(Radio Iowa) - One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, and a survey finds 70-percent of Iowa smokers want to quit, while 50-percent will try to quit in the year ahead. 

There are mixed messages circulating about how vaping can help smokers to kick the habit, messages that are blatantly false, according to Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association in Iowa. 

The U-S Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarettes to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit, Sward says, and the Lung Association is urging smokers to step away from all tobacco and nicotine products, and not switch to vaping.

(Radio Iowa) - One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to quit smoking, and a survey finds 70-percent of Iowa smokers want to quit, while 50-percent will try to quit in the year ahead. There are mixed messages circulating about how vaping can help smokers to kick the habit, messages that are blatantly false, according to Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association in Iowa. The U-S Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarettes to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit, Sward says, and the Lung Association is urging smokers to step away from all tobacco and nicotine products, and not switch to vaping.

Seek professional help if resolving to quit smoking in 2025

Dairy checkoff initiatives of 2024 successfully increased dairy access in schools, expanded market share for U.S. dairy products domestically and internationally and supported the industry’s commitment to sustainability. 

Dairy Management Inc. President and CEO Barbara O’Brien says the checkoff is working and achieving a lot in building its next chapter. She outlined the “Now, Next, and Future” checkoff strategies at the joint annual meeting. “All of the successes were made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone across the checkoff federation,” O’Brien said. “This was a strong year of results as we continue to work with and through others to catalyze action in energizing our trust- and sales-building priorities.” 

The Dairy Checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, a resource hub designed to give farm advisors, stakeholders, and conservation professionals science-based information on sustainable practices and technologies. DMI also unveiled its InnovateWithDairy.com tool to help spur industry innovation ideas.

Dairy checkoff initiatives of 2024 successfully increased dairy access in schools, expanded market share for U.S. dairy products domestically and internationally and supported the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Dairy Management Inc. President and CEO Barbara O’Brien says the checkoff is working and achieving a lot in building its next chapter. She outlined the “Now, Next, and Future” checkoff strategies at the joint annual meeting. “All of the successes were made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone across the checkoff federation,” O’Brien said. “This was a strong year of results as we continue to work with and through others to catalyze action in energizing our trust- and sales-building priorities.” The Dairy Checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, a resource hub designed to give farm advisors, stakeholders, and conservation professionals science-based information on sustainable practices and technologies. DMI also unveiled its InnovateWithDairy.com tool to help spur industry innovation ideas.- NAFB

Dairy Checkoff Highlights 2024 Work

The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. 

That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and growing public support for clean transportation fuel. Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen says a strong 2024 has set the industry up for further growth in air, marine, rail, and heavy-duty transportation use. “Consumers and corporations are demanding more clean fuel, and they are increasingly turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel for it,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has become a central force in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.” 

One factor in the improvement is the number of states that implemented clean fuel policies. Updated fuel specs will create opportunities in the new year. Biodiesel and renewable diesel will continue making farms stronger in 2025.

The U.S. is on pace to surpass five billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel consumption for the first time. That caps a 2024 that saw increased efforts from states to drive adoption, updates to technical standards, growth in soybean crush capacity, and growing public support for clean transportation fuel. Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen says a strong 2024 has set the industry up for further growth in air, marine, rail, and heavy-duty transportation use. “Consumers and corporations are demanding more clean fuel, and they are increasingly turning to biodiesel and renewable diesel for it,” Rehagen said. “Our industry has become a central force in the global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.” One factor in the improvement is the number of states that implemented clean fuel policies. Updated fuel specs will create opportunities in the new year. Biodiesel and renewable diesel will continue making farms stronger in 2025.- NAFB

Rapid Growth for Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel in 2024

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says a recent decision putting the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements on hold is “confusing.” 

Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, says the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court reversed the ruling it had issued before Christmas and has instead decided to uphold the injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect. “This means U.S. cattle producers have yet another reprieve from filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCen,” Bacus says. “These court rulings have gone back and forth and continue to add to the overall confusion.”

