RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Just hours after a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis, killing two children and wounding 17 people, hundreds crowded inside a nearby school’s gym, clutching one another and wiping away tears during a vigil alongside Gov. Tim Walz and clergy members.

Speaking to a silent crowd crammed shoulder-to-shoulder Wednesday night, while hundreds more waited outside, Archbishop Bernard Hebda described the students trying to shield their classmates as the gunfire erupted.

“In the midst of that there was courage, there was bravery, but most especially there was love,” he said at the Academy of Holy Angels, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) south of the shooting, in the suburb of Richfield.

Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, 23-year-old Robin Westman shot dozens of rounds Wednesday morning toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at news conferences. The shooter then died by suicide, he said.

The children who died were 8 and 10. Fourteen other kids and three octogenarian parishioners were wounded but expected to survive, the chief said.

Rev. Dennis Zehren, who was inside the church with the nearly 200 children, said they were almost to the end of the Responsorial Psalm, which speaks about light in the darkness. That's when he heard someone yell, “Down down, everybody down," and the gunshots started.

Fifth-grader Weston Halsne told reporters he ducked for the pews, covering his head, shielded by a friend who was lying on top of him. His friend was hit, he said.

“I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s OK,” the 10-year-old said.

Police investigate motive for the shooting

FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

O’Hara said police hadn’t yet found any relationship between the shooter and the church, nor determined a motive for the bloodshed. The chief said, however, that investigators were examining a social media post that appeared to show the shooter at the scene.

O’Hara, who gave the wounded youngsters’ ages as 6 to 15, said a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors, and that authorities found a smoke bomb at the scene.

On a YouTube channel titled Robin W, the alleged shooter released at least two videos before the channel was taken down Wednesday. In one, the alleged shooter shows a cache of weapons and ammunition, some with such phrases as “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” written on them.

A second video shows the alleged shooter pointing to two outside windows in what appears to be a drawing of the church, and then stabbing it with a long knife.

Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, said he did not know the accused shooter well and was confounded by the "unspeakable tragedy.”

The police chief said Westman did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone.

Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at “our transgender community.” Westman’s gender identity wasn’t clear. In 2020, a judge approved a petition, signed by Westman’s mother, asking for a name change from Robert to Robin, saying the petitioner “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”

Police chief says officers rescued children who hid

The police chief said officers immediately responded to reports of the shooting, entered the church, rendered first aid and rescued some of the children.

Annunciation's principal Matt DeBoer said teachers and children, too, responded heroically.

“Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children,” he said.

Vincent Francoual said his 11-year-old daughter, Chloe, survived the shooting by running downstairs to hide in a room with a table pressed against the door. But he still isn't sure exactly how she escaped because she is struggling to communicate clearly about the traumatizing scene.

“She told us today that she thought she was going to die,” he said.

Walz lamented that children just starting the school year “were met with evil and horror and death.” He and President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on state and federal buildings, respectively, and the White House said the two men spoke. The governor was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in last year’s election against Trump's running mate, now Vice President JD Vance, a Republican.

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences. The Chicago-born Leo, history’s first American pope, said he was praying for relatives of the dead.

Monday had been the first day of the school year at Annunciation, a 102-year-old school in a leafy residential and commercial neighborhood about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis.

Karin Cebulla, who said she had worked as a learning specialist at Annuciation and sent her two now-college-aged daughters there, described the school as an accepting, caring community.

Karnowski and Vancleave reported from Minneapolis and Golden from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York; Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland; Will Weissert and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia; Nicole Winfield in Vatican City; and Steve Peoples in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756305989839.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMSP" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMSP</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Just hours after a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis, killing two children and wounding 17 people, hundreds crowded inside a nearby school’s gym, clutching one another and wiping away tears during a vigil alongside Gov. Tim Walz and clergy members.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAnnunciationSchoolMpls%2Fposts%2Fpfbid031gwCWVvawL9vZapZEKHKisTSgyy1rtJiL7avArkGBqQWZc4rHaBBDvrg9SERVeTul&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="498" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756346920151.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy KMSP" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMSP</figcaption>
 </figure>Speaking to a silent crowd crammed shoulder-to-shoulder Wednesday night, while hundreds more waited outside, Archbishop Bernard Hebda described the students trying to shield their classmates as the gunfire erupted.“In the midst of that there was courage, there was bravery, but most especially there was love,” he said at the Academy of Holy Angels, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) south of the shooting, in the suburb of Richfield.Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, 23-year-old Robin Westman shot dozens of rounds Wednesday morning toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said at news conferences. The shooter then died by suicide, he said.The children who died were 8 and 10. Fourteen other kids and three octogenarian parishioners were wounded but expected to survive, the chief said.Rev. Dennis Zehren, who was inside the church with the nearly 200 children, said they were almost to the end of the Responsorial Psalm, which speaks about light in the darkness. That's when he heard someone yell, “Down down, everybody down," and the gunshots started.Fifth-grader Weston Halsne told reporters he ducked for the pews, covering his head, shielded by a friend who was lying on top of him. His friend was hit, he said.“I was super scared for him, but I think now he’s OK,” the 10-year-old said.<h2>Police investigate motive for the shooting</h2>FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.O’Hara said police hadn’t yet found any relationship between the shooter and the church, nor determined a motive for the bloodshed. The chief said, however, that investigators were examining a social media post that appeared to show the shooter at the scene.O’Hara, who gave the wounded youngsters’ ages as 6 to 15, said a wooden plank was placed to barricade some of the side doors, and that authorities found a smoke bomb at the scene.On a YouTube channel titled Robin W, the alleged shooter released at least two videos before the channel was taken down Wednesday. In one, the alleged shooter shows a cache of weapons and ammunition, some with such phrases as “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” written on them.A second video shows the alleged shooter pointing to two outside windows in what appears to be a drawing of the church, and then stabbing it with a long knife.Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, said he did not know the accused shooter well and was confounded by the "unspeakable tragedy.”The police chief said Westman did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone.Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at “our transgender community.” Westman’s gender identity wasn’t clear. In 2020, a judge approved a petition, signed by Westman’s mother, asking for a name change from Robert to Robin, saying the petitioner “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”<h2>Police chief says officers rescued children who hid</h2>The police chief said officers immediately responded to reports of the shooting, entered the church, rendered first aid and rescued some of the children.Annunciation's principal Matt DeBoer said teachers and children, too, responded heroically.“Children were ducked down. Adults were protecting children. Older children were protecting younger children,” he said.Vincent Francoual said his 11-year-old daughter, Chloe, survived the shooting by running downstairs to hide in a room with a table pressed against the door. But he still isn't sure exactly how she escaped because she is struggling to communicate clearly about the traumatizing scene.“She told us today that she thought she was going to die,” he said.Walz lamented that children just starting the school year “were met with evil and horror and death.” He and President Donald Trump ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on state and federal buildings, respectively, and the White House said the two men spoke. The governor was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in last year’s election against Trump's running mate, now Vice President JD Vance, a Republican.From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of condolences. The Chicago-born Leo, history’s first American pope, said he was praying for relatives of the dead.Monday had been the first day of the school year at Annunciation, a 102-year-old school in a leafy residential and commercial neighborhood about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of downtown Minneapolis.Karin Cebulla, who said she had worked as a learning specialist at Annuciation and sent her two now-college-aged daughters there, described the school as an accepting, caring community.___Karnowski and Vancleave reported from Minneapolis and Golden from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jennifer Peltz in New York; Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; Sarah Brumfield in Cockeysville, Maryland; Will Weissert and Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia; Nicole Winfield in Vatican City; and Steve Peoples in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

Hundreds honor 2 children killed, 17 wounded in shooting at Minneapolis school

Robert Clayton Donaldson, 88, died August 23, 2025, at Hutch Health and Rehab, Hutchinson. He was born February 24, 1937, in Mason, MI, to William Henry and Josephine Elsie (Burgess) Donaldson.

