A long-running local fundraiser supporting education and humanitarian work in Haiti returns this weekend, with two days of meals, music and a large benefit auction planned at the Pleasant View Activity Center.

The Share Haiti Benefit Auction and Dinner begins Friday evening and continues through Saturday, raising funds for a mission school and community outreach in southern Haiti, several hours away from Port-au-Prince. Organizers Abner Schmucker and Dale Lehman say the mission has seen growing need in recent years as families flee violence and unrest in the capital region.

Share Haiti operates a school in the community of Cote Fer, providing education for children from age three through seventh grade, with plans to add an eighth-grade class next year. The school currently serves about 470 students and employs roughly 70 staff members, including teachers and classroom helpers.

Organizers say education is central to the mission’s work.

“Education gives these children a much better opportunity in life,” Schmucker said. “This school has become one of the premier schools in the area because of its values, quality instruction, and care for students.”

In addition to academics, the mission provides daily hot meals for students—often the only hot meal they receive each day—and offers assistance to families in the surrounding community who come to the mission with urgent needs.

The fundraiser begins Friday at 4:30 p.m. with an authentic Haitian dinner featuring chicken, rice and beans. A singing group from the Moundridge area will perform later in the evening. The meal is donation-based, with dine-in and carry-out options available.

Events continue Saturday morning starting at 7 a.m. with a waffle and sausage breakfast, served until 10 a.m. The benefit auction begins at 9 a.m., overlapping with breakfast service, and continues through the morning. Lunch will also be available, allowing attendees to spend the day at the event.

The auction features a wide range of donated items, including fishing trips, gift certificates, farm and lawn-care services, tools, handmade pottery, hay, baked goods and agricultural equipment.

One of the top items is a site-built building, constructed with donated materials and labor from local businesses and churches. The structure will be a high-quality, stick-built building, with concrete included. The winning bidder is responsible for site preparation, utilities and excavation.

Cedar Crest Amish Mennonite Church and Prairie Chapel Mennonite Church coordinate much of the fundraising and logistics, with additional support from other area churches.

Organizers emphasize that all proceeds directly support the mission’s educational and humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

“The need continues to grow, but so does the impact,” Lehman said. “This is a chance for the community to come together and make a real difference.”

The Share Haiti Benefit Auction and Dinner is open to the public and will be held at the Pleasant View Activity Center, located south of Stutzman’s on Dean Road.

SHARE Haiti fundraiser returns this weekend 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is inviting residents to think differently about development with the launch of Build Hutch, a new initiative aimed at helping local property owners and aspiring developers redevelop vacant lots and blighted properties—one project at a time.

The program focuses on incremental development, a model that emphasizes smaller, locally driven projects rather than large, out-of-town developers building sprawling subdivisions. City officials say the approach can strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing options and keep investment dollars circulating locally.

Dave Sotelo, Hutchinson’s director of strategic growth, said Build Hutch was created in response to frequent questions from residents who want to improve properties but don’t know where to start.

“People come to City Hall and say, ‘I want to flip a blighted building’ or ‘I want to build on a land bank lot,’” Sotelo said. “City staff aren’t developers, so this program is about giving people real tools—how the math works, how financing works, and how to navigate city processes.”

To deliver the training, the city is partnering with Neighborhood Evolution, a national organization that both develops properties and teaches small-scale development in communities across the country, including South Bend, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Minneapolis.

Neighborhood Evolution’s work is centered on helping communities build wealth locally by empowering residents to redevelop underused properties themselves.

Funding for Build Hutch comes from a $100,000 grant awarded by the Hutchinson Community Foundation as part of its housing development strategy, making the program available at little cost to the city.

City leaders say the initiative is not unique to Hutchinson’s challenges, noting that many communities across Kansas and the Midwest face similar issues with vacant houses and empty lots.

“This isn’t just a Hutchinson problem—it’s happening all over America,” Sotelo said. “Housing is a big issue, but it doesn’t have to be solved overnight. Incremental development is about taking small, manageable steps that add up over time.”

