MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Blue Angels have named McConnell Air Force Base’s 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow as the&nbsp;2024 Blue Angels Military Airshow of the Year.

The airshow was August 24-25, 2024, and brought in a crowd of more than 65,000 people on its first day. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, allowing attendees to see military aviation capabilities up close. The Blue Angels headlined the performances, demonstrating precision flying and teamwork. A variety of military and civilian aircraft were also on display, showcasing both historical and modern aviation technology.

The award recognizes excellence in planning, execution, and community engagement, key factors that set McConnell’s airshow apart. The Blue Angels evaluate each of the airshows they performed at in 2024, considering elements such as crowd management, logistical coordination, airfield operations, and overall event impact. McConnell’s ability to coordinate a large-scale event while maintaining strict safety protocols and providing an engaging experience contributed to its selection for this recognition.

The air show was also cut short on Aug. 25, when a wet microburst, a sudden, intense downdraft of sustained 50+ mph winds and rain, forced the cancellation of the second day’s events.

These weather events are common in the Great Plains during the summer, typically forming overnight and weakening after sunrise. However, in this case, an upper-level disturbance allowed the storm to persist longer than expected, creating unsafe conditions for public attendance and flying demonstrations.

“Planning for the air show began about two years prior. The number of variables to cover is incredibly wide, ranging from weather and medical emergencies to making sure there is enough food and parking spaces for everyone,” said Maj. Ryan Sheive, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and air show director.

Hosting a large-scale event like an airshow requires extensive coordination across multiple agencies both on base and throughout the local communities, requiring months of preparation, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

“We had a great team this year, but during the air show there were challenges that popped up every five minutes,” said Capt. Matthew Robbins, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 pilot and air show deputy director. “There were more people in attendance this year than was expected -- lines at security check, medical teams helping attendees with the heat and when the weather hit, that’s when we really stepped up as a team.”

Planning is also underway for the next Frontiers in Flight Airshow, slated for the fall of 2026.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738946297135.png" alt="The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform during the practice show for the Frontiers in Flight Air Show Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 13 performers including the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Tora Tora Tora and local pilots. Team McConnell invited the public on base to show appreciation to the local community for their support to the base and its Airmen, as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhguh)" />
 <figcaption>The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform during the practice show for the Frontiers in Flight Air Show Aug. 24, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The show will feature 13 performers including the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Tora Tora Tora and local pilots. Team McConnell invited the public on base to show appreciation to the local community for their support to the base and its Airmen, as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhguh)</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The Blue Angels have named McConnell Air Force Base’s 2024 Frontiers in Flight airshow as the&nbsp;2024 Blue Angels Military Airshow of the Year.The airshow was August 24-25, 2024, and brought in a crowd of more than 65,000 people on its first day. The event featured aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, allowing attendees to see military aviation capabilities up close. The Blue Angels headlined the performances, demonstrating precision flying and teamwork. A variety of military and civilian aircraft were also on display, showcasing both historical and modern aviation technology.The award recognizes excellence in planning, execution, and community engagement, key factors that set McConnell’s airshow apart. The Blue Angels evaluate each of the airshows they performed at in 2024, considering elements such as crowd management, logistical coordination, airfield operations, and overall event impact. McConnell’s ability to coordinate a large-scale event while maintaining strict safety protocols and providing an engaging experience contributed to its selection for this recognition.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724616069059.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The air show was also cut short on Aug. 25, when a wet microburst, a sudden, intense downdraft of sustained 50+ mph winds and rain, forced the cancellation of the second day’s events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738946491701.png" alt="Photo Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>These weather events are common in the Great Plains during the summer, typically forming overnight and weakening after sunrise. However, in this case, an upper-level disturbance allowed the storm to persist longer than expected, creating unsafe conditions for public attendance and flying demonstrations.“Planning for the air show began about two years prior. The number of variables to cover is incredibly wide, ranging from weather and medical emergencies to making sure there is enough food and parking spaces for everyone,” said Maj. Ryan Sheive, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker pilot and air show director.Hosting a large-scale event like an airshow requires extensive coordination across multiple agencies both on base and throughout the local communities, requiring months of preparation, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.“We had a great team this year, but during the air show there were challenges that popped up every five minutes,” said Capt. Matthew Robbins, 350th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 pilot and air show deputy director. “There were more people in attendance this year than was expected -- lines at security check, medical teams helping attendees with the heat and when the weather hit, that’s when we really stepped up as a team.”Planning is also underway for the next Frontiers in Flight Airshow, slated for the fall of 2026.

Blue Angels name McConnell as 2024 Airshow of the Year  

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Johnson County have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old Eduardo E. Portillo of Independence, Missouri.

Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 15900 block of West 127th Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

First responders found Portillo suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police have identified and contacted all individual involved. Police have not reported an arrest.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal shooting in Johnson County have identified the victim as&nbsp;28-year-old Eduardo E. Portillo of Independence, Missouri.Just before 10:30p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to an armed disturbance in the 15900 block of West 127th Street in Olathe, according to Police Sergeant John Moncayo.First responders found Portillo suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.Police have identified and contacted all individual involved. Police have not reported an arrest.

Police: Missouri man identified as victim in Kansas shooting

NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.

This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.

“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”

“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”

“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.

“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.

“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.

“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.

