Darrell Eugene Sutton, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in McPherson, KS on Saturday, August 24, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 30, 1956, in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; Darrell graduated from Solomon High School in 1974 and then worked at Lindsborg Implement and American Farm Supply until 1978 when he started at Hesston Corporation. Darrell worked at Hesston for more than 20 years as a certified welder. He then worked as maintenance director at Mustang Park in McPherson before moving to Lyons Salt Co. in maintenance.&nbsp; He retired from Lyons Salt Co. in 2021.

Darrell could build anything and fix anything, and was renowned for his beard and Key bib overalls. He enjoyed rooting on the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State Wildcats, even sporting a prosthetic leg for each of those teams to show off his fandom.

He was preceded in death by his father Keith Sutton; sister Kim Dibbern; son Jeremy Sutton; and nephew Ryun Cossette.&nbsp; He is survived by his wife of more than 46 years, Debbie Sutton of McPherson, KS, son Jeff (Angie) Sutton of St. George, KS, and daughter Jessica (Ryan) Johnson of Galva, KS, along with his cherished grandkids: Casey, Cade, Ashton, Alisa, Segen, Jackson, Raylie and Baylin.&nbsp; He is also survived by his mother Vangie Sutton-Lyne of Salina, KS and sisters Kenna (Danny) Boyce of Salina and Deanna (Jack) Cossette of Solomon, KS along with many loving nephews and nieces, especially Keely.&nbsp;

A graveside service will be held at Langley Cemetery west of Marquette, KS at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 31 where his ashes will be interred and placed inside his Craftsman toolbox, that is decorated and signed by his family.&nbsp; Following at noon, friends are welcome to join the family in remembrance of Darrell at the Marquette United Methodist Church for a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory to the American Kidney Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidneyfund.org/" target="_blank">www.kidneyfund.org</a>&nbsp;or in care of&nbsp; Stockham Family Funeral Home,&nbsp;205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stockhamfamily.com/" target="_blank">www.stockhamfamily.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724749764975.jpeg" alt="Darrell Sutton" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Sutton</figcaption>
 </figure>Darrell Eugene Sutton, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in McPherson, KS on Saturday, August 24, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.He was born May 30, 1956, in Salina, Kansas.&nbsp; Darrell graduated from Solomon High School in 1974 and then worked at Lindsborg Implement and American Farm Supply until 1978 when he started at Hesston Corporation. Darrell worked at Hesston for more than 20 years as a certified welder. He then worked as maintenance director at Mustang Park in McPherson before moving to Lyons Salt Co. in maintenance.&nbsp; He retired from Lyons Salt Co. in 2021.Darrell could build anything and fix anything, and was renowned for his beard and Key bib overalls. He enjoyed rooting on the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State Wildcats, even sporting a prosthetic leg for each of those teams to show off his fandom.He was preceded in death by his father Keith Sutton; sister Kim Dibbern; son Jeremy Sutton; and nephew Ryun Cossette.&nbsp; He is survived by his wife of more than 46 years, Debbie Sutton of McPherson, KS, son Jeff (Angie) Sutton of St. George, KS, and daughter Jessica (Ryan) Johnson of Galva, KS, along with his cherished grandkids: Casey, Cade, Ashton, Alisa, Segen, Jackson, Raylie and Baylin.&nbsp; He is also survived by his mother Vangie Sutton-Lyne of Salina, KS and sisters Kenna (Danny) Boyce of Salina and Deanna (Jack) Cossette of Solomon, KS along with many loving nephews and nieces, especially Keely.&nbsp;A graveside service will be held at Langley Cemetery west of Marquette, KS at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 31 where his ashes will be interred and placed inside his Craftsman toolbox, that is decorated and signed by his family.&nbsp; Following at noon, friends are welcome to join the family in remembrance of Darrell at the Marquette United Methodist Church for a luncheon.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory to the American Kidney Fund at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kidneyfund.org/" target="_blank">www.kidneyfund.org</a>&nbsp;or in care of&nbsp; Stockham Family Funeral Home,&nbsp;205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.Personal condolences may be sent to the family at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stockhamfamily.com/" target="_blank">www.stockhamfamily.com</a>.

Darrell Eugene Sutton |1956-2024|

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an outbound beef genetics trade mission to Hermosillo, Mexico. The mission is a joint effort between the International Brangus Breeders Association, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and will take place November 4-8, 2024.

During the outbound mission, the team will have an opportunity to visit ranches and agribusinesses in the beef sector. Additionally, the trade mission will allow Kansas producers to network and promote U.S. beef genetics during an educational seminar and reception. Producers who raise purebred cattle and are interested in exporting to Mexico should consider applying.

Supporting all facets of agriculture is central to KDA’s mission, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and sell beef genetics both domestically and internationally. These missions were made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) with USDA Market Access Program funding.

For an application, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MjYuOTk1MTczODEifQ.OAiPyun8_uHxHqJFHLArbk2miFeSzgi3mCn6f-vvPrA/s/1377891908/br/247975433403-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>&nbsp;or contact KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov">Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704. Application deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689965639199.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is currently recruiting for an outbound beef genetics trade mission to Hermosillo, Mexico. The mission is a joint effort between the International Brangus Breeders Association, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and will take place November 4-8, 2024.During the outbound mission, the team will have an opportunity to visit ranches and agribusinesses in the beef sector. Additionally, the trade mission will allow Kansas producers to network and promote U.S. beef genetics during an educational seminar and reception. Producers who raise purebred cattle and are interested in exporting to Mexico should consider applying.Supporting all facets of agriculture is central to KDA’s mission, including facilitating opportunities for producers to market and sell beef genetics both domestically and internationally. These missions were made possible through KDA’s membership in U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) with USDA Market Access Program funding.For an application, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9pbnRlcm5hdGlvbmFsP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA4MjYuOTk1MTczODEifQ.OAiPyun8_uHxHqJFHLArbk2miFeSzgi3mCn6f-vvPrA/s/1377891908/br/247975433403-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/international</a>&nbsp;or contact KDA international trade director Suzanne Ryan-Numrich at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov">Suzanne.Numrich@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6704. Application deadline is Friday, September 6, 2024.

KDA seeking beef genetics producers for Mexico trip

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom

Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.

Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.

People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.

So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.

“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.

Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”

It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.

“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.

The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.

“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”

In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.

“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.

A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.

“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.

Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.

Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.

“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.

Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.

“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”

That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.

