(Radio Iowa) - Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with C-B-S News to offer educational programming designed to bring lessons on good character and kindness to teachers and students around the world -- for free. 

Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based "Kindness 101" features short videos from C-B-S reporter Steve Hartman's "On the Road" series. Smit says the videos are inspirational, heartwarming stories of people across the U.S. who are the embodiment of kindness and respect. 

The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities, and family connections focused on the Six Pillars of Character, and Smit says they're appropriate for any grade level.

(Radio Iowa) - Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with C-B-S News to offer educational programming designed to bring lessons on good character and kindness to teachers and students around the world -- for free. Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake's Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based "Kindness 101" features short videos from C-B-S reporter Steve Hartman's "On the Road" series. Smit says the videos are inspirational, heartwarming stories of people across the U.S. who are the embodiment of kindness and respect. The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities, and family connections focused on the Six Pillars of Character, and Smit says they're appropriate for any grade level.

Iowa school's educational program aims to make kindness go viral

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

CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”

“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.

Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”

“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”

<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.

Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.

“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.

Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.

“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.

Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.

“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.

Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.

“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.

Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.

“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.

It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.

Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.

“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.

Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”

Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”

Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.

“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.

Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”

Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”

“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”

Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.

Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.

Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.

Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.

“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724328694166.png" alt=" Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption> Kansas Gov. and DGA chairwoman Laura Kelly during a Democratic Women Governors panel with Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Aug. 21, 2024, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>CHICAGO — Actress and climate activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus asked eight Democratic women governors Wednesday if she would be ready for public office after playing a vice president and president on the hit cable TV show “Veep.”“You’re more qualified than Donald Trump, don’t worry about it,” New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul quickly replied, to laughter in the packed room.Louis-Dreyfus moderated a panel made up of the Democratic women governors at the Democratic National Convention. The political leaders in their roughly hour-long discussion touched on the unique benefits of being a woman in politics, and talked about how they are planning for potential interference and problems in the upcoming presidential elections.<h2>Fake electors</h2>Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said she’s working closely with the secretary of state and attorney general to ensure that Arizona’s electoral votes are cast and to prepare for “every single scenario that comes our way.”“I think the challenges that we saw in 2020 are going to look like kindergarten compared to what we see now,” she said. “But we are ready.”<a href="https://azmirror.com/2024/04/25/who-are-the-five-unindicted-co-conspirators-in-arizonas-fake-elector-criminal-case/" target="_blank">A grand jury indicted 18 people in a fake elector scheme</a>&nbsp;that aimed to install Donald Trump as president after he lost the state of Arizona in the 2020 election.Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced a similar scenario, in which&nbsp;<a href="https://michiganadvance.com/2024/05/28/exams-begin-for-next-group-of-people-charged-in-fake-electors-scheme/" target="_blank">six individuals now face felony charges</a>&nbsp;for submitting false electoral votes for Trump in 2020.Whitmer said her state legislature has worked to pass legislation to protect election workers and make it easier for people to partake in early voting.“We know that there are going to be all sorts of efforts” to influence the results, she said.Louis-Dreyfus noted during Whitmer’s term she’s had to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, natural disasters and an attempted kidnapping and assassination plot.“How do you stay afloat … under those circumstances?” she asked.Whitmer said she keeps a gratitude journal and every day writes down three things that give her joy. She said sometimes the list stretches to 10 items, but other days it is not so long.“Some days it is just my dog and my bed and tequila,” she said.<h2>Women in state and local politics</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked why it was important to support women down the ballot, and not just on the national level.Hobbs said early support is important, and noted that’s how Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, got her start as a San Francisco district attorney in 2003.“Down ballot races are critical,” Hobbs said.Several of the governors agreed, noting that’s how they were able to enter politics, through their local elections.Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she got her start in the state legislature. Kotek was the longest-serving speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and the first openly lesbian speaker, elected in 2013.“When I became speaker, all the other leadership at the time was male, and you notice when you’re the only one in the room,” she said.It’s an occurrence that Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey knows, noting last year she became the first woman and open member of the LGBTQ community elected governor in her state.Whitmer said as a woman in politics, she was often underestimated, which she said she sees as a strength, rather than a limitation.“There are a lot of different ways that we are treated as compared to male candidates, but I would also say that it is a huge advantage to be underestimated,” she said.Kansas Gov. and Democratic Governors Association Chair Laura Kelly said she thinks the underestimation that women face in politics “will fade away over time.”Whitmer nodded: “With President Harris, it will.”Louis-Dreyfus, who is also a comedian and starred in “Seinfeld,” asked how humor can find a place in politics.“I think humor is an effective tool when things are hot and tense,” New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said.Louis-Dreyfus asked the governors why are Republicans “so f****** weird?”Maine Governor Janet Mills laughed and said she knows Republicans in her state who are planning to vote for Harris because “they don’t have a place to go.”“They’re not all weird,” she said. “They know the traditional (Republican) party is not about Trump.”<h2>Reproductive rights</h2>Louis-Dreyfus asked how the overturning of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision has affected abortion access in the governors’ states.Since the conservative Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago, Democrats have campaigned on it at the state and federal level. Reproductive right advocates have also led grassroots campaigns to put measures on state ballots to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.In four states — California, Michigan, Ohio and Vermont — measures to amend the state constitutions to enshrine abortion protections passed,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/dashboard/ballot-tracker-status-of-abortion-related-state-constitutional-amendment-measures/" target="_blank">according to health policy organization KFF’s abortion ballot tracker.&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>There are currently seven states with citizen-initiated measures on the ballot in November that will protect abortion access, in Arizona, Nevada, Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Missouri and Florida.Hochul said that after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the first thing she did was go to a vigil.“It broke my heart,” she said.Hochul said she called the state legislature back for an emergency session to pass legislation to protect medical professionals and patients who travel to New York to access abortion care.“We let women from other states know this is a safe harbor for you to come here,” she said. “I’m going to fight like hell to get back (abortion rights) for my granddaughter.”

