SHAWNEE COUNTY—A former <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/01/gop-candidate-in-2nd-district-fighting-for-enrichment-of-american-exceptionalism/">candidate for</a> Kansas 2nd District congressional seat in 2024 is in jail on multiple allegations following an investigation into interference with the judicial process.

On November 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information that a male subject in Topeka had engaged in the harassment of a Shawnee County District Court Official on multiple occasions, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael A. Ogle of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, interference with the judicial process and Harassment by telecommunications device.

This incident is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732310160246.png" alt="Ogle photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ogle photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A former <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/01/gop-candidate-in-2nd-district-fighting-for-enrichment-of-american-exceptionalism/">candidate for</a> Kansas 2nd District congressional seat in 2024 is in jail on multiple allegations following an investigation into interference with the judicial process.On November 21, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information that a male subject in Topeka had engaged in the harassment of a Shawnee County District Court Official on multiple occasions, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies arrested 44-year-old Michael A. Ogle of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges, interference with the judicial process and Harassment by telecommunications device.This incident is still under investigation.

Kan. man who ran for Congress accused of phone harassment of court official

KANSAS CITY —A small fire did not ruin the holiday activities on Friday at Union Station in Kansas City.

Just before 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported building fire at 30 W. Pershing Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp;The calling party stated black smoke from the lower levels and out of the HVAC system.

Companies were able to find, isolate and extinguish a fire in an air handling unit. Companies remained on scene attempting to evacuate the smoke. Maintenance shut down the air handling system to prevent further smoke movement. The fire was in a unit on the roof of Science City.&nbsp;

KCFD continued working to remove smoke from Union Station. Due to the size of the structure this is an enormous undertaking, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Building maintenance has removed a window on an upper floor and was using high powered fans to create positive pressure and remove the smoke.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732307786791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A small fire did not ruin the holiday activities on Friday at Union Station in Kansas City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Important Update: Extreme Screen showtimes of Christmas Vacation at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm today have been canceled to allow for the Extreme Screen&#39;s interior lobby and back-of-house areas to be cleared from a small and unexpected water intrusion. Our current plan is to reopen in… <a href="https://t.co/sZHkRFBZqY">https://t.co/sZHkRFBZqY</a>&mdash; Union Station KC (@UnionStationKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnionStationKC/status/1860021776350134425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Just before 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported building fire at 30 W. Pershing Road, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;The calling party stated black smoke from the lower levels and out of the HVAC system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732307499074.png" alt="Fire crews inside Union Station on Friday photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews inside Union Station on Friday photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Companies were able to find, isolate and extinguish a fire in an air handling unit. Companies remained on scene attempting to evacuate the smoke. Maintenance shut down the air handling system to prevent further smoke movement. The fire was in a unit on the roof of Science City.&nbsp;KCFD continued working to remove smoke from Union Station. Due to the size of the structure this is an enormous undertaking, according to Hopkins.&nbsp; Building maintenance has removed a window on an upper floor and was using high powered fans to create positive pressure and remove the smoke.&nbsp; There were no injuries.

KCFD crews cleared smoke from Union Station after fire at Science City

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations after a 2-hour standoff.

Just&nbsp;before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home in the 1900 block of SE Adams in Topeka after report of domestic disturbance, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson. 

The suspect in the case, later identified as Benjamin Alfano, 38, of Topeka, was wanted on a previous case of Aggravated Domestic Battery. 

At approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were able to deescalate the situation and take the Alfano into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732221236351.png" alt="Alfano photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Alfano photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations after a 2-hour standoff.Just&nbsp;before 7:30 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a home in the 1900 block of SE Adams in Topeka after report of domestic disturbance, according to Police Lt. Matt Danielson. The suspect in the case, later identified as Benjamin Alfano, 38, of Topeka, was wanted on a previous case of Aggravated Domestic Battery. At approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were able to deescalate the situation and take the Alfano into custody on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Domestic Battery.

Police capture suspect wanted for violence at Kansas home

RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. 

Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.

 Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. 

