HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nathan Geuy, a Reno County 911 dispatcher, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram First Responder of the Month for April. He was nominated by his daughter, Natalea Anna Geuy, who praised his dedication and early impact in the field.

“He's my hero as my dad,” Natalea wrote in her nomination. “He has only worked there a few months and has already received not one but two Life Saving Awards. I think it just goes to show how amazing he truly is!”

The recognition carried special meaning for Geuy, knowing it came from his daughter. 

“It actually meant quite a bit considering one of my daughters took it upon herself to reach out and sign me up for this,” he said. “It’s a job that I’m enjoying doing because it’s a way for me to give back to the community and help others.”

Geuy began his career as a dispatcher only months ago, following a significant life change. 

“It’s never actually something I had planned on doing,” he said. “But it felt like a way I could give back.”

A typical day in dispatch involves long hours underground without windows, but Geuy said the mission remains the same: answer calls and get help to people quickly, often during the worst moments of their lives.

“We are the first responders’ first responder,” Geuy said. “We take that call and need to determine quickly who is the best fit for the response and get the appropriate people there as fast as possible.”

Still in training, Geuy emphasized the importance of preparation. 

“This is a job that you don’t just learn overnight,” he said. “You learn each aspect of the job a little bit at a time, and hopefully all of that training pays off when it counts.”

Reno County dispatchers work 12-hour shifts, covering the lines 24/7 with anywhere from two to four people on duty at a time. Geuy said no matter the shift, the goal is the same: serve the community and be ready for anything.

“We’re there if they need us,” he said. “And the public should know they can always feel comfortable reaching out and asking for help.”

Nathan Geuy named Allen Samuels First Responder of the Month

HARVEY COUNTY —On Thursday, 32-year-old Christopher M. McAhren of Newton pleaded guilty to Aggravated&nbsp; Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Rape of a child under the age of 14 and Aggravated Internet Trading in Child Pornography, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

All four charges subject him to a sentence of up to life in prison with no eligibility for parole until he has served 25 years in prison. The victim of the case was a child under the age of 8 years of age. 

This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department, Heart to Heart Child Advocacy Center, and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Kan. man admits to sex crimes involving a child under age of 14

K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION NEWS SERVICE

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says home gardeners can expand garden space by taking it to the next level…literally.

Domenghini said many crops can be grown vertically, including the more traditional tomatoes, pole beans, and peas as well as vining crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.

“Elevating plants off the ground increases the air flow which can help prevent disease,” Domenghini said. “Bringing the height of the produce up also makes harvesting easier.”

Domenghini recommends edible-pod and snow peas because those crops have longer vines and are therefore more appropriate for growing vertically than English (shelling) peas.

Bush-type vining crops produce short vines and are consequently less suitable for vertical growth. “Be mindful of crops that grow large fruit as they could damage the vine if grown vertically,” Domenghini said.

Supporting your vertical garden with a sturdy structure is also important. Domenghini suggests bamboo poles.

“Create a pup tent or A-frame structure by leaning two cattle panels or pallets together and securing them at the top. Alternatively, a single panel can be tied upright to T-posts for support. Plant vining crops at the base and train them to grow upward,” she said.

Maximize garden space by growing vertically 

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=118937&amp;clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY!</a>

The housekeeper is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing rooms and furnishings, and floor care in assigned areas, following established policies and procedures while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation, and providing assistance and support to residents at The Wesley.

Ensure timely completion of assigned projects and daily routine and provide notices to concerned parties with change in daily routine.

Perform all assigned tasks in accordance with department, The Wesley policy, within regulatory compliance as assigned by supervisor.

Follow all safety precautions and use universal precautions in providing resident services. Use personal protective equipment appropriately. Dispose of biohazardous waste according to policy.

Practice cost-effective techniques when utilizing time and materials.

Timely completion of assigned projects and daily routine; let appropriate persons know that schedule must be changed.

Know the location of the housekeeping/laundry policy and procedure manual, emergency preparedness manual, infection control manual, exposure control plan and material safety data sheets.

Safely operate The Wesley equipment and company vehicles.

Maintain cleaning carts, work areas and equipment in a safe, clean, orderly manner.

Keep supervisors informed of any problems, issues or supply/equipment needs.

