In the wake of the failed USD 308 bond proposal earlier this month, district leadership is taking a step back, asking pointed questions, and preparing to engage more directly with voters before deciding what comes next. Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Communications Director Stacy Goss joined KWBW Radio this week for a wide-ranging conversation about the bond results, community concerns, fall activities, and the approaching winter season.

Johnson said the Board of Education plans to begin a series of listening sessions — informal and formal — to understand both the reasons behind the “no” vote and what residents would support moving forward.

One challenge, Johnson said, is that the district’s original survey — the backbone for much of the bond planning — was conducted two years ago. That data may simply no longer reflect the economic and political environment of 2025.

The consultant who managed the survey told district officials at a recent school board conference that survey results are typically reliable for only about six months.

“Truthfully, the public told us back then what they thought,” Johnson said. “But the environment has changed. Costs have gone up. People are squeezed. Taxes are top of mind.”

Johnson said the most common message she heard from bond opponents centered on property taxes. “Whether it’s one mill or five mills, it feels the same to many families right now,” he said. “People are stretched thin.”

Johnson acknowledged that concerns from voters about older buildings, athletic field relocation, and the fate of non-renovated campuses were legitimate. Those issues were discussed at length during the three-year bond committee process, she said — but some of the people raising those concerns now were not involved earlier.

“A board member told me, ‘If I could go back and do anything differently, I would have invited more of those folks to serve on the committee,’” Johnson said. “A lot of the alternatives being suggested today are things we actually talked about. If they had been at the table from the beginning, maybe the outcome would have been different.”

Despite the bond’s defeat, the need hasn’t disappeared. The district is now essentially at “square one,” revisiting both the proposal and community sentiment.

Following the election, Reno County released updated mill levy figures for surrounding districts. Johnson noted that USD 308 sits at 52 mills, well below several neighboring districts operating at or above 60 mills.

The failed proposal would have increased Hutchinson to 57 mills, still under nearby school districts.

“It was a comprehensive package that addressed older buildings and future needs,” Johnson said. “This was about elevating Hutchinson. Strong schools attract families. They attract businesses. They’re foundational for growth.”

Goss highlighted the many positive student achievements happening across the district, including signing day at Hutchinson High School, where multiple athletes committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at community colleges and four-year universities.

“It’s exciting for the students, but also a big moment for families,” Goss said. “They decorate tables, bring college gear — it’s a fun, meaningful celebration of what’s next for these kids.”

She also reminded families of the district’s digital event calendar at <a href="http://usd308.com">usd308.com</a>, where parents and grandparents can add concerts, fundraisers, games, and school events directly to their personal devices.

One of the biggest upcoming events is the districtwide orchestra, band, and choir concert on Dec. 15 at the Hutchinson High School Performing Arts Center. Thousands of students and families typically rotate through the PAC during the multi-hour performance.

Fall theater wrapped earlier this month with another strong turnout. “Drama is a huge part of what we offer,” Johnson said. “You can draw large casts and get many students involved. It’s a major part of the fall season.”

With fall sports concluding, basketball season now sits right around the corner. Hutchinson High School will host an early-season tournament December 5–6, with several visiting schools participating.

“We’re proud of our facilities,” Johnson said. “It’s great to have home-court advantage and bring other teams and their families into the Salthawk Activity Center.”

As winter approaches, Johnson emphasized the importance of families ensuring their phone numbers and contact information are correct in the district’s system.

“Snow rarely hits during the day. It always seems to arrive overnight,” Johnson said. “We’d love to make the call the night before, and that’s our goal whenever possible. But often we’re up at 4 a.m. checking roads and conditions.”

USD 308 leaders reflect on failed bond issue, continue to look forward

The annual Reno County Toy Run returns on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, inviting riders and community members to help support local children by donating a new unwrapped toy.

Lineup begins at Salty Cycles, 129 E. Sherman in Hutchinson, at the corner of Sherman and Poplar, with entry from Main and Sherman. The event is open to street-legal bikes only. Riders gather at 10 a.m., and the parade—along with Santa—leaves at 1 p.m.

