After 51 years in television news, longtime photojournalist Larry Hatteberg says he has witnessed a transformation in journalism that began with a single day in 1963.

Hatteberg, a veteran of KAKE-TV in Wichita, spoke during a lecture at Hutchinson Community College, reflecting on his career, the evolution of broadcast technology and what he calls the enduring responsibility of journalists to listen.

He began working at KAKE in May 1963. Five months later, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

“On that day, there was a sea change in the news business,” Hatteberg said.

Before Kennedy’s assassination, newspapers dominated the news landscape and television was often seen as secondary. But as Americans tuned in for live updates on Nov. 22, 1963, Hatteberg said it became clear that television offered something newspapers could not — immediacy.

“People found that they liked getting the news immediately,” he said. “You could feel something had changed.”

That shift, he said, contributed to the long-term decline of evening newspapers, particularly in small communities. Hatteberg lamented the disappearance of local papers, recalling a now-defunct weekly in Protection, Kansas, run by an editor who covered everything from basketball games to café conversations.

“When he died, the paper died with him,” Hatteberg said. “It’s the small communities who miss the newspaper the most.”

When Hatteberg entered the industry, television news was shot on 16-millimeter film. Cameras had no built-in recording devices, requiring photographers to carry separate equipment that could total more than 80 pounds.

“You’re hauling equipment,” he said. “I don’t miss that.”

Stories required film development before editing and airing, slowing the process considerably compared with today’s digital workflows.

Now, journalists can shoot and edit stories on smartphones or lightweight cinema cameras, often filing reports from their vehicles or coffee shops using Wi-Fi connections.

“It makes it quick,” Hatteberg said. “It also makes it quick and dirty.”

While he praised modern editing platforms such as DaVinci Resolve — widely used in both broadcast and film production — he cautioned against sacrificing craftsmanship for speed. He noted that expanding newscasts and digital demands leave reporters and photographers with little time to refine their work.

“In the afternoon, they have a 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, 5 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 6:30 and 10,” he said. “You have to get your story ready for the web, TikTok, whatever social media is out there. Those guys are terribly busy.”

Hatteberg argued that investigative journalism in particular requires time and institutional support — something he believes has diminished in many modern newsrooms.

“If you’re going to do an investigative story right, you may need a year,” he said. “That’s tough in today’s environment.”

Despite technological advances, Hatteberg said the core of journalism remains unchanged: connecting with people.

Over decades of producing what became known as “people stories,” he developed an approach rooted in empathy. When covering tragedies, he advised journalists to approach victims first as human beings — not with cameras rolling.

“You approach them as a human being, not as a photographer,” he said. “You tell them how sorry you are.”

He discouraged the use of handheld “stick” microphones in sensitive situations, instead favoring small wireless microphones that allow subjects to forget they are being recorded.

“People are hungry for someone to listen to them,” he said. “When they know you are interested in their story, they will pour their heart out.”

Hatteberg described himself as a “medical listener,” saying some interviews required few questions once trust was established.

“I have a doctorate degree in life from the people who let me into their lives,” he said.

Hatteberg’s early years at KAKE were marked by long hours and modest pay — $1.50 an hour when he started, followed by a 5-cent raise. He often worked six-day weeks and remained on call overnight.

“I loved it,” he said. “If there was a cot in the newsroom, I’d have slept there.”

He credited mentors, including station founder Martin Umansky, with shaping his career. Umansky, who held a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, was known for strict but constructive critiques.

“He attacked the problem, not the person,” Hatteberg said.

Throughout his tenure, Hatteberg was sent around the world to report, often traveling alone to shoot, write and file stories — saving the station the cost of sending a second employee.

He recalled filming in Tokyo inside the residence once occupied by Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the post-World War II occupation of Japan. The experience, he said, was surreal for a young man from Winfield, Kansas.

“That could only happen in the television business,” he said.

Hatteberg encouraged aspiring journalists to embrace lifelong learning.

“Your education is just starting,” he said. “If you don’t keep learning, the business will pass you by.”

