By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Two members of the governing bodies of Hays and Russell were children in elementary and middle school in 1995 when the towns jointly purchased the <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/division-of-water-resources/water-appropriation/change-applications/hays-change">R9 Ranch</a> in Edwards County as a long-term water supply.

City officials are now concerned about the future of water in the area for their own young children.

"We're in a multi-generational battle that we started decades ago," said Mason Ruder, Hays vice-mayor.&nbsp;

City leadership from both towns met in Russell City Hall Wednesday evening for a comprehensive update on the R9 project.&nbsp;

The project aims to ensure water sustainability, addressing urgent needs created by current inadequate and drought-susceptible water sources for both cities.

The state Water Transfer Act must be triggered to allow the conveyance of water more than 70 miles across Kansas. It will be the first time it is enacted for such a long distance.

The towns' water rights are currently for irrigation. Another approval process will change them to municipal use.

Legal wrangling with WaterPACK (Water Protection Association of Central Kansas), the Edwards County Commission and the Edwards County Planning Commission, which oppose the pipeline, has been underway for almost 10 years.

"We haven't lost anything substantive in this. We've won at every step of the process," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "The opponents in this have succeeded in weaponizing the legal and judicial system against Hays and Russell."

To date, regulatory costs amount to $10 million. The overall project cost is estimated at $144.9 million.

Reports from Hays' John Braun, project manager, and Matt Gallagher from Burns McDonnell engineering indicate the pipeline design is wrapping up, and right-of-way permits are being sought.

"We're going to have a project that's ready to bid on early next year," Dougherty said.

"At that point, it's just a matter of waiting for the transfer application to get approved. We're waiting on some litigation to finalize."

Sandy Jacobs, Hays mayor, said, "We've done everything by the book, by the statute."

"We just have to be confident that the system is going to prevail and allow us to use our water we bought 30 years ago," Dougherty said.&nbsp;

"Drought is going to happen...so we want to get shovels turning as quickly as possible as soon as we get regulatory approval," he said.

The U.S. Drought Monitor recently removed Ellis and Russell counties from all drought declarations. 

However, Hays remains an inch behind normal for the year-to-date, according to Thursday's official rainfall report from the K-State Agricultural Research Center. 

Russell recently lost its surface water source and is in a S<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/848f9503-4f0d-4d1d-92af-6639003b4aac">tage II water warning</a>.

Both towns have aggressive water conservation plans in place.

"This is about sustainability and survival," said Alaina Cunningham, Hays city commissioner, "and without it, we don't survive."

R9 water pipeline project should be out to bid early next year despite litigation

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kris Munsch on the&nbsp; Ice House Entrepreneurship Program.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kris Munsch on Ice House Entrepreneurship Program

Congratulations to Chad Stoeklein from Ellis and Chuck Staab from Hays on becoming finalists in the Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway at Doghouse Liquor on Thursday.

1. Lance Armbruster – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 2. Curtis Wellbrock – Wild West Festival – 7-2-2025 3. Ryan Cellmer – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 4. Barry Gilliland – Mr. K’s Foodtown – 7-5-2025 5. Debbie Windholz – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 6. Darren Dunn – Malay’s Market – 7-12-2025 7. Bernita Augustine – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 8. Doug Kutina – American Shooters – 7-19-2025 9. Connie Steinle – Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 10. Halie Eck - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 11. Kevin Prester - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 12. Tom Quenzer - Stop2Shop/Wilson Wine &amp; Spirits – 7-25-2025 13. Taylor Lunsford – A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 14. Craig Karlin - A &amp; A Coors Yuengling Pub Crawl – 7-26-2025 15. Garrett Dreiling – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 16. Ruthmary Muir – Lewis Automotive – 8-16-2025 17. Dustin Roths – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-202520. 18. James Rome – National Radio Day at Eagle – 8-20-2025 19. Bryan Schoepf – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-202520.&nbsp; 20. Melissa Pinkney – LoKal Country Bar – 8-22-2025 21. Ann Gottschalk – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025 22. Kirk Pfannenstiel – Brogden GMC – 8-23-2025

The golf cart will be given away at this year’s OKTOBERFEST on Friday, Sept. 26!&nbsp;

 Special thanks to A &amp; A Coors Yuengling for this great giveaway!

