Students from the St. Joseph schools, known as the Student Voice Alliance, met with city officials this month to discuss their ideas to help improve the city.  

The group of students were narrowed down from a larger group that met at Empower U in downtown St. Joseph last month, developing ideas to help with homelessness and overall cleanliness of the city.  

St. Joseph City Manager Mike Schumacher says the group came to city officials also with ideas of how to better communicate with people their age, an idea that includes going to Tik Tok 

“Because that’s what that age bracket, that’s the current social media platform of choice, and there’s a lot to that and those students are going to help us come up with a communication strategy,” Schumacher says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “Because how you communicate to somebody my age versus how you communicate to somebody whose let’s say 16. Is completely different, and one is not better that the other it’s just different, so they’re going to teach us how to communicate to that age bracket.” 

Schumacher says the topics that students want to discuss, perhaps unironically, mirror the city survey results 

"It’s driving our entire organization at this point, so I’m fairly comfortable that 16 year olds didn’t really fill out those surveys, and if they did it would have been very few of them, but their concerns mirror, for the most part, mirror the citizen satisfaction survey,” Schumacher explains.  “So, it’s kind of a confirmation of the survey that we’re on the right track and it also highlighted a lot of opportunities.” 

Schumacher says after discussion with the group, they will even continue to meet with city officials throughout the summer to work on these ideas.  

“We would have bet $1 that they would not be interested over the summer, but the group without hesitation said we want to do it through the summer, we want to keep this conversation going so we will be here,” Schumacher says.  “That made me incredibly proud of that group and if you take a step back and you look at that, that shows the dedication.” 

Schumacher says the dedication adds to his excitement for the program, as well as the missions of the students aligning with the current existing mission for the city. 

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

Student Voice Alliance shares ideas and vision to improve St. Joseph with officials

Missouri Western State University’s Career Development Center will host an All Majors Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, in the Fulkerson Center. 

The event offers students a platform to connect with potential employers and prepare for professional life.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interview for positions on-site. To support their professional presentation, students can access the Career Closet for free business attire and have professional headshots taken during the event.

The fair will feature more than 60 registered employers. Early arrival is encouraged, as the first 50 attendees will receive a prize. Additionally, the center will hold gift card raffles every 30 minutes throughout the event.

Employer Registration
Off-campus employers wishing to participate must register by 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. Registration is available through Handshake at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://missouriwestern.joinhandshake.com/login">missouriwestern.joinhandshake.com</a> for a fee of $50.

For more information or assistance, contact Kristen Neeley, director of career development, at 816-271-4206 or kneeley@missouriwestern.edu.

All Majors Career Fair at MoWEST on Feb. 25

The college basketball tournament can make you a winner! Make your picks for the chance to win $200 (local grand prize). Even if your bracket becomes busted you have 2 more chances to play and you could win $100 or $50 (local grand prizes).

Double Bonus Bracket

A Missouri Western State University instructor will host a free writing workshop, “Stories as Letters,” at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Rolling Hills Library Upper Story, located at 1912 N. Belt Highway.

Justin Eells, a developmental writing instructor at the university, will lead the session. The workshop invites participants to explore epistolary fiction and nonfiction—a genre where stories are told through documents such as letters. Eells said the session is designed to help writers develop unique character voices and create the sense of intimacy that letter-writing provides.

The event is open to the public and accommodates all experience levels, ranging from seasoned authors to beginners.

Eells joined the Missouri Western faculty in 2023. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and a certificate in the teaching of writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Free writing workshop, ‘Stories as Letters,’ on Feb. 21 at Rolling Hills Library

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Greater St. Joseph, and the St. Joseph Community Alliance are inviting residents to help shape the future of the city on Feb. 24.

