The Hutchinson Fire Department rescued two people from an afternoon house fire on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a media release, the fire department said that they responded to a house fire in the 600 block of North Plum Street shortly before 12:30 p.m. &nbsp;While they were enroute to the fire dispatch notified responding units that there were two people trapped on the second floor of the residence. &nbsp;

Initial units on the scene found heavy smoke coming out of the residence and two female victims self-evacuating out of windows on the second story.&nbsp; One of the victims was rescued via a ground ladder and the second via a fire apparatus.&nbsp; The victims were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to the conditions, a request was made to bring all available fire units to the scene. Two cats were later found while searching the residence and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. They were taken by animal control for observation. &nbsp;

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Department Fire Marshals Office &nbsp;

HFD rescues 2 from house fire on Monday afternoon 

We had local exterminator Jeff Wells with Advance Pest Control stop by the BW Morning Show to talk about pest control, and what homeowners can do to help control pests. &nbsp;

We asked Jeff what his expectations are for this spring and summer. &nbsp;“It's, you know, in fact, my wife and I were talking about this earlier in the year, and I said, this may be one of those years where our our swarm calls are really up,” said Wells.&nbsp;

We asked about swarm season and how it's going so far this spring. &nbsp;“So we have received a bunch of, you know, termite swarm calls, they're coming. And you know when they show up, boy, you know, because they don't show up in single spies, but they are in battalions when they arrive. And so, lot of phone calls with those going on right now. And there's a distinct difference between swarming termites and ants. and ants will also swarm this time of year,” said Wells. &nbsp;

Wells said that one important thing to remember when you call a pest control service is to save the bug. Any pest control company you call out to your home needs to know the target pest. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He elaborated on why that is so important, “We had an instance the other day where a customer thought they had bat bugs. Turns out they didn't have bat bugs. They had bed bugs, and the treatment for those two critters varies. In fact, the treatment differential between bids was about $6,000 and so just the little hairs on the pronotum of this bug made the difference in what that treatment was going to look like. And so again, it's just super important for us to know what we're going after,” Wells said. &nbsp;

Thats because they can choose the products, the right products to make sure they are applying them appropriately. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On a final note, we asked what the homeowner can do preemptively to help with pest control.&nbsp; 

“I think folks can do a lot of stuff around the outside of their house to help reduce population of nuisance insects, the occasional invaders that we'll call them, and a lot of that has to do with manicuring stuff, removing, you know, debris, from around the outside of the house. Same thing with termites. If we can avoid stacking, you know, wood right against the house, create some breaks and some spacing. That really does, does you a lot of good even, kind of keeping the dirt away from the brick ledge of the house and kind of keeping it down off the siding. You just have a little Mother Nature pest control helping you along the way, and she's a lot cheaper than the rest of us.”&nbsp;

Spring is here.... and so are the bugs  

Boortz is a 1 year old medium mix breed. He is an exuberant bundle of energy who brings joy to everyone he meets. 

He is known for his playful antics and infectious enthusiasm, Boortz loves making friends wherever he goes. Tug of war is his game of choice, or any playtime involving a squeaky toy. 

He enjoys long walks in the park and running off-leash in safe, open areas.

 If you are looking for a fun energetic pet that will make sure you get your daily exercise, come down to the animal shelter and schedule an appointment to meet Boortz.

The Hutchinson Animal Shelter is located at 1501 South Severance Street.  Their hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday through Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Other times are by appointment.  You can reach them by phone at 620-694-1924.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt a Furry Friend: Boortz  

The McPherson County Board of County Commissioners on Monday enacted a burn ban for all of McPherson County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ban is effective beginning on April 14 and is in effect until the Board of County Commissioners rescinds it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The ban includes all outdoor fires including: • Fence rows, ditches, fields and debris • Brush piles • Burn pits, campfires, back yard fire pits and chimeneas • Residential trash in burn barrels&nbsp;