Keep listening to Eagle Radio and reading the Hays Post all summer long for your chance to become a finalist. Watch the Hays Post for announcement of finalists.

 Doghouse Liquor finalists named for Yuengling Flight Golf Cart Giveaway

Kiwanis Club of Thomas County/Colby

The Kiwanis Club of Thomas County/Colby is proud to share the official opening and ribbon cutting for the Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground to be hosted on Saturday, Aug. 30 starting at 10:00 a.m.

&nbsp;A project that kicked off last summer is coming to completion and the public is invited to join in the celebration. Joint forces came together over the past year to bring Colby’s first accessible playground to fruition while honoring a member of the community.&nbsp;

Fundraising efforts for the renovation of Villa High Park kicked off in June of 2024 and with the devoted efforts of a local parent group, community volunteers, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, the City of Colby and the Thomas County Community Foundation the funds were completely raised in March of 2025. Over $500,000 was raised by community events, business and individual donations, and finalized with grant funding from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Demolition was completed by the City of Colby in April 2025, construction was started by Cunningham Recreation in July and finished the initial installation in August.&nbsp; Road, bathroom and parking improvements are still in the plans for the City of Colby.

&nbsp;The playground features accessible equipment with a Pour in Place (PIP) surface that allows for easy access of mobility devices. This playground is the first step in giving accessibility for all kids to be able to play.

“I’ve honestly been speechless and wrapped in my feels to see Kynlee be able to play with her friends! I keep telling her it’s not a dream, she really has a park she gets to play at now!” shared Melissa White, one of the parent advocates who helped bring this idea to the community.&nbsp;

The ribbon cutting will include a hamburger/hotdog feed, face painting and a presentation to rename the park after long-time Kiwanis member, Kenton Krehbiel.

Participants are asked to leave parking around the pond for accessible vehicles only. Adjacent business parking lots and Terrace Drive are available for additional parking.

Rick Dickman from the Kiwanis Club shared “The Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground serves as a testament, that when a small group of individuals with a common vision can come together along with generous outpouring of community support, we are able to bring our fondest dreams to reality.”&nbsp;

More information regarding the event and the playground can be found on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561395121623">Facebook</a> page: Kenton Krehbiel Inclusive Playground at Villa High Park.&nbsp;

Ribbon cutting Saturday for accessible playground in Colby 

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

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Recent obituaries and service times

RUSSELL — The City of Russell and Russell County are working closely with Housing Opportunities, Inc. (HOI), to provide 24 two-bedroom, one-bathroom duplex units for residents aged 55 and older. This project has income restrictions in order to qualify. Flintwood will also include a community room, offering a shared space for social activities and events that will be available to tenants.

Housing Opportunities, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, affordable, quality housing to families and individuals across Kansas. With a focus on addressing housing shortages in rural communities, the organization specializes in creating homes that support long-term stability and well-being for residents.

Flintwood is funded through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and HOME Funds provided by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). HOI will serve as both the owner and property manager of the development.

Construction at Flintwood is moving right along! Siding, windows, and roofing are nearly complete, and crews have started interior work. The street and cul de sac groundwork will start in the coming weeks.

If you’re interested in making Flintwood your future home, <a href="https://www.housingopportunities.net/">Housing Opportunities, Inc.</a>, Great Bend, is now building a waiting list for applications. We’ll begin processing applications in October.

To join the wait list or to learn more, please contact Housing Opportunities, Inc. at 620-792-3299.

We’re excited to see this project coming together and look forward to welcoming residents 55+ into their new homes soon!

New affordable housing development underway in Russell

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is pleased to announce the promotions of Katelyn Dickinson to manager of human resources and Shelbi Wiles to manager of communications. Both bring a strong history of leadership, innovation, and dedication to Sunflower’s mission of empowering employees and powering members.

