Here are the current cancellations and submitted to Hutch Post.&nbsp; To submit a cancellation, please send an email to <a href="mailto:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com</a>.&nbsp;

<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/hutch/posts/5008cda3-3e87-4169-a064-a84877914989">LINK:&nbsp;Winter Weather: How to submit closures, delays, and cancellations</a>

Central Christian School - Closed Elyria Christian School - 2-hour delay Hutchinson Catholic Schools - Closed St. Joseph Elementary, McPherson - Closed USD 267 Renwick - Closed USD 268 Cheney - Closed USD 308 Hutchinson - Closed, MS Basketball canceled USD 309 Nickerson/S. Hutchinson - Closed USD 310 Fairfield - 2-hour delay USD 311 Pretty Prairie - Closed USD 312 Haven - Closed USD 313 Buhler - Closed USD 331 Kingman-Norwich - Closed USD 332 Cunningham - 2-hour delay USD 349 Stafford - Closed USD 350 St. John-Hudson - Closed USD 369 Burrton - Closed, all activities canceled USD 373 Newton - Closed USD 382 Pratt - Closed USD 418 McPherson - Closed USD 419 Canton Galva - No classes or activities USD 423 Moundridge - Closed USD 438 Skyline - 2-hour delay USD 439 Sedgwick -Closed USD 448 Inman - Closed USD 460 Hesston - Closed

Church of the Holy Cross - Office closed Delos V. Smith Senior Center - Closed&nbsp; Hesston Area Senior Center - Closed, No meals served or delivered Hutchinson Art Center - Closed Hutchinson Everfull - Closed Monday Kingman Friendship Meals - No Meals Monday&nbsp; Moundridge Senior Center - Closed Pratt Friendship Meals - Closed today South Central Kansa Area on Aging and Friendship Meals - Closed Monday (McPherson, Reno, Rice, and Kingman counties) Sterling/Nickerson Meals on Wheels - Closed&nbsp; Women for Kansas - Hutchinson Area Chapter meeting - Canceled&nbsp;

Closings, delays and cancellations

DENNIS DUTTON Executive Director for the Arts, Sterling College

Editor's Note: Due to the winter weather on Jan. 24, the program will be held this Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Sterling College Theatre will celebrate three of its most familiar and celebrated performers with Senior Spotlight: An Evening of Musical Theatre, Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. The concert is free and open to the public and will run approximately two hours, including one intermission.

The evening features graduating seniors Mary Little of Hutchinson, Noah Svaty of Sterling, and Morgan Pellegrino of Las Vegas, Nevada, whose performances have helped define recent Sterling College musical theatre seasons. Together, the three have appeared in many of the program’s major productions and are well known to local audiences. The trio will be joined by 18 of their friends in the production which will include songs and scenes from several familiar and new musicals.

Svaty has performed in all eight musicals produced at Sterling College during his tenure, including leading roles as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, and Phil Davis in White Christmas. Little has portrayed several principal roles, including Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, and Pennywise in Urinetown. Pellegrino joined the musical theatre program during her junior year and quickly made her mark with leading performances as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, and Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie.

Accompanied by Marisa Callan, Sterling College Director of Musical Theatre, the seniors will present a program that highlights their artistic range and growth. The production also features a supporting cast of 19 performers, including Sterling College students and community members.

Senior Spotlight offers audiences a final opportunity to experience three standout performers whose work has been central to the success of Sterling College Theatre.

Sterling College Theatre to celebrate three leading performers in “Senior Spotlight”

A full house is expected this weekend as Salt Hawk Community Support hosts its signature fundraising event, “Men Can Cook”, returning Saturday night at the Hutchinson Art Center. 

Now in its fifth year, the popular tasting competition brings together a wide cross-section of local men — not professional chefs — who prepare their favorite dishes for an evening of food, friendly rivalry, and community support. Attendees sample each entry, cast ballots for their favorites, and help crown the night’s champions. 

