(Radio Iowa) - The State of Iowa has recently distributed 770-million dollars in grants and tax credits for housing developments that will yield an estimated 10-thousand homes and apartment units in the state. 

Governor Kim Reynolds says there's never before been that many publicly-funded housing units under development in Iowa. State officials say the bulk of the investment is 632 million dollars worth of federal tax credits awarded for Iowa housing projects over a ten-year period. 

About 80 million in state tax credits have been awarded for new construction or rehabbed housing in communities where there's a shortage of homes and apartments for people who work in the community.

(Radio Iowa) - The State of Iowa has recently distributed 770-million dollars in grants and tax credits for housing developments that will yield an estimated 10-thousand homes and apartment units in the state. Governor Kim Reynolds says there's never before been that many publicly-funded housing units under development in Iowa. State officials say the bulk of the investment is 632 million dollars worth of federal tax credits awarded for Iowa housing projects over a ten-year period. About 80 million in state tax credits have been awarded for new construction or rehabbed housing in communities where there's a shortage of homes and apartments for people who work in the community.

Officials say 10,000 publicly-funded housing units under development in Iowa

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Federal officials are offering a cash award for tips that lead to the arrest of a fugitive who may still be in Iowa. 

According to a news release from the U-S Marshals Service, 39-year-old Nathan Nickless was last known to be living in or around Humbolt and Webster Counties. Nickless failed to show up for his federal trail on drug and gun related charges two months ago. 

In July, a Pocahontas County deputy saw Nickless at a convenience story in Pocahontas. Authorities pursued Nickless into Rolfe. Local, state and federal authorities were unable to find Nickless after he ran into a corn field.

(Radio Iowa) -&nbsp;Federal officials are offering a cash award for tips that lead to the arrest of a fugitive who may still be in Iowa. According to a news release from the U-S Marshals Service, 39-year-old Nathan Nickless was last known to be living in or around Humbolt and Webster Counties. Nickless failed to show up for his federal trail on drug and gun related charges two months ago. In July, a Pocahontas County deputy saw Nickless at a convenience story in Pocahontas. Authorities pursued Nickless into Rolfe. Local, state and federal authorities were unable to find Nickless after he ran into a corn field.

Cash award for tips about fugitive who may be in Humboldt, Webster Counties

Minor League Baseball has announced that Omaha Storm Chasers, and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, has been named the International League Pitcher of the Month for August. .

Cameron went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA over five starts in August, allowing only six earned runs on 20 hits across 31.2 innings.  The left hander struck out 36 while holding batters to an average of .180. He ranked third in the league in strikeouts and was tied for first among qualified International League pitchers in WHIP and was third in ERA. 

All five starts for Cameron were quality starts, with one scoreless outing. 

Drafted by Kansas City in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Central Arkansas, Cameron joined Triple-A Omaha in late July and made his Storm Chasers debut July 31 at Rochester , a 10-strikeout performance. 

All six of Cameron’s Triple-A starts to date have been quality starts and the southpaw has worked a 1.64 ERA (7 ER in 38.1 IP) with 46 strikeouts to just 8 walks. 

Since his debut, Cameron is first among Triple-A pitchers in ERA and strikeouts, the only Minor League pitcher with 6 quality starts in that span.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725564576908.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron was named the International League Pitcher of the Month in August/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Storm Chasers on X" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron was named the International League Pitcher of the Month in August/ Photo courtesy of the Omaha Storm Chasers on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMinor League Baseball has announced that Omaha Storm Chasers, and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron, has been named the International League Pitcher of the Month for August. .Cameron went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA over five starts in August, allowing only six earned runs on 20 hits across 31.2 innings. The left hander struck out 36 while holding batters to an average of .180. He ranked third in the league in strikeouts and was tied for first among qualified International League pitchers in WHIP and was third in ERA. All five starts for Cameron were quality starts, with one scoreless outing. Drafted by Kansas City in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of the University of Central Arkansas, Cameron joined Triple-A Omaha in late July and made his Storm Chasers debut July 31 at Rochester , a 10-strikeout performance. All six of Cameron’s Triple-A starts to date have been quality starts and the southpaw has worked a 1.64 ERA (7 ER in 38.1 IP) with 46 strikeouts to just 8 walks. Since his debut, Cameron is first among Triple-A pitchers in ERA and strikeouts, the only Minor League pitcher with 6 quality starts in that span.

St. Joseph's Noah Cameron named International League Pitcher of the Month

Farmland values in states like Illinois remain sold. Central and Southern Illinois land values increased 7.49 percent on average from last year. That’s according to a 2024 study of 22 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois appraisal team. Eighteen of the 22 benchmark farms increased in value, and four remained unchanged. Results across all land classes showed considerable variation, reinforcing that agricultural real estate is a location-specific asset. 

When considering the individual benchmark values, the average year-over-year percentage changes across the four land classes ranged from 3.6 to 14.05 percent. “Farmland values remain strong despite higher interest rates and lower commodity prices,” says Kent Reid, Farm Credit Illinois Chief Appraiser. “Values remain consistent with the peaks set in 2023 due to constant demand for Illinois farmland coupled with limited supply of farms.” Interest rates, higher cash rents, and lower commodity prices could affect land values in the coming year.

Farmland values in states like Illinois remain sold. Central and Southern Illinois land values increased 7.49 percent on average from last year. That’s according to a 2024 study of 22 benchmark farms by the Farm Credit Illinois appraisal team. Eighteen of the 22 benchmark farms increased in value, and four remained unchanged. Results across all land classes showed considerable variation, reinforcing that agricultural real estate is a location-specific asset. When considering the individual benchmark values, the average year-over-year percentage changes across the four land classes ranged from 3.6 to 14.05 percent. “Farmland values remain strong despite higher interest rates and lower commodity prices,” says Kent Reid, Farm Credit Illinois Chief Appraiser. “Values remain consistent with the peaks set in 2023 due to constant demand for Illinois farmland coupled with limited supply of farms.” Interest rates, higher cash rents, and lower commodity prices could affect land values in the coming year.-NAFB

Farmland values remain strong

A group of volunteers has been helping make the dreams of chronically ill children come true since 1980 

The Dream Factory began in Kentucky in 1980 with one chapter and has since stemmed into the largest all volunteer children's wish granting organization in the country with 37 chapters.  

