HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Charges have been filed in Reno County against a former employee of USD 309.

On Friday evening, May 30, prosecutors filed five criminal charges against Whitney Shull following alleged incidents that occurred earlier this year.

According to court documents, the first four charges stem from events between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. The fifth count is tied to an incident on or about March 15.

All charges were e-filed under case number 2025 CR 386. The most serious offenses are felonies, while others are class A misdemeanors.

Regarding the appointment of Marc Bennett, as Specially Appointed Prosecutor in the Reno County case, when a prosecutor’s office discovers a conflict with a particular case or defendant, the elected prosecutor typically seeks the assistance of the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, a prosecutor from another jurisdiction or a private attorney to prosecute the case in question.    

As a professional courtesy, Mr. Bennett agreed to handle the Shull matter at the request of Thomas Stanton, the District Attorney in Reno County.  Mr. Bennett will receive no compensation for his role in the Reno County case. 

A court date has not yet been announced. The Reno County District Attorney’s Office says a separate news release will be issued once the first appearance is scheduled.

Former USD 309 employee charged 

TOPEKA, Kan. — Evergy has filed a request with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) seeking a rate increase of $196.4 million for its Evergy Kansas Central (EKC) customers. If approved, the new rates would take effect in September 2025, resulting in an average monthly increase of $13.05 for residential customers — an overall hike of 8.62%.

The utility company says the proposed increase reflects nearly $1 billion in infrastructure investments, along with adjustments for capital costs and rising operational expenses. However, the request does not include costs tied to the upcoming Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant or the two natural gas facilities Evergy plans to build in Kansas.

As part of the filing, Evergy also proposed a new pilot initiative — the Evergy Stay Connected program — which would provide monthly bill credits to help low-income customers remain current on their accounts.

The rate adjustment affects about 735,000 customers in EKC’s service area, which includes cities like Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Salina, Hutchinson, and Manhattan. Customers in the Evergy Kansas Metro area — including Overland Park and Lenexa — are not affected by this request.

The KCC, which regulates public utility rates and services, has scheduled two public hearings to gather input and provide information:

Customers may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. To participate online, registration is required by noon the day before the hearing at <a href="https://kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters">kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters</a>. The hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel.

Public comments on the rate proposal will be accepted through July 14, 2025, via the following methods:

An evidentiary hearing on the rate case is scheduled for July 21, 2025, at the KCC’s offices in Topeka.

Customers seeking more information or assistance submitting comments can contact the KCC at 800-662-0027 or email <a>public.affairs@kcc.ks.gov</a>.

KCC sets dates for hearings on Evergy rate increase request

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced that a resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 50 in Harvey County is scheduled to begin around June 5, with completion expected by mid-July, weather permitting.

The project will involve applying hot-mix asphalt over a stretch of 11.7 miles, starting just north of the I-135/U.S. 50 junction and extending east to the Harvey/Marion County line.

During construction, drivers can expect intermittent delays, as traffic will be directed by flaggers and a pilot car. KDOT advises motorists to be prepared for stops and delays of up to 15 minutes in the work zone.

APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, based in Hutchinson, has been contracted to complete the $2.7 million project.

KDOT encourages all drivers to remain alert, follow posted signage, and exercise caution when traveling through construction zones.

For the latest road conditions and travel updates, visit <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov">kandrive.gov</a> or call 5-1-1. Updates on this and other projects in South Central Kansas are available at <a href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

Resurfacing project on U.S. 50 in Harvey County to begin June 5

CARSON BYERS&nbsp; Division of Communications and Marketing - K-STATE

In the game of football, success hinges on strategy — coaches draw up plays, run them in practice and refine them before taking them to the gridiron. Researchers play a similar role in the fight against cardiovascular disease, designing new approaches to predict and prevent life-threatening conditions.

In Kansas State University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Human Health and Sciences</a>, a team of researchers has been in the metaphorical film room, studying and validating a new playbook for heart health that they believe will lead to victory.

