As the St. Joseph School District makes the shift to its new school model next school year, district officials are reorganizing staffing within the schools.  

Superintendent Ashly McGinnis says as the district continues making staffing decisions, placement decisions for school principals have been made for next year.  

McGinnis says getting the principals placed within the buildings is important for the staff 

“A lot of our staff want to know who's going to be my supervisor, who will be my principal,” McGinnis explains on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And so, there’s some relationship pieces there and we wanted to make sure we made those announcements as soon as possible, to give some relief to our administrators but also to the staff so they know and can start thinking about where they may want to go.” 

McGinnis says the next step is giving staff the choice of where they want to be.  McGinnis says staff were asked to give their first and second choices of what school they would like, but says staffing will be chosen based on some qualifications 

“We are going to look at certification first, certification indicates that we have a highly qualified teacher in the classroom, and we all know that’s the number one predictor of success, of academic success for our students,” McGinnis explains.  “Abd so we want to make sure those teachers are certified, but then we’re also looking at how many years of service they’ve been in our St. Joseph School District.” 

McGinnis says those conversations will be taking place this month with one-on-one meetings as the district moves towards getting teachers in the classroom for next year in the new model. 

Assistant Superintendent of Academics Stacia Studer says there is a sweet spot when it comes to teaching and educators  

"So, when you think about that and you think about effective teachers in learning, we want that teacher to be in their sweet spot,” Studer says. 

As an example, Studer says with a more consistent middle school model coming, with sixth grade at the elementary schools, it's about asking teachers at the middle schools 

"Would you perhaps want to go serve at sixth grade at the elementary, or what’s your preference here?” Studer explains what’s asked of teachers.  “And so, we want to listen to our educators, we value and respect the work they do every single day.” 

Studer also emphasizes that’s why it's important teachers are giving more than one option of what school they would like to end up at.  

The St. Joseph School District will move to two high schools next year with Central and Benton, and move to four middle schools, closing Pershing and Field Elementary.

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

St. Joseph School District reorganizing ahead of shift next school year 

The following is the complete, unedited report from the Andrew County Health Department for food-serving establishments. This report is collected quarterly.

Food Code violations are broken down into two categories: priority (critical) and core (non-critical). Priority violations are crucial as they are more likely to result in food contamination, illness, or environmental health hazards. Some examples of priority violations include improper food storage temperatures, inadequate cooking, employee hygiene, contaminated equipment and improper chemical usage. On the other hand, core violations involve issues like clean floors, walls, and ceilings, open waste bins, uncovered light bulbs in food preparation areas, and lack of thermometers for temperature control monitoring.

Violations annotated (COS) means the issue was “Corrected on Site” before health inspection was completed.

Avenue City Grocery 18172 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Ice bagged on premise not labelled, dust and debris build up on ice baffle, store room freezer missing kick panel (equipment should be in good repair).

Avenue City R-9 Elementary 18069 Highway 169, Cosby, MO 64436. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).

Brother’s Market Deli 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.1.25. Priority: Employees not washing hands between tasks (COS). Core: Dust and debris buildup on facility walls, floors, door seals and equipment, in use utensils not stored properly between uses, wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer.

Cabin Coffee Company 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Rags/paper towels used to line shelves in preparation area (contact surfaces should be smooth and cleanable).

Duncan Hills Golf Course 400 E Duncan Dr, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Accumulated crumbs and residue in kitchen and alternative refrigerators, food prepped and package on site not labelled or dated in storage freezer.

Subway 501A N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Floor mats showing signs of distress (should be smooth and easily cleanable).

Prairie Specialties LLC 2777 State Route P King City, MO 64463. Routine 10.16.25. Violations: None.

Dollar General 19319 Co Rd 281, Helena, MO 64459. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Damaged facility wall in storage bay, dumpster lids open at time of inspection.

Pizza Hut 202 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.16.25. Priority: None. Core: Door guard for walk in fridge torn and in disrepair, dirty non-food contact surfaces including vent grates and high contact surfaces, customer lobby benches showing signs of distress.

Harry O’s 105 N 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.17.25. Violations: None.

Savannah R-3: Amazonia Elementary 845 6th St, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Hand sink used for purposes other than handwashing.

Savage Fitness 205 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Opening 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Carpet in drink preparation space (walls, floors and ceilings should be covered or made of none absorbent materials). Approved for opening.

VFW Post 12053 53 State Route K, Amazonia, MO 64421. Routine 10.17.25. Priority: None. Core: Unsealed wood used for shelving, cardboard/paper towels used to line counter tops (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials), thermometer missing from cold units (COS), trashcans dirty (attracts pest and can cause lingering odors), cups without handles being used as ingredient scoops, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.