The Dream Factory is similar to Make-A Wish, but Northwest Missouri chapter volunteer Rita Hook says there is one key difference 

"We grant dreams to children between the ages of three and 18 with a chronic or critical illness, our children do not have to be terminal, critical and chronic,” Hook tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr.  

Hook says the organization grants all kinds of dreams for these children 

"The biggest one by far is Disney World, we do have shopping sprees occasionally, right now we have a 15-year-old girl that wants a she shed, so we’re working on that,” Hook explains. 

Hook says some of the more common requests also revolve around going to sporting events or meeting athletes.  

Hook says the organization has made several dreams possible, and the guidelines to provide that dream is around $6,500. 

Hook says there has been a struggle in raising funds for the group, but several fundraising efforts have helped raise money.  

"We had a volunteer in Trenton in last year that put on a concert of Rhonda Vincent, he had been with the Dream Factory over 30 years and he had come to know her personally, long story short he pretty much single handedly raised over $40,000 for our chapter, that was the money that was cleared after the concert, and that’s a huge thing for us,” Hook says. 

There will be fundraisers coming up next month with a Music Bingo at the Eagles on October 11th and a tenderloin dinner on October 18th. 

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA group of volunteers has been helping make the dreams of chronically ill children come true since 1980 The Dream Factory began in Kentucky in 1980 with one chapter and has since stemmed into the largest all volunteer children's wish granting organization in the country with 37 chapters. The Dream Factory is similar to Make-A Wish, but Northwest Missouri chapter volunteer Rita Hook says there is one key difference "We grant dreams to children between the ages of three and 18 with a chronic or critical illness, our children do not have to be terminal, critical and chronic,” Hook tells host of the KFEQ Hotline Barry Birr. Hook says the organization grants all kinds of dreams for these children "The biggest one by far is Disney World, we do have shopping sprees occasionally, right now we have a 15-year-old girl that wants a she shed, so we’re working on that,” Hook explains. Hook says some of the more common requests also revolve around going to sporting events or meeting athletes. Hook says the organization has made several dreams possible, and the guidelines to provide that dream is around $6,500. Hook says there has been a struggle in raising funds for the group, but several fundraising efforts have helped raise money. "We had a volunteer in Trenton in last year that put on a concert of Rhonda Vincent, he had been with the Dream Factory over 30 years and he had come to know her personally, long story short he pretty much single handedly raised over $40,000 for our chapter, that was the money that was cleared after the concert, and that’s a huge thing for us,” Hook says. There will be fundraisers coming up next month with a Music Bingo at the Eagles on October 11th and a tenderloin dinner on October 18th.

Dream Factory helping make dreams across northwest Missouri into reality

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's United States Senators are asking the U-S Ambassador to Mexico for regular updates on an Iowa woman who went missing in Mexico nearly a month ago. 

The family of 51-year-old Chris Leguisano of Des Moines reported her missing on August 8th and they believe she was kidnapped in Reynosa, a city that's less than four miles from the border crossing at Hidalgo, Texas. Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley say the U-S cannot and will not tolerate the assault of its citizens while traveling abroad -- and they're asking federal officials for a briefing on her case. 

Leguisano's son told Channel 5 T-V in Des Moines that his mother was delivering a truck to her ex-brother-in-law when she was kidnapped and he's been getting threatening messages asking for money.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowa's United States Senators are asking the U-S Ambassador to Mexico for regular updates on an Iowa woman who went missing in Mexico nearly a month ago. The family of 51-year-old Chris Leguisano of Des Moines reported her missing on August 8th and they believe she was kidnapped in Reynosa, a city that's less than four miles from the border crossing at Hidalgo, Texas. Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley say the U-S cannot and will not tolerate the assault of its citizens while traveling abroad -- and they're asking federal officials for a briefing on her case. Leguisano's son told Channel 5 T-V in Des Moines that his mother was delivering a truck to her ex-brother-in-law when she was kidnapped and he's been getting threatening messages asking for money.

Grassley, Ernst seek federal briefing on Iowa woman missing in Mexico

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a child's death and have made an arrest.

Just after 5:30p.m. September 3, police and Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control responded to a residence in Montgomery City after a 2-year-old was found deceased in an apartment, according to a media release.

Police obtained a search warrant for the residence and investigators found drugs and paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers took 35-year-old Bryan E. Danter of Montgomery City on requested chartees of endangering the welfare of a child, trafficking drugs and possession of a controlled substance.

Danter is being held in the Montgomery County jail without bond. The cause of the child's death is pending an autopsy.&nbsp; Police released no additional details due to their ongoing investigation.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a child's death and have made an arrest.Just after 5:30p.m. September 3, police and Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control responded to a residence in Montgomery City after a 2-year-old was found deceased in an apartment, according to a media release.Police obtained a search warrant for the residence and investigators found drugs and paraphernalia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers took 35-year-old Bryan E. Danter of Montgomery City on requested chartees of endangering the welfare of a child, trafficking drugs and possession of a controlled substance.Danter is being held in the Montgomery County jail without bond. The cause of the child's death is pending an autopsy.&nbsp; Police released no additional details due to their ongoing investigation.

Missouri man in custody after 2-year-old found dead in apartment

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.

Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.

During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.

Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.

On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725531791535.png" alt="Diedrich photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Diedrich photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent fight at Milford Lake.Just after noon Aug. 18, sheriff's deputies took a report of an alleged physical altercation that took place at Nudie Beach on Milford Lake August. 17, according to a media release.During the investigation deputies learned Kurtis Geisler of Leonardville&nbsp; was at the beach with family and friends. A suspect identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Ryan Diedrich of Randolph made&nbsp; threats of harm toward Geisler and a physical altercation took place between the two men.Witnesses told deputies Diedrich had attempted to drown Geisler by holding him underwater, before being pulled off by others. Geisler sustained minor injuries that were later medically treated.On Wednesday afternoon, deputies arrested Ryan Levi Diedrich on requested charges of Attempted Murder (2nd Degree) and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond, pending his first court appearance.