The morning-long event, held at inspireU, 521 Felix St., is dedicated to the "Imagine St. Joseph 2040" initiative, focusing on community vision, expert insight, and local voices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The morning kicks off with a keynote breakfast featuring Rebecca Ryan, a renowned futurist who assisted in developing the original 2040 plan. She will return to share her expertise on emerging trends and the specific opportunities that lie ahead for communities like St. Joseph. This session is open to the public; however, registration is required to cover the $25 cost of the meal.

Following the breakfast, the focus shifts to hands-on collaboration during the 2040 Workshop. This interactive session is designed to evaluate the progress of the current plan and gather fresh input to update the city's roadmap. This portion of the event is free and open to the public, providing a platform for everyone to contribute to the community’s long-term direction.

More information can be found <a href="https://members.saintjoseph.com/events/ImagineSt%20Joseph%202040%20Refresh%20-2386/details">here</a>.

Community leaders to host 'Imagine St. Joseph 2040' event at inspireU

The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a contract to Hoy Excavating, LLC for an intersection improvement project on U.S. Route 169 at Riverside Terrace, located south of St. Joseph. 

Work is scheduled to begin Monday, March 2.

The project aims to improve sight distance and safety by shifting the U.S. Route 169 roadway slightly north between Summerhill Drive and Southeast Riverside Terrace. Additionally, crews will realign both the north and south entrances of Southeast Riverside Terrace at the Route 169 intersection.

To accommodate the construction, Route 169 will be closed to all traffic between Route AC and Southeast 70th Street.

Motorists will be directed to follow a signed detour route using:

Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra travel time and exercise caution when traveling through the area. MoDOT says inclement weather could delay the project.&nbsp;

All work is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Route 169 Intersection improvements near St. Joseph begin March 2

KFEQ Morning Sports 

If Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, the bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri House approved a&nbsp;<a href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2641&amp;year=2026&amp;code=R" target="_blank">bill</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would ban all intoxicating hemp products — things like THC seltzers or hemp-derived THC edibles currently sold at gas stations and smoke shops — beginning in November.

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, would prohibit hemp products from containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per container, which is among the<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/23/new-federal-regulations-complicate-missouri-debate-over-intoxicating-hemp/">&nbsp;limits</a>&nbsp;included in a provision in the federal spending bill Congress approved last year.

Even if Congress reverses course and decides to allow the sale of these products, Hinman’s bill would only permit them to be sold in Missouri’s licensed marijuana dispensaries. And if Congress chooses to delay the ban for a couple years, Missouri would still ban all products, except for intoxicating beverages.&nbsp;

With a 109-34 vote, the bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re not pioneering anything new here,” Hinman said during debate on his bill Thursday. “What Missouri is doing…is simply aligning our state statutes with the federal action so our law enforcement, the highway patrol, local prosecutors and the attorney general’s office can work in tandem with our federal partners. No gaps, no loopholes.”

Republican State Rep. Matthew Overcast of Ava spoke against the bill, particularly a provision stating intoxicating hemp products “shall be considered marijuana” and be regulated the same.&nbsp;

This would essentially ban nearly all intoxicating hemp products currently sold in the state because marijuana must be grown in Missouri and most hemp is grown elsewhere. It would also require hemp products to be sold in licensed cannabis dispensaries, which can only sell product grown within Missouri licensed cultivation facilities.&nbsp;

Overcast argued that Missouri’s constitution already defines what marijuana is, and only voters can change that definition — not lawmakers. And while proponents say the changes are needed to protect children from accessing these products, Overcast said, the reality is the bill will only protect the marijuana industry from competition.&nbsp;

“We cannot rewrite voter adopted language by statute simply because certain market participants prefer less competition,” Overcast said. “If protecting children was truly the goal, we know what works: age restrictions, standards, clear labeling, packaging safeguards, responsible retail rules.”

Hinman said he believes Missouri lawmakers have the authority to make this change.&nbsp;

“The [Missouri] Constitution defines marijuana broadly as anything from the cannabis plant except for industrial hemp,” Hinman said. “Hemp-derived cannabinoid products are not industrial hemp. They are intoxicating.”