Observe residents and communicate any concerns, changes of behavior or physical well-being to the appropriate person; encourage socialization among residents and their participation in activities.

Respond to emergency situations and drills. Perform tasks assigned by the appropriate authority in these situations.

Provide floor care appropriate to surface type as needed.

Keep up-to-date with chemicals currently in use along with their proper usage and procedures for use.

Participate in Continuous Service Improvement meetings as assigned and complete or assist in completion of continuous service improvement inspections and data gathering.

Assist with set up for various functions taking place within the The Wesley complex.

Assist with internal moves of residents by the packing and unpacking of personal belongings and moving furniture as assigned.

Deliver clean linen and towels to the appropriate storage areas as assigned.

Check resident rooms while residents are away from home as scheduled.

Wash inside and outside of windows as assigned.

Collect, sort, launder and deliver personal clothing to residents.

Maintain records of processed resident clothing as requested.

Assist in searching for and finding missing clothing, marking them; then returning them to the proper owner.

Keep resident clothing in good repair; mend as needed.

Maintain laundry area on a daily basis in regard to cleanliness and infection control issues.

Perform housekeeping and laundry duties as assigned by supervisors to provide services as needed for the residents.

Must be flexible in relation to change of duties and work areas. Must demonstrate ability to work directly with the elderly in a one-to-one situation, to communicate clearly what your tasks are and to help alleviate apprehensive feelings the resident may have concerning your tasks. Must be able to concentrate on detail with frequent interruptions. Consideration of residents is the first priority when performing tasks. It is essential that infection control be practiced daily and must be in compliance with State and Federal regulations. Must be able to distinguish smells and see well enough to determine whether or not surfaces are clean. Will be on-call as needed so will need access to transportation with little or no notice and some means of getting a message by phone for emergency call-in purposes.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking and bending with occasional squatting, crawling, climbing and reaching above the head. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and carry up to 30 pounds unassisted. Position requires frequent grasping and fine manipulation with both hands and pushing and pulling, including linen and utility carts. Periodic moving of furniture and the operation of equipment is necessary.

High school education or GED preferred. Must be able to read, write, and/or receive oral or written instructions.

Previous housekeeping experience preferred. Previous experience in working with older adults preferred.

Exposure to great fluctuations in temperature from going outside in seasonal conditions. High range would be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and lowest would be below zero. Exposure to loud or unpleasant noises in using machinery. Occasional exposure to unpleasant odors. Exposure to chemicals, dust and fumes. Exposure to infections, waste and potentially infectious diseases. May be working in small, close areas or from a ladder.

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3 charged in deadly fentanyl overdose deaths

The Newton Police Department responded to a bomb threat at the Walgreens location at 1300 N. Main St.

Newton Police respond to bomb threat at Walgreens

UPDATE - THE EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Riders from across Kansas will hit the road this Saturday for the fourth annual “Cruise for the Cure” poker run, a motorcycle (and road-legal vehicle) event organized to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Reno County. Hosted by Bretz Injury Law in partnership with Salty Cycles, the charity ride has grown into a community-fueled tradition drawing more than 100 participants in past years.

The event begins Saturday morning, April 26, at Salty Cycles, located at 129 E. Sherman in Hutchinson. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., with engines revving for the start at 10:30 a.m. Riders will embark on an 87-mile route that stretches into neighboring Harvey County, stopping at four checkpoints: Buhler Gas Company in Buhler, Lighthouse Coffee in Inman, Dan’s Cycle in Hesston, and the American Legion Post in Halstead, before returning to Bretz Injury Law for lunch, raffles and awards.

Entry fees are $25 for one poker hand or $50 for three. The poker element of the ride includes drawing cards at each stop, with a final skill game determining the last card. Prizes will be awarded for the best hand, second-best hand, and even the worst hand—a playful tradition that adds fun to the serious cause.

“This event was created to support a cause nearly everyone can relate to,” said Casey Ensz, an organizer with Bretz Injury Law. “Cancer affects almost every family, and the Cancer Council of Reno County does a tremendous job helping those who fall through the cracks of insurance and other support systems.”