Britton Scheuermann, a doctoral candidate in kinesiology, working in associate professor Carl Ade’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/kines/about/people/cade.html">Clinical Integrated Physiology Laboratory,</a>&nbsp;was the lead author on&nbsp;<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824692">a paper in JAMA Network Open</a>, which validated the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heart.org/">American Heart Association</a>’s new app Predicting Risk of cardiovascular disease EVENTs, or PREVENT, equations to calculate patients’ cardiovascular disease risk.

In the medical field, the relationship between researchers and practitioners is crucial to successful results.

“I look at it in terms of we’re the coaches, and we’re drawing up plays. Each study is a play,” Scheuermann said. “We pitch that play to the players, we run it in practice to see if it works, and then we take it to the game, and hopefully, it’s a huge victory because of our playbook.”

When running the PREVENT equations in practice, Scheuermann found a winning play.

The new equations,&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator">an update to the Heart Association’s previous models</a>, provide patients who are 30 years or older and their medical providers&nbsp;<a href="https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator">with more precise scores</a>. These scores use patient factors like age, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other metrics to calculate their 10- and 30-year risks of total cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

“Our research looked at these equations to see if they accurately predict the occurrence of cardiovascular disease risk, based on actual instances in a database of nearly 200 million participants,” Scheuermann said. “We found that these equations do a great job of identifying people at high risk versus low risk, as well as getting roughly correct estimations of the timeline and occurrences of cardiovascular disease events in different risk categories.”

The previous model used by the Heart Association was a playbook that worked well for many decades. But like any strategist, physiologists always know there is room for new ideas and refinement, and this type of innovation is precisely what the new model brings to the fight against cardiovascular disease, Scheuermann said.

“I look at PREVENT as being like the option offense in football because it gives you a lot more variety,” said Scheuermann. “We have things like kidney and liver health and all these other things that are coming into play with this score. It gives the quarterback a clear picture of what he needs to read once he’s in the game.”

As Scheuermann and his research colleagues lead a drive against cardiovascular disease, the PREVENT equations are poised to be a game-changing play — one that could redefine how medical professionals and patients tackle heart health nationwide.

“Each bit of work is a little step forward,” said Scheuermann. “With our partnership with Stormont Vail, we’re starting to make changes in our local community first, incorporating this into our health care here and helping people in Manhattan and surrounding communities to better understand their cardiovascular health.

“If we can start at this level then hopefully, we can continue to collaborate with other facilities across the country,” he continued. “The hope is that this score becomes something that helps people everywhere better understand their cardiovascular health.”

To learn more about this topic visit <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/seek/spring-2025/britton-scheuermann-cardiovascular-risk-prevent-equations/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=https%3A//www.k-state.edu/seek/spring-2025/britton-scheuermann-cardiovascular-risk-prevent-equations&amp;utm_campaign=KST%20External%206-2-25">The X's and O's of human heart care</a>

The X’s and O’s of human heart care

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118554&amp;clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!</a>

Cosmosphere to take applications for Student Advisory Board

Suli is a (5 year old) 3-legged sweetheart who is a staff favorite here! Suli is dog selective due to being attacked by dogs in her previous home. Suli is very shy at first, but does love to cuddle when she warms up to people. She would do best in a quiet home with no young kids.”

Sergeant McIntire of the Hutchinson Police Department and Suli braved the sun at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Suli was able to get in and out of the car by herself and did a great job walking on her leash! Suli liked sniffing around and getting belly rubs from Sergeant McIntire. Suli was nervous at first, but did warm up to her surroundings. 

She did frequently try and find shade, so she would be a great fit for a family who enjoys air conditioning. Let’s find Suli a permanent home! 

If you are interested in seeing him, or any other available animals up for adoption, please contact Hutchinson Animal Shelter at 620-694-1924 or visit them at 1501 South Severance Street.