Andrew County Senior Center 12737 State Hwy E, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Cardboard used to line shelf in walk in refrigerator. Approval provided for salad bar addition.

Jesse’s Last Stop #1 6101 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Buildup on outside of ice chutes, ice bagged on premises not labelled, dumpster lids open at the time of inspection, damaged cabinets and missing cabinetry, counter edges showing signs of distress (unsealed particle board apparent), rags used to line counter (all surfaces should be smooth, cleanable and made with non-absorptive materials).

Saint Joseph Country Club 50 Ridgeland Rd, Country Club, MO 64505. Routine 10.21.25. Priority: None. Core: Bowls without handles being used as ingredients scoops, no towels or hand dryer available at handwashing sink in dish room, single service items stored on floor in dry storage cellar, mop heads not stored properly between uses (COS), food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination in walk-in, missing ceiling tile in food preparation area (COS).

Community Hall 325 S Holt Fillmore, MO 64449. Routine 11.5.25. Violations: None.

Trex Mart #11 4177 59 Hwy, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.5.25. Priority: Asian lady beetle infestation on premise, pest control procedure in affect and presence minimized in food preparation areas. Core: Floor tiles in disrepair, mops not stored properly between uses, non-food contact surfaces not clean to sight and touch (high contact surfaces, accumulated ice in freezers, door tracks and clutter), dumpster lids open at the time of inspection.

Wild Horse Café 110 S 5th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Loose tobacco and tobacco products stored openly in food preparation space (COS). Core: Mops not stored properly between uses (COS), cloths/foil used to line food contact surfaces, personal items not stored separately from food storage.

Pizza Shoppe 410 Court St. Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Unlabeled chemical bottles (COS). Core: Mop sink in disrepair, wall damage in customer lobby, no sanitizer test strips on site.

China House 101 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: None. Core: Unlabeled food products, unsealed wood used as shelving in refrigerator.

El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 11.14.25. Priority: Raw meats stored over ready-to-eat foods in reach in fridge and freezers, potentially hazardous cold foods in prep table not being held below 41 degrees. Core: Improper methods used to thaw meats, missing handwashing signage from front handwashing sink, handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing, ice scoop not stored properly between uses, food uncovered with risk of cross-contamination on prep table, unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room (building materials should be smooth, cleanable and nonabsorbent if they are a surface that can be exposed to splashes or spills).

El Rey Papi’s 421 W Main St, Savannah, MO 64485. Follow Up 11.25.25. Priority: None. Core: Improper thawing methods used to thaw meats (COS), handwashing sink in food kitchen used for purposes other than handwashing (COS), Ice scoops not stored properly between uses (COS), unsealed particle board used for walls, ceilings and floor in new dry storage room.

Dollar General 1605 N US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Violations: None.

Dairy Queen 108 S Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Equipment in disrepair (handle broken on chest freezer).

Brother’s Market Grocery 402 E Price Ave, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.2.25. Priority: None. Core: Water damaged ceiling tiles throughout store, build-up on beer cooler walls and around door seals in select spaces, broken door seals on walk-in freezer, towels used to line shelves in bakery.

Ivy Cottage 408 Court St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Violations: None.

Gambino’s Pizza 111 S 4th St, Savannah, MO 64485. Routine 12.23.25. Priority: Insufficient sanitizer from dish machine (COS). Core: Dirty non-food contact surfaces (inside of microwave in food prep areas), insufficient light in walk-in refrigerator.

Andrew County Health Inspections (October-December 2025)

A peaceful protest and rally titled "ICE out for Good" is scheduled to take place in St. Joseph this weekend on the Belt Highway following a deadly shooting in Minneapolis. 

The event, organized by Persisterhood-St. Joseph, aims to bring attention to the killing of American citizen Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The rally is part of a series of protests across the U.S. organized by advocacy groups to highlight what they call an abuse by federal immigration enforcement agencies. 

Participants are encouraged to bring flags and signs to show solidarity and support for the cause.

The protest takes place Sunday, Jan. 11 at the intersection of Belt Hwy and Frederick Ave from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

"ICE Out for Good": St. Joseph protest to be held Sunday

The Ruby Theatre in St. Joseph has announced the upcoming "Princess Tea Party," an immersive experience designed to bring fairytale royalty to life for local families. 

The event features appearances by the Ice Princesses and the Beauty Princess, offering a structured afternoon of interactive performances and traditional tea service at the historic venue.

