BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A group hoping to build a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks filed a lawsuit Tuesday arguing it collected more than enough signatures to earn a spot on the November ballot.&nbsp;

The Osage River Gaming &amp; Convention Committee is asking a judge to reverse a decision by the Missouri secretary of state’s office that its initiative petition did not qualify for the statewide ballot because it was short 2,031 signatures in the 2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;

The proposal collected enough signatures in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th districts.&nbsp;

The group claims it has identified more than 2,500 valid signatures that were rejected and should have been counted in the 2nd District.&nbsp;

“Verifying every signature on multiple initiative petitions this summer has been a very long process for election officials and we realize mistakes happen,” the group said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “However, (Osage River Gaming &amp; Convention) has always been confident their initiative petition contained a sufficient number of valid signatures from legal voters to qualify for placement on the Nov. 5 general election ballot and are now asking the court to do so.”

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.

It would also override a state law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">limiting the state to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer. Each has contributed about half of the $4.1 million raised for the petition drive.

The proposal is being pushed in response to a casino development&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">announced in 2021</a>&nbsp;by the Osage Nation, the Native American tribe that the river is named for. That project, a $60 million development, includes construction of a casino, hotel and convention center.

Backers of the initiative effort say their casino project will&nbsp; provide 700 to 800 jobs.

According to the ballot summary, the casino is expected to produce admission and fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, money that is split with the local government with jurisdiction over the site and the Missouri Gaming Commission. The tax on casino net winnings is projected to be about $14.3 million annually.

New gambling tax revenue would be earmarked to early childhood literacy programs in public schools.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A group hoping to build a new casino near the Lake of the Ozarks filed a lawsuit Tuesday arguing it collected more than enough signatures to earn a spot on the November ballot.&nbsp;The Osage River Gaming &amp; Convention Committee is asking a judge to reverse a decision by the Missouri secretary of state’s office that its initiative petition did not qualify for the statewide ballot because it was short 2,031 signatures in the 2nd Congressional District.&nbsp;The proposal collected enough signatures in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 7th districts.&nbsp;The group claims it has identified more than 2,500 valid signatures that were rejected and should have been counted in the 2nd District.&nbsp;“Verifying every signature on multiple initiative petitions this summer has been a very long process for election officials and we realize mistakes happen,” the group said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “However, (Osage River Gaming &amp; Convention) has always been confident their initiative petition contained a sufficient number of valid signatures from legal voters to qualify for placement on the Nov. 5 general election ballot and are now asking the court to do so.”The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow a casino along the Osage River between Bagnell Dam and the confluence with the Missouri River. The constitution currently authorizes casinos only along&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=III++++39(e)&amp;bid=31794&amp;constit=y" target="_blank">the Missouri and Mississippi rivers</a>.It would also override a state law&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=313.780&amp;bid=16856&amp;hl=" target="_blank">limiting the state to 13 licensed casinos</a>, passed in 2008 as a result of an initiative sponsored by casino operators.The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s busiest tourism destinations. The casino proposal is being bankrolled by Bally’s, which currently operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a major regional developer. Each has contributed about half of the $4.1 million raised for the petition drive.The proposal is being pushed in response to a casino development&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2021/10/29/osage-nation-plans-casino-hotel-for-missouris-lake-of-the-ozarks/">announced in 2021</a>&nbsp;by the Osage Nation, the Native American tribe that the river is named for. That project, a $60 million development, includes construction of a casino, hotel and convention center.Backers of the initiative effort say their casino project will&nbsp; provide 700 to 800 jobs.According to the ballot summary, the casino is expected to produce admission and fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, money that is split with the local government with jurisdiction over the site and the Missouri Gaming Commission. The tax on casino net winnings is projected to be about $14.3 million annually.New gambling tax revenue would be earmarked to early childhood literacy programs in public schools.

Backers of new Missouri casino file lawsuit hoping to get on statewide ballot

(Radio Iowa) - The co-founder of the company operating a baby formula factory in southern Iowa says there's an opportunity for significant growth in production capacity and the workforce at the plant in Allerton. 

Ron Belldegrun is C-E-O of ByHeart, which bought the DairiConcepts plant in Allerton after using the facility in 2019 during trials of its new recipe for baby formula. Belldegrun says ByHeart invested very heavily in the Allerton plant to make it a state of the art baby formula factory and there are now 100 people employed at the facility. 

He says the company has a big vision for what's next in Allerton -- including the possibility of adding canning and packaging of its powered formula at the site.

(Radio Iowa) - The co-founder of the company operating a baby formula factory in southern Iowa says there's an opportunity for significant growth in production capacity and the workforce at the plant in Allerton. Ron Belldegrun is C-E-O of ByHeart, which bought the DairiConcepts plant in Allerton after using the facility in 2019 during trials of its new recipe for baby formula. Belldegrun says ByHeart invested very heavily in the Allerton plant to make it a state of the art baby formula factory and there are now 100 people employed at the facility. He says the company has a big vision for what's next in Allerton -- including the possibility of adding canning and packaging of its powered formula at the site.

CEO has big vision for baby formula factory in southern Iowa

People come up with new business ideas all the time, and the Small Business Development Center aims to help make those ideas into reality. 

The center is run through Northwest Missouri State University and is housed in the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce

Assistant Provost at Northwest Missouri State University Jay Johnson says there are several centers around the state, and while the businesses they help might compete, the centers help each other

"Now I say that, of course there's always like well they've got this, they've got these resources, but it's not about that, they collaborate on things" Johnson tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.

Johnson credits director Rebecca Lobina for her work in helping provide people those resources.

"She offers everything from business plan creation, continuing education on developing your financial statements, projections, resourcing, the financing, finding funders, those types of things," Johnson explains.

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

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostPeople come up with new business ideas all the time, and the Small Business Development Center aims to help make those ideas into reality. The center is run through Northwest Missouri State University and is housed in the St. Joseph Chamber of CommerceAssistant Provost at Northwest Missouri State University Jay Johnson says there are several centers around the state, and while the businesses they help might compete, the centers help each other"Now I say that, of course there's always like well they've got this, they've got these resources, but it's not about that, they collaborate on things" Johnson tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.Johnson credits director Rebecca Lobina for her work in helping provide people those resources."She offers everything from business plan creation, continuing education on developing your financial statements, projections, resourcing, the financing, finding funders, those types of things," Johnson explains.The center is run through Northwest Missouri State University and is housed in the St. Joseph Chamber of CommerceYou can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest Small Business Development Center helps make business ideas reality

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend fatal officer-involved shooting have&nbsp; identified the man who died as 27-year-old Denis L. Redondo-Zelaya.

Just before 8:30p.m. August 17,&nbsp; a Trooper from the Missouri State Highway Patrol observed a vehicle overturned in the ditch along the North Service Road at the sharp curve west of Miller Driver in St. Clair County, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Additional troopers, St. Clair officers and EMS were dispatched to the scene.

While checking the vehicle, a man was inside the vehicle holding a knife.&nbsp; Officers gave the man, later identified as&nbsp;Redondo-Zelaya, several commands to drop the knife and come out of the vehicle.&nbsp; The man would not comply and continued toward officers. The officers backed away from the man as far as terrain would allow and continued to give verbal commands to drop the knife. A St. Clair officer shot&nbsp;Redondo-Zelaya.

