TOPEKA — A Kansas man who operates an online tutoring service as “Mr. X, Mentor of Mathematics” is running for the State Board of Education in hopes of making it easier for professionals outside the public school system to become teachers. Steve Roberts argues that state policies still place too much emphasis on ensuring that aspiring second-career teachers go back to college to study teaching methods — instead of quickly tapping their knowledge of subjects such as math and science, particularly in middle and high schools. Roberts, a self-described conservative Republican from the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, is riling educators and renewing a debate that’s simmered for years. By Political Writer John Hanna.

INFANT SODOMIZED-LIFE SENTENCE

HUTCHINSON — A 25-year-old Hutchinson man who reported himself to police for performing a sex act on an infant has been sentenced to life in prison under a Kansas law that the judge called one of the harshest in the nation. Michael Sherman, who had no criminal record before pleading guilty in August to aggravated criminal sodomy of a child, won’t be eligible for parole until he has served 25 years of the sentence he received Friday in Reno County District Court.

GLOWING SKY LANTERNS

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Some municipal officials in Missouri and Kansas want to permanently ground lanterns that float through the night sky, saying they are dangerous balls of fire that could spark blazes when they land. The lanterns have become popular for holidays and family celebrations. Most are made of thin paper wrapped around a wire or bamboo frame. When an attached candle or other heat source warms the air inside, they rise and float away.

TURNING 108

EUDORA — Whenever Henrietta Olson talks, people carefully listen to her quiet and oftentimes pointed responses. The witty Eudora resident mainly tells staff and residents at Medicalodges, 1415 Maple St., about her life and her family. Olson’s memories span more than a century and date back to times of horse-drawn wagons, mud roads and “dreams of the West” that very few can relate to but often retell for her. After all, the petite woman with pale blue eyes turns 108 on Monday. By Angelique McNaughton, Lawrence Journal-World.

ALSO:

— ROAD RAGE-CRASH — Investigators say a multi-vehicle crash that forced an area high school football game to be delayed appears to have started because of road rage.

— OBIT-MCGOVERN-DOLE — Former U.S. senator and Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole says millions of children are able to eat thanks to the work of former U.S. Sen. George McGovern.

SPORTS:

CAR–NASCAR-KANSAS

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Local stars Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards are at opposite ends of the spectrum as they head into Sunday’s race at hometown track Kansas Speedway. By Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. 1 p.m. CT. AP Photos. With sidebars on merit.

FBC–T25-KANSAS ST ROLLS

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia and Kansas State are heading in different directions in the Big 12. The Mountaineers don’t have the offensive punch they possessed just a few weeks earlier. The Wildcats seems to be improving each week. By John Raby.

The AP-Kansas City