In her new role, Dickinson will continue leading the day-to-day operations of the human resources team, including business partnerships, employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, and compliance. Her steady leadership and collaboration efforts guided the human resources team through a period of transition, and she consistently models Sunflower’s core values of treating others exceptionally well and delivering world-class service.

With more than a decade of human resources experience across multiple industries, Dickinson has a proven record of developing people and processes. She joined Sunflower in November 2020 as a human resources administrator and was quickly promoted to human resources supervisor.

A native of Hays, she earned a bachelor of science in business administration from Kansas State University. Dickinson and her husband live in the Hays area with their two children, Stetson and Jolee.

Wiles, promoted to manager of communications, will manage the development of Sunflower’s corporate communications. She’ll serve as the company’s official spokesperson, lead crisis communications efforts, and oversee media relations, digital strategies, and stakeholder communications to strengthen Sunflower’s reputation and visibility.

She joined Sunflower in 2022 as a project portfolio specialist and was promoted to marketing and communications supervisor in 2024. Wiles’ leadership in empowering her team and encouraging innovation has been instrumental in guiding the communications department through the successful launch of Sunflower’s refreshed brand and logo.

A Beloit native, Wiles holds a bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management with a minor in organizational leadership, as well as a master’s certificate in project management from Wichita State University. She resides in Hays with her fiancé, Alex.

“Shelbi and Katelyn have both shown exceptional leadership and dedication to Sunflower’s mission,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s chief executive officer. “Their promotions recognize their achievements and the important role they will play in strengthening our organization and supporting the success of our employees and members.

Sunflower Electric announces promotions 

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

What inspires me, as the president of Fort Hays State University, is the impact of our students, faculty, and staff. What I love about Elle Hutchinson’s story is how it embodies the essential traits we relish at FHSU. Elle is a determined contender, an inspired innovator, and a caring individual. Elle’s journey in higher education has been nothing short of remarkable.

Elle shared that Fort Hays State University (FHSU) was the perfect fit for her when choosing a university. Growing up near Hays and engaging with FHSU alumni allowed her to appreciate the institution's value. Elle shared with me that the decision was ultimately grounded in affordability, the transferability of her credits from Barton Community College (BCC), and her desire to remain close to family.

Elle graduated with her associate’s degree from BCC, graduating with highest honors, just a week before she walked across the stage at Great Bend High School, a unique achievement that pushed the boundaries of what she thought was possible.

Like FHSU, BCC is very student-focused. When the leadership at BCC learned about Elle pursuing her high school diploma and her associate's degree simultaneously, they worked with Elle to create and promote a program designed to facilitate an academic pathway for other high school students. That spirit of innovation, of always blazing a new path, is precisely what FHSU is all about.

The challenge of pursuing two degrees simultaneously truly motivated Elle. She wanted to challenge herself, push beyond conventional boundaries, and set an exemplary trajectory for her educational experience. Hearing how other high school students benefited from the initiative Elle helped establish strengthened her resolve and motivated her to keep moving forward.

Managing coursework from two institutions (Great Bend High School and BCC) came with several obstacles. “I encountered skepticism from peers and guidance counselors who doubted my ability to succeed. However, this motivated me to seek assistance from those who believed in my potential. I found that surrounding myself with encouraging support systems was crucial.”

Maintaining balance among the demands of work, academics, and personal life is another skill Elle developed. Balancing her commitments meant focusing weekdays primarily on work and studies. This sometimes involved finding creative ways to integrate schoolwork into her social time, ensuring she could enjoy life while fulfilling her responsibilities. Through it all, Elle’s priority was always to remain close to family and friends.

Elle carried that philosophy with her to FHSU, where she served on the Student Government Association, holding several leadership roles, and as a student assistant in the Office of Student Fiscal Services. While at FHSU, she majored in Business Education – Corporate Communications. She chose this major for its versatility in the real world, plus its helpfulness in pursuing a legal career.