Officers immediately began administering first aid. St. Clair EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend fatal officer-involved shooting have&nbsp; identified the man who died as 27-year-old Denis L. Redondo-Zelaya.Just before 8:30p.m. August 17,&nbsp; a Trooper from the Missouri State Highway Patrol observed a vehicle overturned in the ditch along the North Service Road at the sharp curve west of Miller Driver in St. Clair County, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Additional troopers, St. Clair officers and EMS were dispatched to the scene.While checking the vehicle, a man was inside the vehicle holding a knife.&nbsp; Officers gave the man, later identified as&nbsp;Redondo-Zelaya, several commands to drop the knife and come out of the vehicle.&nbsp; The man would not comply and continued toward officers. The officers backed away from the man as far as terrain would allow and continued to give verbal commands to drop the knife. A St. Clair officer shot&nbsp;Redondo-Zelaya.Officers immediately began administering first aid. St. Clair EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Patrol IDs man who died in Missouri officer-involved shooting

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to 293 months in prison for using his former position as chief executive officer (CEO) of a bank to embezzle tens of millions of dollars in a cryptocurrency scheme which led the bank to fail at a complete loss of equity for investors, according to the United State's Attorney.

&nbsp;Shan Hanes, 53, of Elkhart pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank officer, according to court documents.

While the CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank (HTSB) in Elkhart, Kansas, Hanes initiated 11 outgoing wire transfers between May 2023 and July 2023 totaling $47.1 million of Heartland’s funds to a cryptocurrency wallet in a cryptocurrency scheme referred to as “pig butchering.” The funds were transferred to multiple cryptocurrency accounts controlled by unidentified third parties during the time HTSB was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC absorbed the $47.1 million loss. Hanes’ fraudulent actions caused HTSB to fail and the bank investors to lose $9 million.

A federal judge ordered that restitution be finalized at a separate hearing within the next 90 days. “Hanes’ greed knew no bounds. He trespassed his professional obligations, his personal relationships, and federal law. Not only did Shan Hanes betray Heartland Bank and its investors, but his illegal schemes also jeopardized confidence in financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Today’s sentence is a measure of justice for the victims, and a statement that the U.S. Department of Justice will hold those accountable who violate positions of trust for their own gain.”

“Mr. Hanes, as the CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, held the trust and confidence of the community of Elkhart, KS, but he violated that trust. He attempted to benefit financially by embezzling funds from the bank. His idea to get rich quick, in all reality, was a pig butchering scheme. His involvement in this scheme ultimately led to the bank’s collapse. His job, the bank’s job was to protect its customers and identify fraudulent scams – not to participate in them,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office.

“As the CEO, the defendant had a duty to conduct business honestly but instead abused that trust and committed insider fraud, contributing to the failure of a bank and causing catastrophic losses to bank customers who relied on the bank for the safekeeping of their savings,” said Korey Brinkman, Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Central Region. “We will continue to vigorously investigate criminal offenses involving frauds that impact the integrity, safety, and soundness of 

Federal Home Loan Banks and member banks. We are proud to partner with our colleagues and the United States Attorney’s Office with this investigation.” “Shan Hanes was sentenced today for his role in a $47.1 million embezzlement scheme that ultimately caused Heartland Tri-State Bank to fail,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin R. Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) Kansas City Region. “We are pleased to join our law enforcement partners in bringing Mr. Hanes to justice, and we will continue to investigate and hold accountable bank insiders who violate their positions of trust and threaten to undermine the safety and soundness of our Nation’s financial institutions.”

“Today’s sentencing makes clear that bank executives who undermine the safety and soundness of community banks will be brought to justice,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, Western

Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to achieve this result, and we thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and holding Mr. Hanes accountable for his crimes.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Federal Reserve Board - Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG), and Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General ((FHFA-OIG) investigated the case

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716594323085.png" alt="Shan Hanes&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Shan Hanes&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Monday to 293 months in prison for using his former position as chief executive officer (CEO) of a bank to embezzle tens of millions of dollars in a cryptocurrency scheme which led the bank to fail at a complete loss of equity for investors, according to the United State's Attorney.&nbsp;Shan Hanes, 53, of Elkhart pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank officer, according to court documents.While the CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank (HTSB) in Elkhart, Kansas, Hanes initiated 11 outgoing wire transfers between May 2023 and July 2023 totaling $47.1 million of Heartland’s funds to a cryptocurrency wallet in a cryptocurrency scheme referred to as “pig butchering.” The funds were transferred to multiple cryptocurrency accounts controlled by unidentified third parties during the time HTSB was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC absorbed the $47.1 million loss. Hanes’ fraudulent actions caused HTSB to fail and the bank investors to lose $9 million.A federal judge ordered that restitution be finalized at a separate hearing within the next 90 days. “Hanes’ greed knew no bounds. He trespassed his professional obligations, his personal relationships, and federal law. Not only did Shan Hanes betray Heartland Bank and its investors, but his illegal schemes also jeopardized confidence in financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher. “Today’s sentence is a measure of justice for the victims, and a statement that the U.S. Department of Justice will hold those accountable who violate positions of trust for their own gain.”“Mr. Hanes, as the CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, held the trust and confidence of the community of Elkhart, KS, but he violated that trust. He attempted to benefit financially by embezzling funds from the bank. His idea to get rich quick, in all reality, was a pig butchering scheme. His involvement in this scheme ultimately led to the bank’s collapse. His job, the bank’s job was to protect its customers and identify fraudulent scams – not to participate in them,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office.“As the CEO, the defendant had a duty to conduct business honestly but instead abused that trust and committed insider fraud, contributing to the failure of a bank and causing catastrophic losses to bank customers who relied on the bank for the safekeeping of their savings,” said Korey Brinkman, Special-Agent-in-Charge of FHFA-OIG’s Central Region. “We will continue to vigorously investigate criminal offenses involving frauds that impact the integrity, safety, and soundness of Federal Home Loan Banks and member banks. We are proud to partner with our colleagues and the United States Attorney’s Office with this investigation.” “Shan Hanes was sentenced today for his role in a $47.1 million embezzlement scheme that ultimately caused Heartland Tri-State Bank to fail,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin R. Bundy of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG) Kansas City Region. “We are pleased to join our law enforcement partners in bringing Mr. Hanes to justice, and we will continue to investigate and hold accountable bank insiders who violate their positions of trust and threaten to undermine the safety and soundness of our Nation’s financial institutions.”“Today’s sentencing makes clear that bank executives who undermine the safety and soundness of community banks will be brought to justice,” said Jon Ellwanger, Special Agent in Charge, WesternRegion, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners to achieve this result, and we thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and holding Mr. Hanes accountable for his crimes.”The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Federal Reserve Board - Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG), and Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General ((FHFA-OIG) investigated the case

Greed: Former Kan. bank CEO going to prison for crypto scheme

JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.

On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.

In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.

In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723922874998.png" alt="Hileman-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hileman-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A former Kansas middle school teacher has reached a plea agreement for child sex crimes.On August 14, Keil Hileman, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted unlawful sexual relations, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.As part of the plea agreement, the State of Kansas will dismiss&nbsp; four additional sex crime charges against him, according to court documents.In October of 2022, the Johnson County District Attorney’s office charged Hileman, at the time a Monticello Trails Middle School, USD 232 DeSoto teacher, alleging criminal conduct involving his role as an educator," the district said in the letter to families.In 2004, Hileman was named Kansas Teacher of the Year and was a finalists for the National Teacher of the Year. He is scheduled for sentencing in November, according to the district attorney's office.

Plea deal: Kan. middle school teacher accused of child sex crimes

KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.

Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.

A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.

Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724015491937.png" alt="Photo U.S. Department of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Department of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – An Akron, Ohio, man was sentenced in federal court last week for transporting more than 27 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a bus, according to the United State's Atorney.Rogeric Romone Clark, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 12 years in federal prison without parole.On April 11, 2024, Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., bus station on, Dec. 5, 2023. As passengers disembarked from a bus that originated in Los Angeles, California, officers used a police drug-sniffing dog, which alerted to a suitcase later identified as belonging to Clark. Investigators later identified another suitcase that belonged to Clark.A detective contacted Clark, who confirmed a suitcase belonged to him and gave officers consent to open it. As the detective opened the suitcase, Clark fled on foot through the rear parking area. Clark fell during the chase and was taken into custody.Officers searched both of the suitcases and found 30 one-pound bundles in each suitcase that contained a total of 27.2 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Man caught with 27 kilos of meth in suitcases at KC bus station

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she's undeterred by criticism of her proposed alternative to providing food next summer to low income households with children who qualify for a free or reduced price lunch during the school year. 