The Animal Shelter offers a year-round special discount to adopters who are Veterans or First Responders! Adopter(s) must ask for this discount and provide a valid military and work ID as proof of their status and the adoption fee will be ½ price.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt a Furry Friend: Suli 

Bryan Schulz stopped by the BW studios to talk about the Demolition Derby scheduled for Monday Sept. 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Bryan Schulz, Kansas State Fair 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/886787cd-100e-4b0f-98da-2412425eb419">BW Radio 90th Anniversary Celebration</a> • 11 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; BW Studios, 9th and Main&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9cad9bc6-7511-4bc2-bfa9-0a4399c9cb5f">Hutchinson Monarchs vs Derby Twins</a> - 7.p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Hobart-Detter Field, Cary Park&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/213e8c62-b20b-4957-b5a5-0d486ab0053f">Hutchinson Municipal Band Concert</a> • 8 P.M. &nbsp; &nbsp;Recital Hall, Stringer Fine Arts Center - Hutch CC&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBmQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkdJUGtVbEdjY3V1Y3VTAR7lGJ1kAckMgUcnSI756UiNOiYC1K0-RHoYZK0mtlkb0zLN-LBjMwKVCH4OYQ_aem_Om5fLM_EfizOIqFnwNunyg">Reno County Farmers Market</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;10 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Second Ave and Washington Street&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Hutchinson Monarchs vs Kansas Cannons • 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Hobart-Detter Field, Carey Park

AKC Sunflower Cluster Dog Show &nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/954261eb-a5f1-4cfc-8d20-0f5e473560b8">80th Annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta</a> • 5:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church - 612 S. Maple, South Hutch

AKC Sunflower Cluster Dog Show&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBmQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkdJUGtVbEdjY3V1Y3VTAR7lGJ1kAckMgUcnSI756UiNOiYC1K0-RHoYZK0mtlkb0zLN-LBjMwKVCH4OYQ_aem_Om5fLM_EfizOIqFnwNunyg">Reno County Farmers Market</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Second Ave and Washington Street&nbsp; &nbsp;

AKC Sunflower Cluster Dog Show&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/saturday-morning-artists-qa">Saturday Morning Artists</a>&nbsp;• 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington&nbsp; &nbsp;

Heart of Hutch Celebration • 3 p.m.- 10 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Regional Medical Center - 1701 E. 23rd&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/954261eb-a5f1-4cfc-8d20-0f5e473560b8">80th Annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta</a> • 4 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church - 612 S. Maple, South Hutch&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/954261eb-a5f1-4cfc-8d20-0f5e473560b8">80th Annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Fiesta</a> • 11 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church - 612 S. Maple, South Hutch&nbsp;

Happenings Around Hutch • June 2 - 8

The Hutchinson Art Fair, a long-standing tradition in the Kansas arts community, celebrated another successful year with strong turnout, enthusiastic community support, and a wide array of artistic talent on display.

Once held in venues like Avenue A Park, Memorial Hall, and even the parking lot of The Hutchinson News, the fair has evolved into a staple event backed by the Hutchinson Art Center's Board of Directors, staff, and a dedicated team of volunteers.

This year’s top honors went to Michael Schlyer, who received the first place award and a $500 prize. Dennis Flores, known for his Bison Bead Jewelry, took second place and $400, while Heike Kirk of Three Doors North earned third place and $300.

In addition to the main awards, several special honors were presented:

Awards of Merit, each accompanied by a $100 prize, were given to Elizabeth Yutzy (Little Arrows Pottery), Phyllis Provost-Saas, Jocelyn Woodson, and Kathie Moore (Dragonfly Studio).

Organizers have already set the date for next year’s fair: Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The art festivities continue through the summer at the Hutchinson Art Center. Programming includes the annual Kids Summer Art Camp and “Saturday Morning Artists,” open sessions for teens and adults interested in drawing and painting.

In the Main Gallery, visitors can experience People - Places - Photography, an exhibit featuring work by Chicago-based photographer Michael Bracey. The collection highlights scenes from Colombia, Ghana, and Liberia, accompanied by documentary film work from David and Bobby Obermite.

The Front Gallery hosts Flora &amp; Fauna: Selections from the Permanent Collection, the first permanent collection exhibition curated by the center’s new Executive Director. It showcases artworks reflecting the natural world.

