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The first audit of the Rockwood School District in 18 years, rates the group 'fair'.

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich released the results of his audit in the last hour. The most egregious issue he uncovered was that the district ran up more than 1.2 million dollars in extra construction costs. Other problems found in the district include improper attendance controls, inconsistent inventory of the school's property, and a conflict of interest for the adviser handling bond financing.

This audit comes just five weeks before voters decide on proposition S. That would provide over 38 million dollars to the district for a several construction and security projects.

A fair rating indicates that district needs to improve operations in several areas.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri man is trying to get a routine state benefit after his partner died in the line of duty, even though the state does not recognize gay marriage.

Kelly Glossip is suing the Missouri Highway Patrol for denying benefits designed for the surviving spouse of a slain public safety official. His partner, Dennis Engelhard, was hit and killed by a vehicle while investigating an accident in 2009.

The Missouri Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday, with Glossip's attorney arguing that survival benefits should not be denied on the basis of sexual orientation. The state says the benefits are intended for spouses and the men's relationship does not fall into that classification.

The court did not rule on the case and offered no timetable for a decision.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A disciplinary hearing for a St. Louis police officer has taken a new twist after the accuser was arrested following his testimony.

Jerrmaine Lacy has accused officer Charles Proctor of using excessive force during an arrest in July at Lumiere Place Casino. Lacy says the officer choked him and slammed his head into a squad car bumper.

The department's internal affairs division has recommended the firing of Proctor, a nine-year veteran. The hearing is expected to run through Thursday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Lacy was arrested on four outstanding warrants of trespassing and failure to appear in court. The arrest was prompted by a letter to police chief Sam Dotson from Proctor's attorney, Chet Pleban.

Dotson says the arrest is separate from the hearing.