As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds.  The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241624193.png" alt="Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Allen-Hernandez-photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure>RAY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two illegal immigrants from Venezuela on multiple allegations involving an ATM skimming theft ring. Just after 4p.m. November 15,&nbsp; Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde, 24, and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez, 44, were arrested in Kirkwood, Missouri after a large area search spanning from the Kansas City Metro area to the St. Louis Metro area for the duo, according to a media release from the Richmond Police Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732241561839.png" alt="Conde photo Richmond PD" />
 <figcaption>Conde photo Richmond PD</figcaption>
 </figure> Both were subsequently booked into the Ray County Jail on a twenty-four (24) hour investigative hold. On November 13, the Richmond Police Department investigated an incident in which a skimming device had been placed on a local Automated Teller Machine (ATM) resulting in a large number of accounts being compromised. As a result of the investigative efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the use of Flock cameras and the collaborative efforts of&nbsp; Metro Area law enforcement, MOCIC, MIAC, and the Kirkwood Police Department, the suspects were identified and apprehended in less than fifty-four (54) hours after the reported commission of the crime.On Saturday, November 16, 2024, Venezuelan Nationals, Darwin G. Moreno-Conde and Yorbin Y. Allen-Hernandez were each charged in the 8th Judicial Circuit of Ray County, Missouri, with one felony count of 1st Degree Property Damage and one felony count of Stealing.Currently, both individuals remain in the Ray County Jail on $250,000 cash only bonds. The investigation is on-going and further charges are expected in the near future.

Illegal immigrants jailed for ATM skimming in Missouri, Kansas

WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.

The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.

FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.

Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732280999875.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— Tons of ground beef have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/wolverine-packing-co--recalls-ground-beef-products-due-possible-e--coli-o157h7">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;(USDA).Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Thursday. The product was shipped to restaurants across the nation.The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/documents/Recall-031-2024-Product-List.pdf">here to view full product list</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-11/Recall-031-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to view labels</a>.The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to restaurant locations nationwide.&nbsp;The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture of a group of ill persons who had reported that they consumed ground beef prior to their illness.FSIS was notified of illnesses on November 13, 2024, and working in conjunction with Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health, FSIS determined that there was a link between the ground beef products from Wolverine Packing Co. and this illness cluster. On November 20, 2024, a ground beef sample collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as part of an outbreak investigation tested positive for&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157. To date, 15 case-patients have been identified in one state with illness onset dates ranging from November 2, 2024, to November 10, 2024. FSIS continues to work with the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Health on this investigation.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;E. coli&nbsp;O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps 2–8 days (3–4 days, on average) after exposure the organism. While most people recover within a week, some develop a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This condition can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5-years old and older adults. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.FSIS is concerned that some product may be in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart">https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart</a>.Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Don Tanner, company representative at 248-762-1533.

USDA: 160,000 pounds of ground beef recalled due to E. coli risk

The Missouri State Tax Commission sought a court order to force Jackson County to roll back property assessment hikes, but a judge dismissed the case Wednesday

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

State officials’ hopes of rolling back Jackson County property assessment increases are floundering after a circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit by the State Tax Commission on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The commission in August ordered Jackson County to reverse most of its 2023 property valuations, arguing they had been performed illegally and resulted in huge increases in property values.

Jackson County officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/jackson-county-claims-property-tax-order-was-meant-to-shield-missouri-ag-from-deposition/">called the State Tax Commission’s August order “unconstitutional”</a>&nbsp;and “unprecedented” and said it only took action to cover for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/andrew-bailey/">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>’s failures in his own efforts to undo the property assessments.

The State Tax Commission then sought a court order to force the county to cap property assessments to a 15% increase since the last assessment —&nbsp;unless new construction or building improvements increased the value. That effort was dismissed Wednesday.

Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. thanked county residents in a statement Wednesday “for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked to address problems that have been decades in the making.”&nbsp;

“Our goal remains ensuring that every property owner is treated fairly under the law,” White said.&nbsp;

Gregory Allsberry, chief counsel for the State Tax Commission, said in an email that the judge did not find the commission’s order invalid.

“The commission’s order is still a valid order, despite Jackson County’s refusal to comply, and the Commission will continue to do all within its power to enforce the order,” Allsberry said. “It will also do everything within its power to ensure that Jackson county’s assessing officials don’t commit the violations of state law in 2025 that they did during the 2023 reassessment cycle.”&nbsp;

Neither Bailey’s office nor the State Tax Commission immediately returned requests for comment.

Jackson County’s property valuation process has been in near-constant litigation since Bailey and the State Tax Commission first sued the county in December.&nbsp;

According to that lawsuit, the county’s 2023 reassessment process resulted in an average 30% increase in value across hundreds of thousands of properties in the county. The lawsuit says more than 90% of residential properties saw an increase in value, and values increased by at least 15% for three-quarters of properties in the county.

The increase in property values means an increase in property taxes for some owners.&nbsp;

Bailey and the State Tax Commission accused Jackson County of failing to follow proper procedures in the valuation process, including performing physical inspections, before increasing property values by more than 15%.&nbsp;

During the litigation, Bailey and a deputy came&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/25/judge-hears-arguments-over-whether-missouri-ag-andrew-bailey-should-be-questioned-under-oath/">under fire for meeting with a Jackson County official</a>&nbsp;without notifying the county’s attorneys. Under Missouri Supreme Court rules, attorneys are not to communicate about a lawsuit with individuals represented in the case by another lawyer without the consent of the other lawyer.

