Historical Marker #54 The Bloody Benders, located 37° 20.932′ N, 95° 31.668′ W at the rest area located at the junction of US Highways 400 and 169. INSCRIPTION: Near here are the Bender Mounds, named for the infamous Bender family~~ John, his wife and daughter Kate~~ who settled here in 1871.

Each year, a group of sophomores from Independence High School are chosen to participate in First Leadership, a program that was the brainchild of the 1996 class of Leadership Independence, the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s adult leadership program. Since then, over 400 students have gained valuable leadership skills and most importantly, an increased appreciation for their community. Students are lead through a series of character building exercises, keynote speakers and on-site job shadowing in effort to help mold and create the leaders of tomorrow.

You might be dodging raindrops if you get out this weekend, but don’t let that deter you! Grab your umbrella and get out to any one of these awesome events in the area! If you have an event you would like me to feature in this weekly section, please send it to brea@indydailyreporter.com.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) recently provided the 2023 Kansas Civil Asset Forfeiture Report to the Kansas Legislature, and released it to the public at kasfr. kbi.ks.gov/. Civil asset forfeiture is a procedure that authorizes law enforcement agencies to seize and forfeit property and cash that was obtained with proceeds from, or used to facilitate, certain criminal activity. Once a forfeiture proceeding concludes, the forfeited property or funds may be used for permissible law enforcement operations, or to further public safety objectives.

The Jacob Morse Memorial Jamboree Car Show returns for its second year, honoring the legacy of Jacob Morse and his dedication to technical education. Taking place at Veterans Memorial Stadium on June 15, from 8:00 a.m-3:00 p.m, this event promises a fitting tribute to Morse’s passion for automotive craftsmanship and educational advocacy.

Gov. Laura Kelly rejected a bipartisan package of tax cuts Wednesday and proposed a cheaper alternative, setting up a showdown with lawmakers who return Thursday to the Statehouse after a three-week break.

■ The city is asking the court to overturn an arbitration decision that the firefighter could only be suspended for three days Kansas City officials are hoping to overturn an arbitrator’s decision that a firefighter who crashed a fire truck and killed three people could only receive a three-day suspension. On Tuesday, the city of Kansas City filed a motion in Jackson County Circuit Court to vacate an arbitration decision that determined Dominic Biscari could only be suspended for three days after he ran a red light in a fire department pumper truck and crashed into a car in the Westport neighborhood, killing both the driver and passenger.

FIRE/EMS Slip or Fall, 4:07 am Wednesday, Mulberry St. Shed Fire, 10:34 am Wednesday, 325 N.

11TH ANNUAL LIBERTY COOK-OFF The 11th Annual Liberty BBQ Cook-off will take place in Liberty Saturday, April 27 at the Liberty Community Church, located at 4th and Main. There will be outdoor activities available to all attendees during the afternoon beginning at 4:00 p.m, including music, fun and games.

■ Gov. Kelly also signs railcar parking, employment disability and suicide bills Gov.