TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and national agricultural workers are planning to set traps across Kansas to prevent the spread of a destructive beetle.

The state announced Tuesday that 163 traps will be set to catch the emerald ash borer and detect unknown populations. The traps will be set in 23 counties starting this month.

The beetle kills North American ash trees after it emerges in June and July.

Most of the traps will be three-sided, purple, sticky prisms. Others are funnel shaped and are coated with Fluon, a slippery resin.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture says the traps present no danger to humans, pets or wildlife.

The state is asking Kansans to report downed traps to the agriculture department at 785.564.6698.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A new state audit chides Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon for continuing to use money budgeted for state agencies to cover some of his office expenses.

The report Wednesday by the Missouri auditor’s office says Nixon’s office would have exceeded its budget by $1.9 million over the past three years had it not shifted expenses to other agencies and delayed some payments to a later fiscal year.

Nixon said Wednesday that he will continue to operate as he has in the past and to “call on the resources of other departments when we need them.”

Legislators have included wording in state budgets intended to prohibit most agencies from paying for the travel or staffing costs of the governor and other statewide officials.

FARMINGTON, Mo. (AP) — The mother of a southeast Missouri infant who died earlier this year after ingesting methamphetamine is now facing charges of child endangerment.

The Daily Journal newspaper in Park Hills, Missouri, reports that 21-year-old Crystal Martin is accused of allowing two of her young children to be exposed to meth.

One of her children, 8-month-old Caleb James Belleville, died Oct. 16. Authorities say the child ingested methamphetamine and died of acute meth intoxication. Alcohol was also found in the child’s blood.

In February, 21-year-old James Belleville of Valles Mines was charged with neglect of a child resulting in death. He is jailed on $1 million bond. A judge on Tuesday refused a request by Belleville’s attorney to reduce bond to $250,000.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas would take an additional $25 million hit in its next state budget to provide the aid it has promised to public schools.

Officials learned of the issue less than three weeks after Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation aimed at preventing school funding surprises.

State officials said Tuesday that a property tax imposed by the state to raise money for schools is expected to generate $17.5 million less than previously anticipated during the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Officials also predict that aid to school districts for construction projects will cost $7.5 million more than previously estimated.

The GOP-controlled Legislature approved a measure in March to junk the state’s per-pupil school funding formula and replace it with predictable “block grants.” The Republican governor signed the legislation April 2.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A University of Missouri freshman has been arrested for his suspected involvement with anti-Semitic graffiti discovered inside a dormitory’s stairwell.

The school’s police department announced Tuesday that the 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of second-degree property damage.

Capt. Brian Weimer said police wouldn’t release more details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Police also declined to talk specifics about the vandalism, but a Jewish student group at the university said the graffiti included swastikas and the words “Heil” and “You’ve been warned.”

MANCHESTER, Mo. (AP) — A St. Louis County man is facing a speeding ticket, with a twist — he was driving in reverse.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Bill Duncan of Manchester backs down a curving, hilly road in his subdivision to reach Highway 141. He says he never paid much attention to the 15 mph limit on his street.

On March 30, he was cited for going 29 mph in reverse. He faces a fine and costs of about $95.  Duncan wants the speed limit raised to 25 mph, though some neighbors want it to remain as is.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bishop Robert Finn is urging followers to pray for his successor.

The priest who led the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph in Missouri for nearly 10 years has resigned under a church law that allows bishops to leave early for illness or some “grave” reason that makes them unfit for office. But the resignation does not provide a specific reason.

In 2012, Finn pleaded guilty to failing to report a suspected child abuser, becoming the highest-ranking church official in the U.S. to be convicted of not taking action in response to abuse allegations.

Sister Jeanne Christensen, a member of the Sisters of Mercy who has been a vocal critic of Finn, says “it’s sad” that it’s taken this long for Finn to step down. And Rebecca Randles — an attorney for several plaintiffs in abuse lawsuits — says the resignation is an important step for abuse victims and the diocese.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — At least six school districts in Kansas plan to close a few days early this May because of budget concerns.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports a K-12 block grant bill, which cut about $50 million in operating and maintenance aid from the budgets of most school districts in the state, went into effect for the current school year.

According to superintendents, school board minutes and public announcements on district websites, schools that have shortened their calendars are Concordia Unified School District 333, Twin Valley USD 240, Smoky Valley USD 400, Haven USD 312, Skyline USD 438 and Shawnee Heights USD 450.

Most school districts in the state exceed the required amount of days for a school year, which makes it possible for them to drop a few days without violating any rules.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Heavy rains across Kansas this past week have slowed spring planting due to wet soils.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 1 percent of the soybeans and 23 percent of the corn in Kansas has now been planted.

The agency says precipitation came across the eastern two-thirds of Kansas, with heavier amounts in south-central Kansas. Southwestern counties stayed mostly dry.

About 28 percent of the state’s winter wheat crop is rated in poor to very poor condition despite the welcomed moisture. About 46 percent of the wheat is in fair condition with 24 percent in good and 2 percent excellent shape.

About 4 percent of the state’s wheat crop has now headed.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two tax measures that would benefit businesses based in Missouri are heading to Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk after passing the Legislature.

The Missouri House on Monday approved changing the way corporate taxes are calculated by a vote of 153-4. It’s a move supporters say will ensure companies headquartered in the state don’t face double taxation.

Rep. Caleb Jones, of Columbia, says making sure businesses can voluntarily calculate taxes this way would keep businesses currently based in Missouri in the state.

The House also passed 102-53 a bill to extend a tax credit program for new or expanding headquarters of businesses from the current 2020 end date to 2025.

Both measures have already passed the Senate and now go to the governor.