 He also says NCBA urges all cattle producers to consult with their attorney and tax professional for the latest information in case of more changes. “NCBA is continuing to urge Congress to pass legislation that will permanently protect cattle farmers and ranchers from this burdensome mandate,” Bacus added.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says a recent decision putting the Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements on hold is “confusing.” Kent Bacus, NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs, says the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court reversed the ruling it had issued before Christmas and has instead decided to uphold the injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from taking effect. “This means U.S. cattle producers have yet another reprieve from filing beneficial ownership information with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCen,” Bacus says. “These court rulings have gone back and forth and continue to add to the overall confusion.” He also says NCBA urges all cattle producers to consult with their attorney and tax professional for the latest information in case of more changes. “NCBA is continuing to urge Congress to pass legislation that will permanently protect cattle farmers and ranchers from this burdensome mandate,” Bacus added.- NAFB

NCBA Reacts to Temporary Relief from CTA

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in the Kansas City area are investigating reports of fake cash used at businesses.&nbsp;

On social media, the Lawson Police Department featured $100 bills stamped with&nbsp;“this note is not legal, it is to be used for motion pictures."

"Anyone who looks at the bills closely will see that something doesn’t look quite right."

Any business taking a $100 bill should inspect it closely to make sure it doesn’t have the stamp that identifies it as prop money.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735609429404.png" alt="Photo Lawson Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawson Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement in the Kansas City area are investigating reports of fake cash used at businesses.&nbsp;On social media, the Lawson Police Department featured $100 bills stamped with&nbsp;“this note is not legal, it is to be used for motion pictures.""Anyone who looks at the bills closely will see that something doesn’t look quite right." Any business taking a $100 bill should inspect it closely to make sure it doesn’t have the stamp that identifies it as prop money.&nbsp;

‘Movie money’ used at Missouri businesses

The St. Joseph School District is working to make transportation for students to and from school safe  

One primary issue the district has heard from parents is behavior from students on the bus rides.  

Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Robert Sigirst says the job of a bus driver is complex 

"Because the safety of those students is paramount for them," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr.  "So, driving and focus on what's in front of them is obviously their most important thing, but there's a lot going on behind them, some routes we have monitors on if it's a more full route, things like that to assist with that." 

Sigrist says anyone who thinks a bus drivers' job is easy, he would challenge them to ride an elementary bus route to see the challenges they deal with.  

Director of Non-Academic Services Shannon Nolte says a big focus in the district is on building relationships and says the district's behavior specialists talked to several bus drivers for the district.  

"Talked about those relationships, how you build those, and really its just no different, bus drivers build good relationships usually those busses run well and there's fewer behavior issues, there's always going to be a few, but I think that's the biggest key is building those relationships with those kids," Nolte explains. 

Nolte says the district received good feedback from drivers within the district about the talks on learning how to build those relationships with students.  

A new contract with First Student has also helped the St. Joseph School District in keeping its busses filled with drivers to transport students to and from school.  

Robert Sigirst says the district is currently in a much better spot than they were just four years ago.  

Sigrist says back then, there were days where the district didn't know who would be going out to pick up students on the buses. 

"Because we just were that short on drivers and they were pulling drivers from the Kansas City area to fill our routes," Sigrist says.  "So, where we're at today as we sit here in December 2024, from where we were say in January of 2021, much improved, much improved." 

Sigrist says First Student has helped train drivers and has given incentives that help recruit and retain drivers to ensure the district knows who will be out driving on any given day. 

By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The St. Joseph School District is working to make transportation for students to and from school safe One primary issue the district has heard from parents is behavior from students on the bus rides. Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Robert Sigirst says the job of a bus driver is complex "Because the safety of those students is paramount for them," Sigrist tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "So, driving and focus on what's in front of them is obviously their most important thing, but there's a lot going on behind them, some routes we have monitors on if it's a more full route, things like that to assist with that." Sigrist says anyone who thinks a bus drivers' job is easy, he would challenge them to ride an elementary bus route to see the challenges they deal with. Director of Non-Academic Services Shannon Nolte says a big focus in the district is on building relationships and says the district's behavior specialists talked to several bus drivers for the district. "Talked about those relationships, how you build those, and really its just no different, bus drivers build good relationships usually those busses run well and there's fewer behavior issues, there's always going to be a few, but I think that's the biggest key is building those relationships with those kids," Nolte explains. Nolte says the district received good feedback from drivers within the district about the talks on learning how to build those relationships with students. A new contract with First Student has also helped the St. Joseph School District in keeping its busses filled with drivers to transport students to and from school. Robert Sigirst says the district is currently in a much better spot than they were just four years ago. Sigrist says back then, there were days where the district didn't know who would be going out to pick up students on the buses. "Because we just were that short on drivers and they were pulling drivers from the Kansas City area to fill our routes," Sigrist says. "So, where we're at today as we sit here in December 2024, from where we were say in January of 2021, much improved, much improved." Sigrist says First Student has helped train drivers and has given incentives that help recruit and retain drivers to ensure the district knows who will be out driving on any given day.