The public kickoff event for Build Hutch is scheduled for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Attendees will meet instructors and coaches, learn what incremental development means, and connect with others interested in investing locally.

Sotelo said the program is designed for a wide range of participants—from young professionals interested in development, to business owners who want to expand, to residents who want to turn a vacant house into a duplex or redevelop a long-neglected property.

In addition to training, Build Hutch will help participants understand and access existing city tools such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and the Facade Improvement Program, which many property owners are unaware of.

“We want people to know that becoming a developer doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Sotelo said. “If you’re willing to learn and put in the work, this can be a win for you, a win for the city, and a win for the entire community.”

City of Hutchinson launches “Build Hutch” to grow housing through local, small-scale development

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Recent obituaries and service times

Reno County residents will have multiple opportunities this month to learn more about how property values are determined and how those values affect property taxes.&nbsp;

The Reno County Appraiser’s Office is hosting a pair of informational town halls this month. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The first is scheduled for&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;Feb. 16&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;at the Blue Shoes Theater in Pretty Prairie. Reno County Commission&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;Ron Hirst will also be in attendance. &nbsp;The second is&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at Eastwood Church of Christ&nbsp;located&nbsp;at 2500 North Plum Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the town halls, the presentation will&nbsp;focus on how property values are&nbsp;established, how market conditions influence those values, and how property taxes are calculated under Kansas law.&nbsp;County Appraiser Michael Plank will explain the appraisal process&nbsp;address&nbsp;common&nbsp;misconceptions and&nbsp;answer&nbsp;general questions&nbsp;from the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The appraiser’s office emphasizes that&nbsp;the town hall is intended for education and understanding, not individual property appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All Reno County residents are welcome, and no registration is&nbsp;required. Representatives from the Reno County Commission and Hutchinson City Council have been invited to attend.&nbsp;

County officials say the goal of all the meetings is to provide clear,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;information and help residents better understand how property valuation and taxation&nbsp;impact&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

County appraiser to hold town halls on property taxes

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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. ——————————————

Justin	Roy	Holmquist		2/5/2026 12:36&nbsp;PM	Rape; Overcome by Force or Fear,					Sodomy; AGGRAVATED; Non-Consensual, overcome by Force or Fear,					Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Endangering a Child,					Battery; Sexual; AGGRAVATED; Victim overcome by Force or Fear,					Abuse of a child; Knowingly torture or cruelly beat/strike/kickbeat child over 6yrs old and under 18yrs old,					Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Rape; Overcome by Force or Fear

Lamar	Lee	Williams	Jr	2/5/2026 2:20&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

James	Lee	Gilbert	Jr	2/5/2026 4:27&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Andrew	Michael	Wiens		2/5/2026 6:10&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Alphinia	Aliza	Toney		2/5/2026 9:43&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

Diamond	Deshawn	Lewis		2/6/2026 12:06&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Devon	Edward	Elmarr		2/6/2026 12:34&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Jeffrey	David	Boll		2/6/2026 2:39&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher,					DL Violation; No Drivers License in Possession

Daily Bookings

Evergy is warning customers to be vigilant after a new text scam.

Scammers are sending fake text messages to Evergy customers claiming the customer has overpaid their bill and is due for a refund. The scammer then asks customers to go to a fake website that appears to be from Evergy and enter personal financial information.

This is a scam and the text and website are not from Evergy. If customers receive a text like this, they should:

Fake texts are just one-way scammers are becoming more deceptive. Scammers frequently try to get personal and financial information like credit card, debit card, Social Security, Evergy account number, checking or savings account numbers using methods like texts, calls, websites and even in person. Here are some signs of common scams and ways consumers can protect themselves:

Fake websites - Watch for fraudulent websites that look like Evergy’s. Always ensure you are paying your directly bill through the Evergy website at evergy.com.