Although he acknowledged mistakes and difficult moments, he said he would not trade his career for anything.

“When you look back, you just smile,” he said. “Be kind.”

Larry Hatteberg reflects on 51 years in television news

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by Michael T. Walsh, 75, Lost Springs, was westbound on 340th just east of Sunflower Road approximately 3 miles west of Lost Springs.

The driver fell asleep. The pickup traveled eastbound in the westbound lane. A westbound USD 387 school bus driven by James L. Beeson, 79, Paola, with seven students on board stopped. The pickup struck the school bus head-on.

EMS transported Walsh to St. Luke Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Beeson was not injured. One student possibly had an injury but was not transported to the hospital, according to the KHP.

Kan. man hospitalized after head-on crash with a school bus

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Reno County commissioners heard details about an upcoming public forum on data center development, tabled two health department grant items for further review and rejected a job incentive request tied to a local manufacturer’s planned expansion.

Data center forum scheduled March 11

An informational session on trends in data center development is set for 11 a.m. March 11 at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hutchinson Community College.

The forum will immediately follow the next commission meeting and is intended to address growing public discussion around potential data center projects in Kansas. Organizers said the event will feature industry and state officials to provide information on power use, water consumption, economic impacts and regulatory safeguards.

Scheduled speakers include Jason Clint, senior director of external affairs for Evergy, who will address power supply and consumer rate protections, and Paul Hughes, director for headquarters and mega projects development with the Kansas Department of Commerce, who will discuss statewide recruitment efforts.

Local industry representatives involved in data center supply chains — including firms that manufacture racking systems and water cooling components — are also expected to participate. Developers exploring projects ranging from 15 megawatts to more than 100 megawatts have been invited as well.

Organizers said the session is designed to provide factual information and allow for public questions before potential regulatory decisions are considered.

During public comment, Darren Gehring, a former Hutchinson firefighter, urged commissioners to consider expanding a proposed three-year moratorium on data centers to include battery energy storage systems. Gehring cited fire safety concerns related to a proposed site along North Buhler Road and asked the commission to “pump the brakes” until more information is available.

Commission Chair Ron Hurst encouraged residents to attend the March 11 session, regardless of their position on the issue.

Health grant items moved to study session

Commissioners voted 4-1 to table items 7C and 7D on the agenda — two Reno County Health Department grant matters — and schedule a special study session at 4 p.m. March 2.

The study session will allow commissioners to review financial and statistical data, including operating costs and services provided under the grants. A decision on the grants must be made by the March 11 meeting to meet a March 13 submission deadline.

Superior Boiler incentive request denied

Commissioners also considered a request for job performance incentives from Superior Boiler following its November 2025 acquisition by Watts Water Technologies.

Lauren Storm of Greater Hutch said the company plans to add up to 100 jobs — 20 administrative and 80 production positions — all paying at least $21 per hour. The request sought reimbursement of $1,500 per job retained for four consecutive quarters, potentially totaling up to $150,000 over a three-year period under the county’s economic development policy.

The motion to approve a letter of intent authorizing negotiations failed on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Ron Vincent, Ron Parks and Randy Boegner voting no, and Hurst and Richard Winger voting yes.

County Administrator Randy Partington said the policy has previously been used by companies including Superior Boiler, Kansas Protein Foods and Wifco Steel Products. Commissioners indicated they may revisit the job incentive policy in a future study session

108th Avenue bridge to be permanently closed

In other business, commissioners voted unanimously to permanently close and remove the 108th Avenue Bridge over Peace Creek, located between Sterling Road and Peace Road on the Reno-Rice county line.

The four-span timber bridge, approximately 74 feet long, was recently rated below a three-ton limit following inspection and deemed unsafe to remain open.

Reno County Public Works Director Don Britton said replacing the bridge would cost an estimated $548,968, with 26% — about $143,610 — billed to Rice County under state cost-sharing formulas. The bridge averages about 20 vehicles per day and does not landlock any properties, Britton said.

