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 Kansas State Fairgrounds again.

After <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fdb90e4d-acec-4951-9aa1-8de848f1398b">Evel Knievel's historic jump in last week's article</a>, I wanted to focus on other great grandstand events over the fair's long history.

In 1908, the Strobel Airship moored at the fair to give twice-a-day rides. As seen in the first two photos, it was 60-feet long, 18 feet in diameter, 7500 pounds of hydrogen gas, had 500 pounds of lifting capacity, a 4-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with 15 H.P., 570 yards of Japanese silk, and weighed 82 pounds.

The third photo shows the winners of the first motorcycle races ever held in the state in 1910.

M.L. Wilson of Wichita, second place, Harley-Davidson single. Paul Warner of Ellsworth, third place, Indian Twin. Ray Weishaar of Wichita, first place, Indian single and Ferd Selle, Great Bend, fourth place, Thor Twin.

The fourth photo shows Delbert Ging in open wheel auto racing in 1927.

In the early part of the century, the fair had horse racing called "The Kansas Derby." The fifth photo shows a horse racing event in 1935.

The sixth photo shows some of the first televised auto racing in the state by local KTVH-TV station about 1960.

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>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Grandstand Events - Vol. 130

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch Post

Kansas families will have a chance to explore more than 230 attractions across the state, for free, as the 2025 Sunflower Summer program opens Saturday, July 12.

Running through Aug. 3, the program offers Kansas students in pre-K through 12th grade, along with one accompanying adult, free one-time admission to each participating attraction. Eligible families can claim passes through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeem them at the door. The program is open to Kansas residents only and includes students enrolled in public, private and homeschool settings.

This year’s lineup includes something for every interest, from historic landmarks to outdoor adventures, museums, art galleries, live theater and more.

For the full list of participating attractions and to download the app, visit <a href="https://www.sunflowersummer.org">sunflowersummer.org</a>.

Sunflower Summer returns Saturday with free access to 230+ Kansas attractions

The Hutchinson Art Center is excited to announce the addition of Akyra Rush to its team as the new media manager.

A Hutchinson native, Rush recently graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She brings with her a strong passion for digital storytelling and a commitment to creating engaging content that inspires and builds community.

“I love using digital platforms to connect with people in meaningful ways,” Rush said. “I’m thrilled to join the Hutchinson Art Center and can’t wait to share fresh ideas and creativity with our audiences.”

When she’s not brainstorming her next great design, Rush enjoys reading, watching reality TV, and spending time with her cats. She’s often spotted with a sweet treat in one hand and her phone in the other, capturing moments and crafting stories.

The Art Center invites the community to stop by, say hello, and give Akyra a warm welcome as she steps into this new role.

For more information about upcoming events and exhibits, visit <a href="http://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net">www.hutchinsonartcenter.net</a>.

Hutchinson Art Center introduces new media manager 

Hutch Rec is teaming up with Kansas CPR to help local youth build life-saving skills and confidence as they prepare to babysit.

The two organizations are offering a hands-on babysitting class aimed at responsible young people ready to take on the important job of caring for children. In just two hours, participants will learn CPR for infants, children, and adults, along with how to use an AED and handle basic first aid situations.

Snacks, prizes, and a certificate of completion are included for those who finish the course. Organizers say it’s a great way to make sure future babysitters feel prepared, safe, and ready to succeed.

Hutch Rec to offer babysitting training 

The Kansas Corporation Commission this week approved two settlement agreements allowing Evergy Kansas Central to recover costs for three new power generation facilities, including two gas plants and a utility-scale solar farm aimed at meeting rising electric demand and improving grid reliability.

The utility’s plan generated significant interest after its application was filed in November. Thirty-one parties formally intervened in the case alongside Evergy and KCC staff.

The Commission unanimously approved the agreement covering the new solar project, called Kansas Sky, which will be located in Douglas County and fully owned by Evergy Kansas Central. Construction costs for the facility are estimated at $228.1 million. Regulators said the project will help diversify the state’s energy mix, which remains largely reliant on wind and fossil fuels.

“Very little utility-scale solar generation has been successfully developed in Kansas so far, and solar can complement the region’s existing resources,” the Commission wrote in its order.