“This is one of those events that just keeps growing,” said Claire Foy, one of the event organizers. “It’s competitive, it’s fun, and it’s completely different from anything else in the community.” 

The concept was introduced by Sally Russell who is a past president of Salthawk Community Support. Foy said “An organization in Wichita does it, but on a much larger scale.” 

After a pandemic pause, the fundraiser returned stronger than ever, drawing roughly 150 people when cooks and guests are combined. Despite serving only tasting portions, organizers say guests are often full before dessert. 

Chris Corey, a board member and one of the event’s participating “hype men,” said the variety of food is part of the appeal. “There’s everything from barbecue to Thai food, chicken and waffles, Mexican dishes — really a wide range,” said Corey. 

This year’s lineup includes about 18 cooks representing a broad mix of professions and backgrounds, including educators, retirees, business owners, a physician, a commercial pilot, clergy family members — and even Hutchinson Mayor Scott Meggers. While there are no professional chefs competing, organizers note that creativity and presentation are just as important as flavor, with awards for both food and décor. 

The winning cooks receive a custom metal Salt Hawk medal crafted by students in the Hutchinson High School Technical Education Department. 

In addition to food, guests can enjoy beverages from Salt City Brewing, a longtime supporter of the event. 

Proceeds from "The Men Cook" directly support Salt Hawk Community Support, which provides services and programming for students at Hutchinson Middle School 8 and Hutchinson High School. 

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Kylie Campbell, site administrator for Salthawk Community Support at HMS 8. “The support we get from this event helps fund programs for our students and raises awareness about the services we offer. It’s also my favorite event — seeing the community come together is incredible.” 

The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan 31. at the Hutchinson Art Center. Tickets are $45 per person and are available in advance at the Art Center, Apron Strings, Trinity United Methodist Church, through board members, or at the door the night of the event. 

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year and encouraging additional participants to get involved. 

“The cooks cover the cost of their own food, which makes this a huge benefit for our organization,” Foy said. “We’re incredibly grateful, and we’re always looking to add more men to the lineup.” 

For those interested in attending or cooking in future years, organizers say The Men Cook is more than a food contest — it’s one of Hutchinson’s premier community events.

'The Men Cook' returns on Saturday

Here's a list of events happening around the area.&nbsp; If your club or organization has an event, you can e-mail the information to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">HutchPost@eaglemedia.com.</a>

HutchCC Men's and Women's Basketball vs Butler CC - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive - Noon to 6:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, Hutchinson

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive - 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, Hutchinson

Hutch High Boys Basketball at Derby - 7:15 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Derby High School

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive - 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, Hutchinson

HutchCC Men's and Women's Basketball vs Indy - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;

Hutch High Girls' Basketball at McPherson Invitational - TBD &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; vs. Olathe South, McPherson Roundhouse

Fox Classic/Retro Film Series: "Tommy Boy" - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre, 18 E. 1st Ave.

Hutch High Girls' Basketball at McPherson Invitational - TBD &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; vs. TBD, McPherson Roundhouse

Fox Classic/Retro Film Series: "Tommy Boy" - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre, 18 E. 1st Ave.

Talk20 Hutch: The Final Edition - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Public Library, 901 North Main

Hutch High Girls' Basketball at McPherson Invitational - TBD &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;vs. TBD, McPherson Roundhouse

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/34fcaa53-f853-4274-aea1-4cda4aabf002">Flapjacks at the Fire Station</a>&nbsp;- 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cheney Fire Station - 525 North Main Street, Cheney

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/classes">Saturday Morning Artists</a>&nbsp;- 9 to 11:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington

HutchCC Men's and Women's Basketball at Seward County &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2 and 4 p.m., The Greenhouse, Liberal

Hutch High Boys' Basketball at McPherson Invitational - 3 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; vs. Blue Valley, McPherson Roundhouse (Rescheduled from Jan. 24)

Fox Classic/Retro Film Series: "Snow White" - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre, 18 E. 1st Ave.