Fake caller ID displays - Never give out personal or financial information over the phone if you’re unsure who you are speaking to. You can verify account information online or by calling the Evergy Customer Contact Center (in the Evergy Metro and Evergy Missouri West area at 1-888-471-5275; in Evergy Kansas Central at 1-800-383-1183).

Disconnection threats - Beware of threats that utility service will be disconnected in a short time – like an hour – if you don’t provide immediate payment, especially during extremely hot or cold weather. Evergy will not shut off service without multiple notifications prior to disconnection.

Gift cards and third-party payment apps - Evergy will never ask customers to pay via third-party payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle. Evergy also won’t ask customers to pay with gift cards.

In-person impersonators – Verify the person is with Evergy by asking to see company identification or by calling the Customer Contact Center before giving any personal information. Evergy workers will also be wearing Evergy-branded clothing and driving a clearly labeled company vehicle. Contractors working on behalf of Evergy should not ask for personal information. The only customer contact that Evergy contractors should have is a courtesy door-knock to alert customers they will be working on their property.

Offering a discount – Scammers may claim that by giving them a credit card number or other form of payment they can give a discount on an electricity bill. As a regulated utility, Evergy can only offer approved prices and programs that are available on our website.

Evergy urges customers to watch out for text scams

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

Three-day Outlook

Families in the Hutchinson area are invited to a sweet night of fun later this month as Hutchinson Soroptimist hosts its annual Life Is Sweet Mommy &amp; Me Dance.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Journey Mennonite Church, located at 808 S. Poplar in South Hutchinson.

Designed as a special evening for moms and children, the dance will feature music, refreshments, a photo booth, and door prizes. Children will also have the chance to meet costumed characters, including Princess Elsa, Spiderman, and the Candy Queen. Cash-only raffles will be held throughout the evening.

Tickets are priced at $20 per adult and $5 per child. Advance tickets can be purchased online at <a href="https://sihutch.org/">sihutch.org</a> or by scanning the QR code included on event promotions.

Organizers say proceeds from the event support Soroptimist programs focused on improving the lives of women and girls in the Hutchinson community.

Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early and come prepared for an evening of dancing, sweets, and memories.

Hutchinson Soroptimists to host Annual Mommy & Me Dance

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Two grown men, one with a back tattoo, who saw a ceiling and said, “Yeah, that’s the entrance.”

According to McPherson County Crime Stoppers, the two suspects made unauthorized ceiling access to Main Street Bar and Grill, 121, North Main Street in the McPherson County community of Canton.

The suspects completely ignored the door.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16JehWjny6/">Click here to watch the crime in progress&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16qHhUwQnB/">&nbsp;Click here to watch another video of the crime&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

"The two were covered in insulation and regret. Thought this was a good idea by wearing socks over shoes like its hiding something."

Crime Stoppers described the suspects as gravity’s biggest fans

"ARMED &amp; DANGEROUS:Only to ceiling tiles and dignity."

"REWARD: One free drink&nbsp; (Valid only if they promise to use doors like everyone else.) "

Two gaming machines were damaged with an undisclosed amount of cash and bottles of alcohol taken.

🎥Suspects break into McPherson Co. bar through the ceiling

 The 18th Annual SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction will be held Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, at the Pleasantview Activity Center in south Hutchinson.

The event begins Friday with dinner served from 4:30 to 8 p.m., featuring a Haitian meal of rice, beans and chicken. Live a cappella singing by multiple groups will begin at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule includes waffles and sausage from 7 to 10 a.m., with the benefit auction starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at 10:30 a.m. and will include burgers, fries, ice cream and more.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support SHARE Haiti’s mission work, including the La Semence School, which provides education and assistance to children and families in Haiti.

The event will be held at the Pleasantview Activity Center, 5015 S. Dean Road, about a quarter mile south of Stutzman Greenhouse. The benefit is sponsored by Prairie Chapel Mennonite Church and Cedar Crest Mennonite Church.

More information is available on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharehaiti">Facebook</a>.

SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction this weekend

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The sale and trafficking of counterfeit goods is a multimillion-dollar criminal industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer" target="_blank">Operation Team Player</a>&nbsp;is a year-round initiative led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/" target="_blank">National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center</a>&nbsp;in collaboration with all major U.S. sports leagues to prevent counterfeit sports merchandise and apparel from reaching fans ahead of high-profile sporting events.

<a href="https://www.iprcenter.gov/opteamplayer">Click here to learn more</a>

Together with major sports leagues, the IPR Center:

Buying fake merchandise may seem harmless, but it has serious consequences. Whether it’s a fan losing hard-earned money on a fake jersey they were led to believe was authentic, or small businesses that purchased an expensive vendor license losing vital sales, intellectual property theft is a real crime with real victims and real negative financial impacts. This may sound absurd when talking about sports merchandise, but has real consequences for medications, cosmetics, electronics and other types of counterfeit or unlicensed goods and merchandise.

Counterfeit jerseys, hats, rings and other sports merchandise may look like the licensed version, but you could be scammed out of your hard-earned money thinking you are spending money on licensed gear. Counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise is often cheaply made with inferior stitching, dyes and other dangerous materials that can affect consumers’ health. It may not hold up to wear and tear like licensed gear.

Counterfeiting is a worldwide issue and combating it requires a united front. By working together — law enforcement, industry leaders and everyday consumers — we can make a significant impact.

Many people don’t think twice about counterfeit goods — until they personally experience the consequences. Whether it's being scammed, suffering harm, or having their intellectual property stolen, counterfeiting has real-world effects.

As the Super Bowl approaches officials warn of fake sports gear

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;— A suspect accused in the deadly shooting of a Dodge City man is due back in court on Friday.

&nbsp;Ricardo Talavera, 41, will appear in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Talaverais charged with involuntary manslaughter and interference with a law enforcement office in the death of 49-year-old Ruben Parga-Quintanar.

Judge could decide today if there is enough evidence for the case to move forward and set a date for his arraignment.

Just before 9a.m. August 1, officers and Wichita Fire Department crews responded to a report of a man down near the entrance to an alley in the 2400 block of North Jeanette in Wichita, according to a media release. When fire personnel arrived, they found Parga-Quintanar with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:53 a.m.

Early findings in the investigation suggested Parga-Quintanar was shot elsewhere and collapsed after fleeing on a bicycle. As the case progressed, detectives determined he was shot in the alley and then collapsed nearby.

Investigators identified Talavera as a suspect and served a search warrant at his home.&nbsp; On August 6, police arrested him and booked him into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a&nbsp;$1,000,000.00 bond, according to online jail records.

Preliminary hearing for suspect in murder of SW Kansas man

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas bill that would have&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/02/kansas-bill-would-require-kindergarteners-to-be-potty-trained-before-starting-school/">required kindergarteners to be potty trained</a>&nbsp;before starting school stalled in committee.

House Education Committee chairwoman Rep. Susan Estes, a Republican from Wichita, declined to bring the bill up for debate Wednesday. She said she wanted to give school districts more time to find a solution.&nbsp;

“I do think there are some very legitimate concerns,” Estes said. “Parents needing support if they are going through this. But also, how do we make sure that everything is being done in a way that is safe for the educator as well as the student?”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2486/" target="_blank">House Bill 2486</a>&nbsp;garnered double the amount of opponents compared to proponents. Critics worried the bill would leave vulnerable children behind by excluding them from school and urged legislators to leave the decision up to local districts.&nbsp;

Rep. Sherri Brantley, a Republican from Great Bend, introduced the bill to help educators mitigate distractions. It would have required parents to confirm in writing that their child is potty trained before enrolling in school.

Kansas lawmakers hold back school potty training bill to allow time for solutions

PAWNEE COUNTY- Michael EG Reynolds, 69 of Larned, appeared Thursday afternoon before Senior District Judge Nancy Parrish of Topeka, Kansas, to determine whether he is competent to stand trial, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. The hearing was conducted via video teleconferencing.