The Toy Run concludes at the Moose Lodge, 1401 E. 1st, where participants can enjoy a chili feed, purchase event shirts and buttons, and take part in a live auction with Curtis Jefferis.

The run benefits multiple local charities.
For more information, contact Alan Turner at 620-662-2972 or Karl “Handy” Kocher at 620-960-8044, or follow the Reno County Toy Run on Facebook.

Reno County Toy Run to be held Sunday 

The City of Hutchinson announces that water service disconnections for nonpayment will resume beginning&nbsp;December 2025. The City implemented a temporary pause on&nbsp;November 4th&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;residents additional stability during a period of financial uncertainty.

City staff recognize that financial challenges do not disappear overnight and remain committed to working with residents to keep their water service connected. Customers who need more time to pay or who wish to discuss payment arrangements are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing Office as soon as possible.

Payment arrangements are available.Residents may call&nbsp;620-694-2621, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:billing@hutchinsonks.gov">billing@hutchinsonks.gov</a>, or visit the Utility Billing Office at City Hall to discuss options.

To avoid interruption of service, customers should make payments according to their assigned billing group:

Residents can use the City’s&nbsp;interactive utility billing map&nbsp;to look up their address and identify their billing group.Interactive Map:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/HutchBillingGroups">https://bit.ly/HutchBillingGroups</a>

“We understand that residents may still be working through financial difficulties, and our goal is to help them stay connected,” said&nbsp;Angela Richard,&nbsp;Director of Finance. “If you’re having trouble paying your bill, please contact our office. We will gladly work with you to find a manageable solution.”

Payments remain due according to schedule, and customers are encouraged to stay current to avoid service interruption.

Customers with questions or concerns can reach the Utility Billing Office at&nbsp;620-694-2621&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:billing@hutchinsonks.gov">billing@hutchinsonks.gov</a>.

The City appreciates the community’s cooperation and continued efforts to maintain timely utility payments, which support reliable water service for all Hutchinson residents.

City to resume water service disconnections in December

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The season of giving is here, and Eagle Media is once again teaming up with Vermeer Great Plains and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for the annual Adopt-A-Child program — a cherished community tradition that helps bring Christmas joy to children across Reno, Harvey, and McPherson counties.

This year, more than 200 children — from newborns to teenagers — are hoping for a brighter holiday thanks to the generosity of local residents. Each child’s Christmas wish list is provided through DCF, and Eagle Media is inviting community members to “adopt” one or more children by purchasing gifts from those lists.

“This is your opportunity to make a real difference for a child in need right here in our community,” said Eagle Media’s Randy McKay. “We see firsthand how much this program means to families every year, and it wouldn’t happen without the amazing support of our listeners and partners.”

Those interested in adopting a child can call (620) 662-4486 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email <a>randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com</a> to receive a child’s wish list.

Once the shopping is complete, participants are invited to bring their wrapped gifts to the drop-off celebration at the Eagle Media Center, 825 N. Main, on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.&nbsp;

For nearly a decade, the Adopt-A-Child program has ensured that local children who might otherwise go without have a reason to smile during the holidays. Community members are encouraged to take part and help make this Christmas season a little brighter for kids across south-central Kansas.

Eagle Media, Vermeer Great Plains kicks off Adopt-A-Child 2025

Brandy Willett the Small Business Development Center regional manager from Wichita State University stopped by to talk about opportunities for small businesses in south central Kansas.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Brandy Willett, SBDC Regional Director

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. ——————————————

Martin	Ramon	Duran	11/20/2025 8:16&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Aaron	Christopher	Glover	11/20/2025 12:28&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999

Devin	Michael	Horton	11/20/2025 12:58&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Billy	Odeal	Taylor	11/20/2025 3:40&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

Ryan	Andrew	Wells	11/20/2025 3:44&nbsp;PM	Worthless Checks; Less than $1,000

Jennifer	Nicole	Reed	11/20/2025 4:20&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Poss of marijuana