Commissioners determined replacement was not financially justified given the low traffic volume and competing infrastructure priorities. Reno County will remove the structure and bill Rice County for its share of removal costs.

Reno County Commission rejects job incentive, closes bridge

 A man was killed Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at a rural McPherson County intersection, authorities said.

The McPherson County Sheriff's Office said McPherson 911 received a report at 4:35 p.m. of a collision at 12th Avenue and Moccasin Road.

Responding deputies found a utility terrain vehicle on its side in the roadway and a Suzuki SUV in a nearby ditch.

According to the sheriff’s office, the UTV was traveling north on 12th Avenue and the SUV was heading west on Moccasin Road. Investigators determined the UTV struck the SUV in the intersection and overturned. The impact caused the UTV driver to be ejected.

The male driver of the UTV was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released pending notification of family.

The female driver of the SUV was transported to McPherson Center for Health for treatment. Her condition was not immediately available.

McPherson County accident claims life of one

There’s a routine to spring calving season based on numbers. Once tiny hooves start hitting the cold ground, a rhythm takes over until the last mama cow has delivered her baby. Each day is different, but they’re all based on counting.

I can still picture being sandwiched in the middle of the bench seat between my grandparents as we made the rounds through pastures to check on the progress. My grandfather kept one hand on the steering wheel with a pair of binoculars ready in the other.

We would slowly roll through the field, stopping abruptly for my grandfather to take a closer look at a cow. He’d raise the binoculars and quickly read off the number on the ear tag as my grandmother dutifully recorded the information in a spiralbound notebook.

When a calf was spotted, we’d ease close enough that my grandfather could quickly get out, lasso it and tag it all while keeping an eye on the mama cow, especially if she was a first-time mother. They could get a little angsty during the ordeal.

We checked the herd five or six times each day, starting with the morning feeding and ending well past dark if weather or other circumstances demanded. The vast majority of field checks happened without incident. All the cows were readily spotted along with the same number of calves from the previous count.

The adventures started when the numbers didn’t match up. While most mothers were more than happy to show off their calf, occasionally there’d be one who had witnessed the roundup procedure and took it on herself to keep her progeny hidden. Thankfully, cows aren’t masters at hide-and-seek.

While a mama might not show off her calf, she didn’t stray far from it so a hidden calf also meant the mother was away from the herd as well. In the main calving pasture, this usually meant the pair was hunkered down near the edge of a thin stand of trees. Spotting the mom didn’t present much of a challenge, but it was incredibly easy to mistake a fallen limb for a black baldy if its white face was tucked away.

We didn’t have to assist with many births, but it was always a tense time when pulling a calf was necessary, especially if there wasn’t time to move the cow to a temporary pen. Even more rare was finding a lonesome calf rejected by its mother. I only remember a handful of calves that were brought to the barn for bottle feeding, one of which didn’t make it.

Other times calves were lost to coyotes, weather or birth defects, and a few cows succumbed to injuries sustained while giving birth. The losses were never easy to take, but they were also strong reminders of why we counted. Every cow. Every calf. Every time.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight on Agriculture: Counting cows

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&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann on Wednesday praised President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, calling it “one of the better speeches” he has heard from the president and pointing to tax cuts and border security as key priorities affecting Kansans.

Appearing on BW radio the morning after the address, Mann, who represents Kansas’ 1st Congressional District, said Trump effectively outlined what he described as major accomplishments during the first year of his second term and charted a vision for the year ahead.

“I thought it was an incredible speech,” Mann said. “He did a great job outlining the successes of the first year of his term and really charted a vision for our country this next year.”

Mann said a line that stood out to him was Trump’s assertion that he inherited “a nation in crisis” but had delivered what the president called a “turnaround for the ages.”

He also highlighted moments in which Trump recognized U.S. men’s hockey gold medal winners and awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor, calling those tributes “well deserved” and reflective of national pride.

Mann said he was surprised by what he viewed as limited bipartisan participation during portions of the speech. He pointed to a moment when Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they believed protecting American citizens is the government’s top priority.