Democratic women governors showcased at DNC event with ‘Veep’ star Julia Louis-Dreyfus

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.

The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.

Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.

In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.

“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. 

"We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."

Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. 

If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290125314.png" alt="Photos KC Pet Project" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Pet Project</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Pet Project Animal Services Division rescued 31 animals from a property in historic northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri, where they were found living in deplorable conditions, according to a social media report.The animals—8 ducks, 6 roosters, 8 hens, 8 cats, and 1 pigeon—were surrendered by their owner. One duck had to be euthanized due to its injuries, and one kitten passed away. Several of the cats are sick and receiving medical attention. KC Pet Project found placement for most of the birds. There are roosters that are available for adoption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724290257543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Animal Services officers responded to complaints about potential neglect of the animals. Their investigation uncovered that the property was littered with trash, animal carcasses, and dead birds. The living animals were found in inadequate housing with no access to water or ventilation and displayed signs of neglect. These circumstances are not only inhumane but also in violation of the city code.In addition to rescuing the animals, Animal Services will be issuing citations to the owner for multiple violations, including failure to provide adequate care. The owner also has outstanding warrants related to prior animal-related offenses.“We are grateful to our officers who continued to investigate this case and glad to have these animals in our care now, where they will receive the attention and love they deserve," said Tori Fugate, chief communications officer at KC Pet Project. "We set up little pools of water for the ducks and it was a heartwarming scene to see them immediately jump into the water to clean themselves off. This case is another example of why it is important to report any suspected cases of animal neglect to help us protect animals who cannot speak for themselves."Some of the animals on the property could not be captured, so officers will continue to visit the property to work to capture them. If you are interested in adopting the roosters, you may visit them starting August 20th at the KC Campus for Animal Care, located at 7077 Elmwood Avenue.

31 animals rescued from 'deplorable conditions' in Kansas City

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied an Ottumwa man's request for a new murder trial.

Christopher Yenger was found guilty two counts of first-degree murder for throwing a molotov cocktail at a rural Wappello County house after getting his nose bloodied in a fight there in 2006. Nathan Messer and Seth Anderson were inside and died. Yenger appealed the convictions, saying his attorneys were ineffective for not calling an expert witness to challenge the state’s arson investigation. 

The Appeals Court ruling says his attorneys made a strategic decision to not call the expert witness because there was no reasonable likelihood that the outcome of the trial would have been different if the expert testified.

(Radio Iowa) - The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied an Ottumwa man's request for a new murder trial.Christopher Yenger was found guilty two counts of first-degree murder for throwing a molotov cocktail at a rural Wappello County house after getting his nose bloodied in a fight there in 2006. Nathan Messer and Seth Anderson were inside and died. Yenger appealed the convictions, saying his attorneys were ineffective for not calling an expert witness to challenge the state’s arson investigation. The Appeals Court ruling says his attorneys made a strategic decision to not call the expert witness because there was no reasonable likelihood that the outcome of the trial would have been different if the expert testified.

Appeals Court Denies New Murder Trial For Ottumwa Man

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. 

Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America expressed disappointment in the California Air Resource Board’s proposed amendments to its Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). If adopted, these changes would impose caps on credits for soy- and canola-based biodiesel without sufficient scientific evidence to support such limitations. By restricting credit generation for these low-carbon alternatives, CARB risks unfairly disadvantaging biodiesel and renewable diesel, which are proven solutions that reduce emissions today while supporting sustainable farming and rural economies. Limiting biodiesel and renewable diesel in favor of technologies that will not be fully scalable for many years, even by CARB’s own projections, threatens both environmental progress and innovation. “These proposed amendments impose significant restrictions on vegetable oil feedstocks, hindering the ability of clean fuels to effectively decarbonize the heavy-duty transportation sector,” says Jeff Earl, director of government affairs at Clean Fuels. “They induce stricter standards for these fuels than those applied to others, even petroleum.”-NAFB

Clean Fuels is disappointed in the CARB proposal

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;

Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.

The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.

The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.

In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.

Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.

Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”

In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/skychadde/">SKY CHADDE</a>&nbsp;Agribusiness giant Bayer won a legal victory last week in long-running litigation over whether its popular Roundup pesticide has caused cancer.The case started in 2019, when a husband and wife in Pennsylvania sued Missouri-based Monsanto, which Bayer purchased in 2018, and alleged the company had violated state law by not including a cancer warning label on Roundup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates pesticides, did not make the company add such a warning.On Aug. 15, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, based in Pennsylvania,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10041458/david-schaffner-jr-v-monsanto-corp/?q=bayer&amp;type=o&amp;order_by=dateFiled%20desc&amp;stat_Precedential=on" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;the federal law governing pesticides — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or FIFRA — requires “nationwide uniformity” over pesticide regulation. The state of Pennsylvania did not have authority in the case, the court decided.The appeals court decision in Pennsylvania conflicts with another decision made earlier this year in Atlanta,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/08/16/bayer-roundup-appeal-victory-compels-review.html" target="_blank">according to the St. Louis Business Journal</a>.In February, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled FIFRA did not preempt state law. Georgia’s law on warning residents about possible harms from pesticides was “fully consistent with” the federal law, according to the Business Journal.Because the decisions conflict with each other, that could lead to the U.S. Supreme Court stepping in,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/bayer-wins-victory-us-legal-battle-against-roundup-cancer-claims-2024-08-15/" target="_blank">according to Reuters</a>.Bayer told Reuters the Supreme Court should “settle this important issue of law.”In 2020, Bayer settled most of its Roundup litigation for about $10 billion, but some cases still remain active. After news of the legal victory, Bayer’s stock price surged,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/bayer-surges-after-roundup-appeal-wins-in-philadelphia-court/ar-AA1oSmvq" target="_blank">according to Bloomberg</a>. It had been slumping over the past year.This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/08/19/bayer-notches-win-in-roundup-litigation/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<figure>
 <img src="https://investigatemidwest.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=747714&amp;ga4=G-R9VE8P61LG" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Bayer notches win in litigation over whether Roundup has caused cancer

Northern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says
federal money for federal roads will allow the state of Missouri to shift
funding to rural roads, but Graves adds transportation is about more than roads
and bridges.

Graves, chair of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, says his committee has jurisdiction over a wide
variety of issues.

“Transportation isn’t just about roads and
bridges,” Graves says. “My jurisdiction in my committee:&nbsp; we have pipelines, all the ports in the
United States, all the inland waterways in the United States, aviation, rail,
and, of course obviously, highways and bridges. And then on top of that I have
all public buildings. So, everything from the Smithsonian in Washington to the
USDA in Kansas City and everything in between.”

Graves, a Republican, is hopeful changes made to
the Waters Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the U.S. House will make it
through negotiations with the Senate. Those changes would prioritize flood
control and navigation over wildlife habitat.

“And this idea that we’re going to manage the
river based on fish and two birds and not manage it based on people’s lives and
livelihoods and communities and businesses and power plants that depend on river
levels is just ridiculous,” according to Graves.

Environmentalists, though, say Missouri River
habitat must be preserved to protect the pallid sturgeon, the least tern, and
the piping plover; all species believed to be endangered.

The Senate has approved its own version of WRDA.
House and Senate conferees are attempting to work out differences and fashion a
compromise to submit to both chambers in hopes of getting it to President Biden’s
desk.

Graves defends his vote against the $1.2 trillion
infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 when Democrats controlled the
chamber and he was the ranking minority member on the Transportation Committee,
contending the bill grew too large. Graves says the bill began as the
reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill; ranging in cost from $500-to-600
billion. Graves asserts the bill got hijacked by Democratic leadership and grew
far beyond what could be paid for through user taxes.

“Now you’ve got a $1.2 trillion bill that is not
paid for and so I absolutely was not going to support that or vote for it,
particularly without any input,” Graves says. “Now, what’s interesting though,
is that bill still has to be authorized. So, all of those projects come through
my committee and I get to make the decision on how that money is spent.”

