Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southwest corner of Avenue D and South Main.

In 1891, John Truesdell, ancestor of the Lovett family, moved to Hutch and started a boiler manufacturing plant on Avenue B.

In 1895, Truesdell Boiler Works expanded its business with a new location at Avenue D and Main, addressed as 1-7 W. Ave. D. The first photo shows the exterior of Truesdell Boiler Works with employees next to the railroad siding.

The second photo shows the interior of the facility with John overseeing the production workings.

By 1910, the boiler plant was sold off to the Hutchinson Foundry and the D and Main building was eventually razed.

The Central Mercantile Co. built a new distribution center on the location and, by 1930, it became the Kellogg-Mackay Plumbing &amp; Heating Co. The third photo shows that business at that time.

In 1955, the building became the Weber Hatchery &amp; Feed Store. The fourth photo shows that enterprise at that time.

The fifth photo shows the building at 401 S. Main today, known as the Gumble Furniture Warehouse with ownership going to Mitch &amp; Jill Gumble of Hutchinson.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchorinnhutch">Anchor Inn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchorawayhutch/">Anchor Away</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Truesdell Boiler Works - Vol. 162

Local organizations are mobilizing to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;agricultural producers in southwest Kansas and northwest Oklahoma following a series of destructive wildfires that swept through cattle country earlier this week.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church is partnering with the&nbsp;Inman FFA Chapter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Haven FFA Chapter&nbsp;to collect supplies for farm and ranch families&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by the fires. The effort is aimed at supporting producers who have sustained losses to pastureland, fencing, feed&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;and livestock infrastructure.&nbsp;

Donations are being accepted now through Friday, Feb. 27, at three locations:&nbsp;

If you are planning to donate&nbsp;at&nbsp;Inman High School or Haven High School, please contact the school office. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Collected items will be transported to Ashland on Feb. 28 for distribution to affected producers.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church will accept donations during the following times:&nbsp;

Organizers say hay is the greatest current need. Those wishing to donate hay are asked to contact Makayla at 620-899-9688 or Daniel Knapp by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dknapp@usd448.com" target="_blank">dknapp@usd448.com</a>&nbsp;to coordinate transportation and staging.

Inman FFA also has brome hay available from its chapter farm for individuals interested in&nbsp;purchasing&nbsp;bales to donate.&nbsp;

Wildfire relief drive being held 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Officials with Hutchinson Public Schools say the district is continuing to focus on staff recruitment and early childhood education expansion as it prepares to open a new child care facility this spring.

District administrators provided updates this week on hiring needs, academic planning and construction progress on a new child care center located on the Morgan Elementary School campus.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Crystal Young said the district is actively recruiting educators ahead of the next academic year, with a particular emphasis on elementary teaching positions.

“We are looking for quality and elite educators to join our team,” Young said. “We have a focus on quality instruction as well as improving our academic achievement and culture of the district as a whole.”

District officials said current retirement projections among staff are lower than typical for this time of year, which they attribute in part to retention efforts that include staff feedback initiatives such as stay and exit interviews.

Young said those interviews have consistently pointed to building leadership and workplace culture as key factors influencing educators’ decisions to remain in the profession.

Meanwhile, the district is preparing to expand early childhood services through a new child care center expected to open in April. The facility will double classroom capacity from four rooms at the current site to eight classrooms at the new location.

Unlike previous district-operated programs, the new center will operate year-round and remain open until 5:30 p.m., serving both district staff and the broader Hutchinson community.

Applications are currently being accepted for preschool, child care and home-based services. Some programs are funded through Head Start and Early Head Start, which require income verification during the application process.

District officials said installation of a playground — required for state licensure — is scheduled for March, pending weather conditions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility is planned for April 3.

Administrators also noted that preschool programming plays a key role in the district’s strategic plan for improving kindergarten readiness. Officials said updated early learning curriculum adopted last year has already produced measurable academic gains in pre-kindergarten classrooms.