St. Joseph School District works to make busses safe and efficient

PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.

He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.

According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.

Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735611961132.png" alt="Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

Kansas U.S. Senator meets with President-elect Trump

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by 21-year-old Maysville man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 approximately 2 miles west of Stewartsville.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road, skidded across the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned

DeKalb-Clinton EMS transported to the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

DEKALB COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Monday in DeKalb County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Silverado driven by 21-year-old Maysville man was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 36 approximately 2 miles west of Stewartsville.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle returned to the road, skidded across the westbound lanes, traveled off the south side of the road, struck an embankment and overturnedDeKalb-Clinton EMS transported to the driver to Mosaic Life Care. He was properly restrained, according to the MSHP.<figure>
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Missouri man injured in DeKalb Co. pickup rollover accident

WASHINGTON —On Monday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs as part of the surge of security assistance the President directed to put Ukraine in the best possible position. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $1.25 billion, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: missiles for air defense; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.

In addition, DoD announced an approximately $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package to provide Ukraine with additional air defense, air-to-ground, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other capabilities to fight Russian aggression.

The capabilities in this announcement include:

Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions;&nbsp; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;&nbsp; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS);&nbsp; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.

This is the Biden Administration's twenty-third USAI package and seventy-third tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.The United States continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On Monday, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced additional security assistance support to meet Ukraine's critical security and defense needs as part of the surge of security assistance the President directed to put Ukraine in the best possible position. This includes the authorization of a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $1.25 billion, to provide Ukraine additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including: missiles for air defense; munitions for rocket systems and artillery; and anti-tank weapons.In addition, DoD announced an approximately $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package to provide Ukraine with additional air defense, air-to-ground, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and other capabilities to fight Russian aggression.The capabilities in this announcement include:Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions;&nbsp; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition;&nbsp; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS);&nbsp; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.This is the Biden Administration's twenty-third USAI package and seventy-third tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.The United States continues to work together with some 50 Allies and partners through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and its associated Capability Coalitions to provide the support Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.

 Read list of $2.5 billion in new weapons U.S. sending to Ukraine

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;

City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;

Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;

“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;

The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;

“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;

The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;

When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;

“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234496874.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. " />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

State sales tax on groceries drops to zero Jan. 1 

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will have served 12 years for two American presidents when he leaves his role as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in three weeks. 

Vilsack, who moved to his wife's hometown of Mount Pleasant after finishiing law school, says his legal work representing farmers during the Farm Crisis gave direction to his life -- and it ultimately led to him serving as the country's top ag official. Vilsack says one of the recent highlights at the U-S-D-A was an uptick in the number of farms in Iowa. The U-S-D-A conducts a census every five years.

 The last census in 2022 found the number of farm units in Iowa had increased by about one percent the number of farmers had increased seven percent from 2017.

(Radio Iowa) - Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack will have served 12 years for two American presidents when he leaves his role as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in three weeks. Vilsack, who moved to his wife's hometown of Mount Pleasant after finishiing law school, says his legal work representing farmers during the Farm Crisis gave direction to his life -- and it ultimately led to him serving as the country's top ag official. Vilsack says one of the recent highlights at the U-S-D-A was an uptick in the number of farms in Iowa. The U-S-D-A conducts a census every five years. The last census in 2022 found the number of farm units in Iowa had increased by about one percent the number of farmers had increased seven percent from 2017.