A separate non-unanimous settlement agreement covering the gas plants was also approved. Under the plan, Evergy will build two combined cycle gas turbine plants totaling 1,420 megawatts of capacity — one near Viola in Sumner County and the other in Reno County. Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Missouri West will share 50% ownership of the gas plants, with Evergy Kansas Central’s estimated share totaling more than $1.5 billion.

Construction on the Viola plant is expected to be completed by January 2029, while the Reno County facility is projected to come online by January 2030.

The Commission said the gas plants are a “reliable plan” to expand generation capacity and include safeguards to protect customers from potential cost overruns.

Thursday’s order noted that rates will not increase immediately, except for a rider authorized by the Legislature that allows Evergy to recover some construction costs after work begins. Other costs must go through future rate cases.

However, the Commission signaled frustration over the frequency of Evergy’s rate hike requests.

“The Commission is troubled by the frequency and magnitude of rate cases and strongly encourages Evergy to focus on pacing investment to better align with load growth and mitigate large rate increases,” regulators wrote.

While acknowledging that new generation is needed for reliability and economic growth, the Commission said it expects Evergy to seriously evaluate less costly alternatives, including demand response programs, grid upgrades and surplus interconnection sites.

KCC approves Evergy plans for new gas, solar facilities 

As temperatures soar during the “dog days of summer,” Dr. John Austin with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital is reminding pet owners that heat isn’t the only seasonal hazard to watch for. Local yards, ditches, and trails are full of plants like wild oats, cheatgrass, and foxtails — and they pose a bigger threat than you might think.

“These seeds, which a lot of people call ‘foxtails’ or ‘wild oats,’ are designed by nature to spread by sticking to animals,” said Dr. Austin. “The problem is, they don’t just stick — they burrow in.”

He says his clinic frequently treats pets for embedded seeds lodged in their paws, ears, or even eyes. Dogs with longer or curly fur, such as doodle breeds, are especially vulnerable.

The trouble comes from the seeds’ barbed tips, which work like tiny fishhooks. As dogs walk through tall grass, the seeds catch in their fur and can then pierce the skin. Once embedded, they can create painful abscesses that sometimes travel up the leg.

“About half the time, we’re able to sedate the pet and carefully remove the seed before it causes more damage,” Dr. Austin said. “But if it breaks apart or deteriorates inside, it can keep migrating and lead to repeated infections.”

Common spots to check? Between the paw pads, up between the toes, under the third eyelid, and deep inside the ears.

Dr. Austin recommends simple steps to help avoid this summer nuisance:

If your pet is persistently licking a paw, shaking its head, or pawing at its eyes, it could be more than just an itch. “These seeds can go places you’d never expect,” Dr. Austin warned. “They can even penetrate behind the eyelid or deep inside the ear canal, and they won’t come out on their own.”

If removal is needed, sedation may be required for the safety of both the animal and the vet team.

Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital is located at 1201 East 30th Avenue and opens early to serve pet owners in the area. “Stay hydrated and stay vigilant,” Dr. Austin said. “It’s the best way to keep your pets safe and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.”

Veterinarian warns of grass awns 

Dr. Jonathan Austin of the Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital dropped by to visit about the issues with grass awns and monitoring your pets in the heat of the summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 Dr. Jonathan Austin, DVM - Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital 

After seeing an increase in egg production earlier in the year, it has dropped off significantly.&nbsp; 

Summers hot weather is here, and that is curbing the egg output.&nbsp; Anytime temperatures get above 80 degrees, it can affect chickens with dehydration, and that leads to laying fewer eggs.&nbsp; 

The most recent information from the department of agriculture says that May egg output dropped, and so did the number of total egg laying hens.&nbsp; 

American egg production fell six percent, and some forecasters say it may not rebound for quite some time.&nbsp; That's because the number of egg layers in the U.S. on June 1 totaled 350 million, a six percent drop from the same date last year.