In addition to early childhood initiatives, the district continues work under the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, or KESA, framework. Officials said the district has met its strategic goals within approximately 18 months of implementation and is entering its third year of accreditation.

As part of the next phase, administrators plan to more closely align instructional practices with measurable student outcomes while continuing to emphasize professional learning for staff.

USD 308 expands hiring efforts, prepares for new childcare center opening

 Families seeking early childhood services will have an opportunity to apply in person next week during the Little Hawks Application Clinic in Hutchinson.

The clinic is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, and is designed to help families enroll in preschool, child care or home-based services through the Little Hawks early childhood program.

District officials say walk-ins are welcome, but families are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to reduce wait times. Appointments can be made by calling 620-615-5784.

Applicants must bring required documentation, including proof of birth for the child — such as a state-issued birth certificate. For prenatal applicants, a sonogram or a letter from a doctor is acceptable.

Families must also provide proof of household income. Acceptable documents include a 2025 W-2 form, a 2025 income tax return, the three most recent pay stubs or a SNAP approval letter.

In addition, parents or guardians must present proof of address, such as a piece of mail showing their name and current address.

Program officials say the clinic is intended to streamline the enrollment process and ensure eligible families can access early childhood education and support services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, families may call 620-615-5784.&nbsp;

The final clinic this spring is set for the Lincoln Center at 315 East Bigger on March 30. The clinic will run from 3 to 7 p.m.

Little Hawks Application Clinic on Monday

&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;

Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;

Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;

Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;

According to Reno County District Court records, Cooley entered into a plea agreement on Sept. 17, 2025. He was sentenced on Sept. 19,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;to&nbsp;90 days&nbsp;in the custody of the Reno County Detention Center, with five days to be served before probation due to a medical condition. The court also imposed a $1,250 fine&nbsp;for the charge&nbsp;and an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$100 fine for interference with law enforcement. He was serving six months of probation at the time of the recent arrest.&nbsp;

The City of Hutchinson announced in January that Cooley had joined the city as its Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective Jan. 5. The position was created to provide focused leadership for the downtown area and to advance implementation of the city’s Downtown Master Plan.&nbsp;

In that role, Cooley&nbsp;was responsible for&nbsp;leading day-to-day downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment, coordination and oversight of the city’s Kansas Main Street Program.&nbsp;

Hutch Post has requested the status of Cooly’s employment.&nbsp;City officials tell us that Cooley is no longer employed by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Downtown Revitalization Director arrested

Congratulations Gracin Bergmeier on being selected as a 2026 Rudd Foundation Scholarship recipient! Over 700 students applied, 75 interviewed, and Gracin was one of 50 who received this prestigious full-ride scholarship.

"My future plans are to attend Wichita State University to major in Health Science and to be a part of the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College. This major will allow me to learn about different aspects of healthcare, while also preparing me to further my education in the physical therapy program at Wichita State," Gracin said. "Becoming a pediatric physical therapist is something that I want to pursue because of my own medical journey and the crucial role each of my physical therapists played in making me who I am today."

Inman senior receives Rudd Foundation scholarship

\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. ——————————————

Kenneth	Daniel	Miller		2/18/2026 10:11&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear; AGGRAVATED,					In Transit From-To Other Agency,					Violation of Offender Registration Act; 2nd Conv; Person

Sammy	Christopher	Ward		2/18/2026 11:09&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Ruben	Lee	Cox		2/18/2026 1:45&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Caden	Scott	Engstrom		2/18/2026 2:37&nbsp;PM	Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Agg endangering a child; unknown circumstance,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Failure to Appear

Peyton	Michelle	Rimbey		2/18/2026 3:00&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Possession of marijuana, Use&nbsp;or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Agg endangering a child; unknown circumstance

Robbie	Eugene	Calvin		2/18/2026 3:43&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation,					Probation Violation

Jose		Zuniga Martinez		2/18/2026 6:11&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Kidnapping; AGGRAVATED

Andre		Glacet		2/18/2026 10:56&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Tajarie	Lyn	Monroe		2/19/2026 2:42&nbsp;AM	DUI; Misdemeanor