Patrick	Levi	Moody	11/20/2025 6:06&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Lewis	Jade	Reed	11/20/2025 6:22&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Poss of marijuana, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Lisa	Dawn	Armstrong	11/20/2025 9:36&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conviction, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Daily Bookings

Kansas Agriculture Officials Issue Animal Health Alert After EHM Cases Reported in Texas, Oklahoma

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health is urging horse owners to take immediate precautions following confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Texas and Oklahoma. The cases are linked to two major equine events: the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals in Waco, Texas, and the Barrel Futurities of America World Championship in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

While no EHM cases have been reported in Kansas, state officials have contacted all known Kansas horse owners who attended either event. Those owners have been advised to isolate exposed horses for 14 days and closely monitor for symptoms. The virus’s incubation period can last up to two weeks, meaning a horse may appear healthy while still shedding the virus and potentially infecting others.

EHM is a serious neurologic disease caused by Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). It spreads through horse-to-horse contact via nasal discharge or inhaled droplets, and it can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces including stalls, tack, feed, water sources, and transport trailers. Humans may inadvertently spread the virus through contaminated hands, clothing, and equipment.

Animals showing neurological symptoms are considered to be in medical emergency status, and owners are urged to contact a veterinarian immediately.

KDA also reminds Kansans planning to travel with their horses to check current entry requirements for their destination state, as protocols may change quickly during disease outbreaks.

For ongoing updates, the Equine Disease Communication Center has established an online alert page tracking this outbreak and providing educational resources. The page is available at:
equinediseasecc.org/alerts?alertID=4722

Horse owners with questions about quarantine guidance or possible EHM exposure can contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.

Hutch Post has confirmed that two events, The Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo that was supposed to be held at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane and the 8th Annual Mock NFR Barrel Race that was to be held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds this weekend has been cancelled as a precaution.&nbsp;

KS Department of Agriculture issues animal health alert

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

Three-day weather outlook

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Dillons shared its 2025 Freshgiving meal bundle, offering customers a complete holiday dinner for ten at an industry-leading price of less than $4.75 per person, delivering an exceptional combination of quality, convenience and value.&nbsp;Packed with classic Thanksgiving staples and fresh ingredients, the zero-compromise guide reflects Dillons’ commitment to provide fresh, affordable food while supporting families during the holiday season.&nbsp;

"At Dillons, we believe families deserve a Thanksgiving meal that is affordable and delicious," said Sheila Regehr, Dillons spokesperson. “Especially this year, we are giving our customers the quality they expect and the value they love, ensuring everyone has a memorable holiday."&nbsp;

Freshgiving Meal Bundle&nbsp;&nbsp;

This season, Dillons is once again offering customers an affordable meal with zero-compromise on value, convenience or quality. Shop these long-held holiday favorites that will feed ten people all under $4.75 per person:&nbsp;

At Dillons, customers do not have to choose between a good meal and a good deal. That means customers can get the products they need, want and love for their families with clear savings right at the shelf. With Kroger’s Fresh &amp; Quality Guarantees, customers never have to compromise high-quality for low prices. In addition to its Freshgiving meal bundle, the retailer is offering unmatched savings on key seasonal items including:&nbsp;

The Kroger Family of Companies invites customers to join in their mission to fight food insecurity. From now until Jan. 1, customers in participating divisions will have the opportunity to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar with donations going directly to local hunger relief organizations. Donations can be made at checkout with Dillons associates, self-checkout or online.&nbsp;

Dillons continues to provide year-round support through charitable giving and donating surplus fresh food. Since launching Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan, it has directed more than 3.9 billion meals to nourish communities. To learn more about Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4302636-1&amp;h=1991384504&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kroger.com%2Ff%2Fzero-hunger-zero-waste&amp;a=here">here</a>.&nbsp;

Dillons’ freshgiving meal returns

Governor Laura Kelly announced a statewide proclamation declaring&nbsp;Dec. 13, 2025, as Wreaths Across America Day in Kansas, joining communities across the nation in honoring America’s fallen heroes and recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

Each wreath placed is a small gesture of our immeasurable gratitude. On Wreaths Across America Day, Kansans come together to remember our fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the true cost of freedom. We encourage all Kansans to participate in this day of reflection and appreciation.