Suspect accused of attempting to drown man at Kansas lake

Wednesday’s bench trial focused on a provision in the abortion-rights amendment pertaining to provider immunity

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

A judge could decide as early as Thursday whether Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s “fair ballot language” summary for an abortion-rights amendment is truly fair.&nbsp;

Missouri voters will be asked on Nov. 5 whether they support Amendment 3, which would establish a constitutional right to an abortion up until fetal viability and protect other reproductive rights, including access to in-vitro fertilization and birth control. Abortion became illegal in Missouri in June 2022, with limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother.

Posted at every polling station around the state, next to sample ballots, is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=116.025" target="_blank">“fair ballot language”</a>&nbsp;that summarizes the questions that voters will be asked to decide on. State law requires that this language, written by the secretary of state, be “true and impartial.”

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/20/missouri-secretary-state-ashcroft-lawsuit-abortion/">In a lawsuit filed two weeks ago,&nbsp;</a>organizers behind Amendment 3 claimed that Ashcroft’s summary was “intentionally argumentative” and could create confusion among voters.&nbsp;

The same day Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the November ballot,&nbsp;</a>his office also published to its website a “fair ballot language” summary statement for the amendment which reads:&nbsp;

“A ‘yes’ vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.”&nbsp;

The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new “fair ballot language” and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from his government website.

A brief bench trial Wednesday afternoon in Cole County Circuit Court focused in particular on the last sentence of Ashcroft’s summary, and how a court could interpret subsection 5 of the amendment, which reads: “No person shall be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action based on their actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes, including but not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Nor shall any person assisting a person in exercising their right to reproductive freedom with that person’s consent be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action for doing so.”

Andrew Crane, representing Ashcroft on behalf of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, argued Wednesday that this subsection would result in “effectively neutering the government’s ability to enforce any effective regulations” on abortion.&nbsp;

Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, which is representing the plaintiff, called this claim “politically-charged” and unfounded, as it fails to take into account other language in the amendment protecting patients.

“The amendment will provide greater independence from the government,” she told the court. “But it does not create the boundless, limitless, unregulated right the secretary continues to make it to be.”&nbsp;

Schafer said Ashcroft in the latest language “resurrects his false claims” that have already been denounced by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Ashcroft was sued last year by the abortion-rights campaign over the initial ballot summary he drafted, which would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled a year ago that Ashcroft’s language was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/judge-rejects-rewrites-summary-for-missouri-abortion-initiative-petition/">“problematic” and inaccurate.</a>&nbsp;

An appeals court agreed, ruling that it is “not a probable effect” that the amendment would allow unrestricted abortion in all nine months of pregnancy or that it would toss aside health and safety regulations, “including requirements that physicians perform abortions and that they maintain medical malpractice insurance.”

However, Crane on Wednesday argued that the appeals court ruling didn’t specifically address the immunity provisions of subsection 5.

Ashcroft, who recently lost a bid for the GOP candidate for governor, has been open about his opposition to abortion.&nbsp;

During the Midwest March for Life outside in May, he told The Independent of the abortion initiative petition: “I just want to make sure that people know what this amendment will actually do. That it’s abortion from conception until the very last second that the last toenail leaves the birth canal.”

Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker, who is overseeing the current case, said he intends to rule on Thursday.&nbsp;

Walker recently upheld the “fair ballot language” summary written by Ashcroft for a proposed constitutional&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-upholds-ballot-language-to-ban-noncitizen-voting-already-illegal-in-missouri/">amendment that would ban ranked-choice voting</a>&nbsp;after two voters sued over the language. The voters called the language imprecise, in part because it doesn’t state that it’s currently illegal for non-citizens to vote in Missouri.&nbsp;

The Amendment 3 lawsuit was filed by retired physician Dr. Anna Fitz-James, who initially filed the abortion rights initiative petition in spring 2023 on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment.&nbsp;

The campaign has raised millions of dollars this election cycle, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/index.php" target="_blank">recent polling by St. Louis University/YouGov&nbsp;</a>showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/29/poll-shows-missouri-voters-back-trump-hawley-abortion-rights-and-minimum-wage-hike/">52% of Missouri voters supported Amendment 3.&nbsp;</a>The poll surveyed 900 voters across nine days in August.

Meanwhile, a second lawsuit regarding Amendment 3 is also pending in Cole County after a number of anti-abortion activists and lawmakers asked a judge to block the amendment from the Nov. 5 ballot. Their lawsuit claims Amendment 3 violates the state constitution by including more than one subject and&nbsp;fails to specify which laws and constitutional provisions would be repealed if it was approved.