The U-S-D-A will provide 120 dollars in electronic benefits for each child in the summer. Reynolds rejected the 29 million dollars in benefits for Iowa families for this summer and next -- and is proposing the state provide food boxes to families next summer. 

Reynolds says her biggest concern is having eyes on the kids and ensuring the food they get is nutritious, plus she says the state will make the dollars stretch farther by making bulk food purchases.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she's undeterred by criticism of her proposed alternative to providing food next summer to low income households with children who qualify for a free or reduced price lunch during the school year. The U-S-D-A will provide 120 dollars in electronic benefits for each child in the summer. Reynolds rejected the 29 million dollars in benefits for Iowa families for this summer and next -- and is proposing the state provide food boxes to families next summer. Reynolds says her biggest concern is having eyes on the kids and ensuring the food they get is nutritious, plus she says the state will make the dollars stretch farther by making bulk food purchases.

Governor stresses nutritional content of her 'food box' alternative

HOWELL COUNTY— Authorities are investigating after human remains were found in rural Missouri.

On August 10, the Howell County, Missouri Sheriff's office investigations division discovered skeletal remains in rural Howell County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Due to the complexity of the scene and inclement weather, Howell County Deputies and Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintained 24-hour coverage on the scene until the remains were fully recovered on August 14.&nbsp;

The identification of the remains has not been determined. An autopsy will be conducted before the remains are sent to the MSHP lab for identification.

HOWELL COUNTY— Authorities are investigating after human remains were found in rural Missouri.On August 10, the Howell County, Missouri Sheriff's office investigations division discovered skeletal remains in rural Howell County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.Due to the complexity of the scene and inclement weather, Howell County Deputies and Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintained 24-hour coverage on the scene until the remains were fully recovered on August 14.&nbsp;The identification of the remains has not been determined. An autopsy will be conducted before the remains are sent to the MSHP lab for identification.

Human remains recovered In rural Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.

DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.

DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;

The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;

Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.

Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.

DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

JEFFERSON CITY– The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is advising recent resort guests of a potential health concern for individuals that may have been in contact with a water source within the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, Mo. The hotel is located at 23359 State Highway 112 in Cassville, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724101035366.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DHSS has determined that three unassociated individuals who stayed at the Cassville resort in July of this year were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease within 14 days after their stay. People can get Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia, by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. In general, people do not spread Legionnaires' disease to other people.DHSS conducted a facility assessment and collected samples. Preliminary environmental sample results indicate the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system, with confirmed results being available later this week. The investigation is still ongoing and DHSS is actively working with the Roaring River Lodge to make improvements to the facility’s water system that will kill off Legionella in the system.&nbsp;The resort has indicated they will begin notifying all recent guests who stayed in the hotel portion of the facility.&nbsp;Most healthy people exposed to Legionella do not get sick. However, an individual’s risk may increase if they are 50 years or older, smoke cigarettes, or have certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system.Symptoms usually begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to the bacteria, but it can take longer so people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of staying, working at or visiting the Roaring River Lodge and RV Park in Cassville, seek medical attention right away. Pneumonia symptoms typically include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headaches. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, nausea or diarrhea. Ask your doctor to test you with both a urine test and a respiratory culture. If you test positive, ask your doctor to report your illness to your local or state health department as soon as possible after your diagnosis.DHSS will continue to work with facility and take proactive measures to minimize future risks and develop a water management plan to ensure protection of the health of guests and employees. Additional information on Legionella is available from the CDC website.

Attention travelers: 3 cases of Legionnaires' disease in Missouri

(Radio Iowa) - Attendance at this year's State Fair has set a record. More than one-million-180-thousand people attended the State Fair, which ended Sunday.

 In addition to the overall record, a single day record of nearly 123-thousand was set on Saturday, August 10th. Daily attendance dropped below 100-thousand on just two days -- last Tuesday and Wednesday. This was Iowa's 170th State Fair. The previous attendance record was set in 2019.

(Radio Iowa) - Attendance at this year's State Fair has set a record. More than one-million-180-thousand people attended the State Fair, which ended Sunday. In addition to the overall record, a single day record of nearly 123-thousand was set on Saturday, August 10th. Daily attendance dropped below 100-thousand on just two days -- last Tuesday and Wednesday. This was Iowa's 170th State Fair. The previous attendance record was set in 2019.

A record 1,182,682 attended the 2024 Iowa State Fair

Medical documentation of gender reassignment surgery or court order required to align state identification to gender identity

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

It became much harder this month for Missourians to change the gender marker on their driver’s licenses following a quiet move by the state Department of Revenue.

The department, which issues state driver’s licenses, switched from requiring the signature of a physician, therapist or social worker to approve a change in gender designation to mandating documentation of gender reassignment surgery or a court order.

The shift happened earlier this month, though it was not announced publicly by the department. The&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240000000000*/https://dor.mo.gov/forms/5532.pdf" target="_blank">Wayback Machine</a>, which archives web pages, shows the gender designation change request form requiring physician signoff, known as Form 5532, was available Aug. 6. The next day, the web page with the form was offline.

A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue told The Independent in a statement that “Form 5532 is no longer needed.”

“Customers are required to provide either medical documentation that they have undergone gender reassignment surgery or a court order declaring gender designation to obtain a driver license or non-driver ID card denoting gender other than their biological gender assigned at birth.”

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/identity_documents#:~:text=Accurate%20and%20consistent%20gender%20markers%20on%20identity%20documents%20helps%20transgender,violence%2C%20discrimination%2C%20or%20harassment." target="_blank">Movement Advanced Project</a>, which maps states’ policies affecting LGBTQ residents, Missouri is one of 10 states with this policy. Just three states do not allow residents to change their gender markers.

PROMO, Missouri’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, reached out to the department after hearing that people could no longer make changes to their identification using Form 5532 and heard that “an incident” spurred the move, said executive director Katy Erker-Lynch.

The policy change took place soon after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/08/03/conservative-politicians-calling-investigation-into-gym-over-trans-womans-locker-room-use/" target="_blank">controversy erupted earlier this month over a transgender woman</a>&nbsp;who used the women’s locker rooms at a private gym in Ellisville.

Elected officials held a press conference outside the gym Aug. 2, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into the incident the same day.

State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, spoke to reporters at the press conference about the Department of Revenue’s policy. He said on a radio appearance that the transgender woman “displayed a state ID describing (herself) as female.”

“We are going to get to the bottom of what happened in the Department of Revenue and that form they issued several years ago,” he said. “It was inappropriate and in my opinion, it is not legal.”

Later that evening, in a live broadcast via Facebook, he told followers that he had been in contact with the department.

“I have assurances from the Department of Revenue that they are going to change their policies and their form,” he said, promising to follow up with the department.

“It seems the mere mention and threat of a potential investigation into the policies and practices of the Department of Revenue caused Director (Wayne) Wallingford to end a policy that worked to help people,” Erker-Lynch said. “This decision reflects a state and state departments run by fear and intimidation — not a state run to serve its residents.”