“When you have half the chamber not willing to stand for that, that really surprised me,” Mann said, adding that the partisan divide could become one of the defining memories of the evening.

While acknowledging growing political divisions in Washington, Mann said there remain areas of bipartisan agreement. He cited support for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and backing for the STOCK Act, legislation that would prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks. Mann said he is a co-sponsor of the measure.

“The most divisive issues are typically what the national media covers,” Mann said. “But there are bipartisan agreements on a whole host of issues.”

Turning to economic policy, Mann said recent federal tax changes are having a direct impact on Kansas families, farmers and small business owners. He referenced the "Working Families Tax Cuts" legislation passed last summer, which took effect Jan. 1.

According to Mann, without congressional action, Kansans would have faced an average federal income tax increase of about $2,200.

“Instead of increasing taxes, we were able to reduce taxes,” Mann said.

He pointed to provisions that lowered basic tax rates, eliminated taxes on overtime and tips, reduced taxes on Social Security income and lowered estate and capital gains taxes. Mann said those measures are particularly important in rural communities across western Kansas.

Mann represents the “Big First” District, which includes Hutchinson and much of the state.

The president’s address comes amid continued national debate over economic policy, border security and the role of government — issues Mann said remain top concerns for constituents in his district.

Mann praises Trump’s State of the Union, highlights tax cuts

The Reno County Commission will consider a mix of routine approvals and major business items during its meeting this morning.&nbsp;

On the consent agenda, commissioners are expected to review and approve vouchers and past meeting minutes, along with multiple Community Corrections grant applications. Other items include the purchase of a vehicle for the Solid Waste Department, approval of bridge inspection services, foundation repairs for Public Works facilities, and the county’s annual noxious weed management plan and reporting requirements.

Under business items, commissioners will discuss and possibly take action on a job incentive request from Superior Holding Inc. Details of the incentive request were not immediately available in the agenda summary.

Commissioners also will address the future of the 108th Avenue Bridge over Peace Creek. The discussion could include potential repairs, replacement or other long-term options for the structure.

In addition, the board will consider approval of two grants for the Reno County Health Department through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The grants include funding for the Aid to Local (ATL) program and the Overdose Prevention Education Initiative (OPEI).

The commission will also receive the county’s annual Facilities Report.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Veteran's Room of the Reno County Courthouse. Commission meetings are open to the public.

Reno County Commission to consider jobs incentive, bridge future

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. ——————————————

Matthew	James	Castleberry		2/24/2026 11:08&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation,					Probation Violation

Louis	Pina	Cabral		2/24/2026 11:49&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Desirae	Ann	Anderson		2/24/2026 1:15&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

Thaddeus	Xavier Nathanie	Krill		2/24/2026 1:50&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Leroy	Cornelius	Paige	Jr	2/24/2026 1:54&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Shaylyn	Jo	Caswell		2/24/2026 2:54&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Shaina	Rachelle	Pfenning		2/24/2026 4:11&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Tara	DeAnn	Kane		2/24/2026 7:57&nbsp;PM	Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					DL Violation; No Drivers License,					Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle,					Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard

Trevor	Jon	Thomas	Jr	2/25/2026 2:25&nbsp;AM	Possess, Consume, Purchase Alcoholic Liquor/CMB by &lt;18 YOA; 1st Conviction,					Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Dustin	Colby	Brown		2/25/2026 2:29&nbsp;AM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction

Daily Bookings

LENEXA, Kan. (Feb. 23, 2026) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Clean Water Act order to Atlas Operating, LLC following an estimated discharge of 33,600 gallons of brine production water and crude oil that affected the Chikaskia River in south-central Kansas.

According to the EPA, the agency issued a unilateral administrative order Sunday requiring the company to complete oil cleanup efforts after the discharge entered an unnamed tributary and flowed into the Chikaskia River.