The experience centers around a formal tea service where guests will be served a variety of refreshments, including tea sandwiches, fruit, and cheese, followed by a selection of sweets like cupcakes and brownies. To maintain the "royal" atmosphere, the theater will provide authentic china tea sets for all attendees, with apple juice available as a "tea" alternative for younger guests.

Beyond the dining experience, the event includes a series of live activities. Attendees will participate in singing and dancing sessions, as well as a dedicated story time hosted by the princesses. A highlight of the afternoon is a formal coronation ceremony, during which every child in attendance will be presented with a rhinestone tiara to keep.

Organizers emphasize that the event is designed for intimacy, allowing for individual photo opportunities and one-on-one time between the characters and the children. Because of the seated nature of the tea party, the theater is requesting that groups who wish to sit together notify the business office in advance of the event date.

Tickets for the Princess Tea Party are priced at $38. The theater noted that everyone in attendance, including adults, must purchase a ticket, and all children must be accompanied by a guardian. Interested parties must secure their spots by the Jan. 16 deadline. Tickets can be purchased through the Ruby Theatre’s website, by calling 816-232-1778.

The Ruby Theatre is located at 615 S. 10th Street. The event takes place at 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 17th.

A fairytale afternoon: Ruby Theatre invites area families to Royal Princess Tea Party

Missouri Western State University will officially introduce alcohol sales at all Griffon basketball games starting Jan. 10, 2026. 

The new policy follows a late-2025 decision by the university’s Board of Governors to approve the transition, aiming for a 2026 launch that prioritizes safety and fan experience.

MoWest Athletics is partnering with Aramark, the university's current dining service provider, to facilitate the sale of beer and wine inside the MWSU Fieldhouse at the Looney Complex. While the program is currently limited to basketball, university officials noted they will continue to evaluate the initiative for potential expansion to other sports and venues in the future.

Athletic Director Andy Carter noted that the shift aligns Missouri Western with broader trends in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and college sports nationwide. Carter emphasized that the university worked closely with leadership to develop a responsible plan intended to enhance the atmosphere for spectators.

To maintain a safe environment, sales will be conducted from a designated area on the east end of the Fieldhouse. Service is scheduled to begin at the tip-off of the women’s game and will conclude when 10 minutes remain in the men’s game. All concession staff have been trained to follow local and state regulations strictly.

Under the new guidelines, fans 21 and older may consume beer and wine in both the home and visitor seating areas, provided they present a valid government ID. For safety purposes, all alcoholic beverages must be served in plastic containers.

Missouri Western to offer alcohol sales at Griffon basketball games

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host its 106th annual banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday at the St. Joe Civic Arena. 

The event, presented by Commerce Bank, serves as the formal annual meeting for the Chamber’s 1,200 members and investors.

This year’s theme is “An Evening of Elegance: Garden Gala.” Entertainment for the night will be provided by the St. Joseph Symphony String Quartet, with food catered by Gina’s Cafe.

The program will focus on the organization's 2025 accomplishments and recognize retiring board members and key volunteers. The Chamber will also honor local businesses celebrating significant membership anniversaries.

Featured speakers include 2025 Chairman of the Board Scott Gann, of Scott Gann Construction, and 2026 Chairwoman Nancy Potter Lyle, of Taylor, Siemens, Elliott, Creedy and Lyle PC.

Kristi Bailey, director of communications and marketing for the Chamber, said more than 800 people are expected to attend the gala.

The event is open to Chamber members and their guests. Late registration is available for $85 per person and can be completed online at <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/">saintjoseph.com</a>.

St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to host 106th annual banquet Saturday

Influenza cases are on the rise across the country, including Northwest Missouri.

Nearly 9,000 new influenza cases were reported statewide during the last week of 2025. Kansas also saw a rise in cases at the end of the year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported "very high" flu-like activity levels in 30 states, prompting a reminder to take preventive measures.

Clinic supervisor with the St. Joseph Health Department, Kristi Billings, says for the last count in December, there were 568 cases of flu in the area. "We're still getting daily numbers from the end of December, so that number will probably rise from this point forward."

Billings says there are several precautions to take in order to combat the flu. "If you're sick, stay home. Distance yourself from other sick people. Wash your hands thoroughly, and get the flu vaccine to minimize or prevent symptoms."

Nearly 40% of Missouri adults have received their annual flu vaccine, but only about 35% of children age six months - 17 years old have received theirs.

Flu shots are available at the St. Joseph Health Department, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The health department is located at&nbsp;904 S. 10th Street.