Overcast also argued the bill doesn’t allow Missouri to continue to align with federal guidelines. If Congress passed legislation allowing states to sell intoxicating hemp products outside of marijuana dispensaries, Overcast said Missouri businesses would not be able to because Hinman’s bill only allows them to be sold within what he called the “marijuana monopoly.”

“That is not public safety, that is not safety policy,” he said. “This is picking winners and losers.”&nbsp;

State officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/10/03/cost-to-enforce-ban-on-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri-estimated-at-nearly-900k/">estimated&nbsp;</a>in 2024 that 40,000 food establishments and smoke shops and 1,800 food manufacturers were selling products that would be banned under the proposed federal regulations. It includes low-dose THC seltzers, such as Mighty Kind and Triple, that have&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/10/27/thc-beverage-boom-faces-missouri-crackdown-amid-regulatory-concerns-safety-risks/">increased in popularity</a>&nbsp;at liquor stores and bars.&nbsp;

Hinman’s legislation is one of the first bills to get House approval this year. He previously told The Independent the legislation was a priority for the state’s leadership, including the governor, attorney general and House speaker.

This will be the fourth year in a row that Missouri lawmakers have attempted to regulate intoxicating hemp products, with&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/10/intoxicating-hemp-regulations-stall-in-missouri-senate-after-7-hour-filibuster/">previous debates ending in stalemates</a>.&nbsp;

Hinman told The Independent Thursday afternoon that he considers himself to be “pro small business,” and this wasn’t the bill he was hoping to pass this year – but it aligns the state with the upcoming federal restrictions.&nbsp;

“All of last year and up until before this federal decision was made, I was pushing to keep drinks and low-dose gummies available for those small businesses to sell,” he said.&nbsp;

For 10 months last year, he said he tried to bring hemp business owners together to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/14/lawmakers-vote-down-a-second-bill-to-regulate-intoxicating-hemp-products-in-missouri/">propose a regulatory framework</a>&nbsp;outside of the marijuana rules.&nbsp;

“And they could not come to a conclusion on what would be acceptable,” Hinman said.&nbsp;

Restricting the products to only be sold in cannabis dispensaries was also not his preference, he said, but it’s the regulatory framework the state already has in place.&nbsp;

His original language stated Missouri would delay its ban if the federal government did, but he said that would unintentionally leave the products unregulated in the state indefinitely.&nbsp;

“And then we’re back to trying to create a regulatory framework for hemp products,” he said. “The attorney general was not happy because she wants something accomplished. And of course, the police do…their hands are tied with continuing with an unregulated market.”

If Congress decided to allow low-dose THC hemp products to be sold outside dispensaries, he said Missouri would have to come back and pass legislation allowing that.

Republican state Rep. Jeff Myers of Warrenton&nbsp;spoke in favor of closing loopholes that were opened when Congress legalized hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“All we’re saying is the federal government went back and addressed a loophole that got exploited,” he said. “We’re closing that back up.”

Missouri House passes legislation banning intoxicating hemp products

St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery is scheduled for a semi-annual grounds cleanup on Monday, March 2. 

Starting at daybreak, cemetery staff will begin removing all flowers, decorations, and personal items from every grave. This site-wide clearing is a necessary step to allow teams to begin seasonal mowing and essential maintenance of the cemetery grounds.

There are no exceptions to this policy. Community members are asked to retrieve any items they wish to keep by the evening of Sunday, March 1. Any items remaining on the gravesites at daybreak on Monday will be subject to disposal.

Given the unseasonably mild weather, families are encouraged to visit the park and remove their personal items ahead of the deadline to avoid the last-minute rush.

As a reminder, Memorial Park Cemetery conducts two general cleanups each year to keep the grounds in order:

Semi-Annual cleanup scheduled at St. Joseph Memorial Park

The SAVE America Act to require proof of citizenship nationwide to register to vote will be voted on soon by the United States Senate after earning approval from the House.  

