For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, up eight cents from a week ago to $3.44 per gallon. 

The national average is up 7.1 cents from a month ago but 87.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. 

The national average diesel price fell 4.1 cents in the last week and stands at $4.30 per gallon, 82.1 cents lower than one year ago. 

GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says the diesel price "continues to slowly decline as we see consumption for diesel lighten up." Wholesale gasoline prices continue to increase at a rate typical for this time of year, with the transition to more expensive summer gasoline underway. 

The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $3.29 per gallon, up 30 cents from last week, while the most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week.

For the second straight week, the nation's average price of gasoline increased, up eight cents from a week ago to $3.44 per gallon. The national average is up 7.1 cents from a month ago but 87.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average diesel price fell 4.1 cents in the last week and stands at $4.30 per gallon, 82.1 cents lower than one year ago. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says the diesel price "continues to slowly decline as we see consumption for diesel lighten up." Wholesale gasoline prices continue to increase at a rate typical for this time of year, with the transition to more expensive summer gasoline underway. The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $3.29 per gallon, up 30 cents from last week, while the most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week.

Gas prices move higher, diesel lower

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.

On March 10, police arrested 27-year-old Trevor M. Siard of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 In August he was accused of knowingly violating a protection from abuse order and for a probation violation in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, he was jailed on requested drug possession and child endangerment charges

He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678801361755.png" alt="Siard-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Siard-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after an arrest.On March 10, police arrested 27-year-old Trevor M. Siard of Atchison,&nbsp; on a Community Corrections detain order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. In August he was accused of knowingly violating a protection from abuse order and for a probation violation in September.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, he was jailed on requested drug possession and child endangerment chargesHe is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kansas man with a history of crime jailed on a detain order

The St. Joseph School district is celebrating two of its schools heading to Springfield for state basketball and will have no school on Thursday.  

Officials with the St. Joseph School district have announced that school will be closed on March 16th, giving students and faculty the chance to travel to Springfield to cheer on the Benton girls and Lafayette boys basketball teams. 

Officials chose to close school with many already planning to travel to Springfield, and made the decision due to a lack of substitute teachers. 

The district is exploring options for parents that are in need of childcare, parents will receive a notification from the district by 2pm on Tuesday, March 14th. 

The closure will lead directly into the school districts spring break, which begins on Friday.  The school district will be closed for spring break through March 27th.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph School district is celebrating two of its schools heading to Springfield for state basketball and will have no school on Thursday. Officials with the St. Joseph School district have announced that school will be closed on March 16th, giving students and faculty the chance to travel to Springfield to cheer on the Benton girls and Lafayette boys basketball teams. Officials chose to close school with many already planning to travel to Springfield, and made the decision due to a lack of substitute teachers. The district is exploring options for parents that are in need of childcare, parents will receive a notification from the district by 2pm on Tuesday, March 14th. The closure will lead directly into the school districts spring break, which begins on Friday. The school district will be closed for spring break through March 27th.

St. Joseph School district closed on Thursday to celebrate state basketball bound teams

St. Joseph’s complaint against HPI Products has been dropped after
the company went into receivership and the federal government stepped in to
clean up alleged environmental damage from the chemical company located in
downtown St. Joseph.

City officials filed a complaint against HPI at the end of
November 2020, alleging HPI “repeatedly discharged chemicals into the City’s
sewer system and operated within city limits without a required Wastewater
Contribution Permit.”

The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources acted against HPI, asking the federal courts to
compel environmental remediation activities at HPI’s properties. The Western
District Court of Missouri ordered HPI to cease all further chemical operations
and placed the company under receivership on September 19th last
year.

The temporary receiver appointed by the court closed the
chemical company and ended all disputed discharges. The EPA will conduct site
assessments and waste removal under its Superfund program.

The city dismissal preserves its ability to refile the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678735251657.jpeg" alt="HPI in downtown St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>HPI in downtown St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph’s complaint against HPI Products has been dropped after
the company went into receivership and the federal government stepped in to
clean up alleged environmental damage from the chemical company located in
downtown St. Joseph.City officials filed a complaint against HPI at the end of
November 2020, alleging HPI “repeatedly discharged chemicals into the City’s
sewer system and operated within city limits without a required Wastewater
Contribution Permit.”The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Missouri
Department of Natural Resources acted against HPI, asking the federal courts to
compel environmental remediation activities at HPI’s properties. The Western
District Court of Missouri ordered HPI to cease all further chemical operations
and placed the company under receivership on September 19th last
year.The temporary receiver appointed by the court closed the
chemical company and ended all disputed discharges. The EPA will conduct site
assessments and waste removal under its Superfund program.The city dismissal preserves its ability to refile the case.

City drops case against HPI in downtown St. Joseph

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has led
Missouri out of a consortium of states formed to fight voter fraud.

Ashcroft, a Republican, says the <a href="https://ericstates.org/">Electronic
Registration Information Center</a>, known as ERIC, has strayed from its original
mission. Ashcroft complains that some states in the group focused too heavily
on adding to voter registration rolls at the expense of cracking down on voter
fraud.