Timothy	Duane	Field		2/19/2026 4:31&nbsp;AM	DWS; 1st conviction,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction,					Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Daily Bookings

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Topeka, KS&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on Feb. 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

Wildfires can&nbsp;release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8YXVV8AYrQaVz97bcc3PdBSU9L8y5gKh0XzjJ_2wbDM=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8-aaGhhlVkBzBc1Z_lVCVaFX7Zm_qR5oTfWei9Ublqg=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality due to wildfires

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

Three-day Outlook

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers on Wednesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a controversial measure regulating bathroom use and identification documents, enacting the so-called “bathroom bill” into law despite sharp opposition from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.

The Kansas House voted 87-37 on Wednesday to override Kelly’s veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244. The Senate voted 31-9 a day earlier to override. The successful votes give the measure enough support to take effect over the Democratic governor’s objections.

Kelly vetoed the bill on Feb. 13, calling it “poorly drafted” and warning it would have significant consequences for Kansans and state and local governments.

“As I said in my veto statement, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences,” Kelly said in a statement Feb. 18. “Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.”

She added that lawmakers were focusing on a “manufactured problem” rather than issues such as education, job creation, housing and grocery costs.

Under SB 244, Kansans would be required to list their biological sex on driver’s licenses and use public restrooms that correspond to their biological sex.

Republican leaders defended the measure as necessary to protect women and girls. In a Feb. 18 news release, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Sedgwick County, criticized Kelly’s veto message.

“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” Hawkins said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion. They expect leadership, not surrender to radical activists. Today, the legislature made it clear: reality will always override ideology.”

Democrats in both chambers voiced strong opposition during hours of debate when lawmakers initially passed the bill Jan. 28. The House approved it 87-36 and the Senate 30-9 before sending it to the governor Feb. 3.

Advocacy groups also condemned the override. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson accused lawmakers of prioritizing “cruelty” over constituents’ needs.

“Forcing people into the wrong bathrooms, stripping them of accurate IDs, and allowing government-sanctioned harassment doesn’t make anyone safer — it targets transgender Kansans for no reason and will undoubtedly impact many others,” Robinson said in a statement. “This was sadly politics over people, but we will keep fighting for dignity and freedom for all LGBTQ+ people.”

Demonstrators gathered at the Kansas Statehouse on Feb. 7 to protest the legislation before the override votes.

With the veto override complete, SB 244 will become law, marking the latest in a series of measures across the country addressing transgender rights and access to public facilities.

Legislature overrides Kelly's 'Bathroom Bill' veto

Fires across Kansas remained active overnight. Firefighters worked through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.

In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.

Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.

At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded. Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.

Burned from Texas County, OK, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. Forward progress is currently stopped, and crews continue working to extinguish hot spots.

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2)

Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.

Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.

Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., OK)

Remains active. Resources have shifted to address a flare-up in Meade County. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources. Additional task forces and single resources are arriving today and will assist local agencies through the night.

Thank you to all firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly to protect our communities. Please stay aware of conditions and avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. 

Kansas Forest Service wildfire update

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfter

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman.

 Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. 

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

 Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Kansas man threatened to kill officers, hospital staff

MILAN (AP) — On a night of American comebacks at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>, Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

The 20-year-old Liu performed a near-flawless free skate Thursday to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. She finished with a career-best 226.79 points. Nakai and Sakamoto each made a mistake on a combination sequence.

Liu had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-usa-328f4469f6ea79776df47c27afac710a">walked away from the sport</a>&nbsp;after the 2022 Beijing Games only to launch a remarkable comeback.

It was the first individual gold medal for an American woman figure skater since 2002, when Sarah Hughes won in Salt Lake City, and it was the second gold for Liu at these Games. She helped the Americans win team gold.

Sakamoto scored 224.90 points to earn a silver. Nakai finished third with 219.16 points.

Liu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-us-0870a87177fc4cb07e2a0474fa708fa0">third after the short program</a>&nbsp;two nights earlier, though within range of gold.