Half of the entry fees go directly to the Cancer Council, which provides assistance with transportation, food and other expenses for local patients. Additional fundraising will include raffles with prizes donated by area businesses. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. A free lunch catered by Cancun Mexican Grill will be served to participants upon return.

And the event isn’t just for bikers. “If you’ve got a road-legal vehicle—even a Toyota Camry—you’re welcome to join us,” Ensz said. “It’s about raising money and awareness. The more, the merrier.”

The event marks the first poker run of the season for Bretz Injury Law, which organizes four charity rides annually, benefiting various causes including Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

For more information or to register, participants can email Casey Ensz at <a href="mailto:casey@bretzinjurylaw.com">casey@bretzinjurylaw.com</a> or call the office at (620) 662-3435. Walk-ups the morning of the event are welcome.

POSTPONED - Poker Run to benefit Cancer Council of Reno County

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Amy Brownlee, Sterling USD 376 K-12 Library Media Specialist

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Steve Harmon

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. ——————————————

Ashley	Nicole Jones&nbsp;4/24/2025 6:32 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)



Michael Dean Stewart 4/24/2025 12:48 PM&nbsp;Probation Violation

William Allen Spires 4/24/2025 12:56 PM&nbsp;Direct Contempt; Failure to Appear

Kimberly	Yareli&nbsp;Archaga Baca&nbsp;4/24/2025 2:21&nbsp;PM&nbsp;DL Violation; No Drivers License

Kenton Lloyd Boone 4/24/2025 6:12 PM&nbsp; FTA; Municipal Court, Probation Violation&nbsp;

Kayla Rose Roy&nbsp;4/24/2025 6:23 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Melissa	June Lacy&nbsp;4/24/2025 6:53 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Matthew	Alexander Dean Burns 4/24/2025 7:57 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation&nbsp;

Charles Jeffery Scott 4/24/2025 8:11 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation&nbsp;

Precious Dawn Johnson 4/24/2025 10:32 PM&nbsp;Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance;&nbsp;Failure to Appear;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body;&nbsp;Poss of marijuana;&nbsp;Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant;&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Tristan&nbsp;J&nbsp;Delaney 4/25/2025 2:39 AM&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm;&nbsp;Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

Desire Victoria Williams&nbsp;4/25/2025 7:24&nbsp;AM&nbsp;Direct Contempt

Daily Bookings 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson will hold its annual City-Wide Clean-Up this weekend, April 26–27, providing free dumpsters at multiple locations across the community to help residents dispose of unwanted items.

Dumpsters will be stationed at more than a dozen sites throughout the city.

Residents are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to clean up their yards, garages, alleys, and neighborhoods.&nbsp;

Certain items are prohibited from being placed in the dumpsters, including mattresses, tires, tree limbs, leaves, grass clippings, household hazardous waste (such as chemicals and paint), and large metal items like appliances or bicycles. These materials can be taken to the Reno County Landfill at 703 South Mohawk Road, which is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The cleanup event is a partnership between the City of Hutchinson and Stutzman Refuse Disposal, Inc.

For more information, residents can contact the city at 620-694-1900 or visit <a href="https://hutchgov.com">hutchgov.com</a>.

Hutchinson city-wide clean-up this weekend

SALINA, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School baseball team bounced back after a one-run loss in Game 1 to pick up a doubleheader split against Salina South on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.

The Salthawks are now 9-8 on the season, wile the Cougars are 12-6.

Game 1 — Salina South 4, Hutchinson 3

Hutchinson saw a late lead slip away, falling 4-3 to Salina South in Game 1 of the doubleheader.&nbsp;

The Salthawks tied the game at 3 in the fourth inning, but the Cougars pulled ahead for good in the fifth when a wild pitch allowed the go-ahead run to score.

Hutchinson opened the scoring in the top of the first with an RBI double from Caiden Beavers. South responded in the bottom of the inning as Wyatt Breeden grounded out to score one run and Aidan Speilman added an RBI single to center.

Breeden pushed the Cougars’ lead to 3-1 in the third with another RBI groundout. Hutchinson answered in the fourth, tying the game on a South error and a sacrifice fly from Brodie McCuan.