“Those states seem to want to prioritize trying
to fill our voter rolls with people that didn’t want to vote as opposed to
making sure our voter rolls are clean and going after people that would cheat,”
Ashcroft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.

Missouri left ERIC, along with Florida and West
Virginia.

Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that he led
Missouri out of ERIC to appease former President Donald Trump and his claim that
the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

Ashcroft rejects the assessment of critics who
claim Missouri was merely doing the bidding of Trump.

“But they’re acting like we responded to what he
said,” Ashcroft says, referring to a Trump social media post critical of ERIC. “And,
in truth, he didn’t put that out on social media until an hour-and-a-half, two
hours after we had made our decision.”

As for the claims that voter fraud was rampant in
the 2020 presidential election, Ashcroft says it is known some states failed to
provide an accurate count.

“I think it’s a travesty that there were certain
states that didn’t follow their own laws,” Ashcroft asserts. “That should never
be allowed to happen.”

Ashcroft claims Pennsylvania didn’t follow its
own election laws, that George abdicated signature requirements on absentee
ballots, and that Wisconsin used illegal ballot drop boxes during the 2020 presidential
election. Ashcroft will not say whether he believes Trump actually won.

Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that Missouri,
Florida, and West Virginia left ERIC at the behest of Trump.

“And it seems really interesting to me that
everybody seems to be doing their best not to have to defend ERIC’s inactions
on things that they should have been fixed,” according to Ashcroft.

Ashcroft says he wanted ERIC to incorporate
better data protection, focus less on voter registration rolls and more on
voter fraud, and remove non-voting members from its board.

“It’s awfully suspicious that no one will answer
why what we wanted to do was bad for ERIC or bad for elections,” Ashcroft says.
“And it sure seems like they’re scared to death of admitting that they refused
to make ERIC better and it’s their fault that these three states left.”

Ashcroft says ERIC’s governing documents should
contain safeguards for the data it receives from Missouri and other states and
a promise that it will not be shared with third parties. Ashcroft objects to a
requirement that states continue to ask residents to register to vote who have
refused when asked at their local department of motor vehicles. He would also
like ERIC to no longer sit non-voting members, some of whom Ashcroft contends
are partisan, such as David Becker, executive director of the Center for
Election Innovation and Research.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678730496462.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostMissouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has led
Missouri out of a consortium of states formed to fight voter fraud.Ashcroft, a Republican, says the <a href="https://ericstates.org/">Electronic
Registration Information Center</a>, known as ERIC, has strayed from its original
mission. Ashcroft complains that some states in the group focused too heavily
on adding to voter registration rolls at the expense of cracking down on voter
fraud.“Those states seem to want to prioritize trying
to fill our voter rolls with people that didn’t want to vote as opposed to
making sure our voter rolls are clean and going after people that would cheat,”
Ashcroft tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post in a phone interview.Missouri left ERIC, along with Florida and West
Virginia.Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that he led
Missouri out of ERIC to appease former President Donald Trump and his claim that
the 2020 presidential election was stolen.Ashcroft rejects the assessment of critics who
claim Missouri was merely doing the bidding of Trump.“But they’re acting like we responded to what he
said,” Ashcroft says, referring to a Trump social media post critical of ERIC. “And,
in truth, he didn’t put that out on social media until an hour-and-a-half, two
hours after we had made our decision.”As for the claims that voter fraud was rampant in
the 2020 presidential election, Ashcroft says it is known some states failed to
provide an accurate count.“I think it’s a travesty that there were certain
states that didn’t follow their own laws,” Ashcroft asserts. “That should never
be allowed to happen.”Ashcroft claims Pennsylvania didn’t follow its
own election laws, that George abdicated signature requirements on absentee
ballots, and that Wisconsin used illegal ballot drop boxes during the 2020 presidential
election. Ashcroft will not say whether he believes Trump actually won.Ashcroft flatly denies allegations that Missouri,
Florida, and West Virginia left ERIC at the behest of Trump.“And it seems really interesting to me that
everybody seems to be doing their best not to have to defend ERIC’s inactions
on things that they should have been fixed,” according to Ashcroft.Ashcroft says he wanted ERIC to incorporate
better data protection, focus less on voter registration rolls and more on
voter fraud, and remove non-voting members from its board.“It’s awfully suspicious that no one will answer
why what we wanted to do was bad for ERIC or bad for elections,” Ashcroft says.
“And it sure seems like they’re scared to death of admitting that they refused
to make ERIC better and it’s their fault that these three states left.”Ashcroft says ERIC’s governing documents should
contain safeguards for the data it receives from Missouri and other states and
a promise that it will not be shared with third parties. Ashcroft objects to a
requirement that states continue to ask residents to register to vote who have
refused when asked at their local department of motor vehicles. He would also
like ERIC to no longer sit non-voting members, some of whom Ashcroft contends
are partisan, such as David Becker, executive director of the Center for
Election Innovation and Research.