The proposal would require citizens to present documents such as a passport or birth certificate to register to vote or update their registration. 

US Senator Roger Marshall says he and his fellow Republicans believe its reasonable to ask citizens to show an ID when coming to vote or register 

“We think that’s the way the founding fathers meant it to be, unfortunately no Democrats are going to support that,” Marshall tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “So, it will take 60 votes to get it through on the Senate, and we don’t have 60 votes, if every Republican voted for it we still would be seven short.” 

Marshall says what is interesting to him however is the issue is an 80-20 issue 

"That 80% of Americans, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, would like election integrity, they think it’s a very reasonable for people to show an ID when they go vote,” Marshall explains.  “You know I can’t get a hotel room, I can’t rent a car, I can’t get on an airplane without an ID, I think the value, how important I value voting is every bit as important, probably more important, than those and that would be a reasonable request, but I’m just afraid we don’t have the votes to get it through in the Senate because no Democrat is going to vote for it.” 

Many stand against the measure, claiming it would cause a suppression of voters, requiring documents such as a passport or birth certificate to register to vote or update their registration.  It also would require a photo ID to vote.  

To those claims, Marshall says people should value the ability to vote 

“These same people that we’re talking about have an ID so that they can, like I said, go get a hotel room, rent a car, or get on an airplane, so that’s a reasonable expectation, I think it’s a reasonable expectation to do this as well,” Marshall says.  “I think that we should value elections even more, and again 80% of Americans agree with me.” 

Republicans control 53 seats of the Senate, however some have not signed onto the measure.  

As SAVE America Act hits Senate floor, US Senator Marshall calls expectations reasonable

KFEQ Morning Sports

March corn closed up 1 3/4 cents and May corn was up 3 1/2 cents. March soybeans closed down 3 1/2 cents and May soybeans were down 2 3/4 cents. March KC wheat closed up 6 3/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 14 cents, March MIAX Minneapolis wheat was up 4 3/4 cents.

Corn and soybean futures traded both sides of even on Friday, with routine trade interrupted at midmorning by reports the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against President Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement widespread "reciprocal" tariffs through the first year of his second term. While the initial minutes following the breaking story featured a sharp reversal from daily highs, grain futures settled down and eventually recovered through the session, with wheat futures remaining a bullish beacon throughout with another double-digit surge higher. The exact implications of the ruling will likely take weeks -- if not months -- to determine, but for Friday equity markets initially moved higher on the news, while the U.S. dollar softened.

The livestock complex was trading mixed into Friday's noon hour as the cattle contracts dipped slightly lower ahead of seeing the afternoon's Cattle on Feed report and upon not seeing any fed cash cattle trade by that time.&nbsp;The lean hog contracts continued to scale higher as traders were not currently up against any immediate fears of resistance pressure. 

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/06205559/30001.mp3">Click HERE for Audio</a>

Commodity markets daily recap

Farm Journal Foundation launched the Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program in 2022 to address the nationwide shortage of veterinarians in rural America. The shortage is having significant consequences on farmer livelihoods, food security, and rural economic growth. In the last four years, the Foundation discovered that the shortage is multidimensional, with high student debt being just one factor. 

Other factors include a lack of early exposure to the opportunities offered in this field, mentorship, and business training, are equally as significant. Recruitment and retention must also be addressed together through a coordinated education-to-practice continuum. Sustainable progress in getting more vets into rural areas depends on local and state infrastructure, not just federal-level programs. Young veterinarians often cite business confidence, financial literacy, and consistent community support as key factors in deciding whether to remain in rural practice. University extension partnerships are effective vehicles for delivering targeted business and risk management training for young veterinarians.

Farm Journal Reports Rural Veterinarian Shortage

Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced they’ve reached a proposed settlement this week worth $7.25 billion. The goal is to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that Roundup, its most popular weed killer, could cause cancer. The AP reports the settlement came about as the Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments in April on Bayer’s assertion that the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. 