South's Jace Humphrey picked up the win, allowing four hits and three runs — only one earned — over seven innings, striking out four and walking none. The earned run was the first allowed by Humphrey this season. Jack Davis took the loss for Hutchinson despite not allowing an earned run in six innings, striking out two.&nbsp;

Cole Bleything, McCuan, Carter Morgan and Beavers each tallied one hit for the Salthawks. McCuan and Beavers drove in one run apiece.

Breeden led South with two RBIs, while Landon Putman, Speilman, Landon Huffman and Yaden Montanez each had a hit. 

After a leadoff single by Bleything in the seventh, he was eliminated at second base on a game-ending double play.&nbsp;

Hutchinson - 100 200 0 - 3 4 3 Salina South - 201 010 x - 4 4 1 W: Humphrey (3-1). L: Davis (3-1). Time: 1:22.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Game 2 — Hutchinson 6, Salina South 3

Hutchinson High School earned a 6-3 win over South on Friday, fueled by strong pitching from Carter Morgan and timely offense.

The Salthawks opened the scoring in the first inning when Gabe Valadez lined out to drive in a run. South tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a single by Jace Humphrey, then took a 2-1 lead in the second following a passed ball.

Hutchinson reclaimed the lead in the third, capitalizing on a South error and a groundout by Valadez to go ahead 3-2.

Morgan earned the win for Hutchinson, allowing five hits and three runs — only one earned — over six innings while striking out seven and walking four. Cole Bleything recorded the save. South starter Aidan Speilman took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Jack Yoder led Hutchinson at the plate, going 2-for-3. Jack Davis, Caiden Beavers and Valadez each drove in a run. The Salthawks drew six walks, turned a double play and played error-free defense, with JuJu Lyons leading the way with eight chances in the field.

Humphrey and Caden Stauffer each had an RBI for South. Speilman, Landon Huffman and Yaden Montanez also added hits.&nbsp;

Hutchinson - 102 011 1 - 6 6 0 Salina South - 110 000 1 - 3 5 3 W: Morgan (3-1). L: Speilman (2-2). Time: 1:57.&nbsp;

⚾ Hutch High bounces back for split at Salina South

KSHSAA legislative boards approve several changes

SALINA, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team travels to Salina South to face the Cougars in an AVCTL Division I doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 8-7 record and are fresh off getting swept by Campus at home on Wednesday. The Cougars are 11-5 getting two wins in the sweep of Maize on the road on Tuesday.&nbsp; Salina South owns a three game winning streak.

Click below to listen to the broadcast of both games.

🎧⚾ Hutch High travels to Salina South for AVCTL doubleheader

⚾ Wichita staved off by Springfield

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the final pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday night, giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes the blindside protector he was so sorely lacking last season.

Simmons missed the majority of last season after tearing a patellar tendon in his knee, and he didn’t work out at the scouting combine, which may have left some teams wary of using a high draft pick on him. But the Chiefs were comfortable after several checks on him, and they wound up using the No. 32 overall pick to finally shore up the tackle spot.

“I figured there might be a chance coming off the injury (to get him), but I think as you get to know him a bit and the time you get to study and talk to people around him, you’ll find out he’s a really super athlete,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “That’s where we were a little bit nervous whether he would be there or not.”

Mahomes was clearly happy with the pick, tweeting a sunglasses emoji moments before it was announced.

🏈 Chiefs use final pick in first round of NFL draft on Ohio State OT Josh Simmons

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to a career-best 16 games with an RBI single in the fifth inning, and the Kansas City Royals went on to beat the Colorado Rockies 6-2 on Thursday to cap off a doubleheader and series sweep.

Salvador Perez had three hits and a pair of RBIs, and Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey and Drew Waters also drove in runs, helping the Royals win their fourth consecutive game on the heels of a six-game losing streak.

Michael Lorenzen (2-3) allowed one run on five hits and three walks over six innings for Kansas City, striking out seven.

Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, continued to go through rookie growing pains for Colorado. Dollander (1-3) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks before leaving with two out in the fifth inning.

Jordan Beck homered twice for Colorado in Game 2 of the doubleheader. He also went deep in Game 1.

Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-royals-score-doubleheader-31da17918ff94aad76bbf1e2064dba49">rallied for a 7-4 victory</a>&nbsp;in the opener, caused by a rainout Wednesday night, and the sweep left the Rockies at 4-20 — the worst start in club history. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th consecutive road loss. Their lone win away from Coors Field came in Tampa Bay on March 29, in their first series of the season.