“Law has long been a field I aspired to enter, primarily due to its versatility and my passion for helping others. An attorney can do almost anything; they are not confined to just practicing law. Additionally, there is a lot of variety within the practice of law,” Elle shared

Elle is interested in agricultural law. Last summer, she interned at Bauer &amp; Pike Law Firm in Great Bend, which solidified her interest in the legal field and introduced her to the complexity and balance built into our legal system. She also benefited greatly from this real-world learning experience and from the dedicated mentorship she received.

Another pivotal experience for Elle was her employment as a student worker in the Student Fiscal Services office at FHSU. “I engaged with a team that shared professional guidance, and we became lifelong friends.” Working in Student Fiscal Services opened Ellie’s eyes to the available financial resources available to help keep the Fort Hays State experience affordable. She learned about many different scholarships that helped reduce the cost of tuition for her at FHSU. She also gained a heightened awareness of the financial resources that exist to make the next step in her academic career, law school, more affordable.

Staying focused on her academic and career goals often required establishing a balance in the demands for her time to ensure she still maintained a social life, which always remained important to her. “I believe that healthy interaction with friends can enhance productivity. Though I prioritized homework, I ensured that I scheduled social activities to maintain my mental health. This kept me motivated. There were many times when I had to make a tough decision to stay in and study rather than go out. You have to be willing to make sacrifices.”

Elle credits her achievements to her family. “They supported me through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I cannot imagine trying to do all of this without such amazing parents, support systems, and role models.”

Elle credits her remarkable success to her father, Shawn Hutchinson; her mother, Jamie Hutchinson; her BCC advisor, Karen Kratzer; the student fiscal services staff; and Dr. Wendy Rohleder-Sook, FHSU chairman of the department of communication studies, law, and political science. She is also grateful for the mentorship of Judge Charles Pike (Great Bend Municipal judge) and Julie Carroll, attorneys at the Bauer and Pike Law firm, where she interned last summer.

With her current studies completed, including a FHSU bachelor's degree earned with honors, she is taking a gap year before pursuing law school. In the interim, she is working in her family-owned small business, Satellite Pros &amp; Central Plains Security, and has recently accepted a position as a media consultant for Barton County.

As we celebrate Elle’s achievements, let us also recognize the spirit of those who support our students, from faculty to family. Together, we forge paths for the future, inspired by stories like Elle’s that remind us of the impact we can have in our communities. 

Here’s to Elle and all our students who strive for greatness, shaped by their experiences and determination, while driven to serve the greater good!

Three-day weather outlook

The Lite Beer from Miller UTV Giveaway will be at Nate's Liquor, located just off 13th and Vine, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by to register to become a finalist for a CF Moto U Force 4 seat UTV from A&amp;A Coors-Miller and Briney Motorsports.&nbsp;

Friday-only specials at Nate's include Miller Lite 18-pack cans or bottles for just $18.49. 30-packs are $25.99. 24-pack 16-ounce cans are $27.99.

Check out the many more storewide specials!

Become a Miller Lite UTV giveaway finalist today at Nate's Liquor

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Hays hit a high of 71 Wednesday, according to the K-State Ag Research Center.

Hays received .3 inches of rain as of 9 a.m. today. Hays has received 2.90 inches in the month of August. The low for Wednesday was 60.

On average, Hays receives 3.01 inches of rain in August and 17.70 inches of moisture by the end of August. Hays has received&nbsp;16.41 inches of precipitation year to date.

The forecast for today is a slight chance of showers with patchy fog, with a high of 72 and a low of 60. Winds are expected to be around 8 mph.

More patchy fog is expected Friday, with a high of 77, and a chance of storms and showers going into the weekend.