As part of this statewide observance, Laurel Cemetery in Haven, Kansas will participate for the second year in a row. The local ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, followed by volunteers placing live balsam wreaths on the graves of every veteran laid to rest at the cemetery.

Local organizers in Haven invite community members, families, veterans, and civic groups to attend the ceremony and assist with wreath placement. Volunteers of all ages are welcome.

Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit organization, coordinates annual wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans’ cemeteries across the United States and abroad. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out each December through millions of volunteers who help ensure that no veteran is forgotten during the holiday season.

Governor Kelly’s proclamation encourages all Kansans to join local ceremonies, sponsor wreaths, and support veteran communities throughout the state.


Gov. Kelly proclaims Dec.13 as 'Wreaths Across America Day'

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an encounter with police.

Just before 2a.m. Wednesday, an officer on patrol observed a vehicle stopped in the lane of traffic in the 900 block U.S.Highway 59, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

The officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle identified as 32-year-old Kyle White of Hiawatha who appeared to be asleep or passed out. 

An investigation at the scene resulted in the discovery of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in White’s possession and in the vehicle. He was taken into custody and jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

Kan. man caught with fentanyl was asleep in his car on highway

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-republicans-maga-feud-f4b0dffe06440dfed16d336d08a05422">Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene</a>&nbsp;of Georgia, a loyal supporter-turned-critic of President Donald Trump who faced his political retribution if she sought reelection, said Friday she is resigning from Congress in January.

Greene, in a more than 10-minute video posted online, explained her decision and said she didn’t want her congressional district “to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the president we all fought for,” she said.

Greene’s resignation followed a public fallout with Trump in recent months, as the congresswoman criticized him for his stance on files related to Jeffrey Epstein, along with foreign policy and health care.

Trump branded her a “traitor” and “wacky” and said he would endorse a challenger against her when she ran for reelection next year.

She said her last day would be Jan. 5, 2026.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday night.

Greene was one of the most vocal and visible supporters of Trump’s Make America Great Again politics, and she embraced some of his unapologetic political style.

Her break with him was a notable fissure in his grip over conservatives, particularly his most ardent base. But her decision to step down in the face of his opposition put her on the same track as many of the more moderate establishment Republicans before her who went crosswise with Trump.

The congresswoman, who recorded the video announcing her resignation while sitting in her living room wearing a cross necklace and with a Christmas tree and a peace lily plant behind her, said, “My life is filled with happiness, and my true convictions remain unchanged, because my self-worth is not defined by a man, but instead by God.”

Greene had been closely tied to the Republican president since she launched her political career five years ago.

In her video Friday, she underscored her longtime loyalty to Trump except on a few issues, and said it was “unfair and wrong” that he attacked her for disagreeing.

“Loyalty should be a two-way street and we should be able to vote our conscience and represent our district’s interest, because our job title is literally ‘representative,’” she said.

Greene swept to office at the forefront of Trump’s MAGA movement and swiftly became&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-marjorie-taylor-greene-congress-ed7fb114dbe45d0cd703d8800c21bfa3">a lightning rod on Capitol Hill</a>&nbsp;for her often beyond-mainstream views. In her video Friday, Greene said she had “always been despised in Washington, D.C., and just never fit in.”

As she embraced the QAnon conspiracy theory and appeared with white supremacists, Greene was initially opposed by party leaders but welcomed by Trump. He called her “a real WINNER!”

Yet over time she proved a deft legislator, having aligned herself with then-GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, who would go on to become House speaker. She was a trusted voice on the right flank, until McCarthy was ousted in 2023.

While there has been an onslaught of lawmakers from both parties heading for the exits ahead of next fall’s midterm elections, as the House struggles through an often chaotic session, Greene’s announced retirement will ripple throughout the ranks — and raise questions about her next moves.

