DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Lawrence that sent a man to the hospital and continue to search for a teen suspect.

Just before 8p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were called to 3323 Iowa Street around&nbsp; where they located a 26-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical transported the man an area trauma center.

Initial reports indicate a drug deal was taking place and allegedly turned into a robbery. Investigators worked through the night to identify witnesses and leads, which led them a nearby residence where the suspects were believed to have run to following the shooting. Investigators applied for and received a search warrant to enter the residence.

The Lawrence Police tactical team was activated, surrounded the residence, and were able to convince one of the suspects to come out shortly after 3:00 a.m. Cameron Cooper, of Lawrence, the suspected shooter, was safely taken into custody. Cooper was taken to the Douglas County Correctional Facility where he is jailed on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated robbery.

A 17-year-old suspect was not located at the residence and has not been found. Police believe he may have left the area, but investigators continue to follow up on leads.

If you have any information about the events, please contact dispatch at 785-843-0250 or Crimestoppers at 785-843 (TIPS) 8477. You can remain anonymous.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Lawrence that sent a man to the hospital and continue to search for a teen suspect.Just before 8p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were called to 3323 Iowa Street around&nbsp; where they located a 26-year-old victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the leg, according to police spokesperson Laura McCabe. Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical transported the man an area trauma center.Initial reports indicate a drug deal was taking place and allegedly turned into a robbery. Investigators worked through the night to identify witnesses and leads, which led them a nearby residence where the suspects were believed to have run to following the shooting. Investigators applied for and received a search warrant to enter the residence.The Lawrence Police tactical team was activated, surrounded the residence, and were able to convince one of the suspects to come out shortly after 3:00 a.m. Cameron Cooper, of Lawrence, the suspected shooter, was safely taken into custody. Cooper was taken to the Douglas County Correctional Facility where he is jailed on requested charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and aggravated robbery.A 17-year-old suspect was not located at the residence and has not been found. Police believe he may have left the area, but investigators continue to follow up on leads.If you have any information about the events, please contact dispatch at 785-843-0250 or Crimestoppers at 785-843 (TIPS) 8477. You can remain anonymous.

Police continue search for teen in Kansas drug deal shooting

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.

Just before 6a.m., crews,&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 1000 block of E. 9th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders found smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a two-story apartment building. The initial calls for trapped occupants were unfounded, according to Hopkins.

 Searches, both primary and secondary came back all clear.&nbsp; No injuries were reported. Fire officials orders a warming bus from ATA has been ordered for a warming location and the Red Cross will assist approximately 16 residents. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731417378164.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire in an apartment building in Kansas City.Just before 6a.m., crews,&nbsp;responded to a reported apartment fire in the 1000 block of E. 9th Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731417363617.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a two-story apartment building. The initial calls for trapped occupants were unfounded, according to Hopkins. Searches, both primary and secondary came back all clear.&nbsp; No injuries were reported. Fire officials orders a warming bus from ATA has been ordered for a warming location and the Red Cross will assist approximately 16 residents.

16 displaced after fire at Kansas City apartment building

DAMASCUS—For the second straight day, U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iranian backed militia groups, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

These strikes targeted&nbsp; weapons storage and logistics headquarters facility.&nbsp; The strikes were in response to a rocked attack on U.S. personnel at&nbsp; Patrol Base Shaddadi, according to the command.

There was no damage to U.S. facilities and no injuries to U.S. or parter forces during the attack.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.

"We have made it clear that attacks on U.S. personnel, partner forces and facilities will not be tolerated and that we retain the right to defend ourselves, " said General Michael Erik Kurilla, Centcom Commander.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731463064461.png" alt="Image from U.S. Central Command video" />
 <figcaption>Image from U.S. Central Command video</figcaption>
 </figure>DAMASCUS—For the second straight day, U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iranian backed militia groups, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.These strikes targeted&nbsp; weapons storage and logistics headquarters facility.&nbsp; The strikes were in response to a rocked attack on U.S. personnel at&nbsp; Patrol Base Shaddadi, according to the command.There was no damage to U.S. facilities and no injuries to U.S. or parter forces during the attack.These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations."We have made it clear that attacks on U.S. personnel, partner forces and facilities will not be tolerated and that we retain the right to defend ourselves, " said General Michael Erik Kurilla, Centcom Commander.

U.S. Forces strike more Iranian-backed targets in Syria 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Topeka man who blocked officers on Jan. 6, 2021, during an attack on the U.S. Capitol building asked a federal court to delay his trial after Donald Trump won the presidency.

In a motion filed Friday in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Will Pope asked the judge to delay his trial scheduled for Dec. 2 for three months. Trump promised while on the campaign trail to pardon those criminally charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and Pope is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/06/2024-election-results-live-coverage-updates-analysis/trumps-jan-6-pardon-pledge-00187864" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;defendants seeking changes to their cases in the wake of Trump’s victory.

“Ultimately, my jury was the entire American public, and they voted for a mandate to set me free,” Pope wrote in his motion.

He also expressed concern that a fair jury trial may not be possible. More than 90% of voters in Washington, D.C., voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent presidential election. Those voters “may find it especially difficult to look past those results to serve as fair jurors in my case,” Pope wrote.

He continued: “However, if there should be a jury trial in my case, it should happen after emotions have had time to cool.”

Federal prosecutors opposed any delay in Pope’s trial.

In a Saturday filing, prosecutors said it is in the public interest to issue a ”prompt and efficient administration of justice.”

“No continuance is warranted here,” prosecutors wrote. “At this time, the defendant’s expectation of a pardon is mere speculation, and the Court should proceed as it would in any other prosecution.”

In a response to prosecutors, which also was filed Saturday, Pope argued the government’s administration of justice is not in the public interest, “but a belligerent disregard for the will of the American people.”

“Ultimately,” he said, “I will get the same result with a trial or with no trial.”

Pope, who has represented himself in his case, was indicted by a grand jury alongside his brother on Jan. 8, 2021. They faced eight criminal charges, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly conduct in a capitol building.

According to an FBI agent’s investigation into the Pope brothers, which used information&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/11/kansas-man-who-ran-for-topeka-city-council-appears-in-video-of-fatal-shooting-at-u-s-capitol/">first reported by Kansas Reflector</a>, a U.S. Capitol Police officer said Pope&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/topeka-man-blocked-officers-tried-to-break-into-pelosis-office-during-attack-on-u-s-capitol/">blocked law enforcement</a>&nbsp;from closing doors as they were trying to prevent others from entering the building despite “repeated verbal orders to leave” and an attempt “to physically grab and push” Pope out.

But Pope “resisted by tensing up and refusing to move,” the agent wrote.

Pope, who ran for Topeka City Council in 2019, said he entered the Capitol “to express their concern about the direction of the nation,” wrote the FBI agent, whose name was redacted.

“Specifically, William Pope explained that questionable things happened during the election and that citizens deserved a full election audit,” the FBI agent wrote.

Pope and his brother were identified in social media posts and videos, and surveillance footage from inside the Capitol building. FBI agents and Topeka Police Department officers arrested Pope on Feb. 12, 2021, at his house in Topeka, according to court documents.

In June, prosecutors admitted to a “drafting error” that stated Pope had assaulted an officer. He is not charged with any crimes associated with assaulting an officer. In response to the error, Pope accused prosecutors of misconduct and requested sanctions. He subsequently withdrew that request in a June 26 filing.