Bob attended Mason High School, Mason, MI. He began working as a union organizer for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and rose through the ranks retiring, after 35 years, as the Transportation Director for the union. Bob enjoyed fishing at his daughter's house and bowling. He and his wife, Lauralee, loved being “snowbirds”, travelling across the country, especially spending time in Arizona, in their bus during the winter months.

On November 5, 1954, Bob married the love of his life, Lauralee Kay Peabody, in Mason, MI.

He is survived by: his wife of almost 71 years, Lauralee Donaldson of Hutchinson; children, Bobbi Latham of Hutchinson, Barry Donaldson of Linden, VA; grandchildren, Laura Rhea Reeves, Rick Faddish, Brianna Brower, Tracy (Shawn) Simmons, Travis (Debbie) Jones, Courtney (Dustin) Peak; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and childhood friend, Charles Merindorf.

Bob was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Bruce Donaldson; siblings, Delores Bartlett and William “Bill” Donaldson; and son-in-law, Lewis Latham.

Cremation has taken place; no services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N.&nbsp; Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756305142014.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Clayton Donaldson, 88, died August 23, 2025, at Hutch Health and Rehab, Hutchinson. He was born February 24, 1937, in Mason, MI, to William Henry and Josephine Elsie (Burgess) Donaldson.Bob attended Mason High School, Mason, MI. He began working as a union organizer for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and rose through the ranks retiring, after 35 years, as the Transportation Director for the union. Bob enjoyed fishing at his daughter's house and bowling. He and his wife, Lauralee, loved being “snowbirds”, travelling across the country, especially spending time in Arizona, in their bus during the winter months.On November 5, 1954, Bob married the love of his life, Lauralee Kay Peabody, in Mason, MI.He is survived by: his wife of almost 71 years, Lauralee Donaldson of Hutchinson; children, Bobbi Latham of Hutchinson, Barry Donaldson of Linden, VA; grandchildren, Laura Rhea Reeves, Rick Faddish, Brianna Brower, Tracy (Shawn) Simmons, Travis (Debbie) Jones, Courtney (Dustin) Peak; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and childhood friend, Charles Merindorf.Bob was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Bruce Donaldson; siblings, Delores Bartlett and William “Bill” Donaldson; and son-in-law, Lewis Latham.Cremation has taken place; no services are planned.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N.&nbsp; Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

Robert Clayton Donaldson |1937-2025|

(AP) —&nbsp;The NCAA is weighing a rule that would require incoming Division I athletes to disclose name, image and likeness (NIL) deals from high school or junior college to the NIL Go clearinghouse established under the $2.8 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-house-settlement-aa3169056e8194aeebf34495641bce0b">House settlement</a>.

Athletes would report all non-institutional deals dating to the first day of their junior year. Junior college transfers would report deals from the date of initial enrollment at a two-year college. All reporting of previous deals would be due to the College Sports Commission upon enrollment.

NIL compensation at the high school level has rapidly expanded in recent years. At least 40 states allow high school students to earn money off their celebrity status. Alabama, Michigan and Ohio are among the states that have strict restrictions, including Texas, which prohibits athletes under 17 from pursuing deals.

The proposed rule stems from the House settlement, which allows institutions effective July 1 to share millions with athletes directly but requires reporting of any third-party deal exceeding $600. NIL Go, developed by Deloitte and overseen by the CSC, evaluates whether deals reflect fair market value and serve a valid business purpose, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nil-ncaa-house-settlement-b8018851c517b9cbf22a1d204967a3b0">topic of some controversy.</a>

The potential rule aims to prevent pay-for-play deals between prospective athletes and boosters or school-affiliated entities. The exact consequences of failing to comply are still being determined, but lost eligibility is a possibility.

“It’s unclear what the discipline would be for athletes or third parties that violate these rules, just like it’s just not entirely clear what the discipline will be for current college athletes,” said Gabe Feldman, director of sports law at Tulane University. “The emphasis certainly seems to be on not unduly harming the athlete themselves and the team, whereas in the past, if an athlete had received an improper benefit, there could be significant repercussions.”

A tidal wave of lawsuits could stem from a new rule, but according to Feldman, the NCAA tends to like its odds – a recurring theme leading up to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-opt-outs-8689d58826e7ace7e9ec2f4b06c6ace3">settlement approval</a>.

“The idea was that given how much money athletes would be making under these new rules, very few athletes would have incentive to sue,” Feldman said. “Even though there is still the risk of antitrust litigation, the risk is much smaller because the athletes are getting such significant compensation. But there is no guarantee that athletes can’t sue.”

Language in the House settlement kept the door open for future rule proposals, including “specifying that the NCAA and/or the conference defendants prohibit NIL payments by associated entities or individuals (individually or collectively) to current or prospective student-athletes..” But that may leave loopholes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756301157231.jpeg" alt="The NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis is seen on July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)" />
 <figcaption>The NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis is seen on July 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) —&nbsp;The NCAA is weighing a rule that would require incoming Division I athletes to disclose name, image and likeness (NIL) deals from high school or junior college to the NIL Go clearinghouse established under the $2.8 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-house-settlement-aa3169056e8194aeebf34495641bce0b">House settlement</a>.Athletes would report all non-institutional deals dating to the first day of their junior year. Junior college transfers would report deals from the date of initial enrollment at a two-year college. All reporting of previous deals would be due to the College Sports Commission upon enrollment.NIL compensation at the high school level has rapidly expanded in recent years. At least 40 states allow high school students to earn money off their celebrity status. Alabama, Michigan and Ohio are among the states that have strict restrictions, including Texas, which prohibits athletes under 17 from pursuing deals.The proposed rule stems from the House settlement, which allows institutions effective July 1 to share millions with athletes directly but requires reporting of any third-party deal exceeding $600. NIL Go, developed by Deloitte and overseen by the CSC, evaluates whether deals reflect fair market value and serve a valid business purpose, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nil-ncaa-house-settlement-b8018851c517b9cbf22a1d204967a3b0">topic of some controversy.</a>The potential rule aims to prevent pay-for-play deals between prospective athletes and boosters or school-affiliated entities. The exact consequences of failing to comply are still being determined, but lost eligibility is a possibility.“It’s unclear what the discipline would be for athletes or third parties that violate these rules, just like it’s just not entirely clear what the discipline will be for current college athletes,” said Gabe Feldman, director of sports law at Tulane University. “The emphasis certainly seems to be on not unduly harming the athlete themselves and the team, whereas in the past, if an athlete had received an improper benefit, there could be significant repercussions.”A tidal wave of lawsuits could stem from a new rule, but according to Feldman, the NCAA tends to like its odds – a recurring theme leading up to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-opt-outs-8689d58826e7ace7e9ec2f4b06c6ace3">settlement approval</a>.“The idea was that given how much money athletes would be making under these new rules, very few athletes would have incentive to sue,” Feldman said. “Even though there is still the risk of antitrust litigation, the risk is much smaller because the athletes are getting such significant compensation. But there is no guarantee that athletes can’t sue.”Language in the House settlement kept the door open for future rule proposals, including “specifying that the NCAA and/or the conference defendants prohibit NIL payments by associated entities or individuals (individually or collectively) to current or prospective student-athletes..” But that may leave loopholes.

NCAA considers rule requiring athletes to disclose NIL deals from high school, junior college

The USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 25, approving all agenda items, including the district’s 2025–26 budget.

Ahead of the meeting, the Board held its annual Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearings. Superintendent Dawn Johnson noted that the total mill levy will remain unchanged at 52.418 mills—the lowest since 2008–09. By comparison, the levy peaked at 60.183 mills in 2013–14.

