RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 300 block of Stockdale Drive in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The City of Randolph reported an unknown suspect posed as a consulting group and defrauded the city. 

Total loss associated with this report is $40,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 300 block of Stockdale Drive in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The City of Randolph reported an unknown suspect posed as a consulting group and defrauded the city. Total loss associated with this report is $40,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police:  Kan. community lost $40,000 in alleged fraud scheme

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a drowning have identified the victim as 35-year-old Aubrey Mayo of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;responded to a check welfare call in the 3600 block of S. Broadway in Wichita, according to Moses. First responders learned that Mayo was swimming in a private lake and friends lost sight of her.&nbsp;

Wichita and Sedgwick County Fire and Rescue responded, searched the lake later locating Mayo who was deceased in the lake.

The Sedgwick County Coroner will determine her cause of death. At this time, the death is not believed to be the result of criminal activity, according to Moses.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities investigating a drowning have identified the victim as 35-year-old Aubrey Mayo of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police&nbsp;responded to a check welfare call in the 3600 block of S. Broadway in Wichita, according to Moses. First responders learned that Mayo was swimming in a private lake and friends lost sight of her.&nbsp;Wichita and Sedgwick County Fire and Rescue responded, searched the lake later locating Mayo who was deceased in the lake.The Sedgwick County Coroner will determine her cause of death. At this time, the death is not believed to be the result of criminal activity, according to Moses.

Police ID Kansas woman who drowned in private lake

KANSAS CITY — A third person has died from injuries in an accident that occurred just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A Kia Soul was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.

The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton.

 The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof.

 The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. The 16-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 37-year-old front seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The second left front passenger was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina.

 A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation. 

The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp; Police have not released the names of those who died.

 This is the 59th traffic fatality in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.

KANSAS CITY —Two people died in a two vehicle accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

The accident occurred at the intersection of 35th&nbsp;and Norton, according to Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews transported&nbsp; 3 adults and 4 children to local hospitals in serious condition. Two men also died.&nbsp; Kansas City Police are investigating the cause of the accident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723594321991.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A third person has died from injuries in an accident that occurred just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A Kia Soul was eastbound on 35th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. The Kia came upon an eastbound Chevy Tahoe. As the Chevy Tahoe approached Norton Street, the driver slowed to make the left turn to go North on Norton, according to Becchina.The driver of the Kia had pulled over into the westbound lanes to pass the Chevy Tahoe just as the Chevy Tahoe was starting his turn. The vehicles collided in the westbound lanes of travel. The Chevy Tahoe was spun around and south on Norton. The driver was transported to an area hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. The Kia Soul crashed into a large wooden utility pole and then flipped onto the roof. The Kia Soul had eight occupants in the vehicle. The 16-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 37-year-old front seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The second left front passenger was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving, according to Becchina. A 20-year-old man was sitting in the second right passenger seat, with a 4-year-old child sitting on his lap. In the middle second row seat was a 6-year-old child. In the rear cargo area were a 12-year-old and 13-year-old, not in any type of seat.&nbsp; All were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Prior to the crash, an officer had stopped the Kia at 31st and Cleveland, for a traffic violation. The Kia driver pulled over, but after the officer exited his vehicle, the Kia driver took off at a high rate of speed. The officer did not follow. The Kia responded back as a stolen auto, taken August 2nd.&nbsp; Police have not released the names of those who died. This is the 59th traffic fatality in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024 total compared to 56 at this time last year, according to Becchina.------------KANSAS CITY —Two people died in a two vehicle accident just after 5p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.The accident occurred at the intersection of 35th&nbsp;and Norton, according to Kansas City Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews transported&nbsp; 3 adults and 4 children to local hospitals in serious condition. Two men also died.&nbsp; Kansas City Police are investigating the cause of the accident.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the names of the victims.

KCPD: 3rd person dies after crash in stolen car that injured 4 children

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; continue asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police.

 Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.

Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.

If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719693545861.png" alt="Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police." />
 <figcaption>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide&nbsp; continue asking for the public’s help in locating 19-year-old Nassir Gill of Topeka, according to a media release from police. Gill is a person of interest in the homicide of Brian M. Wright Jr., 23, that occurred on June 21, in the 3100 block of SW Westover Road in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719001082126.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Gill is described as 5-foot-6 and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He may no longer have blue/green hair, as seen in the photo released by police.If you see or know where Gill may be, please call or email investigators at 785-368-9551 and telltpd@topeka.org. You can also report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007 or online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Search continues for Kansas teen homicide suspect

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement who made three arrests and recovered illegal explosives and drugs at a home in north Kansas City August 2, reported finding additional illegal explosives, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;

As detectives continued their investigation they located a storage unit 46-year-old Cory Young had apparently rented under a relative's name. Inside detectives found 13 more homemade hand grenades, 17 guns and 31 cases of ammunition. Young is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing guns or ammunition.

Last week, acting on tips a Drug Task Force recovered a large amount of illegal explosives and drugs from the Kansas City house while serving a search warrant, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.

The STAR (Special Tactics and Response) Team arrested three people in the 6500 block of North Hickory Street in Kansas City. A search of the home turned up&nbsp; 107 pounds of explosive powder, two pipe bombs,&nbsp; 15 grenades,&nbsp; 20 grams of fentanyl paste,&nbsp; 15 grams of meth,&nbsp; Psychedelic mushrooms, Seven guns, including an Uzi and&nbsp; a large amount of ammunition.

An elementary school-aged child also was in the home. The child was placed with relatives.

Cory D. Young faces new charges in addition to charges that include delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and child endangerment. He is being held on a bond of $350,000 cash only.

Erika Lahr, 32, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and child endangerment. She is being held on a bond of $250,000 cash only.

Tammie L. Bindel Cole, 52, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon. She is being held on a bond of $150,000 cash only.

Additional federal charges could be forthcoming related to the explosives and weapons.

This was a joint investigation by the Clay County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s Bomb Squad assisted with the removal and processing of the explosives. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722708820689.png" alt="Young-photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Young-photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement who made three arrests and recovered illegal explosives and drugs at a home in north Kansas City August 2, reported finding additional illegal explosives, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;As detectives continued their investigation they located a storage unit 46-year-old Cory Young had apparently rented under a relative's name. Inside detectives found 13 more homemade hand grenades, 17 guns and 31 cases of ammunition. Young is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing guns or ammunition.Last week, acting on tips a Drug Task Force recovered a large amount of illegal explosives and drugs from the Kansas City house while serving a search warrant, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722708853161.png" alt="Lahr photo Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Lahr photo Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The STAR (Special Tactics and Response) Team arrested three people in the 6500 block of North Hickory Street in Kansas City. A search of the home turned up&nbsp; 107 pounds of explosive powder, two pipe bombs,&nbsp; 15 grenades,&nbsp; 20 grams of fentanyl paste,&nbsp; 15 grams of meth,&nbsp; Psychedelic mushrooms, Seven guns, including an Uzi and&nbsp; a large amount of ammunition.An elementary school-aged child also was in the home. The child was placed with relatives.Cory D. Young faces new charges in addition to charges that include delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and child endangerment. He is being held on a bond of $350,000 cash only.Erika Lahr, 32, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and child endangerment. She is being held on a bond of $250,000 cash only.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722708899567.png" alt="Cole ph oto Clay Co." />
 <figcaption>Cole ph oto Clay Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tammie L. Bindel Cole, 52, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon. She is being held on a bond of $150,000 cash only.Additional federal charges could be forthcoming related to the explosives and weapons.This was a joint investigation by the Clay County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s Bomb Squad assisted with the removal and processing of the explosives. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.