Flu cases are on the rise; area residents encouraged to take precautions

UPDATE: All ramps, along with I-29, I-229, and U.S. 71 are now reopen.

An area road is closed due to a traffic accident.

The Andrew County Sheriff's Dept. and MoDOT's Northwest District Office says Southbound Interstate 29 north of St. Joseph at the 56-mile marker is closed due to an overturned semi-truck completely blocking the highway. 

All traffic southbound is being diverted to I-229. The accident also has the ramp from southbound U.S. 71 to I-29 closed, and the ramp from I-229 to southbound I-29. 

Officials says the timeframe is unknown when the highway will reopen.

Southbound I-29 closed due to a vehicle crash north of St. Joseph

KFEQ Morning Sports

KFEQ Morning News 01/09/2026

State Rep. Jeremy Dean should be ordered to stay 50 feet away from the recipient and be denied committee assignments during this year’s session, the Ethics Committee report recommends

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

The Missouri House should order a Democratic lawmaker who sent a “vulgar and sexual” message to a colleague&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-democrat-faces-ethics-inquiry-loses-committee-seats-over-obscene-text/">during the September special session</a>&nbsp;to stay at least 50 feet away from her, the Ethics Committee recommended Wednesday.

The committee, with a unanimous vote of its five Republican and five Democratic members during&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/29/missouri-house-ethics-hearing-focuses-on-obscene-text-sent-by-democratic-lawmaker/">an Oct. 29 hearing</a>, also recommended that state Rep. Jeremy Dean, a Democrat from Springfield, lose his committee seats, undergo sexual harassment prevention training and have his seat on the House floor and his parking spot moved.

The committee’s report and recommendations were made public for the first time after they were published Wednesday in the&nbsp;<a href="https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills261/jrnpdf/jrn001.pdf" target="_blank">journal for the opening day</a>&nbsp;of this year’s session.&nbsp;

Ethics Committee Chairman Lane Roberts, a Republican from Joplin, said the recommended punishment is in line with punishments recommended during past actions of the committee. The ethics committee can recommend a range of punishments, including censure and expulsion from the House.

“Our goal here is to make sure that what we do is balanced, and part of that balance is looking back through our history, how we handled such things in the past,” Roberts said.

Dean was given 15 days to object to the sanctions and did not.

In an interview with The Independent, Dean said he did not object because he accepts that the texts were inappropriate. But he added that he thinks the ethics complaint was motivated by politics.

“It seems more to me that the Republicans saw this as an opportunity to bash a Democrat in the news while they knew that they were continuing to get bad press and losing elections across the country,” Dean said. “And so this is an opportunity for them to continue to try and hold on to the state of Missouri when they know things are going downhill for them.”

On Sept. 4, while Dean was engaged in a sit-in on the House floor, he sent a text message to state Reps. Cecelie Wiliams, a Republican from Dittmer, while she was participating in a hearing of the House Elections Committee.

Lawmakers were in special session in response to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/25/trump-white-house-pressing-missouri-republicans-to-redraw-congressional-map/">call from President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to gerrymander Missouri’s congressional districts to make it likely a Republican could win the 5th District seat held by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat.

At the time of the text, the Elections Committee was taking testimony on a proposal to change how majorities are counted for constitutional amendments proposed by initiative petition.

In the text, Dean included a description of an oral sex act with the president and questioned how Republicans could talk while engaged in it. The text message became public when a screenshot of it was shared on social media by former Republican state Rep. Adam Schwadron.

Dean was watching the committee meeting on an online livestream and sent another text after seeing Williams’ reaction, the report states. The report does not describe the content of the second message.

Williams “was shocked by these messages, which were unprofessional and disruptive to the legislative process,” the report states.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City, removed Dean from his committee assignments and has not placed him on any committees for this year’s session.

Both Dean and Williams testified during the Oct. 29 hearing and Dean admitted sending the text, the report states.

Dean “stated that he recognized that the messages were inappropriate and unprofessional, and that he regretted sending them,” the report states. Dean “denied any intent to disrupt the legislative process, intimidate (Williams), or improperly influence her participation in the committee hearing.”

The Ethics Committee is the only House committee with equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats and a minority member vice chairman. The 10 members all approved the sanctions.

The committee’s unanimous vote shows members thought “the conduct was significantly egregious and that we needed to address it,” Roberts said. “Very serious consequences needed to be commensurate with the conduct, but again, it needed to be balanced with what we’ve historically done, so that we’re not guilty of treating one person differently than another.”

In the interview with The Independent, Dean said he sent the text to Williams because he thought he could joke with her. The are both serving their first terms in the House.