Johnson added that the difference between the current levy and the 2013–14 peak is greater than the estimated five mills that would be needed to fund proposed bonds for a new middle school and elementary improvements on the November ballot.

Finance Director Abby Stockebrand explained that, despite the unchanged rate, the levy will raise more money than last year due to increased property values. No members of the public spoke during the budget hearing.

The mill levy breakdown includes 20 mills in the general fund, 15.858 in the supplemental general fund, 14.948 in the bond and interest fund, and 1.612 in the capital outlay fund.

The Board also welcomed four new school leaders: •&nbsp;&nbsp;Emily Moore – Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary •&nbsp;&nbsp;Christina Swedburg – Vice Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary •&nbsp;&nbsp;Tim Porter – Vice Principal and Middle School Athletics Director, HMS8 •&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaime Tilton – Principal, Faris Elementary

Each spoke briefly about their passion for education and their excitement to join the Hutchinson community.

The Board approved a one-hour early release for Homecoming on Friday, September 26. The parade, which moved to a new route last year, will again run along North Plum to 11th Street, ending at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.

Feedback from parents, students, and staff was overwhelmingly positive about the new route, which keeps high school students closer to campus and allows younger students and families time to secure good viewing spots.

Homecoming festivities will include the traditional student council activities, spirit week events, and the Alumni Association’s Wall of Honor presentation on Thursday, September 25. The week concludes with the Hutchinson High School varsity football team facing the Salina South Cougars at 7:00 p.m. in Gowans Stadium.

The personnel report was approved without changes, and Gold Cards—providing free admission to regular-season athletic events—remain available at the Administration Center. All USD 308 employees also receive free entry with their district badge.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741718847495.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 25, approving all agenda items, including the district’s 2025–26 budget.<h2>Budget and Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing</h2>Ahead of the meeting, the Board held its annual Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearings. Superintendent Dawn Johnson noted that the total mill levy will remain unchanged at 52.418 mills—the lowest since 2008–09. By comparison, the levy peaked at 60.183 mills in 2013–14.Johnson added that the difference between the current levy and the 2013–14 peak is greater than the estimated five mills that would be needed to fund proposed bonds for a new middle school and elementary improvements on the November ballot.Finance Director Abby Stockebrand explained that, despite the unchanged rate, the levy will raise more money than last year due to increased property values. No members of the public spoke during the budget hearing.The mill levy breakdown includes 20 mills in the general fund, 15.858 in the supplemental general fund, 14.948 in the bond and interest fund, and 1.612 in the capital outlay fund.<h2>New Principals Introduced</h2>The Board also welcomed four new school leaders: •&nbsp;&nbsp;Emily Moore – Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary •&nbsp;&nbsp;Christina Swedburg – Vice Principal, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary •&nbsp;&nbsp;Tim Porter – Vice Principal and Middle School Athletics Director, HMS8 •&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaime Tilton – Principal, Faris ElementaryEach spoke briefly about their passion for education and their excitement to join the Hutchinson community.<h2>Early Release for Homecoming Parade</h2>The Board approved a one-hour early release for Homecoming on Friday, September 26. The parade, which moved to a new route last year, will again run along North Plum to 11th Street, ending at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.Feedback from parents, students, and staff was overwhelmingly positive about the new route, which keeps high school students closer to campus and allows younger students and families time to secure good viewing spots.Homecoming festivities will include the traditional student council activities, spirit week events, and the Alumni Association’s Wall of Honor presentation on Thursday, September 25. The week concludes with the Hutchinson High School varsity football team facing the Salina South Cougars at 7:00 p.m. in Gowans Stadium.<h2>Other Business</h2>The personnel report was approved without changes, and Gold Cards—providing free admission to regular-season athletic events—remain available at the Administration Center. All USD 308 employees also receive free entry with their district badge.The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.

USD 308 BOE sets budget, approves early release for homecoming 

As the drone industry continues to advance and develop new regulations at a rapid pace,&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina's</a>&nbsp;Applied Aviation Research Center,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/">or AARC</a>, prepares the next generation of drone pilots to be Federal Aviation Administration compliant through world-class uncrewed aircraft systems training and education.

The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is planning new regulations aimed at standardizing operations beyond the visual line of sight for commercial drones. Currently, Part 107 regulations with the FAA do not permit drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight of the operator without a special waiver.

The new set of regulations will allow for more expansive uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, operations beyond the visual line of sight, impacting all industries, including agriculture, engineering and public safety.

Upcoming webinar explains proposed UAS regulations

With this immense change coming to the industry, the Applied Aviation Research Center will provide a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/part-108-webinar.html">free informational webinar</a>&nbsp;explaining the proposed regulations on Sept. 4. The webinar will discuss the new regulations, including guidance on detect-and-avoid, minimum operational standards, certification and training requirements, and integration into the national airspace.

"The AARC has a close connection to the FAA from our years of UAS experience," said Kurt Carraway, executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center. "As the first university to receive a waiver of beyond visual line-of-sight UAS operations back in 2018, we have proven to be detailed and system-oriented with our operations. Training and operations on the new set of regulations are the next step in K-State Salina's strategic goals that enable technologies to advance us in our work and connect the world in new ways."

To stay up to date with the FAA and advance your training in UAS technology,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/part-108-webinar.html">register by Sept. 2</a>&nbsp;for the free webinar with the AARC drone experts at noon on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Leading the way in advanced air mobility

In alignment with K-State's mission to become a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">next-generation land-grant university</a>, the Salina campus has been tasked with leading exploration, integration and operation of next-generation, revolutionary drone technologies and air transport systems known as advanced air mobility — a rapidly emerging, new sector of the aerospace industry that aims to safely and efficiently integrate highly automated aircraft into the national airspace system.

Advanced air mobility is not just a single technology; it's a collection of new and emerging technologies being applied to the aviation transportation system, including urban mobility, public services and cargo delivery.

K-State Salina is in a unique position to positively impact the aerospace industry by training thousands of drone pilots through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/uas-flight/">bachelor's degree program</a>&nbsp;and providing instruction to learners from many industries through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/">professional education</a>. The Applied Aviation Research Center is also conducting groundbreaking research into drone operations in natural disasters.

As the industry flies forward with advancement, K-State's advanced air mobility research and education will help transform the lives of Kansans and those around the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756212812717.jpeg" alt="Drone (Photo courtesy K-State Salina) " />
 <figcaption>Drone (Photo courtesy K-State Salina) </figcaption>
 </figure>JEREMY BOHN K‑State SalinaAs the drone industry continues to advance and develop new regulations at a rapid pace,&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina's</a>&nbsp;Applied Aviation Research Center,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/">or AARC</a>, prepares the next generation of drone pilots to be Federal Aviation Administration compliant through world-class uncrewed aircraft systems training and education.The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is planning new regulations aimed at standardizing operations beyond the visual line of sight for commercial drones. Currently, Part 107 regulations with the FAA do not permit drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight of the operator without a special waiver.The new set of regulations will allow for more expansive uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, operations beyond the visual line of sight, impacting all industries, including agriculture, engineering and public safety.Upcoming webinar explains proposed UAS regulationsWith this immense change coming to the industry, the Applied Aviation Research Center will provide a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/part-108-webinar.html">free informational webinar</a>&nbsp;explaining the proposed regulations on Sept. 4. The webinar will discuss the new regulations, including guidance on detect-and-avoid, minimum operational standards, certification and training requirements, and integration into the national airspace."The AARC has a close connection to the FAA from our years of UAS experience," said Kurt Carraway, executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center. "As the first university to receive a waiver of beyond visual line-of-sight UAS operations back in 2018, we have proven to be detailed and system-oriented with our operations. Training and operations on the new set of regulations are the next step in K-State Salina's strategic goals that enable technologies to advance us in our work and connect the world in new ways."To stay up to date with the FAA and advance your training in UAS technology,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/part-108-webinar.html">register by Sept. 2</a>&nbsp;for the free webinar with the AARC drone experts at noon on Thursday, Sept. 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756212980506.jpeg" alt="(Photo courtesy K-State Salina)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy K-State Salina)</figcaption>
 </figure>Leading the way in advanced air mobilityIn alignment with K-State's mission to become a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">next-generation land-grant university</a>, the Salina campus has been tasked with leading exploration, integration and operation of next-generation, revolutionary drone technologies and air transport systems known as advanced air mobility — a rapidly emerging, new sector of the aerospace industry that aims to safely and efficiently integrate highly automated aircraft into the national airspace system.Advanced air mobility is not just a single technology; it's a collection of new and emerging technologies being applied to the aviation transportation system, including urban mobility, public services and cargo delivery.K-State Salina is in a unique position to positively impact the aerospace industry by training thousands of drone pilots through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/uas-flight/">bachelor's degree program</a>&nbsp;and providing instruction to learners from many industries through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/">professional education</a>. The Applied Aviation Research Center is also conducting groundbreaking research into drone operations in natural disasters.As the industry flies forward with advancement, K-State's advanced air mobility research and education will help transform the lives of Kansans and those around the world.