A bench trial in that lawsuit is scheduled for Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725532637576.png" alt=" Cole County Circuit Court Judge Cotton Walker listens to arguments during a Sept. 8, 2022, hearing (pool photo courtesy of Emily Manley/Nexstar Media Group)." />
 <figcaption> Cole County Circuit Court Judge Cotton Walker listens to arguments during a Sept. 8, 2022, hearing (pool photo courtesy of Emily Manley/Nexstar Media Group).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Wednesday’s bench trial focused on a provision in the abortion-rights amendment pertaining to provider immunity</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A judge could decide as early as Thursday whether Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s “fair ballot language” summary for an abortion-rights amendment is truly fair.&nbsp;Missouri voters will be asked on Nov. 5 whether they support Amendment 3, which would establish a constitutional right to an abortion up until fetal viability and protect other reproductive rights, including access to in-vitro fertilization and birth control. Abortion became illegal in Missouri in June 2022, with limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother.Posted at every polling station around the state, next to sample ballots, is&nbsp;<a href="https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=116.025" target="_blank">“fair ballot language”</a>&nbsp;that summarizes the questions that voters will be asked to decide on. State law requires that this language, written by the secretary of state, be “true and impartial.”<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/20/missouri-secretary-state-ashcroft-lawsuit-abortion/">In a lawsuit filed two weeks ago,&nbsp;</a>organizers behind Amendment 3 claimed that Ashcroft’s summary was “intentionally argumentative” and could create confusion among voters.&nbsp;The same day Ashcroft&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">certified the measure for the November ballot,&nbsp;</a>his office also published to its website a “fair ballot language” summary statement for the amendment which reads:&nbsp;“A ‘yes’ vote will enshrine the right to abortion at any time of pregnancy in the Missouri Constitution. Additionally, it will prohibit any regulation of abortion, including regulations designed to protect women undergoing abortions and prohibit any civil or criminal recourse against anyone who performs an abortion and hurts or kills the pregnant women.”&nbsp;The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new “fair ballot language” and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from his government website.A brief bench trial Wednesday afternoon in Cole County Circuit Court focused in particular on the last sentence of Ashcroft’s summary, and how a court could interpret subsection 5 of the amendment, which reads: “No person shall be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action based on their actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes, including but not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion. Nor shall any person assisting a person in exercising their right to reproductive freedom with that person’s consent be penalized, prosecuted, or otherwise subjected to adverse action for doing so.”Andrew Crane, representing Ashcroft on behalf of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, argued Wednesday that this subsection would result in “effectively neutering the government’s ability to enforce any effective regulations” on abortion.&nbsp;Tori Schafer, an attorney with the ACLU of Missouri, which is representing the plaintiff, called this claim “politically-charged” and unfounded, as it fails to take into account other language in the amendment protecting patients.“The amendment will provide greater independence from the government,” she told the court. “But it does not create the boundless, limitless, unregulated right the secretary continues to make it to be.”&nbsp;Schafer said Ashcroft in the latest language “resurrects his false claims” that have already been denounced by the Missouri Court of Appeals.Ashcroft was sued last year by the abortion-rights campaign over the initial ballot summary he drafted, which would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled a year ago that Ashcroft’s language was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/25/judge-rejects-rewrites-summary-for-missouri-abortion-initiative-petition/">“problematic” and inaccurate.</a>&nbsp;An appeals court agreed, ruling that it is “not a probable effect” that the amendment would allow unrestricted abortion in all nine months of pregnancy or that it would toss aside health and safety regulations, “including requirements that physicians perform abortions and that they maintain medical malpractice insurance.”However, Crane on Wednesday argued that the appeals court ruling didn’t specifically address the immunity provisions of subsection 5.Ashcroft, who recently lost a bid for the GOP candidate for governor, has been open about his opposition to abortion.&nbsp;During the Midwest March for Life outside in May, he told The Independent of the abortion initiative petition: “I just want to make sure that people know what this amendment will actually do. That it’s abortion from conception until the very last second that the last toenail leaves the birth canal.”Cole County Circuit Judge Cotton Walker, who is overseeing the current case, said he intends to rule on Thursday.&nbsp;Walker recently upheld the “fair ballot language” summary written by Ashcroft for a proposed constitutional&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-upholds-ballot-language-to-ban-noncitizen-voting-already-illegal-in-missouri/">amendment that would ban ranked-choice voting</a>&nbsp;after two voters sued over the language. The voters called the language imprecise, in part because it doesn’t state that it’s currently illegal for non-citizens to vote in Missouri.&nbsp;The Amendment 3 lawsuit was filed by retired physician Dr. Anna Fitz-James, who initially filed the abortion rights initiative petition in spring 2023 on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the amendment.&nbsp;The campaign has raised millions of dollars this election cycle, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.slu.edu/research/research-institute/big-ideas/slu-poll/index.php" target="_blank">recent polling by St. Louis University/YouGov&nbsp;</a>showed&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/29/poll-shows-missouri-voters-back-trump-hawley-abortion-rights-and-minimum-wage-hike/">52% of Missouri voters supported Amendment 3.&nbsp;</a>The poll surveyed 900 voters across nine days in August.Meanwhile, a second lawsuit regarding Amendment 3 is also pending in Cole County after a number of anti-abortion activists and lawmakers asked a judge to block the amendment from the Nov. 5 ballot. Their lawsuit claims Amendment 3 violates the state constitution by including more than one subject and&nbsp;fails to specify which laws and constitutional provisions would be repealed if it was approved.A bench trial in that lawsuit is scheduled for Friday.

Missouri judge hears arguments challenging ‘fair ballot language’ for abortion amendment

JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

 Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. 

The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.

These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. 

In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708804229711.png" alt="File photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —Salvage efforts continue in the Red Sea after&nbsp; Iranian-backed Houthis attacked two crude oil tankers, the Panama flagged/owned, Greek operated MV BLUE LAGOON I and the Saudi flagged, owned, and operated MV AMJAD, with two ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone hitting both vessels, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command. Both vessels are laden with crude oil. The MV AMJAD is carrying approximately two million barrels of oil, almost twice the amount onboard the Greek-owned MV DELTA SOUNION, which the Houthis attacked on Aug. 21. The disabled MV DELTA SOUNION was on fire and threatens the possibility of a major environmental disaster.These reckless acts of terrorism by the Houthis continue to destabilize regional and global commerce, as well as put the lives of civilian mariners and maritime ecosystems at risk.. In addition U.S. forces this week successfully destroyed three terrorist missile systems in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

US military: Terrorists attack more oil tankers in the Red Sea

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she has a couple of names in mind, but is in no hurry to name a new lieutenant governor. 

Reynolds spoke with reporters early this (Wednesday) morning, about 17 hours after Adam Gregg resigned as lieutenant governor to take a job in the private sector. The governor says Gregg told her last Friday he had the opportunity to become the next president and C-E-O of the Iowa Bankers Association. 

Reynolds says she and Gregg have kept a grueling schedule since May of 2017 and she has a lot of respect for Gregg's decision to take a job that lets him spend more time with his family.

(Radio Iowa) - Governor Kim Reynolds says she has a couple of names in mind, but is in no hurry to name a new lieutenant governor. Reynolds spoke with reporters early this (Wednesday) morning, about 17 hours after Adam Gregg resigned as lieutenant governor to take a job in the private sector. The governor says Gregg told her last Friday he had the opportunity to become the next president and C-E-O of the Iowa Bankers Association. Reynolds says she and Gregg have kept a grueling schedule since May of 2017 and she has a lot of respect for Gregg's decision to take a job that lets him spend more time with his family.