Ag Minute: Egg supply 

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. ——————————————

Marcus	Juanell Hill&nbsp;7/9/2025 8:13 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Dustin Lewis Pisoni 7/9/2025 11:45 AM&nbsp; Probation Violation,&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant, Direct Contempt&nbsp;

Troy	Lee Harlin 7/9/2025 1:43 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Matthew David Arnold 7/9/2025 3:09 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Danny Ray Schmidt 7/9/2025 4:06 PM&nbsp; Direct Contempt&nbsp;

Sereneity Dawn Trunbull 7/9/2025 4:16 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Olando Anthony Montoya 7/9/2025 7:18 PM Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Montre Tyrell Toney 7/9/2025 7:48 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Jason Allyne Goss 7/9/2025 8:12 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm

Angela Lee Jones 7/10/2025 12:44 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Jaycee Rein Sweeden 7/10/2025 3:33 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,&nbsp;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Daily Bookings 

Reno County 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger and Kora Zongker stopped by the Reno County Commission meeting this week to invite both the board and the community to the upcoming Reno County Fair, which runs July 23–28 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

The ambassadors extended a special invitation to commissioners for the fair’s awards luncheon on July 28 at noon. Fair Board President Clint Lanning also provided commissioners with tickets for the Blue Ribbon BBQ, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, and shared a schedule of events.

In other business, Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair, requested the Commission consider helping fund a proposed $4.2 million Emergency Command Center. The facility would be built on the site of the former fire station at Main and 20th Street and would serve as a year-round hub for law enforcement, emergency responders and event security. Schulz said the project is critical to protect the more than 330,000 visitors who attend the fair each year.

However, some commissioners expressed hesitation about committing county tax dollars to a state-owned facility. Commissioner Bogner called the request “pretty darn steep,” and others questioned why the original fire station was demolished instead of being renovated. Some members showed interest but indicated that any contribution would likely require a formal agreement ensuring shared access during emergencies.

Also during the meeting, the board approved updated design plans for the $600,000 remodel of EMS Station 2. Facilities Director Kyle Stewart noted that $63,000 of that cost is due to a new fire suppression system now required by the City of Hutchinson. Commissioners acknowledged frustration with rising costs but agreed the project should move forward and voted unanimously to put it out for bids.

Finally, the board approved an interlocal agreement with Kingman County, allowing property owners in the Kingman portion of a shared fire district to receive tax rebates through Kingman County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Reno County will have no financial obligation but needed to sign off on the arrangement to make it official.

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners will meet next Wednesday at 9 a.m. for a budget meeting.&nbsp; At the meeting commissioners will set a maximum mill levy for the next fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

County commission approves EMS station plans, agreement with Kingman County 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for your complete KSStormInfo Weather Center forecast.</a>

Three-day weather outlook 

INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations.

"While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."

Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has been changed from “heather gray” to “charcoal gray” in response to manufacturing trends.

“Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available,” Searcy said.

In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.

A full list of rule changes will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfhs.org">www.nfhs.org</a> under the “Sports” section for softball.

🥎 NFHS unveils 2026 softball rule modifications

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has unveiled a new format and finalized sites for the 2026 and 2027 state basketball tournaments, bringing sweeping changes aimed at consolidating classes and enhancing the championship experience.

Beginning in 2026, multiple classes will share championship venues, a first since 1953. KSHSAA officials say the updated format reflects input from school administrators who favored grouping classes for semifinal and final rounds to create a more unified and high-energy environment.

In 2026, the semifinal and final sites are as follows:

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level.”

All state tournaments will begin with quarterfinal games played March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027. The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.

Quarterfinals will be held at seven venues across five cities:

Quarterfinal matchups will be determined by the proximity to the higher seed, not by classification. Games involving schools more than 250 miles apart may be moved to centrally located venues. State brackets will remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski. “This new format is a win for teams and school communities.”

The new approach mirrors recent changes in championship soccer and football formats, which consolidate title games to increase visibility and fan engagement. KSHSAA says combining semifinal and final rounds for multiple classes will reduce travel burdens and make it easier for fans, coaches, and media to follow the action.

The changes come in response to a 2022 survey of member schools, in which each class expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.

🏀 Sports Arena to host 3A, 4A state semifinals and finals under new KSHSAA tournament format

🎧⚾ Royals sweep Pirates; ⚾ Monarchs walk-off Bat Cats; ⚾ Missions beat Wind Surge

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The magic of Hobart-Detter Field struck again Wednesday night, as the Hutchinson Monarchs (22-5) walked off the Great Bend Bat Cats 3-2 in a dramatic finish to a tightly contested Jayhawk Collegiate League matchup.

Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the ninth, Hutchinson rallied behind a clutch at-bat from catcher Jake Knox, who delivered a two-run walk-off double to right field to score Drew Bugner and Dylan Bell, sending the Monarchs and the home crowd into celebration.