“Patients would be assured of receiving at least some settlement money,” the Associated Press reported, “even if the Supreme Court ruled in Bayer’s favor.” Bayer would also be protected from potentially much larger financial penalties if the Court ruled against the agrochemical manufacturer. The deal would require Bayer to make yearly payments into a fund for up to 21 years, which could eventually be worth $7.25 billion.&nbsp;

Bayer Proposes a Roundup Settlement

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to protect the domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order says these two critical inputs are essential to military readiness and America’s agricultural strength, respectively. The Order finds that any interruption of the supply of either of these critical materials could leave the defense industrial base and food supply vulnerable to hostile foreign actors. 

Reuters said the order underscores U.S. farmers’ critical need to have access to the herbicide. Bayer, the only domestic supplier of glyphosate, produces roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply at its U.S. facilities, and the company added that this move would not lead to shortages in other countries. However, not everyone applauded the move by the White House. The New York Times reported that the move set off immediate alarms among the supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement.&nbsp;

Trump Order Protects Glyphosate, Phosphate Production

March corn closed down 1 1/4 cents and May corn was down 1/2 cent. March soybeans closed up 7 1/2 cents and May soybeans were up 7 cents. March KC wheat closed up 14 1/2 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 12 1/2 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 8 1/2 cents.

Row-crop futures were mixed Thursday with wheat and soybeans higher while corn futures remained sluggish. USDA's early forecasts for 2026-27 were largely as traders anticipated, featuring a switch from corn acres to soybean acres expected to occur this spring. Otherwise, there was very little news Thursday to break markets out of their weekly trends. Outside markets continue to reflect increased risk surrounding tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with crude oil futures hitting their highest mark since early August. Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index has strung together positive sessions this week to climb from four-year lows hit in late January. The index has been resistant at 98 through February, however.

The live cattle complex traded mixed into Thursday's close, as the market is currently seeing its nearby contracts trading higher while the deferred months scale lower. It would appear as though the nearby contracts are trading higher, although no trade has developed yet in the fed cash cattle market, as traders know that supplies of market-ready cattle are going to be thin through the first quarter and potentially partway through the second quarter, which may be part of the reason why the February through June contracts were higher. Absolutely nothing has developed yet in the fed cash cattle market, and there's a chance that trade could be delayed until after Friday's Cattle on Feed report. Boxed beef prices are higher: choice up $1.30 ($365.10) and select up $0.05 ($360.68) with a movement of 54 loads (36.97 loads of choice, 9.47 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 7.16 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle contracts weren't as bullish, as traders yearn to see continued fundamental support before they'll likely push the contracts much higher. And another part of the market's cautiousness could be stemming from the fact that traders are holding a slightly more cautious position ahead of the Cattle on Feed report.

The lean hog complex was trading mostly higher into Thursday's closing bell, as once again, trades aren't feeling pressured by any resistance thresholds following the past week's sharp downturn. Pork cutout values were up slightly, but not enough to make any impactful difference for traders.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/19140859/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

Farmers are always interested in growing more resilient crops that can survive tough conditions. Researchers at the University of Missouri may have literally gotten to the root of the challenge. Researchers have discovered how a specific protein known as SRFR1 plays a critical role in how deeply plant roots grow underground. What’s even more promising is that they unlocked a way to manipulate this protein to encourage longer root growth, which is a trait that can potentially help plants better withstand drought. 

This breakthrough could pave the way for genetically engineered seeds that produce more resilient crops. “Depending on the environment, plants sometimes need a longer or shorter root, and we discovered the protein that helps regulate the outcome,” said Walter Gassman of the Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. ‘Now that we have learned what this protein does, we can manipulate it to help the plant thrive in various environments.” 

Mizzou researchers uncover key to growing more resilient crops

Over one million FFA members, alumni, and supporters will celebrate National FFA Week from February 21 to February 28. It’s an annual tradition coordinated by the National FFA Organization to share the real value of FFA and the impact it has on members every day. “National FFA Week is a time when we showcase the collective impact of FFA nationwide,” said National FFA Advisor, Dr. Travis Park. “Throughout FFA, we see our members stepping up as leaders, innovators, and advocates for agriculture.”