“I ask that the government in turn begin bestowing mercy on the hundreds of January 6 defendants whose lives are being crushed,” he wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613160278542.png" alt="Pope, who was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">Communications Doctoral</a>&nbsp;Student at K-State ran unsuccessfully for the Topeka City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">Council District 2 seat in 2019</a>.&nbsp; Photo Shawnee County Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Pope, who was a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/lead-comm/students/index.html">Communications Doctoral</a>&nbsp;Student at K-State ran unsuccessfully for the Topeka City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/election/prev/2019_general_results.pdf">Council District 2 seat in 2019</a>.&nbsp; Photo Shawnee County Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A Topeka man who blocked officers on Jan. 6, 2021, during an attack on the U.S. Capitol building asked a federal court to delay his trial after Donald Trump won the presidency.In a motion filed Friday in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Will Pope asked the judge to delay his trial scheduled for Dec. 2 for three months. Trump promised while on the campaign trail to pardon those criminally charged in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and Pope is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/11/06/2024-election-results-live-coverage-updates-analysis/trumps-jan-6-pardon-pledge-00187864" target="_blank">several</a>&nbsp;defendants seeking changes to their cases in the wake of Trump’s victory.“Ultimately, my jury was the entire American public, and they voted for a mandate to set me free,” Pope wrote in his motion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613161028525.png" alt="-William Pope, in red, holds a flag inside the Senate Carriage Entrance on the east side of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday's riot. Pope ran for the Topeka City Council in 2018. (Screen capture from Jayden X video on YouTube) -courtesy Sherman Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>" />
 <figcaption>-William Pope, in red, holds a flag inside the Senate Carriage Entrance on the east side of the U.S. Capitol during Wednesday's riot. Pope ran for the Topeka City Council in 2018. (Screen capture from Jayden X video on YouTube) -courtesy Sherman Smith,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a></figcaption>
 </figure>He also expressed concern that a fair jury trial may not be possible. More than 90% of voters in Washington, D.C., voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent presidential election. Those voters “may find it especially difficult to look past those results to serve as fair jurors in my case,” Pope wrote.He continued: “However, if there should be a jury trial in my case, it should happen after emotions have had time to cool.”Federal prosecutors opposed any delay in Pope’s trial.In a Saturday filing, prosecutors said it is in the public interest to issue a ”prompt and efficient administration of justice.”“No continuance is warranted here,” prosecutors wrote. “At this time, the defendant’s expectation of a pardon is mere speculation, and the Court should proceed as it would in any other prosecution.”In a response to prosecutors, which also was filed Saturday, Pope argued the government’s administration of justice is not in the public interest, “but a belligerent disregard for the will of the American people.”“Ultimately,” he said, “I will get the same result with a trial or with no trial.”Pope, who has represented himself in his case, was indicted by a grand jury alongside his brother on Jan. 8, 2021. They faced eight criminal charges, including civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly conduct in a capitol building.According to an FBI agent’s investigation into the Pope brothers, which used information&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/11/kansas-man-who-ran-for-topeka-city-council-appears-in-video-of-fatal-shooting-at-u-s-capitol/">first reported by Kansas Reflector</a>, a U.S. Capitol Police officer said Pope&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/02/topeka-man-blocked-officers-tried-to-break-into-pelosis-office-during-attack-on-u-s-capitol/">blocked law enforcement</a>&nbsp;from closing doors as they were trying to prevent others from entering the building despite “repeated verbal orders to leave” and an attempt “to physically grab and push” Pope out.But Pope “resisted by tensing up and refusing to move,” the agent wrote.Pope, who ran for Topeka City Council in 2019, said he entered the Capitol “to express their concern about the direction of the nation,” wrote the FBI agent, whose name was redacted.“Specifically, William Pope explained that questionable things happened during the election and that citizens deserved a full election audit,” the FBI agent wrote.Pope and his brother were identified in social media posts and videos, and surveillance footage from inside the Capitol building. FBI agents and Topeka Police Department officers arrested Pope on Feb. 12, 2021, at his house in Topeka, according to court documents.Since then, the case has dragged on.In June, prosecutors admitted to a “drafting error” that stated Pope had assaulted an officer. He is not charged with any crimes associated with assaulting an officer. In response to the error, Pope accused prosecutors of misconduct and requested sanctions. He subsequently withdrew that request in a June 26 filing.“I ask that the government in turn begin bestowing mercy on the hundreds of January 6 defendants whose lives are being crushed,” he wrote.

Kan. man who participated in Jan. 6 attack requests trial delay after Trump victory

KANSAS CITY – A&nbsp; man was indicted by a federal grand jury last week for robbing a Kansas City. area bank after a bank customer attempted to stop him from fleeing.

James K. Kerr, 54, Lee's Summit was charged with one count of bank robbery in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. The&nbsp; indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Kerr on Oct. 23, 2024.

The federal indictment alleges that Kerr robbed Hawthorn Bank, 17430 E. 39th&nbsp;Street in Independence, on Oct. 21, 2024.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Kerr was wearing a black hood over his head, a hooded sweatshirt with the hood down, a winter hat, sunglasses, a medical mask, and gloves when he walked into the bank at about 10:39 a.m. As Kerr walked behind the teller counter into the employee-only area, the affidavit says, he withdrew a black handgun, which appeared to be an air pistol, from the pocket of his sweatshirt and held it up in the air.

Kerr began yelling at the employees while hitting the counter, according to the affidavit. The victims reported hearing Kerr yell phrases to the effect of “Let’s do this!” and “100s and 50s no bait money!” Kerr went to all three of the victim tellers’ stations and obtained money while holding the handgun. Kerr then fled from the bank and got on a motorcycle parked nearby.

A customer, who was in the drive-through lane at the time of the robbery, followed Kerr as he ran toward the motorcycle. The witness got out of the car and pushed Kerr off the motorcycle. Kerr threatened the customer with a gun, the affidavit says, and fled from the scene on the motorcycle. Another witness was nearby during this altercation and filmed part of it with a cell phone.

Employees of the bank told FBI investigators they recognized Kerr as a customer of the bank.

The next day, investigators established surveillance at Kerr’s residence and saw him leave on his motorcycle. Investigators followed Kerr, whom the affidavit says was driving erratically, until he stopped at a gas station, where he was arrested. Investigators found a Daisy air pistol, which was consistent in appearance with the handgun displayed in the bank robbery, in a saddle bag of the motorcycle. Investigators also found articles of clothing that matched those worn during the bank robbery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730033811704.png" alt="Photo FBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A&nbsp; man was indicted by a federal grand jury last week for robbing a Kansas City. area bank after a bank customer attempted to stop him from fleeing.James K. Kerr, 54, Lee's Summit was charged with one count of bank robbery in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City. The&nbsp; indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Kerr on Oct. 23, 2024.The federal indictment alleges that Kerr robbed Hawthorn Bank, 17430 E. 39th&nbsp;Street in Independence, on Oct. 21, 2024.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Kerr was wearing a black hood over his head, a hooded sweatshirt with the hood down, a winter hat, sunglasses, a medical mask, and gloves when he walked into the bank at about 10:39 a.m. As Kerr walked behind the teller counter into the employee-only area, the affidavit says, he withdrew a black handgun, which appeared to be an air pistol, from the pocket of his sweatshirt and held it up in the air.Kerr began yelling at the employees while hitting the counter, according to the affidavit. The victims reported hearing Kerr yell phrases to the effect of “Let’s do this!” and “100s and 50s no bait money!” Kerr went to all three of the victim tellers’ stations and obtained money while holding the handgun. Kerr then fled from the bank and got on a motorcycle parked nearby.A customer, who was in the drive-through lane at the time of the robbery, followed Kerr as he ran toward the motorcycle. The witness got out of the car and pushed Kerr off the motorcycle. Kerr threatened the customer with a gun, the affidavit says, and fled from the scene on the motorcycle. Another witness was nearby during this altercation and filmed part of it with a cell phone.Employees of the bank told FBI investigators they recognized Kerr as a customer of the bank.The next day, investigators established surveillance at Kerr’s residence and saw him leave on his motorcycle. Investigators followed Kerr, whom the affidavit says was driving erratically, until he stopped at a gas station, where he was arrested. Investigators found a Daisy air pistol, which was consistent in appearance with the handgun displayed in the bank robbery, in a saddle bag of the motorcycle. Investigators also found articles of clothing that matched those worn during the bank robbery.