After hearing the testimony of the court-assigned forensic evaluator and arguments of counsel, Judge Parrish found Reynolds not competent to stand trial. Based on this finding, the Court then entered an order directing the Defendant to be committed to the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for up to ninety (90) days for competency restoration treatment.

A five-day Jury Trial was scheduled to commence February 23, 2026. The matter is now stayed until such time as the Court finds the defendant has regained competency.

Under Kansas law, a person is “incompetent to stand trial” when such person is charged with a crime and, because of mental illness or defect is unable: (1) To understand the nature and purpose of the proceedings against such person; or (2) to make or assist in making such person's defense.

Reynolds is charged with one count of Intentional Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The charges stem from a joint investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Coroner Dr. Lyle Noordhoek into the shooting death of Dr. Tomas Garza, 52 of Larned, on March 30, 2024. Reynolds was taken into custody at the scene without incident at the time of the alleged incident.

Rather than the State Security Hospital, which is on the campus of Larned State Hospital, the State anticipates Reynolds will be transferred to Osawatomie State Hospital to receive the court ordered treatment. At the time of his death, Dr. Garza served as the medical supervisor for Larned State Hospital.

Following the hearing, Judge Parrish denied the defendant’s request to reduce the bond finding Reynolds currently poses a danger to himself or others if released. The defendant will remain in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff pending his transfer to a psychiatric facility.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett represented the State at the hearing. Reynolds was represented by David McDonald of Platte City, Missouri.

Judge rules on competency of suspect in murder of Kansas doctor

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

Just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 1800 block of East Front Street, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Upon arrival officers located a victim in the parking lot of Bally's KC Casino identified as 18-year-old&nbsp;Aundre Harris Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. They began performing lifesaving measures and ordered KCFD EMS to the scene. Medics transported Harris to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.&nbsp;

This is being investigated as a homicide. A subject of interest was taken into custody on scene pending further investigation. The preliminary information revealed there was a disturbance between multiple individuals inside the casino. That disturbance subsequently led to an altercation in the parking lot where shots were fired and Harris was struck. Detectives and crime scene personnel canvassed the scene for physical evidence, witnesses, and surveillance footage.&nbsp;

If anyone was in the area and heard or saw anything or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

Police: Teen killed after fight inside KC area casino

JOHNSON COUNTY—Police are asking for the public's help to identify jewelry theft suspect.

According to Overland Park Police, two individuals are suspected of committing felony theft from a jewelry kiosk at the Oak Park Mall.

The alleged theft occurred just after 7:30p.m. January 8. Two suspects entered a retail kiosk located at the Oak Park Mall,&nbsp; W.95th and Nieman after regular business hours. 

Once inside the kiosk, the suspects selected a significant number of necklaces before leaving the scene on foot.

 Both suspects are described as Hispanic males in their twenties. Police have no suspect vehicle information.

Anyone with information pertaining to the identity of these two individuals is urged to contact the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8729 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.Public Information Officer J. Lacy #653

Police working to ID Kansas jewelry theft suspects

By SEJAL GOVINDARAO, JACQUES BILLEAUD and JOHN SEEWER Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie's</a>&nbsp;brother on Thursday renewed the family's plea for their mother's kidnapper to contact them, hours after an Arizona sheriff said investigators don't have proof&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is alive but believe “she's still out there.”

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly,” Camron Guthrie said in a video posted on social media.

“We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward,” but first the family needs to know the kidnapper has their mother, he said, echoing a statement his famous sister read the day before.

Five days into the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">desperate search</a>&nbsp;for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

Authorities think she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;from her home in Tucson over the weekend. DNA tests showed blood found on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, the sheriff said.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference earlier Thursday. He acknowledged, however, that authorities have no evidence she’s OK.

Investigators said they are taking seriously notes seeking ransom that were sent to some media outlets.