"Senior Spotlight" - 7:30 p.m. (Rescheduled from Jan. 24.) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Culbertson Auditorium, Sterling College

"Men Can Cook" - 7 to 8:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Art Center

Fox Classic/Retro Film Series: "Snow White" - 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre, 18 E. 1st Ave.

Here's what's happening: Jan. 26 - Feb 1

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. ——————————————

Michael	Paul	Mattox		1/25/2026 6:35&nbsp;PM	Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten, Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation,					Failure to Appear

Cody	Donald	Willhaus		1/26/2026 12:09&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded Sunday to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of West 7th Street, where crews found a small fire burning in the attic of a two-story, balloon-frame home.

According to the department, firefighters were able to make entry into the attic space and quickly extinguish the fire. Officials said there were no complications during the response and damage to the home was minimal.

The residence was occupied at the time of the call. The occupants alerted emergency dispatch and were able to safely exit the home before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.

Fire officials said damage was contained to the attic and ceiling areas. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked assisting agencies for their support at the scene, including Reno County EMS, Reno County Emergency Communications, Evergy, Kansas Gas, and the Hutchinson Police Department.

Attic fire contained with minimal damage

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

Three-day Outlook

Just six weeks after finishing high school, Brian Walker wasn’t aiming for a high-powered job. He worked full-time at a gas station, living week to week, until a surprise phone call changed his path.

That call brought him to a flour mill and into an industry most people only think about when they buy bread. On a recent episode of the&nbsp;Wheat’s On Your Mind&nbsp;podcast, Walker talked with host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin about the key moments in his 45-year milling career and what the wheat industry is really like.

Walker’s first job at Seaboard Allied Milling in Kansas City, Missouri, had an official title, assistant quality control manager, but the labor was hard and hands-on. He managed sample cans, moved samples through the lab and learned how wheat quality could affect everything from flour performance to baking consistency.

The schedule was even tougher than the work itself. Walker said he had to be there whenever the mill was running, even on weekends. In his first weeks, the mill shipped flour overseas in 140-pound jute bags and Walker worked six straight weeks without a day off, earning $4 an hour.

The job was demanding, but it gave Walker a close look at the wheat supply chain. Early on, he learned about crop surveys, wheat types and baking tests, building the skills that later took him to a 20-week course at the American Institute of Baking in Manhattan.

As Walker moved through jobs at Seaboard, Cargill, Ardent Mills, and Miller Milling, he watched the industry change through consolidation. He saw the early 1980s as a turning point, when more companies were bought out and competition became more strategic.

The changes went beyond new owners. Walker explained that consolidation also changed how people talked about crop quality. Millers used to meet and share information, but that became less common.

“All the millers would come openly talk about the crop, talk about the quality, where the issues were, where the opportunities were,” Walker said. “By the time 85, 86 rolled around… it became clear that… the work that you did on the crop, you kept to yourself and you used that as a competitive edge for your company.”

As the baking industry modernized, Walker said the pace and pressure increased. Big commercial bakeries ran longer and faster, needing more consistent wheat. At the same time, bakers started using new ingredients, moving away from potassium bromate to such as enzymes, which changed how they kept dough strong and loaves high quality.

These pressures affected farmers, too. Walker said that better wheat varieties, disease control, and new breeding tools helped the industry keep milling quality steady, especially as food safety issues like fusarium head blight and vomitoxin became bigger concerns.

Now living in Minnesota, Walker is still active in the wheat industry. He works with the National Wheat Foundation, stays involved with the Wheat Quality Council, and consults for U.S. Wheat Associates, which keeps him connected to both American farmers and flour customers around the world.

At the end of the episode, Walker shared the most important lesson since his early days in the mill: show up, work hard, and stay involved.

“You got to be willing to work. And you need to work hard,” Walker said. “Be involved… it’s a people business.”

