May 10th on the Nodaway County Courthouse Square in downtown Maryville and is free to attend. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As farmers market season begins, Spring into Fun this weekend in Maryville

Savannah Parks and Recreation has announced 2025 season will be the final summer for the Savannah Aquatic Center.

"For more than 60 years, the pool has been a cherished part of our community," the department wrote on social media. "However, the costs of maintaining the aging facility have grown beyond what is financially sustainable. Structural issues, including a shifting substructure, make even necessary repairs - such as re-plastering - an unwise investment due to the risk of early failure."

The department says the next steps for the city will depend on the public. 

"Should the community want to pursue a new aquatic facility, it will not happen automatically. It will require individuals to step forward - bringing ideas, organizing fundraisers, coordinating efforts, and doing the legwork."

There is currently no committee or agency waiting to take on the project, the department said.&nbsp; The Parks Board will begin discussing potential next steps this month.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Savannah Parks Department announces final summer for aquatic center

A St. Joseph City
Council member hopes a survey of city residents gives the council a better idea
of what is important to St. Joseph residents.

District Two
Councilmember, Jason Eslinger, says the survey seeks to get good idea of what a
cross section of St. Joseph residents see as important. 

“Hopefully, we
find out exactly what the city wants,” Eslinger tells KFEQmmunity. “Instead of
us guessing every time and saying, ‘Well, we think the city wants this or we
want this.’ At least now this way we’ll have numbers. Is it a pool? Is it
affordable trash service? &nbsp;Is it roads?
What does the city want?”

A professional
marketing business drafted the survey sent to 4,000 residents in St. Joseph.
There are sections of the survey that allows residents to write comments or
suggestions.

Eslinger says he’s
hopeful the survey results do point toward the priorities of city residents,
but also goes a bit deeper.

“Well, I think the
priorities are a start. Obviously, we want to say, okay, are the streets the
priority of the citizens or the pool; you know, what is this?” Eslinger says. “But
I think also just to be able to understand what our citizens want out of us as
the leaders and, also, as the community as a whole.”

Eslinger says he
understands some might express skepticism over whether the city council will
really act on the survey results.

“I think it’s tough
to respond to somebody like that. Until they can see what you’re really going
to do these surveys, it’s kind of tough,” according to Eslinger. “So,
hopefully, when we get these surveys back, we’re able to put these naysayers to
rest and do what the public wants.”

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Councilmember hopes survey of St. Joseph residents provides guidance

The Kansas City Royals are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, winning 15 of their last 17 games, shutting out the White Sox on Thursday afternoon for their third series sweep of the season 10-0 at Kauffman Stadium, and pushing their current win streak to six games.&nbsp;

It started off simple for Kansas City, with a single run in the first inning, Salvador Perez doubling to drive in Vinnie Pasquantino who singled, and another single run in the third again driven in by Perez this time on a single scoring Bobby Witt Jr who singled and stole second base.&nbsp; Behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Kris Bubic, the Royals began running away with the game in the fifth inning.&nbsp;

Two runs scored in the fifth when Maikel Garcia hit his first triple of the season, a deep fly ball to center field that bounced off the wall and away from Louis Robert Jr, scoring Jonathan India and Witt Jr.&nbsp; Earlier in the inning, Witt Jr stole his second base of the game, and his 13th of the season to put himself into scoring position.&nbsp;

Another two spot was added to the scoreboard in the sixth inning by Kansas City.&nbsp; Drew Waters singled, and stole second base for his third stolen base of the season, and later scored on a double by India.&nbsp; Witt Jr followed India's double up with one of his own to score India to put the Royals up 6-0 at the end of six innings.&nbsp;

The Royals pulled Bubic from the mound in the eighth.&nbsp; Bubic, who improved to 4-2 with the win, pitched seven shutout innings giving up six hits and striking out seven, while walking just one batter, marking the 19th quality start of the season from a Royals starting pitcher, which leads the MLB.&nbsp;

Kansas City continued to pour it on in the bottom of the eighth inning with the final four runs.&nbsp; Waters and Freddy Fermin hit back to back singles before a single from India brought Waters home to score.&nbsp; A double by Witt Jr drove in Fermin, and Cavan Biggio came on to pinch run for Witt Jr who had a four hit day.&nbsp; Vinnie Pasquantino singled for the fifth consecutive hit of the inning to score India.&nbsp; Perez recorded the first out of the inning, but still drove in Biggio with a sacrifice fly for the final run.&nbsp;

Multiple Royals contributed at the plate on the day, led by Witt Jr who was 4-5 with two doubles, two stolen bases, and&nbsp; two RBI's.&nbsp; India (2-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI), Pasquantino (2-5, 1 RBI), Perez (2-4, 1 2B, 3 RBI), Garcia (2-5, 1 3B, 2 RBI) also came up big in the win.&nbsp;

