 With summer in full swing and visitors flocking to local events, the Hutchinson Police Department is stepping up its traffic enforcement efforts to keep residents and guests safe on the roads.

Officer Lane Hammond, who’s served more than four years with the department’s Traffic Unit, says the department is now fully staffed — a welcome boost to ongoing safety campaigns like the “Click It or Ticket” initiative and the annual July Speeding Campaign.

The speeding campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), runs through July 15 and focuses on cracking down on drivers who exceed speed limits, especially in high-traffic areas near fairgrounds and downtown. “We’re just trying to get people to slow down again,” Hammond said, adding that the program doesn’t cost the city thanks to state funding.

Hammond reminds drivers to pay close attention to changing speed limits, especially downtown. Main Street, for example, varies from 30 mph to 20 mph depending on the block. Residential streets remain at 30 mph unless otherwise posted.

The department’s four motorcycle officers — now riding two new Harley-Davidsons alongside older models — will be highly visible during the campaign. They use radar and lidar guns to detect speeding vehicles and are easily spotted thanks to their updated uniforms.

With Hutchinson seeing frequent construction and resurfacing projects, Hammond urges drivers to slow down in neighborhoods and watch for equipment on the roads. He also reminds motorists about Kansas’ “Move Over” law, recently expanded to require drivers to move over or slow down for any vehicle on the roadside with hazard lights on — not just emergency vehicles.

Abandoned or broken-down vehicles must be moved within 72 hours to avoid becoming hazards, Hammond said.

Looking ahead, the department is preparing for back-to-school season with improved school zone safety measures. Three new flashing crosswalk signals are being installed, with more planned to help protect students crossing busy streets. Officer Hammond also noted that trouble spots like the pedestrian crossing by Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College are under close watch.

One recurring challenge for officers is enforcing proper merging and turning practices — and discouraging “J-turns” downtown, where drivers illegally cross multiple lanes to snag a parking spot. “Just go around the block,” Hammond said. “It’s safer for everyone.”

Residents can report road hazards, illegal parking, or traffic concerns through the city’s “SeeClickFix” tool on the Hutchinson city website — a resource that Hammond calls the department’s “bread and butter” for community input.

As Hutchinson braces for a busy summer of events, Officer Hammond says the department’s top priority remains clear: “We want everyone to get where they’re going safely.”

Hutch Police highlight summer traffic safety efforts

MARION COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 1a.m. Saturday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Kawasaki driven by Justin B. Williamson, 22, Weiser, Idaho, was northbound on U.S. approximately three miles north of Florence.

The motorcyclist tried to pass another vehicle and struck a southbound 2019 Toyota Camry driven by Tina Ho, 19, Wichita, head-on with

Williamson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Jost Funeral Home. Ho was properly restrained and not transported for treatment of a minor injury. The KHP released no additional details.

Motorcyclist dies after head-on crash on Kansas highway

WICHITA, Kan. — Focused on eliminating driving behaviors that contribute to traffic-related fatalities on our nation’s roads, AAA is joining with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to urge drivers to recognize speeding as an aggressive driving behavior that endangers all road users and to put an end to it because Speeding Catches Up With You. 

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in speeding-related crashes. Young drivers and motorcyclists have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. • In 2023, there were 11,775 fatalities in speeding-related crashes • Speeding-related crashes accounted for 29% of total traffic fatalities in 2023. • 37% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2023 were speeding — the highest among the age groups. • 36% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were speeding. • Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 51%. •In 2023, 88% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities on American roads occurred on non-interstate roadways.

In 2023, the Kansas Department of Transportation reported 4,354 speed-related crashes with an estimated cost to motorists of $1,777,961,485. In the same year, 80 motorists lost their lives in speed-related fatality crashes on Kansas roads, and 2,105 motorists were injured in speed-related crashes. Between 2014-2023, speeding in Kansas injured 21,547 people and killed 841 individuals. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol has observed a significant increase in citations issued to drivers traveling 100 miles per hour or more since 2019. That year, 1,758 citations were issued for triple-digit speeds. In 2024, KHP issued 2,631 citations for motorists traveling 100 miles per hour or more. 

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index,  nearly half of drivers surveyed (49%) admitted to driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit on a freeway at least once in the past 30 days, while 36% of drivers reported driving 10 mph over the posted speed limit on a residential street. 

Speeders don’t just put themselves in danger of serious injuries and death, they put other road users, including passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, at risk as well. Drivers have a shared responsibility to keep themselves and all road users safe. Obeying the legal speed limits and driving at a speed that is reasonable for road conditions is part of fulfilling that responsibility. Speed limits are put in place to reduce crashes and minimize a crash’s impact on the human body. Set through an engineering process, speed limits are no less important than the vehicle safety technology developed over the last decades. 

Those who speed choose to do so for different reasons, including lateness and traffic. Regardless, driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is an active disregard for one’s safety, the safety of others, and the law. Like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. 