Wheat quality and flour milling: Lessons from Brian Walker

Seven months from now, on August 6, 2026, Kansas voters will see on their primary ballots an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://legiscan.com/KS/text/SCR1611/2025">amendment to the state constitution</a>&nbsp;that they can vote “yes” or “no” on:

The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law.

The supporters of this amendment—primarily the Republican caucus in the Kansas legislature, as they were the ones who pushed to get the amendment on the ballot, but also conservative organizations like Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Policy Institute—insist that their aim,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_fed_st_1/documents/testimony/20250225_02.pdf">in the words of Senate President Ty Masterson</a>, is to “shine the light of democracy” on the selection of state Supreme Court justices, a process that is currently, “veiled by a commission.”

Kansans love the idea of transparency and choice, at least in principle. But when it comes to extending that idea to the judiciary, this claim sometimes confuses people. Since those who serve as justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are, like every judge on the federal level, appointed for life rather than elected, it seems perfectly normal to many to see the judicial branch as entirely apolitical, so much so that I occasionally have students who are first-time voters ask worryingly as to why retention votes for state judges show up on their ballots. (When I tell them that Thomas Jefferson, responding to the unavoidably political nature of some Supreme Court decisions, was sympathetic to the idea that the House of Representatives should elect the justices rather than the president appointing them, they get even more perplexed.)

In truth, once one embraces the idea of a supposedly independent judiciary to interpret the law, every system for determining who will serve as those judges is a complicated compromise.

Kansas’s system for state judges is not unique, but it is a relatively rare combination of merit (nomination by a judicial commission, appointment by governor) and voting (elections to stay in office at the end of one’s term). It’s an approach shared, in one form or another, by 17 other states. Not that straightforward elections are employed by all the rest; only 21 states allow voters to choose their state Supreme Court justices directly. Ultimately, the methods of choosing justices, on any court level,&nbsp;vary greatly from state to state—and there is&nbsp;no clear evidence that one method is always better&nbsp;in terms of judicial trust, fairness, and accountability than any other.

Former Kansas Chief Justice Lawton Nuss is one of those who has&nbsp;criticized the amendment, calling the election of state Supreme Court justices a “really bad idea.” He is joined by numerous state organizations, many of which point out that the arguments for the amendment made by the Republican majority in Topeka often just focused on electing judges who would overturn past rulings on abortion and education, rather than principled concerns about democracy.

I would just add that it’s important to note that the amendment says nothing about the “rules” of the “elections” that “shall be provided by law.” Most of the states that hold elections for their state justices require those elections to be nonpartisan. Others require them to be held by district throughout the state. Without any such language, one should probably assume that whatever elections emerge from the amendment will be state-wide, majority-driven, and partisan. Something to keep in mind before next summer’s vote.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

Insight Kansas: State Supreme Court justices, and how to choose them

As winter approaches, it’s important to recognize the health risks that come with freezing temperatures and winter weather. While weather can vary across the state, preparing for a strong cold front is especially important for rural areas where access to healthcare facilities and emergency services may be impeded.

One of the most common winter health concerns is respiratory illness, including coronavirus, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to Johns Hopkins physician Michael Albert, every year 5% to 20% of Americans will catch the flu, and 60,000 to 160,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV. This is in addition to COVID-19 variants which are contagious and tend to occur in waves. 

These illnesses often spike during the winter months for several reasons. According to the Mayo Clinic Minute, these illnesses often spike during winter months as people spend more time indoors, allowing viruses to spread more quickly. Cold, dry air&nbsp;also allows respiratory droplets to stay airborne longer, while the cilia (hairlike projections in the&nbsp;upper respiratory tract that help clear out germs) do not function as well in dry, cold conditions.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce the risk of infection. Regular handwashing is&nbsp;one of the most important steps, especially after being in public spaces. Cleaning and sanitizing&nbsp;frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones can also help&nbsp;limit spread. 

Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations each year provides added protection, particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions. Covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact when sick, and staying home when you have symptoms (such as&nbsp;cough, sore throat, or fever) can help protect family members, coworkers, and the broader community.