Greene was first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marjorie-taylor-greene-wins-georgia-seat-8e162ba61e53631512dde33238f596f4">elected to the House in 2020</a>. She initially planned to run in a competitive district in northern Atlanta’s suburbs, but relocated to the much more conservative 14th District in Georgia’s northwest corner.

The opening in her district means Republican Gov. Brian Kemp will have to set a special election date within 10 days of Greene’s resignation. Such a special election would include party primaries and a general election to fill out the remainder of Greene’s term through January 2027. Those elections could take place before the party primaries in May for the next two-year term.

Even before her election, Greene showed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-technology-las-vegas-mass-shooting-media-social-media-700f28747d856a9bad22a59674a9afe6">a penchant for harsh rhetoric</a>&nbsp;and conspiracy theories, suggesting a 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas was a coordinated attack to spur support for new gun restrictions. In 2018, she endorsed the idea that the U.S. government perpetrated the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and mused that a “so-called” plane had hit the Pentagon.

Greene argued in 2019 that Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., both Muslim women, weren’t “official” members of Congress because they used Qurans rather than Bibles in their swearing-in ceremonies.

She was once&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-georgia-politics-elections-ga-state-wire-d78785cf8183d11c7e52d7aad5949279">a sympathizer with QAnon</a>, an online network that believes a global cabal of Satan-worshipping cannibals, including U.S. government leaders, operates a child sex trafficking ring. She eventually distanced herself, saying she got “sucked into some of the things I had seen on the internet.”

When Trump was out of power between his first and second terms, Greene was often a surrogate for his views and brash style in Washington.

While then-President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address in 2022, Greene stood up and began chanting “Build the wall,” referring to the U.S.-Mexico border wall that Trump began in his first term.

Last year, when Biden gave his last State of the Union address, Greene again drew attention as she confronted him over border security and the killing of a nursing student from Georgia, Laken Riley, by an immigrant in the country illegally.

Greene, wearing a red MAGA hat and a T-shirt about Riley, handed the president a button that said “Say Her Name.” The congresswoman then shouted that at the president midway through his speech.

But this year, her first serving with Trump in the White House, cracks began to appear slowly in her steadfast support — before it broke wide open.

Greene’s discontent dates back at least to May, when she announced she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mtg-greene-ossoff-georgia-senate-6df53b2ef8bf9d49272a4b4359abad21">wouldn’t run for the Senate</a>&nbsp;against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff, while attacking GOP donors and consultants who feared she couldn’t win.

Greene’s restlessness only intensified in July, when she announced she wouldn’t run for Georgia governor, either.

She was also frustrated with the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill, which worked in lockstep with the president.

Greene said in her video that “the legislature has been mostly sidelined” since Republicans took unified control of Washington in January and her bills “just sit collecting dust.”

“That’s how it is for most members of Congress’ bills,” she said. “The speaker never brings them to the floor for a vote.”

Republicans will likely lose the midterms elections next year, Greene said, and then she’d “be expected to defend the president against impeachment after he hatefully dumped tens of millions of dollars against me and tried to destroy me.”

“It’s all so absurd and completely unserious,” she said. “I refuse to be a battered wife hoping it all goes away and gets better.”

Amy reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper in Phoenix contributed to this report.

🎥Marjorie Taylor Greene explains why she is resigning from Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">U.S. Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Friday temporarily blocked a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-texas-map-blocked-lawsuit-trump-ab4dc519717c6661c63e116c9f26d899">lower court</a>&nbsp;ruling that found Texas' 2026 congressional redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump likely discriminates on the basis of race.

The order signed by Justice Samuel Alito will remain in place at least for the next few days while the court considers whether to allow the new map favorable to Republicans to be used in the midterm elections.

The court’s conservative majority has blocked similar lower court rulings because they have come too close to elections.

The order came about an hour after the state called on the high court to intervene to avoid confusion as congressional primary elections approach in March. The justices have blocked past lower-court rulings in congressional redistricting cases, most recently in Alabama and Louisiana, that came several months before elections.

The order was signed by Alito because he is the justice who handles emergency appeals from Texas.