Sec of State Ashcroft defends move to exit ERIC

CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a police impersonator driving a gray Jeep with blue and red lights in the dash, according to a social media report from the Clay County Sheriff.

The pretend officer tried to stop someone on Plattsburg Road Sunday.

 Similar incidents with a vehicle with a similar description have occurred in Clinton and DeKalb counties. 

If this happens to you, do not stop and call 911.

CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a police impersonator driving a gray Jeep with blue and red lights in the dash, according to a social media report from the Clay County Sheriff.The pretend officer tried to stop someone on Plattsburg Road Sunday. Similar incidents with a vehicle with a similar description have occurred in Clinton and DeKalb counties. If this happens to you, do not stop and call 911.

Sheriff: Police impersonator reported in NW Missouri

The National Corn Growers Association and a broad coalition of national and state agriculture and bioscience organizations sent a letter to the White House on Mexico’s GMO corn ban. 

The groups thanked the Biden administration for beginning technical consultations with Mexico. 

“We support your request for a consultation with Mexico regarding its treatment of agricultural biotechnology and denying the use of certain crop protection tools to provide a framework and timeline to resolve this issue,” the 62 groups wrote. 

“We look forward to these consultations beginning promptly.” They also say Mexico’s GMO corn ban draws a non-science based distinction between corn for food and corn for feed and industrial uses and is inconsistent with USMCA obligations. 

The ag and biotechnology groups reiterated the importance of beginning the legal process to not only resolve the dispute with Mexico but also prevent other countries from following suit. “Send a strong signal on enforcement,” they added.

The National Corn Growers Association and a broad coalition of national and state agriculture and bioscience organizations sent a letter to the White House on Mexico’s GMO corn ban. The groups thanked the Biden administration for beginning technical consultations with Mexico. “We support your request for a consultation with Mexico regarding its treatment of agricultural biotechnology and denying the use of certain crop protection tools to provide a framework and timeline to resolve this issue,” the 62 groups wrote. “We look forward to these consultations beginning promptly.” They also say Mexico’s GMO corn ban draws a non-science based distinction between corn for food and corn for feed and industrial uses and is inconsistent with USMCA obligations. The ag and biotechnology groups reiterated the importance of beginning the legal process to not only resolve the dispute with Mexico but also prevent other countries from following suit. “Send a strong signal on enforcement,” they added.

Bioscience groups call for action on Mexico’s biotech corn ban

A new service to Buchanan County is helping to provide training for caregivers taking care of loved ones or friends at home. &nbsp;

Former Buchanan County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says this service is important in the county because of a lack of training for caregiving at home.&nbsp;

"The main goal is that when people go home from the hospital, if they've had some type of surgery or they've had some other type of situation, you want them to have good care at home and not have to go back into the hospital for that situation," Sawyer explains to host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. &nbsp;

"And so, that's what a lot of this content and a lot of what Trualta brings is this ability to help people take care of their family members for all kinds of different reasons."&nbsp;

The training is provided at no cost to caregivers thanks to fund from the American Rescue Plan in the county. &nbsp;

Local Trualata Representative Darci Henry says people are being cared for at home longer and living at home with chronic illnesses for long periods of time.&nbsp;

"When you're in the hospital or you're on home health services you're having professionals come in and provide that care to you which is great," Henry says. "But once your discharged from those services and the family kind of takes over as the primary support system, most of those family caregivers are not trained, so this is a way to give professional grade training and support to people who maybe have no experience giving care of any kind."&nbsp;

Since launch in November of last year, Henry says 90 caregivers have been brought on board for training.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sawyer says the contract with Trualta is for two years, but after that two years there are various ways, the service could be provided.&nbsp;

"It may be something where Buchanan County decides they want to continue to give that service, it may be that a Mosaic or somebody says hey this has been valuable to our patients we would like to continue on," Sawyer points out. "So, there's various ways to keep this funded going forward."&nbsp;

Sawyer says two years is a really good amount of time to get people engaged and see what value the program can bring. &nbsp;

More information can be found about Trualta <a href="https://buchanan.trualta.com/login">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;A new service to Buchanan County is helping to provide training for caregivers taking care of loved ones or friends at home. &nbsp;Former Buchanan County Commissioner Lee Sawyer says this service is important in the county because of a lack of training for caregiving at home.&nbsp;"The main goal is that when people go home from the hospital, if they've had some type of surgery or they've had some other type of situation, you want them to have good care at home and not have to go back into the hospital for that situation," Sawyer explains to host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. &nbsp;"And so, that's what a lot of this content and a lot of what Trualta brings is this ability to help people take care of their family members for all kinds of different reasons."&nbsp;The training is provided at no cost to caregivers thanks to fund from the American Rescue Plan in the county. &nbsp;Local Trualata Representative Darci Henry says people are being cared for at home longer and living at home with chronic illnesses for long periods of time.&nbsp;"When you're in the hospital or you're on home health services you're having professionals come in and provide that care to you which is great," Henry says. "But once your discharged from those services and the family kind of takes over as the primary support system, most of those family caregivers are not trained, so this is a way to give professional grade training and support to people who maybe have no experience giving care of any kind."&nbsp;Since launch in November of last year, Henry says 90 caregivers have been brought on board for training.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sawyer says the contract with Trualta is for two years, but after that two years there are various ways, the service could be provided.&nbsp;"It may be something where Buchanan County decides they want to continue to give that service, it may be that a Mosaic or somebody says hey this has been valuable to our patients we would like to continue on," Sawyer points out. "So, there's various ways to keep this funded going forward."&nbsp;Sawyer says two years is a really good amount of time to get people engaged and see what value the program can bring. &nbsp;More information can be found about Trualta <a href="https://buchanan.trualta.com/login">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