Hays receives more rain; fog expected Friday 

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Economic impact of Heart of America Housing Incentive District lunch Sept. 9

Due to the observance of the Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025, refuse/recycling route collection schedules will be altered as follows:&nbsp;

Monday, September 1, 2025 and Tuesday, September 2, 2025 will be collected on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.&nbsp;

There will be no changes to Wednesday, September 3, Thursday, September 4, and Friday, September 5 routes.&nbsp;

Although collections may not occur on your normal day, collections will be completed by the week’s end. It is anticipated that heavy volumes of refuse/recyclables will be encountered around the holidays.&nbsp;

Please make sure your polycarts and recyclables are out by 7:00 a.m., and keep in mind that the trucks have no set time schedule.&nbsp;

City of Hays customers that may have any questions regarding this notice should contact the Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

No trash/recycling collection in Hays on Labor Day

Check out the new Hays High School during Friday's tours, ribbon cutting

Schoenchen Community Center&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4-7 p.m.

Sauerkraut Soup, Green Bean Dumpling Soup Noodles, Ham &amp; Beans, German Sausage Homemade Bread Pies, Kuchens &amp; Cakes Tea or Coffee

Sponsored by the St. Anthony Altar Society&nbsp;

Fundraiser for the St Anthony Park and Playground

50/50 RAFFLE (Need not be present to win)

German Feast fundraiser for St. Anthony Park, playground in Schoenchen

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, the tenth leading cause of death in Kansas, and the second leading cause of death of Kansans ages 10-44, yet suicide can be prevented. 

Volunteers from Hays and the surrounding area are joining the thousands of people who are gathering this season in towns across the United States to promote suicide prevention and change the conversation around mental health. 

The annual Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Greater Kansas Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at North Frontier Park in Hays.

This gathering will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s education, research and support for survivors of suicide loss. In addition to raising awareness and funds to fight suicide, the walks give those who attend a chance to connect with others and know they are not alone, whether they walk in memory or in support of a loved one or in honor of their own mental health journey. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a leader in the fight against suicide — we save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

“Suicide touches one in five families in the United States on average, and the data shows that suicide rates are higher in rural areas," said Leigha Dobson, Hays walk chairwoman and AFSP Greater Kansas board member.

 "We hope that by connecting with one another, we will draw attention to this issue and keep other families from experiencing a suicide loss. Our goal is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Together, we can encourage those who struggle to seek help and remember they’re not alone.

“We had more than 70 people walk with us last year, and this year, we’re hoping twice that will walk with us towards a future without suicide," Dobson also said.

The Hays area Out of the Darkness Community Walk is just one of the hundreds of events being held nationwide this year. To join this event or make a donation, visit <a href="https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Hays">afsp.org/hays</a>.

Volunteers in Hays to walk to fight suicide during National Suicide Prevention Month 

City of Hays offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Hays city offices closed Monday for Labor Day holiday

How to keep wealth local with Heartland Community Foundation

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a&nbsp;Ulysses, Kansas woman in February have made an arrest.

On February 28, Finney County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a home in Finney County for a report of a woman not breathing, according to a media release from Garden City Police. Deputies found the 29-year-old woman deceased in the home belonging to her boyfriend 33-year-old Ricardo Galvez-Aguayo of Garden City. 

An investigation into the woman’s death revealed that she had died from a Fentanyl overdose. During a search of the residence, there were multiple items of illegal drugs to include Fentanyl found hidden in Galvez-Aguayo's room where the woman died. 

Law Enforcement learned that Galvez-Aguayo was also known in the community to be a supplier of Fentanyl to drug users. Galvez-Aguayo is said to have misled Finney County Sheriff's Office Investigators during the investigation. Galvez-Aguayo was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of a Controlled Substance causing Death and Interference of a Law Enforcement Officer; Conceal/Alter/Destroy Evidence. Galvez-Aguayo was granted a $500,000 Own Recognizance bond, and released from custody.

SW Kansas man accused in girlfriends's fentanyl death

ATCHISON —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

At 8:30p.m. on Thursday, police responded to an apartment complex in the 300 block Santa Fe Street in Atchison to investigate a possible burglary, according to Police Chief Mike Wilsonm.