Governor Reynolds in no hurry to name new lieutenant governor

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>

The Republican nominee for lieutenant governor has dropped a defamation lawsuit he filed before the Aug. 6 primary against the corporate owner of Missouri television stations and one of his political rivals.&nbsp;

David Wasinger filed the lawsuit on Aug. 2 claiming that a television ad run by another Republican vying for the lieutenant governor nomination — state Sen. Lincoln Hough — was false and misleading because it claimed he was an “abortion-loving Democrat.”

The suit was filed against the political action committee that supported Hough and paid for the ad, called Lincoln PAC, and Hearst television stations, which ran the ad.

He asked a St. Louis judge to pull the ad off the air and award him at least $25,000 in damages.&nbsp;

The judge refused to issue a temporary restraining order, and the ads continued airing through the primary election.&nbsp;

“Simply put, this ad is so riddled with errors and Lincoln PAC does not even attempt to substantiate many of the falsehoods,” the lawsuit alleged.&nbsp;

Wasinger edged out Hough for the nomination,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/dave-wasinger-wins-republican-primary-for-missouri-lieutenant-governor/">winning by just one percentage point</a>.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, he agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Dismissal%20Without%20Prejudice.PDF?courtCode=21&amp;di=27238215" target="_blank">dismiss the case</a>.&nbsp;

The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;

Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.&nbsp;He was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million.

He will now face Democrat Richard Brown, a state legislator from Kansas City, and Libertarian Ken Iverson of St. Louis in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720613080951.png" alt="Dave Wasinger courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Dave Wasinger courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>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>The Republican nominee for lieutenant governor has dropped a defamation lawsuit he filed before the Aug. 6 primary against the corporate owner of Missouri television stations and one of his political rivals.&nbsp;David Wasinger filed the lawsuit on Aug. 2 claiming that a television ad run by another Republican vying for the lieutenant governor nomination — state Sen. Lincoln Hough — was false and misleading because it claimed he was an “abortion-loving Democrat.”The suit was filed against the political action committee that supported Hough and paid for the ad, called Lincoln PAC, and Hearst television stations, which ran the ad.He asked a St. Louis judge to pull the ad off the air and award him at least $25,000 in damages.&nbsp;The judge refused to issue a temporary restraining order, and the ads continued airing through the primary election.&nbsp;“Simply put, this ad is so riddled with errors and Lincoln PAC does not even attempt to substantiate many of the falsehoods,” the lawsuit alleged.&nbsp;Wasinger edged out Hough for the nomination,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/dave-wasinger-wins-republican-primary-for-missouri-lieutenant-governor/">winning by just one percentage point</a>.&nbsp;On Tuesday, he agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Dismissal%20Without%20Prejudice.PDF?courtCode=21&amp;di=27238215" target="_blank">dismiss the case</a>.&nbsp;The lieutenant governor is next in line for governor, sits on various boards and breaks ties in the state Senate. In Missouri, unlike many other states, the lieutenant governor doesn’t run on a ticket with the governor.&nbsp;Wasinger is an attorney at a St. Louis law firm he owns and manages, and a certified public accountant.&nbsp;He was the main funder of his own campaign, loaning himself $2.6 million.He will now face Democrat Richard Brown, a state legislator from Kansas City, and Libertarian Ken Iverson of St. Louis in November.

Republican nominee for Missouri lieutenant governor drops defamation lawsuit

(Radio Iowa) - The Mid-America Business Index for August shows Iowa's manufacturing sector is being hit by a sales slowdown. 

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss checks in each month with manufacturing supply managers in nine states, including Iowa. The state's overall Business Conditions rating for August marks a fourth month of decline from what Goss calls "growth neutral." New orders and production were down among Iowa manufacturers in the August report, with an overall decline in hiring. 

According to the latest data from the U.S. International Trade Administration, exports from Iowa's manufacturing sector through August are down nearly six percent when compared to the first eight months of last year.

(Radio Iowa) - The Mid-America Business Index for August shows Iowa's manufacturing sector is being hit by a sales slowdown. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss checks in each month with manufacturing supply managers in nine states, including Iowa. The state's overall Business Conditions rating for August marks a fourth month of decline from what Goss calls "growth neutral." New orders and production were down among Iowa manufacturers in the August report, with an overall decline in hiring. According to the latest data from the U.S. International Trade Administration, exports from Iowa's manufacturing sector through August are down nearly six percent when compared to the first eight months of last year.

Mid-America Business Index shows slowdown in Iowa's manufacturing sector

(Radio Iowa) - The Army Corps of Engineers has completed significant repairs and upgrades to levies, dikes and other structures damaged by flooding along the Missouri River five years ago. 

Clint Mason, the Corps' Missouri River program manager, expects barge traffic to increase. Officials estimate Midwest flooding in 2019 caused nearly three BILLION dollars in damage. Congress allocated over 340-Million dollars to repair the Missouri River's navigational channel. Low water levels in the river due to the recent drought helped speed those projects along. 

There are about seven-thousand structures along the lower Missouri River, from Sioux City to St. Louis, that maintain a channel for boats and barges that's 300 feet wide and nine feet deep.

(Radio Iowa) - The Army Corps of Engineers has completed significant repairs and upgrades to levies, dikes and other structures damaged by flooding along the Missouri River five years ago. Clint Mason, the Corps' Missouri River program manager, expects barge traffic to increase. Officials estimate Midwest flooding in 2019 caused nearly three BILLION dollars in damage. Congress allocated over 340-Million dollars to repair the Missouri River's navigational channel. Low water levels in the river due to the recent drought helped speed those projects along. There are about seven-thousand structures along the lower Missouri River, from Sioux City to St. Louis, that maintain a channel for boats and barges that's 300 feet wide and nine feet deep.

Army Corps nearly done with repairs to aid Missouri River navigation

A deadly Labor Day weekend on Missouri roads and lakes,
including one traffic death in northwest Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that statewide seven
people died in traffic crashes, two in boating wrecks, with one person drowning.
In all, the patrol responded to 233 crashes, resulting in 115 injuries, and
seven deaths. Troopers made 108 driving while intoxicated arrests and five drug
arrests.