The EPA said it received notification from the National Response Center on the evening of Feb. 15 regarding a suspected discharge from an oil tank battery near Spivey, Kansas in Kingman County, Kansas. An EPA on-scene coordinator was dispatched that evening and arrived the following morning to assess the situation.

EPA and local and state partners observed impacts extending approximately 12 river miles downstream from the tank battery. The agency said it immediately began working with the responsible party to strengthen containment efforts and prepare for oil recovery and cleanup operations.

Under the order, Atlas Operating has been directed to:

The EPA said it will ensure the company meets required deliverables outlined in the order and completes the work by March 13, 2026.

Discharges of oil and hazardous substances from onshore facilities are regulated under the Clean Water Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act.

The EPA’s Region 7 office, based in Lenexa, Kansas, oversees environmental protection efforts in Kansas and several surrounding states.

EPA issues clean water order in Kingman County oil discharge

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a home invasion knife attack have made an arrest.

Just after 3:00 am Tuesday, a 28-year old woman arrived at Salina Regional Health Center with stab wounds on her leg, according to Saline Police Captain James Feldman.

The victim was at her home in north Salina when a known associate forced her way into the residence through a door and stabbed her multiple times. At the time, police did not release the name of the suspect.

Just after 10a.m. Tuesday at around 10 am, officers arrested the suspect identified as 42-year old, Alesha Martinez-Reavis. She is being held in the Saline County Jail on&nbsp;requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Criminal Threat, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness, Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.

&nbsp;Martinez-Reavis was accused of Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness because she reportedly threatened to kill the victim if she called police, according to Feldman.

The victim has been treated and was released Tuesday morning from the hospital.

Kansas woman accused of home-invasion knife attack

NEW YORK (AP) — Wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means on Wednesday shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease instead of feeding into “reactive sick care” during her confirmation hearing to become the nation's next surgeon general.

&nbsp;On&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall introduced&nbsp;Dr. Casey Means at her confirmation hearing.

“Our nation is angry, exhausted and hurting,” the 38-year-old said in Washington before the Senate health committee Wednesday. “If we’re addressing shared root causes, we’re going to be able to stop the whack-a-mole medicine that’s not working for us.”

It's a message that dovetails with that of Means' ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,</a>&nbsp;and his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. It also has some bipartisan support, with many Democrats and Republicans agreeing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/children-health-maha-rfk-jr-jama-d920bb5421bfdc2c83d4356986e9ade7">rise in chronic disease</a>&nbsp;is a problem that needs solving.

But Means also faced tough questions from senators about topics that have become divisive in recent years, such as vaccines and hormonal birth control, as well as about her qualifications and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-8d8cb29defa07028dbd97fc24a72c474">potential conflicts</a>. The Stanford-educated physician’s disillusionment with traditional medicine drove her to a career in which she has promoted various products, at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-b0b774dbbb6ea0b5b4bdd0f9f78fbfd5">without disclosing how she could benefit financially</a>. She has no government experience, and her license to practice as a physician is&nbsp;<a href="https://omb.oregon.gov/Clients/ORMB/Public/VerificationDetails.aspx?EntityID=1530903">not currently active</a>.

“I have very serious questions about the ability of Dr. Means to be the kind of surgeon general this country needs,” Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate health committee, said Wednesday.

Next, the committee will consider whether to advance Means' nomination, in which case it would go to a vote in the full Senate.

As the nation’s doctor, the surgeon general is a leader for Americans on public health issues. If confirmed, Means could issue advisories that warn of public health threats. She also would be tasked with promoting Kennedy's sprawling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maha-report-children-health-food-rfk-f0c624d30da939fc9cca09687f8a4273">MAHA agenda</a>, which calls for removing food additives, rooting out conflicts of interest and promoting healthier eating.

Surgeons general also have sometimes used the office to advocate on issues related to vaccination — though the office has no role in creating vaccine policy. While Means has largely steered clear of Kennedy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-vaccines-2ccde2df146f57b5e8c26e8494f0a16a">debunked views on vaccines</a>, senators from both parties grilled her on how she would approach the issue if confirmed.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate health committee, asked Means whether she would advise Americans to vaccinate against flu and measles amid outbreaks across the U.S. She didn't make that commitment, instead emphasizing the importance of informed consent between patients and doctors.

