The Reno County Board of County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

Commissioners are expected to approve several routine items on the consent agenda, including election administration matters and county vehicle purchases.

Among those items is setting the official canvass date for the City of Hutchinson’s March 3 special sales tax election. County staff recommend holding the canvass on Wednesday, March 11, at 8 a.m. in the Reno County Courthouse Annex conference room, in compliance with state election law.

The consent agenda also includes approval of two vehicle purchases from Midwest Superstore as part of the county’s 2026 budget. The Reno County Sheriff’s Office plans to replace aging patrol units with three new 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles at a total cost of $135,612. The purchases would be funded through the county’s Special Equipment Fund.

Also, on the consent agenda is awarding a bid for a replacement Youth Services van. The county plans to purchase a 2026 Ford Transit 350 for $57,074 to replace a 2010 model that has exceeded its planned service life. The older van would be transferred to county facilities for continued use.

On the business agenda, commissioners are expected to consider approving a $100,000 grant from the Reno County and City of Hutchinson Fights Addiction Fund to Mirror Incorporated. The funding would support Mirror’s Door to Door Access program, which is designed to reduce wait times for residential substance use disorder treatment for individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Reno County.

According to county documents, the program aims to move individuals from assessment into residential treatment within 72 hours, eliminating what officials describe as a current two-month wait for care. The grant would serve as gap funding to assist uninsured or underinsured residents when other funding sources have been exhausted. County officials say the program focuses on low-barrier, immediate access to treatment to help save lives.

Commissioners will also consider a services agreement related to the McNew and Mills Road development project between U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 96. The agreement would authorize Anthem Consulting to act as Reno County’s representative in contacting affected landowners, explaining the project, and negotiating property acquisitions needed for roadway improvements.

In addition, commissioners will receive several annual reports, including updates from the Aging and Public Transportation Department, the Register of Deeds, and the Human Resources Department.

County commission to address vehicle purchases, addiction treatment funding

HUTCHINSON — Everfull has announced a reduction in meal prices for participants in its Friendship Meals and Meals on Wheels programs.

The cost for both programs has been lowered to $5.00 per meal, following a three-month operational review and cost analysis. The price change was approved by Everfull’s Board of Directors and took effect Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.

Everfull officials say the reduction is intended to help ease financial pressures for participants, particularly during the winter and early spring months. The organization also noted that the lower price may allow former participants who stopped attending due to cost concerns to return.

In addition to the pricing update, Everfull reminded participants that its Hutchinson services have relocated. Beginning Jan. 26, programs moved from their previous site at the Salvation Army to a new location at 401 E. 4th, Suite D, Hutchinson. The new site is on the west side of the former Osco Drug Store building, now occupied by Dollar Tree and Planet Fitness.

Everfull encourages current and former participants to reach out with questions or for additional information by emailing <a>info@everfull.org</a> or calling 620-669-8201.

Everfull provides nutrition services across central Kansas, including congregate dining and home-delivered meals for older adults and others in need.

Everfull lowers prices for Friendship Meals and Meals on Wheels

The Salvation Army in Hutchinson is making a final push to meet its seasonal fundraising goal as the holiday season winds down.

Major Paul James said the local campaign has raised about $249,000, leaving $51,000 still needed with less than a week remaining.

Despite donations slowing after Christmas, James says the need remains high — especially during dangerously cold weather. The Salvation Army recently operated its warming center, providing shelter, transportation, and housing assistance during sub-zero temperatures.

This year, the Salvation Army assisted 979 families, serving more than 1,200 children with blankets, clothing, toys, and food assistance — an increase from last year.

Red Kettle campaign co-chairs David and Christena Weber, who volunteered for the first time, say they were struck by the generosity of the community and the year-round impact of the organization.

James says demand for services continues to grow, including utility assistance, hygiene supplies, showers, diapers, and formula. He notes many of those using the showers are working individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Salvation Army also continues to provide veteran services, housing support, and emergency assistance through programs like Pathway of Hope.

Donations to the seasonal campaign are still being accepted, and volunteers are encouraged to get involved year-round.

