Max Armstrong talks about the dangers of severe cold weather, especially to the elderly. A Michigan mother wants a major retailer to change how it displays candy and magazines. He also looks at 2016 ethanol production levels, including how exports and domestic demand have boosted sales from Iowa's 43 plants. And the new Missouri Ag Director is Chris Chinn, an active Farm Bureau member, and was one of the first Faces of Farming and Ranching from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.

And finally, Max shares news that the Salvation Army had a slow holiday start, but it appears that the kettles got filled as Christmas neared.

Midwest Digest is a twice-daily look at news from around the Midwest. Veteran broadcaster Max Armstrong offers news and commentary for the region.