Cassidy, a doctor himself, then asked Means whether she believes vaccines may contribute to autism, a claim that Kennedy has embraced despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-vaccine-trump-science-autism-9b99621b01f11b7f0bdc81e5a0b82d2b">overwhelming research to the contrary</a>.

“I do accept that evidence,” she said, referring to the research. "I also think that science is never settled.”

Means said she looked forward to seeing the results of a federal effort to study environmental contributors to autism. The National Institutes of Health is funding such research, and it’s not clear when those findings will be made public.

Means also was asked about concerns she has raised about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/casey-means-surgeon-general-podcasts-health-care-9eaa4341a62a0762fe827f459e9b1415">birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine</a>, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped recommending for all children in a move&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hepatitis-b-vaccine-acip-a6032868d6025e2c527c574222fcabf3">criticized by scientific and medical groups nationwide</a>. She said she supports the CDC's approach to the birth dose, but that promoting universal vaccination against the disease “at some point in childhood” was worthwhile.

Senators scrutinize Means' past comments on birth control, psychedelics

Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray asked Means to address her past comments that birth control pills were being prescribed “like candy” and showed a “disrespect of things that create life.”

Means said she thinks oral contraceptives should be available to all women, but raised concerns about what she called “horrifying side effects” that can occur in certain populations.

“Doctors do not have enough time for a thorough informed consent conversation,” she said.

According to the American College of Obstetricians &amp; Gynecologists, hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, patch or ring are safe for most people but are associated with a small increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, heart attack and stroke. The risk is higher in some people, such as smokers older than 35 or those who have multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, noted that Means had touted the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/means-trump-surgeon-general-mushrooms-psychedelic-drugs-72c22ed077409b4bb865214e7ef304a8">therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms</a>&nbsp;in her book and tried them herself.

“What I would say as a private citizen is in many cases different than what I’d say as a public health official,” Means replied, adding she wouldn’t recommend psychedelics for the public.

Means isn't a traditional candidate for the role

During the hearing, Means said her goal is to “get more whole, healthy foods on American plates.” It's a worldview she developed during her unconventional path in the medical field.

After graduating from Stanford University with a doctor of medicine degree, Means dropped out of her surgical residency program at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018. She later cited her belief that the health care system was broken and exploitative as the reason for her withdrawal.

Means then turned to alternative approaches to address what she has described as widespread metabolic dysfunction driven largely by poor nutrition and an overabundance of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ultraprocessed-foods-diet-cdc-9d025cd075a3b7bda2d3710da6d3f541">ultraprocessed foods</a>.

Because she had completed enough postgraduate training to obtain a medical license, she did so and started her own functional medicine practice in Oregon, which later closed. She co-founded Levels, a nutrition-, sleep- and exercise-tracking app that can give users insights from blood tests and continuous glucose monitoring.

Financial disclosures show she made hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting wellness products, including specialty basil seed supplements, teas and elixirs, probiotic products and a prepared meal delivery service. An Associated Press investigation found that while recommending these products, she at times&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-trump-casey-means-affiliate-conflicts-8d8cb29defa07028dbd97fc24a72c474">failed to disclose</a>&nbsp;that she could profit or benefit from the sales.

Senators on Wednesday questioned Means about some of those cases. She said the claims were incorrect, and that she takes conflicts of interest seriously.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27412217-casey-means-ethics-filing/">an ethics filing</a>, Means said that if she is confirmed, she will resign from her Levels position and forfeit or divest stock options and stock in the company. She also pledged to stop working for Rupa, a specialty lab work company for which she developed an online course. While she may continue receiving royalty payments from her book “Good Energy,” she will not promote it, the filing said.

The filing also noted she will “not acquire any direct financial interest in entities listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s prohibited holdings list.”