Salvation Army makes final push as seasonal campaign nears end

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Wells Aircraft has been named Cirrus Aircraft's Mid-Market Service Center of the Year, a recognition that underscores the organization's commitment to excellence and positions it among the nation's top-performing aircraft service providers.

The award places Wells Aircraft 10th out of 258 Cirrus Service Centers across the United States, a ranking that reflects direct competition with service centers in Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Miami, and every major metropolitan market in the country.

"This award belongs to our team," said Wells Aircraft leadership. "Every day, our mechanics, technicians, and support staff choose to set their standard higher than the industry baseline. This recognition is validation that their dedication and expertise matter."

Attracting National Recognition from a Regional Hub

What distinguishes this achievement is the geography it represents. Despite being located in Hutchinson, Kansas—a small city in the Great Plains—Wells Aircraft draws aircraft owners from across the country. Customers from California, Texas, Florida, and beyond choose to fly their Cirrus aircraft to central Kansas for service, a testament to the trust and reputation the organization has built.

This national draw reflects a broader reality: excellence in aviation service is not determined by location or market size, but by commitment, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to quality.

A Standard That Transcends Geography

Wells Aircraft's achievement demonstrates that world-class service exists outside major metropolitan hubs. The organization competes on a national stage without compromising the values—integrity, professionalism, and genuine service—that define the Midwest.

The team's pursuit of continuous improvement, investment in technician training and certifications, and meticulous attention to detail across every service engagement have established a reputation that resonates far beyond Hutchinson's borders.

Wells Aircraft Named Cirrus Aircraft Mid-Market Service Center of the Year

Individuals looking to sharpen their leadership skills while applying them to an adaptive community challenge related to activating downtowns in Reno County are invited to complete an interest form for the 2026 Transformational Leadership Cohort.

Since 2019, Hutchinson Community Foundation has held a Kansas Leadership Center Leadership Transformation Grant on behalf of Hutchinson and Reno County communities. In that time, more than 150 individuals representing more than 70 Reno County businesses and organizations have attended KLC programs. The grant is part of a collective effort to instill KLC principles that spur relationships, collaboration, and experimentation toward a more connected, resilient, and thriving community for all people. Hutch CF is among 100 organizations across Kansas to be selected as a grant partner this year.

This year’s cohort effort supports priorities identified in the 2024 and 2025 Love Where You Live Resident Perception surveys and the Elevate Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Fifteen individuals will be selected to form the eight-month cohort, with most sessions held locally in Hutchinson and two multi-day sessions held at KLC in Wichita. Meetings will begin in May and end in December. No previous KLC experience is necessary.

The Transformation Grant leadership team includes Donna Davis, retired nonprofit executive; Denice Gilliland, Hutch Rec; Joel Iwashige, Common Thriving; Elicia Lance, Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community; Kari Mailloux, Hutchinson Community Foundation; and David Sotelo, City of Hutchinson.

The deadline to complete the interest form is Feb. 27. To view the full timeline, program requirements and other details and to fill out the form, visit https://hutchcf.org/initiativesandimpact/leadership-development/klc-cohort.

For questions, contact Kari Mailloux, kari@hutchcf.org or 620-663-5293.

Reno County residents invited to participate in leadership cohort

Wednesday on Phone Forum, a caller asked about delays in trash pick up in Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We reached out to Stutzman's refuse, and were told it was a "perfect storm".&nbsp;

Because of last Monday's holiday routes were pushed back a day. So trash that would have been picked up on Friday, those routes were moved to Saturday.&nbsp; Because of the winter storm, they were unable to pick up trash from those customers, and they don't have the fleet to pick up two days of routes on the same day.&nbsp;

Stutzman's tells us that they will get the refuse picked up on Friday of this week. They also said that if you have extra trash, you can place the bags next to the polycart or on top of it and they will pick it up this Friday.&nbsp;

Have a question? Call in on Phone Forum at 669-8888, and we'll get the answer for you.&nbsp;

☎ Phone forum, you asked: Refuse pickup delay

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

Three-day Outlook

HUTCHINSON — After more than a decade of storytelling, connection, and packed crowds, Talk20 Hutch will hold its final event this Friday, bringing an end to a volunteer-driven community program that has become a signature gathering in Hutchinson.