New service in Buchanan County provides training for at-home health care

BROWN COUNTY —Over the weekend, law enforcement authorities received a number of complaints from concerned&nbsp;residents about a new scam circulating the area, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Someone is calling, representing themselves as a lineman for Evergy.&nbsp; Residents are being told that they are two months behind on their bill and if they do not take care of the outstanding balance immediately, their power will be shut off within hours.&nbsp; 

Residents are given a specific dollar amount that it will take to retain their service. They are being instructed to go to the local Dollar General store and purchase a "money pack" and are given instructions on how to respond.

According to Sheriff Merchant, the caller is very convincing and several residents have said they were almost "taken in" by the caller.

The sheriff reminded everyone that calls such as this are a scam.&nbsp; If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you feel you have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, notify your local law enforcement at once.

BROWN COUNTY —Over the weekend, law enforcement authorities received a number of complaints from concerned&nbsp;residents about a new scam circulating the area, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.Someone is calling, representing themselves as a lineman for Evergy.&nbsp; Residents are being told that they are two months behind on their bill and if they do not take care of the outstanding balance immediately, their power will be shut off within hours.&nbsp; Residents are given a specific dollar amount that it will take to retain their service. They are being instructed to go to the local Dollar General store and purchase a "money pack" and are given instructions on how to respond. According to Sheriff Merchant, the caller is very convincing and several residents have said they were almost "taken in" by the caller. The sheriff reminded everyone that calls such as this are a scam.&nbsp; If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.&nbsp; If you feel you have been a victim of this or any other type of scam, notify your local law enforcement at once.

Sheriff warns of another phone scam in Kansas

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program. 

Farmers in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Tennessee are eligible for the program. 

It provides cost-share assistance for constructing new grain storage capacity and drying and handling seeds in order to support the orderly marketing of commodities. 

“Weather events in 2021 and 2022 in several states caused catastrophic losses to grain storage facilities on family farms as well as large commercial grain elevators, leaving stored grain exposed to the elements and affecting storage and commodity marketing options for many producers,” Vilsack says. 

“This new program will provide cost-share assistance to help producers address their on-farm storage capacity needs that are necessary for marketing grain.” Eligible natural disasters occurred from December 1, 2021, to August 1, 2022.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program. Farmers in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Tennessee are eligible for the program. It provides cost-share assistance for constructing new grain storage capacity and drying and handling seeds in order to support the orderly marketing of commodities. “Weather events in 2021 and 2022 in several states caused catastrophic losses to grain storage facilities on family farms as well as large commercial grain elevators, leaving stored grain exposed to the elements and affecting storage and commodity marketing options for many producers,” Vilsack says. “This new program will provide cost-share assistance to help producers address their on-farm storage capacity needs that are necessary for marketing grain.” Eligible natural disasters occurred from December 1, 2021, to August 1, 2022.

USDA announces cost-share assistance for grain storage

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2002 Honda GL 1800 driven by Daniel L. Hawkins, 62, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. Joseph.

Hawkins lost control of the motorcycle. It overturned, began to skid, traveled off the west side of the road and came to rest in the median.

Buchanan County EMS transported Hawkins to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

BUCHANAN COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Buchanan County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 2002 Honda GL 1800 driven by Daniel L. Hawkins, 62, St. Joseph, was northbound on Interstate 29 five miles south of St. Joseph.Hawkins lost control of the motorcycle. It overturned, began to skid, traveled off the west side of the road and came to rest in the median.Buchanan County EMS transported Hawkins to Mosaic Life Care. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

St. Joseph man injured in motorcycle accident

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Grundy County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy pickup driven by Tiffany D. Gathercole, 45, Trenton, was northbound on U.S. 65 five miles north of Trenton.

The driver slowed to make a right turn onto Mica Lane and noticed a semi not slowing behind her. The car traveled into a culvert while making the turn. The front passenger side of the pickup struck the culvert. The pickup then traveled up to a residence a short distance from the accident.