Witness pushed KC area bank robber off his motorcycle

BARBER COUNTY —A Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese has been canceled. Searchers found his body in rural Barber County, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On August 2, the Barber County Sheriff's Office was contacted in regards to an individual at a property in rural southwest Barber County. The reporting party described the individual to be a white male, approximately 65-75 years old, according to a statement from the Barber County Sheriff.

 Reporting party also stated the individual had a brown dog with him and he was driving a white newer model Chevrolet pickup truck with Harper County tags.

The reporting party stated they watched the vehicle leave headed eastbound away from the property. Reporting party believed the individual may have been intoxicated. Barber County Sheriff’s Office personnel were unable to locate the vehicle at the time. 

On August 3, 2024, the Harper Police Department in Harper, KS issued a silver alert for a David L Reese, of Harper, KS.&nbsp; Through an initial investigation, it was determined that Reese was the individual that arrived at the reporting party's property in rural Barber County. 

There were no reports of Reese making contact with anyone since August 2, 2024.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office believe the reporting party may have been the last person to see Reese or speak to Reese.

On Monday, August 5, 2024, a large scale grid search was conducted of the property where Reese was last seen. &nbsp;This search covered over 700 square miles. Due to the fact that the reporting party witnessed Reese leave his property, this search was very large scale and widespread because no one had any indication where he may have gone after leaving the property. 

Unfortunately, there was no trace of Reese or his vehicle that he was last seen in.

On October 4, 2024, the same reporting party from the last known sighting of Reese contacted Barber County Dispatch and informed them that he believed the dog that was with Reese was back at the property. 

The Barber County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the scene and were able to positively identify the dog as being David Reese’s dog. Another, more narrow, search was conducted in the area. Again, there were, unfortunately, no signs of Reese or his vehicle during this search.

On the evening of November 10, Barber County Dispatch was notified that an employee of the initial reporting party had been working on a fence and noticed a white truck in a creek bed. Barber County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene and confirmed that the truck was owned by David L. Reese and was the same truck he was last seen in. 

During the time of the initial searches, this area would have been extremely hard to see into. This area is tree covered and not able to be seen by drones or by people unless very close to the location. The Barber County Sheriff's Office contacted a team with the Great Plains Search and Rescue Canines (GPSK9) and a plan was created to search the area near the truck on the morning of November 11, 2024

At approximately 9:57a.m.&nbsp; on the morning of November 11, the GPSK9 team began searching the area near the truck and at approximately 10:54 AM, a canine team with GPSK9 indicated to the presence of human remains approximately 80-100 yards from the truck location.

Later in the evening, with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, remains were collected from the scene. Through the collection, it was determined that the remains indicated the individual had a hip replacement. After a review of medical records and matching the serial number from the hip replacement, it was determined that the human remains that were located on November 11, were that of David L. Reese.

"Although this was not the outcome anyone had prayed for, we hope this can give Mr. Reese’s family the closure they deserve."

.If any more information is available, we will update the public as soon as possible.Thank you to all parties involved in this search and investigation and a special thank you to Great Plains Search and Rescue Canines (GPSK9) for their assistance in locating Mr. Reese

BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

On November 10, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a white Chevrolet pickup truck was located in a creek bed in rural Barber County near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut, according to a media release.

Deputies with the Barber County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the vehicle is owned by David Reese.

The Barber County Sheriff’s Office contacted Great Plains Search and Rescue K9 and they plan search of the area.&nbsp;

On October 4, the Harper Police Department reported that Reese’s chocolate lab, that had accompanied him when he disappeared, was found in good health. She was returned to his family. The dog was found not far from the last sighting of Reese near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut in Barber County. Police searched over 50 square miles again but still did not locate him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728310557814.png" alt="David Reese pickup -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>David Reese pickup -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY —A Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese has been canceled. Searchers found his body in rural Barber County, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.On August 2, the Barber County Sheriff's Office was contacted in regards to an individual at a property in rural southwest Barber County. The reporting party described the individual to be a white male, approximately 65-75 years old, according to a statement from the Barber County Sheriff. Reporting party also stated the individual had a brown dog with him and he was driving a white newer model Chevrolet pickup truck with Harper County tags.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728310404447.png" alt="David Reese photo Barber County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>David Reese photo Barber County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The reporting party stated they watched the vehicle leave headed eastbound away from the property. Reporting party believed the individual may have been intoxicated. Barber County Sheriff’s Office personnel were unable to locate the vehicle at the time. On August 3, 2024, the Harper Police Department in Harper, KS issued a silver alert for a David L Reese, of Harper, KS.&nbsp; Through an initial investigation, it was determined that Reese was the individual that arrived at the reporting party's property in rural Barber County. There were no reports of Reese making contact with anyone since August 2, 2024.&nbsp; &nbsp;The sheriff's office believe the reporting party may have been the last person to see Reese or speak to Reese.On Monday, August 5, 2024, a large scale grid search was conducted of the property where Reese was last seen. &nbsp;This search covered over 700 square miles. Due to the fact that the reporting party witnessed Reese leave his property, this search was very large scale and widespread because no one had any indication where he may have gone after leaving the property. Unfortunately, there was no trace of Reese or his vehicle that he was last seen in.On October 4, 2024, the same reporting party from the last known sighting of Reese contacted Barber County Dispatch and informed them that he believed the dog that was with Reese was back at the property. The Barber County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the scene and were able to positively identify the dog as being David Reese’s dog. Another, more narrow, search was conducted in the area. Again, there were, unfortunately, no signs of Reese or his vehicle during this search.On the evening of November 10, Barber County Dispatch was notified that an employee of the initial reporting party had been working on a fence and noticed a white truck in a creek bed. Barber County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene and confirmed that the truck was owned by David L. Reese and was the same truck he was last seen in. During the time of the initial searches, this area would have been extremely hard to see into. This area is tree covered and not able to be seen by drones or by people unless very close to the location. The Barber County Sheriff's Office contacted a team with the Great Plains Search and Rescue Canines (GPSK9) and a plan was created to search the area near the truck on the morning of November 11, 2024At approximately 9:57a.m.&nbsp; on the morning of November 11, the GPSK9 team began searching the area near the truck and at approximately 10:54 AM, a canine team with GPSK9 indicated to the presence of human remains approximately 80-100 yards from the truck location.Later in the evening, with the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, remains were collected from the scene. Through the collection, it was determined that the remains indicated the individual had a hip replacement. After a review of medical records and matching the serial number from the hip replacement, it was determined that the human remains that were located on November 11, were that of David L. Reese."Although this was not the outcome anyone had prayed for, we hope this can give Mr. Reese’s family the closure they deserve.".If any more information is available, we will update the public as soon as possible.Thank you to all parties involved in this search and investigation and a special thank you to Great Plains Search and Rescue Canines (GPSK9) for their assistance in locating Mr. Reese-------------BARBER COUNTY —The Silver Alert issued August 3, for 73-year-old David Reese remains active, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.On November 10, the Barber County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a white Chevrolet pickup truck was located in a creek bed in rural Barber County near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut, according to a media release.Deputies with the Barber County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the vehicle is owned by David Reese.The Barber County Sheriff’s Office contacted Great Plains Search and Rescue K9 and they plan search of the area.&nbsp;On October 4, the Harper Police Department reported that Reese’s chocolate lab, that had accompanied him when he disappeared, was found in good health. She was returned to his family. The dog was found not far from the last sighting of Reese near Little Mule and Hardtner Shortcut in Barber County. Police searched over 50 square miles again but still did not locate him.