Texas redrew its congressional map in the summer as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-redistricting-gerrymandering-congress-texas-california-2c5587f38df6428953c15ed43d631e53">Trump’s efforts</a>&nbsp;to preserve a slim Republican majority in the House in next year's elections, touching off a nationwide redistricting battle. The new redistricting map was engineered to give Republicans five additional House seats, but a panel of federal judges in El Paso ruled 2-1 Tuesday that the civil rights groups that challenged the map on behalf of Black and Hispanic voters were likely to win their case.

If that ruling eventually holds, Texas could be forced to hold elections next year using the map drawn by the GOP-controlled Legislature in 2021 based on the 2020 census.

Texas was the first state to meet Trump’s demands in what has become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-redistricting-jd-vance-mike-braun-25e5f8245d54b42d39deb921cc857735">an expanding national battle</a>&nbsp;over redistricting. Republicans drew the state’s new map to give the GOP five additional seats, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-trump-missouri-936e8daecadb32556fcfbd2eb9f7457b">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-congress-redistricting-trump-5dccfdf94253efb56c59bbb3d3e3a6d8">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;followed with new maps adding an additional Republican seat each. To counter those moves,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-redistricting-prop-50-gavin-newsom-839193bfc2a817086acca7365315f26f">California voters approved</a>&nbsp;a ballot initiative to give Democrats an additional five seats there.

The redrawn maps are facing court challenges in California, Missouri and North Carolina.

The Supreme Court is separately considering a case from Louisiana which could further limit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-voting-rights-louisiana-race-963c002fcb8a35afe36b2e14111cb88e">race-based districts</a>&nbsp;under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. It's not entirely clear how the current round of redistricting would be affected by the outcome in the Louisiana case.

Supreme Court blocks ruling that struck down Texas' new GOP-friendly Congressional map

WASHINGTON (AP) —President Trump says he is not threatening Democrat lawmakers but says they broke the law.

The president insists he’s not threatening Democratic lawmakers for recording a video reminding military service members that they shouldn’t obey illegal orders.

“I’m not threatening them, but I would say they’re in serious trouble,” Trump said during an interview with Fox News Radio. “I’m not threatening death.”

Trump previously posted of those participating in the video, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He subsequently shared a separate post that suggested, “HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!”

Trump said Friday that the Democratic lawmakers “are bad people,” suggesting, “In the old days, if you said a thing like that, that was punishable by death.”

He added: “These are people that, in my opinion, broke the law. Now what happens to them? I can’t tell you. But they broke the law.”

🎥Trump: Not threatening Dem lawmakers but ‘they broke the law’

SHAWNEE COUNTY —The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of subject or subjects involved in a robbery at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in Topeka.

FBI said they are offering a $3,000 reward for subject identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in the robbery.

Just before 9:30p.m. August 19, the KFC,&nbsp; 3920 SW 21st Street in Topeka was robbed at gunpoint. The investigation indicates that an unknown subject entered the business armed with a handgun and demanded money from the employees. The subject fled the scene on foot and to the north.

The subject is described as an adult male, approximately 6-foot-0 to 6-foot 2, 150 pounds with&nbsp; bright blue/green eyes. During the robbery, the subject was wearing khakis, black dress shoes, light grey gloves, a grey hoodie, a ball cap, and a full ski-mask. He was carrying a black/chrome handgun.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is encouraged to call the Kansas City Division of the FBI at 816-512-8200 or Topeka Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. Tips can also be provided via the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shawneecountycrimestoppers.com/">www.shawneecountycrimestoppers.com</a>&nbsp;or through the P3tips app.

Reward offered for info on Kansas armed robbery suspect

TOPEKA&nbsp;—Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;has sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting a major presidential disaster for the Public Assistance Program due to damages caused by severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, torrential rainfall and flooding during the period of Sept. 8-10, 2025, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Office.

“It is important to have federal support available to these counties to assist in rebuilding their infrastructure,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly&nbsp;said. “Damages sustained will require long-term recovery and these funds will go a long way to help these communities rebuild.”