To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739026217872.png" alt="Photo Homeland Security" />
 <figcaption>Photo Homeland Security</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS — In a joint press conference with the National Football League, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, led by Director Ivan J. Arvelo, announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise through Operation Team Player, according to a media release from Homeland Security.This year-long, collaborative initiative between Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and major sports leagues aims to prevent counterfeit sports-related merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.In total, more than 214,507 counterfeit items were seized, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and various other memorabilia. Since its launch in 2013, Operation Team Player has seized more than $455 million in counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel, making it the largest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government.“With the rise of e-commerce, it has become incredibly easy for criminals to create fake websites, online marketplaces, and social media ads offering deceptive deals with the sole intention of scamming sports fans,” said Arvelo. “That’s why our partnership with sports leagues, such as the NFL, is critical in our efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit merchandise and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.”“As we prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, it is important to remember that the success of the game depends on so many crucial partners and vital stakeholders. The NFL is extremely grateful for its long partnership with the IPR Center, HSI, CBP and New Orleans law enforcement, and all that they do to protect NFL fans,” said Dolores DiBella, NFL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs. “The continued success of Operation Team Player would not be possible without their tireless efforts and ongoing commitment to protecting NFL fans from counterfeit crimes both on the ground and online.”“At CBP, we’re not just fans of the game — we’re also here to protect the fans, businesses, and communities that make this event so special. One of the ways we do this is by tackling an issue many consumers don’t realize has an enormous impact: counterfeit goods. Fake jerseys and hats might seem like a good deal, but they can come with serious risks,” said AnneMarie Highsmith, Executive Associate Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade.“Leading up to and during the game, members of the New Orleans Police Department will be teamed up with agents from the city’s Department of Revenue, the Department of Homeland Security and NFL members, to identify and address illegal vendors and the sale of counterfeit merchandise,” said Lt. Kenny Temple, New Orleans Police Department.“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday. But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.While many mistakenly believe that counterfeiting only affects large corporations, the reality is that purchasing fake merchandise has real consequences such as identify theft or financial loss. In response, the IPR Center launched the 'True Fans Keep It Real' campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and provide sports fans with helpful tips to shop smart and spot counterfeit merchandise both online and in person.“Our goal is to arm consumers with the knowledge to avoid purchasing counterfeit items in the first place,” Arvelo added.To help fans stay safe from counterfeit products, the IPR Center and the NFL recommend the following tips when making purchases:<ul>
 <li>Stick to trusted retail locations.</li><li>Be cautious when shopping online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Criminals often use legitimate product photos while selling fraudulent items.</li><li>Use caution before purchasing expensive items from unfamiliar online sellers. Shop from authorized dealers with a reputation for quality merchandise to ensure a safe transaction and responsible customer service.</li><li>Look for signs of poor quality, such as sloppy stitching, missing security labels, or irregular markings on apparel.</li><li>Check your online bank statements regularly. Keep a record of purchases and confirmation pages and compare them to your bank statements. If discrepancies arise, report them immediately.</li><li>Purchase event tickets only from trusted sources, such as the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, On Location, or other reputable ticket retailers. This year, Super Bowl LIX will be entirely digital, and no paper tickets will be accepted. Screenshots or PDFs of tickets will not be valid for entry.</li>
 </ul>

$39.5M in Counterfeit Sports Merchandise Seized Ahead of Super Bowl 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Devin Miller of Topeka on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated battery.

This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim who died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738943432820.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made an arrest.Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738979967925.png" alt="Miller -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.As a result of the investigation, police arrested 29-year-old Devin Miller of Topeka on requested charges of first degree murder and aggravated battery.This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim who died.

Kansas man jailed for shooting that killed 1, injured 2 others

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4600 block of NW 78th Terrace in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing on arrival and initiated interior operations.

Crews discovered a small fire in one of the units. During a search of the smoking structure, firefighters found a dog and rescued from the smokey conditions.

The fire was quickly brought under control. . The property was equipped with working smoke detectors which alerted neighbors to call KCFD. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738949439769.png" alt="Photos KC Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of an apartment fire in Kansas City.Just after 8a.m. Friday, crews responded to a reported apartment fire in the 4600 block of NW 78th Terrace in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.&nbsp;Crews reported smoke showing on arrival and initiated interior operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738949418874.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Crews discovered a small fire in one of the units. During a search of the smoking structure, firefighters found a dog and rescued from the smokey conditions.The fire was quickly brought under control. . The property was equipped with working smoke detectors which alerted neighbors to call KCFD. There were no injuries reported.

Dog rescued from Kansas City apartment fire

LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, acc

Upon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. 

 Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. 

The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. 

Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road

 Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;

Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738954791730.png" alt="Jones photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Jones photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal crash during a police chase have identified the man who died as 52-year-old John H. Jones, according to a statement from the Labette County Sheriff.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday, while driving northbound on Wallace Road., a Labette County Deputy observed a tan Ford F-150 run the stop sign at 20000 and Wallace Road. at a high rate of speed, accUpon seeing the deputy, the driver later identified as Jones attempted several evasive maneuvers to lose the deputy, including driving through a field. Upon activating the emergency lights, Jones started driving northbound on Wallace Road at speeds over 100 mph. The driver ran four motorists off the road and at one point, Jones slammed on their brakes, causing the deputy to sideswipe the suspect’s vehicle. Once the deputy went around the suspect’s vehicle, the Jones sped up, attempting to ram the deputy’s vehicle.&nbsp; Jones continued northbound at high speeds on Wallace Road., ignoring the warning signs. The suspect missed the curve at 22097 Wallace Road., then collided with a tree near 22097 Wallace Road Emergency medical and Oswego and Neosho fire departments were dispatched to the accident scene. Jones was transported to Labette Health, where he died of his injuries.&nbsp;Deputies learned that Jones’ was driving while suspended and had arrest warrants issued out of Montgomery County and Neosho County.&nbsp; He also had previous convictions for aggravated burglary, theft, criminal threat obstruction and seven for drug related activity, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Suspect who died in police chase, crash had a history of crime

In 2023, a politically-connected trade group donated $24,000 to a nonprofit that paid for the mayor, an aide and security personnel to travel to Phoenix for the game

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

The Chiefs will make their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas will be in New Orleans to cheer them on.&nbsp;

Exactly who is funding the organization picking up the tab for this year’s trip, however, is not clear.&nbsp;

Two years ago, the mayor attended the Super Bowl in Phoenix with a top aide and security personnel. A nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City footed the $23,518 bill for the trip. A day after the game, the organization took in a $24,000 donation from a politically connected trade group.

Lucas told reporters Thursday that the Mayors Corps would once again finance his trip, but he referred questions about the organization’s donors to its board of directors or attorneys.&nbsp;

“We’ve worked with lawyers, advisors and others to make sure that everything is on the up and up in connection with it,” Lucas said, adding that he would have official meetings with individuals in business and government during the trip.&nbsp;

While Lucas has been open that the nonprofit paid for his travel, the $24,000 donation — given by the Heavy Constructors Association — was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/kansas-city-mayor-accused-of-skirting-city-gift-ban-by-using-nonprofit-to-pay-for-travel/">first revealed in December by The Independent</a>. Critics contend the arrangement could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.

As a 501c4 nonprofit, the Mayors Corps is not legally required to disclose its donors.&nbsp;

The donation only became public when a whistleblower who did compliance for the mayor’s nonprofit provided documents to The Independent showing the transaction.&nbsp;

Lucas has also not disclosed how the Mayors Corps paid for his trip to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. A law firm representing the nonprofit did not return requests for comment on Thursday.&nbsp;

According to the organization’s bylaws, the Mayors Corps was created “to hold, attract, develop and encourage the economic development of the Kansas City community and to further the common good and general welfare of the citizens of Kansas City.”

The bylaws say: “The corporation shall not be used for either business or political purposes or for the pecuniary gain or profit of its organizers, board of directors, officers, members or any other person.”