Coming later this summer are two additional exhibitions: Figuratively Speaking, drawn from the center’s Permanent Collection and set to open in late June, followed by new works by artists Melinda McDaniel and Susan Meyer on display in July.

For more information, visit <a href="http://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net">hutchinsonartcenter.net</a>.

Hutchinson Art Center announces Art Fair winners

For the first time in six years, cash rent rates for Iowa farmland are on the decline, dropping by 3% so far this year. The average rate has fallen to $271 per acre, down from last year’s peak of $279 per acre, marking the first annual decrease since 2019.

The dip in rates was widespread, with 68 of Iowa's 99 counties reporting reductions. The most significant drops were seen in counties with high-quality farmland. Premium acres, previously fetching as much as $328 per acre for corn and soybean production, experienced the sharpest declines. Even low-quality land, typically the most stable segment of the market, saw a 3% decrease, bringing the average rent down to $225 per acre.

Agricultural economists suggest that the decline may be due to a combination of factors, including lower commodity prices, rising input costs, and tightening profit margins for farmers.

While the dip offers some financial relief for tenants, landowners may begin to feel pressure as returns soften after years of steady growth in rental income.

Analysts will be watching closely to see whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a longer-term shift in Iowa’s agricultural land market.

Ag Minute: Farm rents 

<a href="http://glen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">Glen Grunwald</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs stormed back with a seven-run eighth inning to defeat the Derby Twins 8-5 on Monday night at Hobart-Detter Field, remaining unbeaten on the young season.

Trailing 5-2 entering the bottom of the eighth, Hutchinson (3-0) strung together five hits after Alex Mustow hammered a two-run shot into the dark of the night to center.&nbsp; That cut the gap to 5-3 Derby, but the Monarchs were not done. Hutchinson plated more capped by a two-run single from Blake Bradford, to flip the game on its head and hand Derby (1-2) a stinging loss.

Aiden Sowers earned the win in relief for the Monarchs, while Mitchell Johnson closed the door in the ninth for the save. Ryan Koob was tagged with the loss after surrendering the go-ahead runs in the eighth.

As previously noted, Alex Mustow sparked the comeback with his second home run of the night, a two-run shot to center that trimmed Derby’s lead to 5-3. Moments later, Jaxon Herrmann and Jace Spafford delivered clutch RBI singles to tie the game and then push Hutchinson ahead.

After an RBI triple by Dane Bugner and Bradford’s two-run knock, the Monarchs led 8-5, erasing what had been a frustrating night against the Twins’ pitching.

Derby built a 5-1 lead behind timely hitting and three runs off wild pitches, including one that scored Kyle Sheldon in the eighth. The Twins also got an RBI triple from Jake Lindahl and run-scoring singles from Cooper Richards and Nick Allison.

Mustow opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning but was even bigger in the eighth, igniting the crowd and his teammates with his second long ball of the night.

Hutchinson goes on the road as the same two teams match up at Panther field in Derby Tuesday, night. Derby looks to regroup in the series finale. That game should be available to view on the Derby YouTube Channel.

The Monarchs will return home on Thursday to host the Kansas Canons at 7pm&nbsp; on ONEOK night at the ball park.

⚾ Monarchs rally in eighth to stun Derby Twins, improve to 3-0

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (2-0) will host the Derby Twins (1-1) at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park tonight with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch swept the season opening weekend match up games with Newton winning 4-3, 13-2 versus the Rebels. Derby split with Haysville to start the season.

The Monarchs are slated for 19 home games with all of those games set to be video streamed on <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8dc5bdf3-e9a7-4011-9b4a-2b453688d13f">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Eagle Media's Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call tonight with Matt Peterson providing the video stream..&nbsp;

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs host Derby Twins

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman has announced&nbsp;Marcus Moeder as the next head track &amp; field coach for the 2025-26 academic year.

Moeder takes over the program after Andrew Schroter took a job outside of the district.&nbsp;

Moeder is a La Crosse High School graduate and ran collegiately at Wichita State. He has been an assistant coach on the Hutch High staff.