Graves says Republicans and Democrats on the
Transportation Committee were close to reaching an agreement on the bill before
the changes got made by House leadership and Democrats in the Senate along with
the White House.

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

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNorthern Missouri Congressman Sam Graves says
federal money for federal roads will allow the state of Missouri to shift
funding to rural roads, but Graves adds transportation is about more than roads
and bridges.Graves, chair of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, says his committee has jurisdiction over a wide
variety of issues.“Transportation isn’t just about roads and
bridges,” Graves says. “My jurisdiction in my committee:&nbsp; we have pipelines, all the ports in the
United States, all the inland waterways in the United States, aviation, rail,
and, of course obviously, highways and bridges. And then on top of that I have
all public buildings. So, everything from the Smithsonian in Washington to the
USDA in Kansas City and everything in between.”Graves, a Republican, is hopeful changes made to
the Waters Resources Development Act (WRDA) by the U.S. House will make it
through negotiations with the Senate. Those changes would prioritize flood
control and navigation over wildlife habitat.“And this idea that we’re going to manage the
river based on fish and two birds and not manage it based on people’s lives and
livelihoods and communities and businesses and power plants that depend on river
levels is just ridiculous,” according to Graves.Environmentalists, though, say Missouri River
habitat must be preserved to protect the pallid sturgeon, the least tern, and
the piping plover; all species believed to be endangered.The Senate has approved its own version of WRDA.
House and Senate conferees are attempting to work out differences and fashion a
compromise to submit to both chambers in hopes of getting it to President Biden’s
desk.Graves defends his vote against the $1.2 trillion
infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 when Democrats controlled the
chamber and he was the ranking minority member on the Transportation Committee,
contending the bill grew too large. Graves says the bill began as the
reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Bill; ranging in cost from $500-to-600
billion. Graves asserts the bill got hijacked by Democratic leadership and grew
far beyond what could be paid for through user taxes.“Now you’ve got a $1.2 trillion bill that is not
paid for and so I absolutely was not going to support that or vote for it,
particularly without any input,” Graves says. “Now, what’s interesting though,
is that bill still has to be authorized. So, all of those projects come through
my committee and I get to make the decision on how that money is spent.”Graves says Republicans and Democrats on the
Transportation Committee were close to reaching an agreement on the bill before
the changes got made by House leadership and Democrats in the Senate along with
the White House.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Graves wants Missouri River management changed; defends vote against infrastructure bill

The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots

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>

Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.

Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay 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 ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;

The language listed on the secretary of state’s website as of Tuesday reads: “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;

“These politicians know that Missouri voters overwhelmingly support Amendment 3,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “So they resort to deceptive and misleading tactics.”&nbsp;

Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, labeled Ashcroft’s language “unfair, insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, argumentative, prejudicial.”&nbsp;

Fitz-James, a retired physician who lives in Missouri, first filed the abortion rights initiative petition in March 2023&nbsp;on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the ballot measure which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">has raised several million dollars this year.</a>

“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” according to the lawsuit filed in Cole County, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/abortion-rights-activists-sue-missouri-secretary-of-state-to-strike-wording-for-polling-places/article_dab43350-5f1a-11ef-8629-7f82489338f3.html" target="_blank">first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.&nbsp;</a>

Ashcroft, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/jay-ashcroft-endorses-mike-kehoe-blames-fundraising-for-finishing-third-in-governors-race/">finished third in the GOP primary for governor</a>, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion.

“I am appalled that factions want to use the courts to misrepresent the truth to push a political agenda,” Ashcroft said in a statement Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, which also accuses him of pushing a political agenda. “I will always fight for the right of Missourians to have clear, understandable ballot language when they vote on such an important fundamental issue as life.”

The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new fair ballot language and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from the government website. A court date has not yet been set.

This isn’t the first time the campaign has sued Ashcroft over the ballot measure.&nbsp;

The initial ballot summary he drafted to appear on the ballot would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;

A Missouri judge in September&nbsp;ruled 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>

Ashcroft appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-wont-hear-jay-ascrofts-appeal-of-abortion-ballot-summaries/">the Missouri Supreme Court denied</a>&nbsp;to take up the case.&nbsp;