“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/caseyquinlan/">CASEY QUINLAN</a>&nbsp; State's Newsroom Americans are racking up credit card debt as they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and experts say those who earn the least are the hardest hit.Total credit card balances rose 5.8% from a year ago, to $1.14 trillion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc" target="_blank">according to</a>&nbsp;a recent New York Fed report. Equifax credit files through June show that credit card delinquency is still rising but that delinquency on consumer finance loans and retail cards fell and auto loan delinquency was flat.People use credit cards for all kinds of purchases, and despite the stereotype of consumers getting themselves into too much credit card debt so that they could buy a few extra flashy clothes or vacations, many of them are for necessities.So what does it mean for the economy that the average rate for people with a credit card balance was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g19/current/" target="_blank">22.76%</a>&nbsp;in May, that there is an expansion of financial tech products like “buy now, pay later,” and that many Americans find themselves unable to pay off that debt? It depends on your role in the economy, financial experts and economists say.“If you’re in that half who’s paying your cards in full and taking full advantage of rewards and buyer protections, life is great for you. That’s a very different story from someone who’s trapped in that expensive cycle of 20 to 25 to 30% interest month after month,” said Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.Still, the rate of growth in credit card debt has accelerated, which Rossman calls “potentially troublesome.”It’s impossible to look at rising credit card debt without acknowledging the high cost of living, such as housing prices. The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">in July</a>, shelter increased 0.4% and made up 90% of that month’s rise in the all items index.“Inflation is definitely contributing to higher balances. Even if it’s a category like rent, which most people are not putting on a credit card, if you’re getting squeezed on rent, you have less money to go around for groceries and gas and other things that maybe you are putting on a credit card now,” he said.The Federal Reserve’s campaign to raise interest rates to bring down inflation also affects credit card debt and some economists say it is fueling economic inequality. Although the Fed paused rates last year, they are still fairly high and influence credit card rates. The Fed may cut rates in its September meeting if it continues to see cooling inflation data.“People who rely on credit cards and other forms of borrowing to finance all sorts of things in their lives, whether that’s food or purchases for investments in their education or purchases for their home or their children, disproportionately folks who are poor – they’re really hurting because interest rates are really high,” said Rakeen Mabud, chief economist and a senior fellow at Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive think tank. “These interest rates are really taking a toll on people’s day-to-day ability to live and finance their lives. It looks to me that the high interest rates at this point are actually causing more pain than the inflation that it is trying to combat.”In addition to the impact of the federal funds rate on credit cards, consumers are facing high annual percentage rate margins, or APR margins, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said were an all-time high in a February&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">report</a>. The agency said rising APR margins are driving people into persistent debt and delinquency.“Credit card companies are gouging consumers with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">record high</a>&nbsp;APR margins, which sit on top of the Fed’s already high interest rates. Profiteering by credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/credit-card-interest-rate-margins-at-all-time-high/" target="_blank">cost</a>&nbsp;people an extra $25 billion last year and is yet another example of corporations using inflation as a cover to rip people off,” Mabud said.A lack of competition in the credit industry doesn’t help matters for those struggling with credit card debt, added Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, which provides financial intelligence products.“There is some evidence that there’s less competition in that market and that’s allowing credit card lenders to enjoy wide margins,” he said.Mitria Wilson-Spotser, vice president and federal policy director at the Center for Responsible Lending, said she partly attributes the rise in credit card debt to some major credit card companies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/why-the-largest-credit-card-companies-are-suppressing-actual-payment-data-on-your-credit-report/" target="_blank">not reporting</a>&nbsp;payment data, which does not make it to their credit reports, hurting their credit score and leaving them with higher credit card rates or extending credit without basing it on an ability to repay.Consumers also have access to more financial tech products, like earned wage access programs, which let employees access their pay earlier for a fee, and buy now pay later products, said Wilson-Spotser. These products are not regulated in the same way as credit cards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-ensure-consumers-can-dispute-charges-and-obtain-refunds-on-buy-now-pay-later-loans/" target="_blank">issued a rule</a>&nbsp;in May to apply the same regulations to “buy now pay later” lenders as traditional credit cards.“There’s no obligation to ensure an ability to repay for the consumer, so that debt, which is kind of this phantom in the room, is combining with credit card debt, which I think is probably one of the reasons why we’re seeing an increase in delinquency among some consumers,” she said.Zandi said the people most likely to suffer financially from their credit card debt, lower-income people, only account for a sliver of the consumer spending driving the economy.“[High interest rates] is adding to the pressure on households who have revolving debt, that aren’t paying off their cards and are using the card as a way to borrow money and have outstanding debt. So that’s a real problem for those households,” he said. “… The economy can move forward and be just fine even if the folks in the bottom third are struggling. The economy can’t flourish but it can do what it’s doing.”That doesn’t mean the impact of the harms of high credit card rates and inflation, which is cooling but has done damage to households, will go unnoticed, however, Zandi said, alluding to building political pressure to improve people’s economic well-being.“But the political and social implications are enormous. You can see it in our fracture of politics and what’s going on in terms of the presidential election,” he said. “… Politics has been affected by the fact that lower-income households have seen their share of the economic pie decline from where it was when it was at its peak back in the late 70s, early 80s.”

US credit card debt continues to rise as housing and other costs remain high for the lowest earners

WASHINGTON (AP) —Kansas, Missouri and 14 other Republican-led states are suing to end a federal program that could potentially give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship.

The coalition&nbsp; filed suit Friday to halt the program launched by President Joe Biden in June, saying in court filings that the administration bypassed Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for “blatant political purposes.”

“This action incentivizes illegal immigration and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff states,” the suit filed in federal court in Tyler, Texas, says.

Under the policy, which started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-spouses-citizenship-registration-da37d9cbdb45a4baca837f6dc2a09aba">taking applications Monday</a>, many spouses without legal status can apply for something called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-parole-trump-biden-latin-america-hungary-vietnam-cuba-venezuela-6deab463a9cc596b2cd1adc6443da787">“parole in place,”</a>&nbsp;offering permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship.

But the program has been particularly contentious in an election year where immigration is one of the biggest issues, with many Republicans attacking the policy and contending it is essentially a form of amnesty for people who broke the law.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Friday that the plan "violates the Constitution and actively worsens the illegal immigration disaster that is hurting Texas and our country.”

The suit filed against the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other Biden administration officials accuses the agency of attempting to parole spouses “en masse,” which the states contend is an abuse of power. The states also filed a motion asking for the program to be put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.

In a post on X, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said her state is challenging the parole in place policy because she believes the Biden administration “is illegally using ‘parole’ in a systematic way to advance their open-borders agenda.”

The conservative nonprofit America First Legal, which is headed by Stephen Miller, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, is serving as co-counsel in the lawsuit.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Mayra Alejandra said the agency will defend the Keeping Families Together program in court and continues to process already submitted applications as well as accept new applications.

“Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority, and its purpose — enabling the families of U.S. Citizens to live without fear of separation — is consistent with fundamental American values,” Alejandra said.

White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández fired back against Republicans “playing politics” and characterized the lawsuit as another form of family separation.

“This lawsuit is seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families, people who have lived in the United States for more than ten years, to continue to live in the shadows,” Fernandez said in a statement.

The bipartisan immigration and criminal justice organization FWD.us said the program is in compliance with the law and noted the timing of the lawsuit — as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

“The only motivation behind this lawsuit is the cruelty of tearing families apart and the crass politics of hoping a judge might do the bidding of the anti-immigrant movement,” the organization said in a statement.

Karen Tumlin, founder and director of the Justice Action Center, called the legal challenge “unsurprising yet extremely disappointing and cruel.”

“However, it’s important to emphasize that nothing changes for now, and the process is still open and accepting applications,” she said.

To be eligible for the program, immigrants must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not pose a security threat or have a disqualifying criminal history, and have been married to a citizen by June 17 — the day before the program was announced.

They must pay a $580 fee to apply and fill out a lengthy application, including an explanation of why they deserve humanitarian parole and a long list of supporting documents proving how long they have been in the country.

If approved, applicants have three years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-immigrants-11486c86ba620a04ae9dc66a3d44f346">seek permanent residency</a>. During that period, they can get work authorization. The administration estimates about 500,000 people could be eligible, plus about 50,000 of their children.

Before this program, it was complicated for people who were in the U.S. illegally to get a green card after marrying an American citizen. They can be required to return to their home country — often for years — and they always face the risk they may not be allowed back in.

The lawsuit contends that states will bear the burden of additional immigrants staying in the country.

Texas, the suit says, spends tens of millions of dollars each year on a program that provides health insurance for children, including those in the country illegally. It says that the state also spends millions each year “for increased law enforcement as its citizens suffer increased crime, unemployment, environmental harm, and social disorder due to illegal immigration.”

Because the program beneficiaries will be entitled to work authorization, those additional workers “will drive down the wages of Texas residents, directly harming the State and its citizens,” the lawsuit says.

Evelyn Wiese, an immigration attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice, described the lawsuit as an “attack” on mixed status families who have spent years contributing to their communities in the United States.