Silver Alert canceled: Kan. man's remains found after 3 months

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in a hit-and-run collision that occurred just before 6a.m. Tuesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an unknown vehicle was westbound on Interstate 70 near the U.S. 77 exit.&nbsp; The vehicle, described as possibly a Nissan, rear-ended a 2005 Dodge Neon driven by 38-year-old Christina L. Murphy of Junction City.&nbsp; After impact the Dodge traveled off the road and struck a tree.

The other vehicle fled the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported Murphy to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Health-Flint Hills Campus.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in a hit-and-run collision that occurred just before 6a.m. Tuesday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an unknown vehicle was westbound on Interstate 70 near the U.S. 77 exit.&nbsp; The vehicle, described as possibly a Nissan, rear-ended a 2005 Dodge Neon driven by 38-year-old Christina L. Murphy of Junction City.&nbsp; After impact the Dodge traveled off the road and struck a tree.The other vehicle fled the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported Murphy to&nbsp;Stormont Vail Health-Flint Hills Campus.&nbsp; She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after I-70 hit-and-run crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has several choices to make in the coming months about whether his second administration will keep access to contraception and abortion as it is now or implement changes.

While Trump cannot on his own enact nationwide laws or abortion bans without Congress, he and the people he picks for key posts throughout the federal government will have significant influence on reproductive rights nationwide.

During Trump’s first term in office he barred health care organizations that perform or refer patients for abortions from receiving Title X family planning grants, even though there’s a moratorium on using federal funds for abortions unless it’s the result of rape or incest, or the life of the woman is at risk.

Alina Salganicoff, senior vice president and director for women’s health policy at the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, said on a call with reporters Friday that about a quarter of providers withdrew or were disqualified from receiving federal family planning grants as a result of that policy.

“The Title X program basically funds family planning services for low-income people,” Salganicoff explained. “It’s basically a small program, it’s around under $300 million — but it is a critical program to people who don’t otherwise have insurance.”

Trump will also have to decide whether to leave in place guidance from the Biden administration that says a federal law from the 1980s protects health care providers who perform abortions as stabilizing care during an emergency that would affect a woman’s health or life.

That law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, became one point of disagreement between the Biden administration and Republican states that implemented abortion bans or strict restrictions after the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to an abortion.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/state-bans-abortion-dont-apply-emergency-health-care-white-house-reminds-providers" target="_blank">wrote in a letter&nbsp;</a>released in July 2022 that under the federal “law, no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care — including abortion care.”

EMTALA is at the center of an&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/briefs/federal-court-sets-date-for-emtala-oral-argument-hearing-in-idaho-based-case/" target="_blank">ongoing lawsuit&nbsp;</a>between the Biden administration and Idaho over that state’s abortion law. Oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals are set for early December.

The future of medication abortion, a two-drug regimen approved for up to 10 weeks gestation that’s used in about 63% of abortions nationwide, will be another area the Trump administration could alter without congressional approval.

Salganicoff said there’s no way to know just yet if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will seek to change prescribing guidelines for medication abortion or revoke the 2000 approval of mifepristone altogether.

“We don’t know whether they’re going to actually review the approval, but I will tell you that it is likely that they will revisit the conditions in which medication abortions, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in this country, can be provided,” Salganicoff said.

The Trump administration, she said, is likely to focus on revisions made during the Biden administration that allow doctors or other qualified health care providers to prescribe the two-drug medication abortion regimen via telehealth and then have mifepristone and misoprostol mailed to the patient.

Salganicoff anticipates anti-abortion organizations will also encourage the Trump administration to address recent findings from the We Count Project, showing 1 in 10 abortions take place after medication abortion is mailed to people in states with bans or significant restrictions from states that have shield laws.

“This FDA protocol is legal to do that, but clearly this is going to be a target,” she said.

The Comstock Act,<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too" target="_blank">&nbsp;an anti-obscenity law from the late 19th century</a>&nbsp;that once banned the mailing of boxing photographs, pornography and contraception, will also be front and center after Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20.

The law, which is still on the books despite not being enforced in decades, could potentially allow the U.S. Postal Service to prevent the mailing of abortion medications or any other instrument or tool used in abortions.

“The Biden administration’s Department of Justice did a review and said that they are not going to enforce Comstock,” Salganicoff said. “Project 2025 sees it very differently, and even though President-elect Trump has said that he is not going to enforce Comstock, it’s not clear, and there will likely be a lot of pressure to do that.”

Project 2025 is a policy map for a Trump presidency published by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has disavowed any connection with it, although former members of his first administration helped develop it.

Salganicoff said enforcing the Comstock Act would affect access to medication abortion throughout the country, even in states that have reinforced reproductive rights during the last two years.

“Clearly that’s going to tee up a lot of litigation and challenges,” Salganicoff said.

Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said during the call that the Trump administration’s possible elevation of people who spread misinformation or disinformation could lead to more confusion about research-based health care.

“I think one thing, particularly with the rise in prominence of RFK Jr., you know, is the potential for misinformation,” Levitt said, referring to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a prominent vaccine opponent who endorsed Trump and campaigned extensively with him.