“Since the freshman bus tour, Rep. Williams and I had what I would consider a very good working friendship, and I obviously crossed the line with that text message,” he said. “I totally accept that.”

The biggest lesson learned is “that you’ve got to watch your back,” Dean said. “There are people in this city that you think are your friends, people that you can joke around with, but at the end of the day, a lot of people are here for their own political gain.”

Bipartisan Mo. House ethics panel seeks sanctions for obscene text sent by Democrat

March corn closed down 1/4 cents and May corn was down 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 1 1/4 cents and May soybeans were up 1 1/4 cents. March KC wheat closed unchanged, 0 cents, March Chicago wheat was down 3/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 3/4 cents.

March corn closed up 8 1/4 cents and May corn was up 8 1/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 16 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 16 cents. March KC wheat closed up 15 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 10 3/4 cents and March Minneapolis wheat was down 3 1/4 cents.

Row crop markets ratcheted moderately higher through the first full trading week of 2026, on much higher volume compared to the Holiday weeks, as was expected to be the case. Trade was subdued on Friday, which was not surprising to see with a flurry of USDA data due out on Monday morning, which will set the tone for the first quarter of 2026 and shed light on what to expect for crop prices. Outside markets continued to be mostly positive to close the week, with equities heading higher despite a mixed December labor report, which showed weak job creation, but lower overall unemployment as compared to the prior report. Energy markets finished the week with a sharp turn higher, specifically for crude oil futures, which hit their highest mark in over a month, primarily on growing unrest in Iran, combined with the ongoing situation in Venezuela. The U.S. Dollar Index, meanwhile, is higher now in ten of the past eleven sessions, also trading to the highest level in a month. Lastly, the Supreme Court on Friday chose not to issue a ruling on the tariff case, as had been reported as a possibility through the week.

Although the fed cash cattle market has shown traders that the market's trend is most likely going to be higher, the live cattle contracts slowly traded lower through Friday's session. Bids were on the table for the fed cash cattle market, with offers of $232 live being offered in Texas, Kansas and Nebraska. So far, feedlot managers appear firm in their asking price of $235 to $237 for live cattle, and $367 or more in the North. No new trade has developed today following the light business that developed on Thursday in the North, where dressed cattle traded at mostly $365, which is $5.00 higher than the previous week's weighted average. Boxed beef prices are lower: choice down $1.55 ($355.24) and select down $0.62 ($351.44) with a movement of 86 loads (67.09 loads of choice, 4.94 loads of select, 3.90 loads of trim and 10.36 loads of ground beef).

And once again, in keeping with the same trend as the live cattle complex, the feeder cattle contracts also traded lower throughout Friday's session. And unless the live cattle complex turns higher, the feeder cattle contracts will likely stay on the lower-side too.

The lean hog complex traded mixed on Friday, as the nearby contracts dipped lower, while the far-deferred contracts traded slightly higher. Absorbing the behavior of the lean hog complex takes a mixed approach, as one could logically point to the uptick in pork cutout values and say that prices should be trading higher. However, when you look at the futures complex and note the resistance pressure the market is facing, we see there hasn't been enough widespread, stable fundamental support this week to encourage traders to challenge that technical barrier.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/09142939/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

A coalition of more than 70 biofuel and agricultural organizations sent a letter to congressional leadership calling for immediate passage of legislation to allow the year-round nationwide sales of an American-made E15 fuel blend. It would benefit drivers with savings of ten to 30 cents per gallon and improve markets for American farmers. “The USDA projects a record 16.8-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2025, up roughly 13 percent from 2024, which intensifies pressure on corn prices and farm incomes,” the groups wrote.

 “Expanding E15 access is one of the most immediate and practical ways to address this imbalance.” The groups point out that when it’s fully-scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump. The letter was led by Growth Energy, the American Farm Bureau, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association.

Groups continue pushing for year-round E15

Agricultural economists are predicting that the slide in the U.S. farm economy will stop in the new year. However, an indepentdent report said that doesn’t mean the ag economy will be whole again. The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor showed monthly sentiment is getting stronger, but there are challenges remaining, especially in the row crop sector. AgWeb said there’s “cautious optimism,” but most economists don’t believe that 2026 will usher in a strong rebound without relief from the high costs of inputs or stronger commodity demand in other markets. 

Fifty-four percent of the economists surveyed, said the economy is better than a month ago. Compared to last year, 42 percent say conditions are worse, and 33 percent say things are better. Looking ahead to the next year, 46 percent expect conditions won’t change, 38 percent expect things to improve, and 15 percent expect economic conditions to get worse. 