Documents obtained by The Independent late last year show that, over the course of Lucas’ first term in office, the Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/kansas-city-chiefs/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;tickets, hotel stays, flights and dinners for Lucas and staff.&nbsp;

The 2023 Super Bowl trip accounted for the bulk of that spending.&nbsp;

In an interview with The Independent last year, Lucas defended the spending, saying the Mayors Corps allows him to promote the city at conferences and sporting events and on international trips.

“I see nothing inconsistent with that, and it’s really not even my opinion,” Lucas said. “It’s the opinion of our counsel.”

Jon Berkon, an attorney for Mayors Corps, said in an email to The Independent in December that Lucas’ office’s use of the nonprofit helped attract film industry investments to Kansas City and contributed to Kansas City becoming a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organization, Berkon said, helped Lucas be able to serve in national organizations and build relationships with members of Congress and governors.&nbsp;

Lucas also told The Independent in December that the Mayor’s Corps has a board of directors that can review expenses to ensure they are legitimate. He referred a question about the organization’s recent donors to the board on Thursday.&nbsp;

Lucas was on the board in 2020, shortly after taking office, according to meeting minutes provided to The Independent. Filings with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office show that the Mayors Corps was administratively dissolved from October 2022 April 2023, meaning it could not carry on any business at the time it paid for his February 2023 Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;

When the Mayors Corps&nbsp; was reconstituted in April 2023, the three-member board included the mayor, the aide who went to the Super Bowl with him and an attorney who told The Independent he was not sure he was ever an officer.&nbsp;

The most recent registration report for the nonprofit —&nbsp;from June 2023 —&nbsp;still names the three as board members, but the mayor’s general counsel said in a letter to The Independent in December that the mayor and staffer relinquished their roles as voting members of the board in October 2023.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738948069595.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp; photo from his social. media page at KCI as the Chiefs boarded their flight to the Super Bowl" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas&nbsp; photo from his social. media page at KCI as the Chiefs boarded their flight to the Super Bowl</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>In 2023, a politically-connected trade group donated $24,000 to a nonprofit that paid for the mayor, an aide and security personnel to travel to Phoenix for the game</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>The Chiefs will make their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance on Sunday, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas will be in New Orleans to cheer them on.&nbsp;Exactly who is funding the organization picking up the tab for this year’s trip, however, is not clear.&nbsp;Two years ago, the mayor attended the Super Bowl in Phoenix with a top aide and security personnel. A nonprofit called the Mayors Corps of Progress for a Greater Kansas City footed the $23,518 bill for the trip. A day after the game, the organization took in a $24,000 donation from a politically connected trade group.Lucas told reporters Thursday that the Mayors Corps would once again finance his trip, but he referred questions about the organization’s donors to its board of directors or attorneys.&nbsp;“We’ve worked with lawyers, advisors and others to make sure that everything is on the up and up in connection with it,” Lucas said, adding that he would have official meetings with individuals in business and government during the trip.&nbsp;While Lucas has been open that the nonprofit paid for his travel, the $24,000 donation — given by the Heavy Constructors Association — was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/05/kansas-city-mayor-accused-of-skirting-city-gift-ban-by-using-nonprofit-to-pay-for-travel/">first revealed in December by The Independent</a>. Critics contend the arrangement could violate the city’s gift rules, which require elected officials to disclose any gifts they receive worth more than $200 and bans gifts worth more than $1,000.As a 501c4 nonprofit, the Mayors Corps is not legally required to disclose its donors.&nbsp;The donation only became public when a whistleblower who did compliance for the mayor’s nonprofit provided documents to The Independent showing the transaction.&nbsp;Lucas has also not disclosed how the Mayors Corps paid for his trip to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas. A law firm representing the nonprofit did not return requests for comment on Thursday.&nbsp;According to the organization’s bylaws, the Mayors Corps was created “to hold, attract, develop and encourage the economic development of the Kansas City community and to further the common good and general welfare of the citizens of Kansas City.”The bylaws say: “The corporation shall not be used for either business or political purposes or for the pecuniary gain or profit of its organizers, board of directors, officers, members or any other person.”Documents obtained by The Independent late last year show that, over the course of Lucas’ first term in office, the Mayors Corps spent more than $35,000 on&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/tag/kansas-city-chiefs/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>&nbsp;tickets, hotel stays, flights and dinners for Lucas and staff.&nbsp;The 2023 Super Bowl trip accounted for the bulk of that spending.&nbsp;In an interview with The Independent last year, Lucas defended the spending, saying the Mayors Corps allows him to promote the city at conferences and sporting events and on international trips.“I see nothing inconsistent with that, and it’s really not even my opinion,” Lucas said. “It’s the opinion of our counsel.”Jon Berkon, an attorney for Mayors Corps, said in an email to The Independent in December that Lucas’ office’s use of the nonprofit helped attract film industry investments to Kansas City and contributed to Kansas City becoming a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The organization, Berkon said, helped Lucas be able to serve in national organizations and build relationships with members of Congress and governors.&nbsp;Lucas also told The Independent in December that the Mayor’s Corps has a board of directors that can review expenses to ensure they are legitimate. He referred a question about the organization’s recent donors to the board on Thursday.&nbsp;Lucas was on the board in 2020, shortly after taking office, according to meeting minutes provided to The Independent. Filings with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office show that the Mayors Corps was administratively dissolved from October 2022 April 2023, meaning it could not carry on any business at the time it paid for his February 2023 Super Bowl trip.&nbsp;When the Mayors Corps&nbsp; was reconstituted in April 2023, the three-member board included the mayor, the aide who went to the Super Bowl with him and an attorney who told The Independent he was not sure he was ever an officer.&nbsp;The most recent registration report for the nonprofit —&nbsp;from June 2023 —&nbsp;still names the three as board members, but the mayor’s general counsel said in a letter to The Independent in December that the mayor and staffer relinquished their roles as voting members of the board in October 2023.&nbsp;

KC mayor will use nonprofit for Super Bowl trip, but donors remain unclear

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. 

Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance.

"Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." 

Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media.&nbsp; As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. 

"I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738152364528.png" alt="Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Mike Kehoe begins his State of the State address by celebrating firsts in state leadership, such as the Senate’s first female president pro tem (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning tonight in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9. Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance."Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said in a news release. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday." Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media.&nbsp; As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. "I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Sunday, Missouri&#39;s Kansas City <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a> will face the <a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eagles</a> once again in the Super Bowl. I like our chances at a three-peat, so let&#39;s make a deal, <a href="https://twitter.com/GovernorShapiro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovernorShapiro</a>. If by some unlikely twist of fate, the Eagles win on Sunday, I’ll send you some Missouri-grown beef and… <a href="https://t.co/qqhTAqEqrV">pic.twitter.com/qqhTAqEqrV</a>&mdash; Governor Mike Kehoe (@GovMikeKehoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMikeKehoe/status/1887894096670269502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Gov. Kehoe's Super Bowl bet with PA governor includes St. Joseph favorite

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka.

Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley

This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or the name of the victim who died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738943432820.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Police are investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka.Just after 7:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 2700 Block of SW Burnett Road, according to Police Lt. Edward StanleyFirst responders found three individuals who had life-threatening injuries. One was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel, and the other two were taken to a local area hospital.This is the city’s 1st homicide investigation of 2025.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or the name of the victim who died.

Police: 1 dead, 2 hospitalized after shooting at Kan. home

WASHINGTON —It has been a busy week in Washington for new 2nd District Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt.

On Thursday, Schmidt presided over the House floor for the first time.

In addition, Schmidt this week announced he introduced the&nbsp;Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act along with five other members of the House including Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner.

&nbsp; The bill redirects unobligated funds collected through the&nbsp;False Claims Act&nbsp;to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal year (FY) 2029, stabilizing the CVF.

Schmidt also announced he has cosponsored four bills to protect Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.&nbsp;

H.R. 38, the&nbsp;Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, provides nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of constitutional carry states.

H.R. 45, the&nbsp;Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination&nbsp;(FIND)&nbsp;Act, prevents any business that discriminates against firearm businesses or associations from contracting or subcontracting with the federal government.

H.R. 404, the&nbsp;Hearing Protection Act&nbsp;(HPA), reduces archaic barriers to purchasing a firearm suppressor.

Schmidt served as the&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the&nbsp;Kansas Senate&nbsp; representing the&nbsp;15th district&nbsp;from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for&nbsp;governor of Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738931611218.png" alt="Images courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Images courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —It has been a busy week in Washington for new 2nd District Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt.On Thursday, Schmidt presided over the House floor for the first time.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738931999797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, Schmidt this week announced he introduced the&nbsp;Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act along with five other members of the House including Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner.&nbsp; The bill redirects unobligated funds collected through the&nbsp;False Claims Act&nbsp;to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) through fiscal year (FY) 2029, stabilizing the CVF.Schmidt also announced he has cosponsored four bills to protect Americans’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.&nbsp;H.R. 38, the&nbsp;Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, provides nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry license holders and for residents of constitutional carry states.H.R. 45, the&nbsp;Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination&nbsp;(FIND)&nbsp;Act, prevents any business that discriminates against firearm businesses or associations from contracting or subcontracting with the federal government.H.R. 404, the&nbsp;Hearing Protection Act&nbsp;(HPA), reduces archaic barriers to purchasing a firearm suppressor.Schmidt served as the&nbsp;Kansas Attorney General&nbsp;from 2011 to 2023. He was first elected to office serving in the&nbsp;Kansas Senate&nbsp; representing the&nbsp;15th district&nbsp;from 2001 to 2011. In 2022, Schmidt was the Republican nominee for&nbsp;governor of Kansas.

 Kan. Congressman presided over the House floor for the first time

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.

On Feb. 1, sheriff's deputies in Clay County, overheard deputies in Jackson County&nbsp;in pursuit of a stolen truck and trailer with an ATV on it northbound on Interstate 435, according to a media release.

The driver continued into Clay County, where Jackson County deputies terminated their pursuit, and Clay County deputies caught up with the vehicle, with the assistance of Claycomo Police Department. 

Two of the truck's tires had already struck Stop Sticks. Deputies pursued the vehicle until it came to a stop near N.E. 96th Street and N. Brighton. The driver put his hands out the window and was taken into custody with no further incident. 

Deputies learned the truck, trailer and ATVs had been stolen from Olathe, Kansas. There were four ATVs on the trailer when it was stolen. The driver, 34-year-old Tyler S. Young of Blue Springs, has been charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing from a stop and resisting arrest.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738898846202.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.On Feb. 1, sheriff's deputies in Clay County, overheard deputies in Jackson County&nbsp;in pursuit of a stolen truck and trailer with an ATV on it northbound on Interstate 435, according to a media release.The driver continued into Clay County, where Jackson County deputies terminated their pursuit, and Clay County deputies caught up with the vehicle, with the assistance of Claycomo Police Department. Two of the truck's tires had already struck Stop Sticks. Deputies pursued the vehicle until it came to a stop near N.E. 96th Street and N. Brighton. The driver put his hands out the window and was taken into custody with no further incident. Deputies learned the truck, trailer and ATVs had been stolen from Olathe, Kansas. There were four ATVs on the trailer when it was stolen. The driver, 34-year-old Tyler S. Young of Blue Springs, has been charged with first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing from a stop and resisting arrest.&nbsp;

Deputies make arrest, recover truck and 4 ATVs stolen in Kansas

James Pointer was in his housing unit at the Moberly Correctional Center when the cap on a femoral catheter became dislodged

BY:&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>

James Pointer’s life sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections ended abruptly last week when he bled to death from an opening in his leg used to administer dialysis treatments.

Pointer, 76, was housed at the Moberly Correctional Center, where the state prison agency keeps offenders with kidney disease because it has a dialysis center, department spokeswoman Karen Pojmann wrote in an email to The Independent.

Pointer was pronounced dead at 5:13 p.m. last Friday and “had been on dialysis for many years, had been incarcerated since 2009 and had been at Moberly Correctional Center for 10 years,” Pojmann wrote.

Pointer was sentenced to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=0822-CR03825-01&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT22#charges" target="_blank">life in prison without parole</a>&nbsp;in 2009 after pleading guilty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/former-dps-principal-murdered/73-342958055" target="_blank">murder of his estranged wife</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis.

An autopsy has been ordered, local law enforcement was notified and an investigation of the death is underway, Pojmann wrote.

Pojmann did not share any information regarding the manner of Pointer’s death. The Independent learned how he died from Déna Notz, a former corrections officer who founded an organization called Collectively Changing Corrections. Notz shared an email from a man incarcerated at the Moberly prison who saw Pointer bleeding.

“Friday night I witnessed a man I loved, James Pointer, a Vietnam veteran, bleed out from his femoral artery on a cold, dirty prison floor,” the inmate wrote. “It took medical so long to get to him that he died.”

“It doesn’t surprise me because of all the stuff I hear,” she said,“but I still cannot believe that something like this happened.”&nbsp;

The description of events was confirmed by Tammy Mogab, a woman whose brother Shawn Scrivens is an insulin-dependent diabetic housed at the Moberly prison. Scrivens told a Phelps County judge he had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/tony-messenger/messenger-missouri-man-pleads-guilty-because-he-doesn-t-want-to-die-in-a-county/article_6284eb18-7352-11ee-8516-1fcd5d1a2d33.html" target="_blank">not received an insulin shot in 124 days</a>&nbsp;when he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Mogab said she spoke to her brother on the telephone on Saturday as well as other men incarcerated at the prison.