PROMO is gathering stories of those who are struggling to change their gender marker on their state identification, calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://promomissouri.org/take_action/the-id-for-me/" target="_blank">campaign “The ID for Me</a>.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717532352272.png" alt="Transgender Missourians will need proof of surgical transition or a courtorder before their driver's license can match their gender identity (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)-" />
 <figcaption>Transgender Missourians will need proof of surgical transition or a courtorder before their driver's license can match their gender identity (photo illustration by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)-</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medical documentation of gender reassignment surgery or court order required to align state identification to gender identity</h2>BY:&nbsp;ANNELISE HANSHAW&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>It became much harder this month for Missourians to change the gender marker on their driver’s licenses following a quiet move by the state Department of Revenue.The department, which issues state driver’s licenses, switched from requiring the signature of a physician, therapist or social worker to approve a change in gender designation to mandating documentation of gender reassignment surgery or a court order.The shift happened earlier this month, though it was not announced publicly by the department. The&nbsp;<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240000000000*/https://dor.mo.gov/forms/5532.pdf" target="_blank">Wayback Machine</a>, which archives web pages, shows the gender designation change request form requiring physician signoff, known as Form 5532, was available Aug. 6. The next day, the web page with the form was offline.A spokesperson for the Department of Revenue told The Independent in a statement that “Form 5532 is no longer needed.”“Customers are required to provide either medical documentation that they have undergone gender reassignment surgery or a court order declaring gender designation to obtain a driver license or non-driver ID card denoting gender other than their biological gender assigned at birth.”According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/identity_documents#:~:text=Accurate%20and%20consistent%20gender%20markers%20on%20identity%20documents%20helps%20transgender,violence%2C%20discrimination%2C%20or%20harassment." target="_blank">Movement Advanced Project</a>, which maps states’ policies affecting LGBTQ residents, Missouri is one of 10 states with this policy. Just three states do not allow residents to change their gender markers.PROMO, Missouri’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, reached out to the department after hearing that people could no longer make changes to their identification using Form 5532 and heard that “an incident” spurred the move, said executive director Katy Erker-Lynch.The policy change took place soon after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/08/03/conservative-politicians-calling-investigation-into-gym-over-trans-womans-locker-room-use/" target="_blank">controversy erupted earlier this month over a transgender woman</a>&nbsp;who used the women’s locker rooms at a private gym in Ellisville.Elected officials held a press conference outside the gym Aug. 2, and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into the incident the same day.State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, spoke to reporters at the press conference about the Department of Revenue’s policy. He said on a radio appearance that the transgender woman “displayed a state ID describing (herself) as female.”“We are going to get to the bottom of what happened in the Department of Revenue and that form they issued several years ago,” he said. “It was inappropriate and in my opinion, it is not legal.”Later that evening, in a live broadcast via Facebook, he told followers that he had been in contact with the department.“I have assurances from the Department of Revenue that they are going to change their policies and their form,” he said, promising to follow up with the department.The form had been in place since 2016.“It seems the mere mention and threat of a potential investigation into the policies and practices of the Department of Revenue caused Director (Wayne) Wallingford to end a policy that worked to help people,” Erker-Lynch said. “This decision reflects a state and state departments run by fear and intimidation — not a state run to serve its residents.”PROMO is gathering stories of those who are struggling to change their gender marker on their state identification, calling the&nbsp;<a href="https://promomissouri.org/take_action/the-id-for-me/" target="_blank">campaign “The ID for Me</a>.”

Missouri agency quietly made it harder to change gender marker on driver’s licenses

28 girls volleyball teams from across Missouri and Kansas will participate in the 2nd annual Hy-Vee Arena Invitational Girls Volleyball tournament next month.

The number of participating teams has grown this year after only 12 teams participated in the inaugural tournament last season.&nbsp;

The tournament will take place on September 28th with pool play filling the morning and bracket finals taking place in the afternoon.&nbsp;

Several schools from the immediate area will make the trip to Kanas City.

Two St. Joseph schools will travel to Kansas City for the tournament with Benton and Central participating.&nbsp; Also from the immediate area will be Lathrop, Maryville, Mound City, Rock Port, Savannah. and Trenton.&nbsp;

The rest of the schools that will compete are&nbsp;Adrian, Chilhowee, Crossroads Prep Charter of Kansas City, Ewing Marion Kauffman School, Faith Christian Academy, Grandview, Guadalupe Centers, Hogan Prep Academy, KC KIPP, Kingsville,&nbsp; Life Prep Academy of Wichita, Lone Jack, Lincoln College Prep, Raymore-Peculiar, Sherwood, Smithville, Stover, Summit Christian Academy, Truman, and William Chrisman.

The morning competition begins AT 8:00 AM with the afternoon finals tentatively scheduled to start at 1 P.M.  Admission for the event is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students.   Tickets are available online or may be purchased at the door.

The event is sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post28 girls volleyball teams from across Missouri and Kansas will participate in the 2nd annual Hy-Vee Arena Invitational Girls Volleyball tournament next month.The number of participating teams has grown this year after only 12 teams participated in the inaugural tournament last season.&nbsp;The tournament will take place on September 28th with pool play filling the morning and bracket finals taking place in the afternoon.&nbsp;Several schools from the immediate area will make the trip to Kanas City.Two St. Joseph schools will travel to Kansas City for the tournament with Benton and Central participating.&nbsp; Also from the immediate area will be Lathrop, Maryville, Mound City, Rock Port, Savannah. and Trenton.&nbsp;The rest of the schools that will compete are&nbsp;Adrian, Chilhowee, Crossroads Prep Charter of Kansas City, Ewing Marion Kauffman School, Faith Christian Academy, Grandview, Guadalupe Centers, Hogan Prep Academy, KC KIPP, Kingsville,&nbsp; Life Prep Academy of Wichita, Lone Jack, Lincoln College Prep, Raymore-Peculiar, Sherwood, Smithville, Stover, Summit Christian Academy, Truman, and William Chrisman.The morning competition begins AT 8:00 AM with the afternoon finals tentatively scheduled to start at 1 P.M. Admission for the event is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. Tickets are available online or may be purchased at the door.The event is sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

Several area high school volleyball teams compete in 2nd annual Hy-Vee Arena Invitational

On Monday the House Oversight Committee released their report on the impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden, finding he committed impeachable offenses.

&nbsp;<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a>&nbsp;impeachment report

A statement from the committee said, "the evidence produced by the impeachment inquiry is the strongest case for impeachment of a sitting president the House of Representatives has ever investigated."

"Americans now know Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ the Bidens sold around the world to enrich the Biden family, and Joe Biden knew of, benefitted from, and participated in his family’s influence peddling schemes."

"Our report details evidence to establish President Biden abused his office and violated his oaths of office as Vice President by engaging in a conspiracy to peddle influence to enrich his family. Then as President, Joe Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration obstructed the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry and the criminal investigation of President Biden’s son."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724066875833.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday the House Oversight Committee released their report on the impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden, finding he committed impeachable offenses.&nbsp;<a href="https://justthenews.com/sites/default/files/2024-08/2024.08.19%20Report%20of%20the%20Impeachment%20Inquiry%20of%20Joseph%20R.%20Biden%20Jr.%20President%20of%20the%20United%20States.pdf">Click here to read the full</a>&nbsp;impeachment reportA statement from the committee said, "the evidence produced by the impeachment inquiry is the strongest case for impeachment of a sitting president the House of Representatives has ever investigated.""Americans now know Joe Biden was ‘the brand’ the Bidens sold around the world to enrich the Biden family, and Joe Biden knew of, benefitted from, and participated in his family’s influence peddling schemes.""Our report details evidence to establish President Biden abused his office and violated his oaths of office as Vice President by engaging in a conspiracy to peddle influence to enrich his family. Then as President, Joe Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration obstructed the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry and the criminal investigation of President Biden’s son."

Read the shocking House impeachment report on President Biden

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans impacted by tornadoes, storms and flooding that led to three federal disaster declarations have gotten millions of dollars in FEMA funding. 