“We turn to the government for reliable data, public health information and scientific information,” Levitt said. “And there’s the potential now, for the government to be not only not an effective source for health information, but in fact, an accelerant for misinformation.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has several choices to make in the coming months about whether his second administration will keep access to contraception and abortion as it is now or implement changes.While Trump cannot on his own enact nationwide laws or abortion bans without Congress, he and the people he picks for key posts throughout the federal government will have significant influence on reproductive rights nationwide.During Trump’s first term in office he barred health care organizations that perform or refer patients for abortions from receiving Title X family planning grants, even though there’s a moratorium on using federal funds for abortions unless it’s the result of rape or incest, or the life of the woman is at risk.Alina Salganicoff, senior vice president and director for women’s health policy at the nonpartisan health research organization KFF, said on a call with reporters Friday that about a quarter of providers withdrew or were disqualified from receiving federal family planning grants as a result of that policy.“The Title X program basically funds family planning services for low-income people,” Salganicoff explained. “It’s basically a small program, it’s around under $300 million — but it is a critical program to people who don’t otherwise have insurance.”<h2>Abortions as stabilizing care</h2>Trump will also have to decide whether to leave in place guidance from the Biden administration that says a federal law from the 1980s protects health care providers who perform abortions as stabilizing care during an emergency that would affect a woman’s health or life.That law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA, became one point of disagreement between the Biden administration and Republican states that implemented abortion bans or strict restrictions after the Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to an abortion.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/state-bans-abortion-dont-apply-emergency-health-care-white-house-reminds-providers" target="_blank">wrote in a letter&nbsp;</a>released in July 2022 that under the federal “law, no matter where you live, women have the right to emergency care — including abortion care.”EMTALA is at the center of an&nbsp;<a href="https://idahocapitalsun.com/briefs/federal-court-sets-date-for-emtala-oral-argument-hearing-in-idaho-based-case/" target="_blank">ongoing lawsuit&nbsp;</a>between the Biden administration and Idaho over that state’s abortion law. Oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals are set for early December.<h2>Abortion pill</h2>The future of medication abortion, a two-drug regimen approved for up to 10 weeks gestation that’s used in about 63% of abortions nationwide, will be another area the Trump administration could alter without congressional approval.Salganicoff said there’s no way to know just yet if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will seek to change prescribing guidelines for medication abortion or revoke the 2000 approval of mifepristone altogether.“We don’t know whether they’re going to actually review the approval, but I will tell you that it is likely that they will revisit the conditions in which medication abortions, which now account for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in this country, can be provided,” Salganicoff said.The Trump administration, she said, is likely to focus on revisions made during the Biden administration that allow doctors or other qualified health care providers to prescribe the two-drug medication abortion regimen via telehealth and then have mifepristone and misoprostol mailed to the patient.Salganicoff anticipates anti-abortion organizations will also encourage the Trump administration to address recent findings from the We Count Project, showing 1 in 10 abortions take place after medication abortion is mailed to people in states with bans or significant restrictions from states that have shield laws.“This FDA protocol is legal to do that, but clearly this is going to be a target,” she said.<h2>Mailing of abortion medication</h2>The Comstock Act,<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/1873-law-banned-mailing-boxing-photos-could-it-block-abortion-pills-too" target="_blank">&nbsp;an anti-obscenity law from the late 19th century</a>&nbsp;that once banned the mailing of boxing photographs, pornography and contraception, will also be front and center after Trump takes the oath of office on Jan. 20.The law, which is still on the books despite not being enforced in decades, could potentially allow the U.S. Postal Service to prevent the mailing of abortion medications or any other instrument or tool used in abortions.“The Biden administration’s Department of Justice did a review and said that they are not going to enforce Comstock,” Salganicoff said. “Project 2025 sees it very differently, and even though President-elect Trump has said that he is not going to enforce Comstock, it’s not clear, and there will likely be a lot of pressure to do that.”Project 2025 is a policy map for a Trump presidency published by the Heritage Foundation. Trump has disavowed any connection with it, although former members of his first administration helped develop it.Salganicoff said enforcing the Comstock Act would affect access to medication abortion throughout the country, even in states that have reinforced reproductive rights during the last two years.“Clearly that’s going to tee up a lot of litigation and challenges,” Salganicoff said.Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF, said during the call that the Trump administration’s possible elevation of people who spread misinformation or disinformation could lead to more confusion about research-based health care.“I think one thing, particularly with the rise in prominence of RFK Jr., you know, is the potential for misinformation,” Levitt said, referring to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a prominent vaccine opponent who endorsed Trump and campaigned extensively with him.“We turn to the government for reliable data, public health information and scientific information,” Levitt said. “And there’s the potential now, for the government to be not only not an effective source for health information, but in fact, an accelerant for misinformation.”&nbsp;

Health experts outline how Trump admin. could affect abortion, contraception access

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 45-year-old Ricky R. Washington to Topeka.

Just after 9a.m. November 10, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; First responders found two individuals with life threatening injuries. Washington was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

This is the city’s 17th homicide investigation of 2024, according to Nichols. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 45-year-old Ricky R. Washington to Topeka.Just after 9a.m. November 10, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Huntoon Street, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.&nbsp; First responders found two individuals with life threatening injuries. Washington was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.This is the city’s 17th homicide investigation of 2024, according to Nichols. Police have not reported an arrest or suspect details.

Homicide: Police ID 45-year-old Kansas shooting victim

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three juveniles in connection with allegedly starting a building fire and recording it for social media.

At approximately 2:50 p.m. on November 9, 2024, officers responded to&nbsp; a fire at a large warehouse under construction in the 1200 block of Kretschmer Drive, according to a media release.

Witnesses reported seeing three male juveniles running from the scene toward businesses on McCall Road.

Officers quickly located three juveniles in the 400 block McCall Road. Officers detained 15-year-old Jakeem Coopwood Jr. and 15-year-old Jordan Ehret for their roles in the fire.

According to the investigation, Coopwood admitted to igniting cardboard boxes using a spray can and lighter and provided officers with a Snapchat video of the incident. Ehret was reported to have actively participated by filming Coopwood lighting the fire. A third juvenile, age 12, confirmed the account.

&nbsp;Both Coopwood and Ehret have been detained as juvenile offenders and face charges including Arson, Burglary, and Contributing to the Misconduct of a Minor. Coopwood was transported to the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Girard, and Ehret was taken to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City. The 12-year-old juvenile was released to his guardian.

The Riley County Police Department extended their appreciation to the quick-acting witness and to Manhattan Fire Department members involved in this case for their swift and effective response.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating three juveniles in connection with allegedly starting a building fire and recording it for social media.At approximately 2:50 p.m. on November 9, 2024, officers responded to&nbsp; a fire at a large warehouse under construction in the 1200 block of Kretschmer Drive, according to a media release.Witnesses reported seeing three male juveniles running from the scene toward businesses on McCall Road.Officers quickly located three juveniles in the 400 block McCall Road. Officers detained 15-year-old Jakeem Coopwood Jr. and 15-year-old Jordan Ehret for their roles in the fire.According to the investigation, Coopwood admitted to igniting cardboard boxes using a spray can and lighter and provided officers with a Snapchat video of the incident. Ehret was reported to have actively participated by filming Coopwood lighting the fire. A third juvenile, age 12, confirmed the account.&nbsp;Both Coopwood and Ehret have been detained as juvenile offenders and face charges including Arson, Burglary, and Contributing to the Misconduct of a Minor. Coopwood was transported to the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Girard, and Ehret was taken to the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City. The 12-year-old juvenile was released to his guardian.The Riley County Police Department extended their appreciation to the quick-acting witness and to Manhattan Fire Department members involved in this case for their swift and effective response.

Arson: 3 juveniles accused of starting a fire for social media

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 34-year-old man is in custody following a fight&nbsp; that left a 40-year-old man unconscious and requiring transport to the hospital. Two other suspects are still a large.

Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 700 block of Vermont Street in Lawrence, according to a media release.

&nbsp;Witnesses reported an unconscious man on the ground. Officers were on scene quickly and contacted several involved parties. Initially, the information provided indicated the injured man had started an altercation that involved several people physically fighting on the east sidewalk.

 The involved participants were interviewed and released pending further investigation. However, the injured man was later able to provide a statement at the hospital that contradicted the information officers received on scene. 

Additionally, officers were able to locate video and more witnesses that corroborated the injured man's version of events, which showed he was punched and kicked repeatedly, including after being knocked unconscious. 

Officers were able to track down one of the involved suspects and arrested him, but still seek to arrest two others. The arrested man was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on suspicion of Aggravated Battery.

 A 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old man remain at large. The hospitalized man was released after receiving care.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —A 34-year-old man is in custody following a fight&nbsp; that left a 40-year-old man unconscious and requiring transport to the hospital. Two other suspects are still a large.Just after 3:30p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 700 block of Vermont Street in Lawrence, according to a media release.&nbsp;Witnesses reported an unconscious man on the ground. Officers were on scene quickly and contacted several involved parties. Initially, the information provided indicated the injured man had started an altercation that involved several people physically fighting on the east sidewalk. The involved participants were interviewed and released pending further investigation. However, the injured man was later able to provide a statement at the hospital that contradicted the information officers received on scene. Additionally, officers were able to locate video and more witnesses that corroborated the injured man's version of events, which showed he was punched and kicked repeatedly, including after being knocked unconscious. Officers were able to track down one of the involved suspects and arrested him, but still seek to arrest two others. The arrested man was booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility on suspicion of Aggravated Battery. A 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old man remain at large. The hospitalized man was released after receiving care.