Vilsack's 12 year run as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture winding down

Fifth Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb has been clearing out
his office and preparing for retirement after 38 years on the bench; 45 years
total working in the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Robb served as assistant Buchanan County prosecutor, the lead
prosecutor in many high-profile cases, before being elected Associate Circuit
Judge in 1986. He won election as Circuit Judge two years later. Robb won
re-election in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018.

Robb, who is 69, faced mandatory retirement at age 70.

“I’m ready to take on new projects in retirement,” Robb tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an interview in his chambers. “Fortunately, I’m
healthy. So, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of retirement,
whatever challenge there may be.”

“I don’t have any professional goals in retirement,” Robb
says. “I’ve always been interested, my wife and I, in traveling. So, I like to
travel. I like to hike. And so, I plan to do a little bit more of that probably
in the next few years. But, most of the time I’ll be at home. So, I’m hoping to
find something perhaps that I can do in the community that would be something I
would find rewarding and be helpful. So that’s probably my goal.”

Robb says he has little interest in serving as judge emeritus
and taking on new cases, but says he will see what the Missouri Supreme Court
offers.

We asked Robb if it seems like it has been 45 years.

“No, it does not,” Robb replies. “As I’ve reflected on it the
last six months, as I’m approaching retirement, it just seems like it’s gone by
very quickly. You keep showing up for work every day, doing the work, and next
thing you know 45 years have gone by.”

Robb has seen a lot over that time, has learned a lot about
being a judge, applying the law. Robb served as the 5th Judicial Circuit
Presiding Judge from 1995 to 2018. Robb says he’s proud the Missouri Supreme
Court recognized the circuit, which covers Buchanan and Andrew Counties, for
its efficiency in dealing the cases before it, both criminal and civil.

Over the years, Robb has presided over many, many cases.
Several stand out, but perhaps none more than a change of venue from Harrison
County heard in the Buchanan County Courthouse. The suspect pleaded guilty,
avoiding a trial. But the prosecutors wanted to talk to Robb.

“And they said, judge, I just wanted to give you a heads up
before the sentencing hearing that the victim of the offense is going to be here
for the sentencing hearing,” Robb recalls.&nbsp;
“And I said, what do you mean the victim’s going to be here for the
sentencing hearing?&nbsp; They go, well, the
family has brought the victim’s ashes to the sentencing hearing. They want to
be present, but I wanted to make sure that you were okay with it.”

Robb gave his okay as long as the victim’s family did not turn
it into a demonstration in the courtroom.

“I went out and had the sentencing hearing and they had a
little urn sitting in one of the chairs in the front row of the courtroom
during the sentencing hearing of the defendant.”

Robb says the biggest misconception the public has about
judges is that they are the law.

“I make a decision how the law applies to the particular facts
they might present to me as a judge or I might instruct the jury, if it goes to
a jury trial, on what the law is and let the jury decide what the facts are and
who should recover, who should win in that case,” Robb says, pointing out it is
the Missouri General Assembly that makes the law.

Robb says he does understand the decisions he makes during a
trial or during sentencing touches people’s lives.

“Those are important decisions. I understand those impact
people greatly, potentially, them and their families,” Robb says. “Those do
weigh on you and they haven’t gotten easier as you get older. You realize the
kind of decisions judges make do impact people’s lives. That’s one part of my
job I will not miss.”

Robb says the dedication to the day-to-day work makes for a
good judge.

“A judge that’s one willing to listen and willing to work,”
according to Robb. “Willing to be there and have the tribunal move cases, listen
to people, not be impatient with the process, but make sure that we understand,
if you’re filing a case in court, that we’re moving toward adjudication.”

Robb says he doesn’t think much about any legacy he might
leave.

“Feel like I was a fair judge. I think most people do. And
that I was a hard worker and that I ran an orderly court. That’s kind of what I
want.”