Colorado has lost 11 consecutive series since taking two games from Arizona last September.

The Royals were leading 3-0 when Jonathan India hit a two-out double in the fifth. Witt followed with his RBI single, and Perez added a two-run double two batters later, giving Kansas City a 5-0 lead.

The Royals (12-14) improved to 10-1 when scoring at least four runs this season.

Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (0-4, 4.85) starts their series opener against Cincinnati on Friday night. RHP Seth Lugo (1-3, 3.90) gets the nod for Kansas City as it welcomes Houston to town on Friday night.

⚾ Royals wrap up doubleheader, series sweep of Rockies

Former Kansas State wide receiver Tyler Lockett has signed a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Lockett has signed a one-year, $4 million deal worth up to $6 million deal with the Titans.

Lockett, 32, has played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Seattle Seahawks. He has played in 161 games, making 661 receptions for 8,594 yards and 61 receiving touchdowns.&nbsp;

He is a 2015 graduate of Kansas State University, where he was known for his dynamic kickoff and punt return game, as well as his receiving skills. He accounted for 35 career touchdowns in his 47 games played in Manhattan.

🏈 Former K-State WR Lockett signs with Titans

The Reno County Coaches Show &amp; More airs every Thursday from 6-6:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5). On this week's show, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC Sports Information Director, Steve Carpenter, while Glen Grunwald visits with Hutchinson High School girls soccer coach, Jordan Proffitt.

🎧 Reno County Coaches Show & More (Steve Carpenter, Jordan Proffitt)

🏀 WSU adds all-conference guard to men's roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Isbel drove in three runs, two on a go-ahead single in the fifth, and the Kansas City bullpen threw six shutout innings to help the Royals rally for a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.

Salvador Perez also drove in a pair of runs for Kansas City, which beat the Rockies in extra innings on Tuesday night.

Their game Wednesday was rained out, resulting in the traditional doubleheader.

Cole Ragans lasted only three innings and 62 pitches for Kansas City before leaving with groin tightness. But the All-Star left-hander’s bullpen picked him up. Angel Zerpa (1-0) and Steven Cruz threw two scoreless innings apiece, Lucas Erceg breezed past the eighth, and Carlos Estévez handled the ninth for his sixth save.

Germán Márquez (0-4) allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings for Colorado. He has lost his last four starts, allowing 18 earned runs in the past three, and has only made it through the sixth inning once this season.

Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman homered for the struggling Rockies, but they were the only real bright spots. Colorado (4-19) is off to the worst start in franchise history, and it has lost 12 consecutive road games — one shy of the club record — since beating the Rays on March 29 in its opening series of the season.

Isbel’s slap down the first-base line with two outs in the fifth bounced out of Michael Toglia’s glove and all the way to the dugout fence. That allowed Perez and Cavan Biggio to score, breaking a 4-all tie.

Márquez struck out Vinnie Pasquantino to end the fourth inning, becoming the first Rockies pitcher with 1,000 career strikeouts. It was the last out Márquez recorded in the game.

The Rockies send RHP Chase Dollander (1-2, 7.36) against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-3, 4.57) in Game 2 on Thursday.

⚾ KC bullpen tosses 6 shutout innings, allowing the Royals to rally for win

TOPEKA - A Kansas woman has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of a four-month-old baby, according to Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach.

Christy M. Nemnich, 32, was charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of child abuse, and one count of operating an unlicensed day care in Barton County District Court in connection with the March 28, 2023, death of a four-month-old baby.&nbsp;

The charges were filed by First Assistant Attorney General Megan Ahsens of Kobach’s office. Criminal charges are merely accusations.&nbsp;Individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The case is being investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp;

Kansas daycare operator charged in death of 4-month-old baby 

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The FBI on Friday arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the Republican president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">sweeping immigration crackdown</a>.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of escorting the man and his lawyer out of her courtroom through the jury door last week after learning that immigration authorities were seeking his arrest. The man was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot.