Cold-related illnesses are another important winter health concern. Hypothermia occurs when the&nbsp;body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and can happen during prolonged outdoor exposure, power outages, or when homes are not adequately heated. Warning signs include uncontrollable&nbsp;shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and extreme fatigue. 

There’s also frostbite which&nbsp;occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most often affecting fingers, toes, ears, and&nbsp;nose. Early signs include numbness, tingling, and pale or waxy skin. To reduce risk of both illnesses, dress in layers, keep clothing dry, cover exposed skin, limit time outdoors during extreme&nbsp;cold, and check on neighbors, especially older adults, during severe weather.

Lastly, winter can impact mental health. Shorter days, reduced sunlight, and increased isolation, especially&nbsp;in rural areas, can contribute to low mood, anxiety, or symptoms of seasonal depression. Some easy ways to protect your mental health include staying connected with friends&nbsp;and family, maintaining daily routines, and spending time outdoors when weather allows.

You can also reach out to local resources or healthcare providers if symptoms persist. As&nbsp;a community, we all play a role in staying safe and healthy during the winter. Checking in on neighbors, preparing homes, and taking simple preventive steps can make a huge difference.

Midwestern winters can be challenging, but with awareness and preparation many winter related&nbsp;health risks can be reduced.

Shelby Coons is a second-year medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, KS in 2020, and the University of Kansas in 2024. Growing up in a small town inspired her passion for serving rural and underserved communities.

Winter health Risks: What to know and how to stay safe

<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

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After a preliminary hearing in Ellis County District Court on Monday, a WaKeeney man was bound over for trial for attempted first-degree murder for allegedly strangling his partner on July 17, 2025.

Cody Evan Garrett is charged with three felonies: attempted first-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery,&nbsp;criminal threat, and two misdemeanors: domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

The state presented its evidence in November, but the preliminary hearing was continued until Monday, when the defense presented its case.

Garrett drove his truck to an area of Hopewell Road in Ellis County. He&nbsp;allegedly told the victim he was going to kill her, throw her in a ditch, and she would never see her kids again, according to court records.

The victim told authorities that Garrett threw her up against the truck hard enough to dent the truck, pulled her hair, held her down on the ground and strangled her, according to court records and testimony.

The victim told authorities Garrett strangled her to the point she saw bright lights and heard ringing in her ears.

Garrett allegedly released the victim when another couple approached the area in another vehicle. She ran toward that vehicle, and law enforcement was called.

During testimony on Monday, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Tina Jecha of HaysMed said an examination of the victim found&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage in the victim's mouth, which can be an indicator of strangulation.

Petechial hemorrhage is the rupture of capillaries and can cause red, purple or brown spots to appear on the skin, in the mouth or in the eyes.

The defense noted in its questioning of Jecha that&nbsp;petechial hemorrhaging was not found anywhere else on the victim's body.

However,&nbsp;Jecha said someone can be strangled and not have any signs of&nbsp;petechial hemorrhage.

She also said she found abrasions, bruising and an injury to the victim's upper lip.

Although&nbsp;Jecha said she did not recall seeing any bruising on the victim's neck, she did remember seeing redness.

The victim's ex-husband testified he told a Wakeeney businessman after Garrett's arrest that he wouldn't put it past the victim to fabricate the incident.&nbsp;

Hobbs testified Monday this was his own speculation, and he had made the statement in anger after a sleepless night worrying about his children. Hobbs said he and the victim did not have an amicable divorce, and there remained tension in the relationship.

This statement, after going through two more people, morphed into an allegation that the victim had planned the incident to make Garrett look bad.&nbsp;

County Attorney Aaron Cunningham likened the line of testimony to a child's game of telephone in which the original statements had been contorted.

In his closing statement, defense attorney Mark Harmon argued there was no evidence of premeditation other than the victim's statements to law enforcement that Garrett had threatened to kill her.