 Park also said this happens through the dedication of agriculture teachers, FFA Alumni, and Supporters. The six National FFA Officers will travel across the country to connect with members during the week, leading workshops, delivering keynote talks, and interacting with students on a more personal level. Trey Myers, National FFA President said, “I’m really looking forward to being in North Carolina and seeing FFA show up in so many different ways.” 

National FFA Week brings students, communities, and agriculture together

March corn closed up 3/4 cent and May corn was up 1 cent. March soybeans closed down 1/2 cent and May soybeans were up 1/4 cent. March KC wheat closed up 12 1/4 cents, March Chicago wheat was up 9 1/4 cents, March Minneapolis wheat was up 5 3/4 cents.

U.S. crop markets traded almost uniformly higher overnight before turning mixed through the day session Wednesday. Two-sided trade was especially prevalent in the soybean market with futures technically overbought and feeling top heavy ahead of the USDA Ag Outlook Forum (with balance sheets unveiled early Thursday), which is expected to show higher soybean area to be planted in 2026. Wheat futures held to a nice recovery after an ugly session on Tuesday, while corn futures were stagnant and caught between influences from wheat and soybean markets. Outside markets for Wednesday were mixed with the U.S. Dollar Index moving higher for the third straight session and five of the past six. Crude oil futures have surged higher at midweek, back among the highest levels of 2026 thus far amid risk with negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ongoing but thus far reportedly yielding little in the way of a clear nuclear deal.

After rallying to highs not seen since October, the live cattle complex ended the session trading mixed to mostly lower as traders look for reassurance from the market's fundamentals. The cash cattle market remains absolutely silent, with no bids or asking prices having been noted yet. It's most likely that trade will be delayed until Friday again this week, and it is assumed that fed cash cattle prices will be higher again this week. Boxed beef prices are mixed: choice down $1.26 ($363.50) and select up $0.99 ($361.21) with a movement of 58 loads (43.87 loads of choice, 6.35 loads of select, zero loads of trim and 8.12 loads of ground beef).

The feeder cattle complex traded slightly more optimistically into midday Wednesday than the live cattle complex, and its contracts end the session mixed. Helping keep the feeder cattle contracts elevated is the strong demand in the countryside, as buyers know that supplies are going to remain thin and that if they want to fill their orders, they have to buy aggressively.

The lean hog complex was trading fully higher into Wednesday's closing bell as the market is pleased to have found some technical support after its straining downturn over the last week. Fundamental support remains lagging, and traders will eventually desire to see more support in pork demand.

<a href="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/356/2026/02/18142504/web-closing-markets-1.mp3">Click HERE for audio</a>

The National FFA Organization said it will cooperate with a congressional inquiry examining one of its corporate sponsors, while emphasizing its nonpartisan mission and independence from donor influence. 

At question is FFA’s alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party through a partnership with Chinese-owned Syngenta Group. FFA declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The inquiry comes amid heightened scrutiny from some members of Congress over partnerships between U.S.-based nonprofits and companies with foreign ownership ties.

The youth agricultural education group released a statement exclusively to the NAFB News Service that included: "While FFA accepts support from generous donors and sponsors throughout the agricultural and agri-business community, it does not and cannot advocate the views for any donor or sponsor. FFA has received a Congressional inquiry about one of our sponsors, and it intends to cooperate fully."

FFA says it will cooperate with congressional inquiry

The number of farms in the United States fell by 15,000 in 2025, continuing a long-term decline in the nation’s agricultural landscape, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. According to USDA’s annual Land in Farms report, the total number of farms dropped to about 1.865 million last year, down from roughly 1.88 million in 2024. The decline spanned nearly all size and sales categories, with smaller operations — particularly those reporting $1,000 to $9,999 in annual sales — posting the largest losses, USDA data showed. 