It's unclear if all of the notes were identical. Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said details included a demand for money with a Thursday evening deadline and a second deadline for Monday if the first one wasn't met. At least one note mentioned a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch, Janke said.

“To anyone who may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma,” Janke said.

At least three media organizations reported receiving purported ransom notes, which they handed over to investigators. Authorities made an arrest after one ransom note turned out to be fake, the sheriff said.

A note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.

“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said.

The sheriff said it’s possible Nancy Guthrie was targeted, but if she was, investigators don’t know if that’s because her daughter is one of television’s most visible anchors.

Authorities say any decision on whether to fulfill ransom demands ultimately is up to the family.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">message to her mother’s kidnapper</a>, saying they are ready to talk but want proof their mom is still alive. There's been no response to their pleas so far.

Investigators gave a more&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-nancy-adaa8af43efe04c252a52616d9037a05">detailed timeline</a>&nbsp;from the hours after Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night. She was eating dinner and playing games with family members before one of them dropped her off at her home in a upscale neighborhood that sits on hilly, desert terrain, the sheriff said.

About four hours later, just before 2 a.m. Sunday, the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected, Nanos said. But Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so the doorbell company was unable to recover any footage.

Software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, the sheriff said, acknowledging that the motion could have come from an animal.

Then at 2:28 a.m. the app on Guthrie’s pacemaker was disconnected from her phone.

Guthrie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91">was reported missing</a>&nbsp;shortly before noon Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.

While she is able to drive and her mind is sharp, the sheriff said she has difficulty walking even short distances. She also requires daily medicine that's vital to her health, he has said.

A sheriff’s dispatcher said during the search Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadcastify.com/">broadcastify.com</a>.

Investigators searched in and around Guthrie’s home again for several hours Wednesday.

Authorities are bringing more resources and people into the investigation, and the FBI announced Thursday it was offering up to $50,000 for information. A day earlier, President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can.

Savannah Guthrie has hosted “Today” — NBC’s flagship morning show — for more than a decade and had been set to co-anchor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-olympics-host-nbc-mary-carillo-94c13d18ac30129cc37e6990ac2c31f1">the network’s coverage</a>&nbsp;of Friday’s opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics. For now, she's staying close to her mother's home.

She joined her two siblings in an emotional plea on social media Wednesday to say they're ready to talk to whoever sent the ransom notes.

“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” she said while fighting off tears.

With her voice cracking, she addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her. She was flanked by Camron and their sister, Annie.

“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.

This story has been corrected to show that the sheriff said it’s possible Nancy Guthrie was targeted, not that investigators have believed from the beginning that she was targeted.

Billeaud reported from Phoenix and Seewer from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed.

🎥'Today' show host's family renews plea to mother's kidnapper

KANSAS CITY—A driver injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri has died.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a blue Jeep Cherokee was&nbsp; westbound on 43rd and entered the intersection at Paseo from a stop sign. A northbound white Chevrolet Equinox traveling at a high rate of speed struck the Jeep. The Jeep rolled and the driver was ejected from the vehicle. 

The driver of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The front seat passenger of the Jeep was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured in the collision.

Police were notified the driver of the Jeep was pronounced deceased by hospital staff on Thursday morning, according to DiMartino.

&nbsp;The investigation, to include suspected impairment of the Chevrolet driver, is ongoing.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is fatality #6 compared to #5 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri. Police did not release the name of the victim.

KCPD: Driver dies days after crash with suspected impaired driver

On Thursday, at the direction of U.S. Southern Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations, according to a social media report from the U.S. Southern Command.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations. 

Two narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.&nbsp; This is the second deadly strike since the&nbsp;raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. On January 23, the U.S. carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

&nbsp;The Department of War released no additional details.

🎥 US carries out another deadly strike on a drug boat 

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at preventing potentially dangerous defendants from being released from custody after being found incompetent to stand trial and not meeting the standards to be involuntarily committed.