US beats Canada in OT for women's hockey gold

The U.S. women's hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.

With her team trailing 1-0, American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.

Megan Keller then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">scored 4:07 into overtime</a>&nbsp;to hand the U.S. its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.

It was the seventh time the two powerhouses faced off for Olympic gold since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games. In the 2022 Beijing final,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-hockey-canada-gold-d3850710a59523b92693ba57c0111160">Canada beat the Americans</a>&nbsp;in the final.

With the sides playing 3-on-3 in overtime, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. Driving to the net, Keller got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens.

Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada in the second period.

Earlier Thursday, Alina Muller scored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-sweden-womens-hockey-olympic-bronze-cf85aec375145aa20294037d1094cd56">the bronze medal-winning goal in overtime</a>&nbsp;in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden. It came 12 years after Muller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alina-muller-switzerland-womens-hockey-6019a6844f1a9f72e60049f01ef45270">scored the clinching goal</a>&nbsp;to deliver the Swiss their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey — a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz’s late push wasn’t enough.

The American star settled for silver in the 1,500 meters, missing a chance to secure a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.

China’s Ning Zhongyan won Thursday’s race in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. The 21-year-old Stolz, who won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-stolz-olympics-speedskating-339ceb92acbc3450ca973e0fa277403f">gold medals in the 500 and 1,000</a>&nbsp;at these Games, crossed 0.77 seconds later.

As Stolz glided by, hands on his knees, Ning raised his country’s flag aloft with both hands and started a victory lap.

Stolz, a Wisconsin native, will participate in the mass start on Saturday.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, who won the 1,500 at the past two Olympics, took bronze.

Eileen Gu advances to halfpipe final despite fall

Defending Olympic champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/eileen-gu">Eileen Gu</a>&nbsp;shook off a fall during her opening run to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-halfpipe-freeski-winter-olympics-f5ee0364425f639c22b2502a3850706e">advance to Saturday's final</a>&nbsp;in freeski halfpipe. The 22-year-old Gu was born in the United States and competes for China.

She clipped the lip of the halfpipe on the third trick of her first run, knocking her left ski off and sending her skittering to the bottom of the course.

That set up a pressure-packed second attempt that run earned 86.50 points, good enough to place fifth among the 12 skiers who advanced to the final.

US and Canada reach women’s curling semifinals

The United States and Canada&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-milan-cortina-olympics-canada-switzerland-sweden-414e619b93b4bad79e3a45a5f1af31d2">advanced to the women’s curling semifinals</a>.

The Americans, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, beat Switzerland 7-6 in a match that went to an extra end. The teams will square off again in Friday’s semifinals.

Peterson threw the decisive rock and her teammates swept it into position, just a hair closer to the button than the Swiss’ nearest stone.

Canada beat South Korea 10-7 and will play Sweden on Friday.

U.S. wins first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.– Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop. 

Jusst before 9:30 p.m. February 17,, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, deputies discovered illegal contraband.  The driver, Jason Green, 49, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway, and failure to provide vehicle insurance. 

The passenger Shannen Leeviy Price, 45, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and criminal use of weapons.

2 Missouri men caught transporting drugs in Kansas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/meg-kinnard">MEG KINNARD</a> Associated Press

The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time</a>&nbsp;to political candidates when they appear on-air, according to the head of the agency that oversees U.S. broadcast airwaves.

“The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that,” Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters after an agency meeting Wednesday, in response to a question about whether there were an investigation into the daytime series over potential violations of the “equal time” rule. “And we’re taking a look at it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-talarico-cornyn-paxton-us-senate-texas-1826fe4d6aa162f0bdb8059c58987aa9">James Talarico</a>, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas, appeared on “The View” on Feb. 2. U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-race-colin-allred-jasmine-crockett-5849d3ca44a733ce016300070788eec3">Jasmine Crockett</a>, who is running against Talarico for the nomination, has also been on the show.