“Trying to rip apart these families and prevent them from accessing a lawful pathway to status in the U.S. is cruel and reflective of anti-immigrant extremism,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724510077030.png" alt="President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image" />
 <figcaption>President Biden during the announcement in June-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Kansas, Missouri and 14 other Republican-led states are suing to end a federal program that could potentially give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship.The coalition&nbsp; filed suit Friday to halt the program launched by President Joe Biden in June, saying in court filings that the administration bypassed Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for “blatant political purposes.”“This action incentivizes illegal immigration and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff states,” the suit filed in federal court in Tyler, Texas, says.Under the policy, which started&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-spouses-citizenship-registration-da37d9cbdb45a4baca837f6dc2a09aba">taking applications Monday</a>, many spouses without legal status can apply for something called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-parole-trump-biden-latin-america-hungary-vietnam-cuba-venezuela-6deab463a9cc596b2cd1adc6443da787">“parole in place,”</a>&nbsp;offering permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship.But the program has been particularly contentious in an election year where immigration is one of the biggest issues, with many Republicans attacking the policy and contending it is essentially a form of amnesty for people who broke the law.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement Friday that the plan "violates the Constitution and actively worsens the illegal immigration disaster that is hurting Texas and our country.”The suit filed against the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other Biden administration officials accuses the agency of attempting to parole spouses “en masse,” which the states contend is an abuse of power. The states also filed a motion asking for the program to be put on hold while the lawsuit proceeds.In a post on X, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said her state is challenging the parole in place policy because she believes the Biden administration “is illegally using ‘parole’ in a systematic way to advance their open-borders agenda.”The conservative nonprofit America First Legal, which is headed by Stephen Miller, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, is serving as co-counsel in the lawsuit.Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Mayra Alejandra said the agency will defend the Keeping Families Together program in court and continues to process already submitted applications as well as accept new applications.“Keeping Families Together is grounded in well-established legal authority, and its purpose — enabling the families of U.S. Citizens to live without fear of separation — is consistent with fundamental American values,” Alejandra said.White House spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández fired back against Republicans “playing politics” and characterized the lawsuit as another form of family separation.“This lawsuit is seeking to force U.S. citizens and their families, people who have lived in the United States for more than ten years, to continue to live in the shadows,” Fernandez said in a statement.The bipartisan immigration and criminal justice organization FWD.us said the program is in compliance with the law and noted the timing of the lawsuit — as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president.“The only motivation behind this lawsuit is the cruelty of tearing families apart and the crass politics of hoping a judge might do the bidding of the anti-immigrant movement,” the organization said in a statement.Karen Tumlin, founder and director of the Justice Action Center, called the legal challenge “unsurprising yet extremely disappointing and cruel.”“However, it’s important to emphasize that nothing changes for now, and the process is still open and accepting applications,” she said.To be eligible for the program, immigrants must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years, not pose a security threat or have a disqualifying criminal history, and have been married to a citizen by June 17 — the day before the program was announced.They must pay a $580 fee to apply and fill out a lengthy application, including an explanation of why they deserve humanitarian parole and a long list of supporting documents proving how long they have been in the country.If approved, applicants have three years to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-immigrants-11486c86ba620a04ae9dc66a3d44f346">seek permanent residency</a>. During that period, they can get work authorization. The administration estimates about 500,000 people could be eligible, plus about 50,000 of their children.Before this program, it was complicated for people who were in the U.S. illegally to get a green card after marrying an American citizen. They can be required to return to their home country — often for years — and they always face the risk they may not be allowed back in.The lawsuit contends that states will bear the burden of additional immigrants staying in the country.Texas, the suit says, spends tens of millions of dollars each year on a program that provides health insurance for children, including those in the country illegally. It says that the state also spends millions each year “for increased law enforcement as its citizens suffer increased crime, unemployment, environmental harm, and social disorder due to illegal immigration.”Because the program beneficiaries will be entitled to work authorization, those additional workers “will drive down the wages of Texas residents, directly harming the State and its citizens,” the lawsuit says.Evelyn Wiese, an immigration attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice, described the lawsuit as an “attack” on mixed status families who have spent years contributing to their communities in the United States.“Trying to rip apart these families and prevent them from accessing a lawful pathway to status in the U.S. is cruel and reflective of anti-immigrant extremism,” she said.

Kan. joins lawsuit over plan to give immigrant spouses of US citizens legal status

TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.

“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”

The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.

“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”

“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”

“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”

Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:

The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Department of Labor are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580399075295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment this week charging seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmith, Forgers and Helpers (Boilermakers Union) for their alleged roles in a 15-year, $20 million embezzlement scheme, according to the United State's Attorney.The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit offenses under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as other charges including embezzlement, health care fraud, wire fraud, and theft in connection with health care and retirement plans.“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants, including two former presidents of the Boilermakers Union, enriched themselves by spending millions of dollars in union funds for their own benefit, including for salary and benefits for no-show jobs, tuition, rent, luxury international travel, meals, vacation payouts, and unauthorized loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This indictment marks an important step in restoring financial security to the Boilermakers Union and control of the union’s future to its membership. The department is committed to protecting union members from officials who abuse their positions of authority for their own personal ends.”The defendants are former union president Newton Jones, 71, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; former secretary-treasurer William Creeden, 76, of Kearney, Missouri; former president Truman “Warren” Fairley, 59, of Chapel Hill; current secretary-treasurer Kathy Stapp, 53, of Shawnee, Kansas; former vice president Lawrence McManamon, 76, of Rocky River, Ohio; Kateryna Jones, 32, of Chapel Hill; and Cullen Jones 35, of Chapel Hill.“Union members pay their dues believing union leaders will use the money in support of the organization’s mission to advocate for and protect employment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “The Department of Justice is deeply concerned whenever there are accusations of fraud and misappropriation of union funds.”“The employees believed the Union executives would promote and protect their best interests. Instead, they allegedly utilized their positions for personal and financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “By allegedly unlawfully misappropriating Union funds, the defendants betrayed their members’ trust and confidence. Anyone who unlawfully profits at the expense of others will be held accountable.”“We would like to thank our fellow law enforcement partners, the Criminal Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for working collaboratively to bring change within the Boilermakers International Union,” said District Director Christiane Abendroth of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS). “Today’s indictment of seven defendants, including five current and former high-level officers, is a direct result of OLMS’s audit findings and a multi-agency criminal investigation. We look forward to obtaining justice for the rank-and-file union members by removing officers who allegedly treated the union as their personal piggy bank.”Over the course of 15 years, the defendants, led by Newton Jones and William Creeden, allegedly engaged in widespread embezzlement of the funds of the Boilermakers Union including:<ul>
 <li>Over $5 million in unnecessary luxury international travel;</li><li>Over $2 million in salary and benefits to Kateryna Jones and Cullen Jones for no-show jobs, at which they were not required to work, including payment of two years of salary to Kateryna Jones for a period when she resided in Ukraine and was dating Newton Jones;</li><li>Hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition, rent, and relocation expenses for members of the family of Newton Jones;</li><li>Millions of dollars in cash payments relating to fraudulently claimed vacation time;</li><li>Hundreds of fraudulent restaurant charges by Newton Jones and Kateryna Jones in their hometown;</li><li>Funds wrongly expended to engage in email surveillance of Union employees to defend Newton Jones and McManamon from internal union charges; and</li><li>$7 million in loans from the Boilermakers Union MORE Fund executed by Newton Jones and Creeden to the Bank of Labor, which were not authorized under the terms of the Boilermakers Union constitution or its conflict-of-interest policy.</li>
 </ul>The indictment also charges Newton Jones and Creeden with wire fraud relating to their alleged demand and acceptance of no-show employment with the Bank of Labor for which they were paid more than $3.4 million each in salary, benefit contributions, and other paid benefits. The indictment additionally seeks forfeiture of $20 million.If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the RICO conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.The FBI Kansas City Field Office and the Department of Labor are investigating the case.Trial Attorney Vincent Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Faiza Alhambra and Jabari Wamble for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kan. woman among 7 indicted for $20M embezzlement scheme

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA decided Saturday it’s too risky to bring two astronauts back to Earth in Boeing’s troubled new capsule, and they'll have to wait until next year for a ride home with SpaceX. What should have been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-launch-e139ce1842e0324942746bb0cdee5c73">weeklong test flight</a>&nbsp;for the pair will now last more than eight months.

(click below to watch the press conference)

The seasoned pilots have been stuck at the International Space Station since the beginning of June. A cascade of vexing thruster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-launch-fc55af012efeb32cbeaa4d264ab85e11">failures and helium leaks</a>&nbsp;in the new capsule marred their trip to the space station, and they ended up in a holding pattern as engineers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-boeing-starliner-astronauts-922b43fa8d0e1f9622022a52f8c8e2ed">conducted tests and debated</a>&nbsp;what to do about the flight back.