Bugner drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After an out and a strikeout, Bell worked a walk to set the stage for Knox’s heroics. Facing a 2-2 count, Knox fouled off a pair of pitches before driving a liner to right that plated both runners and sealed the Monarchs' comeback.

The Bat Cats struck first with a solo homer by Tony Moore in the second and added another run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Walker to take a 2-0 lead. Hutchinson scratched across a run in the sixth when Tyler Mitchell tripled and later scored on a single by Jacob Gutierrez.

Pitching was sharp on both sides throughout the night. Monarchs starter Brayden McClure went six strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out three and walking none. Kyle Chamberlain and Riley Dickey combined for three scoreless innings of relief, with Dickey earning the win.

Great Bend’s J Field went 6.2 innings and giving up one run, before C Kunz allowed the final two runs in the ninth taking the tough-luck loss after going just 1.2 innings giving up the two runs on one hit, walking 2 and sticking out two.

The win extends Hutchinson’s dominance at Hobart-Detter and keeps them atop the league standings as they near the final stretch of the regular season.

The same two teams go at it tonight in Great Bend. First pitch at 7pm. Video is available on the Bat Cat's YouTube Channel.

The Monarchs will continue their season traveling to Kingman on Friday the back home later this week before looking to build on their 22-5 record and lock in a high seed for the upcoming NBC World Series in Wichita.

⚾ Hutchinson Monarchs get walk off win over the Great Bend Bat Cats in thrilling finish at Hobart-Detter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.

But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.

Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.

Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.

Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.

Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.

<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.

Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.

Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.

Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

⚾ Perez and Caglianone power Royals to win over Pirates 

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season.

MLB said Wednesday it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday.

Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges successful in the 288 exhibition games using the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-robot-umpires-abs-9034454b5a795262bf97446ff38d0361">Automated Ball-Strike System</a>. ABS was installed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-robot-umpires-experiment-manfred-ecba44e95b37e6f21824cbb58fe69707">13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams</a>, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards displaying the challenge result for spectators to see.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month that the ABS system was likely to be considered for regular-season use by the 11-man competition committee, which includes six management representatives.

“I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change in that process and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that,” he said. “The teams are really positive about ABS. I do have that unscientific system that I use: my email traffic. And my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain of balls and strike calls via email to me referencing the need for ABS.”

During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

⚾ MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week

FRISCO, Texas — Kansas head football coach Lance Leipold answered questions from media members at the Big 12 Media Days held at The Star on Wednesday afternoon.

🎥🏈 WATCH: KU head coach Lance Leipold at Big 12 Media Days

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is now accepting registrations for its fall youth sports programs, offering a variety of recreational opportunities for children of all ages and skill levels.

This season’s lineup includes flag football, soccer, and volleyball, each designed to teach fundamentals, promote teamwork, and keep kids active in a fun and supportive environment. Scholarships are available for all programs to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.

<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/vzn3ol/bolmynhe/7wtvg9">Flag Football</a> offers a safe, non-contact alternative to tackle football while still teaching essential aspects of the game. Divisions are available for grades K-1, 2-3 and 4-6. Practices are scheduled based on volunteer coach availability, and games are held Sunday afternoons at Don Michael Field, located at 17th and Severance. The registration fee is $48.

<a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/vzn3ol/bolmynhe/jawvg9">Soccer &amp; Lil’ Kickers</a> is open to youth ages 3 to 12, with a focus on skill-building and fun. Lil’ Kickers (ages 3-6) introduces young players to the sport in a playful setting for $35. Recreational soccer for ages 7-12 costs $48 and emphasizes dribbling, passing, and teamwork.

<a href="https://secure.rec1.com/KS/hutchinson-ks/catalog/index/a6ee909d2ac3aaa7537cf21bd93a2945?filter=c2VhcmNoPVlvdXRoJTIwVm9sbGV5YmFsbA==">Volleyball &amp; Lil’ Diggers</a> helps children develop core volleyball skills like serving and passing. Lil’ Diggers is open to 1st and 2nd graders for $35, while the recreational league for 3rd through 6th graders is $48.

The registration deadline for all sports is Aug. 15 for in-person sign-ups and Aug. 17 for online registrations. For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://www.hutchrec.com">www.hutchrec.com</a> or stop by the Hutch Rec at 17 E. 1st Ave.