The new ballot language — approved by Missouri courts — will ask voters if they want to:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724262530682.png" alt=" Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft joined the Midwest March for Life on May 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. “I think regardless of what the legislature does, the people of this state – with hard work – can protect all life in this state,” Ashcroft said (Anna Spoerre/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The language is posted on Election Day at polling places next to sample ballots</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>Organizers behind an abortion-rights amendment that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot filed a lawsuit last week alleging the “fair ballot language” written by the secretary of state’s office&nbsp; is “intentionally argumentative” and bound to create confusion for voters.Amendment 3 asks voters if they want to legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability. Abortion has been illegal in Missouri, with only limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, since June 2022.Missouri Secretary of State Jay 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 ballot last week.</a>&nbsp;On the same day, the office published on its website the amendment’s fair ballot language statement, which is meant to be posted at every polling place next to the sample ballot.&nbsp;The language listed on the secretary of state’s website as of Tuesday reads: “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;“These politicians know that Missouri voters overwhelmingly support Amendment 3,” Rachel Sweet, campaign manager with Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “So they resort to deceptive and misleading tactics.”&nbsp;Dr. Anna Fitz-James, the named plaintiff in the lawsuit, labeled Ashcroft’s language “unfair, insufficient, inaccurate, misleading, argumentative, prejudicial.”&nbsp;Fitz-James, a retired physician who lives in Missouri, first filed the abortion rights initiative petition in March 2023&nbsp;on behalf of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the campaign behind the ballot measure which&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/13/missouri-voters-will-decide-whether-to-legalize-abortion-in-november/">has raised several million dollars this year.</a>“Missourians are entitled to fair, accurate, and sufficient language that will allow them to cast an informed vote for or against the Amendment without being subjected to the Secretary of State’s disinformation,” according to the lawsuit filed in Cole County, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/abortion-rights-activists-sue-missouri-secretary-of-state-to-strike-wording-for-polling-places/article_dab43350-5f1a-11ef-8629-7f82489338f3.html" target="_blank">first reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.&nbsp;</a>Ashcroft, who recently&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/jay-ashcroft-endorses-mike-kehoe-blames-fundraising-for-finishing-third-in-governors-race/">finished third in the GOP primary for governor</a>, has been vocal in his opposition to abortion.“I am appalled that factions want to use the courts to misrepresent the truth to push a political agenda,” Ashcroft said in a statement Tuesday in response to the lawsuit, which also accuses him of pushing a political agenda. “I will always fight for the right of Missourians to have clear, understandable ballot language when they vote on such an important fundamental issue as life.”The abortion rights campaign is asking the court to issue new fair ballot language and order that Ashcroft remove his current language from the government website. A court date has not yet been set.This isn’t the first time the campaign has sued Ashcroft over the ballot measure.&nbsp;The initial ballot summary he drafted to appear on the ballot would have asked Missourians, in part, if they wanted to “allow for dangerous, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions, from conception to live birth.”&nbsp;A Missouri judge in September&nbsp;ruled 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>Ashcroft appealed the ruling, but&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-wont-hear-jay-ascrofts-appeal-of-abortion-ballot-summaries/">the Missouri Supreme Court denied</a>&nbsp;to take up the case.&nbsp;The new ballot language — approved by Missouri courts — will ask voters if they want to:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>establish a right to make decisions about reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, with any governmental interference of that right presumed invalid;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>remove Missouri’s ban on abortion;</li><li>allow regulation of reproductive health care to improve or maintain the health of the patient;</li><li>require the government not to discriminate, in government programs, funding, and other activities, against persons providing or obtaining reproductive health care; and</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>allow abortion to be restricted or banned after Fetal Viability except to protect the life or health of the woman?</li>
 </ul>

Abortion-rights proponents sue Missouri secretary of state over fair ballot language

(Radio Iowa) - A new state law to address chronic absenteeism requires notifying parents by certified letter if a student misses school for eight days in a semester. 

After additional absences, there must be an in-person meeting with a parent or guardian. The most recent data shows absenteeism is remarkably widespread in Iowa schools. According to a national group called Attendance Works, one in four Iowa students were chronically absent during the 2021-22 school year. 

Advocates of the new law say regular attendance at school is a habit that will carry over into adulthood -- and much of what happens in a classroom cannot be learned through make-up work. Under Iowa law, if a student misses 20 percent of school days in a semester, a meeting of the student, a parent or guardian and the county attorney will be scheduled.

(Radio Iowa) - A new state law to address chronic absenteeism requires notifying parents by certified letter if a student misses school for eight days in a semester. After additional absences, there must be an in-person meeting with a parent or guardian. The most recent data shows absenteeism is remarkably widespread in Iowa schools. According to a national group called Attendance Works, one in four Iowa students were chronically absent during the 2021-22 school year. Advocates of the new law say regular attendance at school is a habit that will carry over into adulthood -- and much of what happens in a classroom cannot be learned through make-up work. Under Iowa law, if a student misses 20 percent of school days in a semester, a meeting of the student, a parent or guardian and the county attorney will be scheduled.

New law on chronic absenteeism in Iowa schools

A St. Joseph woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter
in the wrong-way crash in May that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.