Robb’s influence went beyond the Buchanan County Courthouse.
He served as chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Procedure in Criminal
Cases and on the Presiding Judges’ Executive Committee.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735329647963.jpeg" alt="5th Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>5th Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostFifth Judicial Circuit Judge Pat Robb has been clearing out
his office and preparing for retirement after 38 years on the bench; 45 years
total working in the Buchanan County Courthouse.Robb served as assistant Buchanan County prosecutor, the lead
prosecutor in many high-profile cases, before being elected Associate Circuit
Judge in 1986. He won election as Circuit Judge two years later. Robb won
re-election in 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018.Robb, who is 69, faced mandatory retirement at age 70.“I’m ready to take on new projects in retirement,” Robb tells
KFEQ/St. Joseph Post during an interview in his chambers. “Fortunately, I’m
healthy. So, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of retirement,
whatever challenge there may be.”Most of those new projects are personal.“I don’t have any professional goals in retirement,” Robb
says. “I’ve always been interested, my wife and I, in traveling. So, I like to
travel. I like to hike. And so, I plan to do a little bit more of that probably
in the next few years. But, most of the time I’ll be at home. So, I’m hoping to
find something perhaps that I can do in the community that would be something I
would find rewarding and be helpful. So that’s probably my goal.”Robb says he has little interest in serving as judge emeritus
and taking on new cases, but says he will see what the Missouri Supreme Court
offers.We asked Robb if it seems like it has been 45 years.“No, it does not,” Robb replies. “As I’ve reflected on it the
last six months, as I’m approaching retirement, it just seems like it’s gone by
very quickly. You keep showing up for work every day, doing the work, and next
thing you know 45 years have gone by.”Robb has seen a lot over that time, has learned a lot about
being a judge, applying the law. Robb served as the 5th Judicial Circuit
Presiding Judge from 1995 to 2018. Robb says he’s proud the Missouri Supreme
Court recognized the circuit, which covers Buchanan and Andrew Counties, for
its efficiency in dealing the cases before it, both criminal and civil.Over the years, Robb has presided over many, many cases.
Several stand out, but perhaps none more than a change of venue from Harrison
County heard in the Buchanan County Courthouse. The suspect pleaded guilty,
avoiding a trial. But the prosecutors wanted to talk to Robb.“And they said, judge, I just wanted to give you a heads up
before the sentencing hearing that the victim of the offense is going to be here
for the sentencing hearing,” Robb recalls.&nbsp;
“And I said, what do you mean the victim’s going to be here for the
sentencing hearing?&nbsp; They go, well, the
family has brought the victim’s ashes to the sentencing hearing. They want to
be present, but I wanted to make sure that you were okay with it.”Robb gave his okay as long as the victim’s family did not turn
it into a demonstration in the courtroom.“I went out and had the sentencing hearing and they had a
little urn sitting in one of the chairs in the front row of the courtroom
during the sentencing hearing of the defendant.”Robb says the biggest misconception the public has about
judges is that they are the law.“I make a decision how the law applies to the particular facts
they might present to me as a judge or I might instruct the jury, if it goes to
a jury trial, on what the law is and let the jury decide what the facts are and
who should recover, who should win in that case,” Robb says, pointing out it is
the Missouri General Assembly that makes the law.Robb says he does understand the decisions he makes during a
trial or during sentencing touches people’s lives.“Those are important decisions. I understand those impact
people greatly, potentially, them and their families,” Robb says. “Those do
weigh on you and they haven’t gotten easier as you get older. You realize the
kind of decisions judges make do impact people’s lives. That’s one part of my
job I will not miss.”Robb says the dedication to the day-to-day work makes for a
good judge.“A judge that’s one willing to listen and willing to work,”
according to Robb. “Willing to be there and have the tribunal move cases, listen
to people, not be impatient with the process, but make sure that we understand,
if you’re filing a case in court, that we’re moving toward adjudication.”Robb says he doesn’t think much about any legacy he might
leave.“Feel like I was a fair judge. I think most people do. And
that I was a hard worker and that I ran an orderly court. That’s kind of what I
want.”Robb’s influence went beyond the Buchanan County Courthouse.
He served as chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Procedure in Criminal
Cases and on the Presiding Judges’ Executive Committee.Robb serves his last day on the 31st.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Judge Robb set to retire after 38 years on the bench; 45 in the Buchanan County Courthouse

ATLANTA&nbsp; — Jimmy Carter, 39th&nbsp;president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, according to a statement from the Carter Center.