More grenades, guns found connected to arrests at KC home

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas teen died in an accident Tuesday in Great Bend.

Just after 8a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the Great Bend Municipal Airport after 911 Dispatch received calls about an accidental electrocution in that area, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

A roofing company was working on the main hangar near the terminal building. Upon arrival, crews discovered two victims. Investigation indicates the two men were in a bucket on an aerial boom when they came into contact with high-voltage power lines. One of the individuals managed to get onto the roof and was able to reach the ground. The second victim was still in the bucket on the boom and was unresponsive.

By 8:48 a.m., power was shut off and rescue personnel were able to reach the second victim. Both victims were transported to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus.

The first victim, identified as 24-year-old Allistar Jose Sanchez of Wichita, received serious burns in the incident. He was later airlifted to Wichita area hospital. The second victim, identified 16-year-old Ivan Joel Mollins of Wichita, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Because the accident occurred on city property and involved a city building, the Great Bend Police Department requested that the Sheriff’s Office handle the investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Police Department, Great Bend Fire Department and EMS and Midwest Energy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723575185846.jpeg" alt="photos by Cameron Sweitzer" />
 <figcaption>photos by Cameron Sweitzer</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas teen died in an accident Tuesday in Great Bend.Just after 8a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to the Great Bend Municipal Airport after 911 Dispatch received calls about an accidental electrocution in that area, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.A roofing company was working on the main hangar near the terminal building. Upon arrival, crews discovered two victims. Investigation indicates the two men were in a bucket on an aerial boom when they came into contact with high-voltage power lines. One of the individuals managed to get onto the roof and was able to reach the ground. The second victim was still in the bucket on the boom and was unresponsive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723575115607.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By 8:48 a.m., power was shut off and rescue personnel were able to reach the second victim. Both victims were transported to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus.The first victim, identified as 24-year-old Allistar Jose Sanchez of Wichita, received serious burns in the incident. He was later airlifted to Wichita area hospital. The second victim, identified 16-year-old Ivan Joel Mollins of Wichita, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Because the accident occurred on city property and involved a city building, the Great Bend Police Department requested that the Sheriff’s Office handle the investigation.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Police Department, Great Bend Fire Department and EMS and Midwest Energy.

Sheriff: Kansas teen electrocuted, man critically burned 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a driver involved in a wrong-way crash alleged DUI.

Early Tuesday, deputies arrested a 22-year-old woman on requested charges of driving under the influence after a crash occurred while driving the wrong way on the eastbound ramp from 23rd Street to Kansas Highway 10, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

Fortunately there were no injuries when her vehicle struck the barrier.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office did not release the name of the driver.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a driver involved in a wrong-way crash alleged DUI.Early Tuesday, deputies arrested a 22-year-old woman on requested charges of driving under the influence after a crash occurred while driving the wrong way on the eastbound ramp from 23rd Street to Kansas Highway 10, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.Fortunately there were no injuries when her vehicle struck the barrier.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office did not release the name of the driver.

Kan. woman accused of DUI after wrong-way crash

The ballot question was among four citizen-led measures certified by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office for the November ballot

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

Abortion will be on Missouri’s statewide ballot in November.

A citizen-led initiative petition hoping to enshrine the right to abortion up until the point of fetal viability received final approval Tuesday, securing a place on the general election ballot.&nbsp;

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office had until 5 p.m. to certify all ballot measures that received enough verified signatures to qualify. It certified the measures as sufficient&nbsp;hours before that deadline. Also certified to be on the November ballot were proposals to legalize sports wagering and raise the minimum wage.&nbsp;

In Missouri, the first state to ban abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to the procedure two years ago, abortion is expected to be a focal point of the general election campaign.

Missouri is among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/24/abortion-state-laws-criminalization-roe/" target="_blank">18 states with an abortion ban</a>, and among several states working to put abortion on the ballot. In each state that put the issue on the ballot, citizens ultimately choose to protect the procedure.

Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions only in cases of medical emergencies. There are no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.

If the amendment receives more than 50% of votes in approval, the measure would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability, an undefined period of time generally seen as the point in which the fetus could survive outside the womb on its own, generally around 24 weeks, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/understanding-and-navigating-viability#:~:text=Later%20in%20pregnancy%2C%20a%20clinician,fully%20develop%20in%20the%20uterus." target="_blank">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.&nbsp;</a>

Such an amendment would return Missouri to the standard of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which also legalized abortion up to the point of fetal viability. Missouri’s amendment also includes exceptions after viability&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">“to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”</a>

Missouri’s amendment also states that women and those performing or assisting in abortions cannot be prosecuted. Under current Missouri law, doctors who perform abortions deemed unnecessary can be charged with a class B felony and face up to 15 years in prison. Their medical license can also be suspended or revoked.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition leading the reproductive-rights campaigns, is headed by Abortion Action Missouri, the ACLU of Missouri and the state’s Planned Parenthood affiliates.&nbsp;

A decade ago, when abortion was still legal with fewer limitations, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in the state, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. But by 2020, that number dropped to 167 due to a series of “targeted regulation of abortion providers” laws passed, including a mandatory&nbsp;72-hour waiting period between the initial appointment and a surgical abortion and mandatory pelvic exams for medication abortions.

Since the Supreme Court decision in June 2022&nbsp;through March 2024, there were 64 abortions performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;

<a href="https://guttmacherinstitute.github.io/provision-dashboard/" target="_blank">A recent study by the Guttmacher Institute,&nbsp;</a>a reproductive rights research group, showed that in 2023 alone, 8,710 Missourians traveled to Illinois and 2,860 Missourians went to Kansas for the procedure, which remains legal in both states.&nbsp;

Despite the relative proximity to clinics in the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis and the Kansas suburbs of Kansas City, abortion access for Missourians has remained precarious at best.

Missourians hoping for abortions have increasingly found themselves competing for limited resources — including abortion funds and clinic appointment openings — especially as more southern states have outlawed the procedure, making Illinois and Kansas critical access points for women in states like Florida, Oklahoma and Texas.&nbsp;

This has led many Missourians to increasingly rely on self-managed medication abortions. Rather than traveling across state lines, it’s estimated that thousands of Missourians received Mifepristone and Misoprostol to end their pregnancies at home in the past two years according to&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2816817?utm_campaign=articlePDF&amp;utm_medium=articlePDFlink&amp;utm_source=articlePDF&amp;utm_content=jama.2024.4266" target="_blank">JAMA, the American Medical Association’s journal.</a>

The initial attempt to place abortion on the ballot began in March 2023.&nbsp;

Legal fights with Republican state officials over the ballot language and internal disagreements on whether to include a viability ban stalled signature gathering attempts until January.&nbsp;

As a result, the coalition had just 90 days to fundraise and collect signatures across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers were prioritizing an attempt to raise the threshold for approving citizen-led ballot measures. After a series of Senate filibusters, including one that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-senate-filibuster-day-two-initiative-petitions/">&nbsp;broke records at 41 hours</a>, the legislation failed on the final day of session.&nbsp;

<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher&nbsp;</a>on the day of adjournment said that if abortion made it to the ballot and then passed in November under the current initiative petition guidelines, “the burden of abortion falls squarely on the Senate and its leadership.”