Economists predict the farm economy will stabilize in 2026

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

Row-crop markets were choppy in quiet action Thursday, with traders clearly not wanting to get ahead of themselves to the bullish side with USDA input due out next Monday morning. Outside markets were again mixed influence on agriculture prices on Thursday, with higher energy futures but also a higher U.S. Dollar Index for the ninth time in the past ten sessions potentially taking some wind out of the wheat markets sails with a high degree of world competition to begin 2026. In macroeconomic news, reports are that the Supreme Court could potentially issue a ruling on the legality of the Trump administration's tariff efforts. The U.S. trade deficit of $29.4 billion for October was reported as a 16-year low on Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The live cattle complex traded mixed into Thursday's noon hour and traders reluctantly pushed the entire complex higher, but weren't exactly willing to do so in the nearby contracts until late in the session, as they wait to see what's going to develop fundamentally this week. Still no cash cattle trade has developed, but a single bid is currently on the table in Nebraska at $228. Asking prices are noted at $235 to $238 in the South but are still not clearly established in the North. Trade could begin to develop at any point in time now. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $2.42 ($356.70) and select up $2.47 ($351.75) with a movement of 115 loads (73.63 loads of choice, 12.35 loads of select, 4.07 loads of trim and 24.51 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex was trading in the exact opposite direction of the live cattle complex, as most of its nearby contracts were trading higher, but the deferred months (from August 2026 onward) were trading lower for the bulk of the session, but managed to finish fully higher. Demand in the countryside remains strong as buyers are busying filling orders, as the market was quiet over the last two weeks.

Seeming to be a bit braver today, the lean hog complex traded higher into Thursday's closing bell, despite technical pressure still being a barrier and pork demand still pulling the cutout value lower. The real test will come Friday, and whether or not traders can keep the contracts higher through the the close with minimal fundamental support.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/08141431/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Sinograin, China’s state-run commodity buyer, recently bought ten U.S. soybean cargoes. Three traders told Reuters that the world’s biggest buyer of soybeans is continuing to purchase the commodity from the United States following a late October trade truce. ‘The cargoes total almost 600,000 metric tons and will be shipped between March and May,” Reports said. “That timeframe happens to also be the peak season for Brazil, a rival supplier of the U.S.” 

The total amount of soybeans China has bought from the U.S. is estimated between 8.5 million and almost ten million tons. That number represents almost 80 percent of the 12 million metric tons that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China had promised to purchase by February 28. In late November, reports cited a shipping schedule saying two cargoes would carry the first soybean shipments since May. However, those cargoes haven’t arrived yet as they aren’t on the customs website.

China buys ten million tons of U.S. soybeans

The total demand for U.S. ethanol has grown steadily since 2016. The blend rate, ethanol’s percentage of finished motor gasoline volume, is one indicator of gasoline blenders’ demand for ethanol in vehicle fuel. March 2025 data showed the U.S. average blend rate was 10.1 percent, the ninth-consecutive month above the implied minimum federal blend rate of ten percent. The 12-month moving average blend rate stood at 10.2 percent. 

The average blend rate has largely been at ten percent or higher since 2020. Increasing blend rates have helped maintain domestic ethanol consumption at a steady level despite reduced demand for finished motor gasoline. Since 2023, international demand for ethanol has steadily risen and provided additional support for U.S. ethanol fuel production. Elevated blend rates and rising ethanol exports both support growing demand for corn. To meet the March 2025 demand for fuel ethanol required about 465 million bushels of corn, a 60 million bushel increase over the monthly demand from ten years ago.

U.S. ethanol blend rate continues climbing

The Great Plains Growers Conference returns to return to St. Joseph this week, offering a three-day event dedicated to farming, community, and the stewardship of the land. 

The 2026 conference will be held from Jan. 8–10 on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

The program begins Thursday, Jan. 8, with a series of full-day workshops. These include CSA School, Small Farm Livestock management, and FSMA Training via the Produce Safety Alliance Growers Training Course. The sessions are designed to provide deep dives into foundational agricultural practices and safety regulations.

A highlight of this year’s event is the keynote address by Curtis Millsap, owner of Millsap Farms in Springfield, Missouri. His presentation, titled “Farming as a Sacred Trust: Building Community at the Intersection of Land, Food &amp; People,” will anchor the conference's mission of connecting sustainable agriculture with community well-being.

Following the workshops, Friday and Saturday will feature a diverse array of specialized conference tracks.

Registration for the 2026 conference is currently open. For more information or to sign up, you can contact the Buchanan County Extension at (816) 279-1691.