He said there was no evidence that the victim had been close to death.&nbsp;

He characterized the events leading up to the alleged crime as a mutual combat inside the truck.

Herrman asked that the charge of attempted first-degree murder be dismissed. However, Judge Curtis Brown declined and bound Garrett over for trial on all charges.

Garrett's arraignment has been set for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 via Zoom.

Garrett is free on a $500,000 bond. Herrman asked that Garrett's ankle monitoring be terminated as a condition of his bond. The state objected.&nbsp;

Brown said he would allow Garrett to switch to GPS monitoring.

NW Kansas man will stand trial for violent attack on a woman

KANSAS CITY —Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced charges against a Kansas City man for allegedly selling vehicles to unsuspecting buyers and then stealing them back.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2802/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet--M-Diallo-compressed-1">Mamadou Diallo</a>, 25,&nbsp;faces six counts of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle and eight counts of Forgery.&nbsp; Each count carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. &nbsp;

According to court records, Kansas City police received eight stolen vehicle reports between May and June last year, all following a similar pattern. In each case, the victim purchased a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace from the same seller who used an alias online and was later identified as the defendant.&nbsp;

After completing each sale in person, the defendant provided what appeared to victims to be a legitimate title and bill of sale. But shortly after the transactions, each buyer reported their newly purchased vehicle stolen.&nbsp;

In an interview with detectives, Diallo denied buying and selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace.&nbsp; The victims’ combined losses totaled more than $24,000.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set the defendant’s bond at $30,000 cash only.&nbsp;

KC man accused of selling cars on Facebook, stealing them back

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp;Law enforcement in Manhattan are investigating an alleged sex crime in Manhattan.

Just after 3p.m. on Friday, police arrested 24-year-old Griffin Day of Manhattan for an alleged rape that was reported to have occurred on Thursday night, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

A 54-year-old woman was listed as the victim, according to the RCPD activity report. Day and the victim are known to each other according to police. Day is being held on a bond of $200, 000 bond.

Police: Kan. man accused of sex crime involving 54-year-old

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' office says his call with President Trump on Monday was "productive."

A Monday morning call between President Donald Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz about fatal shootings by immigration officers appears to have been well-received by both sides.

Walz’ office said the call was “productive.”

“The Governor made the case that we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota,” his office wrote in a release.

Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both Minnesota residents and U.S. citizens, were fatally shot and killed by federal immigration officers in separate incidents in Minneapolis.

Trump agreed to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, Walz’ office said, and also agreed to look into either reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota or working with the state “in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.”

Trump wrote in a social media post earlier Monday that the two “actually” seem to be on the same page in wanting to work together on immigration issues in Minnesota. He said the people the administration is seeking “are any and all Criminals that they have in their possession” and Walz “very respectfully, understood that.”

Gov. Tim Walz describes his phone call with President Trump

Wichita State University announced a transformative $1 million gift from an anonymous 1958 graduate of the University of Wichita to support need-based scholarships in the W. Frank Barton School of Business, according to a media release from the University.

This gift will directly benefit students who face financial challenges — particularly first-generation students — who make up nearly half of Wichita State’s enrollment. On average, first-generation students receive less financial support from their families and are more likely to rely on private loans to fund their education. Currently, 46% of Wichita State’s undergraduate student population are first-generation college students, highlighting the importance of private financial support.

“Ensuring access and affordability is a promise to our students,” said WSU President Rick Muma. “This gift, alongside the generosity of countless alumni and donors, is a profound reminder that our students’ success goes further with the support of Shocker Nation behind them.”

Private support is critical to realizing Wichita State’s priority to make education accessible and affordable for all Kansans and helps bridge the gap between available public funding and the financial need of students, which averages about $5,600 per undergraduate student.

“In connecting with this individual, the passion to support students who are seeking pathways for stability and opportunity was clear,” said Telly McGaha, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. “When higher education becomes financially out of reach, talented individuals are inadvertently shut out, and I am very grateful for the individuals in the Shocker community opening doors and expanding opportunity for students now and into the future.”