After almost three months, the decision finally came down from NASA’s highest ranks on Saturday. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will come back in a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt to return on autopilot with a touchdown in the New Mexico desert.

As Starliner’s test pilots, the pair should have overseen this critical last leg of the journey.

“A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The decision "is a result of a commitment to safety.”

Nelson said lessons learned from NASA's two space shuttle accidents played a role. This time, he noted, open dialogue was encouraged rather than crushed.

“This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one,” added Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator.

It was a blow to Boeing, adding to the safety concerns plaguing the company on its airplane side. Boeing had counted on Starliner’s first crew trip to revive the troubled spacecraft program after years of delays and ballooning costs. The company had insisted Starliner was safe based on all the recent thruster tests both in space and on the ground.

Boeing did not participate in Saturday's news conference by NASA, but released a statement: “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft." The company said it is preparing the spacecraft “for a safe and successful return.”

Rand Corp.'s Jan Osburg, a senior engineer who specializes in aerospace and defense, said NASA made the right choice. “But the U.S. is still left with egg on its face due to the Starliner design issues that should have been caught earlier."

Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, are both retired Navy captains with previous long-duration spaceflight experience. Before their June 5 launch from Cape Canaveral, Wilmore and Williams said their families bought into the uncertainty and stress of their professional careers decades ago.

During their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-space-astronauts-starliner-nasa-df30b94b0463a20eec72ce494d9bccc4">lone orbital news conference</a>&nbsp;last month, the astronauts said they had trust in the thruster testing being conducted. They had no complaints, they added, and enjoyed pitching in with space station work.

Wilmore's wife, Deanna, was equally stoic in an interview earlier this month with WVLT-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, their home state. She was already bracing for a delay: “You just sort of have to roll with it."

Flight operations director Norm Knight said he talked to the astronauts Saturday and they fully support the decision to postpone their return.

The SpaceX capsule currently parked at the space station is reserved for the four residents who have been there since March. They will return in late September, their routine six-month stay extended a month by the Starliner dilemma. NASA said it would be unsafe to squeeze two more into the capsule, except in an emergency.

The docked Russian Soyuz capsule is even tighter, capable of flying only three — two of them Russians wrapping up a yearlong stint.

So Wilmore and Williams will wait for SpaceX's next taxi flight. It’s due to launch in late September with two astronauts instead of the usual four. NASA is yanking two to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return flight in late February.

NASA said no serious consideration was given to asking SpaceX for a quick stand-alone rescue. Last year, the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronaut-space-station-c3a0f36bb3b44d038f9fc0af99425c16">replacement Soyuz capsule</a>&nbsp;for three men whose original craft was damaged by space junk. The switch pushed their six-month mission to just over a year.

Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, applauded the decision via X: “Good to err on the side of caution for astronaut lives.” Long missions are “what astronauts work their entire career for. I’d take it in a heartbeat!”

Starliner’s woes began long before its latest flight.

Bad software fouled the first test flight without a crew in 2019, prompting a do-over in 2022. Then parachute and other issues cropped up, including a helium leak in the capsule’s propellant system that nixed a launch attempt in May. The leak eventually was deemed to be isolated and small enough to pose no concern. But more leaks sprouted following liftoff, and five thrusters also failed.

All but one of those small thrusters restarted in flight. But engineers were perplexed by ground testing that showed a thruster seal swelling and obstructing a propellant line. They theorized the seals in orbit may have expanded and then reverted to their normal size. Officials said the results marked the turning point, as their concerns grew.

With all the uncertainty about how the thrusters might perform, “There was too much risk for the crew," Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, told reporters.

These 28 thrusters are vital. Besides needed for space station rendezvous, they keep the capsule pointed in the right direction at flight’s end as bigger engines steer the craft out of orbit. Coming in crooked could result in catastrophe.

With the Columbia disaster still fresh in many minds — the shuttle broke apart during reentry in 2003, killing all seven aboard — NASA made an extra effort to embrace open debate over Starliner's return capability.

Despite Saturday's decision, NASA isn’t giving up on Boeing. Nelson said he is “100%” certain that Starliner will fly again.

NASA went into its commercial crew program a decade ago wanting two competing U.S. companies ferrying astronauts in the post-shuttle era. Boeing won the bigger contract: more than $4 billion, compared with SpaceX’s $2.6 billion.

With station supply runs already under its belt, SpaceX aced its first of now nine astronaut flights in 2020, while Boeing got bogged down in design flaws that set the company back more than $1 billion. NASA officials still hold out hope that Starliner’s problems can be corrected in time for another crew flight in another year or so.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724532550650.png" alt="NASA astronaut Suni Williams-photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>NASA astronaut Suni Williams-photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA decided Saturday it’s too risky to bring two astronauts back to Earth in Boeing’s troubled new capsule, and they'll have to wait until next year for a ride home with SpaceX. What should have been a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-launch-e139ce1842e0324942746bb0cdee5c73">weeklong test flight</a>&nbsp;for the pair will now last more than eight months.(click below to watch the press conference)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGOswKRSsHc?si=MI1_WtaUumqrYTVM&amp;start=834" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The seasoned pilots have been stuck at the International Space Station since the beginning of June. A cascade of vexing thruster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronauts-launch-fc55af012efeb32cbeaa4d264ab85e11">failures and helium leaks</a>&nbsp;in the new capsule marred their trip to the space station, and they ended up in a holding pattern as engineers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-boeing-starliner-astronauts-922b43fa8d0e1f9622022a52f8c8e2ed">conducted tests and debated</a>&nbsp;what to do about the flight back.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/0WGZKPzHcg">https://t.co/0WGZKPzHcg</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1827404736422932734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After almost three months, the decision finally came down from NASA’s highest ranks on Saturday. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will come back in a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt to return on autopilot with a touchdown in the New Mexico desert.As Starliner’s test pilots, the pair should have overseen this critical last leg of the journey.“A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The decision "is a result of a commitment to safety.”Nelson said lessons learned from NASA's two space shuttle accidents played a role. This time, he noted, open dialogue was encouraged rather than crushed.“This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one,” added Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator.It was a blow to Boeing, adding to the safety concerns plaguing the company on its airplane side. Boeing had counted on Starliner’s first crew trip to revive the troubled spacecraft program after years of delays and ballooning costs. The company had insisted Starliner was safe based on all the recent thruster tests both in space and on the ground.Boeing did not participate in Saturday's news conference by NASA, but released a statement: “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft." The company said it is preparing the spacecraft “for a safe and successful return.”Rand Corp.'s Jan Osburg, a senior engineer who specializes in aerospace and defense, said NASA made the right choice. “But the U.S. is still left with egg on its face due to the Starliner design issues that should have been caught earlier."Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, are both retired Navy captains with previous long-duration spaceflight experience. Before their June 5 launch from Cape Canaveral, Wilmore and Williams said their families bought into the uncertainty and stress of their professional careers decades ago.During their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-space-astronauts-starliner-nasa-df30b94b0463a20eec72ce494d9bccc4">lone orbital news conference</a>&nbsp;last month, the astronauts said they had trust in the thruster testing being conducted. They had no complaints, they added, and enjoyed pitching in with space station work.Wilmore's wife, Deanna, was equally stoic in an interview earlier this month with WVLT-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, their home state. She was already bracing for a delay: “You just sort of have to roll with it."Flight operations director Norm Knight said he talked to the astronauts Saturday and they fully support the decision to postpone their return.There were few options.The SpaceX capsule currently parked at the space station is reserved for the four residents who have been there since March. They will return in late September, their routine six-month stay extended a month by the Starliner dilemma. NASA said it would be unsafe to squeeze two more into the capsule, except in an emergency.The docked Russian Soyuz capsule is even tighter, capable of flying only three — two of them Russians wrapping up a yearlong stint.So Wilmore and Williams will wait for SpaceX's next taxi flight. It’s due to launch in late September with two astronauts instead of the usual four. NASA is yanking two to make room for Wilmore and Williams on the return flight in late February.NASA said no serious consideration was given to asking SpaceX for a quick stand-alone rescue. Last year, the Russian Space Agency had to rush up a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronaut-space-station-c3a0f36bb3b44d038f9fc0af99425c16">replacement Soyuz capsule</a>&nbsp;for three men whose original craft was damaged by space junk. The switch pushed their six-month mission to just over a year.Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, applauded the decision via X: “Good to err on the side of caution for astronaut lives.” Long missions are “what astronauts work their entire career for. I’d take it in a heartbeat!”Starliner’s woes began long before its latest flight.Bad software fouled the first test flight without a crew in 2019, prompting a do-over in 2022. Then parachute and other issues cropped up, including a helium leak in the capsule’s propellant system that nixed a launch attempt in May. The leak eventually was deemed to be isolated and small enough to pose no concern. But more leaks sprouted following liftoff, and five thrusters also failed.All but one of those small thrusters restarted in flight. But engineers were perplexed by ground testing that showed a thruster seal swelling and obstructing a propellant line. They theorized the seals in orbit may have expanded and then reverted to their normal size. Officials said the results marked the turning point, as their concerns grew.With all the uncertainty about how the thrusters might perform, “There was too much risk for the crew," Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, told reporters.These 28 thrusters are vital. Besides needed for space station rendezvous, they keep the capsule pointed in the right direction at flight’s end as bigger engines steer the craft out of orbit. Coming in crooked could result in catastrophe.With the Columbia disaster still fresh in many minds — the shuttle broke apart during reentry in 2003, killing all seven aboard — NASA made an extra effort to embrace open debate over Starliner's return capability.Despite Saturday's decision, NASA isn’t giving up on Boeing. Nelson said he is “100%” certain that Starliner will fly again.NASA went into its commercial crew program a decade ago wanting two competing U.S. companies ferrying astronauts in the post-shuttle era. Boeing won the bigger contract: more than $4 billion, compared with SpaceX’s $2.6 billion.With station supply runs already under its belt, SpaceX aced its first of now nine astronaut flights in 2020, while Boeing got bogged down in design flaws that set the company back more than $1 billion. NASA officials still hold out hope that Starliner’s problems can be corrected in time for another crew flight in another year or so.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