Organizer Kari Mailloux joined the BW Morning Show to reflect on the event’s legacy and explain why now is the right time to conclude the series.

Talk20 Hutch follows the PechaKucha presentation format that originated in Japan: each presenter shows 20 slides, advancing automatically every 20 seconds, for a total of six minutes and 40 seconds per talk. Ten presenters share the stage at each event, creating a fast-paced evening featuring ten distinct stories.

Since launching in January 2014, Talk20 Hutch has hosted 22 editions and featured more than 200 presenters, drawing crowds that at times exceeded 400 people.

“This has been a volunteer gig for me for 12 years,” Mailloux said. “That’s a long run. It’s truly been a labor of love, but it’s also taken a lot of time, energy, and coordination from many people.”

Mailloux credited the Hutchinson Public Library staff — particularly Director Gregg Wamsley and his team — along with co-organizers Ryan Diehl and Jackson Swaim, for making each event possible. While Mailloux helped curate the presenters and shape the program, library staff handled logistics such as room setup, seating, and audiovisual support.

The decision to end Talk20 Hutch was driven largely by life changes among the organizers.

“We’ve all grown up a lot in the last 12 years,” Mailloux said. “Families have grown, jobs have changed, responsibilities have increased. We’re not tired of the event itself — we’re just stretched thin. We decided it was better to end it while it’s still strong and people are still showing up.”

Mailloux said she hopes the final edition serves as inspiration for others to create new ways of bringing the community together.

The final Talk20 Hutch will feature 10 presenters, including nonprofit leaders, musicians, longtime contributors to the event, and Mailloux herself. Among those scheduled to present are Shara Gonzalez of New Beginnings, Alex Johnson with Classical Revolution, Library Director Gregg Wamsley, and videographer Greg Holmes, who recorded the earliest Talk20 events.

For the first time, Mailloux will also take the stage as a presenter.

“I put it off for a long time,” she said. “For me, this is about telling the story of why Talk20 started and how I see community, place-making, and gathering. It’s been hard, but meaningful, to reflect on that journey.”

When asked about standout moments from the past 12 years, Mailloux cited several presentations that left a lasting impression, including stories of recovery, education, creativity, and personal growth — and the unique experience of watching some presenters return years later with new chapters of their lives.

Mailloux also reflected on the absence of co-founder Patsy Terrell, who died suddenly in 2017.

“She never had the chance to give her own Talk20,” Mailloux said. “That’s something I wish could have happened. She had so much energy and joy for bringing people together.”

Despite the decision to conclude the series, Mailloux considers Talk20 Hutch a resounding success.

“That very first night, we expected maybe 100 people,” she said. “Instead, more than 150 showed up, sitting on the floor and standing in the hallways. That told us this community was hungry for connection.”

Even in recent years, Mailloux noted that roughly one-third of each audience consisted of first-time attendees.

The final Talk20 Hutch takes place Friday, January 30, at 7 p.m. at the Hutchinson Public Library. The library will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 6:30 p.m. for the event.

“This community showed up for 12 years,”&nbsp;Mailloux said. “I’m incredibly proud of that — and grateful.”

Talk20 Hutch to close 12-year run Friday

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. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Xander	Ray	Purdy		1/27/2026 10:58&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Christopher	Lee	Bauck		1/27/2026 11:23&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Kenneth	Earl	Pittsley		1/27/2026 3:18&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation,&nbsp;					Failure to Appear

Vern	Lloyd	Craig	III	1/27/2026 4:21&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Letique	Marie	Stade		1/27/2026 7:47&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; drugs or combination of drugs

Keedy		Jamie	Michael	1/28/2026 2:01&nbsp;AM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

MOUNDRIDGE — Area residents will have an opportunity to learn more about a traffic study underway at the intersection of Arrowhead Road and Old Highway 81 during an upcoming community forum in Moundridge.

This intersection was the scene of a fatal accident in June of 2025 that killed 63-year-old Danny Health, of Hutchinson, and 30-year-old Mariah Lyddane, also of Hutchinson. 