The Trump administration has taken steps to clamp down on talk shows, which the FCC has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.” Earlier in the week, late-night host Stephen Colbert said CBS executives had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-donald-trump-fcc-806845facffd3ab3e30142971be16add">pulled an appearance</a>&nbsp;by Talarico on his program over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.

The FCC issued&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-68A1.pdf" target="_blank">new guidance</a>&nbsp;in January to late-night and daytime hosts that they needed to give political candidates equal time. There are exceptions to the rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand.

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption,” according to the agency’s public notice last month.

Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested last year that investigating “The View,” whose hosts have frequently been critical of the Republican president, might be “worthwhile.”

The FCC has not responded to a message seeking comment on “The View” or Colbert’s show.

On Wednesday, Carr said watching the fallout from Colbert’s characterization of what happened with Talarico “was probably one of the most fun days I’ve had in the job,” adding that the candidate “took advantage” of media attention ”apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time provision applies</a>&nbsp;only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs. Colbert later posted the Talarico interview to YouTube, where it’s been viewed more than 7.5 million times — several times what the comic’s CBS program draws each night.

Talarico reported that he had raised $2.5 million in campaign donations in the 24 hours after the Colbert interview.

A spokesperson for “The View” on Thursday declined to comment on Carr’s statement.

CBS says Colbert was provided “legal guidance” that broadcasting the interview with Talarico could trigger the equal time rule. Colbert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colbert-talarico-cbs-trump-fcc-014a0531715f098fbcd7902476a22590">said on his show Tuesday night</a>&nbsp;that while Carr said in January he was thinking about getting rid of the exemption for late-night talk shows, “CBS generously did it for him.”

FCC chair: Agency investigating ABC's 'The View' over equal time rule

BEAVER COUNTY —On Tuesday, troopers in Troop I of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to an overturned Rosston fire truck during the Ranger Road wildfire between Rosston and Englewood, Kansas, according to a statement from the patrol.. 

Three firefighters were on board. Two were riding on the back of the truck as they navigated a smoke-filled pasture with extremely limited visibility.

The driver, unable to see through the dense smoke, drove into a burning canyon. The truck overturned, trapping the driver and ejecting the two firefighters who were riding on the rear.

After noticing a missing fire truck, fellow first responders searched for the fireman as every second counted. Once located, all three men were rescued from the burning canyon and transported by ambulance to a hospital. Each sustained serious injuries. The trapped driver suffered second-degree burns to his upper body.

"We are grateful for the fellow first responders who, like these brave Rosston firefighters, came from across the state to assist Oklahomans as this massive wildfire spread. They pushed flames back from homes, evacuated residents, and moved livestock for people they may never meet." the OHP wrote.

"Please keep these three firefighters in your thoughts as they recover, along with the men and women who continue responding to the ongoing wildfire threat."

Injured firefighters rescued after crash in burning canyon

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks fell Thursday, while oil prices rose with worries about a potential conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.3% for its first loss in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%.

Booking Holdings dropped 6.1% for one of the market’s sharper losses, even though the company behind the Booking.com, Priceline and OpenTable brands reported a profit for the latest quarter that edged past analysts’ expectations.

Its stock has been under pressure because of worries that competitors powered by artificial-intelligence technology could upend its industry and take away customers. Booking’s stock has lost roughly a quarter of its value so far this year already.

Such&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-fed-jobs-profit-45f8d8df807d4b7ed9127afc4b5809c9">worries have been rolling through Wall Street</a>, hitting industries as far flung as software and legal services and trucking logistics. Investors have been punishing stocks of companies seen as under threat by AI so suddenly and aggressively that analysts have likened it to a “shoot first-ask questions later” mentality.

The doubts are hurting not just companies seen as potential victims of AI but also the private-credit companies that have lent them money. Blue Owl Capital fell 5.9% to bring its loss for the year so far to 22.5%, for example. Apollo Global Management dropped 5.2%, and Ares Management sank 3.1%.