K-State Salina to hold webinar for drone pilots on proposed FAA changes

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Democrats question Speaker Dan Hawkins’ plan to lower Medicaid spending

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the 2026 Legislature would strive to slash $200 million from the state government’s budget and seek to reduce expenditures on the Medicaid program delivering health care to low-income adults and children.

Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who has served 13 years in the Legislature, said during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5otZHmokQ8" target="_blank">interview at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis that he was proud the 2025 Legislature took the lead in crafting the current state budget. Ahead of the 2025 session, a Republican-controlled committee of the House and Senate developed its own budget bill rather than wait for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s recommendation, as traditionally presented to lawmakers in January.

Despite Republicans in the House and Senate operating with partisan supermajorities since Kelly’s election in 2018, Hawkins was critical in the interview of what he calculated to be a 60% rise in spending during Kelly’s seven years as governor.

In the past legislative session, Hawkins said, the House and Senate whittled down the state budget for 2025-2026 to more than $200 million below the amount it approved for 2024-2025.

“That first $200 million is probably the easy one to cut,” Hawkins said during the ALEC interview. “It starts getting harder every year after that. I think we’ll come in next year and we’ll probably cut about $200 million out of the budget.”

He said the Legislature’s decision to consolidate its grip on the budget process at the Capitol resulted in a bill that spent less than the amount sought by Kelly.

“The governor still says that we spend too much, but we cut $43 million,” Hawkins told his ALEC audience.

In response to an inquiry, Hawkins’ staff clarified the actual year-to-year cut by the Legislature was $38 million below spending proposed by Kelly. The Legislature did vote for $43 million in deletions, but some were vetoed by the governor. The Legislature chose not to override all of Kelly’s line-item vetoes. That left the overall cut at $38 million — not $43 million.

“Governor Kelly has always prioritized responsible fiscal management, and the results speak for themselves: fully funded schools, record-breaking economic development and historic investments in the state water plan,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff. “Speaker Hawkins can play with the numbers all he wants, but the reality is the financial path he advocates for is eating through the state’s ending balance and threatening to undo all the progress Kansas has made in the last seven years.”

Lawrence said cutting Medicaid would strain the state’s rural health system and endanger 443,000 Kansans who participate in the health program. Kelly has spent years advocating for expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas.

“Unserious, misinformed proposals like these are not what Kansans deserve, and I suggest Speaker Hawkins talk to Kansans about their priorities, not conservative think tank staffers,” Lawrence said.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, who lead Democrats in the Legislature, offered perspectives on Hawkins’ interview with Lars Dalseide, ALEC’s director of policy advancement and media relations.

Sykes said GOP legislative leadership’s overhaul of the budget process for the 2025 session served “to advance their priorities without regard for bipartisanship or public input.”

Democrats, for example, objected to the GOP-led Legislature’s deletion from the governor’s budget of $62 million for special education in public schools. Also cut was $10 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a program to develop reading instructional skills among licensed teachers and college students preparing to become educators.

A core objective of Republican legislators has been to advance tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Kansans, Sykes said.

“Fiscal responsibility is just a talking point to Republicans,” Sykes said. “Time and time again, they say they want to dig deeper into the budget, but the reality is they want to give away big tax breaks to their donors on the backs of working Kansans. Senate Democrats will continue to stand for true fiscal stability and not just partisan talking points.”

The Legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities in the 125-member House and 40-member Senate. The two-thirds partisan advantage has meant the GOP could override any veto by Kelly. In the House, Republicans hold an 88-37 edge. The margin stands at 31-9 in the Senate.

Hawkins, who is seeking the Republican Party’s 2026 nomination for state insurance commissioner, said the Legislature should strive during the upcoming session in Topeka to reduce spending on Medicaid.

He said there were opportunities for the Legislature to restrict expenditures by getting rid of inefficiencies.

“Just like we’ve seen on the federal level, Medicaid has lots of opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I think that when we really start looking, we’ll find some duplicative efforts.”

Woodard, who has urged the Legislature to broaden eligibility for Medicaid to more lower-income adults, said the House speaker’s plan to reduce health services for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly was misguided.

“At a time when Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, Republicans are threatening to further cut Medicaid at the expense of our most vulnerable Kansans,” he said.

Sen. Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who served on the Senate’s government efficiency committee, said attempts to undermine Medicaid in the quest for efficiencies jeopardized the well-being of thousands of adults and children in Kansas. Claims of widespread inefficiency within Medicaid have been exaggerated, he said.