A private vehicle transported a 4-year-old female passenger in the pickup to Wright Memorial Hospital. Gathercole was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

GRUNDY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Friday in Grundy County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Chevy pickup driven by Tiffany D. Gathercole, 45, Trenton, was northbound on U.S. 65 five miles north of Trenton.The driver slowed to make a right turn onto Mica Lane and noticed a semi not slowing behind her. The car traveled into a culvert while making the turn. The front passenger side of the pickup struck the culvert. The pickup then traveled up to a residence a short distance from the accident.A private vehicle transported a 4-year-old female passenger in the pickup to Wright Memorial Hospital. Gathercole was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

4-year-old injured after Grundy Co. pickup accident

The American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial brands Case IH and New Holland signed a memorandum of understanding, allowing farmers and ranchers to repair their equipment. 

The MOU follows a similar agreement Farm Bureau signed with John Deere earlier this year. 

“Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, “so it’s critical they have access to the tools to keep things running on the farm, so the food supply chain keeps running too.” 

The MOU sets a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to access CNH Industrial brand manuals, tools, product guides, and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines. 

The MOU respects intellectual property rights and recognizes the need for safety controls and emission systems don’t get altered. CNH and AFBF will meet semiannually to review the agreement to address any concerns.

The American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial brands Case IH and New Holland signed a memorandum of understanding, allowing farmers and ranchers to repair their equipment. The MOU follows a similar agreement Farm Bureau signed with John Deere earlier this year. “Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before,” says Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, “so it’s critical they have access to the tools to keep things running on the farm, so the food supply chain keeps running too.” The MOU sets a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to access CNH Industrial brand manuals, tools, product guides, and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines. The MOU respects intellectual property rights and recognizes the need for safety controls and emission systems don’t get altered. CNH and AFBF will meet semiannually to review the agreement to address any concerns.

Farm Bureau signs MOU on Right to Repair

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says all cattle and calves in the U.S. and Canada combined totaled 101 million head on January 1, 2023, down three percent from January 1 of last year. 

All cows and heifers that have calved inventory totaled 42.9 million head, three percent lower than last year. 

All cattle and calves in the U.S. as of January 1 totaled 89.3 million head, down three percent from 92.1 million last January 1. 

All U.S. cows and heifers that have calved were 38.3 million head, down three percent from last year. All cattle and calves in Canada were at 11.3 million head on January 1, down two percent from the 11.5 million head on January 1, 2022. 

All cows and heifers that have calved inventory was 4.53 million head, two percent lower than last year. All sheep and lambs in the U.S. and Canada totaled 5.87 million head on January 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says all cattle and calves in the U.S. and Canada combined totaled 101 million head on January 1, 2023, down three percent from January 1 of last year. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory totaled 42.9 million head, three percent lower than last year. All cattle and calves in the U.S. as of January 1 totaled 89.3 million head, down three percent from 92.1 million last January 1. All U.S. cows and heifers that have calved were 38.3 million head, down three percent from last year. All cattle and calves in Canada were at 11.3 million head on January 1, down two percent from the 11.5 million head on January 1, 2022. All cows and heifers that have calved inventory was 4.53 million head, two percent lower than last year. All sheep and lambs in the U.S. and Canada totaled 5.87 million head on January 1.

Cattle inventories drop in the U.S. and Canada

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

Get out and eat some pancakes this weekend as the St. Joseph host Lions Clubs annual pancake days returns for an astounding 70th year. &nbsp;

President of the Host Lions Club Roger Unruh says all kinds of people come out and get together during the three-day event. &nbsp;

"We have families that come in and take up the deal, we have businesses that come in and they have their sales meeting ahead of time, you know they get them pumped up and then they send them out to the world to go sell everything in the world," Unruh tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But we have a great group of people that show up and you know every day is a different type."&nbsp;

Pancake days is held at the Army National Guard Armory on North Woodbine Road starting today and running through Sunday. &nbsp;

Unruh says the event will help raise money through ticket sales and a raffle at the event. &nbsp;

"All of that money comes back to us in the form that we give back out and a lot of that money goes directly into the community here in St. Joseph, Missouri," Unruh says. &nbsp;

Another cause the Lions Club provides money towards is sight research.&nbsp;

"CCVI for instance is the Childrens Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City, they're a great organization, they start with children that are blind at birth," Unruh explains.&nbsp;

Tickets can be purchased at the door, or by contacting members of the Lions Club you may know. &nbsp;

Pancake days runs from 7am to 7pm today and tomorrow and from 7am to 2pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;Get out and eat some pancakes this weekend as the St. Joseph host Lions Clubs annual pancake days returns for an astounding 70th year. &nbsp;President of the Host Lions Club Roger Unruh says all kinds of people come out and get together during the three-day event. &nbsp;"We have families that come in and take up the deal, we have businesses that come in and they have their sales meeting ahead of time, you know they get them pumped up and then they send them out to the world to go sell everything in the world," Unruh tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "But we have a great group of people that show up and you know every day is a different type."&nbsp;Pancake days is held at the Army National Guard Armory on North Woodbine Road starting today and running through Sunday. &nbsp;Unruh says the event will help raise money through ticket sales and a raffle at the event. &nbsp;"All of that money comes back to us in the form that we give back out and a lot of that money goes directly into the community here in St. Joseph, Missouri," Unruh says. &nbsp;Another cause the Lions Club provides money towards is sight research.&nbsp;"CCVI for instance is the Childrens Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City, they're a great organization, they start with children that are blind at birth," Unruh explains.&nbsp;Tickets can be purchased at the door, or by contacting members of the Lions Club you may know. &nbsp;Pancake days runs from 7am to 7pm today and tomorrow and from 7am to 2pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

St. Joseph Lions Clubs celebrate 70 years of flipping pancakes for community

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after a second arrest in three weeks.

