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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A former state senator from St. Louis has been fined more than $270,000 by the Missouri Ethics Commission for violating numerous campaign finance laws.

A decision released Wednesday by the commission found that former Democratic Sen. Robin Wright-Jones used campaign money for personal expenses such as food and clothing. She also received vehicle mileage reimbursements both from the state and her campaign committee. The commission also found numerous instances where the campaign failed to report contributions and expenditures by deadlines.

St. Louis attorney Bernard Edwards Jr. represents Wright-Jones. He called the fine arbitrary and excessive and said the expenses for clothes, food and mileage were legitimately related to her political and official duties. Edwards says he plans to appeal the case to the state Administrative Hearing Commission.

UPDATED:

Schools in Wentzville are back to normal operations.

Earlier Wednesday afternoon the schools all went on "tightened security". Police initially said the schools were on lockdown, but students were allowed to move from class to class inside the buildings.

Just after 2PM the all clear was given.

Police say there was never a problem at the schools, but an issue in a neighborhood near the school.

A change at the top of a huge charitable organization in St. Louis.

Effective July 1, Gary Dollar will retire as the President and CEO of the United Way. Orvin Kimbrough will serve as the next president and CEO. Kimbrough has been serving as the Senior Vice President of Major Gifts since 2007.

Dollar leaves the United Way after 29 years of service.