“There are witnesses to the death of Mr. Pointer,”&nbsp; Mogab said, “and now all the dialysis patients are afraid to take their treatments.”

The Randolph County Ambulance District received an emergency call for the prison at 4:37 p.m. Friday and arrived on the scene at 4:49 p.m., district Superintendent Clay Joiner said.

“We did everything we could in this situation,” Joiner said.

Dialysis treats kidney failure and over time, preferred access points in a person’s arms can become scarred or otherwise unusable. A permanent catheter inserted into a blood vessel in the upper leg is a last-resort method.

Rapid bleeding can occur if the access port at the end of the tube becomes dislodged and there is no clamp to close off the tube.

The femoral artery is one of the largest in the human body. A person can bleed to death&nbsp;<a href="https://truerescue.com/blogs/knowledge/how-long-does-it-take-to-bleed-out-from-artery?srsltid=AfmBOorfNW_rbuszcmlUdMcgQ8B9fcaDz6QLvm2frF7sR-K9MDL_umXW" target="_blank">in 2 to 5 minutes</a>&nbsp;if no action is taken to staunch the flow of blood.

Joiner said he has responded to similar emergencies among dialysis patients in their homes.

“When your femoral artery is bleeding out, you have very little time,” Joiner said.

Randolph County Coroner Charlie Peel will rule on the cause of death for Pointer. He said that he is not ready to release any information about what he observed or was told by the department.

“We are in the middle of an investigation,” Peel said.

Many of the autopsies on people who die in the custody of the department are conducted at the Boone County Medical Examiner’s office in Columbia. Autopsy records obtained by The Independent for deaths at the Algoa and Jefferson City correctional centers show that in the past two years, the time elapsed from the date of the death to a completed report has ranged from 30 to more than 250 days.

There were 11 deaths at Moberly Correctional Center in 2024, fifth most among the 19 adult prisons operated by the department. The prison system recorded 139 deaths in 2024, the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/14/missouri-prison-deaths-increase-bringing-renewed-calls-for-scrutiny/">highest number of deaths in custody</a>&nbsp;in its history.

The inmate who wrote to Notz stated that it was the fourth time in the past month that Pointer’s access point opened. He blamed medical staff working for contractor Centurion Health, not department officers.

“How inept does a nurse have to be, does a company have to be, to allow this man to bleed out of an open artery four times in one month?” the inmate wrote. “DOC staff is not to blame for this atrocity.&nbsp; Medical staff is responsible and they alone must pay.”

Health care in Missouri’s prisons is performed by Centurion Health under a contract, recently renegotiated, that pays the company&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/30/missouri-supplemental-budget-shows-shortfall-in-medicaid-education-funding/">$21.65 per day</a>&nbsp;for each person in custody.&nbsp;

The state will pay Centurion approximately $203 million in the coming fiscal year, an increase of about 11% from the previous rate.

Centurion did not respond to telephone and email messages seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738926865477.png" alt="James Pointer, who died Jan. 31 at the Moberly Correctional Center when a problem developed with a femoral catheter for dialysis treatment. Pointer, 76, was serving life without parole for a 2008 murder (Department of Corrections photo)." />
 <figcaption>James Pointer, who died Jan. 31 at the Moberly Correctional Center when a problem developed with a femoral catheter for dialysis treatment. Pointer, 76, was serving life without parole for a 2008 murder (Department of Corrections photo).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>James Pointer was in his housing unit at the Moberly Correctional Center when the cap on a femoral catheter became dislodged</h2>BY:&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>James Pointer’s life sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections ended abruptly last week when he bled to death from an opening in his leg used to administer dialysis treatments.Pointer, 76, was housed at the Moberly Correctional Center, where the state prison agency keeps offenders with kidney disease because it has a dialysis center, department spokeswoman Karen Pojmann wrote in an email to The Independent.Pointer was pronounced dead at 5:13 p.m. last Friday and “had been on dialysis for many years, had been incarcerated since 2009 and had been at Moberly Correctional Center for 10 years,” Pojmann wrote.Pointer was sentenced to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=0822-CR03825-01&amp;inputVO.courtId=CT22#charges" target="_blank">life in prison without parole</a>&nbsp;in 2009 after pleading guilty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/former-dps-principal-murdered/73-342958055" target="_blank">murder of his estranged wife</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis.An autopsy has been ordered, local law enforcement was notified and an investigation of the death is underway, Pojmann wrote.Pojmann did not share any information regarding the manner of Pointer’s death. The Independent learned how he died from Déna Notz, a former corrections officer who founded an organization called Collectively Changing Corrections. Notz shared an email from a man incarcerated at the Moberly prison who saw Pointer bleeding.“Friday night I witnessed a man I loved, James Pointer, a Vietnam veteran, bleed out from his femoral artery on a cold, dirty prison floor,” the inmate wrote. “It took medical so long to get to him that he died.”The email was chilling, Notz said.“It doesn’t surprise me because of all the stuff I hear,” she said,“but I still cannot believe that something like this happened.”&nbsp;The description of events was confirmed by Tammy Mogab, a woman whose brother Shawn Scrivens is an insulin-dependent diabetic housed at the Moberly prison. Scrivens told a Phelps County judge he had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/tony-messenger/messenger-missouri-man-pleads-guilty-because-he-doesn-t-want-to-die-in-a-county/article_6284eb18-7352-11ee-8516-1fcd5d1a2d33.html" target="_blank">not received an insulin shot in 124 days</a>&nbsp;when he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.Mogab said she spoke to her brother on the telephone on Saturday as well as other men incarcerated at the prison.“There are witnesses to the death of Mr. Pointer,”&nbsp; Mogab said, “and now all the dialysis patients are afraid to take their treatments.”The Randolph County Ambulance District received an emergency call for the prison at 4:37 p.m. Friday and arrived on the scene at 4:49 p.m., district Superintendent Clay Joiner said.“We did everything we could in this situation,” Joiner said.Dialysis treats kidney failure and over time, preferred access points in a person’s arms can become scarred or otherwise unusable. A permanent catheter inserted into a blood vessel in the upper leg is a last-resort method.Rapid bleeding can occur if the access port at the end of the tube becomes dislodged and there is no clamp to close off the tube.The femoral artery is one of the largest in the human body. A person can bleed to death&nbsp;<a href="https://truerescue.com/blogs/knowledge/how-long-does-it-take-to-bleed-out-from-artery?srsltid=AfmBOorfNW_rbuszcmlUdMcgQ8B9fcaDz6QLvm2frF7sR-K9MDL_umXW" target="_blank">in 2 to 5 minutes</a>&nbsp;if no action is taken to staunch the flow of blood.Joiner said he has responded to similar emergencies among dialysis patients in their homes.“When your femoral artery is bleeding out, you have very little time,” Joiner said.Randolph County Coroner Charlie Peel will rule on the cause of death for Pointer. He said that he is not ready to release any information about what he observed or was told by the department.“We are in the middle of an investigation,” Peel said.Many of the autopsies on people who die in the custody of the department are conducted at the Boone County Medical Examiner’s office in Columbia. Autopsy records obtained by The Independent for deaths at the Algoa and Jefferson City correctional centers show that in the past two years, the time elapsed from the date of the death to a completed report has ranged from 30 to more than 250 days.There were 11 deaths at Moberly Correctional Center in 2024, fifth most among the 19 adult prisons operated by the department. The prison system recorded 139 deaths in 2024, the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/14/missouri-prison-deaths-increase-bringing-renewed-calls-for-scrutiny/">highest number of deaths in custody</a>&nbsp;in its history.The inmate who wrote to Notz stated that it was the fourth time in the past month that Pointer’s access point opened. He blamed medical staff working for contractor Centurion Health, not department officers.“How inept does a nurse have to be, does a company have to be, to allow this man to bleed out of an open artery four times in one month?” the inmate wrote. “DOC staff is not to blame for this atrocity.&nbsp; Medical staff is responsible and they alone must pay.”Health care in Missouri’s prisons is performed by Centurion Health under a contract, recently renegotiated, that pays the company&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/01/30/missouri-supplemental-budget-shows-shortfall-in-medicaid-education-funding/">$21.65 per day</a>&nbsp;for each person in custody.&nbsp;The state will pay Centurion approximately $203 million in the coming fiscal year, an increase of about 11% from the previous rate.Centurion did not respond to telephone and email messages seeking comment.