Despite these obstacles, the initiative petition garnered wide support across the state.&nbsp;

As of July, the campaign raised nearly $7.3 million in donations, according to filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom turned in 380,000 signatures by their May deadline, including from each of Missouri’s 114 counties. To qualify for the ballot, they had to get signatures from 8% of registered voters in six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts, which equates to about 171,000 signatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As of mid-July, the campaign had turned in more than enough valid signatures to land on the ballot, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/abortion-minimum-wage-campaigns-missouri-ballot/">preliminary records from Missouri election authorities.</a>

Once all verified signatures were turned in by election authorities in late July, the secretary of state’s office had two weeks to determine whether there were any final issues, like duplicate pages or missing affidavits signed by circulators.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723570570886.png" alt=" Attendees cheer during a Missourians for Constitutional Freedom rally after the campaign turned in more than 380,000 signatures for its initiative petition to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution Friday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Attendees cheer during a Missourians for Constitutional Freedom rally after the campaign turned in more than 380,000 signatures for its initiative petition to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution Friday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ballot question was among four citizen-led measures certified by the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office for the November ballot</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Abortion will be on Missouri’s statewide ballot in November.A citizen-led initiative petition hoping to enshrine the right to abortion up until the point of fetal viability received final approval Tuesday, securing a place on the general election ballot.&nbsp;The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office had until 5 p.m. to certify all ballot measures that received enough verified signatures to qualify. It certified the measures as sufficient&nbsp;hours before that deadline. Also certified to be on the November ballot were proposals to legalize sports wagering and raise the minimum wage.&nbsp;In Missouri, the first state to ban abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to the procedure two years ago, abortion is expected to be a focal point of the general election campaign.Missouri is among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/24/abortion-state-laws-criminalization-roe/" target="_blank">18 states with an abortion ban</a>, and among several states working to put abortion on the ballot. In each state that put the issue on the ballot, citizens ultimately choose to protect the procedure.<h2>What would the amendment do?</h2>Abortion is illegal in Missouri, with limited exceptions only in cases of medical emergencies. There are no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.If the amendment receives more than 50% of votes in approval, the measure would legalize abortion up until the point of fetal viability, an undefined period of time generally seen as the point in which the fetus could survive outside the womb on its own, generally around 24 weeks, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/understanding-and-navigating-viability#:~:text=Later%20in%20pregnancy%2C%20a%20clinician,fully%20develop%20in%20the%20uterus." target="_blank">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.&nbsp;</a>Such an amendment would return Missouri to the standard of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which also legalized abortion up to the point of fetal viability. Missouri’s amendment also includes exceptions after viability&nbsp;<a href="https://moconstitutionalfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Missourians-for-Constitutional-Freedom-Amendment.pdf" target="_blank">“to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”</a>Missouri’s amendment also states that women and those performing or assisting in abortions cannot be prosecuted. Under current Missouri law, doctors who perform abortions deemed unnecessary can be charged with a class B felony and face up to 15 years in prison. Their medical license can also be suspended or revoked.Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition leading the reproductive-rights campaigns, is headed by Abortion Action Missouri, the ACLU of Missouri and the state’s Planned Parenthood affiliates.&nbsp;A decade ago, when abortion was still legal with fewer limitations, more than 5,000 abortions were performed in the state, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. But by 2020, that number dropped to 167 due to a series of “targeted regulation of abortion providers” laws passed, including a mandatory&nbsp;72-hour waiting period between the initial appointment and a surgical abortion and mandatory pelvic exams for medication abortions.Since the Supreme Court decision in June 2022&nbsp;through March 2024, there were 64 abortions performed in Missouri under the state’s emergency exemption, according to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.&nbsp;<a href="https://guttmacherinstitute.github.io/provision-dashboard/" target="_blank">A recent study by the Guttmacher Institute,&nbsp;</a>a reproductive rights research group, showed that in 2023 alone, 8,710 Missourians traveled to Illinois and 2,860 Missourians went to Kansas for the procedure, which remains legal in both states.&nbsp;Despite the relative proximity to clinics in the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis and the Kansas suburbs of Kansas City, abortion access for Missourians has remained precarious at best.Missourians hoping for abortions have increasingly found themselves competing for limited resources — including abortion funds and clinic appointment openings — especially as more southern states have outlawed the procedure, making Illinois and Kansas critical access points for women in states like Florida, Oklahoma and Texas.&nbsp;This has led many Missourians to increasingly rely on self-managed medication abortions. Rather than traveling across state lines, it’s estimated that thousands of Missourians received Mifepristone and Misoprostol to end their pregnancies at home in the past two years according to&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2816817?utm_campaign=articlePDF&amp;utm_medium=articlePDFlink&amp;utm_source=articlePDF&amp;utm_content=jama.2024.4266" target="_blank">JAMA, the American Medical Association’s journal.</a><h2>Wide support despite initial delays</h2>The initial attempt to place abortion on the ballot began in March 2023.&nbsp;Legal fights with Republican state officials over the ballot language and internal disagreements on whether to include a viability ban stalled signature gathering attempts until January.&nbsp;As a result, the coalition had just 90 days to fundraise and collect signatures across the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers were prioritizing an attempt to raise the threshold for approving citizen-led ballot measures. After a series of Senate filibusters, including one that<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/14/missouri-senate-filibuster-day-two-initiative-petitions/">&nbsp;broke records at 41 hours</a>, the legislation failed on the final day of session.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/05/17/missouri-session-initiative-petition-senate/">Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher&nbsp;</a>on the day of adjournment said that if abortion made it to the ballot and then passed in November under the current initiative petition guidelines, “the burden of abortion falls squarely on the Senate and its leadership.”Despite these obstacles, the initiative petition garnered wide support across the state.&nbsp;As of July, the campaign raised nearly $7.3 million in donations, according to filings with the Missouri Ethics Commission.Missourians for Constitutional Freedom turned in 380,000 signatures by their May deadline, including from each of Missouri’s 114 counties. To qualify for the ballot, they had to get signatures from 8% of registered voters in six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts, which equates to about 171,000 signatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of mid-July, the campaign had turned in more than enough valid signatures to land on the ballot, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/abortion-minimum-wage-campaigns-missouri-ballot/">preliminary records from Missouri election authorities.</a>Once all verified signatures were turned in by election authorities in late July, the secretary of state’s office had two weeks to determine whether there were any final issues, like duplicate pages or missing affidavits signed by circulators.&nbsp;

Missouri voters will decide whether to legalize abortion in November

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal Missouri officer-involved shooting have identified the man who died as 30-year-old Garrett M. Ryan of Sullivan, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

On August 10, Franklin County, Mo., deputies and Sullivan police requested the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control investigate the shooting that occurred on Interstate 44 near the Route 185 exit in Franklin County.

The Patrol released no additional details.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal Missouri officer-involved shooting have identified the man who died as 30-year-old Garrett M. Ryan of Sullivan, Missouri, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.On August 10, Franklin County, Mo., deputies and Sullivan police requested the MSHP Division of Drug and Crime Control investigate the shooting that occurred on Interstate 44 near the Route 185 exit in Franklin County.The Patrol released no additional details.