FEMA Spokesman John Mills says they've helped some six-thousand people already, with more than 59 million dollars going directly to homeowners and renters. That money is to help people with home repairs, paying for a temporary place to live, and other serious needs not covered by insurance. Mills says FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, has already paid more than six million dollars in claims for about 200 Iowa policy holders. Mills says there is a deadline coming up on Friday, August 23rd for people to apply with FEMA if they were affected by the disasters of April and May. 

This applies to residents of Adair, Adams, Cedar, Clarke, Harrison, Jasper, Mills, Montgomery, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Story and Union counties. You can call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to see if you are eligible for disaster relief. You can also go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or use the FEMA app.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans impacted by tornadoes, storms and flooding that led to three federal disaster declarations have gotten millions of dollars in FEMA funding. FEMA Spokesman John Mills says they've helped some six-thousand people already, with more than 59 million dollars going directly to homeowners and renters. That money is to help people with home repairs, paying for a temporary place to live, and other serious needs not covered by insurance. Mills says FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, has already paid more than six million dollars in claims for about 200 Iowa policy holders. Mills says there is a deadline coming up on Friday, August 23rd for people to apply with FEMA if they were affected by the disasters of April and May. This applies to residents of Adair, Adams, Cedar, Clarke, Harrison, Jasper, Mills, Montgomery, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Story and Union counties. You can call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to see if you are eligible for disaster relief. You can also go online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or use the FEMA app.

FEMA Assistance Deadline Approaching

(Radio Iowa) - It was mostly fair weather for this year's Iowa State Fair, which wrapped up its 11 day run last (Sunday) night -- and attendance could set a record. 

During the first 10 days of the fair, over a million people passed through the gates. Officials say nearly 123-thousand were at the fair on Saturday, August 10th -- a single day record. Attendance dropped below 100-thousand last Tuesday and Wednesday, but climbed back above that mark on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

(Radio Iowa) - It was mostly fair weather for this year's Iowa State Fair, which wrapped up its 11 day run last (Sunday) night -- and attendance could set a record. During the first 10 days of the fair, over a million people passed through the gates. Officials say nearly 123-thousand were at the fair on Saturday, August 10th -- a single day record. Attendance dropped below 100-thousand last Tuesday and Wednesday, but climbed back above that mark on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Sunday's tally may push 2024 Iowa State Fair attendance to all time high

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Phil Donahue has died. Learn more about his life and career by searching his 22 C-SPAN appearances: <a href="https://t.co/3WPp9Y3ySL">https://t.co/3WPp9Y3ySL</a> RIP. <a href="https://t.co/cK1mzaXxHB">pic.twitter.com/cK1mzaXxHB</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1825535226853851609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Phil Donahue, talk show host pioneer and husband of Marlo Thomas, dies at 88

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>

WASHINGTON — Just a little over a month after she became a candidate for president in the biggest shakeup in generations of presidential politics, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday will deliver a widely anticipated speech accepting the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago.

Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden changed course and said he would not seek reelection has breathed new life into the Democratic bid, with polls showing Harris — who is already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-will-be-democratic-presidential-nominee-dnc-announces" target="_blank">the party’s official nominee</a>&nbsp;after a virtual roll call earlier this month — faring much better than Biden was against Republican rival Donald Trump.

Over the course of four days, Democrats will look to capitalize on their base’s newfound enthusiasm for the campaign, with leading speakers aiming to rally the faithful around the party’s positions on reproductive rights, gun safety and voting rights, while<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-ballot-democrats-work-build-momentum-bigger-youth-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;making a strong pitch to young voters</a>. Harris will also be expected to further lay out her policy positions.

Harris’ nomination is historic. The daughter of immigrants, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman selected to lead a major party ticket. She would be the first woman of any race to guide the nation as chief executive.

The party has not released an official detailed schedule of speakers, but a convention official confirmed that “current and past presidents are expected to participate in convention programming.” Biden and two former presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton, will all speak,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/us/politics/dnc-speakers-biden-obama-clinton.html" target="_blank">according to the New York Times.</a>

Vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to address the convention Wednesday evening, with Harris’ acceptance speech closing out the convention Thursday, the convention official said.

The evening programming block will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week.

In addition to the usual television broadcasts, the convention will livestream on several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok. The official live stream will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://demconvention.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d68a84b1a4b0303a9452770cd&amp;id=e86e03e670&amp;e=a21b6b7198" target="_blank">DemConvention.com</a>.

Scores of Democratic caucus and council meetings, as well as state delegation breakfasts and gatherings, are also scheduled throughout the week’s daytime hours. Media organizations and outside groups are also holding daytime events that will feature Democratic officeholders and candidates.

Protests are also expected over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/04/08/israel-hamas-war-sets-progressive-and-young-voters-on-collision-course-with-white-house/" target="_blank">delegation of uncommitted voters</a>&nbsp;who oppose the war.

As many as 25,000 protestors are expected over the course of the convention, according to DemList, a newsletter for Democratic officials and allies.

Harris’ entry into the race, nearly immediately after Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">announced on July 21</a>&nbsp;he would no longer seek reelection, energized Democrats distressed over Biden’s poor showings in polls against Trump, whose reelection bid Biden turned back in 2020.

A Monmouth University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_US_081424/" target="_blank">poll published Aug. 14</a>&nbsp;showed a huge jump in enthusiasm for Democrats. The survey found 85% of Democratic respondents were excited about the Harris-Trump race. By comparison, only 46% of Democratic respondents said in June they were excited about a Biden-Trump race.

Harris is also seeing better polling numbers in matchups against Trump, with battleground-state and national surveys consistently shifting toward the Democratic ticket since Biden left the race.

Polls of seven battleground states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/survey-research/2024-swing-state-project/fight-redefine-2024-race-president" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;by The Cook Political Report With Amy Walter on Aug. 14 showed Harris narrowly leading in five states —&nbsp;Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and&nbsp;tied in Georgia and trailing in Nevada. All were improvements from Biden’s standing in the same poll in May.

<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3902" target="_blank">An Aug. 14 survey from Quinnipiac University</a>&nbsp;showed Harris with a 48%-45% edge in Pennsylvania. The 3-point advantage for Harris was within the poll’s margin of error.

Democrats hope to carry the momentum through the convention. Polls typically favor a party during and immediately after its national party gathering.

Despite the recent polling, Harris and Walz continue to describe themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkwZ_A49hb8" target="_blank">as underdogs in the race</a>.

In her short time on the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized a few core messages.

She’s made reproductive rights a central focus, including the slogan “We are not going back” in her stump speech after describing Republicans’ position on abortion. Additionally, a Texas woman who had to leave the state for an emergency abortion will speak at the DNC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-woman-who-left-state-abortion-back-harris-convention-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters.</a>

Harris has also played up her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast with Trump’s legal troubles.

Walz has highlighted his working-class background and military service, while attacking Republican positions to restrict reproductive rights and ban certain books in schools.

Walz’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/walz-first-solo-speech-vp-candidate-touts-dem-tickets-labor-union-ties" target="_blank">first solo campaign stop</a>&nbsp;since Harris selected him as her running mate was at a union convention, where he emphasized his union background as a high school teacher.

Walz was not initially considered the favorite to be Harris’ running mate, but his appeal as a Midwesterner with a record of winning tough elections and enacting progressive policies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-picked-harris-her-running-mate-democratic-ticket" target="_blank">led to his selection</a>&nbsp;Aug. 6.

Harris has faced criticism for not sitting down for a formal media interview or holding a press conference since she became a candidate.

Democrats have not finalized their platform for 2024. Adopting a party platform is generally among the official items at a convention.

The party set&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/dnc-releases-2024-party-platform-draft-outlining-historic-record-and-bold-agenda-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-to-finish-the-job/" target="_blank">a draft platform</a>&nbsp;in July just eight days before Biden dropped his reelection bid. The document centered on the theme of “finishing the job” and mentioned Biden, then the presumptive nominee, 50 times and Harris 12.