Carvana sank 7.9% even though the retailer reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Investors may have been paying more attention to how much profit the auto retailer made per vehicle sold, which was lower than expected.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">Walmart</a>, meanwhile, pushed and pulled on the market after jumping to an early gain of 2.7% and then flipping to a loss. The retail giant&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/walmart-fourth-quarter-earnings-economy-c0381d22cb2182a0f5a1242cbb12a9ca">delivered stronger results</a>&nbsp;for the latest quarter than analysts expected, but it gave a profit forecast for the upcoming year that fell short of estimates. It finished the day with a loss of 1.4%.

Helping to limit the market’s losses was Deere, which jumped 11.6% after the machinery maker reported a higher profit than analysts expected. CEO John May said it’s seeing a continued recovery in demand from construction and smaller agricultural customers, though its global, large agricultural customers are still feeling pressure.

Some of the bigger gains in the S&amp;P 500 came from stocks of oil companies, which climbed with the price of crude. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 1.9% to $66.43, while Brent added 1.9% to $71.66 per barrel.

Oil prices rose with worries about a possible military confrontation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-russia-drill-nuclear-talks-aircraft-carrier-0456903e0d7a24cfcdc33d53732dee2f">between the United States and Iran</a>. President Donald Trump has been raising the pressure on Iran, which is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, because of its disputed nuclear program. If a conflict were to break out, it could constrict the global flow of oil.

Occidental Petroleum jumped 9.4% after it also reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 19.42 points to 6,861.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 267.50 to 49,395.16, and the Nasdaq composite lost 70.91 to 22,682.73.

In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-77f64caa00f49af45d52e7e909cd4f79">number of U.S. workers applying for unemployment benefits eased</a>&nbsp;last week. That could be a signal that the pace of layoffs is slowing.

A solid job market, in turn, could keep the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">Federal Reserve on hold</a>&nbsp;for longer before it resumes its cuts to interest rates. Fed officials said at their last meeting that they want to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-jobs-fed-trump-d7aabc066d5a3a330022963289abc0c0">inflation fall further</a>&nbsp;before they would support cutting rates further this year.

If oil prices keep rising, that would push upward on inflation.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.07% from 4.09% late Wednesday.

Other U.S. economic reports said that growth for manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region is accelerating, but potential homebuyers across the country didn’t sign as many contracts in January to purchase. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trade-deficit-tariffs-china-9eb6bd10ff635d63e46ee99d34ce1d05">U.S. trade deficit</a>&nbsp;also widened in December by more than economists expected.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell in Europe following better performances in Asia.

South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.1% as trading resumed following a Lunar New Year holiday. Markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai remained closed.

Oil prices climb on mounting US-Iran tensions

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of President Donald Trump's appointees, on Thursday approved his proposal to build a ballroom larger than the White House itself where the East Wing once stood.

The seven-member panel is one of two federal agencies that must approve Trump's plans for the ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which has jurisdiction over construction and major renovation to government buildings in the region, is also reviewing the project.

Members of the fine arts commission originally had been scheduled to discuss and vote on the design after a follow-up presentation by the architect, and had planned to vote on final approval at next month's meeting. But after the 6-0 vote on the design, the panel's chairman, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., unexpectedly made another motion to vote on final approval.

Six of the seven commissioners — all appointed by the Republican president in January — voted once more in favor. Commissioner James McCrery did not participate in the discussion or the votes because he was the initial architect on the project before Trump replaced him.

The ballroom will be built on the site of the former East Wing, which Trump had demolished in October with little public notice. That drew an outcry from lawmakers, historians and preservationists who argued that the president should not have taken that step until the two federal agencies and Congress had reviewed and approved the project, and the public had a chance to provide comment.

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be nearly twice the size of the White House, which is 55,000-square-feet, and would accommodate about 1,000 people, Trump has said. The East Room, currently the largest room in the White House, can fit just over 200 people at most.

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

Cook echoed one of Trump's main arguments for adding a larger entertaining space to the White House: It would end the long-standing practice of erecting temporary structures on the South Lawn that Trump describes as tents to host visiting dignitaries for state dinners and other functions.

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