Three boating accidents injured eight and left two dead. The
patrol reports one drowning. Officers made eight boating while intoxicated
arrests.

A Minnesota woman was killed when struck on I-35 north of
Cameron Sunday afternoon. The patrol reports 38-year-old Luci Pineda of Farmington,
Minnesota was struck while standing next to her SUV which had overturned
earlier.

The fatalities over the Labor Day weekend included Osage Beach
Police Officer Phylicia Carson of Lake Ozark. Carson, who was 33, was killed
while in pursuit in Camden County Saturday. Carson’s patrol car went into a
skid, went off the road, and struck a tree. The vehicle caught fire. Carson
died at the scene.

The counting period for the Missouri State Highway Patrol began Friday evening and ran through late Monday night.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA deadly Labor Day weekend on Missouri roads and lakes,
including one traffic death in northwest Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that statewide seven
people died in traffic crashes, two in boating wrecks, with one person drowning.
In all, the patrol responded to 233 crashes, resulting in 115 injuries, and
seven deaths. Troopers made 108 driving while intoxicated arrests and five drug
arrests.Three boating accidents injured eight and left two dead. The
patrol reports one drowning. Officers made eight boating while intoxicated
arrests.A Minnesota woman was killed when struck on I-35 north of
Cameron Sunday afternoon. The patrol reports 38-year-old Luci Pineda of Farmington,
Minnesota was struck while standing next to her SUV which had overturned
earlier.The fatalities over the Labor Day weekend included Osage Beach
Police Officer Phylicia Carson of Lake Ozark. Carson, who was 33, was killed
while in pursuit in Camden County Saturday. Carson’s patrol car went into a
skid, went off the road, and struck a tree. The vehicle caught fire. Carson
died at the scene.The counting period for the Missouri State Highway Patrol began Friday evening and ran through late Monday night.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Deadly Labor Day weekend on Missouri roads and waterways

BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.

On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.

The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut.

 No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722706150273.png" alt="David Reese courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>David Reese courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He is still missing. Please keep an eye out for him or his vehicle, a white 2017 Chevy Silverado bearing Kansas tag 885NEW.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722939061343.png" alt="Photo Barber Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Aug. 5, the Harper Police Department, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office, the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Elwood Township Fire, the Kansas Fire Marshall, Kiowa Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Medicine Lodge Fire Department, Kiowa Fire Department, Barber County Rural Fire Department, and Barber County Emergency Management, conducted a search for Reese over 700 square miles in an 8-hour time frame.The search utilized aircraft, multiple drones, vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The area searched was over half of Barber County surrounding the last known location of Reese which was near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut. No evidence of Reese or his vehicle were found. If you own property in Barber or Harper County, you are asked to check your land for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp;Reese is a white male who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 250 pounds. He has brown eyes, a white beard, and is balding. He may be traveling with a chocolate Labrador retriever, and is likely wearing a baseball cap. Reese has diabetes, anxiety, and a condition impairing cognition and memory.

After a month, Silver Alert for missing Kansas man still active

The Iowa Utilities Commission has found that Summit Carbon Solutions has substantially complied with the requirements of a June 25 order regarding the company’s application for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit. Last week, the IUC issued the permit. The order doesn’t modify the conditions Summit Carbon must establish in order to start construction. On June 25, 2024 the IUC issued its final decision and order regarding Summit Carbon’s petition for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit. 

As a part of its decision, the Commission required Summit Carbon to make several compliance filings with the IUC. Summit Carbon filed the compliance filings required by the IUC on August 5. The filings included revised petition exhibits. The pipeline will cross over 2,000 miles in five states, including 70 miles in Iowa. In planning the pipeline, Summit partnered with 57 ethanol plants and signed voluntary easement agreements with 75 percent of Iowa’s landowners along the route.

The Iowa Utilities Commission has found that Summit Carbon Solutions has substantially complied with the requirements of a June 25 order regarding the company’s application for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit. Last week, the IUC issued the permit. The order doesn’t modify the conditions Summit Carbon must establish in order to start construction. On June 25, 2024 the IUC issued its final decision and order regarding Summit Carbon’s petition for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit. As a part of its decision, the Commission required Summit Carbon to make several compliance filings with the IUC. Summit Carbon filed the compliance filings required by the IUC on August 5. The filings included revised petition exhibits. The pipeline will cross over 2,000 miles in five states, including 70 miles in Iowa. In planning the pipeline, Summit partnered with 57 ethanol plants and signed voluntary easement agreements with 75 percent of Iowa’s landowners along the route.

Iowa utilities issues pipeline permit

GEARY COUNTY —Authorities have identified the victim who drowned Saturday at Milford State Park as 29-year old Pvt. Ismael Ouedraogo with 5/15th Cec-A , according to officials at Fort Riley.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks responded to the drowning at the south boat ramp, swim beach located in the Milford State Park, according to a media release.

Bystanders located Ouedraogo who was reported being under water for more than 10 minutes and began CPR.

Upon arrival of EMS he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY —Authorities have identified the victim who drowned Saturday at Milford State Park as 29-year old Pvt. Ismael Ouedraogo with 5/15th Cec-A , according to officials at Fort Riley.The Geary County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks responded to the drowning at the south boat ramp, swim beach located in the Milford State Park, according to a media release.Bystanders located Ouedraogo who was reported being under water for more than 10 minutes and began CPR.Upon arrival of EMS he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officials ID drowning victim at Milford State Park

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department is actively investigating an incident that occurred near the Aggieville district in the early morning hours of Friday, August 30, in which a young woman sustained injuries.

The initial report received by police indicated the young woman was found in the 800 block of Laramie Street after walking home from a local establishment, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Police are reviewing surveillance footage from Aggieville and surrounding areas and are following up on any leads to determine the cause of the woman's injuries. Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information to come forward and assist with the investigation. 

Tips may be called in directly to RCPD using 785-537-2112 or you can always contact Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous.

"We understand the concerns that have been raised on social media regarding the safety of our community. It is important to note that based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat to the public."&nbsp;

"While we take all reports seriously, it is critical to rely on verified information rather than speculation."&nbsp;

"At this time, we want to clarify that this incident is under investigation and we are working diligently to gather all relevant information."