🎥NASA confirms 2 astronauts stuck in space won't be home for months

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Haven USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage told Hutch Post that the work that has been done by&nbsp;Director of Learning Services Megan Hett and&nbsp;Maintenance Director Chris Rohr to get the daycare and pre-K programs ready for the fall is something he is proud of.

"What they've done and then the people that work under them to make happen what's happened in Haven, when they're in a location in Yoder, in the amount of time," Idacavage said. "I was telling our board this a couple months ago that it's impressive, it's really impressive."

The work has facilitated continued enrollment gains for little ones.

"In our pre-K, I wanna say we're at 47," Idacavage said. "Then our daycare slots just over the summer and the work they did went from 60 to 80. We qualified for some expansion grants and then through that work that Megan and Chris and their teams did this summer to open up those spots allowed us to, qualified us for some additional funds that we'll be receiving in October to continue to do some capital type programs and expansions to the program."

Staffing is a continued issue as the programs grow.

"It's been difficult at times," Idacavage said. "I think we see that everywhere and when we have openings, we post them and it'll go through phases. We'll get some high quality applicants and then for a while and then we have some openings and then we might not get any for a while. With school starting back up, we utilize some high school kids that want to possibly go into early childhood or just enjoy being around kids and so we're able to fill some hours that way and just piece some things together."

If you have questions about the program, email Hett at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mhett@havenschools.com">mhett@havenschools.com</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714061990510.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Haven USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage told Hutch Post that the work that has been done by&nbsp;Director of Learning Services Megan Hett and&nbsp;Maintenance Director Chris Rohr to get the daycare and pre-K programs ready for the fall is something he is proud of."What they've done and then the people that work under them to make happen what's happened in Haven, when they're in a location in Yoder, in the amount of time," Idacavage said. "I was telling our board this a couple months ago that it's impressive, it's really impressive."The work has facilitated continued enrollment gains for little ones."In our pre-K, I wanna say we're at 47," Idacavage said. "Then our daycare slots just over the summer and the work they did went from 60 to 80. We qualified for some expansion grants and then through that work that Megan and Chris and their teams did this summer to open up those spots allowed us to, qualified us for some additional funds that we'll be receiving in October to continue to do some capital type programs and expansions to the program."Staffing is a continued issue as the programs grow."It's been difficult at times," Idacavage said. "I think we see that everywhere and when we have openings, we post them and it'll go through phases. We'll get some high quality applicants and then for a while and then we have some openings and then we might not get any for a while. With school starting back up, we utilize some high school kids that want to possibly go into early childhood or just enjoy being around kids and so we're able to fill some hours that way and just piece some things together."If you have questions about the program, email Hett at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mhett@havenschools.com">mhett@havenschools.com</a>.

USD 312 daycare and pre-K programs continue growth

By Steve Carpenter Blue Dragon Sports Information Director

When asked to analyze the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team's overall play in 2023, head coach Delice Downing hit upon several key points that came up as negatives.

Point 1 – A Lack of consistent passing, which doesn't allow team to transition from defense to offense effectively and not push a middle attack.

Point 2 – Feeding the outside hitters almost exclusively and not utilizing a middle attack.

Point 3 – Production from the right-side hitters.

With those issues in mind, Downing hit the recruiting trail looking to shore up those deficiencies.

"I think we've got the pieces," said the fifth-year Blue Dragon head coach whose team opens the 2024 this weekend at the Iowa Western Reiver Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa. "Recruiting is always important, but this year it was extra important. We are going to be very young this year. We are very athletic. We're hungry. Now its going to be about getting them to play smart and buy into the process."

The Blue Dragons open the 2024 season with four stern tests from traditional NJCAA volleyball powers in Jefferson College, Iowa Western, No. 3 Northeastern Junior College and Western Nebraska this weekend.

Just one starter and three reserves return from last season's 24-15 Blue Dragon team that finished fourth in the KJCCC with an 11-5 conference mark. The Blue Dragons were upset in five sets in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament by Dodge City.

Hutchinson is picked to finish fifth this season in the annual preseason KJCCC Coaches' Poll.

The 2023 Blue Dragons hit .210 as a team and averaged 11.53 kills per set. Defensively, the Dragons averaged 15.18 digs and 2.45 blocks per set.

The lone returning starter is 5-foot-10 middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/murphy_mckenzie_tghh">McKenzie Murphy</a>, who hit .293 on 1.26 kills per set. Murphy averaged 1.07 blocks per set in earning all-KJCCC postseason honors as a freshman.

"Kenzie has the most experience coming back," said Downing, who is 87-53 in her first four seasons with the Blue Dragons. "We have to get better at utilizing the middle. Kenzie is explosive and we have other middles who can be effective. Now we have to work to get them the ball."

Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wilson_shelbi_f4d1">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;saw limited action in 19 matches last season. She averaged 2.86 assists and 1.17 digs per set. Also back is setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_x8fj">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>&nbsp;and middle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/johnson_precious_mdlb">Precious Johnson</a>. In limited playing time, Stuhlsatz averaged 0.41 assists per set. Johnson hit .063 and 0.62 kills and 0.86 blocks per set.

Now to the pieces Downing searched for in the recruiting process.

To improve the Dragons' passing, Derby freshman Addy Foster is slated to be the starting libero.

"We wanted to find a libero who can take a lot of seams, take a lot of court and we think we found that in Addy Foster," Downing said. "She is long in the back row and very scrappy."

In addition to Foster in the back row will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/sanchez_siani_k5i7">Siani Sanchez</a>&nbsp;and setter-turned-defensive specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/carvalho_beatriz_rmp3">Beatriz Carvalho</a>.

To pick up production on the right pin, Downing is excited to see how 5-foot-10 transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/simmons_tiana_pzqy">Tiana Simmons</a>&nbsp;fits into the rotation. Simmons, who is an instate high school product from Blue Valley High School, did not play at Chaminade University last season.