Bailey maintained that his meeting with the official, Sean Smith, was nothing more than a campaign meeting. At the time, Smith, a member of the Jackson County Legislature, was running for the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, who won with 60% of the vote earlier this month.

Jackson County’s attorneys were granted permission by the judge in the case to question Bailey under oath about his meetings with Smith. But in August, a day before Bailey was scheduled to sit for the deposition, the State Tax Commission issued its order and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/missouri-attorney-general-asks-to-dismiss-lawsuit-a-day-before-scheduled-deposition/">Bailey’s office had the case dismissed</a>.

At the time, Bailey’s spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">state dismissed the lawsuit because of the State Tax Commission’s order</a>.

“Pushing the lawsuit forward could have jeopardized the much needed relief offered in the Tax Commission’s order and would be counterproductive for Jackson County taxpayers,” Sieren said in an August email.

The county said at the time that the State Tax Commission was “being used as a shield for…Bailey, who is trying to escape accountability after lying and realizing he was losing the case.”&nbsp;

When the county didn’t comply with the August order, the State Tax Commission sought a court order to force the issue.

In response, the county said in a filing that the State Tax Commission was attempting to bring the same legal claims a second time. That was impermissible, the county argued, because the original lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning the case couldn’t be brought again.

Senior Judge Jacqueline Cook, who handled the case because the circuit judges in Jackson County recused themselves, dismissed the case with prejudice Wednesday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732279575729.png" alt="Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, right, testifies to the House Budget Committee in February. Bailey sued Jackson County over its property assessment process but had the case dismissed. Now a court has also dismissed the State Tax Commission's attempt to enforce its order against Jackson County. (Rudi Keller/MIssouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, right, testifies to the House Budget Committee in February. Bailey sued Jackson County over its property assessment process but had the case dismissed. Now a court has also dismissed the State Tax Commission's attempt to enforce its order against Jackson County. (Rudi Keller/MIssouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Missouri State Tax Commission sought a court order to force Jackson County to roll back property assessment hikes, but a judge dismissed the case Wednesday</h2>By ALLISON KITE&nbsp; <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>State officials’ hopes of rolling back Jackson County property assessment increases are floundering after a circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit by the State Tax Commission on Wednesday.&nbsp;The commission in August ordered Jackson County to reverse most of its 2023 property valuations, arguing they had been performed illegally and resulted in huge increases in property values.But the county didn’t comply.Jackson County officials&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/12/jackson-county-claims-property-tax-order-was-meant-to-shield-missouri-ag-from-deposition/">called the State Tax Commission’s August order “unconstitutional”</a>&nbsp;and “unprecedented” and said it only took action to cover for&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/andrew-bailey/">Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey</a>’s failures in his own efforts to undo the property assessments.The State Tax Commission then sought a court order to force the county to cap property assessments to a 15% increase since the last assessment —&nbsp;unless new construction or building improvements increased the value. That effort was dismissed Wednesday.Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. thanked county residents in a statement Wednesday “for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked to address problems that have been decades in the making.”&nbsp;“Our goal remains ensuring that every property owner is treated fairly under the law,” White said.&nbsp;Gregory Allsberry, chief counsel for the State Tax Commission, said in an email that the judge did not find the commission’s order invalid.“The commission’s order is still a valid order, despite Jackson County’s refusal to comply, and the Commission will continue to do all within its power to enforce the order,” Allsberry said. “It will also do everything within its power to ensure that Jackson county’s assessing officials don’t commit the violations of state law in 2025 that they did during the 2023 reassessment cycle.”&nbsp;Neither Bailey’s office nor the State Tax Commission immediately returned requests for comment.Jackson County’s property valuation process has been in near-constant litigation since Bailey and the State Tax Commission first sued the county in December.&nbsp;According to that lawsuit, the county’s 2023 reassessment process resulted in an average 30% increase in value across hundreds of thousands of properties in the county. The lawsuit says more than 90% of residential properties saw an increase in value, and values increased by at least 15% for three-quarters of properties in the county.The increase in property values means an increase in property taxes for some owners.&nbsp;Bailey and the State Tax Commission accused Jackson County of failing to follow proper procedures in the valuation process, including performing physical inspections, before increasing property values by more than 15%.&nbsp;During the litigation, Bailey and a deputy came&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/07/25/judge-hears-arguments-over-whether-missouri-ag-andrew-bailey-should-be-questioned-under-oath/">under fire for meeting with a Jackson County official</a>&nbsp;without notifying the county’s attorneys. Under Missouri Supreme Court rules, attorneys are not to communicate about a lawsuit with individuals represented in the case by another lawyer without the consent of the other lawyer.Bailey maintained that his meeting with the official, Sean Smith, was nothing more than a campaign meeting. At the time, Smith, a member of the Jackson County Legislature, was running for the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, who won with 60% of the vote earlier this month.Jackson County’s attorneys were granted permission by the judge in the case to question Bailey under oath about his meetings with Smith. But in August, a day before Bailey was scheduled to sit for the deposition, the State Tax Commission issued its order and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/08/07/missouri-attorney-general-asks-to-dismiss-lawsuit-a-day-before-scheduled-deposition/">Bailey’s office had the case dismissed</a>.At the time, Bailey’s spokeswoman, Madeline Sieren, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-before-missouri-attorney-general-could-be-questioned-under-oath/">state dismissed the lawsuit because of the State Tax Commission’s order</a>.“Pushing the lawsuit forward could have jeopardized the much needed relief offered in the Tax Commission’s order and would be counterproductive for Jackson County taxpayers,” Sieren said in an August email.The county said at the time that the State Tax Commission was “being used as a shield for…Bailey, who is trying to escape accountability after lying and realizing he was losing the case.”&nbsp;When the county didn’t comply with the August order, the State Tax Commission sought a court order to force the issue.In response, the county said in a filing that the State Tax Commission was attempting to bring the same legal claims a second time. That was impermissible, the county argued, because the original lawsuit was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning the case couldn’t be brought again.Senior Judge Jacqueline Cook, who handled the case because the circuit judges in Jackson County recused themselves, dismissed the case with prejudice Wednesday.&nbsp;