President Donald Trump's administration has accused state and local officials of interfering with his immigration enforcement priorities. The arrest also comes amid a growing battle between the administration and the federal judiciary over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-enforcement-deportation-public-polling-df7d0d35dfa031e1444bfa9e9e0b13bd">the president’s executive actions over deportations and other matters</a>.

Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI on Friday morning on the courthouse grounds, according to U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. She appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee later Friday before being released from custody. She faces charges of “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest” and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety," her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said during the hearing. He declined to comment to an Associated Press reporter following her court appearance.

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement on the arrest, accused the Trump administration of repeatedly using “dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”

“I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law," he said.

Court papers suggest Dugan was alerted to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the courthouse by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.

The FBI affidavit describes Dugan as “visibly angry” over the arrival of immigration agents in the courthouse and says that she pronounced the situation “absurd” before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. It says she and another judge later approached members of the arrest team inside the courthouse, displaying what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.”

After a back-and-forth with officers over the warrant for the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, she demanded that the arrest team speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, the affidavit says.

After directing the arrest team to the chief judge's office, investigators say, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of “wait, come with me” before ushering Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a jury door into a non-public area of the courthouse. The action was unusual, the affidavit says, because “only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door. Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door.”

A sign that remained posted on Dugan’s courtroom door Friday advised that if any attorney or other court official “knows or believes that a person feels unsafe coming to the courthouse to courtroom 615,” they should notify the clerk and request an appearance via Zoom.

Flores-Ruiz, 30, was in Dugan’s court for a hearing after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. Confronted by a roommate for playing loud music on March 12, Flores-Ruiz allegedly fought with him in the kitchen and struck a woman who tried to break them up, according to the police affidavit in the case.

Another woman who tried to break up the fight and called police allegedly got elbowed in the arm by Flores-Ruiz.

Flores-Ruiz faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count if convicted. His public defender, Alexander Kostal, did not immediately return a phone message Friday seeking comment.

A federal judge, the same one Dugan would appear before a day later, had ordered Thursday that Flores-Ruiz remain jailed pending trial. Flores-Ruiz had been in the U.S. since reentering the country after he was deported in 2013, according to court documents.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said victims were sitting in the courtroom with state prosecutors when the judge helped him escape immigration arrest.

The judge “put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase -- it’s absurd that that had to happen,” Bondi said on Fox News Channel.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who represents Wisconsin, called the arrest of a sitting judge a “gravely serious and drastic move” that “threatens to breach” the separation of power between the executive and judicial branches.

Emilio De Torre, executive director of Milwaukee Turners, said during a protest Friday afternoon outside the federal courthouse that Dugan was a former board member for the local civic group who “was certainly trying to make sure that due process is not disrupted and that the sanctity of the courts is upheld.”

“Sending armed FBI and ICE agents into buildings like this will intimidate individuals showing up to court to pay fines, to deal with whatever court proceedings they may have,” De Torre added.

The case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0f3592d82aa14d4d8a0f6a3da59258d3">against a Massachusetts judge</a>, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a back door of a courthouse to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent.

That prosecution sparked outrage from many in the legal community, who slammed the case as politically motivated. Prosecutors dropped the case against Newton District Judge Shelley Joseph in 2022 under the Democratic Biden administration after she agreed to refer herself to a state agency that investigates allegations of misconduct by members of the bench.

The Justice Department had previously signaled that it was going to crack down on local officials who thwart federal immigration efforts.

The department in January ordered prosecutors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-immigration-enforcement-f0e3fc616da9746796378d1cd6385b1b">investigate for potential criminal charges</a>&nbsp;any state and local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions. As potential avenues for prosecution, a memo cited a conspiracy offense as well as a law prohibiting the harboring of people in the country illegally.

Dugan was elected in 2016 to the county court Branch 31. She also has served in the court’s probate and civil divisions, according to her judicial candidate biography.

Before being elected to public office, Dugan practiced at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981 with a bachelor of arts degree and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the school.

FBI arrests  judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities

RUSSELL COUNTY&nbsp;– The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide took place in Russell, Kansas, according to a media release.

The Russell Police Department requested the assistance of the KBI. On Thursday, April 24 around 10 p.m., KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

On Thursday, around 9:30 p.m. officers with the Russell Police Department responded after a citizen called 911 reporting a shooting.

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