3 accused of assaulting unconscious 40-year-old Kan. man

On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;

Officials released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731379013172.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles -photo U.S. Central Command&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, U.S.&nbsp; forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours, according to a statement of the U.S. Central Command.These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.&nbsp;Officials released no additional details.

U.S. Forces strike Iranian aligned targets in Syria

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Trevor Duane&nbsp;White, 22, Leavenworth, was southbound on U.S. 73 at Fairlane Street.&nbsp;

The motorcycle struck the passenger side of a northbound 2009 Mercedes C-class driven by George&nbsp;Steger, 89, Leavenworth, was turning westbound onto Fairlane Street.&nbsp;

White was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the car identified as 73-year-old Karen&nbsp;Ferengel to Providence Hospital. Steger was not injured. White was not wearing a helmet and the occupants of the car were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 3p.m. Monday in Leavenworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Trevor Duane&nbsp;White, 22, Leavenworth, was southbound on U.S. 73 at Fairlane Street.&nbsp;The motorcycle struck the passenger side of a northbound 2009 Mercedes C-class driven by George&nbsp;Steger, 89, Leavenworth, was turning westbound onto Fairlane Street.&nbsp;White was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger in the car identified as 73-year-old Karen&nbsp;Ferengel to Providence Hospital. Steger was not injured. White was not wearing a helmet and the occupants of the car were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle, car accident

More than 1,000 industry leaders gathered at the MJ Unpacked Conference in St. Louis to address issues facing the cannabis market.&nbsp;

By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

In less than two years of selling legal recreational weed, Missouri’s cannabis market has grown to $1.4 billion — outperforming states with a longer history of marijuana legalization like Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.

“Those are mature marketplaces, and you are surpassing them,” said Laurie Parfitt, CEO at LKP Impact Consulting. “Missouri is doing amazing things, and we expect tremendous growth in this market going forward.”

Parfitt gave a year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25282047-missouri-market-overview-mj-unpacked" target="_blank">overview</a>&nbsp;of Missouri’s cannabis market as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mjunpacked.com/" target="_blank">MJ Unpacked Conference</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis last week, which brought together more than 1,000 industry leaders, regulators, investors and scientists to address issues facing the cannabis market.&nbsp;

To a ballroom packed with brand executives, Parfitt unveiled Missouri’s top consumer — it’s unsurprisingly a millennial man.&nbsp;

Men make up 64% of cannabis sales in Missouri and more than 40% of shoppers overall are millennials, or people between ages 28 and 43.

Gen X buyers (ages 44-59) make up 25% and Gen Z consumers, those between 21 and 27, are at 18%. Baby boomers make up the remaining 14%.&nbsp;

“When you really think about your marketplace, the majority of consumers are sitting in that millennial bracket,” she said. “And flower still dominates everything.”

Recreational cannabis sales in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states

Nearly 50% of sales consists of flower — or what most would recognize as good old-fashion weed sold in a container.&nbsp;

“Flower is the 800-pound gorilla,” she said, “and it’s always going to be one of the biggest categories out there. It’s the major growth driver in this marketplace.”

That’s true among all age groups in Missouri. However among the younger generations, vape pens are a close second but edibles make up a small percentage of their shopping cart.&nbsp;

And it’s the complete opposite for the older generations, who are starting to buy more edibles. In fact, the largest consumers of edibles currently in Missouri are baby-boomer women.&nbsp;

The top five brands make up almost 27% of the state’s total sales. Those are Illicit Gardens, Good Day Farms, Codes, Amaze Cannabis and Vivid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Parfitt’s presentation was based on sales from September 2023 to October 2024, compiled by the cannabis data platform company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headset.io/" target="_blank">Headset</a>.

Missouri voters approved recreational cannabis in 2022, and sales began a few months later in February 2023.&nbsp;

Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said Missouri looks different from other states’ markets after transitioning from selling only medical marijuana to adding recreational cannabis. Other states saw a surge in sales the first few months and then a pretty quick drop.&nbsp;

“We’ve been really surprised here in Missouri that it’s basically been almost the exact same, around $120 million every month all the way through,” Mullins said.&nbsp;

This summer, MoCann pointed to another study that showed Missouri had the fifth most recreational cannabis sales, $709 million, in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states.&nbsp;

The report released by national cannabis business publication<a href="https://www.greenmarketreport.com/california-leads-the-industry-in-cannabis-sales-at-six-month-mark/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Green Market Report</a>, showed California leading the nation in legal cannabis sales, followed by Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts, all states with larger populations and that legalized cannabis before Missouri.

And that growth translates to jobs, Mullins said. The state’s industry now employs more than 20,000 people, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">Division of Cannabis Regulation’s October data&nbsp;</a>on cannabis employees or “agents” who’ve been licensed.

“We’re very fortunate for the economic impact that it’s created,” Mullins said, “and the jobs that it’s created.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731378737654.png" alt=" Laurie Parfitt, CEO at LKP Impact Consulting, gave an overview of Missouri’s cannabis sales from September 2023 to October 2024 at the MJ Unpacked Conference in St. Louis on Nov. 5. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> Laurie Parfitt, CEO at LKP Impact Consulting, gave an overview of Missouri’s cannabis sales from September 2023 to October 2024 at the MJ Unpacked Conference in St. Louis on Nov. 5. (Photo by Rebecca Rivas/The Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 1,000 industry leaders gathered at the MJ Unpacked Conference in St. Louis to address issues facing the cannabis market.&nbsp;</h2>By REBECCA RIVAS &nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>In less than two years of selling legal recreational weed, Missouri’s cannabis market has grown to $1.4 billion — outperforming states with a longer history of marijuana legalization like Arizona, Colorado and Nevada.“Those are mature marketplaces, and you are surpassing them,” said Laurie Parfitt, CEO at LKP Impact Consulting. “Missouri is doing amazing things, and we expect tremendous growth in this market going forward.”Parfitt gave a year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25282047-missouri-market-overview-mj-unpacked" target="_blank">overview</a>&nbsp;of Missouri’s cannabis market as part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mjunpacked.com/" target="_blank">MJ Unpacked Conference</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis last week, which brought together more than 1,000 industry leaders, regulators, investors and scientists to address issues facing the cannabis market.&nbsp;To a ballroom packed with brand executives, Parfitt unveiled Missouri’s top consumer — it’s unsurprisingly a millennial man.&nbsp;Men make up 64% of cannabis sales in Missouri and more than 40% of shoppers overall are millennials, or people between ages 28 and 43.Gen X buyers (ages 44-59) make up 25% and Gen Z consumers, those between 21 and 27, are at 18%. Baby boomers make up the remaining 14%.&nbsp;“When you really think about your marketplace, the majority of consumers are sitting in that millennial bracket,” she said. “And flower still dominates everything.”<h2>Recreational cannabis sales in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731378673125.png" alt=" Missouri had the fifth highest recreational cannabis sales, $709 million, in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states, according to national cannabis business group Green Market Report. Graphic source: Green Market Report. " />
 <figcaption> Missouri had the fifth highest recreational cannabis sales, $709 million, in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states, according to national cannabis business group Green Market Report. Graphic source: Green Market Report. </figcaption>
 </figure>Nearly 50% of sales consists of flower — or what most would recognize as good old-fashion weed sold in a container.&nbsp;“Flower is the 800-pound gorilla,” she said, “and it’s always going to be one of the biggest categories out there. It’s the major growth driver in this marketplace.”That’s true among all age groups in Missouri. However among the younger generations, vape pens are a close second but edibles make up a small percentage of their shopping cart.&nbsp;And it’s the complete opposite for the older generations, who are starting to buy more edibles. In fact, the largest consumers of edibles currently in Missouri are baby-boomer women.&nbsp;The top five brands make up almost 27% of the state’s total sales. Those are Illicit Gardens, Good Day Farms, Codes, Amaze Cannabis and Vivid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Parfitt’s presentation was based on sales from September 2023 to October 2024, compiled by the cannabis data platform company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.headset.io/" target="_blank">Headset</a>.Missouri voters approved recreational cannabis in 2022, and sales began a few months later in February 2023.&nbsp;Andrew Mullins, executive director of the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association, said Missouri looks different from other states’ markets after transitioning from selling only medical marijuana to adding recreational cannabis. Other states saw a surge in sales the first few months and then a pretty quick drop.&nbsp;“We’ve been really surprised here in Missouri that it’s basically been almost the exact same, around $120 million every month all the way through,” Mullins said.&nbsp;This summer, MoCann pointed to another study that showed Missouri had the fifth most recreational cannabis sales, $709 million, in the first half of 2024 among all adult-use states.&nbsp;The report released by national cannabis business publication<a href="https://www.greenmarketreport.com/california-leads-the-industry-in-cannabis-sales-at-six-month-mark/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Green Market Report</a>, showed California leading the nation in legal cannabis sales, followed by Michigan, Illinois and Massachusetts, all states with larger populations and that legalized cannabis before Missouri.And that growth translates to jobs, Mullins said. The state’s industry now employs more than 20,000 people, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">Division of Cannabis Regulation’s October data&nbsp;</a>on cannabis employees or “agents” who’ve been licensed.“We’re very fortunate for the economic impact that it’s created,” Mullins said, “and the jobs that it’s created.”