St. Joseph police report 47-year-old Katherine Deweese passed
two “Do not enter” signs as she drove the wrong way on the I-229 exit ramp at 3rd
and Edmond, crashing into motorcyclist Ryan Coffman who was exiting the
interstate in the early morning hours of May 17th.

The impact of the crash threw Coffman from his bike. Coffman,
who was 33, died later at the hospital.

Deweese told police she had been distracted while arguing with
a passenger. A probable cause statement reports a breath sample indicated a
blood alcohol content of 0.065%, below the legal limit.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA St. Joseph woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter
in the wrong-way crash in May that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.St. Joseph police report 47-year-old Katherine Deweese passed
two “Do not enter” signs as she drove the wrong way on the I-229 exit ramp at 3rd
and Edmond, crashing into motorcyclist Ryan Coffman who was exiting the
interstate in the early morning hours of May 17th.The impact of the crash threw Coffman from his bike. Coffman,
who was 33, died later at the hospital.Deweese told police she had been distracted while arguing with
a passenger. A probable cause statement reports a breath sample indicated a
blood alcohol content of 0.065%, below the legal limit.You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph woman charged in wrong-way fatal motorcycle crash

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– Flying activity increases this week over the Air Capital with the arrival of aircraft for the 2024 Frontiers in Flight Airshow at McConnell AFB. according to a media release from the air base.

Tuesday and Wednesday, most of McConnell’s aircraft will leave the base for other locations for the week, to perform missions off-station while also making room for airshow activities and setup.

Wednesday marks the arrival of Doc at McConnell. That B-29 Superfortress arrives at approximately 2 p.m.&nbsp; and will be part of the center display for the airshow, along with two KC-135 Stratotankers and two KC-46 Pegasus tankers McConnell.

On Thursday, the Blue Angels arrive at approximately 10 a.m. In addition, a majority of the Airshow’s other aircraft are slated to arrive throughout the day on Thursday. Several of those aircraft are expected to spend extra time flying around the Air Capital, as the base and FAA have worked to open local airspace up to a 10-mile radius around the Dole VA Center, to include the Children’s Hospital, for the pilots to spend time familiarizing themselves with the terrain.

Also on Thursday, at approximately 10:30 p.m., three Army helicopters from Fort Riley are scheduled to arrive, but only after performing night navigation missions en-route to McConnell. The helicopters will be on ground display for the airshow.

On Friday, several small aircraft will arrive from Stearman Field, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The airshows aerial performers will conduct a practice airshow starting at noon that day, with the Blue Angels taking to the skies at 3 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, flying activities begin at noon, and the Blue Angels will again take to the skies at 3 p.m. each day.&nbsp;The airshow runs August 24-25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at McConnell Air Force Base, with both admission and parking being free.&nbsp;

All attendees over the age of 18 are required to present a state- or federal government-issued photo ID for entry, such as a driver’s license or passport. Non-U.S. citizen over the age of 18 can use a passport or permanent resident alien card for entry.

Guests are allowed and encouraged to bring their own drinking water in a non-glass container, filled, to use and refill throughout the day to help prevent heat injuries.

There will be free water fill locations in the general public parking lot and on the airshow ramp for refilling personal water containers. Those locations are marked on the map, along with cooling tents, port-a-potties and first aid stations.

<a>While that parking is available, there will still be large distances of walking, given the overall size of the flightline. The airshow area itself measures 0.67 miles north to south, and will be full of parked aircraft, booths and displays.</a>

Parking will be provided off-base, in the fields owned by Cessna, north of McConnell, west of Rock Road and south of Pawnee Street. Distance from the regular parking area to the airshow entrance is approximately 0.5 miles. As such, the base has organized busses to be available at the center of the general parking area to transport people to and from there and the airshow entrance (Entry #1 on the Airshow map). These distances, combined with the typical August temperatures in Kansas and the heat-amplifying effects of concrete runways make hydration especially important for airshow attendees and staff.

Accessibility parking is available by filling out the following form online:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#accessibility" target="_blank">https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#accessibility</a>

Those who are approved for this parking will be e-mailed a parking pass, which they will have to print out. That pass will enable parking at select locations on base.

For those bringing small children, wristbands are available at the entry points to the flightline, to allow adults to write a phone number on the band and put it on the child’s wrist. Should the adults and children become separated, that phone number will facilitate a quick reunion with their adults.&nbsp; The Lost Child RV will be located near the Kids Zone and close to the Boeing Dreamlifter.&nbsp; The Dreamlifter will be the largest aircraft on the ramp, on the north end of the runway area and near the STEAM and Kid Zones. Changing stations and a dedicated nursing area will also be nearby.