👟 Moeder named head track & field coach at Hutch High

🥎 HutchCC's Kruger named NFCA 2nd-Team All-American

🎧⚾ Royals drop 2 of 3 from Tigers, also call up Caglianone; 👟 Area results from state track & field

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are calling up top prospect Jac Caglianone, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press, and the slugging first baseman and outfielder could make his debut Tuesday night in St. Louis.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Monday because the move had not been announced. The Royals will have to make a corresponding roster move once Caglianone is officially added to the 40-man roster.

The move comes on the heels of a second straight 1-0 game for Kansas City — it split them with the Tigers — and amid a season in which the Royals have struggled mightily to score runs. They have hit a big league worst-34 home runs and they have scored 194 runs in all, tied with Pittsburgh ahead of only lowly Colorado heading into Monday night’s games.

The 22-year-old Caglianone was the sixth overall pick in last year’s first-year player draft, where he was considered a two-way player because of his strong left arm. But his future is in the field, where his immense power had the potential to give the long-floundering Kansas City offense the kind of immediate production they have not had in years.

In just 50 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season, Caglianone has hit 15 homers with 56 RBIs. He also has been hitting .322, holding that average steady even after moving up a level, to alleviate some of his swing-and-miss concerns.

Caglianone has primarily played first base, but Vinnie Pasquantino typically holds down that job for Kansas City, and veteran catcher Salvador Perez plays there occasionally when not behind the plate. Where the Royals have a pressing needs is in their outfield, where they finally designated for assignment Hunter Renfroe after another season of little production.

As a whole, Kansas City outfielders are hitting .237 with seven homers and 46 RBIs in 663 plate appearances.

The Royals are still 31-29 heading into Monday’s day off thanks to a pitching staff that has allowed just 201 runs, second-fewest in the majors behind the Mets. They open a three-game set in St. Louis on Tuesday night, then play three against the White Sox in Chicago, before Caglianone would potentially make his home debut against the Yankees on June 10.

⚾ Royals calling up slugger Caglianone, per sources

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Casey Borba hit a grand slam in the first inning, added a three-run homer in the third and finished with eight RBIs to help Texas beat Kansas State 15-8 on Sunday in an elimination game at the Austin Regional.

The Longhorns, the No. 2 national seed, play UTSA in the championship round Sunday night. Texas has to beat the Roadrunners — who sent UT to the loser’s bracket with a 9-7 win Saturday — twice to win the double-elimination regional. UTSA, which advanced to a regional championship for the first time in program history, also beat the Longhorns 8-7 in 12 innings on March 18 in the only matchup between the teams in the regular season.

Ruger Riojas (9-3) gave up seven runs, including three homers, and hit three batters while throwing a career-high 119 pitches across 7 1/3 innings.

Ethan Mendoza led off the game with a double and scored two batters later when Max Belyeu hit the first pitch he saw from Tanner Duke over the left-field wall. Kimble Schuessler and Adrian Rodriguez followed with back-to-back singles and Jalin Flores was hit by a pitch before James Guyette replaced Duke (2-3). Jonah Williams struck out looking before&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TexasBaseball/status/1929258024675213473" target="_blank">Borba cleared the bases</a>&nbsp;to make it 6-0.

⚾ K-State ends season in Austin Regional

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach McKinstry hit a leadoff triple in the third inning and scored on Kris Bubic's wild pitch to lift the Detroit Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Sunday.

Riley Greene had two of Detroit's five hits as the Tigers bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Kansas City on Saturday that ended their five-game winning streak. They took two of three from their AL Central rivals for their 14th series win this season.

Detroit entered June with the best record in the majors for the first time since 2006.

Tigers starter Keider Montero permitted seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chase Lee (2-0) got four outs for the win, and Will Vest earned his ninth save.

Bubic (5-3) tied a career high with nine strikeouts in seven innings, giving up four hits with two walks. The left-hander has fanned nine batters in three of his last four starts.