Inmate on dialysis bleeds to death while serving life sentence in Missouri prison

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported two-story house fire at 1110 NE Monroe Street in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. First crews on the scene found smoke and flames coming from the home and were able to extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to the house where it originated.

&nbsp;Investigators determined&nbsp; the fire started in the attic.&nbsp; There were no injuries. The total estimated loss is approximately $30,000, with $20,000 associated with structural loss and $10,000 associated with content loss. The home did not have working smoke detectors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738927479729.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.Just after 2:30 a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported two-story house fire at 1110 NE Monroe Street in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. First crews on the scene found smoke and flames coming from the home and were able to extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to the house where it originated.&nbsp;Investigators determined&nbsp; the fire started in the attic.&nbsp; There were no injuries. The total estimated loss is approximately $30,000, with $20,000 associated with structural loss and $10,000 associated with content loss. The home did not have working smoke detectors.

$30,000 damage after fire at Kansas home

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Kansas City, Kansas Police Officers respond to approximately 320 calls daily, never knowing exactly what they will encounter, according to a media release from the department.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a “routine” call for service resulted in the seizure of weapons and illegal drugs, with multiple individuals taken into custody. 

"While the call was anything but routine, it is the routine schedule of trainings which officers are required to take annually that allowed them to close out this potentially dangerous call without incident or injury to anyone involved."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738772008558.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Kansas City, Kansas Police Officers respond to approximately 320 calls daily, never knowing exactly what they will encounter, according to a media release from the department.&nbsp;On Tuesday, a “routine” call for service resulted in the seizure of weapons and illegal drugs, with multiple individuals taken into custody. "While the call was anything but routine, it is the routine schedule of trainings which officers are required to take annually that allowed them to close out this potentially dangerous call without incident or injury to anyone involved."

Kan. officers seize weapons, drugs during 'routine call'

The Kansas City Chiefs are going for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. It's a rematch of a championship game from two years ago that Kansas City won in Arizona. Among the first elected officials from Kansas to announce a friendly wager is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

The Kansas City Chiefs are going for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. It's a rematch of a championship game from two years ago that Kansas City won in Arizona. Among the first elected officials from Kansas to announce a friendly wager is Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/PAAttorneyGen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAAttorneyGen</a> Dave Sunday, I propose a gentlemen&#39;s bet on the Big Game. May the best team, the <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chiefs</a>, win. <a href="https://t.co/oIGU0GUlf9">pic.twitter.com/oIGU0GUlf9</a>&mdash; Kansas AG&#39;s Office (@KSAGOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSAGOffice/status/1887524104330240256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

🎥Kansas AG announces friendly Super Bowl wager

JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an eastbound train struck a 2002 Toyota Tacoma driven by Adam P. Foster, 51, Rossville, that was&nbsp;stopped facing north on the railroad tracks just north of 94th Road on a Private drive.

Foster was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; There were no injuries on the train. Foster was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The patrol had no additional details on why the driver was at that location at the time of the accident.

JACKSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an eastbound train struck a 2002 Toyota Tacoma driven by Adam P. Foster, 51, Rossville, that was&nbsp;stopped facing north on the railroad tracks just north of 94th Road on a Private drive.Foster was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical.&nbsp; There were no injuries on the train. Foster was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp; &nbsp;The patrol had no additional details on why the driver was at that location at the time of the accident.

KHP investigating a fatal train, pickup crash

Wendell Payton, the man accused in fatal fire that killed 32-year-old Kelsey Payton, and a juvenile made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Thursday and was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated arson and one count of aggravated endangering a child, and two counts of interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Court records show that Payton is alleged to have concealed, destroyed or altered evidence. &nbsp;Records also show that he gave false information when questioned by police. &nbsp;

&nbsp;Just before 3:30a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home in the 1000 block of East 3rd Street in Hutchinson with possible people trapped, according to a media release.

First responders&nbsp; located four individuals at the residence. Two of the individuals 32-year-old Kalsey M. Payton and one juvenile female were found deceased. The other two individuals 37-year-old Wendell Payton and one juvenile female, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and later to Saint Francis in Wichita. The girl&nbsp; was later released from the hospital. Police arrested Payton.

He has a bond modification hearing scheduled for Friday and a waiver status hearing on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738764384897.png" alt="Payton -photo Reno Co." />
 <figcaption>Payton -photo Reno Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostWendell Payton, the man accused in fatal fire that killed 32-year-old Kelsey Payton, and a juvenile made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Thursday and was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated arson and one count of aggravated endangering a child, and two counts of interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;Court records show that Payton is alleged to have concealed, destroyed or altered evidence. &nbsp;Records also show that he gave false information when questioned by police. &nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 3:30a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, crews were dispatched to a fire at a home in the 1000 block of East 3rd Street in Hutchinson with possible people trapped, according to a media release.First responders&nbsp; located four individuals at the residence. Two of the individuals 32-year-old Kalsey M. Payton and one juvenile female were found deceased. The other two individuals 37-year-old Wendell Payton and one juvenile female, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and later to Saint Francis in Wichita. The girl&nbsp; was later released from the hospital. Police arrested Payton.He has a bond modification hearing scheduled for Friday and a waiver status hearing on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. man accused in fire that killed woman, child makes court appearance

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 6900 block of Eastwood Trafficway, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. 