Daily, students share stories of how scholarship support has facilitated their educational ambitions. These life-changing gifts ease the financial pressures of higher education, freeing students to focus on their studies and get engaged on campus. For many students, that support is the difference between finishing their degree and dropping out.&nbsp;

Scholarships based on financial need are awarded using a formula that compares a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to the cost of attendance at Wichita State. If the EFC is less than the total cost, the student qualifies for need-based aid.

“Our goal is to prepare students for a business world that values vision, collaboration and innovative problem-solving,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “By easing financial burdens through scholarships, we empower students to fully engage in transformative experiences that build confidence and critical skills for success beyond their time at Wichita State. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift that will provide many opportunities for Barton School students.”

Wichita State receives anonymous $1 million gift for scholarships

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police are investigating another deadly shooting in Wichita.

Just after 8a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the 900 block of East Indianapolis in Wichita for a reported welfare check after receiving information regarding a man down, according to&nbsp;

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and are following up on multiple leads.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the victim or report any possible suspect information.

Police: Man dead in Kansas shooting

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes ticked higher Monday, while other markets made louder moves, including another record-breaking rush for the price of gold.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.5% and won back its losses from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-japan-trump-6e894c8ecd7de9e05ad245beed41bd3e">last week’s dip</a>. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 313 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.4%.

Baker Hughes helped lead the way and rose 4.4% after delivering a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The energy technology company said it’s benefiting from strong momentum in demand for liquefied natural gas, among other things.

CoreWeave climbed 5.7% after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-market-cap-net-income-huang-afeadf1bbe79e219f8748832a308b575">Nvidia</a>&nbsp;said it invested $2 billion in the stock and will help accelerate the buildout of CoreWeave’s artificial-intelligence factories, which use Nvidia chips, by 2030 to advance AI adoption. Nvidia slipped 0.6%.

USA Rare Earth rallied 7.9% after saying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usa-rare-earth-trump-commerce-4c012d70ad172f12d9e3aca24508e766">U.S. government agreed to provide</a>&nbsp;$277 million in federal funding to help the company produce heavy rare earths, minerals and magnets. The Trump administration also agreed to a proposed $1.3 billion loan, while the company separately raised $1.5 billion through private investors.

Much of the rest of Wall Street was relatively quiet. That included mixed performances for airlines, which had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/flight-cancellations-winter-storm-871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01">cancel thousands of flights</a>&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-snow-ice-power-outages-7ea143995026e68db42ed1b4aec396cb">winter storm</a>&nbsp;that swept much of the United States over the weekend. Delta Air Lines lost 0.7%, and Southwest Airlines added 0.2%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 34.62 points to 6,950.23. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 313.69 to 49,412.40, and the Nasdaq composite gained 100.11 to 23,601.36.

The action was stronger in the gold market, where the metal’s price rallied another 2.1% and briefly topped $5,100 per ounce for the first time to set another record. Silver surged even more and settled 14% higher.

Prices for precious metals have been soaring as investors look for safer places to park their money amid threats of tariffs, still-high inflation, political strife and mountains of debt for governments worldwide.

The latest worry to pile atop the swelling list was President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carney-trump-trade-canada-united-states-china-11175a5c513730d8a894bdabe70b8c01">100% tariff on goods from Canada</a>&nbsp;if it signs a free trade deal with China.

The U.S. dollar’s value also continued its recent slide against peers. Last week, it was U.S. tariff threats related to Greenland that drove some global investors away from the dollar. This time, it was the Japanese yen leaping sharply because of expectations that officials in both Japan and the United States may intervene in the market to prop up the Japanese currency’s value.

More swings could be ahead for financial markets in a week full of big tests.

The Federal Reserve will announce its latest move on interest rates on Wednesday. It’s been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-economy-inflation-jobs-442de589de9b99bb811f76e402b00948">lowering its main interest rate</a>&nbsp;and has indicated more cuts may be on the way in 2026 to help shore up the job market and give the economy a boost.