Missouri AG’s efforts to undo Jackson Co. property assessments dealt another blow

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Thursday afternoon fire at a carriage house in the Kansas City area.

Just after 2p.m. crews responded to a fire in a carriage house in the 7800 block of 67th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

The fire was spotted by a KCFD company returning to their fire station from another call. The fire quickly spread through the small house. Multiple handlines were used to get the fire under control. The fire was contained to the carriage house and did not spread to the main house. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident, according to Hopins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732227435950.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a Thursday afternoon fire at a carriage house in the Kansas City area.Just after 2p.m. crews responded to a fire in a carriage house in the 7800 block of 67th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732227417053.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The fire was spotted by a KCFD company returning to their fire station from another call. The fire quickly spread through the small house. Multiple handlines were used to get the fire under control. The fire was contained to the carriage house and did not spread to the main house. Searches of the structure came back all clear. No injuries were reported at this incident, according to Hopins.

Cause of Kansas City area carriage house fire under investigation

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 2:30p.m.&nbsp;November 18, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

Daniel L. Bigenwalt, 59, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and an Osage County arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118647317.png" alt="Bigenwalt photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Bigenwalt photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 2:30p.m.&nbsp;November 18, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.Daniel L. Bigenwalt, 59, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Driving while license suspended and an Osage County arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling meth

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged fentanyl overdose death and have made an arrest.

Just after noon Wednesday police arrested 23-year-old Caziah Self of Ellsworth in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The arrested is in connection with an incident that occurred in June of 2023 where law enforcement officers investigated the overdose death of a 25-year-old individual in Manhattan.

Self is being held on a $100,000 bond on requested charges of&nbsp; distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and distribution of opiate/opium/stimulant/heroin dosage &lt; 10 units.

Self has four previous drug convictions and another for criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Anyone with relevant information on this case is urged to come forward, according to the RCPD. The investigation into this and all other Fentanyl-related overdoses remain active and ongoing. Any individuals possessing pertinent information are urged to come forward and assist law enforcement authorities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732204540054.png" alt="Self -photo Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Self -photo Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged fentanyl overdose death and have made an arrest.Just after noon Wednesday police arrested 23-year-old Caziah Self of Ellsworth in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The arrested is in connection with an incident that occurred in June of 2023 where law enforcement officers investigated the overdose death of a 25-year-old individual in Manhattan.Self is being held on a $100,000 bond on requested charges of&nbsp; distribution of a controlled substance causing death, use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony drug violation, and distribution of opiate/opium/stimulant/heroin dosage &lt; 10 units.Self has four previous drug convictions and another for criminal possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Anyone with relevant information on this case is urged to come forward, according to the RCPD. The investigation into this and all other Fentanyl-related overdoses remain active and ongoing. Any individuals possessing pertinent information are urged to come forward and assist law enforcement authorities.

Kan. felon jailed in connection with fentanyl overdose death

HARVEY COUNTY —Newton Fire crews were on the scene of a large chicken barn fire in the 1400 Block of N West Road after an explosion was reported on Thursday afternoon, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.