While on scene, officers were notified an additional man had arrived to an area hospital by private vehicle and suffering from critical gunshot injuries.

Detectives were notified just before 1a.m. that the adult male victim who had arrived at the hospital by private vehicle had died, according to&nbsp; Gonzalez.

Preliminary investigation indicates a verbal argument ensued between several individuals and that argument escalated to gunfire. Detectives have made progress in identifying a person of interest.Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 6900 block of Eastwood Trafficway, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.When officers arrived on scene, they located a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. While on scene, officers were notified an additional man had arrived to an area hospital by private vehicle and suffering from critical gunshot injuries.Detectives were notified just before 1a.m. that the adult male victim who had arrived at the hospital by private vehicle had died, according to&nbsp; Gonzalez.Preliminary investigation indicates a verbal argument ensued between several individuals and that argument escalated to gunfire. Detectives have made progress in identifying a person of interest.Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility of the case.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

KCPD: Man dead, another critically injured after gun fight

KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County jury convicted a Kansas City man of two felonies in connection with a shooting that injured two people in Westport last year, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

The jury convicted 28-year-old Deion D. Crum with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action. He faces a minimum 20-year sentence based on his prior convictions.

On February 11, 2024, Kansas City police were dispatched to a shooting at the intersection of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, according to court records.

First responders found a victim suffering a gunshot wound. Ten minutes later, another gunshot wound victim from the scene and Crum arrived at local hospitals for treatment for their gunshot injuries.

Based on video obtained from the scene, a man wearing the same clothing and shoes as Crum punched one of the victims before there is an exchange of gunfire between them. Crum is also seen on video shooting at both victims and was the primary aggressor in the physical altercation preceding the shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737991898083.png" alt="Crum photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Crum photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County jury convicted a Kansas City man of two felonies in connection with a shooting that injured two people in Westport last year, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.The jury convicted 28-year-old Deion D. Crum with Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action. He faces a minimum 20-year sentence based on his prior convictions.On February 11, 2024, Kansas City police were dispatched to a shooting at the intersection of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, according to court records.First responders found a victim suffering a gunshot wound. Ten minutes later, another gunshot wound victim from the scene and Crum arrived at local hospitals for treatment for their gunshot injuries.Based on video obtained from the scene, a man wearing the same clothing and shoes as Crum punched one of the victims before there is an exchange of gunfire between them. Crum is also seen on video shooting at both victims and was the primary aggressor in the physical altercation preceding the shooting.

Security video shows man punching victim before KC Westport shooting

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">MEG CUNNINGHAM</a>

Missouri teens were less interested in cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana in 2024 than in previous years.

Vapes were the most reported among teens when asked what they had used in the last 30 days, with 9.1% of respondents saying they used one.

The results of the state Department of Mental Health’s Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2024/08/mss-2024-report-final_0.pdf" target="_blank">Student Survey&nbsp;</a>were welcome news to substance use prevention experts across the state.

“Things are trending in a good direction,” said Chris Davis, the vice president of prevention and youth support at the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, a prevention resource network in southwest Missouri.

“The concern and challenge with that is when people start seeing things get better, they want to stop doing the prevention,” Davis said. “Prevention isn’t a one-and-done. It’s something that we continue.”

While some metrics improved, others worsened. Prescription drug use and use of over-the-counter medicines rose in 2024. And teens reported using things like marijuana or cigarettes at younger ages than in previous years. Because the dataset was so large and weighted to match statewide demographics, the Department of Mental Health said in their report, these changes shouldn’t be analyzed as statistically significant over time.

Cigarettes and nicotine use in Missouri&nbsp;

Over time, cigarette use is decreasing among teens in Missouri, but the state still ranks higher than the national average. In Missouri, 11% of teens surveyed said they had used a vape or cigarette in the last 30 days, compared to 8.1% of teens nationally.

National data show that teens seem to be moving away from e-cigarette use. In 2024, 1.63 million teens said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey#:~:text=The%20findings%20showed%20current%20e,and%201.8%25%20in%202024)." target="_blank">nationwide tobacco use</a>&nbsp;survey that they used e-cigarettes once or more during the past 30 days, down from 2.13 million in 2023.

Nationally, 8.1% of all students reported current use of tobacco products. Among high school students, the rate was just above 10%. In Missouri, most teens reported getting cigarettes, vapes or e-cigarettes from a friend.

Tobacco vaping devices on the market today use stronger concentrations of nicotine. Popular vapes can have the nicotine content of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/12/429131/believe-it-or-not-1-vape-has-20-cigarettes-worth-nicotine" target="_blank">600 cigarettes.</a>&nbsp;Vapes also use acids called salts, which reduce things like throat burning and coughing.

“There’s a lot of misinformation that contributes to the belief that [vaping] is safe and a good alternative,” Davis said.

Davis and the Community Partnership of the Ozarks led a program to place vape drop boxes in high schools across Springfield in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/01/29/teen-vaping-major-issue-ozarks-what-one-local-organization-is-doing-curb-problem/" target="_blank">reduce their usage</a>.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that vaping was highest among high school students from 2018 to 2020, when nearly 20% of students reported using them. The rate has fallen over the past few years.

Researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10134143/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20significant%20associations%20were%20found,reportedly%20higher%20among%20EC%20users." target="_blank">looked at studies</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., Australia, South Korea and European countries and found that there were significant links between mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidal ideation, among current youth users of electronic cigarettes.

Across the studies, impulsive behaviors were also associated with electronic cigarette use.

The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of Tobacco Control gave Missouri poor rankings for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades/missouri" target="_blank">most of its metrics</a>. Missouri received an “F” for tobacco prevention and cessation funding, tobacco taxes and access to flavored tobacco products. Missouri received a “C” for access to cessation services.

The group recommended Missouri increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco or nicotine products. Research shows that if youth use e-cigarettes or vapes, they’re more likely to use cigarettes in the future.

Teens report less alcohol, marijuana usage&nbsp;

The student survey found that alcohol had the highest lifetime usage of any substance among teens in Missouri. Overall, usage fell from previous surveys. Nearly 20% of teens reported drinking alcohol over time, less than than the national average of 22.3%.