A full list of items that guests are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#bring" target="_blank">allowed to bring</a>, as well as a list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#nobring" target="_blank">prohibited items</a>, is available at the airshow website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frontiersinflight.com/" target="_blank">www.frontiersinflight.com</a>

Aerial performances begin at noon each day. The headline act, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, takes to the skies at approximately 3 p.m. each day of the airshow.

The confirmed aerial performers for the airshow are:

The Budweiser Clydesdales hitch is scheduled to make an appearance at 11:30 a.m., each day of the airshow.

The confirmed aircraft on static display are shown on the airshow map, current as of its publication date. Those aircraft on display will be:

Wichita’s military presence is more than just Air Force, with a number of Reserve and Guard units in the area from across the military branches. The largest of these locally is the Army Reserve’s 451st&nbsp;Expeditionary Sustainment Command, which is headquartered here. The 451st&nbsp;ESC has coordinated the appearance of several Army aviation and ground assets at the event, bringing a little extra steel and firepower for visitors to see. These will include:

<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/">Click here for </a>more information on the air show

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724252189685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– Flying activity increases this week over the Air Capital with the arrival of aircraft for the 2024 Frontiers in Flight Airshow at McConnell AFB. according to a media release from the air base.Tuesday and Wednesday, most of McConnell’s aircraft will leave the base for other locations for the week, to perform missions off-station while also making room for airshow activities and setup.Wednesday marks the arrival of Doc at McConnell. That B-29 Superfortress arrives at approximately 2 p.m.&nbsp; and will be part of the center display for the airshow, along with two KC-135 Stratotankers and two KC-46 Pegasus tankers McConnell.On Thursday, the Blue Angels arrive at approximately 10 a.m. In addition, a majority of the Airshow’s other aircraft are slated to arrive throughout the day on Thursday. Several of those aircraft are expected to spend extra time flying around the Air Capital, as the base and FAA have worked to open local airspace up to a 10-mile radius around the Dole VA Center, to include the Children’s Hospital, for the pilots to spend time familiarizing themselves with the terrain.Also on Thursday, at approximately 10:30 p.m., three Army helicopters from Fort Riley are scheduled to arrive, but only after performing night navigation missions en-route to McConnell. The helicopters will be on ground display for the airshow.On Friday, several small aircraft will arrive from Stearman Field, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The airshows aerial performers will conduct a practice airshow starting at noon that day, with the Blue Angels taking to the skies at 3 p.m.On Saturday and Sunday, flying activities begin at noon, and the Blue Angels will again take to the skies at 3 p.m. each day.&nbsp;The airshow runs August 24-25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at McConnell Air Force Base, with both admission and parking being free.&nbsp;All attendees over the age of 18 are required to present a state- or federal government-issued photo ID for entry, such as a driver’s license or passport. Non-U.S. citizen over the age of 18 can use a passport or permanent resident alien card for entry.Guests are allowed and encouraged to bring their own drinking water in a non-glass container, filled, to use and refill throughout the day to help prevent heat injuries.There will be free water fill locations in the general public parking lot and on the airshow ramp for refilling personal water containers. Those locations are marked on the map, along with cooling tents, port-a-potties and first aid stations.Distances<a>While that parking is available, there will still be large distances of walking, given the overall size of the flightline. The airshow area itself measures 0.67 miles north to south, and will be full of parked aircraft, booths and displays.</a>General ParkingParking will be provided off-base, in the fields owned by Cessna, north of McConnell, west of Rock Road and south of Pawnee Street. Distance from the regular parking area to the airshow entrance is approximately 0.5 miles. As such, the base has organized busses to be available at the center of the general parking area to transport people to and from there and the airshow entrance (Entry #1 on the Airshow map). These distances, combined with the typical August temperatures in Kansas and the heat-amplifying effects of concrete runways make hydration especially important for airshow attendees and staff.Accessibility ParkingAccessibility parking is available by filling out the following form online:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#accessibility" target="_blank">https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#accessibility</a>Those who are approved for this parking will be e-mailed a parking pass, which they will have to print out. That pass will enable parking at select locations on base.Lost ChildrenFor those bringing small children, wristbands are available at the entry points to the flightline, to allow adults to write a phone number on the band and put it on the child’s wrist. Should the adults and children become separated, that phone number will facilitate a quick reunion with their adults.&nbsp; The Lost Child RV will be located near the Kids Zone and close to the Boeing Dreamlifter.&nbsp; The Dreamlifter will be the largest aircraft on the ramp, on the north end of the runway area and near the STEAM and Kid Zones. Changing stations and a dedicated nursing area will also be nearby.Allowed &amp; Prohibited ItemsA full list of items that guests are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#bring" target="_blank">allowed to bring</a>, as well as a list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/guestinfo#nobring" target="_blank">prohibited items</a>, is available at the airshow website,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.frontiersinflight.com/" target="_blank">www.frontiersinflight.com</a>Aerial Performance TimesAerial performances begin at noon each day. The headline act, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, takes to the skies at approximately 3 p.m. each day of the airshow.Aerial PerformersThe confirmed aerial performers for the airshow are:<ul>
 <li>Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets</li><li>Fat Albert (Blue Angels support C-130J Super Hercules)</li><li>F-35 Lightning Demo Team</li><li>P-51 Heritage Flight</li><li>2x A-10 Thunderbolt II Formation Demo</li><li>Tora Tora Tora</li><li>“Swamp Fox” P-51</li><li>Twin Beech 18 “Matt Younkin”</li><li>Havilland D.H. 115 “Vampire”</li><li>Bill Stien “Edge 540”</li><li>Tom Larkin “Mini Jet”</li><li>Brian Correll “Pitts II”</li><li>KC-135/KC-46 Refuel Demo</li><li>Precision Exotics “Super Cars”</li>
 </ul>ClydesdalesThe Budweiser Clydesdales hitch is scheduled to make an appearance at 11:30 a.m., each day of the airshow.Aircraft on DisplayThe confirmed aircraft on static display are shown on the airshow map, current as of its publication date. Those aircraft on display will be:<ul>
 <li>Doc B-29 Superfortress</li><li>KC-135 Stratotankers</li><li>KC-46 Pegasus</li><li>Fat Albert (C-130J Super Hercules)</li><li>A-10 Thunderbolt IIs</li><li>F-15 Eagles</li><li>F-16 Fighting Falcons</li><li>F-22 Raptors</li><li>F-35 Lightning IIs</li><li>B-1 Lancer</li><li>B-52 Stratofortress</li><li>Navy P-8 Poseidon</li><li>C-17 Globemaster III</li><li>RC-135 Rivet Joint</li><li>T-38 Talons</li><li>T-6 Texans</li><li>T-1A Jayhawk</li><li>T-41 Mescalero (Cessna 172)</li><li>T-53A Kadet II (Cirrus SR-20)</li><li>Boeing Dreamlifter</li><li>A-26 Invader “Lady Liberty”</li><li>LearJet 36A – Around the world&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-07-02/learjet-global-circumnavigation-deemed-world-record" target="_blank">record holder</a></li><li>Stearman Biplanes</li>
 </ul>Army Displays:Wichita’s military presence is more than just Air Force, with a number of Reserve and Guard units in the area from across the military branches. The largest of these locally is the Army Reserve’s 451st&nbsp;Expeditionary Sustainment Command, which is headquartered here. The 451st&nbsp;ESC has coordinated the appearance of several Army aviation and ground assets at the event, bringing a little extra steel and firepower for visitors to see. These will include:<ul>
 <li>Light Medium Tactical Vehicle</li><li>High-Mobility, Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV)</li><li>Joint Light Tactical Vehicle</li><li>UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter</li><li>HH-60 Blackhawk helicopter</li><li>CH-47 Chinook helicopter</li>
 </ul><a href="https://www.frontiersinflight.com/">Click here for </a>more information on the air show