Counties included in this request are Ellsworth, Lincoln, Ottawa, and Saline.

Gov. requests a declaration of major presidential disaster for Sept. storm

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. For nine years, Sergeant Heimann served as a member of the Hays Police Department. He passed on September 28, 2025.

Rep. Mann’s Remarks as Prepared:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Sergeant Scott William Heimann. A loyal husband, a devoted father, a beloved son, and an invaluable member of the Hays, Kansas community, Scott paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the community that he loved and served. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Scott’s watch ended far too soon when he was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. On behalf of Kansans in the Big First District, I would like to say thank you for your service.

Scott served with the Hays Police Department for nine years. Throughout his time, he served on the Special Situation Response Team, High-Tech Crime Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Honor Guard. Scott took pride in wearing the Hays Police Department uniform. He was never above serving the community he lived in whether his task was reading books to students at the library or responding to the most dangerous threats that posed a risk to his neighbors. There was no task too big or too small in his eyes.

Audrey and I mourn with the Hays community and continue to pray for them as they come to terms with this tragedy. We especially pray for Scott’s wife, Beth, his beautiful children, Victoria and Patrick, and all his loved ones who he left behind.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 34 that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. As the reality of Scott’s untimely passing sets in, I ask that the Lord would be close to his family, wrap His arms around this grieving community, and provide comfort.

Well done, Sergeant Heimann. May your soul rest in peace.

🎥Rep. Mann honors fallen Kansas officer during House floor speech

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is to meet in private Friday with a high-profile issue on its agenda —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-immigration-trump-20919d26029cf0f98ecb0dc7f90a066b">birthright citizenship</a>&nbsp;order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.

The justices could say as soon as Monday whether they will hear Trump’s appeal of lower court rulings that have uniformly struck down the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/" target="_blank">citizenship restrictions</a>. They have not taken effect anywhere in the United States.

If the court steps in now, the case would be argued in the spring, with a definitive ruling expected by early summer.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the first day of his second term in the White House, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown. Other actions include immigration enforcement surges in several cities and the first peacetime invocation of the 18th century Alien Enemies Act.

The administration is facing multiple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-immigration-ice-border-patrol-7bb7d05c90b970226073857d97427c9e">court challenges</a>, and the high court has sent mixed signals in emergency orders it has issued. The justices effectively stopped the use of the Alien Enemies Act to rapidly deport alleged Venezuelan gang members without court hearings, while they allowed the resumption of sweeping immigration stops in the Los Angeles area after a lower court blocked the practice of stopping people solely based on their race, language, job or location.

The justices also are weighing the administration’s emergency appeal to be allowed to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area for immigration enforcement actions. A lower court has indefinitely prevented the deployment.

Birthright citizenship is the first Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a final ruling. Trump’s order would upend more than 125 years of understanding that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born on American soil, with narrow exceptions for the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down the executive order as unconstitutional, or likely so, even after a Supreme Court ruling in late June that limited judges’ use of nationwide injunctions.

While the Supreme Court curbed the use of nationwide injunctions, it did not rule out other court orders that could have nationwide effects, including in class-action lawsuits and those brought by states. The justices did not decide at that time whether the underlying citizenship order is constitutional.

But every lower court that has looked at the issue has concluded that Trump’s order violates or most likely violates the 14th Amendment, which was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship.

The administration is appealing two cases.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco ruled in July that a group of states that sued over the order needed a nationwide injunction to prevent the problems that would be caused by birthright citizenship being in effect in some states and not others.

Also in July, a federal judge in New Hampshire blocked the citizenship order in a class-action lawsuit including all children who would be affected.

The American Civil Liberties Union, leading the legal team in the New Hampshire case, urged the court to reject the appeal because the administration’s “arguments are so flimsy,” ACLU lawyer Cody Wofsy said. “But if the court decides to hear the case, we’re more than ready to take Trump on and win.”