Water tenders from surrounding communities are responding to provide water supply for firefighting operations.&nbsp; Authorities said the fire was caused by a propane explosion.&nbsp;

There was one person in the chicken barn at the time of the explosion who was not injured. Unfortunately, the barn was at or near capacity with 20,000 chickens. The entire structure collapsed. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the afternoon and evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732226605754.png" alt="Photos Newton Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photos Newton Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Newton Fire crews were on the scene of a large chicken barn fire in the 1400 Block of N West Road after an explosion was reported on Thursday afternoon, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732227048818.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Water tenders from surrounding communities are responding to provide water supply for firefighting operations.&nbsp; Authorities said the fire was caused by a propane explosion.&nbsp;There was one person in the chicken barn at the time of the explosion who was not injured. Unfortunately, the barn was at or near capacity with 20,000 chickens. The entire structure collapsed. Fire crews will remain on scene throughout the afternoon and evening.

20,000 chicken in Kansas barn at time of propane explosion

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

WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.

Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”

“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”

The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.

Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;

He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.

This is a developing report that will be updated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731531518225.png" alt="Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Matt Gaetz-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a>WASHINGTON — Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Thursday he’s withdrawing as President-elect Donald Trump’s planned nominee for attorney general days after securing the appointment.Gaetz’s path to Senate confirmation was highly unlikely following years of investigations about alleged drug usage and payments for sex, including with an underage girl. He submitted his resignation to Congress last week.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732211535033.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz wrote in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mattgaetz/status/1859649045553402285" target="_blank">a social media post.</a>&nbsp;“There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113522181118234752" target="_blank">posted on social media</a>&nbsp;afterward that he “greatly” appreciated “the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General.”“He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!”The House Ethics Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-ethics-panel-republicans-vote-against-disclosure-gaetz-report" target="_blank">voted along party lines</a>&nbsp;Wednesday not to release its report on Gaetz, following more than three years of investigation. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including the allegations that he had sex with a minor.Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, spent Wednesday shuffling Gaetz between meetings with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would have held his confirmation hearing. Republicans will control the Senate in the new session of Congress beginning in January.Gaetz’s future is unclear, given that he resigned from the U.S. House last week and notified the chamber he didn’t plan to take the oath of office for the upcoming 119th Congress.&nbsp;He first joined the House in January 2017 and led efforts to remove former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from that role last year, setting off a month-long stalemate within the House Republican Conference over who should lead the party.This is a developing report that will be updated.

Matt Gaetz bows out as Trump’s pick for attorney general

NEWTON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Newton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt dump truck driven by a 62-year-old Joplin, Missouri, man was westbound on Lime Kiln Drive, a private road, near Hector Lane five miles north of Neosho.

The truck traveled onto the railroad track. A Kansas City Southern trains struck the vehicle. Newton County ambulance transported the truck driver to Freeman West where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The crossing is marked with a stop sign and railroad crossing sign, according to the MSHP.

NEWTON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Newton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt dump truck driven by a 62-year-old Joplin, Missouri, man was westbound on Lime Kiln Drive, a private road, near Hector Lane five miles north of Neosho.The truck traveled onto the railroad track. A Kansas City Southern trains struck the vehicle. Newton County ambulance transported the truck driver to Freeman West where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The crossing is marked with a stop sign and railroad crossing sign, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after train, dump truck crash

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a sexual assault and theft that occurred Tuesday morning at a home in Overland Park have a suspect in custody.

The incident occurred&nbsp; just after 2:30a.m. in a home near W. 97th Street and Reeder in Overland Park, according to Overland Park Police Officer John Lacy.

The victim did not know the suspect but was able to provide a description as a stocky build, clean-shaven, late twenties to early thirties man. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a black beanie-style cap.

EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Overland Park Police Department, with the assistance of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, made the arrest and the suspect is being held in Johnson County Central Booking Facility in Olathe.

Police turned the case over to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732041800750.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a sexual assault and theft that occurred Tuesday morning at a home in Overland Park have a suspect in custody.The incident occurred&nbsp; just after 2:30a.m. in a home near W. 97th Street and Reeder in Overland Park, according to Overland Park Police Officer John Lacy.The victim did not know the suspect but was able to provide a description as a stocky build, clean-shaven, late twenties to early thirties man. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a black beanie-style cap.EMS transported the victim to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.The Overland Park Police Department, with the assistance of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, made the arrest and the suspect is being held in Johnson County Central Booking Facility in Olathe.Police turned the case over to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp;----------

Police capture suspect in sex assault, theft at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

A&nbsp; Chevy Cruze was southbound on U.S. 49 Highway just before the Red Bridge exit merging towards the right shoulder to yield to a Fire Truck, running with emergency lights and siren, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

The driver of the Chevy did not see a man in a wheelchair who was crossing the highway from the east to the west.