It was determined that no burglary had occurred but during the investigation the resident and reporting party, 61-year-old Gary Odum, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

&nbsp;Odum was arrested on a requested charge for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He has a previous conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Call about burglary led to Kansas felon's drug arrest

The special legislative session will also include a proposal to change the initiative petition process in a way that would mean as few as 23% of voters could defeat a statewide ballot measure

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

Missouri lawmakers will return to the Capitol next week to gerrymander the state’s congressional map in the hopes of creating a new Republican seat.&nbsp;

They will also debate putting a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would make it harder for voters to change the constitution through the initiative petition process.&nbsp;

Both proposals were included in the special legislative session agenda crafted by Gov. Mike Kehoe and announced on Friday. The move has been expected for weeks, with Missouri Republicans f<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/08/21/missouri-gop-leader-says-lawmakers-will-start-with-a-congressional-map-drawn-in-d-c/">acing pressure from President Donald Trump&nbsp;</a>to redraw U.S. House districts so the GOP can win more seats in next year’s midterm elections.

&nbsp;“This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform,” Kehoe said in a statement Friday afternoon.

Missouri has eight congressional districts, and Democrats hold two. The new map would split Kansas City, which is currently entirely in the 5th District and represented by 11-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, into three districts where Republicans would have an electoral edge.&nbsp;

The intended result is a map where the GOP holds 90% of the state’s seats in the U.S. House.

“President Trump’s unprecedented directive to redraw our maps in the middle of the decade and without an updated census is not an act of democracy — it is an unconstitutional attack against it,” Cleaver said shortly after the proposed new map was revealed. “This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation.”

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from St. Louis County, said the president’s motivation for the gerrymandering push is fear of voters seeing files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If Democrats retake the House, they will release the Epstein Files, and this scares the hell out of President Trump,” Beck said. “That’s why the President has ordered Missouri to rubber stamp a rigged map drawn in Washington D.C. because he knows Missouri Republicans would rather protect pedophiles than say ‘no’ to Donald Trump.”

As for changes to the initiative petition process, Republicans are pushing a plan that would require a statewide majority and a majority vote in five of the state’s eight congressional districts in order to approve a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;

Currently, a simple majority is all that is required.

Under that “concurrent majority” standard, analysis by The Independent last year found that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/05/as-few-as-1-in-5-voters-could-defeat-initiative-petitions-under-missouri-senate-proposal/">as few as 23% of voters</a>&nbsp;could defeat a statewide ballot measure.

The gerrymandering and initiative petition push will begin in the Missouri House next week, with the expectation that bills will be sent to the Missouri Senate for it to consider them during the legislature’s annual veto session on Sept. 10.&nbsp;

Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers. The bills are unlikely to face any stumbling blocks in the House, but Senate Democrats are expected to use the filibuster and other procedural maneuvers to gum up legislative business as much as possible.&nbsp;

In order to overcome the gridlock, Senate Republicans may once again have to break a filibuster and force a vote by turning to a rule that was previously rarely-used but got deployed twice during the regular legislative session in May.&nbsp;

Doing so would create even more bad blood in a legislative chamber already teetering on the edge of full on partisan collapse and could upend the 2026 session before it even gets started.&nbsp;

There are also questions about whether redistricting now would violate Missouri’s constitution.&nbsp;

The Missouri Constitution calls for the legislature to draw new congressional districts every 10 years after new census numbers are certified to the governor.&nbsp;

That happened in 2022, which attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Alix Cossette argue means new districts cannot be drawn until the next census is complete.&nbsp;

“The plain language of the Missouri Constitution and the Missouri Supreme Court’s precedent make clear that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is prohibited,” Hatfield and Cossette, two longtime Democratic attorneys, wrote in a memo laying out issues with the GOP plan. “Any attempt to do so will draw a substantial legal challenge which will likely succeed and invalidate any map adopted by the General Assembly.”

There are also questions about whether relying on population data could also lead to a court throwing out any new map.&nbsp;

Kehoe acknowledged the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_34cd0710-36ea-4d6b-bff4-2e62c876e286.html" target="_blank">questions about the legality of the plan&nbsp;</a>while speaking to reporters Friday morning.&nbsp;

“I’ve heard opinions on both sides of that conversation,” he said. “It will get settled in due time.”