The forum will focus on a Transportation Engineering and Planning (TEAP) Study examining traffic conditions at the intersection, including traffic analysis, data collection, and crash data. The study is intended to evaluate safety and traffic flow concerns and gather public input.

The come-and-go event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Moundridge Public Library, located at 411 N. Christian Ave. in Moundridge.

According to organizers, residents are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and share concerns related to the intersection. No formal presentation is planned, allowing attendees to come and go at their convenience.

The study is being conducted by Kirkham Michael in coordination with McPherson County. Representatives from both organizations will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

The forum is open to the public, and all community members are welcome to attend.

Community forum planned on Arrowhead Road and old US 81 intersection

HUTCHINSON — There is currently no date set for the closure of the interior of the Uptown Hutch Mall.

Mall manager Crystal Vinduska told Hutch Post that once a decision is finalized, the mall will announce the interior closure on its Facebook page.

Hutch Post also asked about future plans for the mall’s interior space. Vinduska said that at this time, no additional information is being released, citing ongoing contracts and negotiations that have not yet been completed.

While details on the interior remain limited, it was confirmed that three current interior tenants — Maurices, The Buckle, and Bath &amp; Body Works — will be relocating to exterior storefronts on the west side of the mall.

Those relocations are expected to take place over the next few months.

Additional updates will be shared publicly once plans are finalized.

No date set for closure of Uptown Hutch Mall interior

OSAGE COUNTY—On Wednesday, all three Osage County deputies who were injured in the line of duty on November 15th have returned to full duty.

"Over the past several months, the Osage County community has prayed, checked in, sent cards, brought food, and shown more support than we could ever put into words. Those prayers, that encouragement, and that kindness mattered more than you know—not just to the deputies, but to their families and to this entire Sheriff’s Office."

"These three deputies showed incredible strength, resilience, and determination through their recovery. Watching them fight to heal and return to the work they love has been nothing short of inspiring."

"We are blessed to have them back where they belong—serving the citizens of Osage County."

"Thank you to everyone who stood with us during this time. Your support helped us through, and today we are sharing some very good news with you."

"Osage County is lucky to have deputies like these."

On Saturday morning Nov. 15, the Osage County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 11222 S. Topeka Ave. in Osage County after a female resident called 911, according to a media release from the KBI.

Law enforcement encountered a male suspect, identified as Stephen M. McMillan, 22, outside the residence. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged. Three deputies and two KHP troopers fired during the incident. In the shooting, three deputies, one trooper, the suspect and a male resident were struck. The male resident was identified as the suspect's 77-year-old grandfather.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, cleared the residence, and rendered aid to the injured. All law enforcement officers were transported to Stormont-Vail Regional Health Center. The trooper was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The suspect's grandfather, 77, was also injured and taken to the hospital. McMillan was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Kan. deputies injured during domestic incident are back at work

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday that two federal agents involved in Petti’s shooting have been on leave since Saturday.

The announcement came as Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shooting-minneapolis-protests-ice-immigration-41437baa4b349279cf8abfaf1076162c">a second deadly shooting</a>&nbsp;by federal immigration agents, though there seemed to be little evidence of any significant changes following weeks of harsh rhetoric and clashes with protesters.

The strain was evident when Trump made a leadership change by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gregory-bovino-immigration-minneapolis-d90e0f478f1119d773989196b3db393e">sending his top border adviser</a>&nbsp;to Minnesota to take charge of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">the immigration crackdown</a>. That was followed by seemingly conciliatory remarks about the Democratic governor and mayor.

Trump said he and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tim-walz">Gov. Tim Walz</a>, whom he criticized for weeks, were on “a similar wavelength” following a phone call. After a conversation with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jacob-frey-omar-fateh-minneapolis-mayor-e8d2d9ae7d0a12834c5c18a1648a92b6">Mayor Jacob Frey</a>, the president praised the discussion and declared that “lots of progress is being made.”

DHS: Agents involved in shooting of Alex Pretti are on administrative leave 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve pushed the pause button on its interest rate cuts Wednesday, leaving its key rate unchanged at about 3.6% after lowering it three times last year.