The right front of his vehicle struck the wheelchair. EMS transported the man&nbsp; to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The driver of the Chevy Cruze was not injured in the collision. This is fatality #84 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2024, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred just after 10:30p.m. Thursday in Kansas City.A&nbsp; Chevy Cruze was southbound on U.S. 49 Highway just before the Red Bridge exit merging towards the right shoulder to yield to a Fire Truck, running with emergency lights and siren, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sergeant Phil DiMartino.The driver of the Chevy did not see a man in a wheelchair who was crossing the highway from the east to the west.The right front of his vehicle struck the wheelchair. EMS transported the man&nbsp; to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The driver of the Chevy Cruze was not injured in the collision. This is fatality #84 in Kansas City, Missouri for 2024, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

KCPD: Car struck and killed man in a wheelchair on highway

SEWARD COUNTY – The former city manager of Liberal, Russell “Rusty” Varnado is under investigation on sex crime allegations, according&nbsp; to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

In August, the Liberal Police Department asked the KBI for assistance investigating when allegations arose. The crimes occurred between March and August of 2024, when Varnado was city manager. Following the allegations, Varnado was fired from his position.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday, deputies of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office arrested Varnado, 37, on a KBI warrant for rape, sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious. Varnado was booked into the Seward County Jail.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732145460059.png" alt="Varnado photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Varnado photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY – The former city manager of Liberal, Russell “Rusty” Varnado is under investigation on sex crime allegations, according&nbsp; to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.In August, the Liberal Police Department asked the KBI for assistance investigating when allegations arose. The crimes occurred between March and August of 2024, when Varnado was city manager. Following the allegations, Varnado was fired from his position.At 4 p.m. Wednesday, deputies of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office arrested Varnado, 37, on a KBI warrant for rape, sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious. Varnado was booked into the Seward County Jail.&nbsp;

Former city manager in Kansas accused of sex crimes

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Topeka.

Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a reported injury accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian near the 1900 Block of SE Adams, according to Police LT Jason Schumacher.

American Medical Response transported the victim to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

All involved individuals have been accounted for. Police have not released the name of the&nbsp; victim or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732158195188.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Topeka.Just after 6p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a reported injury accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian near the 1900 Block of SE Adams, according to Police LT Jason Schumacher.American Medical Response transported the victim to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.All involved individuals have been accounted for. Police have not released the name of the&nbsp; victim or additional details.

Police: Kansas man dies in pedestrian accident

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect from Texas on drug allegations.

Just after 3:30p.m. November 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, a narcotics detecting K-9 was deployed and illegal narcotics were located. Maria D.L. Vidal Cruz, 51, of Mount Pleasant, TX was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118411121.png" alt="Cruz photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Cruz photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect from Texas on drug allegations.Just after 3:30p.m. November 17, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, a narcotics detecting K-9 was deployed and illegal narcotics were located. Maria D.L. Vidal Cruz, 51, of Mount Pleasant, TX was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine

Sheriff: Texas woman was transporting meth in Kansas 

The emergency shelter shuttered unexpectedly in September after providing thousands of children with a temporary home over nearly four decades

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/anniegoldman/">ANNIE GOLDMAN</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspidel/">ANNA SPIDEL</a>

As the community grapples with the closure of the Rainbow House Children’s Emergency Shelter, questions remain about what led to the shutdown of the only shelter of its kind in mid-Missouri.

Allegations of misuse of funds have been raised by both community members and Rainbow House’s board of directors, and much of the blame has been placed on the organization’s former executive director, Melissa Faurot. But Faurot, who confirmed that she was terminated in August, said they’ve got it all wrong.

The emergency shelter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/rainbow-house-closes-its-doors-community-reacts/article_33ce2644-7c53-11ef-81bd-a7b2863dd272.html" target="_blank">shuttered its doors</a>&nbsp;unexpectedly in September after providing thousands of children with a temporary home over nearly four decades, Rainbow House founder Kathy Hughes said.

In a matter of months, the nonprofit organization went from asking for millions of dollars for a significant renovation to being the subject of a state investigation.

“It was a complete shock to me,” Hughes said. She has not been significantly involved in Rainbow House’s operations for the past several years.

Rainbow House’s nearly 1.5-acre property in north Columbia is also pending a sale, hindering hopes that operations can return to normal.

As the community wrestles with the disappearance of what advocates considered a valuable resource to children and families in 11 Missouri counties, questions persist: What happened to Rainbow House?

And, what happened to the $1.2 million raised for the facility’s planned expansion, $1.1 million of which came from the Veterans United Foundation?

In the past few months, Melissa Faurot’s name has consistently been included in online chatter about Rainbow House’s collapse.

Faurot, an attorney who was previously a board member and was part of the organization for over a decade, was the executive director of Rainbow House from August 2021 to August 2024.