"As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to allow our officers the time to thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all facts are accurately represented."

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department is actively investigating an incident that occurred near the Aggieville district in the early morning hours of Friday, August 30, in which a young woman sustained injuries.The initial report received by police indicated the young woman was found in the 800 block of Laramie Street after walking home from a local establishment, according to a media release.&nbsp;Police are reviewing surveillance footage from Aggieville and surrounding areas and are following up on any leads to determine the cause of the woman's injuries. Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information to come forward and assist with the investigation. Tips may be called in directly to RCPD using 785-537-2112 or you can always contact Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous."We understand the concerns that have been raised on social media regarding the safety of our community. It is important to note that based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to suggest there is an ongoing threat to the public."&nbsp;"While we take all reports seriously, it is critical to rely on verified information rather than speculation."&nbsp;"At this time, we want to clarify that this incident is under investigation and we are working diligently to gather all relevant information." "As the investigation progresses, we will provide updates as appropriate. We ask the community to allow our officers the time to thoroughly investigate this matter." "Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our community, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all facts are accurately represented."

Police asks for help with Aggieville incident that injured woman

A 67-year-old Iowa man has pleaded guilty in federal court to
robbing a Princeton bank at gunpoint in May of last year.

Federal prosecutors report Phillip Michael Blink pleaded
guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of armed
bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of
violence.

Blink admitted he walked into First Interstate Bank in
Princeton the morning of May 19th, 2023 wearing a cowboy hat, a red
bandana over his face, gloves, and a trench coat, speaking to the teller in a
low voice, stating, “I’m sorry, but this is going to be a bad morning.”

Blink set a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the counter,
pointing it at the teller.

Blink took $4,115 and fled in a pickup, northbound on Highway
65. Later that day, a Knoxville, Iowa, police officer pulled Blink over and
arrested him. Blink confessed to robbing the bank. Officers found the handgun
and clothing used in the rubbering in the truck.

Blink faces the possibility of 25 years in federal prison. A
sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence
investigation by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725382483373.jpeg" alt="Princeton bank robbery/Photo courtesy of U.S. Attorney's Office" />
 <figcaption>Princeton bank robbery/Photo courtesy of U.S. Attorney's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 67-year-old Iowa man has pleaded guilty in federal court to
robbing a Princeton bank at gunpoint in May of last year.Federal prosecutors report Phillip Michael Blink pleaded
guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of armed
bank robbery and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of
violence.Blink admitted he walked into First Interstate Bank in
Princeton the morning of May 19th, 2023 wearing a cowboy hat, a red
bandana over his face, gloves, and a trench coat, speaking to the teller in a
low voice, stating, “I’m sorry, but this is going to be a bad morning.”Blink set a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the counter,
pointing it at the teller.Blink took $4,115 and fled in a pickup, northbound on Highway
65. Later that day, a Knoxville, Iowa, police officer pulled Blink over and
arrested him. Blink confessed to robbing the bank. Officers found the handgun
and clothing used in the rubbering in the truck.Blink faces the possibility of 25 years in federal prison. A
sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence
investigation by the United States Probation Office.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Iowa man pleads guilty to robbing Princeton bank at gunpoint

A huge influx of money to make the Missouri River a more
reliable navigation channel has nearly been spent as the Army Corps of
Engineers completes repairs and upgrades.

Missouri River Program Manager, Clint Mason, says the Army Corps
of Engineers Kansas City office had never seen an allocation as large as the $340
million approved by Congress.

“So our annual budget for operations and maintenance on the
river in Kansas City is about $10-11 million,” Mason tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“And so, whenever we get an influx of $340+ million, it was definitely orders
of magnitude above what we will get on a normal year. And even more I think than
what we’ve seen after past floods and other major events when we’ve had damages.”

The Kansas City office of the Corps of Engineers maintains the
Missouri River from Holt County to its mouth in St. Louis.

Mason asserts a lack of maintenance along the Missouri River
led directly to damage in wake of the 2011 and 2019 floods. He says the money
will bring navigational structures back to their original strength.

Mason points out the Corps’ Kansas City office receives its
annual maintenance budget for all the waterways under its management with only
a portion designated for the Missouri River.

“But over time, it became evident that that wasn’t, it wasn’t
enough to keep all the structures to their full criteria,” according to Mason. “The
rock breaks down with freeze, thaw. High, full events will push the rock or
move it off of their structures, things like that. Over time, those rock
structures require continual upkeep and maintenance.”

Upgrades along the Missouri River has made it a more reliable transportation
source, which has led to more barge traffic from Sioux City, Iowa to St. Louis.
Mason says the Corps expects even more barge traffic on the Missouri in the
future.

“Right now, I think we’re seeing a resurgence of navigation
now that we’ve made the repairs over the last two years and I mentioned during
low water even the last couple of years the channel has remained open and
navigable the entire time,” Mason says.

Mason says the Corps has observed more navigation this year.

“I think that we’re seeing more navigation on the river than
we have in the last, certainly, five, 10 years.”

There are 5,000 navigational structures on the lower Missouri
River.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725379345452.jpeg" alt="A barge on the Missouri River in St. Joseph/file photo" />
 <figcaption>A barge on the Missouri River in St. Joseph/file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA huge influx of money to make the Missouri River a more
reliable navigation channel has nearly been spent as the Army Corps of
Engineers completes repairs and upgrades.Missouri River Program Manager, Clint Mason, says the Army Corps
of Engineers Kansas City office had never seen an allocation as large as the $340
million approved by Congress.“So our annual budget for operations and maintenance on the
river in Kansas City is about $10-11 million,” Mason tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
“And so, whenever we get an influx of $340+ million, it was definitely orders
of magnitude above what we will get on a normal year. And even more I think than
what we’ve seen after past floods and other major events when we’ve had damages.”The Kansas City office of the Corps of Engineers maintains the
Missouri River from Holt County to its mouth in St. Louis.Mason asserts a lack of maintenance along the Missouri River
led directly to damage in wake of the 2011 and 2019 floods. He says the money
will bring navigational structures back to their original strength.Mason points out the Corps’ Kansas City office receives its
annual maintenance budget for all the waterways under its management with only
a portion designated for the Missouri River.“But over time, it became evident that that wasn’t, it wasn’t
enough to keep all the structures to their full criteria,” according to Mason. “The
rock breaks down with freeze, thaw. High, full events will push the rock or
move it off of their structures, things like that. Over time, those rock
structures require continual upkeep and maintenance.”Upgrades along the Missouri River has made it a more reliable transportation
source, which has led to more barge traffic from Sioux City, Iowa to St. Louis.
Mason says the Corps expects even more barge traffic on the Missouri in the
future.“Right now, I think we’re seeing a resurgence of navigation
now that we’ve made the repairs over the last two years and I mentioned during
low water even the last couple of years the channel has remained open and
navigable the entire time,” Mason says.Mason says the Corps has observed more navigation this year.“I think that we’re seeing more navigation on the river than
we have in the last, certainly, five, 10 years.”There are 5,000 navigational structures on the lower Missouri
River.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Repairs, upgrades to Missouri River structures increase barge traffic