Party spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry this week about plans for an update to the platform.

Reproductive rights will likely be a focus point of any policy wishlist.

Harris, during her time as vice president, has led the administration’s messaging on reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the summer of 2022.

In her campaign speeches, she has often stressed the need to “trust women” and that the government should not be deciding reproductive health.

Harris has often promised that if she is elected, she will restore those reproductive rights, but unless Democrats control a majority in the U.S. House and 60 Senate votes, it’s unlikely she would be able to achieve that promise.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/06/24/updated-u-s-supreme-court-overturns-right-to-abortion-in-landmark-decision/" target="_blank">Roe v. Wade was overturned</a>&nbsp;in that Supreme Court decision, Democrats have campaigned on reproductive rights that expand beyond abortion and include protections for in vitro fertilization.

<a href="https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/" target="_blank">The 2020 party platform</a>&nbsp;focused on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, quality health care, investing in education, protecting democracy and combating climate change.

Democrats are likely to continue to criticize the Project 2025 playbook — a blueprint by the Heritage Foundation, a think tank, to implement conservative policies across the federal government should Trump win in November.

Trump has disavowed the document, but has not detailed his own policy plans.

The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago, a city with a long history of hosting the event. Democrats have held their convention in Chicago 11 times, first in 1864 and most recently in 1996.

This year’s will be the first in-person Democratic National Convention since 2016. It was upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and held virtually in 2020.

Throughout the four-day convention, there will be speeches and side events hosted by state Democratic party leaders.

The ceremonial roll call vote with delegates on the convention floor will take place Tuesday. The vice presidential nomination speech by Walz will be Wednesday night and on Thursday night, Harris will give her nomination acceptance speech.

The city is also preparing for massive protests from several groups on reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections, housing and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbez.org/government-politics/dnc-2024/2024/08/12/dnc-democratic-national-convention-protests-kamala-harris-israel-gaza-lgbtq-reproductive-rights-cpd-police" target="_blank">according to WBEZ News.&nbsp;</a>

The City Council of Chicago in January approved a ceasefire resolution, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson the tiebreaker, making it the largest city to call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, in which<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hamas-dead-graves-40000-988d16b648e06e222f04964dc9440da0?taid=66bdedd74b96700001cc25c8&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than 40,000 Palestinians have died</a>.

The war followed an Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker" target="_blank">nearly 1,200 people</a>&nbsp;were killed in Israel and hundreds taken hostage.

Harris’ acceptance speech will cap a five-year journey to her party’s nomination.

In 2019, the California senator announced a bid for president in the next year’s election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/03/784443227/kamala-harris-drops-out-of-presidential-race" target="_blank">dropped out</a>&nbsp;before the first primary or caucus votes were cast after she failed to catch on with Democratic voters.

Biden later picked her as a running mate, and the two defeated Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 election.

Biden launched a reelection campaign for 2024, but stepped aside after a disastrous debate performance in June spurred questions about his ability to campaign and serve for another four-year term.

After Biden bowed out, Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-delegates-swiftly-give-harris-enough-support-clinch-presidential-nomination" target="_blank">quickly secured 99%</a>&nbsp;of delegates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-officially-becomes-democratic-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">to become the party’s likely nominee</a>. The virtual five-day vote secured her official nomination.

With less than three months until Election Day, Harris and Walz already have sprinted through battleground states including Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Their campaign has also pulled in more than $300 million, according to the campaign. Official Federal Election Commission records will be released in mid-October.

Harris and Trump have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/08/trump-agrees-to-sept-10-debate-with-harris-claims-two-more-upcoming/" target="_blank">agreed to a Sept. 10&nbsp;</a>debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Trump proposed two more debates, and Harris has said she would be open to another one between the first debate and Election Day.

Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">agreed to an Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;debate on CBS News, in New York City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724014226536.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>WASHINGTON — Just a little over a month after she became a candidate for president in the biggest shakeup in generations of presidential politics, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday will deliver a widely anticipated speech accepting the Democratic nomination at the party’s convention in Chicago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724014466626.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Harris’ ascent to the top of the ticket after President Joe Biden changed course and said he would not seek reelection has breathed new life into the Democratic bid, with polls showing Harris — who is already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-will-be-democratic-presidential-nominee-dnc-announces" target="_blank">the party’s official nominee</a>&nbsp;after a virtual roll call earlier this month — faring much better than Biden was against Republican rival Donald Trump.Over the course of four days, Democrats will look to capitalize on their base’s newfound enthusiasm for the campaign, with leading speakers aiming to rally the faithful around the party’s positions on reproductive rights, gun safety and voting rights, while<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/harris-ballot-democrats-work-build-momentum-bigger-youth-vote" target="_blank">&nbsp;making a strong pitch to young voters</a>. Harris will also be expected to further lay out her policy positions.Harris’ nomination is historic. The daughter of immigrants, Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman selected to lead a major party ticket. She would be the first woman of any race to guide the nation as chief executive.The party has not released an official detailed schedule of speakers, but a convention official confirmed that “current and past presidents are expected to participate in convention programming.” Biden and two former presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton, will all speak,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/us/politics/dnc-speakers-biden-obama-clinton.html" target="_blank">according to the New York Times.</a>Vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to address the convention Wednesday evening, with Harris’ acceptance speech closing out the convention Thursday, the convention official said.The evening programming block will run from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. the rest of the week.In addition to the usual television broadcasts, the convention will livestream on several social media platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram and TikTok. The official live stream will be available on&nbsp;<a href="https://demconvention.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d68a84b1a4b0303a9452770cd&amp;id=e86e03e670&amp;e=a21b6b7198" target="_blank">DemConvention.com</a>.Scores of Democratic caucus and council meetings, as well as state delegation breakfasts and gatherings, are also scheduled throughout the week’s daytime hours. Media organizations and outside groups are also holding daytime events that will feature Democratic officeholders and candidates.Protests are also expected over the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with the backdrop of a&nbsp;<a href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/04/08/israel-hamas-war-sets-progressive-and-young-voters-on-collision-course-with-white-house/" target="_blank">delegation of uncommitted voters</a>&nbsp;who oppose the war.As many as 25,000 protestors are expected over the course of the convention, according to DemList, a newsletter for Democratic officials and allies.<h2>A contest transformed</h2>Harris’ entry into the race, nearly immediately after Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/president-joe-biden-bows-out-reelection-campaign-harris-vows-win-nomination-8" target="_blank">announced on July 21</a>&nbsp;he would no longer seek reelection, energized Democrats distressed over Biden’s poor showings in polls against Trump, whose reelection bid Biden turned back in 2020.A Monmouth University&nbsp;<a href="https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_US_081424/" target="_blank">poll published Aug. 14</a>&nbsp;showed a huge jump in enthusiasm for Democrats. The survey found 85% of Democratic respondents were excited about the Harris-Trump race. By comparison, only 46% of Democratic respondents said in June they were excited about a Biden-Trump race.Harris is also seeing better polling numbers in matchups against Trump, with battleground-state and national surveys consistently shifting toward the Democratic ticket since Biden left the race.Polls of seven battleground states&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/survey-research/2024-swing-state-project/fight-redefine-2024-race-president" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;by The Cook Political Report With Amy Walter on Aug. 14 showed Harris narrowly leading in five states —&nbsp;Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — and&nbsp;tied in Georgia and trailing in Nevada. All were improvements from Biden’s standing in the same poll in May.<a href="https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3902" target="_blank">An Aug. 14 survey from Quinnipiac University</a>&nbsp;showed Harris with a 48%-45% edge in Pennsylvania. The 3-point advantage for Harris was within the poll’s margin of error.Democrats hope to carry the momentum through the convention. Polls typically favor a party during and immediately after its national party gathering.Despite the recent polling, Harris and Walz continue to describe themselves&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkwZ_A49hb8" target="_blank">as underdogs in the race</a>.<h2>Campaign themes</h2>In her short time on the campaign trail, Harris has emphasized a few core messages.She’s made reproductive rights a central focus, including the slogan “We are not going back” in her stump speech after describing Republicans’ position on abortion. Additionally, a Texas woman who had to leave the state for an emergency abortion will speak at the DNC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/texas-woman-who-left-state-abortion-back-harris-convention-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters.</a>Harris has also played up her background as a prosecutor, drawing a contrast with Trump’s legal troubles.Walz has highlighted his working-class background and military service, while attacking Republican positions to restrict reproductive rights and ban certain books in schools.Walz’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/walz-first-solo-speech-vp-candidate-touts-dem-tickets-labor-union-ties" target="_blank">first solo campaign stop</a>&nbsp;since Harris selected him as her running mate was at a union convention, where he emphasized his union background as a high school teacher.Walz was not initially considered the favorite to be Harris’ running mate, but his appeal as a Midwesterner with a record of winning tough elections and enacting progressive policies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-picked-harris-her-running-mate-democratic-ticket" target="_blank">led to his selection</a>&nbsp;Aug. 6.Harris has faced criticism for not sitting down for a formal media interview or holding a press conference since she became a candidate.<h2>Platform in flux</h2>Democrats have not finalized their platform for 2024. Adopting a party platform is generally among the official items at a convention.The party set&nbsp;<a href="https://democrats.org/news/dnc-releases-2024-party-platform-draft-outlining-historic-record-and-bold-agenda-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-to-finish-the-job/" target="_blank">a draft platform</a>&nbsp;in July just eight days before Biden dropped his reelection bid. The document centered on the theme of “finishing the job” and mentioned Biden, then the presumptive nominee, 50 times and Harris 12.Party spokespeople did not respond to an inquiry this week about plans for an update to the platform.Reproductive rights will likely be a focus point of any policy wishlist.Harris, during her time as vice president, has led the administration’s messaging on reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in the summer of 2022.In her campaign speeches, she has often stressed the need to “trust women” and that the government should not be deciding reproductive health.Harris has often promised that if she is elected, she will restore those reproductive rights, but unless Democrats control a majority in the U.S. House and 60 Senate votes, it’s unlikely she would be able to achieve that promise.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2022/06/24/updated-u-s-supreme-court-overturns-right-to-abortion-in-landmark-decision/" target="_blank">Roe v. Wade was overturned</a>&nbsp;in that Supreme Court decision, Democrats have campaigned on reproductive rights that expand beyond abortion and include protections for in vitro fertilization.<a href="https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/" target="_blank">The 2020 party platform</a>&nbsp;focused on recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, quality health care, investing in education, protecting democracy and combating climate change.Democrats are likely to continue to criticize the Project 2025 playbook — a blueprint by the Heritage Foundation, a think tank, to implement conservative policies across the federal government should Trump win in November.Trump has disavowed the document, but has not detailed his own policy plans.<h2>Chicago conventions</h2>The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago, a city with a long history of hosting the event. Democrats have held their convention in Chicago 11 times, first in 1864 and most recently in 1996.This year’s will be the first in-person Democratic National Convention since 2016. It was upended due to the coronavirus pandemic and held virtually in 2020.Throughout the four-day convention, there will be speeches and side events hosted by state Democratic party leaders.The ceremonial roll call vote with delegates on the convention floor will take place Tuesday. The vice presidential nomination speech by Walz will be Wednesday night and on Thursday night, Harris will give her nomination acceptance speech.The city is also preparing for massive protests from several groups on reproductive rights, LGBTQ protections, housing and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbez.org/government-politics/dnc-2024/2024/08/12/dnc-democratic-national-convention-protests-kamala-harris-israel-gaza-lgbtq-reproductive-rights-cpd-police" target="_blank">according to WBEZ News.&nbsp;</a>The City Council of Chicago in January approved a ceasefire resolution, with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson the tiebreaker, making it the largest city to call for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, in which<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-hamas-dead-graves-40000-988d16b648e06e222f04964dc9440da0?taid=66bdedd74b96700001cc25c8&amp;utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&amp;utm_medium=AP&amp;utm_source=Twitter" target="_blank">&nbsp;more than 40,000 Palestinians have died</a>.The war followed an Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2023/10/9/israel-hamas-war-in-maps-and-charts-live-tracker" target="_blank">nearly 1,200 people</a>&nbsp;were killed in Israel and hundreds taken hostage.<h2>Road to nomination</h2>Harris’ acceptance speech will cap a five-year journey to her party’s nomination.In 2019, the California senator announced a bid for president in the next year’s election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/12/03/784443227/kamala-harris-drops-out-of-presidential-race" target="_blank">dropped out</a>&nbsp;before the first primary or caucus votes were cast after she failed to catch on with Democratic voters.Biden later picked her as a running mate, and the two defeated Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 election.Biden launched a reelection campaign for 2024, but stepped aside after a disastrous debate performance in June spurred questions about his ability to campaign and serve for another four-year term.After Biden bowed out, Harris&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-delegates-swiftly-give-harris-enough-support-clinch-presidential-nomination" target="_blank">quickly secured 99%</a>&nbsp;of delegates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/kamala-harris-officially-becomes-democratic-presidential-nominee" target="_blank">to become the party’s likely nominee</a>. The virtual five-day vote secured her official nomination.With less than three months until Election Day, Harris and Walz already have sprinted through battleground states including Arizona, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.Their campaign has also pulled in more than $300 million, according to the campaign. Official Federal Election Commission records will be released in mid-October.Harris and Trump have&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/08/08/trump-agrees-to-sept-10-debate-with-harris-claims-two-more-upcoming/" target="_blank">agreed to a Sept. 10&nbsp;</a>debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Trump proposed two more debates, and Harris has said she would be open to another one between the first debate and Election Day.Walz and Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/mark-your-calendar-vp-candidates-walz-and-vance-debate-oct-1" target="_blank">agreed to an Oct. 1</a>&nbsp;debate on CBS News, in New York City.

Big moment arrives for Harris: Democratic convention kicks off in Chicago

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces in the the middle east continue to face almost daily threats.

On Sunday, forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed terrorist drone in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

In addition since August 13, U.S. forces&nbsp;successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi vessels and on&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel  in the Red Sea and destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi ground control station in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

U.S. officials determined the weapons or ground control stations presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701138062166.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. forces in the the middle east continue to face almost daily threats.On Sunday, forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed terrorist drone in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.In addition since August 13, U.S. forces&nbsp;successfully destroyed two Iranian-backed Houthi vessels and on&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface vessel in the Red Sea and destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi ground control station in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.U.S. officials determined the weapons or ground control stations presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure.

U.S. forces make more defensive strikes in the Red Sea, Yemen

KANSAS CITY —A 41-year-0ld St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the non-fatal shooting of another man, a shooting in Kansas City that was observed by a passing police officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Matthew Whitmill, during his trial earlier this month on several felony charges related to the shooting, offered to prosecutors to plea to the assault. Both prosecution and defense had just rested their cases in the trial when the plea negotiations began.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a Jackson County judge accepted Whitmill's pleas of guilt to Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. The judge sentenced Whitmill to 15 years on the Assault conviction and 3 years on Armed Criminal Action. His total sentence was 18 years.