"When you have a dominant right-side hitter, the game changes," Downing said. "Merritt Beason at Nebraska can dominant from the right side and it changes the game for them. We think we have that in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/simmons_tiana_pzqy">Tiana Simmons</a>. She definitely going to open the court up more for us."

Downing is also excited to see the development of freshman outside hitter Atlan Proctor, who is an athletic, dynamic hitter from western Canada.

The 2024 Blue Dragons also have some versatile players who will swing between the middle and right side in sophomore transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/oyoyo_genavi_njup">Genavi Oyoyo</a>&nbsp;(Texas-El Paso) and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/follmer_kierny_indv">Kierny Follmer</a>. Also look for freshman outside hitters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/graf_viktoria_tc85">Viktoria Graf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/raschen_priscilla_efw5">Priscilla Raschen</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/galey_brooklyn_309m">Brooke Galey</a>&nbsp;as well as freshman setters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/suber_ellie_z1k4">Ellie Suber</a>&nbsp;and Angela Rupena to make runs for playing time.

Now Downing wants to take those pieces and put together the best rotations possible.

"We are looking for the right core of girls who can play together and be ready for what's to come," Downing said. "This weekend will be a great tournament to do that in. We want to become a family and we want to mature."

The Blue Dragons have an odd schedule this season where the first 16 matches they play will all be on the road. Hutchinson doesn't open at the Sports Arena until September 18 against Dodge City.

"That time is going to be about the growth of our team," Downing said. "By the time we finally play at home, we are going to have a lot of things worked out."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724411379113.jpeg" alt="Sophomore middle McKenzie Murphy is back to lead the 2024 Blue Dragon volleyball team into Friday's season opening matches vs. Jefferson College and Iowa Western at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa." />
 <figcaption>Sophomore middle McKenzie Murphy is back to lead the 2024 Blue Dragon volleyball team into Friday's season opening matches vs. Jefferson College and Iowa Western at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve Carpenter Blue Dragon Sports Information DirectorWhen asked to analyze the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team's overall play in 2023, head coach Delice Downing hit upon several key points that came up as negatives.Point 1 – A Lack of consistent passing, which doesn't allow team to transition from defense to offense effectively and not push a middle attack.Point 2 – Feeding the outside hitters almost exclusively and not utilizing a middle attack.Point 3 – Production from the right-side hitters.Point 4 – Keeping the middles active.With those issues in mind, Downing hit the recruiting trail looking to shore up those deficiencies."I think we've got the pieces," said the fifth-year Blue Dragon head coach whose team opens the 2024 this weekend at the Iowa Western Reiver Tournament in Council Bluffs, Iowa. "Recruiting is always important, but this year it was extra important. We are going to be very young this year. We are very athletic. We're hungry. Now its going to be about getting them to play smart and buy into the process."The Blue Dragons open the 2024 season with four stern tests from traditional NJCAA volleyball powers in Jefferson College, Iowa Western, No. 3 Northeastern Junior College and Western Nebraska this weekend.Just one starter and three reserves return from last season's 24-15 Blue Dragon team that finished fourth in the KJCCC with an 11-5 conference mark. The Blue Dragons were upset in five sets in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament by Dodge City.Hutchinson is picked to finish fifth this season in the annual preseason KJCCC Coaches' Poll.The 2023 Blue Dragons hit .210 as a team and averaged 11.53 kills per set. Defensively, the Dragons averaged 15.18 digs and 2.45 blocks per set.The lone returning starter is 5-foot-10 middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/murphy_mckenzie_tghh">McKenzie Murphy</a>, who hit .293 on 1.26 kills per set. Murphy averaged 1.07 blocks per set in earning all-KJCCC postseason honors as a freshman."Kenzie has the most experience coming back," said Downing, who is 87-53 in her first four seasons with the Blue Dragons. "We have to get better at utilizing the middle. Kenzie is explosive and we have other middles who can be effective. Now we have to work to get them the ball."Sophomore setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/wilson_shelbi_f4d1">Shelbi Wilson</a>&nbsp;saw limited action in 19 matches last season. She averaged 2.86 assists and 1.17 digs per set. Also back is setter&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/stuhlsatz_ryleigh_x8fj">Ryleigh Stuhlsatz</a>&nbsp;and middle&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/johnson_precious_mdlb">Precious Johnson</a>. In limited playing time, Stuhlsatz averaged 0.41 assists per set. Johnson hit .063 and 0.62 kills and 0.86 blocks per set.Now to the pieces Downing searched for in the recruiting process.To improve the Dragons' passing, Derby freshman Addy Foster is slated to be the starting libero."We wanted to find a libero who can take a lot of seams, take a lot of court and we think we found that in Addy Foster," Downing said. "She is long in the back row and very scrappy."In addition to Foster in the back row will be freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/sanchez_siani_k5i7">Siani Sanchez</a>&nbsp;and setter-turned-defensive specialist&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/carvalho_beatriz_rmp3">Beatriz Carvalho</a>.To pick up production on the right pin, Downing is excited to see how 5-foot-10 transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/simmons_tiana_pzqy">Tiana Simmons</a>&nbsp;fits into the rotation. Simmons, who is an instate high school product from Blue Valley High School, did not play at Chaminade University last season."When you have a dominant right-side hitter, the game changes," Downing said. "Merritt Beason at Nebraska can dominant from the right side and it changes the game for them. We think we have that in&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/simmons_tiana_pzqy">Tiana Simmons</a>. She definitely going to open the court up more for us."Downing is also excited to see the development of freshman outside hitter Atlan Proctor, who is an athletic, dynamic hitter from western Canada.The 2024 Blue Dragons also have some versatile players who will swing between the middle and right side in sophomore transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/oyoyo_genavi_njup">Genavi Oyoyo</a>&nbsp;(Texas-El Paso) and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/follmer_kierny_indv">Kierny Follmer</a>. Also look for freshman outside hitters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/graf_viktoria_tc85">Viktoria Graf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/raschen_priscilla_efw5">Priscilla Raschen</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/galey_brooklyn_309m">Brooke Galey</a>&nbsp;as well as freshman setters&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2024-25/bios/suber_ellie_z1k4">Ellie Suber</a>&nbsp;and Angela Rupena to make runs for playing time.Now Downing wants to take those pieces and put together the best rotations possible."We are looking for the right core of girls who can play together and be ready for what's to come," Downing said. "This weekend will be a great tournament to do that in. We want to become a family and we want to mature."The Blue Dragons have an odd schedule this season where the first 16 matches they play will all be on the road. Hutchinson doesn't open at the Sports Arena until September 18 against Dodge City."That time is going to be about the growth of our team," Downing said. "By the time we finally play at home, we are going to have a lot of things worked out."

🏐 Blue Dragons have a lot of new pieces to fit together

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

TOPEKA — A Kansas school district investigated an incident in which an elementary school principal invited a missionary to pass out Bibles at recess, the superintendent said in a statement Wednesday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/20/kansas-school-principal-who-helped-hand-out-bibles-to-students-violated-constitution-aclu-says/">sent a letter Monday</a>&nbsp;to Katie Struebing, principal of East Elementary School in the roughly 2,000-person city of Belleville, asserting that the school violated the First Amendment.

Struebing recruited a member of the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, Ben Dreesen, to hand out Bibles to students during their recess on May 7, according to the letter, which was penned by Monica Bennett, ACLU of Kansas legal director.

The Republic County school district conducted a “thorough investigation” this summer, the district’s superintendent, Tami Knedler, said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Knedler declined to comment on the employees involved or the details of the investigation.

“I can assure you that our district is committed to welcoming all religious viewpoints, not promoting any specific one,” Knedler said. “We continue to review our practices and policies to ensure they reflect this commitment.”

Struebing allowed Dreesen on school grounds and helped him hand out Bibles to students, which lent “credibility and authority” to Dreesen, “in effect placing a stamp of approval on his message and subjecting students to a religiously coercive atmosphere,” Bennett wrote in the letter.