The central bank said in a statement that there are signs the job market has stabilized while it also said growth was “solid,” an upgrade from last month’s characterization as “modest.”

With the economy growing at a healthy pace and no signs of deterioration in hiring, Fed officials likely see little reason to rush any further rate cuts. While most policymakers do expect to reduce borrowing costs further this year, many want to see evidence that stubbornly-elevated inflation is moving closer to the central bank’s target of 2%. According to the Fed’s preferred measure, inflation was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-consumers-ac538fd750b4622ee7fa439ef8021783">2.8% in November</a>, slightly higher than a year ago.

Two officials dissented from the decision, with Governors Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller preferring another quarter-point reduction. President Donald Trump appointed Miran in September, and he had dissented at the three previous meetings in favor of a half-point cut. Waller is under consideration by the White House to replace Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May.

The Fed’s decision to stand pat will likely fuel further criticism from Trump, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">assailed Powell</a>&nbsp;for months for not sharply cutting short-term rates. When the Fed reduces its key rate, it tends to lower borrowing costs for things like mortgages, car loans, and business borrowing, though those rates are also influenced by market forces.

A key issue facing the Fed is how long it will remain on hold. The rate-setting committee remains split between those officials opposed to further cuts until inflation comes down, and those who want to lower rates to further support hiring.

In December, just 12 of the 19 participants in the committee's meetings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcprojtabl20251210.htm">supported</a>&nbsp;at least one more rate cut this year. Most economists forecast the Fed will cut twice this year, most likely at the June meeting or later.

One issue still overhanging the Fed when it comes to policy is the administration's trade policy and its tariffs on many U.S. trade partners. Powell was asked at a press conference following the rate decision if the impact of tariffs had already moved through inflation. He said “a lot of it has,” and added that the Fed generally sees the import taxes as a one-time price increase.

“The expectation is that we will see the effects of tariffs flowing through goods prices peaking and then starting to come down, assuming there are no new major tariff increases,” said Powell, adding that this was the trend the U.S. central bank expects “to see over the course of this year.”

Fed officials meet this week in the shadow of unprecedented pressure from the Trump White House. Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-subpoena-bf4fc6c690fa248fbc531bc9bc7f1758">said Jan. 11</a>&nbsp;that the Fed had received subpoenas from the Justice Department as part of a criminal investigation into his congressional testimony about a $2.5 billion building renovation. Powell in an unusually blunt video statement said the subpoenas were a pretext to punish the Fed for not cutting rates more quickly. At a press conference after the Fed issued its rate decision, Powell declined to add anything to the earlier statement.

And last week, the Supreme Court took up Trump's attempt from last year to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">fire Fed governor Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;over allegations of mortgage fraud, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-trump-fed-independence-firing-d06dfb46fbd300195c3cedc8cb5adadb">she denies</a>. No president has fired a governor in the Fed’s 112-year history. The justices at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-cook-federal-reserve-powell-a8572f8a1f62cf653e822a64c714d05a">an oral argument</a>&nbsp;appeared to be leaning toward allowing her to stay in her job until the case is resolved.

Powell attended the Cook hearing at the Supreme Court. When asked why he decided to attend, Powell said, “I would say that that this case is perhaps the most important legal case" in the Fed’s history. "And I as I thought about it, I thought, it might be hard to explain why I didn’t attend.”

The president’s efforts to pressure the Fed may have backfired, economists say, as Republicans in the Senate voiced support for Powell and threatened to block Trump’s replacement chair.

When asked by reporters Wednesday if he was confident the Fed can retain its independence, Powell said, “Yes,” and added, "I’m strongly committed to that and so are my colleagues.”

Trump has suggested he is close to naming a new Fed Chair, to replace Powell once his term ends in May. The announcement could come as soon as this week, though it has been delayed before.

Powell has the option of remaining as a Fed governor beyond May but told reporters he hadn’t made a decision about whether to stay or leave.

Only 12 of the 19 members of the Fed's rate-setting committee have a vote, including all seven members of the board of governors, the president of the New York Fed, and a rotating group of four presidents from the regional Fed banks.