Patrol IDs man who died in Missouri officer shooting

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas police chief who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">raid last year on a weekly newspaper</a>&nbsp;has been charged with felony obstruction of justice and is accused of persuading a potential witness to withhold information from authorities when they later investigated his conduct.

The single charge against former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody alleges that he knowingly or intentionally influenced the witness to withhold information on the day of the raid of the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher or sometime within the following six days. The charge was filed Monday in state district court in Marion County and is not more specific about Cody's alleged conduct.

The raid sparked a national debate about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-county-record-kansas-newspaper-raid-f1e49c4e542ddb3cf19c9ca02a0a21fb">press freedom</a>&nbsp;focused on Marion, a town of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Also, newspaper Publisher Eric Meyer's mother, who co-owned the newspaper and lived with him, died the next day of a heart attack, and he blames the stress of the raid.

Meyer said last week that authorities appear to be making Cody the “fall guy” for the raid when numerous officials were involved. He said Tuesday that he suspects the criminal case ultimately will be resolved through a plea bargain so that Cody will not have a trial that would more fully disclose details about the raid.

“We're just being basic journalists here,” he said. “We want the whole story. We don't want part of it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-criminal-charge-289ad3ae0204fe2278c4057bcf6364c7">A report from two special prosecutors</a>&nbsp;last week referenced text messages between Cody and a local business owner after the raid. The business owner has said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-police-chief-resigns-e4ddf5a06defbb702bc23650827e53fd">Cody asked her to delete text messages</a>&nbsp;between them, fearing people could get the wrong idea about their relationship, which she said was professional and platonic.

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment at a possible cellphone number for Cody, and it was not immediately returned Tuesday. Attorneys representing Cody in a federal lawsuit over the raid are not representing him in the criminal case and did not immediately know who was representing him.

Cody justified the Aug. 11, 2023, raid by saying he had evidence that Meyer, the newspaper and one of its reporters, Phyllis Zorn, had committed identity theft or other computer crimes in verifying the authenticity of a copy of the business owner's state driving record provided to the newspaper by an acquaintance. The business owner was seeking Marion City Council approval for a liquor license and the record showed that she potentially had driven without a valid license for years. However, she later had her license reinstated.

The prosecutors' report concluded that no crime was committed by Meyer, Zorn, or the newspaper and that Cody reached an erroneous conclusion about their conduct because of a poor investigation. Zorn used the information she had to legally search an online state database using her own name.

The prosecutors also said police search warrants signed by a judge contained inaccurate information because of the “inadequate investigation” and were not legally justified. But the prosecutors said they couldn't show that Cody had intentionally misled the judge.

The obstruction of justice charge against Cody was filed by one of the special prosecutors, Barry Wilkerson, the top prosecutor in Riley County in northeastern Kansas. The other special prosecutor is Marc Bennett, the district attorney in Sedgwick County, the home to the state's largest city of Wichita.

A conviction for a first-time offender can be punished by up to nine months in prison, though under the state's sentencing guidelines, the typical penalty is 18 months or less of probation.

The Record's publishing company and current and former staffers have filed four federal lawsuits against Cody and other former and current local officials. The publishing company's lawsuit includes a wrongful death claim and suggests&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-federal-lawsuit-f19966b3b1a2f2f4f116000c67313d8f">total damages exceed $10 million.</a>&nbsp;The city's current annual budget is about $9.5 million.

The publishing company also filed an open records lawsuit last month in state district court, seeking to force the city to turn over texts between police and other local officials.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-mother-raid-video-4427af3241da82767deb76028836cffd">Police body-camera footage</a>&nbsp;of the 2023 raid on the publisher's home shows the publisher's 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, visibly upset and telling officers, “Get out of my house!”

The prosecutors said they could not charge Cody or other officers involved in the raid over her death because there was no evidence they believed the raid posed a risk to her life.

The prosecutors also said there was no “gross deviation” from how officers served other search warrants in the past. However, Eric Meyer said seven officers came to the house for the search.

“A couple of weeks earlier, they conducted a raid on the home of a suspected child rapist who was known to have guns in his house, and they only sent two cops for that,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692219843330.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas police chief who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">raid last year on a weekly newspaper</a>&nbsp;has been charged with felony obstruction of justice and is accused of persuading a potential witness to withhold information from authorities when they later investigated his conduct.The single charge against former Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody alleges that he knowingly or intentionally influenced the witness to withhold information on the day of the raid of the Marion County Record and the home of its publisher or sometime within the following six days. The charge was filed Monday in state district court in Marion County and is not more specific about Cody's alleged conduct.The raid sparked a national debate about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-county-record-kansas-newspaper-raid-f1e49c4e542ddb3cf19c9ca02a0a21fb">press freedom</a>&nbsp;focused on Marion, a town of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills about 150 miles (241 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Also, newspaper Publisher Eric Meyer's mother, who co-owned the newspaper and lived with him, died the next day of a heart attack, and he blames the stress of the raid.Meyer said last week that authorities appear to be making Cody the “fall guy” for the raid when numerous officials were involved. He said Tuesday that he suspects the criminal case ultimately will be resolved through a plea bargain so that Cody will not have a trial that would more fully disclose details about the raid.“We're just being basic journalists here,” he said. “We want the whole story. We don't want part of it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-criminal-charge-289ad3ae0204fe2278c4057bcf6364c7">A report from two special prosecutors</a>&nbsp;last week referenced text messages between Cody and a local business owner after the raid. The business owner has said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-police-chief-resigns-e4ddf5a06defbb702bc23650827e53fd">Cody asked her to delete text messages</a>&nbsp;between them, fearing people could get the wrong idea about their relationship, which she said was professional and platonic.The Associated Press left a message seeking comment at a possible cellphone number for Cody, and it was not immediately returned Tuesday. Attorneys representing Cody in a federal lawsuit over the raid are not representing him in the criminal case and did not immediately know who was representing him.Cody justified the Aug. 11, 2023, raid by saying he had evidence that Meyer, the newspaper and one of its reporters, Phyllis Zorn, had committed identity theft or other computer crimes in verifying the authenticity of a copy of the business owner's state driving record provided to the newspaper by an acquaintance. The business owner was seeking Marion City Council approval for a liquor license and the record showed that she potentially had driven without a valid license for years. However, she later had her license reinstated.The prosecutors' report concluded that no crime was committed by Meyer, Zorn, or the newspaper and that Cody reached an erroneous conclusion about their conduct because of a poor investigation. Zorn used the information she had to legally search an online state database using her own name.The prosecutors also said police search warrants signed by a judge contained inaccurate information because of the “inadequate investigation” and were not legally justified. But the prosecutors said they couldn't show that Cody had intentionally misled the judge.The obstruction of justice charge against Cody was filed by one of the special prosecutors, Barry Wilkerson, the top prosecutor in Riley County in northeastern Kansas. The other special prosecutor is Marc Bennett, the district attorney in Sedgwick County, the home to the state's largest city of Wichita.A conviction for a first-time offender can be punished by up to nine months in prison, though under the state's sentencing guidelines, the typical penalty is 18 months or less of probation.The Record's publishing company and current and former staffers have filed four federal lawsuits against Cody and other former and current local officials. The publishing company's lawsuit includes a wrongful death claim and suggests&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-federal-lawsuit-f19966b3b1a2f2f4f116000c67313d8f">total damages exceed $10 million.</a>&nbsp;The city's current annual budget is about $9.5 million.The publishing company also filed an open records lawsuit last month in state district court, seeking to force the city to turn over texts between police and other local officials.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-mother-raid-video-4427af3241da82767deb76028836cffd">Police body-camera footage</a>&nbsp;of the 2023 raid on the publisher's home shows the publisher's 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, visibly upset and telling officers, “Get out of my house!”The prosecutors said they could not charge Cody or other officers involved in the raid over her death because there was no evidence they believed the raid posed a risk to her life.The prosecutors also said there was no “gross deviation” from how officers served other search warrants in the past. However, Eric Meyer said seven officers came to the house for the search.“A couple of weeks earlier, they conducted a raid on the home of a suspected child rapist who was known to have guns in his house, and they only sent two cops for that,” he said.