“When they say those words, they’re just lying,” he said. “Medicaid helps people get back to work.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145143284.png" alt=" Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, says in an interview with ALEC that one of his objectives will be to reduce overall state spending by $200 million and target Medicaid for spending cuts during the 2026 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, says in an interview with ALEC that one of his objectives will be to reduce overall state spending by $200 million and target Medicaid for spending cuts during the 2026 legislative session. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Democrats question Speaker Dan Hawkins’ plan to lower Medicaid spending</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the 2026 Legislature would strive to slash $200 million from the state government’s budget and seek to reduce expenditures on the Medicaid program delivering health care to low-income adults and children.Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who has served 13 years in the Legislature, said during an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5otZHmokQ8" target="_blank">interview at an American Legislative Exchange Council conference</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis that he was proud the 2025 Legislature took the lead in crafting the current state budget. Ahead of the 2025 session, a Republican-controlled committee of the House and Senate developed its own budget bill rather than wait for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s recommendation, as traditionally presented to lawmakers in January.Despite Republicans in the House and Senate operating with partisan supermajorities since Kelly’s election in 2018, Hawkins was critical in the interview of what he calculated to be a 60% rise in spending during Kelly’s seven years as governor.In the past legislative session, Hawkins said, the House and Senate whittled down the state budget for 2025-2026 to more than $200 million below the amount it approved for 2024-2025.“That first $200 million is probably the easy one to cut,” Hawkins said during the ALEC interview. “It starts getting harder every year after that. I think we’ll come in next year and we’ll probably cut about $200 million out of the budget.”He said the Legislature’s decision to consolidate its grip on the budget process at the Capitol resulted in a bill that spent less than the amount sought by Kelly.“The governor still says that we spend too much, but we cut $43 million,” Hawkins told his ALEC audience.In response to an inquiry, Hawkins’ staff clarified the actual year-to-year cut by the Legislature was $38 million below spending proposed by Kelly. The Legislature did vote for $43 million in deletions, but some were vetoed by the governor. The Legislature chose not to override all of Kelly’s line-item vetoes. That left the overall cut at $38 million — not $43 million.“Governor Kelly has always prioritized responsible fiscal management, and the results speak for themselves: fully funded schools, record-breaking economic development and historic investments in the state water plan,” said Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff. “Speaker Hawkins can play with the numbers all he wants, but the reality is the financial path he advocates for is eating through the state’s ending balance and threatening to undo all the progress Kansas has made in the last seven years.”Lawrence said cutting Medicaid would strain the state’s rural health system and endanger 443,000 Kansans who participate in the health program. Kelly has spent years advocating for expansion of eligibility for Medicaid in Kansas.“Unserious, misinformed proposals like these are not what Kansans deserve, and I suggest Speaker Hawkins talk to Kansans about their priorities, not conservative think tank staffers,” Lawrence said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145094119.png" alt=" Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, says Republicans are more interested in giving tax breaks to their donors than they are in fiscal responsibility. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, says Republicans are more interested in giving tax breaks to their donors than they are in fiscal responsibility. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Other perspectives</h2>Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, who lead Democrats in the Legislature, offered perspectives on Hawkins’ interview with Lars Dalseide, ALEC’s director of policy advancement and media relations.Sykes said GOP legislative leadership’s overhaul of the budget process for the 2025 session served “to advance their priorities without regard for bipartisanship or public input.”Democrats, for example, objected to the GOP-led Legislature’s deletion from the governor’s budget of $62 million for special education in public schools. Also cut was $10 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a program to develop reading instructional skills among licensed teachers and college students preparing to become educators.A core objective of Republican legislators has been to advance tax cuts most beneficial to wealthy Kansans, Sykes said.“Fiscal responsibility is just a talking point to Republicans,” Sykes said. “Time and time again, they say they want to dig deeper into the budget, but the reality is they want to give away big tax breaks to their donors on the backs of working Kansans. Senate Democrats will continue to stand for true fiscal stability and not just partisan talking points.”The Legislature is controlled by Republican supermajorities in the 125-member House and 40-member Senate. The two-thirds partisan advantage has meant the GOP could override any veto by Kelly. In the House, Republicans hold an 88-37 edge. The margin stands at 31-9 in the Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756145045519.png" alt=" Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka, says Republicans are lying when they make claims of widespread inefficiency in the state Medicaid program. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Patrick Schmidt, D-Topeka, says Republicans are lying when they make claims of widespread inefficiency in the state Medicaid program. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The Medicaid issue</h2>Hawkins, who is seeking the Republican Party’s 2026 nomination for state insurance commissioner, said the Legislature should strive during the upcoming session in Topeka to reduce spending on Medicaid.He said there were opportunities for the Legislature to restrict expenditures by getting rid of inefficiencies.“Just like we’ve seen on the federal level, Medicaid has lots of opportunity,” Hawkins said. “I think that when we really start looking, we’ll find some duplicative efforts.”Woodard, who has urged the Legislature to broaden eligibility for Medicaid to more lower-income adults, said the House speaker’s plan to reduce health services for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and the elderly was misguided.“At a time when Kansans are struggling to make ends meet, Republicans are threatening to further cut Medicaid at the expense of our most vulnerable Kansans,” he said.Sen. Patrick Schmidt, a Topeka Democrat who served on the Senate’s government efficiency committee, said attempts to undermine Medicaid in the quest for efficiencies jeopardized the well-being of thousands of adults and children in Kansas. Claims of widespread inefficiency within Medicaid have been exaggerated, he said.“When they say those words, they’re just lying,” he said. “Medicaid helps people get back to work.”

Kansas House speaker wants to slash $200 million from state budget, target Medicaid for cuts

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub (Hub) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Ellen Wesner as its new Executive Director, effective Aug. 11. With over two decades of federal government experience, Wesner will provide technical assistance and build partnerships to help communities secure funding for infrastructure projects across the state.

"I am honored to lead the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and contribute to our state's future," Wesner said. "My goal is to apply my experience in fostering relationships to enhance our transportation, utilities and communication networks for all Kansans."

The Hub, formed in 2022, is a resource center connecting state agencies to Kansas communities. It offers free technical assistance, including grants capacity development and management support. The Hub facilitates partnerships to strengthen statewide infrastructure and promotes and tracks Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant opportunities. It also serves as the processing and clearinghouse for the Build Kansas Fund.

Wesner's career includes serving in the Peace Corps, holding positions in four U.S. embassies and significant professional experience with the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programs in multiple countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from American University and a master’s degree from The George Washington University.

"The work of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub is critical to securing our state’s future," said KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed. "Shawn's proven history of building effective partnerships aligns with our goal of leveraging federal funds and local collaboration to deliver projects that keep Kansas moving forward."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756133614626.jpeg" alt="Shawn Wesner (Photo courtesy Kansas Department of Transportation)" />
 <figcaption>Shawn Wesner (Photo courtesy Kansas Department of Transportation)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONThe Kansas Infrastructure Hub (Hub) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Ellen Wesner as its new Executive Director, effective Aug. 11. With over two decades of federal government experience, Wesner will provide technical assistance and build partnerships to help communities secure funding for infrastructure projects across the state."I am honored to lead the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and contribute to our state's future," Wesner said. "My goal is to apply my experience in fostering relationships to enhance our transportation, utilities and communication networks for all Kansans."The Hub, formed in 2022, is a resource center connecting state agencies to Kansas communities. It offers free technical assistance, including grants capacity development and management support. The Hub facilitates partnerships to strengthen statewide infrastructure and promotes and tracks Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant opportunities. It also serves as the processing and clearinghouse for the Build Kansas Fund.Wesner's career includes serving in the Peace Corps, holding positions in four U.S. embassies and significant professional experience with the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programs in multiple countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from American University and a master’s degree from The George Washington University."The work of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub is critical to securing our state’s future," said KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed. "Shawn's proven history of building effective partnerships aligns with our goal of leveraging federal funds and local collaboration to deliver projects that keep Kansas moving forward."

Weisner appointed to lead Kansas Infrastructure Hub

Donald Gene Horton, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, August 22, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1938, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to William Paul and Dorothy Rose (Miller) Horton.

Don was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served for over seven years. Don served most of his time in the Navy on a Permit-class nuclear submarine. After his service, he attended The University of Houston and San Diego State. Don worked for the United States Department of Energy, Washington D.C., as the Deputy Director of Civilian Nuclear Power, as well as in Quality Assurance. &nbsp;While at the Department of Energy, he assisted in the Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV. Don was a member of the; Sons of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, VFW and American Legion. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and associate member of United Church of Christ Midland, Sterling.&nbsp;

On September 15, 1973, he married his wife and soulmate, Vicki Lynn Stange, in Reno, NV.&nbsp;