On Wednesday, police arrested 33-year-old Alan M. Kendrick of Atchison, on a Community Corrections detain order and a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

On Feb. 23, police arrested Kendrick&nbsp; in the 800 block River Road on a District Court warrant for criminal damage to property.

Kendrick was jailed for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia which was found on his person during the warrant arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677166680762.png" alt="Kendrick -photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Kendrick -photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on new charges after a second arrest in three weeks.On Wednesday, police arrested 33-year-old Alan M. Kendrick of Atchison, on a Community Corrections detain order and a District Court warrant for violation of a protective order, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.On Feb. 23, police arrested Kendrick&nbsp; in the 800 block River Road on a District Court warrant for criminal damage to property.Kendrick was jailed for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia which was found on his person during the warrant arrest.&nbsp;

Kan. man accused of drug possession last month is back in jail

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in. Harrison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 International driven by Michael L. Williams, 32, St. Louis, was southbound on Interstate 35 in the city limits of Bethany.

The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and overturned onto the passenger side.

NTA ambulance transported Williams and a passenger identified as a a 5-year-old girl from St. Louis to Harrison County Community Hospital. The girl was not properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

HARRISON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Thursday in. Harrison County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 International driven by Michael L. Williams, 32, St. Louis, was southbound on Interstate 35 in the city limits of Bethany. The vehicle traveled off the west side of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle returned to the road and overturned onto the passenger side.NTA ambulance transported Williams and a passenger identified as a a 5-year-old girl from St. Louis to Harrison County Community Hospital. The girl was not properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man, 5-year-old injured in crash

An annual conference focused on different ways to provide applied learning opportunities will be hosted at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.&nbsp;

Missouri Western is designated as the state’s official applied learning institution which means students are engaged in hands on learning opportunities. &nbsp;

Missouri Western Chief Communication Officer Becky Dunn says the city reaps the benefits of the focus on experiential working.&nbsp;

"Every day, Missouri Western students are in our cities classrooms, healthcare facilities, businesses and more, and they're applying their skills and helping meet the needs of our citizens," Dunn tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "So, hosting this conference is a great way that we're fulfilling that mission as Missouri's applied learning institution, and this conference is for other educators in higher education who are also working through applied learning methods."&nbsp;

Missouri Western will welcome 17 educators from six different states to the 15th annual Conference on Applied Learning in Higher Education.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dunn says that applied learning has become a selling point for the university. &nbsp;

"We're really focusing on how we're providing these opportunities for students to take what they're learning in the classroom and put it into practice and we've done this intentionally through our four-day class schedule," Dunn explains. "So, students have Fridays open for extra activities focused on research or working through an actual job or an internship."&nbsp;

Dunn says giving students Friday's off to focus on those opportunities has been a great benefit.&nbsp; The conference will run today through Saturday.&nbsp;

By MATT PIKE&nbsp;St. Joseph Post&nbsp;An annual conference focused on different ways to provide applied learning opportunities will be hosted at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.&nbsp;Missouri Western is designated as the state’s official applied learning institution which means students are engaged in hands on learning opportunities. &nbsp;Missouri Western Chief Communication Officer Becky Dunn says the city reaps the benefits of the focus on experiential working.&nbsp;"Every day, Missouri Western students are in our cities classrooms, healthcare facilities, businesses and more, and they're applying their skills and helping meet the needs of our citizens," Dunn tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline. "So, hosting this conference is a great way that we're fulfilling that mission as Missouri's applied learning institution, and this conference is for other educators in higher education who are also working through applied learning methods."&nbsp;Missouri Western will welcome 17 educators from six different states to the 15th annual Conference on Applied Learning in Higher Education.&nbsp; &nbsp;Dunn says that applied learning has become a selling point for the university. &nbsp;"We're really focusing on how we're providing these opportunities for students to take what they're learning in the classroom and put it into practice and we've done this intentionally through our four-day class schedule," Dunn explains. "So, students have Fridays open for extra activities focused on research or working through an actual job or an internship."&nbsp;Dunn says giving students Friday's off to focus on those opportunities has been a great benefit.&nbsp; The conference will run today through Saturday.&nbsp;

Missouri Western showcases applied learning in annual conference

The Attorneys General from Nebraska and Iowa have notified Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan of their intent to file suit over year-round E15. 

The filing comes after the agency delayed rulemaking on year-round E15 sales in eight Midwestern states. 

The EPA took over 300 days to issue a proposed rule despite a Clean Air Act requirement to act within 90 days. 