Only operations with annual sales above $1 million saw a slight increase of about 50 farms. Total land in farms also edged lower, decreasing about 0.3% to 873.9 million acres, even as average farm size ticked upward, reflecting a consolidation trend. Analysts said economic pressures, including slim profit margins, rising costs and generational turnover, continue to challenge smaller producers and reshape the structure of U.S. agriculture.

U.S. farm numbers decline for second straight year

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled the Trump Administration can not impose tariffs&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a>&nbsp;before court on Nov. 5, 2025

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

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

TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

By Dewey Terrill JC Post / Little Apple Post

Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were no any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined. Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.

Junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley. The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.

This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

Residents of 17 apartments displaced after Kansas fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfter

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman.

 Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. 

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

 Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Kansas man threatened to kill officers, hospital staff

Ahead of the start of a new Major League Soccer season tomorrow, Sporting Kansas City announced a slew of moves on Thursday, moving one forward, and acquiring another to help on the frontline for new head coach&nbsp;Raphael Wicky.

Sporting acquired up to $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) from Toronto FC in exchange for forward Daniel Salloi, the club announced Thursday. Sporting will receive $300,000 in GAM and an additional $700,000 in GAM if certain performance-based incentives are achieved. Sporting retains a sell-on percentage should Salloi be transferred to another club.

Salloi signed with Sporting KC as a Homegrown Player in 2016 and went on to tally 67 goals and 47 assists in 287 appearances across all competitions for the club.&nbsp; The 29 year old forward departs Sporting as the second top scorer in the team’s history, tied with Dom Dwyer and Johnny Russell, and ranks fourth in goal contributions, while his 17 game-winning goals in the regular season are the most in club history.&nbsp; 

Salloi also&nbsp;helped Sporting win the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, scoring the game-winner in the final, and was named an MLS All-Star and MVP finalist in 2021.

In a sort of corresponding move on Thursday,&nbsp;Sporting Kanas City acquired forward Taylor Calheira in a transfer from FC Tulsa in the USL Championship. Calheira signed a two-and-a-half-year MLS contract through the 2027-2028 season with club options for the following two seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sporting acquired Calheira’s Discovery Priority from Minnesota United in exchange for $50,000 in 2026 GAM and an additional $25,000 in GAM if certain performance-based incentives are achieved.

Calheira has enjoyed a prolific start to his professional career, tallying 38 goals and 10 assists in 69 matches while representing FC Tulsa in the USL Championship in 2025 and NYCFC II in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024.&nbsp; The 23 year old forward joins Sporting after an impressive debut campaign with FC Tulsa in 2025, recording 21 goals and four assists in all competitions as Tulsa finished atop the Western Conference with a 16-5-9 record and reached the USL Championship Final.

Sporting begins the 2026 MLS season tomorrow with a trip to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park with kickoff set for 9:30 p.m. The team will then return to Kansas City for the club’s home opener against the Columbus Crew at Sporting Park on February 28th at 7:30 p.m.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Sporting Kansas City moves Salloi, acquires new forward Calheira

Former Kansas City Royals outfielder and speedster Terrance Gore&nbsp;died in early February from complications following a medical procedure at 34 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday, during a visit to Surprise, Arizona and Royals Spring Training camp, former Royals player Mike Moustakas paid tribute to his late teammate. Moustakas described Gore as a great person and expressed sadness over his loss. 

“It’s sad,” Moustakas told reporters. “You know, losing a member of our family and the Royals family, it’s really sad.&nbsp; As great as a baseball player as he was, you guys saw what he was able to do on the field with all the speed, he was such a better person,”&nbsp;

 “Just a great human, a great friend, father and husband."

The Royals organization also honored Gore, who played five seasons with the team and was known for his speed and defense. Moustakas and other former Royals players are dedicated to keeping Gore's memory alive as the 2026 season approaches.

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