🏈⚽🏐 Hutch Rec opens fall youth sports registration for flag football, soccer, volleyball

HUTCHINSON, Kan.  — The Hutchinson Monarchs (21-5) will pay host to the Great Bend Bat Cats tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.&nbsp; This game is the final game of a six-game home stand for the Monarchs who are currently in 1st place of the Jayhawk Conference Summer League.

Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Sean Boston of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play tonight, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs wraps up home stand with game versus Great Bend Bat Cats

The Kansas City Royals have signed former Cy Young winner, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keuchda01.shtml">Dallas Keuchel</a> to a minor league deal, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Keuchel, 37, was designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers in July of 2024 after four starts with a 5.40 ERA. He then elected free agency.

He spent seven years with the Houston Astros from 2012-18, where he went 76-63 with a 3.66 ERA in 192 appearances, 183 of which were starts. Keuchel won the American League Cy Young Award in 2015 after going 20-8 with a 2.48 ERA and a 1.017 WHIP. He went 35-28 over his final three years with the Astros, before signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in 2019.

Over his final six seasons, Keuchel went 31-45 and never won more than nine games. He played with five different teams over his final six seasons, the Braves, Twins, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Rangers.

Keuchel held a workout with the Royals last week and hit 92 miles per hour on his fastball. The Royals will start him in Triple-A with the hopes of getting the left-handed pitcher to the big leagues this season.

⚾ Royals sign former Cy Young winner to minor league deal

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ed-white">ED WHITE</a> Associated Press

This week in Texas, estimates put the number of people still missing from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-worship-ceremony-dead-missing-39afd477993c6220d0ce8c080cea0828">the Hill Country floods</a>&nbsp;at 161, a daunting figure atop at least 120 deaths confirmed by authorities.

But that missing person tally might not be as precise as it seems.

Confusion and uncertainty can take hold after a shocking disaster and, despite best efforts by local authorities, it can be difficult to pin down how many people reported missing are actually unaccounted for. Some people on a list after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paradise-wildfire-california-anniversary-five-years-b4434481c38e6a02e9f2d376ac172b04">California’s Camp Fire wildfire</a>&nbsp;in 2018 were later found to be OK the whole time. The death count in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-fire-atf-report-cause-origin-maui-wildfires-7225240816153b751fde6c5871274636">the 2023 Maui fire</a>&nbsp;was 102, far below the 1,100 people initially feared missing.

In Texas, several hundred people were reported missing to officials in Kerr County after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-july-4-flood-timeline-ddf1090207b67c6ab716aedc8b239fc2">the Fourth of July floods</a>, said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Investigators whittled that number down to 161 by Tuesday after learning that some were counted twice and others were found alive.

“There’s nothing to celebrate about how well we’ve done this far, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” Martin said.

Authorities announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-surveys-flood-damage-provides-update-on-continued-response-to-texas-flooding" target="_blank">phone number and email address</a>&nbsp;for people to report missing friends or family.

“We need to keep an accurate count, as accurate as possible,” Jonathan Lamb of the Kerrville Police Department said in a plea to the public Wednesday. “So if you’ve reported somebody missing and they’ve been recovered safely, please let us know.”

The flooding sent walls of water through Hill Country in the middle of the night, killing at least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/photos-texas-flooding-camp-mystic-5c3109dc79e16bac53526c4db8c8207e">century-old all-girls Christian summer camp</a>&nbsp;along the Guadalupe River. More remain missing from that camp and elsewhere.

The search in 88-degree Fahrenheit heat has been made harder by overturned cars, trees, mud and other debris left in the wake of the ferocious flood.

“We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Know this also: There very likely could be more added to that list.”

In 2017, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/267939967761404587fec2bc2d94d995">20 people died in the Tubbs fire</a>&nbsp;in northern California. Sgt. Juan Valencia of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office recalled that most of the 100 people initially reported missing to his agency were found safe.

Working through a list of names in a disaster is both meticulous and time-consuming work, he said.

“Put yourself in a family member’s shoes,” Valencia said. “They’re concerned about their loved one. Are they really the victim of a disaster or did they maybe lose their cellphone? Basically you start calling temporary shelters, check family, friends. You check social media. That’s how we were able to get a lot of those.”