“I’ve been silent for many months, and I’ve had the mud thrown at me … I’m not really interested in sitting back and being quiet anymore,” she said.

Faurot was terminated unexpectedly on Aug. 14 by the board of directors, she said. Faurot said she was not given a reason as to why she was terminated, but she speculates it had to do with disagreement between her and the board on how to handle the ongoing renovation, and the subsequent issues of fundraising.

She alleged that Rainbow House’s board of directors is misleading the community about who authorized the construction’s commencement, what happened to the money, why the emergency shelter was shut down and how the property ended up in the hands of the contracted construction company.

“I saw the writing on the wall. I knew that the blame was going to be placed on me because, well, somebody wanted a scapegoat,” she said.

Faurot also confirmed that the ongoing state investigation of Rainbow House is being facilitated by the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Kathy Hughes founded Rainbow House in 1986. As an experienced foster parent and pediatric nurse, Hughes saw the need to provide children in short-term foster care with more stability.

Her family was fostering one child in particular who had been placed in emergency foster care and was being moved from house to house. After the child had been placed in her fifth school in three weeks, Hughes realized that the system was not serving children in the way that it should have upon initial intake.

“The system (was) doing her more harm than her father beating her did,” Hughes said. “The bruises were starting to heal, but we were making her feel like it was her fault and that she was being punished.”

Hughes started dreaming of a place where children who had experienced abuse or neglect could stay more permanently until the legal system reached a verdict on their futures, whether that’s returning home or being placed into long-term foster care.

She consulted different local government entities but settled on the reality that her vision of a physical home-like space devoted to this mission had to be established independently. Hughes found a “big old farmhouse” in Columbia with the capacity for up to 12 children, and with a loan, she purchased the property.

After nine months of renovations and preparation, Hughes was ready to open the doors of the emergency shelter. But when she was preparing to finally welcome children to the farmhouse on Oakland Gravel Road, she couldn’t decide on a name to give it — until she watched a storm pass and give way to a rainbow.

“We never see rainbows, except when we’ve just had a storm,” she said. “It all just kind of clicked. Here’s a place where children come after a storm, and we’re giving them a rainbow.”

From that day forward, the shelter was to be called Rainbow House.

Before it even had the proper licensing from the state, Rainbow House had eight kids to care for. The staff members at Rainbow House were issued a temporary license so they could take the children the very night law enforcement picked them up from an emergency situation.

“We hit the ground running,” Hughes said.

Hughes quit her job as a school nurse and became the emergency shelter’s executive director. She hired a handful of house parents, live-in staff members and recruited volunteers to fulfill the rest of the operation’s needs.

In the early years, Hughes led with the goal of having every child at Rainbow House remain in the school they were already enrolled in. The shelter’s staff drove the children to school in a donated van every morning. Rainbow House had immediate support from local schools and community members, Hughes said.

Hughes remained as Rainbow House’s executive director for three years. However, she said she has not had a hands-on relationship with the organization in the past few years, partly because “things seem to have been going quite smoothly, until very recently.”

She heard about the emergency shelter shutting down when a friend called to ask her about it and sent her a news article detailing the event.

“I’m as curious as everybody else as to what the heck happened,” Hughes said.

Rainbow House has historically had two arms: The Rainbow House Children’s Emergency Shelter and the Rainbow House Regional Child Advocacy Center. Until its closure, the emergency shelter temporarily housed children in foster care or facing homelessness and assisted parents who requested placement for their children during crisis, according to the organization’s website. The child advocacy center provides forensic interviewing, advocacy and therapy for children who have been sexually or severely physically abused.

Although the shelter was Hughes’ first priority, the advocacy center was always part of the blueprint, she said. The center was built under one of Hughes’ successors across the street from the original emergency shelter.

“(The child advocacy center meant) that kids did not have to go to the emergency room to get forensic exams. They didn’t have to go to the police station to tell their story. They came to some place that felt much safer,” Hughes said.

In the new space, the advocacy center’s interviewing capabilities became more advanced. Hughes said the organization was able to videotape interviews with children, meaning questions that would have been asked to them in court could be asked in a more comfortable space, and then presented in court. This limited children having to testify in-person, which Hughes said was “huge.”

The advocacy center and the emergency shelter have always been housed under the same umbrella organization, Rainbow House. Hughes said that this decision was in the best interest of the children Rainbow House served.

Both the emergency shelter and the advocacy center moved to a joint facility on Towne Drive in 2004.

In addition to fundraising, Rainbow House has also benefitted from state funding for its emergency shelter through the state’s crisis care and foster care programs. Additionally, the child advocacy center is funded with federal money, from the Victims of Crime Act, and state money.