Ex-Kan. police chief who led a raid on a newspaper charged with obstruction

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman now have been charged in connection with a knife assault on Aug. 5, 2024, on a KCATA public bus as it ran its route with multiple passengers, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Shaunte L. Washington faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Mohummah S. Baker faces Assault in the 1st Degree.

According to court records, Washington boarded a KCATA bus and began wielding a knife and making threatening stabbing motions toward another female passenger. The victim confronted Washington and&nbsp; Baker t struck the victim several times with a fist. Washington then began stabbing the victim. One stab wound severed an artery.&nbsp;

Prosecutors asked for $75,000/10 percent bonds for each defendant..

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723558799265.png" alt="Washington-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman now have been charged in connection with a knife assault on Aug. 5, 2024, on a KCATA public bus as it ran its route with multiple passengers, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Shaunte L. Washington faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Mohummah S. Baker faces Assault in the 1st Degree.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723558924081.png" alt="Baker photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Baker photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to court records, Washington boarded a KCATA bus and began wielding a knife and making threatening stabbing motions toward another female passenger. The victim confronted Washington and&nbsp; Baker t struck the victim several times with a fist. Washington then began stabbing the victim. One stab wound severed an artery.&nbsp;Prosecutors asked for $75,000/10 percent bonds for each defendant..

2 charged for knife attack on Kansas City bus 

NEW YORK — Donald Trump discussed the assassination attempt,&nbsp; shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department and much more during an online visit with&nbsp;X, formerly Twitter, owner Elon Musk Monday evening.&nbsp;

The  conversation had technical glitches but was viewed by over a billion, according to Musk.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723512136730.png" alt="Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK — Donald Trump discussed the assassination attempt,&nbsp; shared a plan to shut down the U.S. Education Department and much more during an online visit with&nbsp;X, formerly Twitter, owner Elon Musk Monday evening.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/cPUMFx9Qu5">pic.twitter.com/cPUMFx9Qu5</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823254086126608862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The conversation had technical glitches but was viewed by over a billion, according to Musk.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Combined views of the conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and subsequent discussion by other accounts now ~1 billion <a href="https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY">https://t.co/s8x8QmdmnY</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1823249070296797515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥 A billion combined views: The Trump-Musk full conversation

KANSAS CITY— Authorities continue to work to confirm the identity of a man who drowned in a Kansas City area pond on Saturday, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 5:30p.m., the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a water rescue call at 12701 E. 150 highway, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Witnesses stated that two individuals in a canoe on the pond overturned. One victim, an eight year old was able to make their way back to the bank and was safe.

 The second victim, a 23-year-old Hispanic male was not able to swim to shore. The victim was overcome and drowned. KCFD put swimmers in the water and searched the last known location. 

Missouri Highway Patrol was notified, and a water patrol boat was sent to the location to search with sonar. KCFD also called in their search dog. The dog quickly hit on area where the witnesses stated the individual was last seen. 

The Highway patrol then was able to locate the victim on sonar and retrieve the body. Neither the survivor or the victim were wearing life jackets. 

The KCFD stressed to the public to "wear a life jacket any time you are in a body of water where you can not see the bottom, and if you are not a strong swimmer or cannot swim."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723378703298.png" alt="KCFD crews on the scene of the search -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>KCFD crews on the scene of the search -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Authorities continue to work to confirm the identity of a man who drowned in a Kansas City area pond on Saturday, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.Just after 5:30p.m., the Kansas City Fire Department responded to a water rescue call at 12701 E. 150 highway, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Witnesses stated that two individuals in a canoe on the pond overturned. One victim, an eight year old was able to make their way back to the bank and was safe. The second victim, a 23-year-old Hispanic male was not able to swim to shore. The victim was overcome and drowned. KCFD put swimmers in the water and searched the last known location. Missouri Highway Patrol was notified, and a water patrol boat was sent to the location to search with sonar. KCFD also called in their search dog. The dog quickly hit on area where the witnesses stated the individual was last seen. The Highway patrol then was able to locate the victim on sonar and retrieve the body. Neither the survivor or the victim were wearing life jackets. The KCFD stressed to the public to "wear a life jacket any time you are in a body of water where you can not see the bottom, and if you are not a strong swimmer or cannot swim."

KCPD working to ID man who drowned when canoe overturned

MCDONALD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Monday in McDonald County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek driven by Kaden M. Rock, 21, Langen, was westbound on Route EE two miles west of Langan.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, struck a cement box culvert and overturned.&nbsp;

Rock and a passenger Emma J. Loding, 20, Miami, Oklahoma, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

MCDONALD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 2:30a.m. Monday in McDonald County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek driven by Kaden M. Rock, 21, Langen, was westbound on Route EE two miles west of Langan.&nbsp; The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, struck a cement box culvert and overturned.&nbsp;Rock and a passenger Emma J. Loding, 20, Miami, Oklahoma, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were both properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

2 dead after SUV rollover crash on Missouri highway

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

TOPEKA — The next personalized license plate will feature the Flint Hills design after more than 30,000 Kansans&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/kansas-invites-voting-on-five-design-options-for-states-new-personalized-license-plate/">voted among five potential designs</a>.

Kansas Department of Revenue spokesman Zach Denny said the design was the “clear favorite,” receiving more than 56% of the vote.

The new design will be ready for purchase in 2025 for $45.50 at county treasurer’s offices.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/press/2020/pr01132020.html" target="_blank">“Powering the Future”</a>&nbsp;personalized plate, the 2020 design that featured a sunset and wind turbines, will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans with the “Powering the Future” plate must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text, Denny said.

“We know how passionate Kansans are about license plates, and this initiative aims to give the public a direct say in selecting the next personalized plate design that will be featured on vehicles across the state for years to come,” KDOR Division of Vehicles director David Harper said in a statement at the beginning of the vote.

The new personalized plate, which is available along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovplates.html" target="_blank">many distinctive plates</a>, comes after last year’s controversy around the standard plate design.

The first design for the state’s new standard plate was met with bipartisan criticism, with complaints that it looked too much like the University of Missouri’s colors and that it looked like the state of New York’s standard plate. Gov. Laura Kelly pulled the plate from production and allowed Kansans to vote on alternate designs. More than half the votes went to a design featuring the state Capitol.

As of January 2024, KDOR started to replace the old standard plate with the new one.