This year, Beth Hammack, president of the Cleveland Fed; Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Fed; Lorie Logan, president of the Dallas Fed; and Anna Paulson, president of the Philadelphia Fed, will vote on rate decisions. All have recently expressed some skepticism of the need for further cuts in the immediate future.

Larger-than-usual tax refunds over the next few months should help fuel more consumer spending, economists expect. And faster growth could eventually boost hiring, which has been noticeably weak even as the economy is expanding.

With businesses barely adding jobs, consumers remain gloomy about the economy. The Conference Board's measure of consumer confidence&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-economy-spending-inflation-conference-board-f36b997dc46ac9c3577d05db52166846">dropped to an 11-year low</a>&nbsp;in January, the business research group said Tuesday.

🎥Fed Chair on interest rates and other major controversies

Abortion is Murder seeks total ban; Satanic Grotto argues 1st Amendment claim

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

TOPEKA — Preacher Nicholas Heald lifted a well-worn Bible and his booming voice Tuesday in the Capitol rotunda to declare abortion the equivalent of murder and to amplify a denunciation of the Kansas Legislature for refusing to pass a bill outlawing abortion services statewide.

Heald was surrounded on the third floor by like-minded activists — several wielding large posters with graphic images of a deceased fetus — who made certain House and Senate members, Republicans and Democrats alike, could witness their impatience with politicians reluctant to take a big leap toward ending abortion in Kansas.

He dismissed skeptics who argued such a bill wouldn’t pass the GOP-controlled Legislature or would be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly or had no chance of surviving constitutional challenges before the Kansas Supreme Court.

“The legislators, our representatives, for far too long … have failed in your duty to establish equal justice protection for born and pre-born people,” Heald said. “We have come to you year after year after year … to protect every one of your pre-born neighbors, with no exceptions. And, you have failed. You have refused to do so for political reasons.”

“How much more blood will be on your hands as you sign more so-called pro-life bills that regulate murder?” he added.

His message was aimed, in part, at participants in the Kansas version of March for Life, who plan a rally noon Wednesday on south steps of the Capitol to press for new legal obstacles to reproductive rights. Those rights have been declared fundamental by the Kansas Supreme Court in decisions shielding the right of women to end a pregnancy.

On the first floor of the Capitol and on the south steps of the building, supporters of an organization known as Satanic Grotto took part in a much smaller but equally robust protest in support of reproductive choice.

More significantly, however, Satanic Grotto president Michael Stewart said the group was there to continue building the foundation of a potential First Amendment lawsuit challenging the state’s action to allow Abortion is Murder supporters to bring into the Statehouse posters with ghastly and bloody images but to forbid Satanic Grotto from doing likewise.

“We’re here to say that in Kansas there are horrific people who hang gory signs and harass women and are part of a movement that has a history of incredible violence here in Kansas,” said Stewart, who was taken into police custody in March 2025 at the Capitol while trying to tear a Bible in half and stomp on communion wafers. “We are game to play by the rules as long as everybody’s paying by the rules.”

Stewart referenced the 2009 murder of Wichita physician George Tiller, who at that time was among few U.S. doctors performing late-term abortions. He was shot to death in church by anti-abortion activist Scott Roeder, who confessed to the murder and defended the violence because “pre-born children’s lives were in imminent danger.”

Stewart said Satanic Grotto was a group of “independent satanists” who came together for a sense of community. In the process, they’ve taken on “kind of a sacred duty” to take part in the public debate about political speech at the Capitol. He said group members wanted the state government to know that “we’re serious about what we’re doing, that we’re documenting it and we’re giving them a chance to respond and fix these issues before it can upgrade to litigation.”

One result of Satanic Grotto’s activism would be to demonstrate that state officials at the Capitol engaged in selective enforcement of rules related to protest signs. Information being gathered, he said, would&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/20/kansas-satanic-grotto-files-complaint-about-abortion-rally-permit-approval-plans-counterprotest/">support a complaint filed with the Kansas Department of Administration</a>&nbsp;alleging the Christian anti-abortion group received preferential treatment and expression by people taking part in counterprotests against Abortion is Murder were treated unfairly.