Iowa attorney general Brenna Bird says EPA needs to follow the law and make E15 gasoline available year-round. “With record-high gas prices, consumers deserve relief when paying at the pump,” Bird says. 

“The EPA’s failure to respond on time not only deprives hard-working people of a cheaper, cleaner option, it’s also a violation of the Clean Air Act.” The EPA approved the rule for year-round E15 sales in those states but delayed implementation until 2024. The attorneys also called on the agency to issue an emergency waiver for 2023.

The Attorneys General from Nebraska and Iowa have notified Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan of their intent to file suit over year-round E15. The filing comes after the agency delayed rulemaking on year-round E15 sales in eight Midwestern states. The EPA took over 300 days to issue a proposed rule despite a Clean Air Act requirement to act within 90 days. Iowa attorney general Brenna Bird says EPA needs to follow the law and make E15 gasoline available year-round. “With record-high gas prices, consumers deserve relief when paying at the pump,” Bird says. “The EPA’s failure to respond on time not only deprives hard-working people of a cheaper, cleaner option, it’s also a violation of the Clean Air Act.” The EPA approved the rule for year-round E15 sales in those states but delayed implementation until 2024. The attorneys also called on the agency to issue an emergency waiver for 2023.

Midwest Attorneys General to sue EPA over delayed E15 rule

USDA celebrated the first National Biobased Products Day on Wednesday to highlight the accomplishments of people and organizations working to improve sustainability. 

“By setting aside March 8 as National Biobased Products Day, we honor the 20 years of progress the BioPreferred Program has achieved,” says USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small. 

Congress created the U.S. BioPreferred Program in the 2002 Farm Bill. The program is the federal government’s official advocate and market accelerator for biobased products. 

USDA congratulated the four winners of the BioPreferred Program’s “Excellence in Procurement Award” in 2022 for their respective agencies” environmental impact by using biobased products and championing farmers in rural America. 

Winners include the Department of Energy’s Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, Christina Graves of the Forest Service, Brian McCabe of the National Park Service, and Brooke Siegel with the FBI. To learn more about the BioPreferred Program, go to biopreferred.gov.

USDA celebrated the first National Biobased Products Day on Wednesday to highlight the accomplishments of people and organizations working to improve sustainability. “By setting aside March 8 as National Biobased Products Day, we honor the 20 years of progress the BioPreferred Program has achieved,” says USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small. Congress created the U.S. BioPreferred Program in the 2002 Farm Bill. The program is the federal government’s official advocate and market accelerator for biobased products. USDA congratulated the four winners of the BioPreferred Program’s “Excellence in Procurement Award” in 2022 for their respective agencies” environmental impact by using biobased products and championing farmers in rural America. Winners include the Department of Energy’s Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee, Christina Graves of the Forest Service, Brian McCabe of the National Park Service, and Brooke Siegel with the FBI. To learn more about the BioPreferred Program, go to biopreferred.gov.

USDA celebrates first National Biobased Products Day

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of U.S. 36 near Goldfinch in Brown County, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

After contact with the driver identified as 38-year-old Andrew Armstrong of Robinson, the deputy discovered that the vehicle registration was expired and Robinson's license was suspended.&nbsp;

The deputy arrested Armstrong on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Registration and Drive While Suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678298048492.png" alt="Armstrong-photo Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Armstrong-photo Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of U.S. 36 near Goldfinch in Brown County, according to Sheriff John Merchant.After contact with the driver identified as 38-year-old Andrew Armstrong of Robinson, the deputy discovered that the vehicle registration was expired and Robinson's license was suspended.&nbsp; The deputy arrested Armstrong on requested charges of Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Illegal Registration and Drive While Suspended.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught transporting meth

CropLife America applauds the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office for requesting formal technical consultations with the Mexican government under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement. 

The goal of the consultation is to address a long-standing agricultural technology trade issue. 

This announcement enforces Mexico’s trade commitments made in the USMCA and addresses concerns voiced by many in the U.S. ag community, including CLA, regarding the decree’s impact on biotechnology traits and pesticides in Mexico. 

The organization has maintained that Mexico’s regulatory actions regarding biotechnology ignore science- and risk-based regulations and the scientific weight of evidence from regulatory bodies around the world. CLA shares USTR’s concerns and is encouraged by the USTR’s focus on the need for a science-based regulatory approach. 

“We support the administration’s enforcement of a rules-based trading system for agricultural innovation and encourage USTR to also address regulatory delays and barriers that are impacting pesticide registrations in Mexico,” CLA said in a release.

CropLife America applauds the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office for requesting formal technical consultations with the Mexican government under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement. The goal of the consultation is to address a long-standing agricultural technology trade issue. This announcement enforces Mexico’s trade commitments made in the USMCA and addresses concerns voiced by many in the U.S. ag community, including CLA, regarding the decree’s impact on biotechnology traits and pesticides in Mexico. The organization has maintained that Mexico’s regulatory actions regarding biotechnology ignore science- and risk-based regulations and the scientific weight of evidence from regulatory bodies around the world. CLA shares USTR’s concerns and is encouraged by the USTR’s focus on the need for a science-based regulatory approach. “We support the administration’s enforcement of a rules-based trading system for agricultural innovation and encourage USTR to also address regulatory delays and barriers that are impacting pesticide registrations in Mexico,” CLA said in a release.