A KDOR statement said feedback during the voting process for the standard plate led to the decision to hold another vote for the personalized plate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723474905874.png" alt="&nbsp;Kansans voted for the new personalized license plate, with the design of the Flint Hills winning more than 56% of the vote.&nbsp; (Kansas Department of Revenue)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Kansans voted for the new personalized license plate, with the design of the Flint Hills winning more than 56% of the vote.&nbsp; (Kansas Department of Revenue)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — The next personalized license plate will feature the Flint Hills design after more than 30,000 Kansans&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/kansas-invites-voting-on-five-design-options-for-states-new-personalized-license-plate/">voted among five potential designs</a>.Kansas Department of Revenue spokesman Zach Denny said the design was the “clear favorite,” receiving more than 56% of the vote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723544227052.png" alt=" The Kansas Department of Revenue is had Kansans take part in an online vote to select a new background for the state’s personalized license plates. There were five options. (Kansas Department of Revenue)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Department of Revenue is had Kansans take part in an online vote to select a new background for the state’s personalized license plates. There were five options. (Kansas Department of Revenue)</figcaption>
 </figure>The new design will be ready for purchase in 2025 for $45.50 at county treasurer’s offices.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/press/2020/pr01132020.html" target="_blank">“Powering the Future”</a>&nbsp;personalized plate, the 2020 design that featured a sunset and wind turbines, will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans with the “Powering the Future” plate must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text, Denny said.“We know how passionate Kansans are about license plates, and this initiative aims to give the public a direct say in selecting the next personalized plate design that will be featured on vehicles across the state for years to come,” KDOR Division of Vehicles director David Harper said in a statement at the beginning of the vote.The new personalized plate, which is available along with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/dovplates.html" target="_blank">many distinctive plates</a>, comes after last year’s controversy around the standard plate design.The first design for the state’s new standard plate was met with bipartisan criticism, with complaints that it looked too much like the University of Missouri’s colors and that it looked like the state of New York’s standard plate. Gov. Laura Kelly pulled the plate from production and allowed Kansans to vote on alternate designs. More than half the votes went to a design featuring the state Capitol.As of January 2024, KDOR started to replace the old standard plate with the new one.A KDOR statement said feedback during the voting process for the standard plate led to the decision to hold another vote for the personalized plate.

Kansas reveals winning personalized license plate design

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a 2021 murder.

On August 7, Judge Neil B. Foth sentenced Kyle Anthony Gutierres to 285 months in prison for second degree intentional murder, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In May of 2024, Gutierres pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder in the death of Jeren Hinton.

On May 24, 2021, police responded to the report of an armed disturbance&nbsp;in an apartment complex in the 8500 block of Greenbrier Drive in Overland Park.&nbsp; Officers found a man later identified as Hinton lying in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Hinton was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and died of his injury.

After asking the public for help to locate a suspect, police arrested Gutierres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716935604176.png" alt="Gutierres -photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Gutierres -photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a 2021 murder.On August 7, Judge Neil B. Foth sentenced Kyle Anthony Gutierres to 285 months in prison for second degree intentional murder, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.In May of 2024, Gutierres pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder in the death of Jeren Hinton.On May 24, 2021, police responded to the report of an armed disturbance&nbsp;in an apartment complex in the 8500 block of Greenbrier Drive in Overland Park.&nbsp; Officers found a man later identified as Hinton lying in the parking lot of the apartment complex. Hinton was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and died of his injury.After asking the public for help to locate a suspect, police arrested Gutierres.

Prison for Kansas man in apartment complex killing

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

On August 9, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 3400 Block of SE Girard Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police&nbsp;LT Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Officers arrested 56-year-old&nbsp; Cindy Kinmon and transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the following charges on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Distribution/Possession with intent of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Kinmon has six previous forgery convictions and one for ID theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723469508697.png" alt="Kinmon has six previous forgery convictions and one for ID theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections-&nbsp; photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kinmon has six previous forgery convictions and one for ID theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections-&nbsp; photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.On August 9, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 3400 Block of SE Girard Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police&nbsp;LT Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.Officers arrested 56-year-old&nbsp; Cindy Kinmon and transported her to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for the following charges on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Distribution/Possession with intent of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.Kinmon has six previous forgery convictions and one for ID theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;

Kan. woman with history ID theft caught with cocaine

In October,&nbsp; the world's largest steam locomotive will return to Kansas City and travel across Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm">Click here&nbsp;</a>to additional details.

Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travel across nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. No. 4014 will be on display in the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;

The train stops in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm" target="_blank">Kansas and Missouri</a>&nbsp;are listed below.

Note: All schedule times and locations are subject to change.&nbsp;Please check back periodically for updates and be aware there is&nbsp;no public access&nbsp;to the Big Boy outside these listed stops. Overnight stops are closed to the public unless otherwise noted; afternoon arrival times&nbsp;are not available

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574297319646.png" alt="File photo by Bryan Dennett" />
 <figcaption>File photo by Bryan Dennett</figcaption>
 </figure>In October,&nbsp; the world's largest steam locomotive will return to Kansas City and travel across Kansas.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm">Click here&nbsp;</a>to additional details.Big Boy No. 4014 will depart on the "Heartland of America Tour" on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and travel across nine additional states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. The eight-week tour concludes in late October. No. 4014 will be on display in the following locations:&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723494736139.png" alt="map Union Pacific" />
 <figcaption>map Union Pacific</figcaption>
 </figure>The train stops in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm" target="_blank">Kansas and Missouri</a>&nbsp;are listed below.Tuesday, Oct. 15<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. departure — Coffeyville, Kan. to Kansas City, Mo.</li><li>2:15 p.m. arrival; 2:45 p.m. departure — Osawatomie, Kan. (West Pacific Avenue Crossing)</li><li>6:45 p.m. arrival — Kansas City, Mo. (Union Station – 30 W. Pershing Road)</li>
 </ul>Wednesday, Oct. 16<ul>
 <li>Viewing only — Kansas City, Mo. (Union Station – 30 W. Pershing Road)</li>
 </ul>Thursday, Oct. 17<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. departure — Kansas City, Mo. to Salina Kan.</li><li>12:15 p.m. arrival; 12:45 departure — Topeka, Kan. (Great Overland Station – 701 N. Kansas Avenue)</li>
 </ul>Friday, Oct. 18<ul>
 <li>Viewing only — Salina Kan. (Salina Depot – 400 N. 13th Street)</li>
 </ul>Saturday, Oct. 19<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. departure — Salina Kan. to Hays, Kan.</li><li>11 a.m. arrival; 11:30 a.m. departure — Wilson Kan. (Avenue East Crossing)</li>
 </ul>Sunday, Oct. 20<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. departure — Hays, Kan. to Sharon Springs, Kan.</li><li>Noon arrival; 12:30 p.m. departure — Grainfield, Kan. (Main Street Crossing)</li>
 </ul>Monday, Oct. 21<ul>
 <li>9 a.m. departure — Sharon Springs, Kan. to Denver, Colo.</li>
 </ul>Note: All schedule times and locations are subject to change.&nbsp;Please check back periodically for updates and be aware there is&nbsp;no public access&nbsp;to the Big Boy outside these listed stops. Overnight stops are closed to the public unless otherwise noted; afternoon arrival times&nbsp;are not available

Union Pacific’s ‘Big Boy’ will steam into Kansas City this fall

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/culyerdunn/">CUYLER DUNN</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

When faculty and staff at Sterling College received an updated employee handbook in August 2023, they were quickly alarmed by changes made without their input.