Birthright citizenship automatically makes anyone born in the United States an American citizen, including children born to mothers who are in the country illegally, under long-standing rules. The right was enshrined soon after the Civil War in the first sentence of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/800b0a2005254ec58369b9564f53be8f?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">14th Amendment</a>.

The administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore not entitled to citizenship.

Supreme Court meets to weigh Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions

WASHINGTON–&nbsp;On Thursday,&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall released the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation to restore whole milk in schools.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act&nbsp;expands healthy milk options in schools by reversing the Obama-era law that took whole milk out of school cafeterias.

“Whole milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind, and for whatever reason, the federal government took it out of our schools over a decade ago – robbing an entire generation of essential dairy intake. As an obstetrician, I cannot stress the extensive list of benefits that comes from drinking whole – and most of all, it just tastes better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I’m proud to see another win on the MAHA agenda cross the finish line in the Senate and am looking forward to seeing it signed into law.”

The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>&nbsp;(DGA) reports that nearly 90% of Americans do not meet their daily dairy intake recommendations. Specifically, Americans are lacking enough Calcium and Vitamin D, and whole milk is an excellent source of both vitamins. Leading nutritionists&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522012898?via%3Dihub">have found</a>&nbsp;that whole dairy fats have no negative effect on a diet, and may even reduce the risk of heart disease.

The legislation was first&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;by Senator Marshall in June of 2023. It was reintroduced in April of 2025 with numerous bipartisan sponsors and co-sponsors and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshalls-legislation-to-restore-whole-milk-in-schools-passes-senate-agriculture-committee/">passed</a>&nbsp;the Senate Agriculture Committee in June of 2025.

Kan. U.S. Senator's bill to restore whole milk in schools passes the Senate

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–A man accused of killing his mother-in-law in front of&nbsp; his 8-year-old son will return to court Friday.

Stephen Rogers wil appear at a preliminary hearing in Judge Rodger Woods courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The hearing, originally scheduled last Friday was delayed.

In July, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from 49-year-old Sharmaine Marlene Burke, according to a media release from the sheriff's office. Burke reported that her son-in-law, 29-year-old Stephen J. Rogers of Wichita, was drunk and had threatened to shoot her. She also stated that her eight-year-old grandson, Rogers’ son, was inside the home at the Longbranch Mobile Home Park near Derby.&nbsp;

The 911 call-taker stayed on the line as deputies responded. A few minutes into the call, gunshots were heard, and the line went silent.

Deputies arrived at 11:41 p.m. and found Burke with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. Deputies and Sedgwick County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Burke succumbed to her injuries at 11:57 p.m.

Rogers and his son were not at the scene when deputies arrived. An immediate search for both the suspect and the child began. Deputies obtained critical information, including a description of Rogers’ vehicle, and shared it with surrounding law enforcement agencies.

At 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, FLOCK camera technology detected Rogers’ vehicle in Augusta. Butler County law enforcement quickly located and stopped the vehicle on U.S. Highway 54 near Haverhill Road. Rogers was arrested and the child was found unharmed inside the vehicle.

Rogers was taken to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigations Division, and&nbsp; booked into jail on requested charges of first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment.

Deputies and investigators provided immediate resources to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.

The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with multiple agencies during the investigation. Quick action and cooperation allowed law enforcement to safely locate the child and apprehend the suspect.

As part of the investigation, it was determined that an Amber Alert was not necessary because investigators obtained real-time intelligence on the suspect’s vehicle and used FLOCK technology to track it. Issuing an Amber Alert could have alerted the suspect, increasing the risk to the child and complicating the search.

The process for issuing an alert also involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the timeline indicates the alert would have been issued only after the suspect and child were located.

Preliminary Hearing: Kan. man accused of killing his mother-in-law

Saturday's regular-season finale for the Hutchinson Community College football team has plenty riding on it.

The top-ranked Blue Dragons (9-0, 5-0 KJCCC) will play host to the No. 14-ranked Garden City Broncbusters (6-4, 3-2 KJCCC) at Noon Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Rob Dreher (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live on the Blue Dragon Sports Network beginning at 11:30 a.m. with Countdown to Kickoff.