Before the political clash of ideas Tuesday, Stewart said his colleagues had intended to haul a 9-foot-tall sculpture named “Zombie Jesus” onto the Statehouse grounds and into the Capitol. Due to bitter weather conditions, he said, they sidelined the massive piece of art.

In the Capitol, signs displayed by Abortion is Murder adherents included “If abortion is murder, the victim is the baby,” “Taking a pill to terminate a baby is murder with malice aforethought,” “What has 50+ years of incrementalism accomplished?” “Abortion is murder — It must and shall be abolished” and “Abolish Abortion: Thou shalt not murder.”

Other materials distributed during the Abortion is Murder event said: “Abolish child sacrifice — ban in vitro fertilization” and “Public Service Announcement: Women are not sex objects. Babies are not body parts.” One folding piece of literature illustrated blood-covered hands with a photograph of the remains of a fetus aborted at 10 weeks. The image was surrounded by citations of Bible scripture from Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Psalm. A similarly graphic handout contained the same photo with the text: “You know this is murder. Stop suppressing the truth. Demand the total and immediate abolition of abortion.”

Josh Eaton, a pastor at Cross Point Baptist Church in Caney, said most anti-abortion laws included exceptions that enabled women who received an abortion not to be charged with a crime. He said abolitionists wanted all laws applicable to murder cases to apply to abortions, including punishing anyone who coerced or forced a woman to have an abortion.

“If a man sneaks a pill into his girlfriend’s drink to cause her to have an abortion, he can be charged with murder of the child,” Eaton said. “But, if she drinks the pill herself, then she can’t be charged with anything. It’s a double standard.”

Curtis Knapp, pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Seneca, spoke during the first of two sermons by Abortion is Murder supporters in the rotunda.

“With respect to sin, you either make war with it or you make peace with it,” he said. “With respect to the murder of the unborn, we have chosen peace, peaceful coexistence. Consequently, our conscience has been ruined.”

Knapp urged Republican legislators to quit rationalizing why abolishing abortion would be impractical or unwise. He said lawmakers claimed they couldn’t vote for an abolition bill because they might not get reelected and, if that occurred, the Republican Party could forfeit its supermajority in the House and Senate.

“Keep in mind, Kansas is a state where Republicans have enjoyed a supermajority uninterrupted in the Senate since 1992 and the House since 2012,” Knapp said. “Registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats in Kansas by almost 2-to-1. A question I have is: When will this supermajority ever benefit the unborn?”

During Knapp’s sermon, he responded to a comment from the crowd regarding abortion rights. He assumed the comment was made by a Satanic Grotto supporter.

“It is very clear, and our opponents are helping make that clear, Satan is for abortion. These are satanists, and they are very much for abortion,” Knapp said. “That is the contrast that you have here today. Abortion is Satan’s playground, and God hates it.”

Anti-abolition rally runs up against satanists’ demand for equal access to Kansas Capitol

On his social media account, Kansas City, Missouri mayor Quinton Lucas shared his Wednesday morning interview on CNN where he discussed immigration raids and "standing up for rights of all in Kansas City."

🎥 Kansas City mayor sounds off on immigration crackdown  

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A registered Kansas sex offender is scheduled to learn his fate in connection with sex crimes committed in 2020.

Darrius Johnson, 39, is scheduled to make an appearance in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He pleaded guilty to charge of&nbsp;rape and kidnapping in connection with a September attack on a woman in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In December, Johnson asked to withdraw his guilty plea and face a jury trial. The judge rejected the request.

On September 22, 2020, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.

Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack.

Police arrested Johnson October 1, 2020 in the 2100 block of South White Oak in Wichita without incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.

At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime, according to Cruz.

Sentencing day: Kan. sex offender for rape, kidnapping

New York (AP) —First lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday to promote her new documentary.

Her appearance was pegged to Friday’s scheduled worldwide release of “Melania,” a documentary from AmazonMGM Studios about the 20 days before she resumed the role of first lady in January 2025.

She and the president hosted a screening at the White House on Saturday night. Another screening event is being planned for Thursday at the Kennedy Center in Washington before the film is released exclusively in theaters across the United States and in almost 30 countries.