Don is survived by: his wife of nearly 52 years, Vicki Horton, of Hutchinson; children, Stephanie (Mike) Madzy of Marble Falls, TX, Anthony Horton of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Christian Horton of Houston, TX, Joshua Horton of Round Rock, TX, Charles Wesley Madzy of Washington; great-grandson, Asher Horton; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Jaunita Godard; brothers, William Horton, Jr., Paul "Bob" Horton, Leonard Horton, Jack Horton, Charles Horton and Billy Horton.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sterling Community Cemetery, 522 E. Cleveland, Sterling, with Pastor Mike McLemore officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the United State Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers,&nbsp; memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756131777538.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Donald Gene Horton, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord, August 22, 2025. He was born on October 27, 1938, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to William Paul and Dorothy Rose (Miller) Horton.Don was a 1957 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served for over seven years. Don served most of his time in the Navy on a Permit-class nuclear submarine. After his service, he attended The University of Houston and San Diego State. Don worked for the United States Department of Energy, Washington D.C., as the Deputy Director of Civilian Nuclear Power, as well as in Quality Assurance. &nbsp;While at the Department of Energy, he assisted in the Yucca Mountain Project, Las Vegas, NV. Don was a member of the; Sons of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society, VFW and American Legion. He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and associate member of United Church of Christ Midland, Sterling.&nbsp;On September 15, 1973, he married his wife and soulmate, Vicki Lynn Stange, in Reno, NV.&nbsp;Don is survived by: his wife of nearly 52 years, Vicki Horton, of Hutchinson; children, Stephanie (Mike) Madzy of Marble Falls, TX, Anthony Horton of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Christian Horton of Houston, TX, Joshua Horton of Round Rock, TX, Charles Wesley Madzy of Washington; great-grandson, Asher Horton; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.He was preceded in death by: his parents; sister, Jaunita Godard; brothers, William Horton, Jr., Paul "Bob" Horton, Leonard Horton, Jack Horton, Charles Horton and Billy Horton.Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sterling Community Cemetery, 522 E. Cleveland, Sterling, with Pastor Mike McLemore officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the United State Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers,&nbsp; memorials are suggested to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.&nbsp;

Donald Gene Horton |1938-2025|

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-mcmurray">JEFF McMURRAY</a> Associated Press

Rose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-turnpike-crashes-5bd9bdca1835dac573f8461bf9166994">killed</a>?” the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/road-diets-traffic-safety-transportation-department-trump-2486cac519fdc56348532717e43dc81d">speed is too high.</a>&nbsp;The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speed-limiters-reckless-drivers-states-judges-washington-72165c45b7481b6b313248841006578b">speed limits</a>&nbsp;are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation Officials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speeding-motorist-germany-autobahn-fine-record-e1fc8c77e62e7112d10e67c060512d80">speed limit</a>&nbsp;based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/traffic-deaths-pedestrians-distracted-driving-fb7ec8a9ddbb862c9b29f6ac87d508f9">spike in road deaths</a>&nbsp;across the country, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infrastructure-poor-bridges-highway-grants-f86c8a19145fc4584b0d978b0005e405">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoboken-zero-traffic-deaths-daylighting-pedestrian-safety-007dec67706c1c09129da1436a3d9762">street safety,</a>&nbsp;said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-speed-alert-cars-bill-veto-588605f3980c952c894756da6579bf3d">California</a>&nbsp;embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-public-transit-9002a8b3e0270db28587835a85c2ccb0">Advocates</a>&nbsp;for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.

Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most efforts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

If elected officials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s finding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very difficult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 different types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modifications based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township officials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755965299405.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jeff-mcmurray">JEFF McMURRAY</a> Associated PressRose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.“What are you waiting for, somebody to get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-turnpike-crashes-5bd9bdca1835dac573f8461bf9166994">killed</a>?” the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/road-diets-traffic-safety-transportation-department-trump-2486cac519fdc56348532717e43dc81d">speed is too high.</a>&nbsp;The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speed-limiters-reckless-drivers-states-judges-washington-72165c45b7481b6b313248841006578b">speed limits</a>&nbsp;are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.<h2>Drivers set the speed</h2>The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation Officials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speeding-motorist-germany-autobahn-fine-record-e1fc8c77e62e7112d10e67c060512d80">speed limit</a>&nbsp;based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions.The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”Amid a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/traffic-deaths-pedestrians-distracted-driving-fb7ec8a9ddbb862c9b29f6ac87d508f9">spike in road deaths</a>&nbsp;across the country, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/infrastructure-poor-bridges-highway-grants-f86c8a19145fc4584b0d978b0005e405">Federal Highway Administration</a>&nbsp;sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hoboken-zero-traffic-deaths-daylighting-pedestrian-safety-007dec67706c1c09129da1436a3d9762">street safety,</a>&nbsp;said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.<h2>Rethinking the need for speed</h2>Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-speed-alert-cars-bill-veto-588605f3980c952c894756da6579bf3d">California</a>&nbsp;embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-public-transit-9002a8b3e0270db28587835a85c2ccb0">Advocates</a>&nbsp;for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”<h2>80 is the new 55</h2>Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most efforts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.<h2>A town’s attempt at change</h2>If elected officials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s finding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very difficult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 different types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modifications based on what other states are doing.“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township officials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

States rethink a long-held practice of setting speed limits based on how fast drivers travel

JENNIFER TIDBALL K-State News and Communications Services

Kansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin are building veterinary medicine partnerships and creating global academic and research collaborations among the three organizations.

The presidents of all three universities — Kansas State University President Richard Linton, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen and University College Dublin President Orla Feely — signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding on Friday, Aug. 22, at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland.

The agreement among the three universities focuses on building academic exchange, cooperation and collaboration with the veterinary medicine colleges at each institution.

"This partnership will provide tremendous value to our College of Veterinary Medicine," said Beth Davis, interim dean of K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. "As a next-generation land-grant university, forging important partnerships like this helps our K-State veterinary medicine students, researchers and faculty members to do good in Kansas and across the world. We look forward to working with our collaborators at Iowa State University and University College Dublin."

The signing event and One Health Ag Tech Summit are connected with the&nbsp;<a href="https://collegefootballireland.com/games/k-state-vs-iowa-state/">Aer Lingus College Football Classic</a>, which will occur Saturday, Aug. 23, when the K-State football team faces Iowa State in the season kickoff game.

The academic exchange agreement focuses on promoting the teaching and research activities of each institution while also deepening the understanding of the economic, cultural and social environment of each institution.

"Today's agreement signing is the culmination of highly valued collaborative efforts from all institutions involved to further enhance the educational experience for our students," said University College Dublin President Orla Feely.

Dan&nbsp;Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State, said the opportunity for collaboration on a global level is vital for addressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance.

"Antimicrobial resistance impacts animals, humans, the environment and plants. There are valuable perspectives that come from conversations with people around the world to understand how we combat antimicrobial resistance," Grooms said. "The practicalities of what can and cannot be done are different in other countries, which is why we must think of this at a global level."

Through the newly formed partnership, the three organizations are exploring many ways to collaborate, including:

• Promoting institutional exchanges by inviting faculty and staff to participate in a variety of teaching and research activities as well as professional development.

• Receiving undergraduate and graduate students for periods of study and research.&nbsp;

•&nbsp;Organizing coordinated teaching activities.

•&nbsp;Organizing symposia, conferences, short courses and other meetings on academic and research issues.

•&nbsp;Carrying out joint research and continuing education programs.

•&nbsp;Exchanging information related to developments in teaching, student development and research at each institution.&nbsp;

"Having College of Veterinary Medicine students visit University College Dublin and learn about veterinary medicine in a well-established program and understand the profession in a different culture will greatly benefit our students," Davis said. "Additionally, having students from University College Dublin or Iowa State visit K-State will build on our ability to exchange knowledge and skills that are well established throughout our curriculum, particularly in the fourth-year clinical rotation."

The partnership agreement signing was part of the One Health Ag Tech Summit, an international event hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/">Enterprise Ireland</a>. The summit is from Aug. 20-23 and has brought together nearly 90 researchers, faculty members, industry leaders and innovative entrepreneurs from the U.S. and Ireland. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds have also participated in the summit.

The summit has highlighted the three universities — Kansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin — and focused on shared interests and emerging opportunities in the fields of agricultural technology/digital agriculture and One Health. One Health is a multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, plants and their shared environments.

Throughout the four-day summit, participants have engaged in meaningful dialogue, facilitated expert knowledge exchange and cultivated long-term partnerships.

"Our goal through the One Health Ag Tech Summit is to drive industry progress by building collaboration and advancing innovation," said Rachelle Banwart, executive director of K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/corporate-engagement/">Corporate Engagement</a>. "We wanted to highlight the connections between academia and industry and also bring our next-generation land-grant university mission into action: creating new ways to engage with partners and companies across the world."