Missouri’s $1.4 billion cannabis market outpaces states with older programs

The Amber Alert for a missing mother and her two daughters is canceled, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Law enforcement located them and they are safe. Authorities did not report an arrest or additional details.

LACLEDE COUNTY —The&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert Monday to help locate a Missouri mother identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Yajayra Suleyma Molina-Ya and her two daughters 7-year-old Irma Rubi Mo-Moralis and 7-year-old Rosana Michel Mo-Molina.

According to the Amber Alert, the mother and her two children left their home in O'Fallon, Missouri, on Sunday at 6 p.m. with two unknown men.

At 10:45 p.m., the report says the mother was separated from her children against her will and into a red pickup truck.

The children were last seen in a black sport utility vehicle. The make, model, license plate number and direction of travel are unknown.

The mother's cell phone was last pinged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Monday morning at 1:30 a.m., according to the alert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731340145698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Amber Alert for a missing mother and her two daughters is canceled, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Law enforcement located them and they are safe. Authorities did not report an arrest or additional details.----------------LACLEDE COUNTY —The&nbsp;Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert Monday to help locate a Missouri mother identified as&nbsp;22-year-old Yajayra Suleyma Molina-Ya and her two daughters 7-year-old Irma Rubi Mo-Moralis and 7-year-old Rosana Michel Mo-Molina.According to the Amber Alert, the mother and her two children left their home in O'Fallon, Missouri, on Sunday at 6 p.m. with two unknown men.At 10:45 p.m., the report says the mother was separated from her children against her will and into a red pickup truck.The children were last seen in a black sport utility vehicle. The make, model, license plate number and direction of travel are unknown.The mother's cell phone was last pinged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Monday morning at 1:30 a.m., according to the alert.

Amber Alert canceled: Mo. mom, two 7-year-old daughters located

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

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump late Sunday announced he will appoint Tom Homan as “border czar” in his administration as Trump seeks to carry out his campaign commitment of mass deportations of immigrants who lack permanent legal status.

Homan is the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the previous Trump administration who backed the controversial “zero tolerance” policy that separated families at the southern border.

Homan will have authority over the southern border, northern border, the maritime border and aviation security, according to a post from Trump’s social media site, Truth Social. Trump did not in the social media post specify what exact government post Homan would occupy.

“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,” Trump said. “I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”

Another former Trump official who played a heavy role in immigration policy, Stephen Miller, will be appointed as&nbsp;White House deputy chief of staff for policy,<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/11/politics/stephen-miller-trump-administration/index.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;according to CNN.</a>&nbsp;Vice president-elect J.D. Vance&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1856004703672324263" target="_blank">congratulated Miller on X</a>, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;

As the incoming Trump administration<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/08/dc/immigration-groups-brace-for-a-second-trump-administration/">&nbsp;plans to carry out mass deportations&nbsp;</a>of people without proper legal status, Trump said Homan will be in charge of sending deported people back to their countries of origin. In order for that to happen, the country of origin must agree to accept those people the United States wants to deport.

Homan served as acting director of ICE from 2017 to 2018. In a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-homan-trump-border-czar-what-to-know/" target="_blank">interview with CBS News</a>, he said that deportations would be targeted.

“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” Homan said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”

<a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/publications/CSG-Immigration-Status-Brief.pdf" target="_blank">There are more than 14.4 million individuals</a>&nbsp;who live in mixed status families, meaning that at least one member has a different legal status. During the interview, Homan was asked if mass deportations could happen without separating families.

“Of course there is,” he said. “Families can be deported together.”

<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/10/16/harris-campaign-stresses-the-threat-that-donald-trump-is-to-latino-communities/" target="_blank">Under the 2018 “zero tolerance” policy,&nbsp;</a>at least 5,000 migrant families were separated. The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.

Trump has previously declined to say whether he would resume family separations in a second term.

“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731330577014.png" alt="Tom Homan during his speech at the Republican National Convention-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Tom Homan during his speech at the Republican National Convention-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">ARIANA FIGUEROA</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump late Sunday announced he will appoint Tom Homan as “border czar” in his administration as Trump seeks to carry out his campaign commitment of mass deportations of immigrants who lack permanent legal status.Homan is the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the previous Trump administration who backed the controversial “zero tolerance” policy that separated families at the southern border.Homan will have authority over the southern border, northern border, the maritime border and aviation security, according to a post from Trump’s social media site, Truth Social. Trump did not in the social media post specify what exact government post Homan would occupy.“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders,” Trump said. “I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job.”Another former Trump official who played a heavy role in immigration policy, Stephen Miller, will be appointed as&nbsp;White House deputy chief of staff for policy,<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/11/politics/stephen-miller-trump-administration/index.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;according to CNN.</a>&nbsp;Vice president-elect J.D. Vance&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/JDVance/status/1856004703672324263" target="_blank">congratulated Miller on X</a>, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;As the incoming Trump administration<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/11/08/dc/immigration-groups-brace-for-a-second-trump-administration/">&nbsp;plans to carry out mass deportations&nbsp;</a>of people without proper legal status, Trump said Homan will be in charge of sending deported people back to their countries of origin. In order for that to happen, the country of origin must agree to accept those people the United States wants to deport.Homan served as acting director of ICE from 2017 to 2018. In a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tom-homan-trump-border-czar-what-to-know/" target="_blank">interview with CBS News</a>, he said that deportations would be targeted.“It’s going to be a well-targeted, planned operation conducted by the men of ICE. The men and women of ICE do this daily. They’re good at it,” Homan said. “When we go out there, we’re going to know who we’re looking for. We most likely know where they’re going to be, and it’s going to be done in a humane manner.”<a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/publications/CSG-Immigration-Status-Brief.pdf" target="_blank">There are more than 14.4 million individuals</a>&nbsp;who live in mixed status families, meaning that at least one member has a different legal status. During the interview, Homan was asked if mass deportations could happen without separating families.“Of course there is,” he said. “Families can be deported together.”<a href="https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/10/16/harris-campaign-stresses-the-threat-that-donald-trump-is-to-latino-communities/" target="_blank">Under the 2018 “zero tolerance” policy,&nbsp;</a>at least 5,000 migrant families were separated. The Department of Homeland Security has reunited about 74% of those families, but there are still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/02/02/fact-sheet-review-family-reunification-task-force-second-anniversary-its" target="_blank">998 children who have not been reunited</a>.Trump has previously declined to say whether he would resume family separations in a second term.“Well, when you have that policy, people don’t come. If a family hears that they’re going to be separated, they love their family. They don’t come. So I know it sounds harsh,” Trump said during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/transcript-cnn-town-hall-trump/index.html" target="_blank">a CNN town hall in May 2023.&nbsp;</a>

Trump taps former acting ICE director as his new ‘border czar'

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.

Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris&nbsp; honored veterans on Monday with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.&nbsp;It is the first time the President and Vice President have been seen together since before the election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden participates in a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at <a href="https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArlingtonNatl</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VeteransDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VeteransDay</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Rsfyd4aXLq">pic.twitter.com/Rsfyd4aXLq</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1856009432422822265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Click below to watch President Biden's remarks at Arlington National Cemetery’s amphitheater.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1802956127113768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=3222" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

🎥Harris joins Biden for wreath-laying at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Scotland County Hospital’s board chair was ‘less than creditable’ in testimony that she was responding to a financial crisis that could have closed the hospital.

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

A judge on Friday found a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/14/scotland-county-missouri-hospital-corruption-firings-turmoil/">northeast Missouri hospital board</a>&nbsp;guilty of “gross violations” of the Sunshine Law and voided all the actions taken during illegal closed meetings in August 2022.

<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=01&amp;di=533191" target="_blank">Circuit Judge Rick Roberts also ruled</a>&nbsp;that Scotland County Hospital must also pay a civil fine of $5,000 and attorneys fees to its former CEO, Dr. Randy Tobler.

Tobler sued the hospital in March 2023, alleging he had been slandered, the target of a conspiracy to remove him and that the board vote to fire him was done at a meeting that violated the Sunshine Law. The slander and conspiracy counts were dismissed from his lawsuit and a trial was held in September on the Sunshine Law violations.

While Tobler’s attorney, Lowell Pearson, didn’t explicitly ask for attorney fees during the trial, Roberts wrote that he would award them.

“Refusing to award attorney fees for the time spent in obtaining the judgment would thwart the purpose of the Sunshine Law,” Roberts wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731333437420.png" alt="Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, Missouri (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Scotland County Hospital’s board chair was ‘less than creditable’ in testimony that she was responding to a financial crisis that could have closed the hospital.</h2>BY:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rudi-keller/">RUDI KELLER</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A judge on Friday found a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/14/scotland-county-missouri-hospital-corruption-firings-turmoil/">northeast Missouri hospital board</a>&nbsp;guilty of “gross violations” of the Sunshine Law and voided all the actions taken during illegal closed meetings in August 2022.<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment_FINAL.pdf?courtCode=01&amp;di=533191" target="_blank">Circuit Judge Rick Roberts also ruled</a>&nbsp;that Scotland County Hospital must also pay a civil fine of $5,000 and attorneys fees to its former CEO, Dr. Randy Tobler.Tobler sued the hospital in March 2023, alleging he had been slandered, the target of a conspiracy to remove him and that the board vote to fire him was done at a meeting that violated the Sunshine Law. The slander and conspiracy counts were dismissed from his lawsuit and a trial was held in September on the Sunshine Law violations.While Tobler’s attorney, Lowell Pearson, didn’t explicitly ask for attorney fees during the trial, Roberts wrote that he would award them.“Refusing to award attorney fees for the time spent in obtaining the judgment would thwart the purpose of the Sunshine Law,” Roberts wrote.In an interview, Pearson said the ruling was everything Tobler asked for.“This is a total victory for Dr. Tobler and complete vindication for him that the actions of the hospital were unlawful,” Pearson said.The decision is gratifying, Tobler said.“I appreciate Judge Roberts issuing a thoughtful, careful and thorough decision,” he said. “It provides vindication for me and establishes accountability for the hospital’s illegal, knowing and purposeful violation of Missouri Sunshine Law.”Tobler said he is examining with Pearson whether to refile the defamation count in the case.The area’s residents, he said, “deserve hospital leadership that can be trusted in providing the essential healthcare needs of the community.”In a statement sent Sunday, hospital CEO Megan Weber said the hospital is disappointed with the ruling.“The board continues to still feel strongly that the hospital did not knowingly or purposefully violate the Sunshine Law, and are examining our options with regards to any appeal,” Weber said.The case focused on two meetings held Aug. 15 and 16, 2022. The first was held at the home of Lori Fulk, board chair, with only four of the board’s six members present. Fulk did not post a public notice of the meeting, the two board absent members were not notified and Tobler was not given any notice, Roberts found.Holding the meeting at Fulks house violated the hospital district bylaws, Roberts wrote. Failing to inform all board members or the public violated the Sunshine Law.At the meeting, the board members present voted to fire Tobler and chief financial officer Michael Brandon.During the trial, Roberts wrote, Fulk testified that the hospital was “facing an immediate financial collapse so immediate that she felt the hospital only had days if not hours before it closed.”Scotland County Hospital serves 12,300 people in five counties. It is located in Memphis, a town of about 1,700 people. The hospital was losing money, but had $8.2 million in cash on hand at the beginning of 2022, an audit shows. The morning of Aug. 16, rumors started spreading in Memphis that Tobler had embezzled money from the hospital.Tobler, an obstetrician and gynecologist, had been CEO of the hospital since 2014. The vote to fire him disrupted an orderly transition because he had already submitted his resignation effective Sept. 3, 2022.If Fulk was truthful when she said the hospital had a severe financial crisis, the logical step would be to have the entire board meet with the CEO and the chief financial officer, Roberts wrote.&nbsp;But Fulk was “less than creditable” in her testimony, Roberts wrote.“The selection of the members to attend clearly demonstrates that the purpose of this meeting was not the alleged financial crisis but was to focus on how to remove certain officers from the organization,” he wrote.All board members were present for the Aug. 16 closed meeting, which was held at the hospital on short notice to the members and no notice to the public.“Whatever her agenda was in August 2022 she knew she wanted to limit the persons informed of and who could participate in the meetings of August 15 and 16, 2022, and the only way to get what she wanted was by a gross violation of the Sunshine Law, which is exactly what she did,” Roberts wrote.The language Roberts used is some of the strongest he has seen about a witness, Pearson said.“It’s unusual for a judge to make a credibility finding that is that stark,” he said. “That’s a pretty unusually explicit way for the court to say that he found a witness to not be credible.”The decision will not result in Tobler’s reinstatement as CEO, Weber said Sunday. The board voted to fire him at its Aug. 30, 2022 meeting that met the requirements of the Sunshine Law, she said.Brandon has not sued over his firing and his status after Roberts’ decision is unclear.Another case stemming from the same time is also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=23SE-CC00022&amp;inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT01#header" target="_blank">pending before Roberts</a>. Terri Schmitt, who was the human resources officer of the hospital, was fired Aug. 17, 2022, by Weber, named CEO at the Aug. 16 meeting.Schmitt, who was 59 at the time of her firing, is suing for age discrimination and violation of her employment contract, which required 90 days notice of termination. The case is expected to go to trial sometime next year.