On Feb. 4, 2026, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson joined prosecutors, representatives of the Attorney General’s office, and lawmakers in testifying before the Senate Committee on Judiciary in support of Senate Bill 374. The measure would amend state criminal procedure laws governing how courts evaluate, treat, and monitor defendants ruled incompetent, including rules for inpatient and outpatient treatment, certification of competency, and involuntary commitment.

Supporters say the bill would close what has become known as the “competency loophole,” which can allow defendants facing criminal charges to be released because of gaps in existing commitment statutes. Addressing the issue has become a priority for the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association.

This bill is about putting public safety first,” Thompson said. “We have statutes that don’t always give courts the information and tools they need to keep dangerous individuals in custody to receive treatment.”

Prosecutors around the State have worked together for months to draft legislation to fix this problem.&nbsp;&nbsp; State Senator Jeff Klemp introduced the bill last week, relating to a case within his district.&nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court has found that defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial and it is not foreseeable that they will become competent can have their case dismissed. If a medical professional does not find that person to be a harm to self or others, that person cannot be involuntarily committed either.&nbsp;When those two things happen, a person pending serious charges could be released back to the public. Prosecutors argue that the gap creates a risk to public safety.

Supporters pointed out cases in other states where similar laws have been revised, as well as an incident in Riley County, Kansas, in which a defendant charged with attempted murder was released after being deemed incompetent and then ended up murdering someone.

“We don’t want to wait for another tragedy before we act,” Thompson said, “and we have several pending cases that this could happen if we don’t fix this loophole.”

Several prosecutors and state officials testified in favor of the bill, including Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe, Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach, Deputy Attorney General Jessica Domme of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, and Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, who also submitted written testimony.

Supporters of the legislation say SB 374 would provide clearer legal authority for courts and mental health providers to treat defendants while protecting the public.

The bill remains under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

 Kansas lawmakers consider bill to close ‘competency loophole’

MILAN (AP) — An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-opening-ceremony-olympics-winter-parade-d1aacd10cc2c4636aa985d4936db1d43">unprecedented four-site</a>, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>&nbsp;on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.

This is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spread-out-games-milan-cortina-dba796da13d5a6a2824fc9abfd93d751">the most spread-out Olympics</a>&nbsp;— Summer or Winter — in history, with competition venues dotting an area of about 8,500 square miles (more than 22,000 square kilometers), roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey.

The main hub Friday is in Milan at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-siro-opening-ceremony-winter-olympics-68f7447ed09409fc9dcb1146c46c7d79">San Siro</a>&nbsp;soccer stadium, which is home to Serie A titans AC Milan and Inter Milan, opened a century ago and is due to be razed and replaced in the next few years. There also will be three other places where athletes can march, some carrying their country’s flag: Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomite mountains; Livigno in the Alps; Predazzo in the autonomous province of Trento.

That allows up-in-the-mountains sports such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alpine-skiing-milan-cortina-olympics-b6541b08466527959803b2479c9a3416">Alpine skiing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-bobsled-f7abaed92a294763a66c5d8b58315cbd">bobsled</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-olympics-winter-cortina-64d55b7582479467d114298a6865346b">curling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snowboarding-chloe-kim-glance-68ec5c83cab7f45ad825bd7f3d488d9c">snowboarding</a>&nbsp;to be represented in the Parade of Nations without needing to make the several-hours-long trek to Milan, the country’s financial capital, and back.

For good measure, the Feb. 22 closing ceremony will be held in yet another locale, Verona, where Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was set.

Another symbol of how far-flung things are this time: Instead of the usual one cauldron that is lit and burns throughout the Olympics, there will be two, both intended as an homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric studies. One is in Milan, 2½ miles (4 kilometers) from San Siro, and the other is going to be 250 miles (400 kilometers) away in Cortina.

The people given the honor of lighting both was a closely guarded secret, as is usually the case at any Olympics. At the Turin Winter Games in 2006, it was Italian cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo.

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