Plan ahead if attending McConnell Airshow this weekend

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans are being warned to be very careful when posting videos of themselves on social media. 

Jim Temmer, with the Better Business Bureau, says criminals are using audio from online videos to fake people's voices in scam calls. Temmer says just eight or ten seconds of audio is all scammers need to plug into software and "generate your voice saying anything." He says scammers are banking on people's trust of you to trick them into other scams, he says, like sending money transfers or giving up personal information. 

The best way to prevent this is to only share your videos with your friends and family, and Temmer warns, keep a close eye on friend requests to make sure they're not from phony accounts.

(Radio Iowa) - Iowans are being warned to be very careful when posting videos of themselves on social media. Jim Temmer, with the Better Business Bureau, says criminals are using audio from online videos to fake people's voices in scam calls. Temmer says just eight or ten seconds of audio is all scammers need to plug into software and "generate your voice saying anything." He says scammers are banking on people's trust of you to trick them into other scams, he says, like sending money transfers or giving up personal information. The best way to prevent this is to only share your videos with your friends and family, and Temmer warns, keep a close eye on friend requests to make sure they're not from phony accounts.

Beware! Scammers can copy your voice from social media videos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEO has big vision for baby formula factory in southern Iowa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northwest Small Business Development Center helps make business ideas reality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrol IDs man who died in Missouri officer-involved shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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