Salvador Perez had three of Kansas City's nine hits, but the Royals stranded eight runners. They have scored four or fewer runs in 50 of 60 games this season.

Kansas City infielder Maikel Garcia was scratched from the starting lineup with right thumb soreness.

McKinstry scored when Bubic's sweeper in the dirt deflected off Perez and rolled near the Royals' dugout on the first-base side.

In the last 12 games between the division foes, 10 have been decided by two or fewer runs.

RHP Jack Flaherty (3-6, 3.94 ERA) starts Monday night when the Tigers continue their seven-game trip against the Chicago White Sox.

⚾ McKinstry scores on wild pitch as MLB-leading Tigers top Royals 

⚾ Wind Surge even series with shutout of Drillers

<a href="http://mglen.grunwald@eaglemedia.com">Glen Grunwald</a> <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com"></a>Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;AJ Mustow drove in three runs and Tyson Vassart launched a two-run homer as the Hutchinson Monarchs rolled past the Newton Rebels 13-2 on Saturday night at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Monarchs (2-0) tallied 13 runs on 11 hits, taking control early and never letting up in their season opener.

Mustow led the offensive charge, going 2 for 3 with a triple and three RBIs. He opened his night with an RBI triple to center field in the first inning that gave Hutchinson a 2-1 lead. Later, he scored on a wild pitch in a five-run second inning.

Vassart capped that frame with a towering home run to right, plating two and extending the Monarchs’ lead to 5-1.

The scoring started when Bryce Bradford’s sacrifice fly allowed Jay Spafford to tag up and score, tying the game at 1 in the bottom of the first. From there, the Monarchs piled on with disciplined at-bats and timely hitting.

Newton (0-2) managed just two runs and couldn’t recover after falling behind early.

Monarch starting pitcher&nbsp;Carson Harrell (1-0) picked up the win for Hutchinson, pitching 2 1/3 innings while allowing two runs. He struck out three but walked four in the early-season outing. Brayden Rose (0-1) took the loss for Newton giving up 8 runs on 5 Monarch hits.

Next action for the Monarchs is Monday, June 2nd at 7pm vs the Derby Twins at Hobart-Detter Field.

⚾ Monarchs power past Rebels behind Mustow, Vassart

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– A reward is now being offered in the search for a suspect who shot and critically injured a Kansas City area police officer on Sunday night.

You MUST submit your tip info through our program to be eligible to receive the Up To $10K Cash Reward for any info that leads to his arrest. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcmetrocrime?__cft__[0]=AZXCAvmwh91WktF7Ispkq5kKVW3Hto-MVUDhBQD1kSBSAou-NOOReUt4P-0NJRrVx0JEhqGA-XOkfVESV0ZTlywtwmGWZ5llm8r22dOyxcTFj9jShlfZKFNaZ75EBPdIYTG5V3don8U6Ld8kH2sShPBI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcpolice?__cft__[0]=AZXCAvmwh91WktF7Ispkq5kKVW3Hto-MVUDhBQD1kSBSAou-NOOReUt4P-0NJRrVx0JEhqGA-XOkfVESV0ZTlywtwmGWZ5llm8r22dOyxcTFj9jShlfZKFNaZ75EBPdIYTG5V3don8U6Ld8kH2sShPBI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Missouri Police Department</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LSPolice?__cft__[0]=AZXCAvmwh91WktF7Ispkq5kKVW3Hto-MVUDhBQD1kSBSAou-NOOReUt4P-0NJRrVx0JEhqGA-XOkfVESV0ZTlywtwmGWZ5llm8r22dOyxcTFj9jShlfZKFNaZ75EBPdIYTG5V3don8U6Ld8kH2sShPBI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Lee's Summit Missouri Police Department</a>

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) issued the blue alert Monday morning trying to locate a suspect wanted in related to the shooting. The alert was later extended into Kansas.

Authorities are looking for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27. Tolbert is a black male, around 240 pounds, and is 6 foot 2 inches tall with brown eyes and black hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black top with a hood, and black shorts.

He is armed with a handgun and considered dangerous.