Great Plains Growers Conference returns to St. Joseph with focus on stewardship and community

March corn closed up 2 3/4 cents and May corn was up 2 3/4 cents. March soybeans closed up 10 3/4 cents and May soybeans were up 10 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 10 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 7 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 3 1/4 cents.

Row-crop futures recovered from a shaky Tuesday session to trader higher again Wednesday on a mix of technically influenced buying as well as perceived risk for the U.S. winter wheat crop amid well-above average temperatures for early January. Outside markets for Wednesday saw mixed equities, with the Dow Jones lower on profit-taking following a record setting run to start the week. Energy markets have moved lower over the past two sessions on President Trump's announcement that Venezuela will sell 50 million barrels of crude oil to the U.S. at market price, while Wednesday's Petroleum Status report showed U.S. crude oil stocks to already be 3% larger than the same point in 2024.

Traders continued to let the live cattle contracts trade in a moderately lower manner as the market needs to see more immediate fundamental support before traders will feel confident trading the contracts any higher. But even with the market's slight regression, the live cattle contracts are still currently trading above the market's 100-day moving average. A single bid of $232 is currently on the table in Kansas, but no trade has developed yet. Asking prices are firm in the South at $235 to $237, but are still not established in the North. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice up $1.22 ($352.47) and select down $0.31 ($350.77) with a movement of 87 loads (63.12 loads of choice, 6.90 loads of select, 4.01 loads of trim and 13.04 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex also traded lower, seeming to simply follow the direction of the live cattle complex. Today's lower action is a technical decision, not a good representation of what's transpiring in the countryside, as feeder cattle prices were on fire both on Monday and Tuesday.

Although midday pork cutout values were a tick higher, the lean hog complex still traded lower as traders yearn to see more fundamental support. The market is running into some resistance pressure that is binding its upward momentum, and until something substantial develops fundamentally, the market could be pressured to trade sideways, if not somewhat lower.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/01/07141004/web-closing-markets.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmers need rules that clearly define federal jurisdiction of the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS. The American Farm Bureau submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. AFBF detailed the impact of WOTUS on farmers and elements that must be included in the new proposed rule to ensure it can withstand future legal challenges. 

John Newton, vice president of public policy and economic analysis said, “Farmers and ranchers support the creation of a legally durable rule that injects clarity into the regulatory process and does not leave landowners guessing what parts of their property are subject to regulation.” Farm Bureau’s recommendations for the rule included further defining “relatively permanent” to narrow the regulatory scope. The group also wants clarification of when wetlands should fall under WOTUS, continued exclusion of prior converted cropland, and exclusion of ditches from WOTUS jurisdiction. 

Proposed WOTUS rule brings certainty to farmers

Farmer sentiment weakened slightly in December as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index dropped three points to a reading of 136. Weakness in the barometer was attributable to a modest decline in producers’ long-term outlook, as the Future Expectations Index fell to 140, four points lower than the previous month. The Current Conditions Index was unchanged from November at 128. 

Angst about the prospects for U.S. soybean exports amid increasing competition from Brazil contributed to a slightly weaker outlook for the future among crop producers. Producers’ expectations for their farms’ financial performance changed little compared to November, as the Financial Performance Index rose just two points to 94. The Farm Capital Investment Index also increased two points to 58 in December. Even with the slight rise, 60 percent of producers said it was still a bad time to make large investments in their farms.

Farmer sentiment heads lower

By:<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/author/max-nesterak/">Max Nesterak</a> <a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/">Minnesota Reformer</a>

Minnesota prosecutors are asking the public for evidence in the killing of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent on Wednesday after the Trump administration froze local law enforcement out of the investigation.

“Every moment in these cases is precious,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison at a news conference in Minneapolis on Friday. “If you have information bearing on the outcome of this matter in any way, please share it.”

The Attorney General’s Office and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office set&nbsp;<a href="https://hennepinprosecutor.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/communityevidencerequest1-7-26" target="_blank">up a portal for people to submit photos, videos and other evidence</a>&nbsp;they think may help prosecutors understand the case and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will catalogue the submissions.

The BCA typically investigates police shootings and was on the scene at Portland Avenue near 34th Street collecting evidence after an ICE officer, who has been identified as Jonathan Ross, shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in her Honda Pilot.

But on Thursday, the agency announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office had made the unusual decision that the FBI would be the sole investigative agency, effectively&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/09/minnesota-prosecution-of-ice-officer-faces-new-political-obstacles-under-trump/">freezing out local law enforcement</a>.