According to the ban you can use:&nbsp; • Barbeque grills and smokers • Permanent backyard stove and fireplaces • Fixed barbeque grill in a park or recreation area&nbsp;

If you have any questions regarding the ban, please contact your local fire chief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The resolution enacting the burn ban can be viewed at this <a href="https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/DocumentCenter/View/8224/McPherson-County-Resolution-2025-05?fbclid=IwY2xjawJrKVhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHrYph7ebUJ0CUeMH0Wkm6CfSCFieXpns85_CrrAL-30Z1b78M5w9G4XD6Ttj_aem_2WQcWXO1vm1z44iEkyWWnQ">LINK.</a>&nbsp;

McPherson County Commission enacts county-wide burn ban 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview:  Jeff Wells, Advance Pest Control 

The Hutchnson City Council will be meeting on Tuesday evening.&nbsp; Items on the agenda include:&nbsp;

• Consider an Ordinance Charging Franchise Fee for Transportation of Natural Gas by Black Hills Energy.

• Consider an Ordinance Authorizing the Loan Agreement Amendment No. 1 between the City of Hutchinson and the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment. 

• Consider a Resolution Authorizing the Sale of $5,270,000 General Obligation Bonds Series 2025-A and $1,065,000 General Obligation Bonds (Taxable) Series 2025-B.

• Consider an Resolution for Public Hearing on Advisability of Community Improvement District (CID) for Hutchinson Mall Phase II. 

• Spring Clean-up April 26th &amp; 27th. 

The council meets at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Hutchinson City Hall.&nbsp;

The full agenda packet can be found at this <a href="https://content.civicplus.com/api/assets/1a73b09b-ef93-4ab8-b600-a7443c6bb4cc">LINK.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson City Council to meet on Tuesday 

🎧 BW: Morning Show Interview:  Sherry Treece, Cosmosphere 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

We have all seen the reactions of the stock and financial markets to the tariffs that President Trump has levied on other nations to eliminate the trade deficit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, John Jenkinson looks at the effects of the tariffs from an inside view.&nbsp;

Here's today's Ag Minute for April 15, 2025

<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

Ag Minute:  Stock and financial market reaction to tariffs

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Shawn	Michael Adams 4/14/2025 12:59 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation

Jaydon	Scott Mosier 4/14/2025 8:07 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear

Abigail Lee Gillen 4/14/2025 11:20 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;DWS; 2nd or subs conviction

Jaren Antonio Goodwin 4/15/2025 12:26 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Daily Bookings

Hutchinson, KS - USD 308 Hutchinson Public Schools is excited to announce the esteemed list of retirees for this academic year. In honor of their years of dedicated service, we invite the greater Salthawk community to attend the retirement reception or participate in a special card shower to celebrate their contributions.

The in-person celebration will be held on Saturday, May 3rd&nbsp;at 2:00pm at the Career &amp; Technical Education Event Center, 800 15th&nbsp;Circle. The reception and program are open to the public and will start at 2:00pm. The event will feature light refreshments, a performance by cellists from Hutchinson High School, and a brief program. During the reception, retirees will be awarded an engraved Signature Golden Apple featuring their name and years of service to the district.

Community members who cannot attend but would like to send their good wishes to the retirees can mail their cards, before April 25th, to:

USD 308 Administrative Center c/o (RETIREE’S NAME) 1520 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS, 67501

Let's ensure a memorable farewell for our deserving retirees! For more information visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.3bUr3Jj6hEqcIrymqBBc-2F8V3tpDemrm9FQ1p3tRQzwlBL85aWxjIpfmRqEPQz86Kr8v__-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjVsYrwneFvFXH6RGjOVtkAEfkWkzNEsurIsNG3bUBUSqv359eNi8rg7f7wIhYsOBEGGJgZRme8D7oIxR5wFAfthiwQS6Ax2azPDOMDELUAp5i4jYeDf717LY1EltVBrRCNsAzg-2BQZ3mxhodZhux5-2BT46lvzIW3Kn0-2BwSP3Mr3A6DE1DXUVufLlQLR0WeB-2F-2BcDKgb9rVCdrlmsdQix2DwIXP57NEk0CbQpZ-2F46slZVkXBbocBZacDw-2FMorbfRH-2BUF641T2dTGkJdoGc3eiI3-2F48A-3D">www.usd308.com/2025retirement</a>&nbsp;

USD 308 announces retirees for 2024-2025 school year 

MAIZE, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Maize South to face the Mavericks in an AVCTL Division I doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 6-4 record and are fresh off a split of Valley Center on Friday. The Mavericks are 8-3 but just were swept by archrival Maize last week in home and home games.&nbsp;

Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.

🎧⚾ Hutch High travels to Maize South for AVCTL doubleheader

STEVE CARPENTER Hutchinson CC Sports Information Director

After Wednesday, Phil Anderson becomes the answer to a Hutchinson Community College Athletic Department trivia question.

That question is: Who is the only Blue Dragon coach – head or assistant – to win national championships in two different sports?

Most recently, Anderson was on the bench when the 2024 Blue Dragon women’s basketball team captured its first national championship in program history. Anderson was also on Blue Dragon men’s basketball head coach Steve McClain’s staff when the Blue Dragons won the 1994 men’s national title.

Completing his 11th season on John Ontjes’ women’s basketball staff, Anderson has announced his retirement. His final day with the Blue Dragons will be Wednesday.

“I look back and it’s been such an honor being here,” Anderson said. “Working with the entire athletic staff, I feel lucky. But it’s time to make a change. I want to spend more time with my family and grandkids and that’s the major reason for the change.”

Since the start of the 1991-92 season, Anderson has been synonymous with basketball in the City of Hutchinson, whether it be with the Blue Dragons or at Hutchinson High School.

The 1991-92 season brought Anderson to Hutchinson Community College as a men’s assistant coach. In three seasons on McClain’s staff, Anderson helped the Blue Dragons produce a record of 91-16. The 1993-94 Blue Dragons went 35-4, won the Region 6 Tournament and went on to defeat Three Rivers 78-74 in the 1994 NJCAA Tournament championship game, the second men’s national title to that point in Blue Dragon history.

Anderson made the move across 13th Avenue in 1994 to take over The Hutchinson High boys basketball program. Success followed Anderson to Hutch High. In 12 seasons as the Salt Hawks’ head coach, Anderson rolled up a 172-93 overall record. His 2001 Salt Hawk team captured the Kansas Class 6A state championship. In 2002, Hutch High returned to the 6A title game, but finished the season as the state runner-up.

From 2007 to 2014, Anderson was the Hutchinson Middle School-8 head coach. After the 2014 season, Anderson got a call from Ontjes to join the Blue Dragon women’s basketball staff.

“I had just gotten finished coaching Coach Ontjes’ son Max in eighth grade. He had an opening on his staff and asked if I was interested. I jumped at the chance.”

What an 11-year run it’s been with Anderson and the Blue Dragons.

The Blue Dragons amassed 339 wins with nine trips to the NJCAA Tournament. Anderson’s first season with the Blue Dragon women went all the way to the NJCAA Tournament championship game in 2015.The Blue Dragons won seven Jayhawk Conference championships (2016, 2017, 2020/21, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) and three Region VI Tournament titles (2017, 2022, 2024).

The 2023-24 Blue Dragon women went 37-0 and captured the 2024 NJCAA Division I national championship with an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State in the championship game on April 1, 2024 in Casper, Wyoming.

On the way to the national tournament, the Blue Dragons captured Jayhawk Conference and Region VI championships. Freshman guard Kiki Smith was named the conference, region and NJCAA National Player of the Year as well as the MVP of the national tournament. Including Smith, five Blue Dragon players earned all-KJCCC honors with Journey Armstead and Monae Duffy joining Smith in the first team. Hailey Jackson and Akaysha Muggeridge were second-team selections.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 11 years with Coach Anderson in our program,” Ontjes said. “He’s been a major part of my career. I’ve taken a lot from him when I worked for him. He’s so competitive and it’s so fun to battle and go into big games with him.”

For Anderson and Ontjes, their journey together has come full circle.

The first time Anderson’s and Ontjes’ paths crossed came in the Adolf Rupp Tournament in Halstead when Anderson was the head coach at Lyons High School and Ontjes was playing at Nickerson High School.

“We had the misfortune of playing Nickerson that night in the semifinals,” Anderson said. “It turned into a layup drill for Nickerson and Coach Ontjes was leading the way.”

Anderson continued to watch Ontjes’ career progress at Nickerson and as luck would have it, Ontjes came to Hutchinson to play for the Blue Dragons when Anderson was hired in 1991.

After Ontjes’ playing career, he joined Anderson’s coaching staff at Hutchinson High School. Ontjes then became the Salt Hawks’ women’s coach in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons before taking over the Blue Dragon program.

“I felt very lucky to be able to hire him at Hutchinson High School and have him on our staff,” Anderson said. “It’s been a great run and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

“To be on Coach Ontjes’ staff, his accomplishments have been incredible and historical. I feel very lucky to be a part of it.

🏀 Phil Anderson to retire from HutchCC women's staff

NICKERSON, Kan. — The USD 309 Board of Education approved the hiring of Terence Williams as the next head boys basketball coach at Nickerson High School during its regular meeting Monday evening.

Williams, a Dodge City High School graduate, brings a diverse background of playing and coaching experience. He played collegiately at Allen County Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University, then spent time overseas at the EuroProBasket International Academy in Spain before returning to the U.S. to begin his coaching and teaching career.

For the past five years, Williams has served as an assistant coach at Dodge City High School. He is also the founder of LV8Hoops, an AAU program focused on player development and mentoring youth through basketball.

“We hired Terence Williams because of his passion to develop student-athletes, as well as build a competitive and winning program,” said Devin Maxwell, who will take over as Nickerson’s athletic director at the end of the school year. “We think he will make great connections with the students and will be a great leader for our basketball program.”

Maxwell said Williams brings “a lot of knowledge, energy and passion to make everyone around him better.”

🏀 Terence Williams approved as new head boys basketball coach at Nickerson High School

ANDOVER, Kan. — Hesston earned a top-three team finish and placed two golfers in the top 10 during Monday’s Andover Central Invitational at Terradyne Country Club.

The Swathers carded a 323 to finish third in the 11-team field. Grant Waterson and Eli Frantz each shot 77 to tie for eighth individually, while Carter Frey added an 83 and Austin Penner posted an 86.

Buhler placed eighth with a team score of 334, led by Zach Chance’s 76 — which tied for sixth overall. Drew DeMeyer followed with a 79 to finish just outside the top 10, and Nick Chance added an 85. James Dingler and Brennan Geilenfeldt rounded out Buhler’s scoring with rounds of 94 and 97, respectively.

Andover captured the team title with a 299, paced by four players in the top five. Colt Farrow of Andover Central was the individual medalist with a 72. Andover Central finished second at 312.

You can find full results from the Andover Central Invitational by <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2522&amp;db=boys">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;

⛳ Hesston finishes 3rd, Buhler 8th at Andover Central Invitational

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Central Christian's Nathan Reed and Ryland Kooiman each shot a 76 to share individual medalist honors Monday at the Central Christian School Invitational at Carey Park Golf Course.

The duo helped lead the Cougars to a fourth-place team finish with a 313. Cael Kooiman added a 79 to place fourth individually, and Tyler Reed rounded out the Central Christian scoring with an 82 for 10th place. Brody Froese also cracked the top 15 with an 88.

Trinity Catholic placed fifth in the team standings with a 321, highlighted by a trio of players — Ian Shaw, Seamus Hogan and Miles Blaylock — who all shot 80 to tie for fifth individually. Lincoln Barnes and Tyler Casebolt followed closely behind with rounds of 81.

Nickerson finished 10th with a 436, led by Addrick Nelson’s 96. Sedgwick followed in 12th at 437, with Keighan Earles carding a 100 to pace the Cardinals. Inman placed 14th with a 477, with Creighton Fries posting the team’s low round at 98.

Lost Springs-Centre claimed the team title with an 85, led by Easton Glessner’s 85. Whitewater-Remington placed second at 121, while Berean Academy finished third with a 270.

Full results from the Central Christian School Invitational can be found <a href="https://kansasgolfscores.com/ks_b_25/tourneyResults.php?tid=2533&amp;db=boys">here</a>.

⛳ Central Christian School's Kooiman and Reed share individual title at home invite

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ KC falls in The Bronx, ⚾ Jackie Robinson Day, 🏀 WNBA Draft

🏀 K-State's Sundell taken No. 26 in WNBA Draft by Seattle Storm

NEW YORK (AP) — Trent Grisham, Ben Rice and Austin Wells each hit a solo home run off Seth Lugo in the fifth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1 on Monday night in their first meeting since last year’s AL Division Series.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. tied the score in the fourth with his sixth homer, an inning after Bobby Witt Jr.’s home run against Carlos Carrasco (2-1) on the 10th pitch of his at-bat put Kansas City ahead.

Carrasco and four relievers combined on a two-hitter for the Yankees, whose starters entered with a 5.40 ERA.

New York (9-7) had lost five of its previous seven games. The Yankees beat the Royals in four games during their ALDS last October.

Lugo (1-2) gave up 16 homers in 33 starts last season, when he was a first-time All-Star. Mixing nine different pitches, he allowed seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He had yielded more than two homers just once before, when Philadelphia hit four on Sept. 17, 2020.

Carrasco allowed one hit in five innings. Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams followed. Williams allowed Witt’s leadoff single in the ninth and a one-out walk before retiring Miakel Garcia on a game-ending flyout for his second save.

Kansas City (8-9) wore its new powder blue-and-white caps and helmets with dark blue bills along with powder blue uniforms.

Jonathan India went 0 for 3 with a walk as the designated hitter after missing a game with tightness in his right quadriceps.

Royals first baseman Mark Canha (left abductor strain) will start a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday. Left-hander Sam Long was seen by a doctor who confirmed the pitcher has elbow inflammation. Long won’t throw for five days, then will ramp up for five days.

Grisham’s home run was his fourth this season; last year he hit his fourth on June 22.

All four Yankees homers were by left-handed hitters: on a changeup, cutter and a pair of fastballs.

Yankees LHP Max Fried (2-0, 1.56 ERA) and Royals RHP Michael Wacha (0-2, 4.20) start Tuesday night.

⚾ Yankees beat Royals in series opener

WICHITA, Kan. — Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning Jr. has announced the 10 members of the 2025 induction class, which will be honored Saturday, Aug. 2, in Topeka.

This year’s class features a diverse group of standout coaches, Olympians, national champions, All-Americans, and record holders at both the national and world level.

“This is an accomplished group and one the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is extremely proud to recognize on behalf of the entire state,” Dunning said. “The individuals represent the best of Kansas and come from all walks of life. Their stories provide inspiration to all Kansans.”

Additionally, Mark Mangino, former Kansas head football coach and Kansas State assistant, was selected in 2024 but will be honored during this year’s ceremony due to a scheduling conflict last year.

The induction raises the total number of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame members to 349. The Hall was established by the Kansas State Legislature in 1961 as part of the state’s Centennial Celebration, with original honorees including James Naismith, Mike Ahearn, Glenn Cunningham, Walter Johnson, and Jess Willard.

The 2025 Induction Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Washburn University Ballroom, 1700 SW College Ave., followed by a reception and lunch. Tickets are $50 and available at <a href="http://kshof.org">kshof.org</a>.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact KSHOF Executive Director Richard Konzem at 785-331-6607 or <a>richard@kshof.org</a>.

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame announces 2025 induction class

The Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches (KABC) released it's latest rankings on Friday. McPherson (12-0) maintains the top spot in 4A, while Hesston (7-2) and Haven (8-2) are each in the 3A poll. Sedgwick (10-0) and Little River (10-0) are represented in the 2-1A rankings.

Click here to visit the <a href="https://www.kabcbaseball.org/rankings">KABC website</a>.

⚾ McPherson remains No. 1 in KABC  class 4A rankings

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kansas are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop arrest.

Just before 10p.m. April 10, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling over 100mph on U.S. 36 near mile marker 356, according to Sheriff John Merchant.&nbsp;

After investigating, the deputy arrested 29-year-old Chelsea Cohara of St. Joseph, Missouri on requested charges of Felony DUI, Driving While License Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked, Transporting Open Container, Speeding&nbsp; and No Proof of Insurance.&nbsp; She remains in custody, according to online jail records.

Woman with no license caught driving 100mph on Kan. highway

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A Hays man was arrested after his roommate attempted to pay fines with cash that allegedly smelled like marijuana.

Hays Police Deputy Chief Tim Greenwood said the investigation began Monday after a records clerk reportedly smelled marijuana on the cash and alerted an officer, who confirmed the odor.

Another officer traced the cash to the woman’s residence in the 400 block of West Eighth Street.

Greenwood said an officer knocked on the door, where 28-year-old James Washington answered and admitted to possessing a small amount of marijuana, which he allegedly presented to the officer.

Washington denied the officer entry until a search warrant was obtained. Once executed, authorities allegedly discovered more than a pound of marijuana, THC vape cartridges and liquid wax, and two handguns, Greenwood said.

Washington was arrested on requested charges of possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. Greenwood said the woman who paid the fine was not arrested or charged at that time.

Kan. man jailed after roommate pays fine with marijuana-scented cash

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20A.%20LIEB%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID A. LIEB&nbsp;</a>

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s Republican-led House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday asking voters to repeal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">an abortion-rights measure</a>&nbsp;they narrowly approved last year and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.

Democrats and abortion-rights activists denounced the public policy swing as an affront to the will of voters. But Republicans contend they are simply giving voters a second chance — and are confident they will change their minds.

“Missourians deserve to be presented with better options at the ballot box -- options that are more in line with their values,” said Republican Rep. Brian Seitz, who is handling the measure.

The abortion landscape across the U.S. has been shifting since the U.S. Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;in 2022, ending a nationwide right to abortion and clearing the way for bans in Missouri and elsewhere to take effect.

Since then, Missouri is the only state where voters have overturned a law barring most abortions at all stages of pregnancy. A constitutional amendment, passed by about 52% in November, guarantees a right to abortion until fetal viability — generally considered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy</a>&nbsp;— and allows later abortions to protect the life or health of pregnant women.

A limited number of surgical abortions have since occurred in Missouri, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-planned-parenthood-st-louis-975a18e93c90ae7037dbd359dd7aac18">medication abortions remain on hold</a>&nbsp;while Planned Parenthood wrangles with the state over abortion regulations.

In addition to repealing the abortion-rights amendment, the new measure would allow abortions only for a medical emergency or fetal anomaly, or in cases of rape or incest up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. It also would prohibit gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors, which already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">barred under state law</a>.

The proposal won initial House approval by 94-50 vote, with House Speaker Jon Patterson among just two Republicans siding with Democrats in opposition. Another House vote is needed to send the measure to the Senate, where approval would place it on a future Missouri ballot.

Some Republican lawmakers assert that voters are opposed to most abortions but desire options for rape and incest and state regulations setting health and safety standards for abortion providers.

Democratic lawmakers read aloud the written testimony of numerous residents who came to the Capitol last week to testify against the measure but were denied an opportunity to speak during a House committee hearing.

"To repeal what they have already voted on is wrong,” Democratic Rep. Marla Smith said.

Tuesday’s debate came on the same day that a different House committee heard testimony on separate legislation that would allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-abolitionists-trump-roe-criminal-homicide-d6d5c7a05419fe9ded04271cb517b001">abortions to be prosecuted as homicide.</a>&nbsp;That bill did not advance, but it generated impassioned testimony.

“Our representatives seem to be sitting up here calling us stupid and saying our opinions don’t matter,” said Chloe Mix, a Springfield resident who backed last year’s abortion-rights amendment and opposes this year’s measures.

The Missouri House debate also came one day after the Legislature gave final approval to a bill limiting the courts' ability to rewrite summaries of ballot measures. That measure, which now goes to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, was prompted by Republican frustration that a judge rewrote the original ballot summary prepared for last year’s abortion-rights amendment.

Last year, voters in six other states approved ballot measures to bolster abortion rights, and three rejected them. In Arizona, a judge this year permanently blocked enforcement of a ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy, finding it violated the amendment adopted last year.

A ballot measure in Montana last year that ensured the right to abortion didn’t stop lawmakers from introducing several abortion measures this year. But none gained traction in the Legislature.

Associated Press writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Mo. lawmakers advance proposed repeal of abortion-rights measure approved by voters

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Detention Deputy suffered serious burns just before 7:30p.m. Monday after an inmate identified as 21-year-old James Edward Chavez launched a targeted attack inside the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility, according to a media release from the sheriff's department.

The incident happened while the deputy was speaking with inmates in a housing pod.&nbsp; Chavez obtained a pot of boiling water and threw it on the deputy, causing second and third-degree burns to the back part of his body.

Sedgwick County EMS transported the deputy to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit. The 30-year-old deputy who has served with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly two years, remains hospitalized but is expected to fully recover.

Chavez was originally booked into the detention facility in March 2024 on pending juvenile charges and later faced an additional charge for trafficking contraband into a correctional facility He has had 39 documented disciplinary incidents since entering the facility.

Following the attack, a charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer has been added to Chavez’s current charges. Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation and will present their findings to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.

Inmates have traditionally had access to hot water for preparing coffee, tea, and food items like Ramen noodles. The Sheriff’s Office is now reviewing that policy.

“Our office remains committed to the safety of our employees,” Sheriff Jeff Easter said. “We are in close contact with the deputy and his family, and we are praying for his speedy recovery. This type of violence will not be tolerated.”

Kan. jail deputy attacked with scalding water remains hospitalized

Texas health officials confirmed 20 more cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-day-care-lubbock-3d90c3ea9050c12dbc74a8f8142a6355">measles</a>&nbsp;in its nearly 3-month-old outbreak Tuesday, alongside five new cases in New Mexico and six in central Ohio.

Last week, U.S. measles cases topped 700 as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">Indiana</a>&nbsp;joined five others states with active outbreaks. Even as the virus continued to spread and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention redeployed a team to West Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/autism-kennedy-trump-vaccines-rfk-jr-cdc-b66251888f039c80b15beda23c279d5b">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;claimed in a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday that measles cases were plateauing nationally. The U.S. has more than double the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">measles cases</a>&nbsp;it saw in all of 2024.

Texas is reporting the majority of measles cases.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;died from measles-related illnesses near&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">the epicenter of the outbreak in rural West Texas</a>. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">adult in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;who was not vaccinated also died of a measles-related illness.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-kansas-ohio-mmr-vaccination-new-mexico-texas-569474272df9baaad1f6d73462ebe92a">Other states with active outbreaks</a>&nbsp;— defined as three or more cases — include Indiana,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>, Oklahoma and Ohio.

The multistate outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-vaccines-funding-cuts-5785985d6b74024b0502f6a2fc1576e2">take hold in other U.S. communities</a>&nbsp;with low vaccination rates and that the spread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-outbreak-mmr-vaccine-6cfda9a944084c390bc70f0e7a37a426">could stretch on for a year</a>. The World Health Organization has said cases in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561">Mexico</a>&nbsp;are linked to the Texas outbreak.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-new-mexico-mmr-outbreak-vaccines-408371700e3ab548777bf0354e586549">Measles</a>&nbsp;is caused by a highly contagious virus that's airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

Here's what else you&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-rfk-vaccines-8cf4641b04731c713edb524ca943490c">need to know about measles in the U.S.</a>

How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?

Texas' outbreak began in late January. State health officials said Tuesday there were 20 new cases of measles since Friday, bringing the total to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/sxSwi/?v=7">561 across 23 counties</a>&nbsp;— most of them in West Texas. Two more Texans were hospitalized, for a total of 58 throughout the outbreak, and Reeves County logged its first case.

State health officials estimated Tuesday that about 4% of cases — fewer than 25 — are actively infectious.

Sixty-five percent of Texas' cases are in Gaines County, population 22,892, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has logged 364 cases since late January — just over 1% of the county's residents.

The April 3 death in Texas was an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">8-year-old child,</a>&nbsp;according to Kennedy. Health officials in Texas said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child's doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A unvaccinated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas</a>&nbsp;in late February — Kennedy said age 6.

New Mexico announced five new cases Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 63. Three more people are in the hospital, for a total of five since the outbreak started. Doña Ana County reported its first case. Most of the state's cases are in Lea County. Two are in Eddy County and one in Chaves County.

State health officials say the cases are linked to Texas’ outbreak based on genetic testing. New Mexico reported its first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-death-new-mexico-texas-outbreak-b9aef6fdd51fbb4ebd1ce9ce28e33299">measles-related death in an adult</a>&nbsp;on March 6.

<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/aP4Au/?v=3">Kansas</a>&nbsp;has 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest part of the state, health officials announced Wednesday. Two of the counties, Finney and Ford, are new on the list and are major population centers in that part of the state. Haskell County has the most with eight cases, Stevens County has seven, Kiowa County has six, and the rest have five or fewer.

The state's first reported case, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing, a state health department spokesperson said. But health officials have not determined how the person was exposed.

Cases in Oklahoma remained steady at 12 total cases Tuesday: nine confirmed and three probable. The first two probable cases were “associated” with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the state health department said.

A state health department spokesperson said measles exposures were confirmed in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Rogers and Custer counties, but wouldn't say which counties had cases.

The Knox County outbreak in east-central Ohio has infected a total 20 people as of Tuesday, according to a news release from the county health department, but seven of them do not live in Ohio. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio sickened 85.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state last week: 11 in Ashtabula County near Cleveland, seven in Knox County and one each in Allen and Holmes counties. The state updates its count on Thursdays, and it only includes Ohio residents.

The outbreak in Ashtabula County started with an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with someone who had traveled internationally.

Indiana confirmed six connected cases of measles in Allen County in the northeast part of the state — four are unvaccinated minors and two are adults whose vaccination status is unknown.

The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health said Wednesday. The first case was confirmed Monday.

Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?

Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. The agency counted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/">seven clusters</a>&nbsp;that qualified as outbreaks in 2025 as of Friday.

In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are frequently traced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-asia-measles-rates-unicef-who-report-2f888732cc297090238956986fd89cc4">someone who caught the disease abroad</a>. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles. So far in 2025, the CDC's count is 712.

The best way to avoid measles is to get the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html">measles, mumps and rubella</a>&nbsp;(MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

People at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak, said Scott Weaver with the Global Virus Network, an international coalition. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions.

Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need measles shots now, the CDC said. Criteria include written documentation of adequate vaccination earlier in life, lab confirmation of past infection or being born before 1957, when most people were likely to be infected naturally.

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