Those concerns sparked a year of frustration with president Scott Rich’s leadership, frustration that continues as a new school year approaches.

In April, a majority of faculty voted to express a lack of confidence in Rich following months of meetings, letters and complaints. Of the 49 faculty members eligible to vote, 29 said they had either minimal or no confidence in Rich. Nine said they had substantial confidence, and only one voiced full confidence. Ten abstained.

One of the biggest concerns for faculty was new language in the handbook they said created confusion and a chilling effect on what they could say and do, both at work and in their private lives. Many worried about creating barriers for LGBTQ+ inclusion on campus.

“There’s all these things that are in the back of one’s mind,” assistant professor Todd Vogts said. “How long can I continue to be OK with some of these decisions that seem to be directly impacting not only my fellow faculty members but the students in negative ways?”

Sterling faculty have left the college, located in the town of Sterling in central Kansas, and some suggested the exodus would continue if concerns remain unaddressed.

Multiple staff members said they were frustrated by a systemic lack of collaboration on major decisions in recent years, including administration eliminating a diversity initiative and pushing back on a Catholic student group. Those frustrations were compounded as budgets decrease and enrollment drops.

“It seemed that the will of everyone involved was being thwarted by the president without any type of transparency or discussion,” said former Sterling staff member Andy Giorgetti.

Rich is less active around campus, faculty members said. He lives in Hutchinson, a 30-minute drive from Sterling.

“It’s that lack of communication, that unwillingness to listen to concerns,” Vogts said. “Even when there appears that someone is listening, nothing changes. And so that’s just seeded a lot of frustration.”

Tony Thompson, a Sterling graduate and former two-decade member of the board of trustees, said he believed a change in leadership was necessary for the college.

“I definitely love Sterling College and supported her for over 50 years,” he said. “Unfortunately, I do not currently support the current leadership, and there needs to be a change.”

He said his decision was based solely on performance, citing deteriorating faculty relationships, declining enrollment and poor communication. Thompson has long been a supporter and donor for the college and in 2006 won Sterling’s Distinguished Service Award.

Rich said in a statement he was unaware of the faculty’s vote, but the college’s board of trustees held its own unanimous vote reaffirming support for the president.

Randy Henry, chairman of the Sterling College board of trustees, said the board fully supports Rich.

“We want everyone to feel they are valued and the board has tried to do everything we can to try and bring these faculty members and the president to a place where they can work together, as has been the case for almost all of Dr. Rich’s tenure,” he said.

A Kansas Reflector investigation — based on interviews with a half-dozen current and former Sterling College staff members and a review of documents outlining complaints — found widespread concerns about unilateral policy changes, forced religious beliefs, the administration’s willingness to listen to concerns, and discrimination of LGBTQ+ students.

Employees were given a new handbook in August 2023 and asked to sign a statement acknowledging they would comply with its contents.

Many of them still haven’t signed the agreement.

Multiple faculty members expressed concern the phrasing would allow the school to terminate them for being too liberal in their beliefs or coming from a denomination that theologically varied from the school.

The handbook included new wording requiring staff to “exhibit habits and actions consistent with biblical standards and in accordance with Sterling College’s Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, and Faith Perspectives.” Staff would face disciplinary action including termination if they violated the requirement.

According to Sterling’s website, the college is “thoroughly Christian, but not in any sense sectarian.” Multiple faculty members said the new employee handbook jeopardizes that idea by forcing faculty to personally agree with certain beliefs or face punishment.

“When we have these issues and we can’t talk about them, faculty and staff don’t feel safe in this community, in our jobs, if we can’t actually know where we stand on these issues,” Giorgetti said.

The handbook also added a section on social media usage that said staff should consider their social media presence to be an extension of their classroom or office. Multiple faculty said they worried about how the policy could be interpreted. The ambiguity left them wondering if they could be fired for personal social media activity like adding a pride flag to their profile picture.

The Faculty Welfare Committee — faculty members who act as liaisons with administration — began hearing concerns as soon as the handbook was released. They compiled the issues and sent them to human resources, Rich and the board of trustees.

At each stage, they said they were met with an initial willingness to discuss changes or clarifications before being shut down.

The final blow came when the board of trustees responded to detailed faculty concerns by saying it had voted to reaffirm confidence in Rich and scolded the faculty for bringing the complaint to the board.

“The board will not be making a habit of dealing with these types of issues,” Henry, the board chairman, wrote in a May letter to faculty.

In a statement, Rich said handbook revisions occur at the will of the human resources department. The edits were made, he said, “to further protect the institution.”

The new language, which faculty said was ambiguous and confusing, left them with many questions about what they could say or do, creating a chilling effect on both their professional and personal lives.