Kansas City will stay home tomorrow to welcome in Boston, a team whose .500 over their last 10 games.&nbsp; Michael Lorenzen will start for the Royals, hoping to bounce back from his last start where he gave up four home runs, taking on&nbsp;Hunter Dobbins for the Red Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage will begin at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals shutout White Sox for third series sweep, sixth win in a row

The Kansas City Royals got another masterful performance from their starting pitcher and needed just one clutch hit to extend their win streak to five games, defeating the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium

The Royals managed hits off of White Sox starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon through the first four innings, but were unable to push runners in scoring position across.&nbsp; But in the fifth inning, after&nbsp;Luke Maile singled to lead off the inning, Bobby Witt Jr delivered the lone hit Kansas City needed in the game, a two run home run to left center field putting the Royals up 2-0.&nbsp;

Kansas City starter Michael Wacha was brilliant on the mound in containing the White Sox, allowing just three hits and only walking one batter across seven shutout innings, while striking out five. In the eighth inning, Lucas Erceg struck out the side in order before Carlos&nbsp;Estévez came to the mound in the ninth for the save.&nbsp;

Against&nbsp;Estévez Chicago started to put together a rally, Miguel Vargas leading off the inning with a double and then scoring on a single by Luis Robert Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matt Thaiss singled to push Robert to second base before&nbsp;Estévez finally recorded the first out, striking out Andrew Vaughn.&nbsp; Brooks Baldwin grounded into a force out, Michael A Taylor who pinch ran for Thaiss being thrown out at second, then with the tying run 90 feet away at third base,&nbsp;Estévez struck out Josh Rojas to end the game.&nbsp;

Wacha earned the win, improving to 2-4 on the season, while&nbsp;Estévez notched his 11th save.&nbsp; Maikel Garcia (2-3) and Vinnie Pasquantino (2-4) led the way hitting while Witt Jr was 1-4 with the two run home run. 4

The series finale is tomorrow between Kansas City and Chicago.&nbsp; Kris Bubic takes the mound for the Royals as they look for a sweep against&nbsp;Davis Martin for the White Sox.&nbsp; First pitch will be joined at 1:10pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Royals extend win streak to five behind Bobby Witt Jr home run

The St. Louis Cardinals pulled out the brooms for a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, shutting out their NL Central foes 5-0 on Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium, extending their win streak to five straight games.&nbsp;

After Victor Scott II walked in the third inning, he sped around the bases to score on a single by Lars Nootbaar, who advanced to second base as Pirates right fielder Bryan Reynolds attempted to throw Scott out at home.&nbsp; In the very next at bat Masyn Winn doubled, his fifth double of the season, to drive in Nootbaar for the 2-0 lead at the end of three innings.&nbsp;

Scott singled in the fifth inning and scored his second run of the game as Winn hit his second double of the game to extend the lead.&nbsp; In the eighth inning, the Cardinals added their final two runs, Jordan Walker singling to drive in Luken Baker and Brendan Donovan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sonny Gray bounced back from a rough start in his previous start against the Mets on May 2nd, where he took his first loss of the season, pitching seven shutout innings against the Pirates and striking out eight batters, giving up two hits and walking one.&nbsp; Nootbaar (3-4, 1 RBI) and Winn (2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI) led the way at the plate in the win.&nbsp;

St. Louis is off on Thursday and will begin a nine game road trip on Friday, starting in the nations capitol against Washington.&nbsp; Erick Fedde will start for the Cardinals against Mitchell Parker for the Nationals.&nbsp; First pitch is at 5:45pm, pregame will be joined at 5:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals shutout Pirates 5-0 for series sweep, fifth straight win

The Kansas City Royals battled back on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against the Chicago White Sox, as Bobby Witt Jr delivered a walk off hit in the ninth to push the win streak to four as Kansas City won 4-3.&nbsp;

The White Sox scored first in the fourth inning on a Brooks Baldwin single, driving in&nbsp;Matt Thaiss, before extending their lead in the sixth inning as Andrew Vaughn reached first base on a fielders choice, allowing Thaiss to score again.&nbsp; The Royals cut into the lead in the bottom of the sixth though on a leadoff home run by Kyle Isbel, but managed just that run to cut it to 2-1.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Chicago added one more run of insurance in the top of the eighth inning, Josh Rojas singling to score Jacob Amaya, but Kansas City again battled to keep the deficit to one run as Salvador Perez doubled in the bottom half of the inning, driving in Vinnie Pasquantino who was walked by White Sox reliever&nbsp;Steven Wilson

Cam Booser was called on in the bottom of the ninth inning for his first save opportunity by Chicago and immediately ran into trouble.&nbsp; Mark Cahna walked, Drew Waters reached base on a fielding error by the second baseman, and Freddy Fermin singled to load the bases before Booser ever recorded an out. Booser did get Isbel to pop out into the infield fly rule, for the first out following Fermin's single.&nbsp;