Of teens who had said they’d consumed alcohol in the last month, about 24% said they had less than one drink.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738853509729.png" alt="With cigarette ads on display, the Philips 66 gas station 59th and Troost is a few hundred feet from Troost Elementary School in Kansas City (Chase Castor/The Beacon)." />
 <figcaption>With cigarette ads on display, the Philips 66 gas station 59th and Troost is a few hundred feet from Troost Elementary School in Kansas City (Chase Castor/The Beacon).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/megcunningham/">MEG CUNNINGHAM</a>Missouri teens were less interested in cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana in 2024 than in previous years.Vapes were the most reported among teens when asked what they had used in the last 30 days, with 9.1% of respondents saying they used one.The results of the state Department of Mental Health’s Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2024/08/mss-2024-report-final_0.pdf" target="_blank">Student Survey&nbsp;</a>were welcome news to substance use prevention experts across the state.“Things are trending in a good direction,” said Chris Davis, the vice president of prevention and youth support at the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, a prevention resource network in southwest Missouri.“The concern and challenge with that is when people start seeing things get better, they want to stop doing the prevention,” Davis said. “Prevention isn’t a one-and-done. It’s something that we continue.”While some metrics improved, others worsened. Prescription drug use and use of over-the-counter medicines rose in 2024. And teens reported using things like marijuana or cigarettes at younger ages than in previous years. Because the dataset was so large and weighted to match statewide demographics, the Department of Mental Health said in their report, these changes shouldn’t be analyzed as statistically significant over time.<h2>Cigarettes and nicotine use in Missouri&nbsp;</h2>Over time, cigarette use is decreasing among teens in Missouri, but the state still ranks higher than the national average. In Missouri, 11% of teens surveyed said they had used a vape or cigarette in the last 30 days, compared to 8.1% of teens nationally.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738853328013.png" alt="Percentage of substance use among teens in last 30 days *no data was available for nationwide use of prescription drugs- Source Department of Mental Health Mental Health Missouri student survey- Meg Cunningham" />
 <figcaption>Percentage of substance use among teens in last 30 days *no data was available for nationwide use of prescription drugs- Source Department of Mental Health Mental Health Missouri student survey- Meg Cunningham</figcaption>
 </figure>National data show that teens seem to be moving away from e-cigarette use. In 2024, 1.63 million teens said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco/results-annual-national-youth-tobacco-survey#:~:text=The%20findings%20showed%20current%20e,and%201.8%25%20in%202024)." target="_blank">nationwide tobacco use</a>&nbsp;survey that they used e-cigarettes once or more during the past 30 days, down from 2.13 million in 2023.Nationally, 8.1% of all students reported current use of tobacco products. Among high school students, the rate was just above 10%. In Missouri, most teens reported getting cigarettes, vapes or e-cigarettes from a friend.Tobacco vaping devices on the market today use stronger concentrations of nicotine. Popular vapes can have the nicotine content of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/12/429131/believe-it-or-not-1-vape-has-20-cigarettes-worth-nicotine" target="_blank">600 cigarettes.</a>&nbsp;Vapes also use acids called salts, which reduce things like throat burning and coughing.“There’s a lot of misinformation that contributes to the belief that [vaping] is safe and a good alternative,” Davis said.Davis and the Community Partnership of the Ozarks led a program to place vape drop boxes in high schools across Springfield in an effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ky3.com/2024/01/29/teen-vaping-major-issue-ozarks-what-one-local-organization-is-doing-curb-problem/" target="_blank">reduce their usage</a>.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that vaping was highest among high school students from 2018 to 2020, when nearly 20% of students reported using them. The rate has fallen over the past few years.Researchers&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10134143/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20significant%20associations%20were%20found,reportedly%20higher%20among%20EC%20users." target="_blank">looked at studies</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., Australia, South Korea and European countries and found that there were significant links between mental health outcomes, including depression and suicidal ideation, among current youth users of electronic cigarettes.Across the studies, impulsive behaviors were also associated with electronic cigarette use.The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of Tobacco Control gave Missouri poor rankings for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades/missouri" target="_blank">most of its metrics</a>. Missouri received an “F” for tobacco prevention and cessation funding, tobacco taxes and access to flavored tobacco products. Missouri received a “C” for access to cessation services.The group recommended Missouri increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco or nicotine products. Research shows that if youth use e-cigarettes or vapes, they’re more likely to use cigarettes in the future.<h2>Teens report less alcohol, marijuana usage&nbsp;</h2>The student survey found that alcohol had the highest lifetime usage of any substance among teens in Missouri. Overall, usage fell from previous surveys. Nearly 20% of teens reported drinking alcohol over time, less than than the national average of 22.3%.Of teens who had said they’d consumed alcohol in the last month, about 24% said they had less than one drink.For Davis, alcohol use among teens is still the biggest problem to tackle.“Alcohol is still the number one drug problem for our youth. It’s not the one that’s the hot topic,” Davis said. “Underage drinking is still the number one drug problem that we have in youth who are in treatment.”Two years after Missouri voters approved recreational use of marijuana, teens in the state reported their use dropped slightly. But a higher percentage of teens said that occasional use posed no risk at all, compared to other substances.About half of teens who responded to the survey said alcohol was easy to obtain, while one-third said marijuana was easy for them to get.Legalization of recreational marijuana has made accessing it easier and softened the public’s perception of the risk, Davis said.“Because of legalization, there’s a lot of information talking about how it is a medicine and it’s safe and things like that,” Davis said. “All of that contributes to you thinking, ‘What’s the big deal?’”Missouri trends lower than the national average when it comes to marijuana use among teens, with 7.3% of Missouri teens saying they had used marijuana in the last 30 days, compared to 11.5% of teens nationwide.<h2>Prescription drug, over-the-counter medication use rises&nbsp;</h2>Prescription drug use rose slightly from 2022, but is still down dramatically from 2016, when 10.6% of surveyed teens said they had used prescription drugs in the last month. In 2024, 1.6% of teens surveyed said they had used prescription drugs.Pain medication was the most misused, followed by anxiety medication and sleeping medication. Teens reported getting access to the medications from a family member 51% of the time.“That’s simply because the medications are easily, more easily available, like that in the medicine cabinet,” Davis said.The Community Partnership of the Ozarks has a medication lockbox program which allows families to safely store their medications at home.It is one of many methods they are pursuing when it comes to preventing substance misuse in the community.“We just have to do lots of strategies at different times in different ways,” Davis said. “Time and time again, when you let your foot off the gas, things get worse.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/02/04/missouri-teens-nicotine-vapes-cigarettes-alcohol-2024/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Missouri</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.