President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.&nbsp;The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.&nbsp;The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.&nbsp;The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at&nbsp;

<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552440092%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=u%2Fooghv5DQB83sHXyE%2FmcCnAz1Gx3ADasqNA3FmcCzI%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil</a>.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667594213472.png" alt="Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA&nbsp; — Jimmy Carter, 39th&nbsp;president of the United States and winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, according to a statement from the Carter Center.President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs.&nbsp;The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.&nbsp;The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.&nbsp;The schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552440092%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=u%2Fooghv5DQB83sHXyE%2FmcCnAz1Gx3ADasqNA3FmcCzI%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.usstatefuneral.mdw.army.mil</a>.Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.The Carter family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US President, Dead at 100

Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.

Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.

“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.

Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.

“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”

There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.

Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”

“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”

Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.

Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.

“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.

The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234698024.jpeg" alt=" U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans, support draft legislation that would grant a federal charter to place control of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence under the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Draft legislation removes HINU from BIA control while retaining federal funding</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Two Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation propose Haskell Indian Nations University be granted a federal charter to operate under authority of the Haskell Board of Regents rather than the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.Sen. Jerry Moran and Rep. Tracey Mann said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/a/f/afc91de5-4583-4567-b4a3-472b85f142a7/A666B8649CA691F7F70C435298D0BA130CED3B020FC81FE1F0969E49A8205BA2.12.10.24-haskell-charter-section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">legislation transferring control of HINU</a>&nbsp;while maintaining federal funding to the university was drafted in response to BIA incompetence that damaged educational opportunities for Native Americans on the Lawrence campus.Brittany Hall, president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said the university encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stemmed from operational constraints within BIA and its parent agency the U.S. Department of Interior.“These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. congressional charter — one that enables the university to thrive while better serving its students and communities,” Hall said.Moran said HINU previously provided students from federally recognized tribes a tuition-free education in an environment that prioritized indigenous culture, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs for years had “neglected and mismanaged” the university.“The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school,” Moran said. “It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the tribal community.”There has been frustration the BIA was unwilling to address concerns raised by the tribal community, including reports of sexual harassment on campus. The university has operated without sufficient financial support of essential programs and has grappled with a high dropout rate. Campus infrastructure is outdated and technology is obsolete.Mann, who serves the 1st District that includes Lawrence, said HINU should be the jewel of Native American education. That goal hasn’t been attained, he said, because the university “for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”“It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by tribal communities,” Mann said. “This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”Initial conversations about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/d/fda05538-4849-42ce-b74a-511fab1623b2/1D3AC39B28AD7071F393D2B6F2B91D1870BC3300599871079963795D4193035A.12.12.24---haskell-indian-nations-university-improvement-act.pdf" target="_blank">the draft of reform legislation</a>&nbsp;have occurred with the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and students and staff at the university. Moran and Mann requested public comment on the concept be sent to&nbsp;feedback@moran.senate.gov&nbsp;by Feb. 1.Joseph Rupnick, chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said he appreciated work by members of the Kansas congressional delegation on legislation furthering the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian people.“I look forward to discussions in the new year with tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding,” Rupnick said.The four-year university enrolls about 1,000 students. Students are drawn from more than 130 federally recognized tribes.

Moran, Mann work to place Native American university under Haskell Board of Regents

UPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.

UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine"

There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.

The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

By Dewey Terrill JC PostUPU Industries closed their Junction City operation earlier this month. The closure was confirmed by HR Manager Suzanne Deegan.UPU has been providing net wrap for round hay bales. According to the company social media page "UPU is the only manufacturer of premium range bale netting and pallet wrapping in the United States, perfect for agricultural and industrial use – from Patriot Netwrap to Baler Twine" There were 30 employees at the plant, which began its operation in Junction City in 2003. Deegan noted that about 85% of those employees have located other work.The UPU Industries parent company will remain in business. They are headquartered in Northern Ireland.

Kansas manufacturer with 30 employees is closed

(Radio Iowa) - A coalition of groups is urging the governor and legislators to provide state funding for a full-day of preschool for four-year-olds who live in low-income households. 

The statewide Voluntary Preschool Program currently covers a half day for each four-year-old. Des Moines School Board chair Jackie Norris says four hours of preschool is difficult for working parents to navigate. The coalition proposes providing full-day, state-funded preschool to four year olds who live in households with an annual income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. 