But after Isbel popped out, it was over as Jonathan India singled home Cahna, leaving the bases loaded, and bringing star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr to the plate who put the ball out into center field for the walk off hit, bringing Waters home to score.&nbsp;

Taylor Clarke earned the win in relief, moving to 1-0 on the season, pitching 1.1 clean innings.&nbsp; In a no decision, Seth Lugo pitched 6.2 innings giving up two runs, one earned, on seven hits while walking three and also striking out three.&nbsp; Pasquantino (2-3) and Fermin (2-4) led the way hitting at the plate.&nbsp;

The Royals will look to secure the series on Wednesday against the White Sox.&nbsp; Michael Wacha takes the mound for Kansas City against Jonathan Cannon for Chicago.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, with pregame coverage starting at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).&nbsp;

Royals walk off White Sox 4-3 in ninth to extend win streak to four

The Benton High School football program is looking for a new head coach after Corey Bertini announced he will step down.

Bertini announced he was stepping down as the head football coach this week and said it wasn't an easy decision to leave the program. Bertini took over the program in 2023 after serving as an assistant coach on the southside. The Cardinals went 4-16 in his two seasons as the head coach.

He played college football at Missouri Western.&nbsp; Bertini stepped down to take a job in the Kansas City area.

Corey Bertini steps down as Benton football coach

The St. Louis Cardinals came from behind with a big sixth inning for their third straight victory, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 on Monday night at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;

After Pittsburgh took an early lead in the first inning on Bryan Reynolds two run home run, the Cardinals tied the game up in the bottom of the third inning.&nbsp; Leading off the third, Jose Barrero hit his first home run of the season for St. Louis, and after Lars Nootbaar flew out, Alec Burleson hit the second home run of the inning and his second home run of the season to knot the game at 2-2.&nbsp;

The Pirates took the lead back in the fourth inning.&nbsp; Joey Bart led the inning off with a walk and Emmanuel Valdez followed that with a single.&nbsp; Former Royal Adam Frazier singled later in the inning to drive Bart in for the go ahead run.&nbsp; After Tommy Pham walked to load the bases, Jared Triolo grounded into a double play to end the inning.&nbsp;

In the sixth inning, it was another home run that gave the Cardinals their first lead of the game, this time off the bat of Willson Contreras, a two run home run scoring Nolan Arenado who walked in the at bat prior.&nbsp; Back to back to back singles by Nolan Gorman,&nbsp;Pedro Pagés,&nbsp;Victor Scott II loaded the bases before Barerro drove in the final two runs with a ground rule double.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gordon Graceffo got the win in relief, moving to 2-0 on the season, pitching one clean inning.&nbsp; Miles Mikolas in a no decision pitched five innings giving up three runs on four hits, striking out one and walking three.&nbsp; Contreras (2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI),&nbsp;&nbsp;Pagés (2-3), and Barrero (2-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI) led the way at the plate.&nbsp;

St. Louis and Pittsburgh continue their series tomorrow at Busch Stadium.&nbsp;Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals against Paul Skenes for the Pirates.&nbsp; The Cardinals have had some good luck against Skenes and will hope to see it continue.&nbsp; In four career starts against St. Louis, Skenes is&nbsp;0-3 with a 2.70 ERA.

First pitch will be at 6:45pm with pregame coverage being joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).&nbsp;

Cardinals power over Pirates 6-3 for third straight win

Cole Ragans didn't seem to miss a beat returning to the mound in his first start back from a groin injury, shutting out the Chicago White Sox over five innings and striking out 11 as the Kansas City Royals won 3-0 at Kauffman Stadium on Monday night.&nbsp;

The Royals first scored in the fourth inning thanks to some skillful base running by Bobby Witt Jr following his leadoff single.&nbsp; Witt Jr stole second base as Vinnie Pasquantino struck out swinging, then took third base on a wild pitch, before scoring on a single by Maikel Garcia.&nbsp; In the fifth inning, it was Witt Jr driving in the run with a double, bringing home Kyle Isbel who singled earlier in the inning.&nbsp;

In the eighth inning, Kansas City scored their final run.&nbsp; Garcia walked and stole second base before advancing to third base on a fly out by Michael Massey.&nbsp; Drew Waters doubled with two out to drive in Garcia,&nbsp; but was stranded in scoring position as Freddy Fermin popped out to the shortstop to end the inning.&nbsp;

Ragans improved to 2-1 with the win.&nbsp; Carlos&nbsp;Estévez earned his 10th save of the season giving up just one hit in the ninth inning. Jonathan India (2-4) and Witt Jr (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way at the plate for the Royals in the win.&nbsp;

Kansas City and Chicago continue their four game series tomorrow.&nbsp; Seth Lugo takes the mound for the Royals against&nbsp;Sean Burke for the White Sox.&nbsp; First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Royals win third straight, shutout White Sox in Ragans return

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is going to prison for his involvement in a high-speed chase and police shooting that occurred earlier this year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

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