At least two previous surgeons general have publicly suggested Means is not fit for the job.

Last May, former Bush administration surgeon general Dr. Rich Carmona wrote that Means' professional qualifications “raise significant concerns.” Later that month, President Donald Trump's first-term surgeon general, Dr. Jerome Adams, wrote on social media that the surgeon general's traditional leadership of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps requires a medical license.

Means is seeking to join an administration for which her brother,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/calley-means-rfk-maha-wellness-ethics-f2702b2e26c2883f15dc281f02fe3008">Calley Means</a>, already works. As a senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he has helped promote the Republican administration's warnings about ultraprocessed foods.

Associated Press writers Laura Ungar in Louisville, Kentucky and Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.

🎥Surgeon general nominee faces questions about vaccines, birth control

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has arrested a Manhattan man connected to his role in an officer-involved shooting that occurred Jan. 3, in Manhattan, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, at around 4 p.m., KBI agents and officers from the KU Medical Center Department of Public Safety arrested Brian J. Lovgren, 38, on a warrant for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Lovgren was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center after being released from KU Medical Center, where he was being treated for his injuries.&nbsp;

On Jan. 3, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate.

Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 3 p.m., two deputies from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a homeowner who indicated their shed and garage had been damaged by gunfire. While taking the report, deputies heard gunshots in the area. As they approached 8655 Josie Lane, they heard additional gunshots which they believed were coming from the residence. They identified themselves as law enforcement and began giving various commands to the shooter.

A man, later identified as Brian J. Lovgren, 38, of Manhattan, came out of a door of the house armed with a handgun. One of the responding deputies fired multiple times, striking Lovgren. Life-saving measures were provided at the scene. EMS then transported Lovgren to a Kansas City hospital.&nbsp;

The Pottawatomie County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

Suspect in Kan. officer shooting moved from from hospital to jail

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/marcia-dunn">MARCIA DUNN</a> Associated Press

NASA’s Mike Fincke identified himself Wednesday as the astronaut whose medical condition prompted the space agency’s first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronauts-space-crew-spacex-medical-california-13d6c5246a1afec200a811e6cfc049bf">medical evacuation</a>.

In a written statement, the 58-year-old spaceflight veteran revealed he was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-astronauts-medical-evacuation-crew-11-d501e91736371525e81d13794d5e9f01">ailing crew member</a>&nbsp;last month aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-spacex-docking-astronauts-3bbcd406388a80468bb85d9c3e300ea2">International Space Station</a>. He did not say what was wrong with him but explained that his condition quickly stabilized thanks to his crewmates and flight surgeons on the ground.

“Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are,” he said in the statement.

Fincke launched with three others on a SpaceX flight last summer. Their mission came to an early end on Jan. 15, a week after he experienced what he called a “medical event that required immediate attention” by his fellow astronauts. The health concern also forced the cancellation of a planned spacewalk by Fincke and another NASA astronaut.

Following their splashdown in the Pacific, all four astronauts were taken to a San Diego hospital. They flew home to Houston the next day.

With the sick astronaut’s identity still a secret, Fincke said at a news conference a week after returning that the space station’s ultrasound machine came in handy during the medical crisis.

He elaborated Wednesday, stressing that his situation was not an emergency but that everyone wanted “to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station.”

Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel who became an astronaut in 1996, has logged 549 days in space over four missions.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Ailing astronaut shares he prompted space station evacuation

SALINE COUNTY—A small earthquake shook central Kansas on Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 2p.m., a 3.5 magnitude quake was centered approximately 3 miles east of Assaria in Saline County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There are no reports of damage, according to the Saline County Sheriff's office.

Small earthquake shakes central Kansas

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas school resource officer continues to receive recognition for his courage.

On social media Wednesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, " Congratulations to SRO Paul Millard of the Great Bend Police Department, named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Wichita Metro Crime Commission."

"While off duty, he heard gunshots and acted immediately to stop the threat until Wichita Police arrived."&nbsp; 

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