In brief remarks in New York, she said the film provides a “window into an important period for America.” She also said films bring families together, and she expressed hope that families will gather to watch the documentary to learn more about her life.

🎥First lady rings opening bell at New York Stock Exchange

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement used a drone to help make an arrest in deadly knife attack in Wichita.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 400 Block of West Maple in Wichita, according to a media release. First responders located 28-year-old Jon Berkenmeier of Wichita, suffering from apparent stab wounds. Officers immediately initiated life-saving measures; however, Berkenmeier was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A 25-year-old Wichita man identified in booking records as Joseph Allen Anderson was detained at the scene and later arrested on a requested charges of second-degree murder. 

Police said Berkenmeier and Anderson knew each other but released no additional details about their relationship.

The Wichita Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR)&nbsp;was the first unit to arrive on scene, providing real-time aerial video and critical situational information&nbsp;to officers while they were responding. This early intelligence significantly enhanced officer awareness and coordination&nbsp;during the initial moments of the response.

Police use drone to help in fatal Kansas knife attack arrest 

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mayasmith/">Maya Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — Honking horns, blowing whistles and chanting “ICE out,” hundreds of high school students walked out of class Tuesday afternoon protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, alongside Lawrence residents and middle school and university students.

The protest was organized by Lawrence High School sophomore Lillian Goombi, with groups including the Sanctuary Alliance and the Kansas Students for Justice in Palestine participating. Both organizations<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DT6by0mDcRG/?img_index=1" target="_blank">called upon Lawrence</a>&nbsp;citizens and University of Kansas students and faculty to join high schoolers in the walkout.

Students participated in protests at both Lawrence High and Free State High School.&nbsp;

For first-generation student Angelo Reyna, the walkout was for those who can’t speak out due to immigration status or fear, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m here because my mom is an immigrant,” Reyna said. “What’s happening on the streets of Minnesota is terrible. I’m here to show my solidarity that I disagree with everything that is happening. I use my voice because there are undocumented immigrants who cannot use their voice. I’m very proud I can use mine.”

Freshman Elaina Pollard said she was proud of both high school and middle school students who walked out of class.&nbsp;

“Not enough people are standing up for this,” Pollard said. “What’s happening in Minnesota is heartbreaking and horrible. It needs to stop. I’m proud of everyone who’s out here in the cold and I’m glad to see so many protesters and KU students with us.”

Middle school students from both Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and Billy Mills Middle School walked to Lawrence High, which is roughly a mile from either building. They held up signs with phrases such as “abolish ICE” and “don’t be an ICE-hole.”

Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift released a statement Monday afternoon before the walkout. Swift said the district supports students’ right to protest but that the district remains “viewpoint neutral” on student speech.&nbsp;

Lawrence High Schools principal Quentin Rials did not respond for comment at the time of publishing.&nbsp;

Many non-student attendees are regulars at the weekly Sunday protests on Massachusetts Street against the Trump administration as well as ICE. Protesters say they were impressed with the number of students who participated.&nbsp;

Erika Earles, who graduated from Lawrence High in 1995, said she was proud of current students carrying on the long history of students standing up for their rights, referencing how the Lawrence High School Black Student Union helped integrate the town in the sixties.&nbsp;

“It’s horrifying what our federal government is doing right now, and I wanted to come out and support the kids at LHS standing up for what’s right,” Earles said.

Lawrence high school students and residents march against immigration enforcement abuses

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two suspect for an alleged violent robbery in Great Bend.

Just before 9 p.m., January 23, police were dispatched to report of a robbery in the 900 block of Jefferson in Great Bend, according to a mdeid release.

Upon officers' arrival, the victim reported that Juan Prieto, 31, and Trinity Galliart, 30, had used physical force and stole money from him. The victim also reported that Prieto and Galliart had left the scene in a white truck.

 A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle as well as both suspects at a residence in the 2400 block of Cheyenne Drive in Great Bend.. As a result of the investigation, both Prieto and Galliart were arrested on requested charges of Robbery, and were transported to the Barton County Jail.

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