Latest news with #Higdon
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ozarks Tech unveils new Roy Blunt Aviation Center
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Ozarks Technical Community College revealed a new training center designed to teach students how to repair commercial and private aircraft. The Roy Blunt Aviation Training Center features classrooms and hands-on learning opportunities for students, including the planes that students will work. Hal Higdon, Chancellor at Ozarks Tech, says this has been a collaboration between multiple organizations and a years-long journey that started when the Ozarks Tech Aviation program took off. 'As that [the aviation program] grew, the airport really talked to us about the need for these mechanics because of the large amount of need in this area,' Higdon said. 'So we began planning several years ago and the federal government, through Senator Blunt, was able to put in money our Greene County put in money, the city of Springfield and the state of Missouri.' Dickerson Park Zoo says goodbye to beloved monkey Morgan The new program fulfills an agreement Ozarks Tech has with American Airlines. The graduates of this program will fill the need in the workforce that was created when American opened its maintenance base in Springfield in 2021. Following the two-year program, students will receive an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification and an associate's degree through Ozarks Tech. 'When they graduate, they're eligible to go to work on anything that we have here in southwest Missouri. We have a large American Airlines facility here that will be hiring, plus private aviation,' Higdon said. 'So there is no lack of jobs ready for these young men and women when they leave this program.' 'We all deserve some money back': Liberty Utilities hears from upset customers at Town Hall meeting There are 24 spots available for the Fall of 2025. Higdon says they will add another 24 to the program each year. 'This program is important because it takes a pilot to fly a plane. But you can't fly a plane if it's not airworthy,' Higdon said. 'And these young men and women will be making sure the plane is safe and ready to fly before the pilot gets in and then all the passengers.' Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. You can find more information to apply here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ozarks Tech approves 3% pay increase for employees to stay competitive
The governing body of Ozarks Technical Community College approved a 3% pay increase for all full-time, part-time and adjunct instructors. The May 14 vote by the Board of Trustees will apply to anyone employed in their respective positions on or before March 31 of this year. "It's really heartening to be able to do this in light of some other institutions that are not giving raises this year or are very, very small," Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the meeting. "We've really tried to stay competitive in our local market." Higdon said Ozarks Tech must compete against Springfield Public Schools and Missouri State University, especially to fill staff positions. "This will allow us to either keep up with one or pass the other," he said. The Springfield-based institution streamlined its salary schedule this year and set aside funds to make targeted market adjustment for key positions, Higdon said. More: Ozarks Tech taps graduate, health sciences dean as its next provost According to the college, salary increases for individuals in externally funded positions — including roles paid for with grants — will be contingent on available funding and approval by the funding entity. The pay increase starts July 1. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks Tech increasing pay for employees to stay competitive
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
REAL ID deadline is here but travelers who missed it may still be able to fly
Even without a REAL ID driver's license, travelers may still fly after clearing additional security screenings, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday. May 7 was the latest deadline for complying with the requirement enacted by Congress 20 years ago. ( photo) Though Wednesday is the enforcement date for the national REAL ID law, air travelers without the form of identification may still be able to fly — a concession drawing praise from a Kentucky lawmaker. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, had sent Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a letter asking for more time to comply with the law. On Tuesday, Higdon said he appreciated Noem's 'showing common sense and flexibility' by allowing travelers without a REAL ID to still fly after clearing additional security screenings. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. (LRC Public Information) Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 as a way to bolster security screenings at airports. Most of the 9/11 hijackers boarded commercial planes using fraudulent U.S. driver's licenses and state IDs. The law was originally intended to go into effect in 2008 but has been delayed several times. Kentucky began rolling out REAL ID drivers' licenses in 2019 starting with a pilot program. Licenses compliant with the federal law require applicants to provide additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of residency. REAL ID or another compliant form of identification is also now required to enter military bases or federal buildings that require it. As Wednesday's deadline approached, Kentucky's driver's licensing regional offices have had long lines. In addition to the REAL ID implementation, a state law went into effect this year requiring drivers to pass a vision test when renewing their licenses. Noem said during a U.S. House hearing Tuesday that airport travelers without a REAL ID will face additional security screenings but may still fly. Instead of REAL ID driver's licenses, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will also accept U.S. passports, passport cards, global entry cards or military ID from those boarding commercial flights. Last month, 28 Republican members of the Kentucky Senate sent Noem a letter asking for a delay in enforcing the REAL ID law. Higdon, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, wrote at the time that 'Kentucky is simply not fully prepared for complete implementation.' A spokesperson for the Republican caucus said that while it did not receive a formal response from Homeland Security, Noem and the Trump administration were aware of the letter. On Tuesday, Higdon issued a statement thanking Noem. 'Her remarks today bring peace of mind to folks who've dealt with long lines, limited appointments at regional offices, or confusion about what's required,' Higdon said. 'Kentuckians who haven't been able to get a REAL ID can now feel confident they'll still be able to fly. That was one of the biggest concerns my colleagues and I had as the May 7 enforcement approached.' Higdon added that the flexibility allows Kentucky additional time to carry out a law that passed earlier this year allowing third-party license renewals. That takes effect on June 27. Last week, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced a 'Skip the Line' option for drivers who want to renew their licenses remotely. A press release from the governor's office said that some Kentuckians who want to upgrade to a REAL ID license may still need to visit an office in person. Kentuckians may still upgrade to a REAL ID after Wednesday's enforcement date.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'We're simply not ready': REAL ID rollout could trigger national headache, state lawmaker warns
A Kentucky lawmaker is urging the federal government to delay its forthcoming REAL ID deadline as his state and others face a whirlwind of logistical issues. "Kentucky wants to comply with REAL ID, but we're simply not ready. And we're not alone. At least 17 other states are still below 50% compliance, and 30 states are below 70% compliance," Republican Kentucky state Sen. Jimmy Higdon told Fox News Digital. "If we flip the switch now, millions of Americans could be denied access to air travel and federal buildings. We need more time, and that's a reasonable request." REAL ID was first created by law in 2005, but the federal government has delayed its implementation multiple times – most recently in 2022. But the Trump administration has made clear that the current May 7 deadline is final. No 'Real Id' Appointments Open In New Jersey As Residents Sound Off: 'Get With The Times, Nj' Higdon and his colleagues in the Kentucky state Senate wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem last week seeking an extension. Read On The Fox News App "I can tell you for a fact, I'm hearing from constituents and my fellow legislators, 'Hey, this is a problem. This is a real problem,'" he told Fox News Digital. The Kentucky Republican called on other state officials to reach out to Noem and ask for a delay as well. "We're not alone here in Kentucky. We're not the lone ranger when it comes to non-compliance. We're at 40%," he said. "We're simply not ready." Indeed, a recent CBS News analysis found that Pennsylvania, Maine and Washington were among the states that came in under 40% compliance. New Jersey's compliance rate was just 17% as of April 18, according to the study. The Trump administration has argued that finally acting on REAL ID helps the White House's crackdown on illegal immigrants, millions of whom have entered the country since President Donald Trump was last in office. But Higdon said there was confusion over what REAL ID is. He described long lines and a dearth of appointments as Kentuckians have scrambled to meet the deadline. "It's almost a panic of sorts trying to get the REAL ID, a lot of people don't understand it," Higdon said. "The media's done a good job of letting people know the deadline's approaching. But a lot think they need a real ID, and they don't if there's other means of real ID – a passport, passport card, military ID – all those things work." "And if you don't plan to travel, if you're not going to get on a commercial airline flight or visit a military base or federal courthouse, you really don't need that REAL ID-compliant ID" 'Mass Surveillance': Conservatives Sound Alarm Over Trump Admin's Real Id Rollout Starting May 7, a REAL ID will be needed for domestic airline travel – rather than a normal state-issued license – as well as in areas where federal identification is required, but having a REAL ID itself is not required. Higdon suggested giving Americans another year to catch up, noting that people had grown used to the government delaying the deadline over the last two decades. "I think we've trained people to ignore that deadline," he said. "So, if we're going forward in a year to get the word out, 'Hey, this is it. We're either going to do away with REAL ID or we're gonna make it mandatory this time next year,' I think that would definitely help." But it appears the Trump administration is not budging. In response to Kentucky legislators' request, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told Fox News Digital, "Beginning on May 7, passengers will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly, like a passport or military ID. TSA is committed to enforcing the law, as directed by Congress." "Non-compliant passengers may expect wait times or additional measures at airports. If you are an illegal alien without a REAL ID, the only way you will be permitted to fly is if you are self-deporting," TSA article source: 'We're simply not ready': REAL ID rollout could trigger national headache, state lawmaker warns
Fox News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
'We're simply not ready': REAL ID rollout could trigger national headache, state lawmaker warns
A Kentucky lawmaker is urging the federal government to delay its forthcoming REAL ID deadline as his state and others face a whirlwind of logistical issues. "Kentucky wants to comply with REAL ID, but we're simply not ready. And we're not alone. At least 17 other states are still below 50% compliance, and 30 states are below 70% compliance," Republican Kentucky state Sen. Jimmy Higdon told Fox News Digital. "If we flip the switch now, millions of Americans could be denied access to air travel and federal buildings. We need more time, and that's a reasonable request." REAL ID was first created by law in 2005, but the federal government has delayed its implementation multiple times – most recently in 2022. But the Trump administration has made clear that the current May 7 deadline is final. Higdon and his colleagues in the Kentucky state Senate wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem last week seeking an extension. "I can tell you for a fact, I'm hearing from constituents and my fellow legislators, 'Hey, this is a problem. This is a real problem,'" he told Fox News Digital. The Kentucky Republican called on other state officials to reach out to Noem and ask for a delay as well. "We're not alone here in Kentucky. We're not the lone ranger when it comes to non-compliance. We're at 40%," he said. "We're simply not ready." Indeed, a recent CBS News analysis found that Pennsylvania, Maine and Washington were among the states that came in under 40% compliance. New Jersey's compliance rate was just 17% as of April 18, according to the study. The Trump administration has argued that finally acting on REAL ID helps the White House's crackdown on illegal immigrants, millions of whom have entered the country since President Donald Trump was last in office. But Higdon said there was confusion over what REAL ID is. He described long lines and a dearth of appointments as Kentuckians have scrambled to meet the deadline. "It's almost a panic of sorts trying to get the REAL ID, a lot of people don't understand it," Higdon said. "The media's done a good job of letting people know the deadline's approaching. But a lot think they need a real ID, and they don't if there's other means of real ID – a passport, passport card, military ID – all those things work." "And if you don't plan to travel, if you're not going to get on a commercial airline flight or visit a military base or federal courthouse, you really don't need that REAL ID-compliant ID" Starting May 7, a REAL ID will be needed for domestic airline travel – rather than a normal state-issued license – as well as in areas where federal identification is required, but having a REAL ID itself is not required. Higdon suggested giving Americans another year to catch up, noting that people had grown used to the government delaying the deadline over the last two decades. "I think we've trained people to ignore that deadline," he said. "So, if we're going forward in a year to get the word out, 'Hey, this is it. We're either going to do away with REAL ID or we're gonna make it mandatory this time next year,' I think that would definitely help." But it appears the Trump administration is not budging. In response to Kentucky legislators' request, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told Fox News Digital, "Beginning on May 7, passengers will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to fly, like a passport or military ID. TSA is committed to enforcing the law, as directed by Congress." "Non-compliant passengers may expect wait times or additional measures at airports. If you are an illegal alien without a REAL ID, the only way you will be permitted to fly is if you are self-deporting," TSA said.