Missouri governor calls lawmakers back to Capitol to gerrymander congressional map

KANSAS CITY —The Medical examiner has officially identified the victims of a small plane crash near Kansas City on Wednesday as 76-year-old Mark W. Spelts and 75-year-old Victoria "Vickie" A. Spelts of Chico, California.

Mark Spelts’ business also announced that he and Vickie passed away in a plane crash in Clay County, Missouri.

The couple had come from an airport in Washington, Missouri, and intended to land at the Midwest National Air Center.&nbsp;

Just before noon Wednesday, dispatchers in Clay County, Missouri received a call about heavy smoke coming from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road, according to the sheriff's office. Callers believed it may have been from a plane crash. When deputies arrived, they located a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. There were two occupants inside, and they were confirmed deceased.

&nbsp;Sheriff's Office investigators notified the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, which have taken over the investigation into what caused the crash.

Medical examiner IDs couple who died in plane crash near Kansas City

The Powerball® jackpot just hit an estimated $1 billion for Saturday night’s drawing. After reviewing national ticket sales, game leaders increased the Powerball jackpot estimate Friday morning from $950 million to $1 billion, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. Saturday’s jackpot has an estimated cash value of $453.1 million.

This is the sixth Powerball jackpot to reach the billion-dollar mark in the game’s 33-year history.

“We’re bringing extra excitement to Labor Day Weekend with a Powerball jackpot that’s climbed to a billion dollars!” said Matt Strawn, Powerball Product Group Chair and Iowa Lottery CEO. “For just $2, every ticket is a chance to win big, while also giving back to public programs and services that benefit communities wherever Powerball is played.”

Saturday’s Powerball drawing will be broadcast live at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. The Powerball drawing will also be live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

If a player wins Saturday’s jackpot, they will have the choice between an annuitized prize estimated at $1 billion or a lump sum payment estimated at $453.1 million. Both prize options are before taxes. If the winner selects the annuity option, they will receive one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5-percent each year.

Saturday’s drawing will be the 39th drawing since the Powerball jackpot was last won in California on May 31, 2025. The summer jackpot streak has already created 62 winning tickets worth $1 million or more, and 608 winning tickets worth $50,000 or more.

Powerball® tickets are $2 per play. Tickets are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of all proceeds from the sale of a Powerball ticket remain in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Since its first drawing in 1992, the Powerball game has helped generate more than $36 billion for good causes supported by U.S. lotteries.

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee, Fla. Powerball drawings are also live streamed on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.powerball.com/watch-drawing">Powerball.com</a>.

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Powerball soars to sixth largest in game's 33-year history

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mae-anderson">MAE ANDERSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — Low-value imports are losing their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-exemption-china-shein-temu-43df1673ac9508ae58fc76150101d686">duty-free status</a>&nbsp;in the United States this week as part of President Donald Trump’s agenda for making the nation less dependent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/impact-trump-tariffs-consumer-prices-11a60663140aab0b79c20bb8e2a5f3a7">on foreign goods</a>&nbsp;and resetting global trade with tariffs.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-russia-india-9e388a55583e7007149819c52f0fd71b">An executive order</a>&nbsp;signed last month eliminates a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-trump-tariffs-china-1b52319a85572331baf31cb6287ecddf">widely used customs exemption</a>&nbsp;for international shipments worth $800 or less starting Friday, nearly two years earlier than the deadline set in the tax cuts and spending bill approved by Congress.

Although the president previously ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-online-shipments-7d15066205389ad06760856e4e5074ca">from China and Hong Kong</a>, having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de-minimis-exemption-ends-august-29-edc26b9f0d7935ad7978c7eba5e3967c">online shoppers</a>.

Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will require vetting and be subject to their origin country’s applicable tariff rate, which can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-into-effect-economy-warning-signs-eafe20de9abad312573b320fd4b5fb33">range from 10% to 50%</a>. For the next six months, carriers handling orders sent through the global mail network also can choose a flat duty of $80 to $200 per package instead of the value-based rate.

In response, the national postal services of more than a dozen countries said they would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-tariffs-goods-services-suspension-85c7b36b9e92c0e640dfe2ac418cd907">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;sending some or most U.S.-bound packages due to confusion over processing and payment requirements. Japan and Switzerland on Monday joined Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand, the U.K. and New Zealand in saying they would pause shipments.

The Trump administration says the exemption has become a loophole that foreign businesses exploit to evade tariffs and criminals use to get drugs, counterfeit products and other contraband into the U.S. Former President Joe Biden and members of Congress also discussed the issue.

Other countries have similar exemptions, but the threshold is usually lower. For example, 150 euros ($175) is the value limit in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro as their official currency. The U.K. allows foreign businesses to send parcels worth up to 135 pounds ($182) without incurring tariff charges.

In the U.S., the “de minimis” — Latin for lacking significance or importance — exemption started in 1938 as a way to save the federal government the time and expense of collecting duties on imported goods with a retail value of $1 or less. U.S. lawmakers eventually increased the eligibility cutoff to $5 in 1990, to $200 in 1993 and to $800 in 2015, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Since then, the number of shipments claiming de minimis treatment has exploded. A total of 1.36 billion packages with a combined value of $64.6 billion reached the U.S. last year, compared to 134 million packages sent under the exemption in 2015, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency reported.

About 60% of the 2024 shipments came from China and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-post-us-suspend-shipping-goods-tariff-0a52db6fc32e559cb6c5e42b8c9824d7">Hong Kong</a>, according to an analysis logistics firm Flexport prepared based on U.S. government data. Multiple countries and regions accounted for the remainder, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, India and Vietnam.

Boutique owner anticipates higher costs for European apparel

Proponents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/secondhand-clothes-shoes-tariffs-prices-0d6de65d89435b96fc396e53a77381f5">limiting the exemption</a>&nbsp;argue that it has served as a way for China-founded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/temu-shein-price-increases-trump-tariffs-066a3e729c971fdf9e929bb8a94eea67">retail platforms like Temu and Shein</a>&nbsp;to flood the U.S. with low-priced goods. The National Council of Textile Organizations said the move would help close a “backdoor pipeline for cheap, subsidized, and often illegal, toxic and unethical imports.” But some smaller American companies that rely on imported products and materials benefited from the exemption too.

Kristin Trainor is worried the end of de minimis will also mean the end of Diesel and Lulu’s, her 3-year-old boutique in Avon, Connecticut. Over 70% of the women’s clothes and accessories she stocks comes from small fashion houses in France, Italy and Spain. Trainor places small batch orders each week that fall under the $800 threshold.

“Our business model is to provide casual chic and unique clothes at affordable prices,” she said. “The added customs and duty charges that will go into effect on Aug. 29 will eliminate that affordability. ”

Trainor said she was looking to replace her European vendors with ones based in the U.S. But her bestselling product categories, such as apparel made of Italian linen, come from other countries. She estimates a simple linen sundress that cost $30 wholesale at the beginning of the year will rise to $43 next month.

After a corporate career, Trainor opened the store to have more time with her 9-year-old son and her 91-year old father. Raising the boutique’s prices to absorb part of the import charges would help offset higher shipping and logistics costs, but Trainor worries her customers will balk at higher prices.

“I have not made any official announcements to my customers just yet, although they have started to ask if I will stay open as they understand the economic impacts that are occurring,” she said. “At this point, I am leaning more and more towards closing the boutique, sadly.”

Trade agreement doesn’t shield products from Mexico and Canada

Ken Huening started CoverSeal, his business making and selling protective covers for cars, motorcycles, grills and patio furniture, in 2020. The company is based in Los Gatos, California, and the covers are manufactured in Mexico and China. When a customer places an order, it ships from Mexico.

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