Around 11 p.m, Sunday, June 1, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at 3560 SW Hollywood Drive in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. After a short foot pursuit between Tolbert and officers, Tolbert shot a Lee’s Summit police officer, seriously injuring him.

Tolbert left the scene in a vehicle that has since been recovered in Grandview, Missouri, but Tolbert remains on the loose.

A wireless emergency alert was issued in several Kansas City metro counties on the Kansas side.

Anyone who sees Tolbert should immediately call 911. Any other information about his whereabouts should be reported at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

JACKSON COUNTY—A police officer was injured in a shooting while investigating a domestic disturbance and the search for the suspect identified as 27-year-old Thomas Tolbert continues.

Just after 11:00 p.m. Sunday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 3500 block of SW Hollywood Drive in Lee's Summit on the report of a domestic disturbance, according to a media release from police.

 As the first officer arrived on scene in the apartment complex; and while waiting for his assisting officer, the officer observed a male subject running from the scene. 

 The officer chased the suspect on foot and quickly advised via the radio that shots had been fired.  No shots were fired by the officer. The officer was struck multiple times. 

 Investigators are working with area law enforcement partners to track Tolbert.

There is no perceived danger in the area of the original crime scene. Multiple witnesses gave a statement that the suspect fled the area in a vehicle.  The officer was transported to an area trauma center with serious injuries.

Reward offered for suspect who shot KC area officer multiple times

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday renewed its request for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to clear the way for plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">downsize the federal workforce</a>, while a lawsuit filed by labor unions and cities proceeds.

The high court filing came after an appeals court refused to freeze a California-based judge’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-mass-firings-doge-lawsuit-b41f5b43f428965fd60bc272e3854e3b">order</a>&nbsp;halting the cuts, which have been led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-doge-donald-trump-962778979dd35ea79d6092df9cb2cb56">Department of Government Efficiency</a>.

By a 2-1 vote, a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found that the downsizing could have broader effects, including on the nation’s food-safety system and health care for veterans.

In her ruling last month, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston found that Trump’s administration needs congressional approval to make sizable reductions to the federal workforce.

The administration initially asked the justices to step in last month, but withdrew its appeal for technical, legal reasons. The latest filing is one in a series of emergency appeals arguing federal judges had overstepped their authority.

Illston’s order “rests on the indefensible premise that the President needs explicit statutory authorization from Congress to exercise his core Article II authority to superintend the internal personnel decisions of the Executive Branch,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the new appeal.

Trump has repeatedly said voters gave him a mandate to remake the federal government, and he tapped billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-beautiful-bill-budget-deficit-debt-31e5857c9e94deaa11a176bbec538831">Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;to lead the charge through DOGE. Musk left his role last week.

Tens of thousands of federal workers have been fired, have left their jobs via deferred resignation programs, or have been placed on leave. There is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/doge-firings-layoffs-federal-government-workers-musk-d33cdd7872d64d2bdd8fe70c28652654">no official figure for the job cuts</a>, but at least 75,000 federal employees took deferred resignation, and thousands of probationary workers have already been let go.

Illston’s order directs numerous federal agencies to halt acting on the president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-downsizing-federal-workers-doge-00683abc4de44a151f26aaa6cb0d0f30">workforce executive order</a>&nbsp;signed in February and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-elon-musk-federal-workers-layoffs-d295d4bb2cdd5023c27d9cb03754e81b">subsequent memo issued</a>&nbsp;by DOGE and the Office of Personnel Management. Illston was nominated by former Democratic President Bill Clinton.

Among the agencies affected by the order are the departments of Agriculture, Energy, Labor, the Interior, State, the Treasury and Veterans Affairs. It also applies to the National Science Foundation, Small Business Association, Social Security Administration and Environmental Protection Agency.

The Supreme Court set a deadline of next Monday for a response from the unions and cities, including Baltimore, Chicago and San Francisco.