Most economists expect it to hold steady on Wednesday, in part because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumers-ac538fd750b4622ee7fa439ef8021783">inflation remains stubbornly above</a>&nbsp;the Fed’s 2% target and lower rates could worsen it. Whatever the Fed decides, comments from its chair, Jerome Powell, following the decision could sway stock and bond markets.

Several of Wall Street’s most influential stocks are also set to deliver their latest earnings reports this week. That includes Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Tesla on Wednesday and Apple on Thursday.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.21% from 4.24% late Friday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed amid mostly modest movements in Europe following some sharper swings in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.8% for one of the world’s bigger moves. A stronger yen could hurt Japanese exporters, and Toyota Motor fell 4.1%.

US stocks rise as gold hits another record

SALINE COUNTY—A home is uninhabitable after a fire at a rural Kansas home.

Just after noon January 23, firefighters from Saline County Rural Fire District #5 were sent to a report of a fire at a home home in the 1400 block of N. Marymount Road, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The 65-year-old owner told investigators she was using space heaters, had a television on and heard a popping sound. Then she smelled smoke. She was able to escape with her pet without injury. The home may be a total loss.

Rural Kansas home near total loss after fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Real estate investors buying residential buildings in Kansas could be charged a penalty for paying off their mortgages early under proposed changes to the Kansas Contracts and Promises statute.&nbsp;

The statute currently bars lenders from charging prepayment penalties on “any home loan” paid off after six months from the day the loan was taken out, the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee heard Monday.&nbsp;It doesn’t specify whether those loans are for individual homeowners or for real estate investors buying properties to rent or lease.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2497/" target="_blank">House Bill 2497</a>&nbsp;would add language that allows lenders to charge prepayment penalties for investment properties but leave the ban in place for consumer personal loans.

Michael Stidham testified for Rocket Mortgage in favor of the bill, which he said would give investors more financing options.&nbsp;

Rocket sets lower interest rates for loans that have a penalty for paying off early versus loans with no prepayment penalties, Stidham said.&nbsp;

“A higher interest rate is always going to be required to offset the potential returns if that loan is paid off earlier than anticipated by the investor,” he said.

Allowing lenders to offer lower interest rates and include a prepayment penalty gives real estate investors flexibility to determine the best option for their financial situations, Stidham said.&nbsp;

Bill would allow early payoff penalties for Kansas real estate investment loans

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating a drowning on a farm pond in rural Missouri.

Just before 5p.m. January 20, a 5-year-old Steeleville girl identified as<a href="https://www.mizellfh.com/obituaries/ruby-korte"> Ruby Kay Korte, </a>walked out onto a pond at a private residence off Highway M in rural Crawford County, according to a report from he Missouri State Highway Patrol. She fell through the ice.

&nbsp;Steeleville EMS transported Ruby to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan where she was pronounced deceased just before 7p.m. The patrol reported no additional details.&nbsp; A funeral mass for Ruby is scheduled for Tuesday, according to Mizell Funeral Home.

5-year-old drowns after falling through ice on a pond

The Hutchinson Community College softball team was picked to finish second in the 2026 Jayhawk Conference Division I Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Monday.

The Blue Dragons were actually picked to finished tied for second with Barton. Butler is the 2026 preseason pick.

Beginning her 22nd season at Hutchinson, head coach Jaime Rose returns five starters and seven overall players from the 2025 Jayhawk Conference co-championship team. The 2025 Blue Dragons went 37-11 last season, including a 27-5 KJCCC record that netted the second conference title in three seasons for the Blue Dragons.

The 2026 Blue Dragons return four full-time position starters.

Center fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/kruger_kaibryn_43ko">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;was a second-team all-KJCCC performer who hit .451 (74 hits), 75 runs scores, seven homers, 50 RBIs and 41 stolen bases.

Local

Region

Sports