And he acknowledged that searching for victims of a water disaster poses distinct challenges.

“Sometimes you find them miles away,” Valencia said.

The 2018 Camp Fire in California ended up killing nearly 100 people, though the Butte County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-wildfires-05585052057247708a46376c4333eac0">had a list of 1,300 people</a>&nbsp;unaccounted for at one point.

Abbott said Texas authorities were trying to learn more about people who were not registered at a camp or a hotel for the holiday and left no paper or digital trail in the region. He had a firm message for anyone contacting police about a missing person.

“If you make a prank call or provide false information, that’s a crime. ... So you better be correct,” the governor said.

🎥Texas officials trying to figure out who's really missing from the floods

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating what Montgomery County Ron Wade calls&nbsp;a recent act of unimaginable cruelty.

On July 9, sheriff's deputies responded to&nbsp;McTaggerts Dam County Road 3800 west of County Road 4900 just NW of Liberty, Kansas.

Deputies found five dogs, possible Labrador mix, had been brutally shot and left to die—discarded like trash, their lifeless bodies lying in the open for all to see, according to Sheriff Wade.

"Let us be clear: this is not only a crime, but also an act of pure evil."

"These animals suffered at the hands of a heartless individual or group, and we will not rest until those responsible are identified and brought to justice."

“The senseless killing of innocent animals is not only unacceptable, but also a violation of everything we stand for in this community. We do not tolerate cruelty, and we will use every resource available to find who did this. If you think for one second that we’re going to let this slide, you’re wrong.”

This case is being actively investigated as animal cruelty. The sheriff's office is&nbsp; asking the public if you know of anyone who might be involved, please come forward.

"This was not hunting. This was not self-defense. This was slaughter."

If you have any information that could lead to the identification of the subject(s) responsible, please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 330-1000 or message our Facebook page.  You can request to remain anonymous.

"Together, we can send a clear message that our community will not stand for cruelty—to animals, to people, or to the values we share."

Sheriff: Pure evil; dogs shot, left to die along river in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit.

Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office has charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;

As this is now a charged case, the Wichita Police Department is unable to provide any further comments.

Criminal charges filed against Kansas deputy

NEW YORK (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 850,000 of its cars across the U.S. because the low-pressure fuel pump inside the vehicles may fail — and potentially cause an engine stall while driving, increasing crash risks.

The recall covers a wide range of Ford and Lincoln-branded vehicles made in recent model years. That includes certain Ford Broncos, Explorers and F-150s, as well as Lincoln Aviators and Navigators, documents&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=25V455000">published</a>&nbsp;this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration note.

Ford plans to send out notification letters to affected owners starting this Monday (July 14), to warn of safety risks related to potential fuel pump failure. But a remedy is still “under development,” the NHTSA's&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V455-7716.pdf">recall report</a>&nbsp;notes.

It wasn't immediately clear if there was an estimate for when a fix would become available. But this week's recall report noted that owners will receive an additional letter with instructions to take their car to an authorized dealer for that service when the time comes — and that there will be no charge.

The Associated Press reached out to Ford for further comments Thursday.

The Michigan-based automaker isn't aware of any accidents or injuries related to this recall, this week's report notes. But owners should look out for potential warnings. Prior to fuel pump failure, customers may encounter poor engine performance, for example, a check engine light or a decrease in engine power.

Fuel pump failure is “more likely to occur” during warm weather or if there’s low fuel in the tank, the recall report notes. And loss of fuel pressure and flow can be caused by internal contamination of a car’s jet pump, amid other factors. Ford also identified supplier changes during a review of the manufacturing process, the report adds.

Ford recalls over 850,000 cars due to potential fuel pump failure

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kobach faults Gov. Laura Kelly’s 2019 executive order on gender identity

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Board of Education and Attorney General Kris Kobach have been fighting about whether Kansas should drop a ban on discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity from public school district contracts tied to federally funded food nutrition programs.

Kobach asserted the language of some contracts was inconsistent with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump in January, while the state Board of Education said anti-discrimination provisions in contracts for goods or services complied with an executive order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly in 2019.

On July 3, representatives of the state Board of Education met with Kobach to inform the attorney general the text of contracts had to be “made or approved” by the Kansas Department of Administration rather than the state Board of Education or the Kansas State Department of Education.

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