Some of the labor unions and nonprofit groups are also plaintiffs in another lawsuit before a San Francisco judge challenging the mass firings of probationary workers. In that case, Judge William Alsup ordered the government in March to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb">reinstate those workers</a>, but the U.S. Supreme Court later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-trump-mass-firings-02e218d2b7ee59925ddcb597b6b0a4fe">blocked his order</a>.

Trump asks the Supreme Court to clear the way for federal downsizing plans

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City have identified the victim as 31-year-old Javonie E. Minor, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, patrol officers responded to the 2900 block of Wabash on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

First responders were directed to a residence on Wabash where they located Minor suffering from gunshot wounds. KCFD EMS responded and transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

This is being investigated as a homicide and no one is in custody at this point. Preliminary information revealed there was an altercation outside of a residence between multiple individuals that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

Homicide: Man shot after altercation outside Kansas City home

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The State of Kansas ends May 2025 with total tax collections at $657.7 million. That is $158.3 million, or 31.7%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were down 0.2% from May 2024, according to a media release from Governor Kelly's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F06%2F02%2Ffile_attachments%2F3279686%2F11_May_Revenue_FY2025_06-02-2025_Final.pdf/1/01010197328dff1e-e45d061a-3318-48b7-aa6c-f96744fa9282-000000/iJjh0u6U0Ys5-zZChAl4U88a6qLuv1_9qPtSI9kpdZQ=407">here</a>&nbsp;to view the May 2025 revenue numbers.&nbsp;

“Surpassing estimates this month is a positive indicator, but we remain diligent and focused on maintaining long-term financial health,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;

Individual income tax collections were $314.7 million. That is $144.7 million, or 85.1% above the estimate, and up 3.1% from May 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $29.2 million. That is $840,880, or 2.8% below the estimate, and down 26.8% from May 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $282.1 million, which is $11.1 million, or 4.1% above the estimate, with no change from May 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

May total tax collections in Kansas far above the estimate 

Claeys’ resignation second departure from Legislature to Trump administration

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</a>

TOPEKA — Republican Sen. J.R. Claeys of Salina resigned from the Kansas Legislature after accepting an administrative job with the rural business development service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Claeys, who served 13 years in the House and Senate but lost a GOP primary for secretary of state, disclosed several weeks ago his intent to quit as senior advisor to Attorney General Kris Kobach and as a Republican political consultant for Axiom Strategies.

On Monday, Claeys assumed duties at USDA as director of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service. The federal agency within USDA has responsibility for promoting economic development by supporting&nbsp;rural businesses and cooperatives.

Claeys said he joined the administration of President Donald Trump to “continue to fight for rural Americans.”

“I have had the privilege of serving my hometown in the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature,” Claeys said. “Representing the people of Saline and Dickinson counties, including Salina&nbsp;where I was born and raised, has been the honor of my life.”

Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said he appreciated the role Claeys’ played in shaping the Senate’s budget and tax policies.

“He has helped lead efforts to secure key private and public sector investments into Kansas, particularly his district,” Masterson said.

The 24th District in the Senate, in accordance with Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution, was declared vacant and the process of nominating a replacement could begin. Claeys won reelection to a four-year term in November.

Claeys was the second Republican to recently depart the Legislature for employment at USDA. State Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, stepped down in mid-May to begin work as deputy undersecretary for the agriculture department’s food and nutrition service.

Sedgwick County Republicans nominated Steve Brunk to complete the unexpired portion of Penn’s term. Brunk served as a state representative from 2003 to 2015.

Claeys said the central Kansas region within his legislative district experienced economic growth due to massive federal investment and an influx of state bond revenue that spurred manufacturing expansion and technological evolution. Developments included transportation projects, housing construction, downtown revitalization and growth at Kansas State University’s aviation campus in Salina.

“Rural America&nbsp;is not an afterthought,” Claeys said. “It is where the strongest work ethic exists in our nation.&nbsp;A resource&nbsp;more valuable than any other.”

Claeys was elected to the House in 2012 and transitioned to the Senate in 2020. He worked on behalf of the Trump presidential campaign in 2020. He ran unsuccessfully for Kansas secretary of state in 2010.

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