According to court records, in August of 2023, a&nbsp; Kansas City police sergeant was in his marked vehicle when he observed a man later identified as Whitmill holding a gun and pointing it at another individual. Surveillance video also captured the shooting. Whitmill jumped into a vehicle and attempted to flee, but stop sticks prevented his escape.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724029874403.png" alt="Whitmill -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitmill -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A 41-year-0ld St. Joseph man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the non-fatal shooting of another man, a shooting in Kansas City that was observed by a passing police officer, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Matthew Whitmill, during his trial earlier this month on several felony charges related to the shooting, offered to prosecutors to plea to the assault. Both prosecution and defense had just rested their cases in the trial when the plea negotiations began.&nbsp;On Thursday, a Jackson County judge accepted Whitmill's pleas of guilt to Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. The judge sentenced Whitmill to 15 years on the Assault conviction and 3 years on Armed Criminal Action. His total sentence was 18 years.According to court records, in August of 2023, a&nbsp; Kansas City police sergeant was in his marked vehicle when he observed a man later identified as Whitmill holding a gun and pointing it at another individual. Surveillance video also captured the shooting. Whitmill jumped into a vehicle and attempted to flee, but stop sticks prevented his escape.

Man from St. Joe sentenced in shooting witnessed by police on patrol

Some dispensaries and facilities are still quarantining recalled products from last year

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723840539777.png" alt="Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation has issued a product recall for marijuana products sold by C&amp;C Manufacturing, LLC and NGWMO LLC (Courtesy of DHSS)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation has issued a product recall for marijuana products sold by C&amp;C Manufacturing, LLC and NGWMO LLC (Courtesy of DHSS).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Some dispensaries and facilities are still quarantining recalled products from last year</h2>State regulators issued two cannabis recall notices last week involving 135,000 marijuana products — more than double&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/08/16/state-faces-pushback-from-missouri-marijuana-industry-over-product-recall/">Missouri’s first massive cannabis product recall</a>&nbsp;exactly one year ago.“I’ve never seen recalls of this magnitude in any other state,” said Nick Rinella, CEO of Hippos Cannabis. “This is kind of unprecedented.”Since the announcement, Rinella and facility owners around the state have scrambled to quarantine thousands of vapes, edibles and pre-rolled joints in their secure vaults. Now they’ll wait until state regulators tell them what to do with those products.Problem is, some of them are still holding products from last year’s recall, which centered around&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/11/missouri-company-at-center-of-cannabis-recall-used-hemp-instead-of-marijuana-in-products/">Robertsville-based manufacturer Delta Extraction</a>, because that recall is still being challenged. However, others opted to work with the state to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/06/companies-can-now-work-with-state-to-destroy-recalled-missouri-marijuana-products/">destroy those products</a>.That’s where “the stress comes from,” said Mark Hendren, president of Flora Farms cannabis company.&nbsp;If a dispensary or facility has a small vault, he said, “and you have product that you have to quarantine, it makes it difficult space wise for you to bring in other inventory to keep the business moving.”The first recall notice came on the night of Aug. 6, stating the Division of Cannabis Regulation was working “in partnership” with Marceline-based cultivation facility NGWMO LLC to “alert to patients and consumers about a mandatory product recall.”The grow facility is run by Nature’s Grace and Wellness, which founded a family-owned farm in Vermont, Ill., in 2014 after the state passed medical marijuana. Tim O’Hern, COO and general counsel of Nature’s Grace, is listed as the designated contact for the facility.This recall involves 2,650 products and has to do with the products being tested too soon in the process.“The recalled marijuana products were not compliantly tested prior to being sold to patients and consumers,” the notice states. “The recalled marijuana product was tested at the unprocessed bud/flower stage rather than being tested at the final marijuana product stage…”The second notice came two days later for the Springfield-based manufacturing facility C&amp;C Manufacturing LLC. Notably, it didn’t include the “in partnership” language.&nbsp;It lists about 133,000 products, which regulators said were not properly tracked in the state’s “seed to sale” tracing system called Metrc.“Therefore,” the notice states, “DCR cannot verify compliance with health and safety requirements.”&nbsp;However, the division emphasized that no adverse reactions involving recalled products have been reported.Matt Cummins, CEO of GOAT Extracts, is listed as the designated contact for the facility and a number of GOAT products are on the list.&nbsp;The Independent reached out to both companies for comment and did not receive a response.Adrienne Scales-Williams, owner of St. Louis dispensary Luxury Leaf, agreed that storage space for the recalled products is challenging. And while there’s uncertainty on how long the products will need to be contained, she said she trusts the state is doing their due diligence to investigate the issue.&nbsp;“We’ve been through this before,” Scales-Williams said. “When it’s not your first ride in the rodeo, you just handle it.”<h2>The impact</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723840480955.png" alt=" (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure>The recall for the Springfield manufacturer is so widespread because the company specializes in making distillate, or THC concentrate&nbsp;that produces a high in edibles and vape pens.Other manufacturers statewide&nbsp;bought the distillate and used it to make numerous brands of vapes, edibles or pre-rolled joints, including&nbsp;Rove, Zen and Packarillos.&nbsp;The recall time frame is also quite wide. It goes back&nbsp;to&nbsp;last year when companies were trying to ramp up for recreational marijuana sales, Rinella said.&nbsp;Rinella bought some of C&amp;C’s distillate in October when Hippos’ own supply was low at its grow and manufacturing facilities, he said.But he emphasized that this recall is not because of lack of testing. Once Rinella and other manufacturers got the distillate and made products with it, those were “properly tested” before they went on the shelves, he said.“We can feel confident that those products were safe,” he said. “They passed all the tests, and we have some of the most stringent tests in the country.”The division<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/recalls.php" target="_blank">&nbsp;lists the recalled products&nbsp;</a>in two Excel sheets. One is “product recall list,” which includes the identifiers that the manufacturers use to track products. The division also posted a “consumer recall list” that includes numbers that customers are more likely to see on their products.&nbsp;The division advises patients and consumers to stop using the products and return them to the dispensary. “Returned products will not count toward a patient’s purchase limit,” it states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also any adverse reactions should be reported to the&nbsp;<a href="mailto:CannabisComplaints@health.mo.gov">division of cannabis by email</a>&nbsp; or through<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/pdf/580-3338s.pdf" target="_blank">&nbsp;an online complaint form</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Delta Extraction</h2>Just like C&amp;C Manufacturing, the state’s first recall on Aug. 2, 2023 centered around a distillate that was sold to numerous other manufacturers.Also similarly, Delta Extraction’s products were recalled due to the state’s inability to track the ingredients to make the distillate on Metrc, which starts tracking marijuana plants from the moment they’re planted in Missouri.In that case, Delta was selling a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/missouri-cannabis-recall-hemp/">distillate that was mostly made up of hemp-derived THC</a>, using hemp that wasn’t grown in Missouri and couldn’t be tracked.&nbsp;Delta mixed it with a small amount of THC from marijuana grown in Missouri. It’s much less expensive to make distillate from out-state hemp than Missouri-grown marijuana, but Delta’s consumers still paid marijuana prices.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">Hemp isn’t a controlled substance</a>&nbsp;and can legally cross state lines, unlike marijuana.The company appealed both the recall and the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/16/cannabis-regulators-to-revoke-license-of-missouri-company-at-center-of-recall/">revocation of their cannabis business license</a>&nbsp;before the Administrative Hearing Commission, challenging whether or not the state has the authority to regulate hemp products.&nbsp;In March, Commissioner Carol Illes&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/03/07/three-day-hearing-reveals-behind-the-scenes-details-of-missouri-marijuana-recall/">heard three days of testimony and evidence</a>&nbsp;and has yet to release her decision.&nbsp;Days before the two recent recalls, Gov. Mike Parson&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/hemp-industry-leaders-call-missouri-governors-order-banning-thc-products-an-overreach/">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;banning intoxicating hemp products and threatening penalties to any establishment with a Missouri liquor license or that sells food products for selling them.&nbsp;According to the order, licensed cannabis dispensaries can’t sell these products either because the hemp used to make them has to be grown in Missouri and tracked through Metrc. Nearly all of these products currently on the market — and the ones that Delta used — are made from hemp grown in other states.

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