Ahead of Dreesen’s visit, Struebing also informed teachers and students of the “nice man” who would be handing out Bibles. A student’s parents reported the visit to the Kansas ACLU.

In the letter, Bennett said that the school violated the First Amendment in addition to the district’s own policies against promoting religious viewpoints.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724347898235.png" alt="Photo courtesy Gideons International " />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Gideons International </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — A Kansas school district investigated an incident in which an elementary school principal invited a missionary to pass out Bibles at recess, the superintendent said in a statement Wednesday.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/20/kansas-school-principal-who-helped-hand-out-bibles-to-students-violated-constitution-aclu-says/">sent a letter Monday</a>&nbsp;to Katie Struebing, principal of East Elementary School in the roughly 2,000-person city of Belleville, asserting that the school violated the First Amendment.Struebing recruited a member of the evangelical Christian organization Gideons International, Ben Dreesen, to hand out Bibles to students during their recess on May 7, according to the letter, which was penned by Monica Bennett, ACLU of Kansas legal director.The Republic County school district conducted a “thorough investigation” this summer, the district’s superintendent, Tami Knedler, said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Knedler declined to comment on the employees involved or the details of the investigation.“I can assure you that our district is committed to welcoming all religious viewpoints, not promoting any specific one,” Knedler said. “We continue to review our practices and policies to ensure they reflect this commitment.”Struebing allowed Dreesen on school grounds and helped him hand out Bibles to students, which lent “credibility and authority” to Dreesen, “in effect placing a stamp of approval on his message and subjecting students to a religiously coercive atmosphere,” Bennett wrote in the letter.Ahead of Dreesen’s visit, Struebing also informed teachers and students of the “nice man” who would be handing out Bibles. A student’s parents reported the visit to the Kansas ACLU.In the letter, Bennett said that the school violated the First Amendment in addition to the district’s own policies against promoting religious viewpoints.

Kansas school district investigated missionary’s visit to hand out Bibles to students

During the days of the best offensive teams in Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer history, the Blue Dragons had a speed factor very few teams could match up with.

Those Blue Dragon teams were very adept at controlling a ball in the defensive end and quickly counter with speed through the midfield and ultimately ending up with multiple scoring chances from both sides of the goal in each and every game.

That’s what Blue Dragon head coach Sammy Lane is hoping for a return to in 2024.

“Last year I thought we were good enough defensively to compete for a region title, but it ultimately comes down to scoring goals,” said Lane, whose 2024 Blue Dragons open the new season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.

“We didn’t score enough last year. Part of it was we couldn’t get in positions behind more defenders to become more dangerous. This year I feel like we will have more options to create that danger. We have a lot more speed last year.”

The 2023 Blue Dragons went 12-5-3, averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth-lowest average in the program’s first 19 seasons. The 2022 Blue Dragons averaged 2.61 goals per game. The 2021 Dragons averaged 1.87 and the 2020/21 team averaged 1.50 goals per game.

The diminishing offense became more than a disturbing trend for Lane, who worked hard to infuse some much needed speed into the lineup for 2024.

“We’ve got a good group of kids,” said Lane, who is 259-72-12 in his first 19 seasons at Hutchinson. “We have some very good sophomore leadership and experience. We have some good pieces to put out there this year.”

The 2024 Blue Dragons have 10 players returning from last season, including all-KJCCC players in midfielder Kaitlyn Edwards, goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower and forward Katharina Marx.

In the Blue Dragons’ two preseason scrimmages, they scored four goals in a weather-shortened scrimmage against Allen and 10 goals against Southwestern College, showing the desired speed Lane was looking for.

The 2024 Blue Dragons return two of their three leading scorers from last season in Edwards (13 goals, 8 assists) and Marx (12 goals, nine assists).

Joining Marx on the forward line is redshirt sophomore Haley Rogers, who scored five goals in the two preseason games this season. Originally a transfer from Washburn University, Rogers missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. Sophomore Emma Hoffman and freshman Faith Pound will figure into the mix up front.

“Haley is going to be a huge asset for us up there,” Lane said. “She is so composed in front of the goal. She plays with a little more patience right now and she knows how to finish.”

In the midfield, Edwards proved to be one of the best in the KJCCC as a freshman. This season, she won’t be relied solely upon to get the offense going.

Freshman Beatrice Sales has played with a non-stop, high-intensity motor that has been a positive jolt for the team in the preseason, Lane said. Also sophomore Jessica Salkeld is playing with much more confidence after an up-and-down freshman campaign. Hannah Lowe, younger sister of former Blue Dragon Hadlie Lowe and Kayla Klausner are in-state players who will add to the midfield depth.

“Edwards can play the ball in anywhere,” Lane said. “Now that we have more speed on both side, we should be able to create more scoring chances this year. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.”

In goal, Slothower returns after a stellar freshman season where she went 12-5-3 with a 0.96 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage. Slothower registered seven shutouts and recorded 95 saves, second most in Blue Dragon single-season history.

Last season, Slothower was the lone keeper on the Blue Dragon roster. This season, freshman Marina Lopez will give the Dragons depth in goal.

The Blue Dragon back line is led by sophomores Nancy Stefanek, Kaylee Monk and Ilex Hagan. The insertion of freshmen Anastasia Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison and Sofia Bremer and the return of redshirt sophomore Lorena Gomes, who returns from a season-ending injury in 2023, gives Lane some depth and options.

“Very few people will outrun Teagan and Ana has a chance to be one of the best backs ever.” Lane said. “There will be some good competition across the back.”

After Thursday’s season opener, the Blue Dragons are scheduled to play Otero College in a neutral site game in Liberal on Saturday. The status of that game is contingent on the hot temperatures forecast for Saturday in Liberal.

The Blue Dragons will open conference play next Wednesday against Garden city a the Salthawk Sports Complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724339986223.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Haley Rogers and the No. 20 Blue Dragon women's soccer team open the 2024 season at 6 p.m. on Thursday vs. NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Haley Rogers and the No. 20 Blue Dragon women's soccer team open the 2024 season at 6 p.m. on Thursday vs. NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve CarpenterBlue Dragon Sports Information DirectorWednesday, August 21, 2024During the days of the best offensive teams in Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer history, the Blue Dragons had a speed factor very few teams could match up with.Those Blue Dragon teams were very adept at controlling a ball in the defensive end and quickly counter with speed through the midfield and ultimately ending up with multiple scoring chances from both sides of the goal in each and every game.That’s what Blue Dragon head coach Sammy Lane is hoping for a return to in 2024.“Last year I thought we were good enough defensively to compete for a region title, but it ultimately comes down to scoring goals,” said Lane, whose 2024 Blue Dragons open the new season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.“We didn’t score enough last year. Part of it was we couldn’t get in positions behind more defenders to become more dangerous. This year I feel like we will have more options to create that danger. We have a lot more speed last year.”The 2023 Blue Dragons went 12-5-3, averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth-lowest average in the program’s first 19 seasons. The 2022 Blue Dragons averaged 2.61 goals per game. The 2021 Dragons averaged 1.87 and the 2020/21 team averaged 1.50 goals per game.The diminishing offense became more than a disturbing trend for Lane, who worked hard to infuse some much needed speed into the lineup for 2024.“We’ve got a good group of kids,” said Lane, who is 259-72-12 in his first 19 seasons at Hutchinson. “We have some very good sophomore leadership and experience. We have some good pieces to put out there this year.”The 2024 Blue Dragons have 10 players returning from last season, including all-KJCCC players in midfielder Kaitlyn Edwards, goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower and forward Katharina Marx.In the Blue Dragons’ two preseason scrimmages, they scored four goals in a weather-shortened scrimmage against Allen and 10 goals against Southwestern College, showing the desired speed Lane was looking for.The 2024 Blue Dragons return two of their three leading scorers from last season in Edwards (13 goals, 8 assists) and Marx (12 goals, nine assists).Joining Marx on the forward line is redshirt sophomore Haley Rogers, who scored five goals in the two preseason games this season. Originally a transfer from Washburn University, Rogers missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. Sophomore Emma Hoffman and freshman Faith Pound will figure into the mix up front.“Haley is going to be a huge asset for us up there,” Lane said. “She is so composed in front of the goal. She plays with a little more patience right now and she knows how to finish.”In the midfield, Edwards proved to be one of the best in the KJCCC as a freshman. This season, she won’t be relied solely upon to get the offense going.Freshman Beatrice Sales has played with a non-stop, high-intensity motor that has been a positive jolt for the team in the preseason, Lane said. Also sophomore Jessica Salkeld is playing with much more confidence after an up-and-down freshman campaign. Hannah Lowe, younger sister of former Blue Dragon Hadlie Lowe and Kayla Klausner are in-state players who will add to the midfield depth.“Edwards can play the ball in anywhere,” Lane said. “Now that we have more speed on both side, we should be able to create more scoring chances this year. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.”In goal, Slothower returns after a stellar freshman season where she went 12-5-3 with a 0.96 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage. Slothower registered seven shutouts and recorded 95 saves, second most in Blue Dragon single-season history.Last season, Slothower was the lone keeper on the Blue Dragon roster. This season, freshman Marina Lopez will give the Dragons depth in goal.The Blue Dragon back line is led by sophomores Nancy Stefanek, Kaylee Monk and Ilex Hagan. The insertion of freshmen Anastasia Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison and Sofia Bremer and the return of redshirt sophomore Lorena Gomes, who returns from a season-ending injury in 2023, gives Lane some depth and options.“Very few people will outrun Teagan and Ana has a chance to be one of the best backs ever.” Lane said. “There will be some good competition across the back.”After Thursday’s season opener, the Blue Dragons are scheduled to play Otero College in a neutral site game in Liberal on Saturday. The status of that game is contingent on the hot temperatures forecast for Saturday in Liberal.The Blue Dragons will open conference play next Wednesday against Garden city a the Salthawk Sports Complex.