CropLife America applauds USTR actions

A St. Joseph school official sees some encouraging information
in a pilot performance report issued by the state, even though district
students scored low in several areas.

St. Joseph Director of School Improvement, Kendra Lau, says though
students scored low marks in English, math, and science, they had much stronger
marks under the categories of growth.

“And so, we felt encouraged that our learners were very
competitive to those other learners across the state,” Lau says in an interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In other words, our students grew at the same rate
that the other students grew across the state of Missouri. We were not below
that, but we were not above it.”

Lau says this pilot performance report issued by the Missouri
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education displays the coronavirus
pandemic gap that seems to have affected education throughout the nation when
schools shut down due to the virus.

Overall, the St. Joseph School District earned only 75.7
points out of the 128 points possible in the Year 1 Pilot report. The district
earned 46 of the 52 points possible in the category of Continuous Improvement.

St. Joseph public school students earned only half the points
possible in the categories of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
Students earned 75% of the points possible in Social Studies.

Students scored higher in the category of Academic Achievement
Growth in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.

DESE designated St. Joseph School District students On Track
in Graduation Rate over a seven-year period as well as Graduate Follow-up.

Lau says the score in that last category is significant.

“What it means is that the St. Joseph school graduates are
going to areas after they leave us that are going to lead to gainful employment
in the future,” according to Lau.

Lau sees a dropping attendance rate as a drag on test scores,
pointing out that the St. Joseph School District had a 90% attendance rate in
2019 before the pandemic.

“Now, at the end of last year, we were at 70%,” Lau says.

Lau says though disappointed in the low scores in key subject
areas, the district is pleased to see students scoring higher on academic
growth.

“It shows us that our students do have some gaps in learning,
because of the decreased proficiency,” Lau says. “But it also shows us that despite
the pandemic, our students are achieving growth that is equal to that which
other students across the state are gaining.”

This is a pilot report and Lau says the district hopes to score
better in future Annual Performance Reports.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph school official sees some encouraging information
in a pilot performance report issued by the state, even though district
students scored low in several areas.St. Joseph Director of School Improvement, Kendra Lau, says though
students scored low marks in English, math, and science, they had much stronger
marks under the categories of growth.“And so, we felt encouraged that our learners were very
competitive to those other learners across the state,” Lau says in an interview
with KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “In other words, our students grew at the same rate
that the other students grew across the state of Missouri. We were not below
that, but we were not above it.”Lau says this pilot performance report issued by the Missouri
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education displays the coronavirus
pandemic gap that seems to have affected education throughout the nation when
schools shut down due to the virus.Overall, the St. Joseph School District earned only 75.7
points out of the 128 points possible in the Year 1 Pilot report. The district
earned 46 of the 52 points possible in the category of Continuous Improvement.St. Joseph public school students earned only half the points
possible in the categories of English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
Students earned 75% of the points possible in Social Studies.Students scored higher in the category of Academic Achievement
Growth in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.DESE designated St. Joseph School District students On Track
in Graduation Rate over a seven-year period as well as Graduate Follow-up.Lau says the score in that last category is significant.“What it means is that the St. Joseph school graduates are
going to areas after they leave us that are going to lead to gainful employment
in the future,” according to Lau.Lau sees a dropping attendance rate as a drag on test scores,
pointing out that the St. Joseph School District had a 90% attendance rate in
2019 before the pandemic.“Now, at the end of last year, we were at 70%,” Lau says.Lau says though disappointed in the low scores in key subject
areas, the district is pleased to see students scoring higher on academic
growth.“It shows us that our students do have some gaps in learning,
because of the decreased proficiency,” Lau says. “But it also shows us that despite
the pandemic, our students are achieving growth that is equal to that which
other students across the state are gaining.”This is a pilot report and Lau says the district hopes to score
better in future Annual Performance Reports.

St. Joseph school officials see silver lining in otherwise cloudy report

The updated 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. 

“Despite some improvements in overall basin conditions, we expect 2023 runoff to remain below average,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. 

“Soil moisture has improved slightly in some areas, but drought conditions still exist across most of the basin.” 

The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 21.5 million acre-feet, 84 percent of the average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. 

February runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was one million acre-feet, 86 percent of a typical year. System storage is currently 46 million acre-feet, 10.1 million below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone.

The updated 2023 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. “Despite some improvements in overall basin conditions, we expect 2023 runoff to remain below average,” says John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Soil moisture has improved slightly in some areas, but drought conditions still exist across most of the basin.” The 2023 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 21.5 million acre-feet, 84 percent of the average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks. February runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was one million acre-feet, 86 percent of a typical year. System storage is currently 46 million acre-feet, 10.1 million below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone.