Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the northwest corner of East 30th and North Plum.

In 1949, Ray and Gene Bullard of Arkansas City built one-of-many drive-in theatres in Kansas at 400 E. 30th for Jay P. Wooten. It was named the Ayr-Vu Drive-In and Charles Embrick was the manager. The first photo shows an aerial of the facility on opening day.

The second photo shows the frontal elevation entrance off 30th street.

The third photo shows the projection screen from inside the compound.

Opening night was July 27, 1949, and the film was "The Return Of October" starring Glenn Ford. Admission was fifty cents apiece for adults. You also got to see four color cartoons!

The drive-in was equipped with new RCA sound equipment. The fourth photo was taken from atop the screen, showing all the autos gathering for the evening before sunset.

One of the early employees was Walt Benson (age 18) in 1953. His job was to cruise the Hutch streets in the advertising Jeep with a signboard showing upcoming movies. The fifth photo shows that vehicle.

He also worked the concession stand and playground. The sixth photo shows that area.

By 1972, the popularity of drive-ins waned, and the ground was worth more than the revenues. The Ayr-Vu Drive-In closed for good on July 31, 1972.

They razed the theatre and built the Farmington Plaza Center. The seventh photo shows the site today at 414 E. 30th, now owned by the Farmington Plaza L.L.C. out of Wichita.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchorinnhutch">Anchor Inn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchorawayhutch/">Anchor Away</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Ayr-Vu Drive-In - Vol. 161

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

JEREMY BOHN K-State Salina Marketing and Communications

Field maintenance is one of Kansas agriculture's most constant needs, and a new professional training through&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina</a>&nbsp;— the premier drone educator in the region — will help agricultural producers learn how to use drones to protect plants, manage weeds and pests and boost yields.

With K-State Salina's new professional training on aerial applications and regulations with uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, farmers can acquire skills that will save them both time and money in their agricultural operations.

The campus is providing two options —&nbsp;<a href="https://reg.learningstream.com/view/cal4a.aspx?ek=&amp;ref=&amp;aa=&amp;sid1=&amp;sid2=&amp;as=38&amp;wp=378&amp;tz=&amp;ms=&amp;nav=&amp;cc=&amp;cat1=&amp;cat2=&amp;cat3=&amp;aid=KSU-S&amp;rf=&amp;pn=">March 9-10 or May 28-29</a>&nbsp;— for the two-day training.

As a part of the training, attendees will gain hands-on experience in everything from drone setup and maintenance to the preflight inspection process and compass and flowmeter calibration. Also included will be instruction from K-State Salina’s expert drone educators in mastering both manual and automated spray missions using multiple spray types, which equips users with the skills to excel in precision agriculture and aerial spraying operations.

Hunter Allison, a K-State Salina UAS flight instructor pilot who will be instructing the Aerial Applications and Regulations course, said the course will teach drone operators how to confidently plan and execute legally compliant aerial application operations while ensuring personal and aircraft safety.

"Not everybody can say that they spray with these ag drones or even drones in general," Allison said. "This course will instruct users to operate larger drones—some up to 400 pounds, if not bigger as the industry goes that direction. But you will be learning about the regulatory environment, going through the step-by-step process, as well as flying one of these drones as well."

Attendees are strongly encouraged to have a Remote Pilot Certificate or have completed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/part-107/">sUAS Commercial Remote Pilot Training program</a>&nbsp;through K-State Salina before enrolling. Those considering attending without the training are asked to contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/">K-State Salina Professional Education and Outreach</a>&nbsp;for training options.

K-State Salina offers a wide-range of UAS training courses through its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/02/Professional%20Education%20and%20Outreach">Professional Education and Outreach program</a>&nbsp;that teams up with the campus’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-engagement/applied-aviation-research-center/">Applied Aviation Research Center</a>, or AARC. This collaboration provides drone expertise and instruction to professionals who can gain the skills to advance their careers and organization’s capabilities across the public safety, agriculture, engineering, utility and other industries.

AARC provides professional flight instructors, cutting-edge applied and unique flight instruction locations that make for elite UAS training opportunities. Courses are available to help prepare the training professionals for the Federal Aviation Administration knowledge exam, develop or enhance flight skills, and collect and process quality data and imagery. Many organizations and businesses across the country&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/">have trusted K-State Salina’s UAS expertise</a>&nbsp;to help develop their drone capabilities.

Those interested in the professional training may learn more and register for one of the two course date options at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/professional-education/uncrewed-training/aerial-application/">UAS Aerial Applications and Regulations</a>&nbsp;website.

K-Salina to offer drone training for AG producers

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, Americans are showing their love not just to partners and family members, but to their pets — spending an estimated $2.8 billion nationwide on pet-related gifts, according to recent reports.

The trend reflects how deeply pets are woven into family life, especially for people whose animals are their primary companions. But they also warn that some popular Valentine’s gifts can pose serious health risks to dogs and cats.

“Pets are family for a lot of people, so it’s not surprising to see owners wanting to spoil them,” Dr. Erica Miller of Apple Lane Animal Hospital tells us. “New beds, sweaters, toys and pet-specific treats are generally fine. The problems come when people share human foods or leave dangerous items within reach.”

Chocolate remains one of the most common hazards for dogs, particularly dark chocolate. Sugar-free candy and gum are even more dangerous. Products containing xylitol, a common sugar substitute, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar in dogs, leading to seizures, coma or death.

Flower arrangements also carry hidden risks, especially for cats. Lilies — a popular Valentine’s Day flower — are highly toxic to cats. Any part of the plant, including pollen, can cause acute kidney failure. Cats may be exposed simply by brushing against flowers and later licking pollen from their paws.

Veterinarians urge pet owners to keep chocolates, candy, flowers and gift wrappings securely stored and out of reach, including trash containers that pets can knock over. They recommend choosing treats specifically formulated for pets and checking with a veterinarian if there are questions about safety.

Dr. Miller says that they are also seeing a rise in overweight pets.&nbsp;

"So many are overweight and I have the talk probably at least once a day, every day, with someone with their pet being overweight, and we need to increase activity and get out their feed, less calories, less treats," says Dr. Miller.

"It's just about having an honest conversation with our clients of ways to help improve their pet's quality of life and helping reduce the risk of certain diseases going forward," Dr. Logan Druecker said. "So certainly again, now, getting some exercise with your pet. It's great bonding. It's great exercise."

As pet owners celebrate Valentine’s Day, experts say a little extra caution can help ensure the holiday ends with happy memories — and healthy pets.

Veterinarians urge caution ahead of Valentine's Day

Today, millions of Americans serve as caregivers, supporting both young children and aging loved ones, often at the same time. Yet many lack critical lifesaving training, including how to respond in a cardiac arrest emergency.

Only about one-third of U.S. adults say they feel confident and ready to act if someone goes into cardiac arrest.

More than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Infants, older adults and those with chronic health conditions are among the most vulnerable. For children of all ages, more than 80% of these emergencies happen at home, making the home the front line of response.&nbsp;CPR&nbsp;and AED training isn’t just a medical skill — it’s a caregiving essential.

“Having the ability to respond to a cardiac emergency makes you a better, more confident caregiver,” said Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas. “Learning first aid and&nbsp;CPR&nbsp;skills may make a lifesaving difference for your child, family member, or even a stranger.”

During National Heart Month, the American Red Cross is urging people to show your loved ones how much you care by taking a Red Cross First Aid,&nbsp;CPR&nbsp;and AED class and other lifesaving skills courses. Having the knowledge and confidence to act when seconds count can triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. Here in South Central and Southeast Kansas,&nbsp;almost 13,000&nbsp;people were trained in lifesaving skills last year.

Be Ready for the Moments that Matter with Red Cross Lifesaving Training

For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been a national leader in first aid education, training more than three million people per year in first aid,&nbsp;CPR&nbsp;and AED skills to help save lives in emergencies.

To ensure we are meeting the needs of today and evolving with the latest science, the Red Cross has recently enhanced its First Aid/CPR/AED training program to include updated infant&nbsp;CPR&nbsp;techniques and instruction on using epinephrine nasal spray, which is now an approved treatment for anaphylaxis. These updates ensure caregivers and bystanders are prepared to respond quickly and confidently in a range of life-threatening emergencies.

The training also equips participants with the knowledge and skills to better identify and respond to heart-related emergencies, including understanding the critical differences between cardiac arrest and heart attacks. It incorporates updated warning signs—highlighting how heart attacks can present differently in women—so symptoms are recognized earlier and lifesaving action can begin sooner. Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwszUuO6yAQheHVwAyLN-UBg0yyjQhXFbFvbDkX6M72W2719Ds6-inrwL6g5GxS0uDAzVGuuVDF4olDhRpDqjpAhEX7FI2r2ni55TgD0hwpJozhYRbARZugnTcsvO4b8Wv7r46y7dy6CoDLkiAQqvGv-jpdg9zzOsa7C3cT9i7s_fP5TI0J29n7dLansPdRXlxwL73Lg2krqvHOpbPaKP_C4w-Eu1mbgkmy5fVr4Po--xBeP6_ShOch-2jMx3UkmOcKJiobNStfLas5Ja2wVFhcoGohyO9sfwIAAP__0b1Y7A">redcross.org/takeaclass</a>&nbsp;to find a class near you.

Red Cross: Learn CPR as a caregiving skill during Heart Month

The Hutchinson Public Library will be closed Friday, Feb. 13, for staff training, library officials said.

In addition, the library will also be closed on Monday, Feb. 16 for President's Day.&nbsp;

The library will reopen for regular hours on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Library to be closed Friday, Monday

A new specialty clinic is coming to Hutchinson to support women with high-risk pregnancies.

Beginning Friday, February 13th, Ascension Via Christi and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are launching a Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinic on the fourth floor of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

The clinic will be led by Dr. Michael Wolfe, an OB-GYN specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Wolfe and his team will provide advanced prenatal care, including high-level ultrasounds, fetal echocardiograms, and consultations for complex pregnancies, both in person and virtually.

The clinic will care for patients with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders, as well as pregnancy-related concerns like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and multiple pregnancies.

Hospital leaders say bringing these services to Hutchinson will reduce the need for long-distance travel and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

The clinic is now accepting referrals. Expectant parents interested in care should talk with their doctor. More information is available by calling 316-274-5990.

Ascension Via Christi, HRMC to open new fetal care clinic

<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

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. ——————————————

Hayden	Mariche	Perez		2/11/2026 9:36&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Phillip	Wayne	Lemen	III	2/11/2026 11:23&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Tabitha	Mae	Wheeler		2/11/2026 12:25&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Oliver	Kelly	Smith		2/11/2026 2:55&nbsp;PM	In Transit From-To Other Agency

Kammi	Kay	Doddato		2/11/2026 3:22&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

David	Charles	Keffer		2/11/2026 5:14&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Austyn	Dakota	Novotny		2/11/2026 5:00&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Natasha	Renee	Sublett		2/11/2026 6:19&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Cody	Robert Matthew	Martin		2/11/2026 9:20&nbsp;PM	A distrib of contr subs; Causing death,					Drugs; Arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility,					In Transit From-To Other Agency

Tracy	Lynn	Lamunyon		2/11/2026 10:05&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Abuse order

Alphinia	Aliza	Toney		2/11/2026 10:49&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Christopher	Allen	Rasmussen		2/11/2026 11:10&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Robert	Andrew	Sisler		2/11/2026 11:59&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Samuel	Allen	Muns	Jr	2/12/2026 1:09&nbsp;AM	Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

Daily Bookings

County commissioners approved two land-use items tied to a proposed Salt Lick Golf Resort development. The items were on the consent agenda.

Approved was a request to rezone approximately 180 acres from the R-2 Suburban Residential District to the AG Agricultural District. According to agenda materials, the rezoning is intended to eliminate the possibility of developing a high-density residential subdivision on the property associated with the Salt Lick Golf Resort.

Commissioners also approved a conditional use permit from the same applicant to allow development of a golf course resort. That proposal covers two parcels already zoned AG Agricultural District at the northeast corner of North Buhler Road and East Fourth Avenue.

In other business, commissioners received the annual report from the Reno County Department of Emergency Management. Randy Partington also presented monthly department reports to the board.

Partington announced that a county commission retreat is scheduled for Feb. 20 at the New Reno County Training Center.

The next meeting of the Reno County Board of County Commissioners is set for Feb. 25.

Commission approves resolutions for Salt Lick Golf Resort

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is in jail after his girlfriend’s young child shot herself with his unsecured firearm this week.. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2808/TaylorSyncere-Complaint-Packet-1">Syncere Taylor</a>, 19,&nbsp;&nbsp;faces one count of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class B felony carrying up to 15 years in prison, according to&nbsp; Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Sugar Creek police responded to a residence on Feb. 9 regarding a shooting. Taylor told officers someone had been shot in the apartment. Officers found a toddler inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to her abdomen.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, Taylor told officers that he was walking down the hallway when he heard a gunshot. When he entered the master bedroom, he found the toddler lying on the bed with a gunshot wound. He confirmed his firearm had been left on the bed in the master bedroom.

The toddler was listed in stable condition.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Toddler shot herself with gun left on bed at KC home

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement have arrested four suspects after a drug bust in Dickinson County.

In January of 2026, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of Methamphetamine in Enterprise, Kansas. The approximate month-long investigation, resulted in arrests and seizure of illicit narcotics, according to a media release from the Dickinson County Sheriff.

On February 11, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant in the 200 Block of South Garfield Street in Enterprise, Kansas. A search of the residence revealed Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, Cocaine, Marijuana, and other controlled substances.

Alexandria Houk, 37, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Leon Houk, 41, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Robert Quist, 57, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dorothea Bishop, 68, of Enterprise, Kansas was arrested and booked into the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Fentanyl dealer jailed after Kansas drug bust

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment">climate change</a>, the most aggressive move by the Republican president to roll back climate regulations.

The rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency rescinds a 2009 government declaration known as the endangerment finding that determined that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.

The endangerment finding by the Obama administration is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-endangerment-finding-zeldin-trump-climate-change-4b34246d5ca798154af08560fd94f7b9">legal underpinning of nearly all climate regulations</a>&nbsp;under the Clean Air Act for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources that are heating the planet.

President Donald Trump called the move “the single largest deregulatory action in American history, by far” while EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the endangerment finding “the Holy Grail of federal regulatory overreach.”

Trump called the endangerment finding “one of the greatest scams in history,” adding that it “had no basis in fact” or law. “On the contrary, over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives and lifted billions of people out of poverty all over the world,” Trump said at a White House ceremony.

Legal challenges are certain for an action that repeals all greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks, and could unleash a broader undoing of climate regulations on stationary sources such as power plants and oil and gas facilities, experts say. Overturning the finding will “raise more havoc” than other actions by the Trump administration to roll back dozens of environmental rules, said Ann Carlson, an environmental law professor at the UCLA School of Law.

Environmental groups described the move as the single biggest attack in U.S. history against federal authority to address climate change. Evidence backing up the endangerment finding has only grown stronger in the 17 years since it was approved, they said.

The EPA also said it will propose a two-year delay to a Biden-era rule restricting greenhouse gas emissions by cars and light trucks. And the agency will end tax credits for automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. The device is intended to reduce emissions, but Zeldin said “everyone hates” it.

Zeldin, a former Republican congressman who was tapped by Trump to lead EPA last year, has criticized his predecessors in Democratic administrations, saying that in the name of tackling climate change, they were “willing to bankrupt the country.”

The endangerment finding “led to trillions of dollars in regulations that strangled entire sectors of the United States economy, including the American auto industry,” Zeldin said. “The Obama and Biden administrations used it to steamroll into existence a left-wing wish list of costly climate policies, electric vehicle mandates and other requirements that assaulted consumer choice and affordability.”

The endangerment finding and the regulations based on it “didn’t just regulate emissions, it regulated and targeted the American dream. And now the endangerment finding is hereby eliminated,” Zeldin said.

Supreme Court has upheld the endangerment finding

The Supreme Court ruled in a 2007 case that planet-warming greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of oil and other fossil fuels, are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Since the high court’s decision, in a case known as&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fu7061146.ct.sendgrid.net%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC71V1zGV8xrgOOTNp90uc4hK9Q4LUXTGp-2FIwt04bUqVZwk1e2zS3tEArmKJLmuUkMSqEZ7inm-2BLkfYa-2BGLag8JuDMJ-2BkOUDhbLFPVn8MwbZ3ZAvhHROkUqEnaxSJ2GBko9996pZbkeU51PYG0DMfEA0FeKj74IN-2BweVF-2Fpy6bRlCS-2BMEpXVFzRIY8B6DB3MR619cmsyrshzXBiu-2B9BiqtBXMtsEi35YchKCuJALMO-2FRJu3AZJDq6FKIVsmqT9C4L6DSTyC0RGJhVD7-2Fpdad7rxJ0hzk87kg1hlbhuRXgzY-2Be7hQI1V6ExyRXx9y7t4gezNnLBqwmolhZhR3Vo2OpQ8YLFbQkyC-2B1WT02-2BPYFeKFHLRRgkIp2kNpiOjIqhgbYsAcRQCW5gbzGhgwuzyDf3HQA1f2Af8zWcgmcU1v03W6WEq4XWAysabeDYTffNHVlszTktd7Fb-2B3q4MJBIYvtIpujkHdocoZ1VCXxy8Zhb1nuWoh1M-2Br3LDqkN1eJAeQhkQqX2-2BDkVMxhX8lre5RugbZMia4yQBsFGQfhE6B0vEJci-2FEm5EyQQPhe8YyngDgREIUs3U8A1dzmQ1OBFjqBNi4-3D8nRS_SuYt8EWzCBCFJXOrlhZQt2TfY9BcyxUsWHxLNY-2BPnLxe9UooS0LV3GPam-2Fqk9k7r9QtMPZP5rgsaL-2F5Sq16ntOSmHN5oL4DBnx815JsXD-2B7Q4GYFW671UXZwvMicX6-2Bpj73yejLLv1MUjAVCWHl4wOvW4qYHh10aCkMavBkkS-2FXu5faHD-2Ffr9yP-2FaKAHc-2BTZwiCQE75m0iy9-2FhSpELN-2FlYPg-2BCi9DVYMAM8XBbFbp-2Bd-2FiiA4xuHbdq9s9TrGJGU84lPyxqrR51aY2PNk6z8hsjAw7tcfk2FFXj50VbXWxV7tQMHjWVExOfIX7nBop89CVT0Sm2X-2FC2bwM9cyoxd4hg-3D-3D&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmdaly%40ap.org%7C870ca7a9f2ac46c6743008de544775f4%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639040863129566468%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=d2CaiNr%2B91GKqUXKVWVuYYMj5cPY6%2F2yuBAlk7e05hc%3D&amp;reserved=0">Massachusetts v. EPA</a>, courts have uniformly rejected legal challenges to the endangerment finding, including a 2023 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The endangerment finding is widely considered the legal foundation that underpins a series of regulations intended to protect against threats made increasingly severe by climate change. That includes deadly floods, extreme heat waves, catastrophic wildfires and other natural disasters in the United States and around the world.

Gina McCarthy, a former EPA administrator who served as White House climate adviser in the Biden administration, called the Trump administration's actions reckless. "This EPA would rather spend its time in court working for the fossil fuel industry than protecting us from pollution and the escalating impacts of climate change,” she said.

EPA has a clear scientific and legal obligation to regulate greenhouse gases, McCarthy said, adding that the health and environmental hazards of climate change have "become impossible to ignore.”

Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, said Trump's action “prioritizes the profits of big oil and gas companies and polluters over clean air and water” and children's health.

“As a result of this repeal, I’m going to see more sick kids come into the Emergency Department having asthma attacks and more babies born prematurely,” she said in a statement. “My colleagues will see more heart attacks and cancer in their patients.”

David Doniger, a climate expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said Trump and Zeldin are trying to use repeal of the finding as a “kill shot’’ that would allow the administration to make nearly all climate regulations invalid. The repeal could erase current limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars, factories, power plants and other sources and could prevent future administrations from proposing rules to address global warming.

The EPA action follows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/unleashing-american-energy/">an executive order</a>&nbsp;from Trump that directed the agency to submit a report on “the legality and continuing applicability” of the endangerment finding. Conservatives and some congressional Republicans have long sought to undo what they consider overly restrictive and economically damaging rules to limit greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

Withdrawing the endangerment finding “is the most important step taken by the Trump administration so far to return to energy and economic sanity,” said Myron Ebell, a conservative activist who has questioned the science behind climate change.

Zeldin and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have moved to drastically scale back limits on tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Rules imposed under Democratic President Joe Biden were intended to encourage U.S. automakers to build and sell more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/electric-vehicles">electric vehicles</a>. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

The Trump administration announced a proposal in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-gas-mileage-per-gallon-electric-vehicles-363fcad4bb90a0859f6906d086aeac69">weaken vehicle mileage rules</a>&nbsp;for the auto industry, loosening regulatory pressure on automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and trucks. The EPA said its two-year delay to a Biden-era rule on greenhouse gas emissions by cars and light trucks will give the agency time to develop a plan that better reflects the reality of slower EV sales, while promoting consumer choice and lowering prices.

The mileage plan would significantly reduce requirements that set rules on how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline. Trump said the rule change will lower the price of new cars and increase Americans’ access to the full range of gasoline vehicles they need and can afford.

Environmental groups said the plan would keep polluting, gas-burning cars and trucks on U.S. roads for years to come, threatening the health of millions of Americans, particularly children and the elderly.

🎥Trump's EPA rolls back Obama-era climate change rules

SALINE COUNTY—A former Kansas Wesleyan University professor was arrested after allegedly shoplifting over $3,000 worth of trading cards.

Just after 6:30p.m. February 1, police were dispatched to Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina for suspected shoplifting, according to a statement from Salina Police.

Police reported 53-year-old Derrin Broome entered the store and picked up 11 boxes of Topps trading cards. He then walked around the store, removed the packs from the boxes and left the store without paying.

Total loss of cards on that date was about $650.

Employees reported they recognized&nbsp;Broome from committing four similar thefts, which had not been previously reported from the store, four previous times between the dates of Jan. 5 and Jan. 29.

In each instance Broome committed the same crime as he did on February 1. Total loss of each incidence was valued at about $3,350.

According to Saline County Jail Booking records, Broome was arrested on February 5 by the Sheriff’s Office on requested charges of Felony Theft. He bonded out the same day.

<a href="https://www.kwu.edu/about/news/kwu-welcomes-numerous-new-faculty/">Kansas Wesleyan welcomed Broome</a>&nbsp;as an&nbsp;assistant professor of criminal justice on August 19, 2024, according to the school website..&nbsp;

Broome arrived to KWU after wrapping up a 26-year law enforcement career that included 20 years of investigation and case management experience, according to the school websire. He spent 20 years as his agency’s main instructor for topics including defensive tactics, de-escalation, use of force, firearms and other topics.

Criminal justice professor accused of shoplifting in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — A shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security appeared certain Thursday as lawmakers in the House and Senate were set to leave Washington for a 10-day break and negotiations with the White House over Democrats' demands for new restrictions had stalled.

The White House and Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-ice-white-house-homeland-security-funding-84d4b2e5a7123f2b316cca4857b7762a">traded offers in recent days</a>&nbsp;as the Democrats have said they want curbs on President Donald Trump’s broad campaign of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration enforcement</a>. They have demanded better identification for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement officers, a new code of conduct for those agencies and more use of judicial warrants, among other requests.

The White House sent its most recent offer late Wednesday, including what Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said were “concessions” on the part of the Republican administration.

Thune would not say what those concessions were, though, and he acknowledged the sides were “a long ways toward a solution” even as the Senate is scheduled to vote again on the DHS funding.

Democrats did not respond publicly to the White House offer, but Democratic senators voted against a funding bill for the department before leaving town, meaning the funding will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-shutdown-ice-e5df415c1fd77b0609dded445edbb9d7">expire Saturday</a>&nbsp;without further action. The bill was rejected, 52-47, short of the 60 votes needed for passage.

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return to Washington if the two sides struck a deal to end the expected shutdown. But for now, Democrats say they need to see real changes before they will support DHS funding.

Americans want accountability and “an end to the chaos,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday before the vote. “The White House and congressional Republicans must listen and deliver.”

Schumer said it was not enough that the administration had announced an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-metro-surge-ice-523d18d5d75c81cbf9f24c602f1884ff">end</a>&nbsp;to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-trump-ice-3a948e7e3a4d7e254e9c1fab93625953">immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;in Minnesota that led to thousands of arrests and the fatal shootings of two protesters.

“We need legislation to rein in ICE and end the violence,” Schumer said, or the actions of the administration “could be reversed tomorrow on a whim.”

Democrats made the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-immigration-enforcement-democrats-homeland-security-trump-bcde78c38605732106fb77e46373dc9a">demands for new restrictions on ICE</a>&nbsp;and other federal law enforcement after ICU nurse&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, Some Republicans suggested that new restrictions were necessary.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;was shot by ICE agents on Jan. 7.

Thune, who has urged Democrats and the White House to work together, indicated that one sticking point is the Democratic request for more judicial warrants.

“The issue of warrants is going to be very hard for the White House or for Republicans,” Thune said. “But I think there are a lot of other areas where there has been give, and progress.”

In a list of demands they sent to the White House last week, Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said DHS officers should not be able to enter private property without a judicial warrant and that warrant procedures and standards should be improved. They have said they want an end to “roving patrols” of agents who are targeting people in the streets and in their homes.

Most immigration arrests are carried out under administrative warrants. Those are internal documents issued by immigration authorities that authorize the arrest of a specific person but do not permit officers to forcibly enter private homes or other nonpublic spaces without consent. Traditionally, only warrants signed by judges carry that authority.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26499371-dhs-ice-memo-1-21-26/">an internal ICE memo</a>&nbsp;obtained by The Associated Press last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-arrests-warrants-minneapolis-trump-00d0ab0338e82341fd91b160758aeb2d">authorizes ICE officers</a>&nbsp;to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal, a move that advocates say collides with Fourth Amendment protections.

Congress is trying to renegotiate the DHS spending bill after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-republican-trump-ice-homeland-security-1eb2706ef2c4f91a69a083d23e30ba95">agreed to a Democratic request</a>&nbsp;that it be separated from a larger spending measure that became law last week. That package extended homeland security funding at current levels only through Friday.

Schumer and Jeffries have said they want immigration officers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-masks-congress-homeland-security-shutdown-funding-3c5b2050286aab930d8c81eb9cb1e03e">remove their masks</a>, to show identification and to better coordinate with local authorities. They have also demanded a stricter use-of-force policy for the federal officers, legal safeguards at detention centers and a prohibition on tracking protesters with body-worn cameras.

Democrats also say Congress should end indiscriminate arrests and require that before a person can be detained, authorities have verified that the person is not a U.S. citizen.

Republicans have been largely opposed to most of the items on Democrats’ list. But Trump has remained relatively silent about the talks.

Republicans tried to temporarily extend the funding, but Democrats blocked that bill as well.

“We will not support an extension of the status quo,” Schumer said.

The impact of a DHS shutdown is likely to be minimal at first. It would not likely block any of the immigration enforcement operations, as Trump’s tax and spending cut bill passed last year gave ICE about $75 billion to expand detention capacity and bolster enforcement operations.

But the other agencies in the department — including the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service and the Coast Guard — could take a bigger hit over time.

Gregg Phillips, an associate administrator at FEMA, said at a hearing this week that its disaster relief fund has sufficient balances to continue emergency response activities during a shutdown, but would become seriously strained in the event of a catastrophic disaster.

Phillips said that while the agency continues to respond to threats like flooding and winter storms, long-term planning and coordination with state and local partners is “irrevocably impacted.”

Associated Press writers Seung Min Kim and Rebecca Santana contributed to this report.

Homeland Security shutdown seems certain as funding talks stall

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Mssouri.

Just after 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;

On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet  in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.

The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;

Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.

The case is now being investigated as a homicide.

KCPD: Homicide victim spoke to officers just before he died

WASHINGTON —President Trump invited Kansas 4th district Congressman Ron Estes to the Oval Office for the official&nbsp;signing of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act.

On his social media page, Rep. Estes wrote, " I’m pleased to see this common sense legislation signed into law – President Trump and Republicans are leading with results and fighting to support the American taxpayer."

"By permanently allowing the SSA to share full death data with the Treasury’s "Do Not Pay" service, we are stopping erroneous payments to the deceased. This will stop hardworking Americans from footing the bill for waste, fraud, and abuse."

"The Fiscal Service estimates that by December 2026, this data exchange will save $330 MILLION in improper payments across the federal government."

Estes has served the 4th Congressional District since April 2017.

Kan. Congressman invited to Oval Office signing ceremony

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/"></a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — More money could be flowing to the Kansas Water Plan under a new House bill, expanding the impact of a popular 2023 law aimed at addressing the growing water crisis.

Republicans, Democrats and proponents pointed to Kansas’ lack of funding for water projects and asked lawmakers to pass the bill Tuesday before the House Water Committee. There were no opponents.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/20/new-laws-increase-accountability-for-kansas-water-districts-set-aside-conservation-funding/">2023 law</a>&nbsp;established the Water Projects Grant Fund and the Water Technical Assistance Fund, two funds that help municipalities build and maintain water infrastructure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2558/" target="_blank">House Bill 2558</a>&nbsp;would expand annual funding for the Kansas Water Plan from $35 million to $60 million.

The extra $25 million for the Kansas Water Plan would come from the State General Fund. Most of the increase would be earmarked to add $10 million to both the Water Projects Grant Fund and Water Technical Assistance Fund.

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Since the 2023 law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024/b2023_24/measures/hb2302/" target="_blank">House Bill 2302</a>, was adopted, there have been more applications for the grants than money available. Wendi Stark, legislative liaison for the League of Kansas Municipalities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_h_water_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_h_water_1_20260210_07_testimony.html" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;about 37% of the cities who applied received some money.

Connie Owen testified on behalf of three of the state’s big water-related agencies: the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas Water Office. She characterized her testimony as neutral, but admitted it was more “neutral positive.”

“The 2302 grants really made a difference for people and their communities all over the state,” Owen said. “All we continue to hear is, ‘Keep it coming, we need more,’ ” Owen said.

Last session,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/13/kansas-house-bill-would-add-20m-for-state-water-plan-projects/">a more modest version</a>&nbsp;of the bill made it through the House but was never heard by the Senate. Both that bill and the one in the current session were introduced by Rep. Jim Minnix, a Republican farmer from Scott City and chair of the House Water Committee.

Owen is in the&nbsp;<a href="https://westernstateswater.org/" target="_blank">Western States Water Council</a>, a group of 18 states that meets three times a year to discuss water solutions. Minnix asked Owen to share what she has heard from other states.

“Kansas is doing incredible things. But in terms of the comparison to what we could be doing, and the investment that other states make, it’s enormous,” Owen said. “And I’m sure that’s why you asked me that question, Mr. Chair.”

Minnix smiled in acknowledgement, and brought up the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/04/texas-elections-2025-water/" target="_blank">Texas vote</a>&nbsp;to make a $20 billion investment in water. He said even for a state whose population and economy dwarfs those of Kansas, the investment was still significant.

“We kicked the can down the road for a lot of years, but when we have done programs we’ve been extremely efficient,” Minnix said.

“I definitely think the program is successful and worth continuing,” added Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, a Democrat from Overland Park.

While water issues sometime&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/29/kansas-house-bill-would-push-state-to-recycle-wastewater-into-tap-water/">fall along party lines</a>, the issue of the water crisis itself is rarely partisan.

Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/30/southeast-kansas-town-is-almost-out-of-water-and-signs-of-crisis-are-everywhere/">towns</a>&nbsp;are running out of water. The Ogallala Aquifer, which much of western Kansas relies on for daily life,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/28/ogallala-aquifer-drops-by-more-than-a-foot-in-parts-of-western-kansas/">dropped</a>&nbsp;by more than a foot last year. Gov. Laura Kelly has identified the crisis as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/24/kansas-governors-legislative-priorities-in-2026-center-on-budget-water-and-children/">a top priority</a>&nbsp;for her final year in office.

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