(Radio Iowa) - A University of Iowa clinic is offering free, short-term mental health counseling to rural Iowans. 

Professor Martin Kivlighan (KIV-lah-gun) is co-director of the Telepsychology Training Clinic. He says in addition to providing services to Iowans who often can't get an appointment anywhere, it's a learning experience for the next generation of mental health professionals, who are in very short supply. 

A federal report says nearly 90-percent of Iowa counties are considered mental health care professional shortage areas. Iowa ranks 46th in the nation in the number of psychologists per capita.

(Radio Iowa) - A University of Iowa clinic is offering free, short-term mental health counseling to rural Iowans. Professor Martin Kivlighan (KIV-lah-gun) is co-director of the Telepsychology Training Clinic. He says in addition to providing services to Iowans who often can't get an appointment anywhere, it's a learning experience for the next generation of mental health professionals, who are in very short supply. A federal report says nearly 90-percent of Iowa counties are considered mental health care professional shortage areas. Iowa ranks 46th in the nation in the number of psychologists per capita.

Rural Iowans can get free mental health counseling via video chat

(Radio Iowa) - After four years of below normal rainfall, the drought in Iowa ended near the beginning of the growing season and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says there are now high expectations about the 2024 harvest. 

Naig says all indicates are that Iowa's corn and soybean acres will produce a sizable crop. 

There will be variability, however, as Naig points to parts of southern Iowa that recently got dry again and the flooding that affected thousands of acres in northwest Iowa. Naig says there may be record yields in many other areas of the state.

(Radio Iowa) - After four years of below normal rainfall, the drought in Iowa ended near the beginning of the growing season and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig says there are now high expectations about the 2024 harvest. Naig says all indicates are that Iowa's corn and soybean acres will produce a sizable crop. There will be variability, however, as Naig points to parts of southern Iowa that recently got dry again and the flooding that affected thousands of acres in northwest Iowa. Naig says there may be record yields in many other areas of the state.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary says projections indicate a sizable corn and soybean harvest

Two U.S. Service members in Turkey were attacked by a group of Turkis Youth Nationalists on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet

The Marines were on Liberty during a Regularly Scheduled and Routine Port Visit by the USS Wasp (LHD-1) in the City of Izmir in Western Turkey.

The Two Marines were aided by several other Marines who were in the Area at the time of the Attack, and were then taken to a nearby Hospital for Evaluation where it was determined they had suffered No Injuries, with them then returning to the USS Wasp.

 The Incident is being Investigated by Izmir Police, alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

&nbsp;Members of an anti-American youth organization have been detained in connection with the assault, according to authorities in Turkey.

Two U.S. Service members in Turkey were attacked by a group of Turkis Youth Nationalists on Monday, according to a statement from the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fusdos.turkey%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0zpiVr1spf3bUChTKpjj8Qg7Za7WTD7AvX6mGfXbAwLs31wBVsoxDunNGps9UTcCVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Marines were on Liberty during a Regularly Scheduled and Routine Port Visit by the USS Wasp (LHD-1) in the City of Izmir in Western Turkey.The Two Marines were aided by several other Marines who were in the Area at the time of the Attack, and were then taken to a nearby Hospital for Evaluation where it was determined they had suffered No Injuries, with them then returning to the USS Wasp. The Incident is being Investigated by Izmir Police, alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).&nbsp;Members of an anti-American youth organization have been detained in connection with the assault, according to authorities in Turkey.

15 detained after 2 US servicemen assaulted in Turkey

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.

Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).

A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.

“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

DAMASCUS —U.S. forces, partnered with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and captured an ISIS leader, who was assessed as helping ISIS fighters after escape from a Raqqah Detention Facility in Syria, according to statement from the U.S. Central Command.During the early morning hours of Sept. 1, U.S. forces and SDF captured Khaled Ahmed al-Dandal, an ISIS facilitator assessed to be aiding efforts of detained ISIS fighters to include recently escaped fighters.Previously, on Aug. 29, five ISIS Foreign Terrorist Fighter detainees (Two Russians, two Afghans, and one Libyan) escaped from the Raqqah Detention Facility. SDF recaptured two escapees: Imam Abdulwahed Akhwan (Russian) and Muhammad Noh Muhammad (Libyan). The search continues for the three who remain at large: Timor Talbrken Abdash (Russian) and Shuab Muhammad Al-Abdli and Atal Khaled Zar (both Afghans).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725315215033.png" alt="-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>-On Monday, President Biden and VP Harris met in the Situation Room with the U.S. hostage deal negotiation team following the murder of American&nbsp; Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A primary objective of ISIS remains to free their fighters currently held in detention and subsequently fuel an ISIS revival. CENTCOM forces, in coordination with SDF, will continue to mitigate threats of future escapes and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.“Over 9,000 ISIS detainees remain in over 20 SDF detention facilities in Syria, a literal and figurative ‘ISIS Army’ in detention. If a large number of these ISIS fighters escaped, it would pose an extreme danger to the region and beyond. We will continue to work with the international community to repatriate these ISIS fighters to their countries of origin for final adjudication,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander, U.S. Central Command.CENTCOM remains committed to supporting our SDF partners to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to promote regional stability.

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