The One Health Ag Tech Summit has also included roundtable discussions and industry panels, connections among leading industry representatives and academic researchers, relevant industry site visits, and best practice sharing and partnership exploration.

Several Kansas State University leaders and researchers have participated in the events, including:

•&nbsp;Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff

•&nbsp;Hans Coetzee, vice president for research

•&nbsp;Michael Apley, professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology and Edwin J. Frick Chair in Veterinary Medicine

•&nbsp;Ajay Sharda, university outstanding scholar and Terry Beemer Foundation Chair for Engineering Innovation in the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering

•&nbsp;Charles Rice, university distinguished professor of agronomy

"K-State is a global leader in animal health and digital agriculture, and our researchers bring unparalleled expertise in these growing industry areas," said Hans Coetzee, K-State vice president for research. "The One Health Ag Tech Summit has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase the innovative work our teams are contributing in these critical industries on an international level as well as to form new partnerships and opportunities for future collaborations."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756001800265.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. From left: Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine, and Wendy Wintersteen, president, Iowa State University; Rory Breathnach, head of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and Orla Feely, president, University College Dublin; and Richard Linton, president, and Beth Davis, interim dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University.&nbsp;(Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. From left: Dan Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine, and Wendy Wintersteen, president, Iowa State University; Rory Breathnach, head of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and Orla Feely, president, University College Dublin; and Richard Linton, president, and Beth Davis, interim dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University.&nbsp;(Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services)</figcaption>
 </figure>JENNIFER TIDBALL K-State News and Communications ServicesKansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin are building veterinary medicine partnerships and creating global academic and research collaborations among the three organizations.The presidents of all three universities — Kansas State University President Richard Linton, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen and University College Dublin President Orla Feely — signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding on Friday, Aug. 22, at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland.The agreement among the three universities focuses on building academic exchange, cooperation and collaboration with the veterinary medicine colleges at each institution."This partnership will provide tremendous value to our College of Veterinary Medicine," said Beth Davis, interim dean of K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine. "As a next-generation land-grant university, forging important partnerships like this helps our K-State veterinary medicine students, researchers and faculty members to do good in Kansas and across the world. We look forward to working with our collaborators at Iowa State University and University College Dublin."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756001918059.jpeg" alt="Hans Coetzee, K-State vice president for research, participates in a small group discussion at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services) " />
 <figcaption>Hans Coetzee, K-State vice president for research, participates in a small group discussion at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services) </figcaption>
 </figure>The signing event and One Health Ag Tech Summit are connected with the&nbsp;<a href="https://collegefootballireland.com/games/k-state-vs-iowa-state/">Aer Lingus College Football Classic</a>, which will occur Saturday, Aug. 23, when the K-State football team faces Iowa State in the season kickoff game.The academic exchange agreement focuses on promoting the teaching and research activities of each institution while also deepening the understanding of the economic, cultural and social environment of each institution."Today's agreement signing is the culmination of highly valued collaborative efforts from all institutions involved to further enhance the educational experience for our students," said University College Dublin President Orla Feely.Dan&nbsp;Grooms, the Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State, said the opportunity for collaboration on a global level is vital for addressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance."Antimicrobial resistance impacts animals, humans, the environment and plants. There are valuable perspectives that come from conversations with people around the world to understand how we combat antimicrobial resistance," Grooms said. "The practicalities of what can and cannot be done are different in other countries, which is why we must think of this at a global level."Through the newly formed partnership, the three organizations are exploring many ways to collaborate, including:• Promoting institutional exchanges by inviting faculty and staff to participate in a variety of teaching and research activities as well as professional development.• Receiving undergraduate and graduate students for periods of study and research.&nbsp;•&nbsp;Organizing coordinated teaching activities.•&nbsp;Organizing symposia, conferences, short courses and other meetings on academic and research issues.•&nbsp;Carrying out joint research and continuing education programs.•&nbsp;Exchanging information related to developments in teaching, student development and research at each institution.&nbsp;"Having College of Veterinary Medicine students visit University College Dublin and learn about veterinary medicine in a well-established program and understand the profession in a different culture will greatly benefit our students," Davis said. "Additionally, having students from University College Dublin or Iowa State visit K-State will build on our ability to exchange knowledge and skills that are well established throughout our curriculum, particularly in the fourth-year clinical rotation."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756002183008.jpeg" alt="Rachelle Banwart, executive director of K-State Corporate Engagement, welcomes partners from across the world at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services) " />
 <figcaption>Rachelle Banwart, executive director of K-State Corporate Engagement, welcomes partners from across the world at the One Health Ag Tech Summit in Ireland. (Photo courtesy K-State News and Communications Services) </figcaption>
 </figure>The partnership agreement signing was part of the One Health Ag Tech Summit, an international event hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/">Enterprise Ireland</a>. The summit is from Aug. 20-23 and has brought together nearly 90 researchers, faculty members, industry leaders and innovative entrepreneurs from the U.S. and Ireland. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds have also participated in the summit.The summit has highlighted the three universities — Kansas State University, Iowa State University and University College Dublin — and focused on shared interests and emerging opportunities in the fields of agricultural technology/digital agriculture and One Health. One Health is a multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, plants and their shared environments.Throughout the four-day summit, participants have engaged in meaningful dialogue, facilitated expert knowledge exchange and cultivated long-term partnerships."Our goal through the One Health Ag Tech Summit is to drive industry progress by building collaboration and advancing innovation," said Rachelle Banwart, executive director of K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/innovation-and-partnerships/corporate-engagement/">Corporate Engagement</a>. "We wanted to highlight the connections between academia and industry and also bring our next-generation land-grant university mission into action: creating new ways to engage with partners and companies across the world."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756002256221.jpeg" alt="Ajay Sharda, university outstanding scholar and Terry Beemer Foundation Chair for Engineering Innovation in the biological and agricultural engineering department, presents at the One Health Ag Tech Summit. (Photo courtesy of K-State News and Communications Services)&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ajay Sharda, university outstanding scholar and Terry Beemer Foundation Chair for Engineering Innovation in the biological and agricultural engineering department, presents at the One Health Ag Tech Summit. (Photo courtesy of K-State News and Communications Services)&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The One Health Ag Tech Summit has also included roundtable discussions and industry panels, connections among leading industry representatives and academic researchers, relevant industry site visits, and best practice sharing and partnership exploration.Several Kansas State University leaders and researchers have participated in the events, including:•&nbsp;Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff•&nbsp;Hans Coetzee, vice president for research•&nbsp;Michael Apley, professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology and Edwin J. Frick Chair in Veterinary Medicine•&nbsp;Ajay Sharda, university outstanding scholar and Terry Beemer Foundation Chair for Engineering Innovation in the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering•&nbsp;Charles Rice, university distinguished professor of agronomy"K-State is a global leader in animal health and digital agriculture, and our researchers bring unparalleled expertise in these growing industry areas," said Hans Coetzee, K-State vice president for research. "The One Health Ag Tech Summit has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase the innovative work our teams are contributing in these critical industries on an international level as well as to form new partnerships and opportunities for future collaborations."

A commitment to collaborate

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-053ad2ae16f31b9d7300340d5f9349c5">Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;repeatedly denied to the Justice Department witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions with Donald Trump, according to records released Friday meant to distance the Republican president from the disgraced financer.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/maxwell-interview">Click here</a> to listen to and or read the transcripts

The Trump administration issued hundreds of pages of transcripts from interviews that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell last month as the administration was scrambling to present itself as transparent amid a fierce backlash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">over an earlier refusal to disclose a trove of records from the sex-trafficking case.</a>

The records show Maxwell repeatedly showering Trump with praise and denying under questioning from Blanche that she had observed Trump engaged in any form of sexual behavior. The administration was presumably eager to make such denials public at a time when the president has faced questions about a long-ago friendship with Epstein and as his administration has endured continued scrutiny over its handling of evidence from the case.