“A speeding-related crash can easily result in devastating injury or a fatality, because of the intense impact on the body,” explained Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Kansas. It may be thought of as falling from a multi-story building, with every 10 miles per hour representing one or multiple stories. Drivers in Kansas should be especially aware of this campaign and their speed, because of the tremendous dangers of speeding and the tragic results of speed-related crashes on our roads and highways. 

“AAA Kansas joins our traffic safety and law enforcement partners in urging everyone to commit to keeping our roads safe by obeying all speed limits,” said AAA’s Steward. “Slowing down is the right choice. Ultimately, Speeding Catches Up With You.” 

AAA joins with NHTSA to remind drivers: Speeding Catches Up With You 

The Reno County Child Care Task Force is proud to announce Heather Faulkner as the founding Executive Director of the Kids Collective Child Care Network, a newly-formed nonprofit focused on creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for Reno County’s child care system.&nbsp;

Faulkner, a Hutchinson native with over 25 years of experience in child care administration and leadership, has long been a dedicated advocate for families and providers in the community. Drawing on her background in accounting, she played a key role in strengthening and expanding operations at Abundant Life Community Child Care &amp; Preschool at The Father’s House, bringing a well-rounded perspective that blends business insight with hands-on experience in early childhood care. In that role, she led all aspects of daily operations, including licensing, compliance, budgeting, staffing, and long-term sustainability, and she understands firsthand the operational realities and potential of the child care sector. Faulkner and her husband, Sean, are raising four boys in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

“Heather brings unmatched passion and experience to this role,” said Kari Mailloux, Kids Collective Board President. “She’s been in the trenches, understands the challenges providers face, and is the ideal leader to guide Kids Collective through its start-up phase and beyond.”&nbsp;

With the generous support of The Father’s House, Faulkner has contributed significant leadership and expertise to the child care, nonprofit, and faith sectors in Reno County over the last decade, including the support of other center start-ups, coordination of and communication among providers through the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an advocate for data-driven solutions and both family and workforce-friendly policies. She has been a member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force since its inception.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kids Collective was born from the innovative efforts of the Reno County Child Care Task Force and made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by the City of Hutchinson and Reno County. Following in-depth research into the child care system at the local, state, and federal levels, the Task Force identified widespread challenges—particularly low wages and lack of benefits—that make it difficult to attract and retain a stable workforce. In response, Kids Collective was created as a long-term, sustainable solution to close those gaps and strengthen the overall child care infrastructure in Reno County.&nbsp;

“I'm honored to lead Kids Collective and continue building on the incredible work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force,” said Faulkner. “Our mission is to reduce the burden on providers, attract and retain a strong childcare workforce, and make quality care more accessible for families across our community. I am energized by the opportunity to lead an organization built on the belief that childcare is a collective responsibility—and an essential part of a thriving community.”&nbsp;

With Faulkner’s leadership and a county-wide commitment to forward-thinking solutions, Kids Collective is poised to create meaningful change for providers, families, and the broader Reno County economy.&nbsp;

To learn more, contact info@renocountychildcare.com.&nbsp;

Faulkner named director of new Reno County childcare nonprofit 

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. ——————————————

Anthony Lee Everhart 7/11/2025 6:32 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;DL Violation; No Drivers License in Possession,&nbsp;Violate protection order; Condition of release

Quinton	James Bower 7/11/2025 7:34 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Michael Alan Reed 7/11/2025 10:47 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate,&nbsp;Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Rachel Marie Roth 7/11/2025 11:23 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate,&nbsp;DUI; 3rd in 10y;comp evidence blood/breath .08+

Michael Wayne Stewart 7/11/2025 4:27 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

Tyler William Dana Lang 7/11/2025 7:03 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Stalking; Conduct after receiving notice of protection order causing fear

Lamont Donshea Lee 7/11/2025 7:26 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;DWS; 3rd or subs conviction

James Chalaht Henry 7/11/2025 8:31 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Kie	Jorion&nbsp;Bayless&nbsp;7/12/2025 12:35 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Damien Lee&nbsp;Goetz&nbsp;7/12/2025 12:41 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;DUI; Misdemeanor

Elias Silva&nbsp;Delacruz&nbsp;7/12/2025 1:19 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000, Probation Violation&nbsp;

Damon	Nathan Newton&nbsp;7/12/2025 2:44 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear, Probation Violation&nbsp;

Daily Bookings

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for your complete KSStormInfo weather forecast&nbsp;</a>

Three day weather outlook 

PRATT COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Friday in Pratt County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Buick Encore driven by&nbsp;Prosser, Riley Cheyenne&nbsp;Prosser, 21, Pratt, was Eastbound on SW 50th Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 1962 Chevy Truck driven by Christopher Michael&nbsp; Sanders, 35, Pratt, was northbound on SW 20th Avenue. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time and collided.&nbsp;

Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison's Mortuary. EMS transported Sanders to&nbsp;Ascension via Christi St. Francis and a passenger in the truck identified as Jorden Samuel&nbsp;House, 18, Pratt, to Pratt Regional Medical Center. All three were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dead, 2 injured after pickup, SUV crash

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIROMENT 

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Zenda public water supply system located in Kingman County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Zenda indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 620-243-7710 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197fa29aed7-4d3765e6-cc60-4790-baa8-055e84f886fc-000000/2GBoNL_YY6MGo0MD2v9vw8F77jGqL5-oOxmV7VARILM=413">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Rescinded: Boil Water Advisory for City of Zenda 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Friday morning in the 400 block of East Avenue C.