“Without complete access to the evidence, witnesses and information collected, we cannot meet the investigative standards that Minnesota law and the public demands,” BCA superintendent Drew Evans said. “As a result, the BCA has reluctantly withdrawn from the investigation.”

Gov. Tim Walz and other state Democrats have expressed doubt that the public could trust the results of an investigation conducted solely by the federal government.

“Now that Minnesota has been taken out of the investigation, it feels very, very difficult that we will get a fair outcome,” Walz said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at a Thursday news conference that local officials “have not been cut out. They don’t have any jurisdiction in this investigation.”

The standoff over jurisdiction adds to a contentious fight between state leaders and the Trump administration over fraud in state social service programs and a surge of thousands of federal agents and officers in what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is calling its largest operation ever.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized that local officials have the authority to both investigate the shooting and potentially bring criminal charges based on the evidence.

“We do have jurisdiction,” Moriarty said. “We cannot make any decision, however, if there is not evidence submitted to our office.”

Moriarty said the FBI has possession of key evidence, including Good’s car and the shell casings from the officer’s gun. She also acknowledged they have really no access to federal law enforcement officers for interviews.

She said she does not have concerns about the integrity of the FBI, but rather that they won’t turn over their findings for state prosecutors to review.

“In the past, the FBI has invited us to see a high level overview of their investigation, but we were prohibited from seeing the entire investigation or talking about what we saw,” Moriarty said.

Prosecutions of federal law enforcement officers are also complicated by the fact that they&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/09/minnesota-prosecution-of-ice-officer-faces-new-political-obstacles-under-trump/">have immunity from state prosecution</a>&nbsp;for carrying out their duties.

But legal experts emphasize that immunity does not extend to officers who use unreasonable and excessive force.

Minnesota begins collecting evidence into ICE shooting 

 The Kansas City Zoo &amp; Aquarium welcomed a new addition to its herd with the birth of a female Masai giraffe named Aspen on Dec. 29.

Aspen was born to Alika, a 4-year-old Masai giraffe, marking her first calf. The father, Aidan, has now sired three calves at the zoo. Aspen is 6-feet tall.

According to zoo officials, Aspen is already bonding with her siblings, 2-month-old Beni and 18-month-old Willow. The birth is part of the zoo’s Wild Beginnings program, which aims to highlight the endangered status of the Masai giraffe subspecies.

While the herd is currently off-display due to ongoing construction, the zoo is providing a livestream for the public to view the giraffes until a new habitat opens this summer.

Kansas City Zoo welcomes Aspen, its newest Masai giraffe

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

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were responding to the scene, several additional calls for a sound of shots were reported.

Upon arrival, officers observed a group of people summoning responding officers to the rear of an apartment complex building. An unidentified male victim, believed to be&nbsp;an&nbsp;adult, was located lying in a parking lot, unresponsive and suffering from believed gunshot trauma. EMS responded shortly behind officers and declared the victim deceased on scene.

Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction that took place between the victim and several unknown males. That interaction escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The unidentified suspects left the scene in an unknown direction occupying an unidentified vehicle. Police do not have any subjects of interest identified and no one is in police custody at this time.

Homicide: Man found dead in parking lot of KC apartment complex

Once again, the United State's joint interagency forces sent a clear message Friday morning: “there is no safe haven for criminals.”

According to a statement from the U.S. Southern Command, in a pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford and apprehended Motor/Tanker Olina in the Caribbean Sea without incident.

Apprehensions like this are backed by the full power of the U.S. Navy’s Amphibious Ready Group, including the ready and lethal platforms of the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale.

The Department of War’s Operation Southern Spear is unwavering in its mission to defend our homeland by ending illicit activity and restoring security in the Western Hemisphere.

🎥 US intercepts another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflecto</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes will run for state insurance commissioner, vowing to decline any campaign contributions from the insurance industry.

Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, announced her intention Thursday to challenge House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a previously uncontested Republican from Wichita with decades of experience in insurance.

She described a platform focused on lowering costs, consumer protection and holding “big insurance companies accountable.”

“It’s simple: The cost of health insurance in Kansas is simply out of control,” Sykes said in the announcement. “Families and consumers can’t afford to keep up with the rise in premiums — on health care, auto, property or any other kind of insurance for that matter.”

She said she will not “take a single dime from the insurance industry.”

Sykes was elected to the Senate in 2016 as a Republican, switching parties during her first term. She was elected minority leader in 2020 and has held the position since. Before her tenure in the Legislature, Sykes ran her own business as a personal chef and a PTA president. She is a mother to two boys and married.

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