The transcript disclosure represents the latest Trump administration effort to repair self-inflicted political wounds after failing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">deliver on expectations that its own officials had created</a>&nbsp;through conspiracy theories and bold pronouncements that never came to pass. By making public two days worth of interviews, officials appear to be hoping to at least temporarily keep at bay sustained anger from Trump’s base even as they send Congress evidence that they had previously kept from view.

“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Maxwell said, according to the transcript. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”

Maxwell recalled knowing about Trump and possibly meeting him for the first time in 1990, when her newspaper magnate father, Robert Maxwell, was the owner of the New York Daily News.

She estimated that she hadn’t seen Trump since the mid-2000s, again in a social setting. Asked if she ever heard Epstein or anyone else say Trump “had done anything inappropriate with masseuses” or anyone else in their orbit, Maxwell replied, “Absolutely never, in any context.”

Maxwell, a onetime socialite who was convicted in 2021 of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein, was interviewed over the course of two days last month by Blanche at a Florida courthouse.

Blanche prefaced the interview by saying Maxwell had been given limited immunity, allowing her to speak freely without fear of prosecution for anything she said. The only exceptions, he said, were if she lied or gave statements inconsistent with what she’d previously said.

After her interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Maxwell was moved from the low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;where she had been serving a 20-year sentence to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Neither her lawyer nor the federal Bureau of Prisons have explained the reason for the move.

The Epstein case had long captured public attention in part because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-documents-prince-andrew-harvey-weinstein-1e20f426af0c610db7963cdaf85c209f">wealthy financer’s social connections over the years to prominent figures</a>, including Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and Trump, who has said his relationship with Epstein ended years before. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges, accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">found dead a month later in a New York jail cell in what investigators described as a suicide.</a>

The saga has consumed the Trump administration over the last month following an abrupt two-page announcement from the FBI and Justice Department that Epstein had killed himself despite conspiracy theories to the contrary, that a “client list” that Attorney General Pam Bondi had intimated was on her desk did not actually exist and that no additional documents from the high-profile investigation were suitable to be released.

The announcement produced outrage from conspiracy theorists, online sleuths and Trump supporters who had been hoping to see proof of a government coverup. That expectation was driven in part by comments from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who on podcasts before taking their current positions had repeatedly promoted the idea that damaging details about prominent people were being withheld.

Patel, for instance, said in at least one podcast interview before becoming director that Epstein’s “black book” was under the “direct control of the director of the FBI.”

The administration had an early stumble in February when far-right influencers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">invited to the White House in February</a>&nbsp;and provided by Bondi with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified” that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755895048179.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-053ad2ae16f31b9d7300340d5f9349c5">Jeffrey Epstein's imprisoned former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;repeatedly denied to the Justice Department witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions with Donald Trump, according to records released Friday meant to distance the Republican president from the disgraced financer.<a href="https://www.justice.gov/maxwell-interview">Click here</a> to listen to and or read the transcriptsThe Trump administration issued hundreds of pages of transcripts from interviews that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell last month as the administration was scrambling to present itself as transparent amid a fierce backlash&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-pam-bondi-03fbcd024f631440f7ed62b3c6927db3">over an earlier refusal to disclose a trove of records from the sex-trafficking case.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704416234390.png" alt="FILE — Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell AP Photo/John Minchillo" />
 <figcaption>FILE — Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell AP Photo/John Minchillo</figcaption>
 </figure>The records show Maxwell repeatedly showering Trump with praise and denying under questioning from Blanche that she had observed Trump engaged in any form of sexual behavior. The administration was presumably eager to make such denials public at a time when the president has faced questions about a long-ago friendship with Epstein and as his administration has endured continued scrutiny over its handling of evidence from the case.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump on Epstein Files: &quot;The whole Epstein thing is a Democrat hoax...Bill Clinton was on his plane and went to the island supposedly 28 times. I don&#39;t want to bring that up, frankly.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Mb9PZBT6lI">pic.twitter.com/Mb9PZBT6lI</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1958949953629200668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The transcript disclosure represents the latest Trump administration effort to repair self-inflicted political wounds after failing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90">deliver on expectations that its own officials had created</a>&nbsp;through conspiracy theories and bold pronouncements that never came to pass. By making public two days worth of interviews, officials appear to be hoping to at least temporarily keep at bay sustained anger from Trump’s base even as they send Congress evidence that they had previously kept from view.“I actually never saw the President in any type of massage setting,” Maxwell said, according to the transcript. “I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting in any way. The President was never inappropriate with anybody. In the times that I was with him, he was a gentleman in all respects.”Maxwell recalled knowing about Trump and possibly meeting him for the first time in 1990, when her newspaper magnate father, Robert Maxwell, was the owner of the New York Daily News.She estimated that she hadn’t seen Trump since the mid-2000s, again in a social setting. Asked if she ever heard Epstein or anyone else say Trump “had done anything inappropriate with masseuses” or anyone else in their orbit, Maxwell replied, “Absolutely never, in any context.”Maxwell, a onetime socialite who was convicted in 2021 of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein, was interviewed over the course of two days last month by Blanche at a Florida courthouse.Blanche prefaced the interview by saying Maxwell had been given limited immunity, allowing her to speak freely without fear of prosecution for anything she said. The only exceptions, he said, were if she lied or gave statements inconsistent with what she’d previously said.After her interview,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">Maxwell was moved from the low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;where she had been serving a 20-year sentence to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas. Neither her lawyer nor the federal Bureau of Prisons have explained the reason for the move.The Epstein case had long captured public attention in part because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-documents-prince-andrew-harvey-weinstein-1e20f426af0c610db7963cdaf85c209f">wealthy financer’s social connections over the years to prominent figures</a>, including Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and Trump, who has said his relationship with Epstein ended years before. Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges, accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls, and was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">found dead a month later in a New York jail cell in what investigators described as a suicide.</a>The saga has consumed the Trump administration over the last month following an abrupt two-page announcement from the FBI and Justice Department that Epstein had killed himself despite conspiracy theories to the contrary, that a “client list” that Attorney General Pam Bondi had intimated was on her desk did not actually exist and that no additional documents from the high-profile investigation were suitable to be released.The announcement produced outrage from conspiracy theorists, online sleuths and Trump supporters who had been hoping to see proof of a government coverup. That expectation was driven in part by comments from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who on podcasts before taking their current positions had repeatedly promoted the idea that damaging details about prominent people were being withheld.Patel, for instance, said in at least one podcast interview before becoming director that Epstein’s “black book” was under the “direct control of the director of the FBI.”The administration had an early stumble in February when far-right influencers were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-pam-bondi-trump-1a6af3e9fa1cfb6d267985a971a4929a">invited to the White House in February</a>&nbsp;and provided by Bondi with binders marked “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified” that contained documents that had largely already been in the public domain.After the first release fell flat, Bondi said officials were poring over a “truckload” of previously withheld evidence she said had been handed over by the FBI and raised expectations of forthcoming releases.But after a weekslong review of evidence in the government’s possession, the Justice Department said last month that no “further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.” The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and “only a fraction” of it “would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.”Faced with fury from his base, Trump sought to quickly turn the page, shutting down questioning of Bondi about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting and deriding as “weaklings” supporters who he said were falling for the “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.”The kerfuffle also created bitter divisions within the administration, as Bondi and Bongino angrily clashed at a White House meeting last month. Bongino was uncharacteristically silent on social media for several days after that.