In addition to public school districts, the Iowa Catholic Conference, the Iowa Association of Christian Schools and the Iowa Association of School Boards are part of the coalition calling for this preschool expansion.

(Radio Iowa) - A coalition of groups is urging the governor and legislators to provide state funding for a full-day of preschool for four-year-olds who live in low-income households. The statewide Voluntary Preschool Program currently covers a half day for each four-year-old. Des Moines School Board chair Jackie Norris says four hours of preschool is difficult for working parents to navigate. The coalition proposes providing full-day, state-funded preschool to four year olds who live in households with an annual income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition to public school districts, the Iowa Catholic Conference, the Iowa Association of Christian Schools and the Iowa Association of School Boards are part of the coalition calling for this preschool expansion.

Coalition lobbies for expansion of Iowa's Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program

The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.

He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”

But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.

In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.

“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.

Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.

Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.

“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.

Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.

Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”

<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.

The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.

In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.

“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.

In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.

“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”

But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.

There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.

Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.

If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.

The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.

During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>

Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”

Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”

The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.

The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.

Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.

Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.

Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.

“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”

Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”

Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”

In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”

Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986359615.png" alt=" Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986435081.png" alt=" A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”“Oh my God!” Wagenhals said.Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.

Billy Long, Trump’s nominee to lead IRS, touts credential tax experts say is dubious

Republican Derek Schmidt is preparing to take over representing
the Second Congressional District of Kansas early next year.

Schmidt won election to the seat being vacated by fellow Republican
Jake LaTurner who served the last two terms in the seat that covers all of
eastern Kansas with the exception of the greater Kansas City, Kansas metro.
LaTurner decided not to run for re-election after serving two terms.

Schmidt has received his committee assignments.

“I’ll have the honor of serving on both the Armed Services
Committee, which is very important for the Second District, because of course Ft.
Leavenworth, Ft. Riley, Forbes Field and, obviously, the national interests,
most important,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And also, on the
Judiciary Committee, perhaps not surprising given my background as a state
Attorney General. I’d like to think I’ll bring a different perspective to the
work of that committee that could be helpful, especially on state vs. federal
types of issues.”

Schmidt says he has spent time with Congressman LaTurner as he
prepares to begin service in Washington. Schmidt says he has known LaTurner for
years. The two served in Kansas state government, Schmidt as Attorney General, LaTurner
as state Treasurer. Schmidt says LaTurner advised him to always remember the honor
of serving in the office.

“There are fewer than 12,000 people who have ever served in
the United States House of Representatives in the entire history of our country,”
Schmidt recalls LaTurner reminding him. “Every day there are 735,000 people in
Kansas who are relying on you to be their voice and help them navigate the
federal government and try to do our part to steer this great country back on
to what we believe is the right track. And I thought that was very good
counsel.”

Schmidt has been in Washington the past few weeks, watching
the messy budget battle to avoid a federal government shutdown and other
workings of a Congress he joins soon.

“I’m looking forward to being in (Congress) and being part of
that. It’s going to have its moments, like anything does. I’m sure we’ll wonder
what on earth did we signed up for,” Scmidt says. “At the end of the day, this
is how the country makes progress; or not. And I certainly want to be an
advocate for people in the Second District on the cause of progress. We’ve got
to leave this country better than we found it.”