“I think it’s incredibly important to be open to all of the ideas and to weigh them and evaluate them,” said professor Ken Troyer. “I’m not saying, you know, everything needs to be supported, but everything needs to at least be able to be heard and be discussed.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723477223880.png" alt=" Faculty at Sterling College, a private religious school in central Kansas, have raised concerns with president Scott Rich’s leadership, unilateral policy changes, forced religious beliefs, and discrimination of LGBTQ+ students. (Andy Giorgetti)" />
 <figcaption> Faculty at Sterling College, a private religious school in central Kansas, have raised concerns with president Scott Rich’s leadership, unilateral policy changes, forced religious beliefs, and discrimination of LGBTQ+ students. (Andy Giorgetti)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/culyerdunn/">CUYLER DUNN</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> When faculty and staff at Sterling College received an updated employee handbook in August 2023, they were quickly alarmed by changes made without their input.Those concerns sparked a year of frustration with president Scott Rich’s leadership, frustration that continues as a new school year approaches.In April, a majority of faculty voted to express a lack of confidence in Rich following months of meetings, letters and complaints. Of the 49 faculty members eligible to vote, 29 said they had either minimal or no confidence in Rich. Nine said they had substantial confidence, and only one voiced full confidence. Ten abstained.One of the biggest concerns for faculty was new language in the handbook they said created confusion and a chilling effect on what they could say and do, both at work and in their private lives. Many worried about creating barriers for LGBTQ+ inclusion on campus.“There’s all these things that are in the back of one’s mind,” assistant professor Todd Vogts said. “How long can I continue to be OK with some of these decisions that seem to be directly impacting not only my fellow faculty members but the students in negative ways?”Sterling faculty have left the college, located in the town of Sterling in central Kansas, and some suggested the exodus would continue if concerns remain unaddressed.Multiple staff members said they were frustrated by a systemic lack of collaboration on major decisions in recent years, including administration eliminating a diversity initiative and pushing back on a Catholic student group. Those frustrations were compounded as budgets decrease and enrollment drops.“It seemed that the will of everyone involved was being thwarted by the president without any type of transparency or discussion,” said former Sterling staff member Andy Giorgetti.Rich is less active around campus, faculty members said. He lives in Hutchinson, a 30-minute drive from Sterling.“It’s that lack of communication, that unwillingness to listen to concerns,” Vogts said. “Even when there appears that someone is listening, nothing changes. And so that’s just seeded a lot of frustration.”Tony Thompson, a Sterling graduate and former two-decade member of the board of trustees, said he believed a change in leadership was necessary for the college.“I definitely love Sterling College and supported her for over 50 years,” he said. “Unfortunately, I do not currently support the current leadership, and there needs to be a change.”He said his decision was based solely on performance, citing deteriorating faculty relationships, declining enrollment and poor communication. Thompson has long been a supporter and donor for the college and in 2006 won Sterling’s Distinguished Service Award.Rich said in a statement he was unaware of the faculty’s vote, but the college’s board of trustees held its own unanimous vote reaffirming support for the president.Randy Henry, chairman of the Sterling College board of trustees, said the board fully supports Rich.“We want everyone to feel they are valued and the board has tried to do everything we can to try and bring these faculty members and the president to a place where they can work together, as has been the case for almost all of Dr. Rich’s tenure,” he said.A Kansas Reflector investigation — based on interviews with a half-dozen current and former Sterling College staff members and a review of documents outlining complaints — found widespread concerns about unilateral policy changes, forced religious beliefs, the administration’s willingness to listen to concerns, and discrimination of LGBTQ+ students.<h2>A chilling effect</h2>Employees were given a new handbook in August 2023 and asked to sign a statement acknowledging they would comply with its contents.Many of them still haven’t signed the agreement.Multiple faculty members expressed concern the phrasing would allow the school to terminate them for being too liberal in their beliefs or coming from a denomination that theologically varied from the school.The handbook included new wording requiring staff to “exhibit habits and actions consistent with biblical standards and in accordance with Sterling College’s Mission Statement, Statement of Faith, and Faith Perspectives.” Staff would face disciplinary action including termination if they violated the requirement.According to Sterling’s website, the college is “thoroughly Christian, but not in any sense sectarian.” Multiple faculty members said the new employee handbook jeopardizes that idea by forcing faculty to personally agree with certain beliefs or face punishment.“When we have these issues and we can’t talk about them, faculty and staff don’t feel safe in this community, in our jobs, if we can’t actually know where we stand on these issues,” Giorgetti said.The handbook also added a section on social media usage that said staff should consider their social media presence to be an extension of their classroom or office. Multiple faculty said they worried about how the policy could be interpreted. The ambiguity left them wondering if they could be fired for personal social media activity like adding a pride flag to their profile picture.The Faculty Welfare Committee — faculty members who act as liaisons with administration — began hearing concerns as soon as the handbook was released. They compiled the issues and sent them to human resources, Rich and the board of trustees.At each stage, they said they were met with an initial willingness to discuss changes or clarifications before being shut down.The final blow came when the board of trustees responded to detailed faculty concerns by saying it had voted to reaffirm confidence in Rich and scolded the faculty for bringing the complaint to the board.“The board will not be making a habit of dealing with these types of issues,” Henry, the board chairman, wrote in a May letter to faculty.In a statement, Rich said handbook revisions occur at the will of the human resources department. The edits were made, he said, “to further protect the institution.”The new language, which faculty said was ambiguous and confusing, left them with many questions about what they could say or do, creating a chilling effect on both their professional and personal lives.“I think it’s incredibly important to be open to all of the ideas and to weigh them and evaluate them,” said professor Ken Troyer. “I’m not saying, you know, everything needs to be supported, but everything needs to at least be able to be heard and be discussed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723477179968.png" alt=" Staff at Sterling College were asked to sign a policy that includes anti-LGBTQ+ language. President Scott Rich says staff are aware of the college’s biblical foundation when hired. (Andy Giorgetti)" />
 <figcaption> Staff at Sterling College were asked to sign a policy that includes anti-LGBTQ+ language. President Scott Rich says staff are aware of the college’s biblical foundation when hired. (Andy Giorgetti)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Grappling with LGBTQ+ inclusion</h2>Some staff worried the handbook change could create an unwelcoming space for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Staff were asked to affirm a Statement on Life, Marriage, Gender Identity and Human Sexuality, which includes anti-LGBTQ+ language.Sterling is a religious college, but students don’t necessarily hold the same beliefs as the college, especially because many of them are recruited for athletics.“I think it’s our job to just welcome everybody,” Troyer said. “I mean, if Christianity is important and we want people to hear that message, then it’s great if you’re a believer. And if you’re not, cool, come along for the ride and enrich our lives by giving us different perspectives. And maybe we can do the same.”Adam Moore lived through this tension firsthand as a student. In 2019-20, he was elected student body president. He was the first openly gay student to hold the role.Growing up in nearby Hutchinson, he knew that being gay and attending Sterling wouldn’t be easy. But he was drawn to the college’s debate team and liked that it was a Christian school where he could continue his faith. He arrived committed to having difficult conversations.His challenges began when he became a resident assistant for the dorms. He had weekly meetings with administration he said felt like “conversion therapy.” When he was elected student body president, students asked to start a gay-straight alliance. Clubs normally received approval from the student government, he said. Moore passed along his approval of the club to administrators, who swiftly overturned it.“Gay people feel ostracized from the religious community,” Moore said. “It definitely has affected me. But I’ve also seen a church community that can be welcoming and loving and caring for LGBTQ+ people. … If I had only talked to administrators about this, there’s no chance I’d ever be a part of a church community again.”The battle over LGBTQ+ inclusion spread throughout campus.When faculty at Sterling conduct research, they are supposed to follow American Psychological Association standards, which say to include an “other” option when asking about gender. But Rich only wanted to include “male” and “female” on surveys, Vogts said.After a year, faculty members were allowed to add the “other” option to surveys after Rich took the clash to the cabinet, a group of representatives from across campus selected by the president that advise him.Rich said staff are aware of the college’s biblical foundation when hired. He said there were no personal interpretations involved and the board had laid out how the administration was to run the college.“If (faculty) violate campus policies then they could be reprimanded for violating such policies,” Rich said. “The board and cabinet extend grace until grace has been exhausted.”But faculty said their concerns were not with the religious foundations of the college.Because Christianity has diverse denominations, many worried that cracking down on what staff could say or believe would exclude some groups. Before the changes, the handbook allowed for more diversity, they said.“I’m a Christian. I have no problem saying that,” Troyer said. “Our statements have enough wiggle room and are kind of vague in some ways, that it allows for a Baptist and a Catholic and a Mennonite and all of these different denominations to still be able to work for the same common cause.”Staff say they see a clear way forward: a seat at the table.“I would just like to see more deliberation and more collaboration about these types of decisions,” Vogts said.<h2>All in this together</h2>Many of them believe that Sterling is a place with a solid mission, but they say recent decisions have jeopardized the faculty’s ability to carry it out, rendering the college almost unrecognizable.While many have left the school, those who stayed did so out of love for the college and its students.“There needs to be a greater sense of everyone, all employees, are all kind of in this together, moving forward in lockstep,” said Troyer, who has taught at Sterling for nearly two decades. “But we need to reach the point where we at least are like, ‘Oh, I understand why that decision is made.’ ”Rich said he intended to address frustrations by reminding staff that “they are always welcome to visit with the president about anything — including concerns.”Moore said there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from the small college of less than 1,000 north of Hutchinson.He saw many sides of the community during his time there, including with Rich. He said while Rich held opinions he viewed as severely harmful, he also saw a side of the leader that was thoughtful and authentic.“There’s a lot of trauma that is created,” Moore said. “Ever since I’ve left Sterling, I continue to grapple with these two very different Sterlings that I know.”Now living in Emporia, Moore keeps an eye on the college, hoping that one of the two sides will win out in the end.“Even though Sterling is a teeny tiny community,” Moore said, “I think that there are so many others just like it that the story can only help.”