Rainbow House’s operations come to an endAt the time of the shelter’s shutdown this fall, Rainbow House was in the middle of a multimillion-dollar expansion. The organization was in the process of completing a new wing that would double the emergency shelter’s capacity.

While renovations were underway, the shelter’s operations were moved to a temporary location. Tyler Willy, president of Rainbow House’s board of directors, estimated that the shelter was serving five to seven children on any given day in its last few weeks of operation.

During this time, however, Rainbow House was only doing daytime services in a holding location, so there were no children spending the night and therefore none displaced, Willy said.

The shelter’s last day of accepting children was Sept. 27. The organization’s advocacy center has remained open, also in a temporary location while its permanent facility was being renovated, but a new partnership has stepped in to fill the void left by Rainbow House’s reduction of child advocacy center services.

Though it seemed like Rainbow House initially planned to keep its Regional Child Advocacy Center open, a new one will replace it. Missouri Network Against Child Abuse, a state agency representing all of Missouri’s child advocacy centers, has contracted with Partner for Better, a company that helps grow nonprofits and foundations, to open a new child advocacy center in Columbia.

Rainbow House’s Regional Child Advocacy Center will remain open until the new center, which will be called the Child Advocacy Center of Central Missouri, is established. The Boone County Commission approved the new center’s contract last week.

Having a child advocacy center in Boone County is statutorily mandated, and once the transition to the new center is complete, state and federal funds already allocated to Rainbow House will be transferred to the new organization.

This process is expected to take nine months to a year to complete, and no location for the new center has been set.

In 2022, Rainbow House launched a capital campaign in efforts to raise money for an expansion to its Towne Drive facility, despite staffing shortages.

The “Rebuild Our Rainbow” campaign had a fundraising goal of $2.6 million — the price of the slated renovations. Rainbow House received a $1.1 million contribution from the Veterans United Foundation in November 2021. The nonprofit was hoping to raise another $1.5 million.

However, Rainbow House never raised half of the total amount needed for the renovations.

The capital campaign has raised a total of $1,214,000, according to Rainbow House’s website — just 46% of the initial goal. When disregarding the Veterans United Foundation contribution, this leaves a total of just over $100,000 raised by outside sources.

The planned expansion to Rainbow House’s shelter was significant. It included adding a new wing that would double the shelter’s capacity from 18 children to 36, and it would allow the shelter to have separate living facilities for boys and girls, among other improvements. The advocacy center portion of the facility was also set to receive renovations.

Doubling the shelter’s capacity may have been a lofty goal for Rainbow House, as the facility reported staffing shortages in early 2022, just weeks before announcing the capital campaign, according to previous Missourian reporting. Because the shelter was required to maintain a specific ratio of youth specialists to children, the shelter had to limit the number of children it served at the time.

The shelter didn’t have enough staff to provide for every child in need, Faurot told the Missourian at the time. Nonetheless, plans to double the capacity of the shelter, and consequently the number of staff members needed, commenced.

Rainbow House may have jumped the gun on actually starting the renovations too. Renovations began in October 2023, according to Rainbow House’s website. Yet the funding goal had not been achieved at the time.

Dan Reynolds — president and owner of Holmes, Radford and Reynolds, a firm that specializes in capital campaign management — said nonprofits that embark on capital campaigns should ensure they have most of the funding needed before commencing construction.

“I think it’s best practice to secure upwards of 75-80% of those commitments and pledges before embarking on construction activities,” Reynolds said.

Rainbow House authorized construction with less than half of the money needed to complete construction. But there are conflicting accounts of who actually authorized this construction, which ultimately may have led to the shutdown of the shelter.

When Rainbow House announced the closure of its emergency shelter on Sept. 25, it simultaneously announced that the organization was signing over the shelter property to Little Dixie Construction, the company that had been working on the expansion. This decision was made to help alleviate “financial distress,” according to a news release.

John States, a managing partner at Little Dixie Construction, formed a new company, Towne Drive Investments LLC, on Aug. 22, according to Missouri secretary of state records. This new company then took ownership of the Rainbow House facility on Aug. 30.

The property would soon be put up for sale for over $3.5 million.

States did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Upon closure of the emergency shelter, Rainbow House said that it was “placed in a financially unsustainable position” after “high-level decisions” were made outside of guidelines approved by its board of directors, according to previous Missourian reporting. The nature of these “high-level decisions” remains unknown.

In late September, Willy, the board president, said the state launched an investigation into Rainbow House for “internal misallocation of funds.” He said that he could not speak on whether the state investigation is focused on the advocacy center, the emergency shelter or both.

Willy said the only person with access to the funds under investigation was terminated from Rainbow House in August. Willy was presumably referring to Faurot, and Faurot said “everybody knows he was making the assumption it was me.”