Schmidt says most of his time since winning election in
November has been spent on the mundane tasks of establishing an office and
staff as well as finding a place to live in Washington. He plans, at least at this
time, to maintain the state offices in Pittsburg and Topeka that LaTurner established.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735243929144.jpeg" alt="Derek Schmidt/Photo courtesy of the Schmidt campaign" />
 <figcaption>Derek Schmidt/Photo courtesy of the Schmidt campaign</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostRepublican Derek Schmidt is preparing to take over representing
the Second Congressional District of Kansas early next year.Schmidt won election to the seat being vacated by fellow Republican
Jake LaTurner who served the last two terms in the seat that covers all of
eastern Kansas with the exception of the greater Kansas City, Kansas metro.
LaTurner decided not to run for re-election after serving two terms.Schmidt has received his committee assignments.“I’ll have the honor of serving on both the Armed Services
Committee, which is very important for the Second District, because of course Ft.
Leavenworth, Ft. Riley, Forbes Field and, obviously, the national interests,
most important,” Schmidt tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And also, on the
Judiciary Committee, perhaps not surprising given my background as a state
Attorney General. I’d like to think I’ll bring a different perspective to the
work of that committee that could be helpful, especially on state vs. federal
types of issues.”Schmidt says he has spent time with Congressman LaTurner as he
prepares to begin service in Washington. Schmidt says he has known LaTurner for
years. The two served in Kansas state government, Schmidt as Attorney General, LaTurner
as state Treasurer. Schmidt says LaTurner advised him to always remember the honor
of serving in the office.“There are fewer than 12,000 people who have ever served in
the United States House of Representatives in the entire history of our country,”
Schmidt recalls LaTurner reminding him. “Every day there are 735,000 people in
Kansas who are relying on you to be their voice and help them navigate the
federal government and try to do our part to steer this great country back on
to what we believe is the right track. And I thought that was very good
counsel.”Schmidt has been in Washington the past few weeks, watching
the messy budget battle to avoid a federal government shutdown and other
workings of a Congress he joins soon.“I’m looking forward to being in (Congress) and being part of
that. It’s going to have its moments, like anything does. I’m sure we’ll wonder
what on earth did we signed up for,” Scmidt says. “At the end of the day, this
is how the country makes progress; or not. And I certainly want to be an
advocate for people in the Second District on the cause of progress. We’ve got
to leave this country better than we found it.”Schmidt says most of his time since winning election in
November has been spent on the mundane tasks of establishing an office and
staff as well as finding a place to live in Washington. He plans, at least at this
time, to maintain the state offices in Pittsburg and Topeka that LaTurner established.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Republican Derek Schmidt prepares to represent eastern Kansas in Congress

(Radio Iowa) - Two influential conservative groups are urging Iowa lawmakers to cut state and local taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow says it's time to force city and county officials to cut or at least freeze property taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief is proposing that yearly incrases in city budgets be limited to two percent in the future.

Americans for Prosperity is calling on legislators to chip away at the state income tax until it's completely eliminated. Governor Kim Reynolds has not shared details about her tax proposals for the 2025 legislative session, but she has previously said her goal is to completely eliminate the state income tax by the end of her current term as governor.

(Radio Iowa) - Two influential conservative groups are urging Iowa lawmakers to cut state and local taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief president Chris Hagenow says it's time to force city and county officials to cut or at least freeze property taxes. Iowans for Tax Relief is proposing that yearly incrases in city budgets be limited to two percent in the future.Americans for Prosperity is calling on legislators to chip away at the state income tax until it's completely eliminated. Governor Kim Reynolds has not shared details about her tax proposals for the 2025 legislative session, but she has previously said her goal is to completely eliminate the state income tax by the end of her current term as governor.

Two conservative groups urge Iowa lawmakers to pass more tax cuts

(Radio Iowa) - A loan officer who works with credit unions throughout the Midwest says some veterans forego the home-buying assistance they earned. 

Kris Fish Kuhlmann -- a V-A Loan Specialist with the Iowa-based Premier Lending Alliance -- says veterans are eligible to purchase a home with 100 percent financing -- so they're not required to have a down payment. Kuhlmann was at the Algona V-F-W this past Saturday to meet with veterans. 

About 11 percent of new mortgages in the U-S are from the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the U-S Census Bureau, about nine percent of Iowa homes are occupied by veterans. Nationally, about 80 percent of veterans own their home.

(Radio Iowa) - A loan officer who works with credit unions throughout the Midwest says some veterans forego the home-buying assistance they earned. Kris Fish Kuhlmann -- a V-A Loan Specialist with the Iowa-based Premier Lending Alliance -- says veterans are eligible to purchase a home with 100 percent financing -- so they're not required to have a down payment. Kuhlmann was at the Algona V-F-W this past Saturday to meet with veterans. About 11 percent of new mortgages in the U-S are from the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the U-S Census Bureau, about nine percent of Iowa homes are occupied by veterans. Nationally, about 80 percent of veterans own their home.

Kbct