⚽ Blue Dragons look to speed things up in 2024

WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Sports Commission and NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the NBC Baseball Foundation, which oversees the NBC World Series, will begin operating independently starting January 1, 2025, after operating alongside the Sports Commission for the past four years.

The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 and NBC World Series, will continue under the leadership of Katie Woods, who became the NBC World Series’ tournament director in September 2022, and will be governed by a dedicated NBC Baseball Foundation board of directors.

“As we look at the history of the National Baseball Congress as a national organization supporting amateur baseball across the country, we see the impact the NBC has had, and can have,” said Woods, “This independence gives us new opportunities to connect communities through baseball, from history and alumni to youth programming and of course elevating top amateur prospects through the NBC World Series.”

Started in the 1930s by Hap Dumont, the National Baseball Congress was privately owned before it became a non-profit organization in 2014, and operated independently from that time until it joined

“We’ve spent the last 10 months really looking at both organizations, and how the Wichita Sports Commission and the National Baseball Congress can each have the biggest impact on their communities,” said Wichita Sports Commission CEO/President Kevin Jenks, “What we learned through the process is that both organizations are in a position of exponential growth potential, and to do that most successfully they need dedicated boards &amp; staff.”

The Wichita Sports Commission, which operates the Prairie Fire Race Series, Wichita Turkey Trot, Wichita Corporate Challenge, the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award and the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, is also in the middle of transitioning from a 501c6 organization to a 501c3 non-profit.

“Becoming a 501c3 organization will allow the Sports Commission to pursue new partnerships and opportunities when it comes to grants and donations and give us a greater ability to fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life in Wichita through sports,” said Jenks.

Through independence, Woods sees big potential for the future of the National Baseball Congress. 

“With tens of thousands of alumni, a rapidly changing landscape of collegiate baseball, and the connections of 90 years of the NBC World Series, we are really uniquely positioned to put the National Baseball Congress back on a truly national scale,” she said.

Jenks, who previously served as the NBC Tournament Director from 2014-2022 before taking over the helm at the Wichita Sports Commission, agrees.

“The Sports Commission has been a fantastic home for the NBC for the past four years, and for me being a part of both organizations over last decade, I have seen the impact of that relationship and those partnerships,” he said, “Being at a point in 2024 where the NBC is ready to take off on its own again is exciting for me personally, and for the Wichita sports community as a whole. For both organizations, there is such great potential for the future.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724333219963.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Sports Commission and NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the NBC Baseball Foundation, which oversees the NBC World Series, will begin operating independently starting January 1, 2025, after operating alongside the Sports Commission for the past four years.The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 and NBC World Series, will continue under the leadership of Katie Woods, who became the NBC World Series’ tournament director in September 2022, and will be governed by a dedicated NBC Baseball Foundation board of directors.“As we look at the history of the National Baseball Congress as a national organization supporting amateur baseball across the country, we see the impact the NBC has had, and can have,” said Woods, “This independence gives us new opportunities to connect communities through baseball, from history and alumni to youth programming and of course elevating top amateur prospects through the NBC World Series.”Started in the 1930s by Hap Dumont, the National Baseball Congress was privately owned before it became a non-profit organization in 2014, and operated independently from that time until it joinedthe Wichita Sports Commission in 2020.“We’ve spent the last 10 months really looking at both organizations, and how the Wichita Sports Commission and the National Baseball Congress can each have the biggest impact on their communities,” said Wichita Sports Commission CEO/President Kevin Jenks, “What we learned through the process is that both organizations are in a position of exponential growth potential, and to do that most successfully they need dedicated boards &amp; staff.”The Wichita Sports Commission, which operates the Prairie Fire Race Series, Wichita Turkey Trot, Wichita Corporate Challenge, the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award and the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, is also in the middle of transitioning from a 501c6 organization to a 501c3 non-profit.“Becoming a 501c3 organization will allow the Sports Commission to pursue new partnerships and opportunities when it comes to grants and donations and give us a greater ability to fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life in Wichita through sports,” said Jenks.Through independence, Woods sees big potential for the future of the National Baseball Congress. “With tens of thousands of alumni, a rapidly changing landscape of collegiate baseball, and the connections of 90 years of the NBC World Series, we are really uniquely positioned to put the National Baseball Congress back on a truly national scale,” she said.Jenks, who previously served as the NBC Tournament Director from 2014-2022 before taking over the helm at the Wichita Sports Commission, agrees.“The Sports Commission has been a fantastic home for the NBC for the past four years, and for me being a part of both organizations over last decade, I have seen the impact of that relationship and those partnerships,” he said, “Being at a point in 2024 where the NBC is ready to take off on its own again is exciting for me personally, and for the Wichita sports community as a whole. For both organizations, there is such great potential for the future.”

⚾ NBC Baseball Foundation to be independent

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724250141139.png" alt="Rees R. Price Residence - 1888 - 429 E. 1st - by Glines. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Rees R. Price Residence - 1888 - 429 E. 1st - by Glines. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714573898261.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southwest corner of East 1st Avenue and North Plum.I usually do articles on commercial properties, but this residence has been so iconic for so long. The first photo is of 429 E. 1st.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724250141139.png" alt="Rees R. Price Residence - 1888 - 429 E. 1st - by Glines. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Rees R. Price Residence - 1888 - 429 E. 1st - by Glines. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>It was built in 1888 by Rees R. Price, a railroad contractor and builder. He was also the president of the Western Salt Company, on the board of directors for two banks and helped build the Opera House. He died in early December of 1894 at the age of 36. His widow continued to live there until about 1915.After that, many affluent families have lived there, including Louie Child (Davis-Child Motors), Robert Nelson (Nelson Mfg.) and Vane Meador (Meador Jewelry).James and Carolyn Anderson purchased it in 1968 and made many improvements, including adding a bowling alley inside the old carriage house to the south in 1971. The second photo shows 429 E. 1st today — still a landmark, well taken care of inside and out, and owned by James and Carolyn A. Corrick.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724250209195.png" alt="Rees R. Price - Carolyn Corrick Residence - 429 E. 1st - July 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Rees R. Price - Carolyn Corrick Residence - 429 E. 1st - July 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>