Crews were dispatched at 2:26 a.m. and arrived to find light smoke coming from the west side of the home and possibly the attic. All residents were able to evacuate safely without injury.

Firefighters determined the fire was primarily located on the exterior of the structure and quickly extinguished the flames. Crews remained on scene to ventilate the home, perform overhaul operations, and assist with the investigation.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked Hutchinson/Reno County emergency communications, the Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Evergy, and the Red Cross for their assistance.

Hutchinson firefighters respond to early morning house fire

WASHINGTON, DC – With summer road trips in full swing, drivers are getting a break at the pump, as gas prices match July 2021 numbers. 

The national average for a gallon of gas dipped as low as $3.14 this past week before going up a few cents to $3.17. It’s been four years since the national average has been this low during the summer. 

This season’s lower pump prices are due to an abundance of supply in the oil market. 

Halfway through the year, the national gas price comparison chart shows how steady prices have remained in 2025 compared to recent years.&nbsp;

Today’s National Average: $3.172&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Week Ago: $3.162&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Month Ago: $3.121&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Year Ago: $3.538&nbsp;

The state average is slightly lower from last week at $2.884 and is up two cents per gallon from a month ago.&nbsp;

• Today’s State Average: $2.884 • One Week Ago: $2.891 • One Month Ago: $2.860 • One Year Ago: $3.162

Here are the average prices around the area.&nbsp; • Reno County: $2.621 • McPherson County: $2.783&nbsp; • Stafford County: $2.810 • Harvey County: $2.861 • Rice County: $2.870 • Sedgwick County: $2.929 • Pratt County: $2.943 • Kingman County: $3.01

Averages are for regular grade gasoline.&nbsp;

Gas prices match lows from 4 years ago

Officer Lane Hammond of the Hutchinson Police Department's traffic division stopped by to visit about traffic concerns around the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Officer Lane Hammond, Hutchinson Police 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Juan Soto homered to lead the New York Mets past the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Saturday.

Soto’s two-run shot into the right field fountains opened the scoring in the fourth. Over his last 20 games, Soto has nine home runs and 19 RBIs.

Frankie Montas (2-1) threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of 19 batters while allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India opened the sixth with doubles, reducing the Mets lead to 2-1. India had two of the Royals four hits, both doubles.

Reed Garrett relieved Montas and permitted India to advance on a wild pickoff attempt before retiring the heart of the Royals lineup, stranding the tying run.

Jeff McNeil’s two-out RBI single capped the scoring in the ninth.

Edwin Díaz allowed a walk in two hitless frames, earning his 19th save.

Scheduled Royals starter Michael Lorenzen missed the game with illness.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-2), the second of six Royals bullpen pitchers, threw three innings, allowing two runs on four hits, including Soto’s 435-foot home run.

For the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mets-royals-score-0422928fba3a49675263472a78de8105">second straight game</a>, the Mets successfully challenged a safe call on a Royals stolen base attempt. In both instances — Tyler Tolbert on Friday and Bobby Witt Jr. on Saturday — the runner didn’t maintain contact with the base during a head-first slide.

Witt popped up twice with runners in scoring position while his 14-game hitting streak ended. The Royals batted 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position during the first two games of the series.

With a runner at third and the infield drawn in, first baseman Pete Alonso made a diving stop of Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp grounder, preserving the Mets one-run lead in the sixth.

Soto leads the majors with 77 walks, the most in Mets history prior to the All-Star break.

Mets RHP Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56) on Sunday.

⚾Juan Soto's 435-foot homer lifts Mets over Royals

HUTCHINSON, Kan.  — The Hutchinson Monarchs (24-5) will pay host to the Kingman Islanders tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.&nbsp; With a win, the Monarchs can clinch the Jayhawk League Championship.

Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Glen Grunwald of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play tonight, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.

🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs return home to face Kingman Islanders

KINGMAN, Kan. (July 11, 2025) — The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their dominant run through the Jayhawk Collegiate League, pounding the Kingman Islanders 17-4 on Friday night in Kingman to improve to 24-5 on the season.

The Monarchs jumped on Kingman early and never looked back, scoring in each of the first three innings and capping the night with a thunderous ninth-inning outburst with four runs in the top of the inning. Hutchinson finished with 17 runs on a barrage of hits, home runs, and Kingman miscues.

Hutchinson wasted no time in the top of the first. Drew Bugner doubled to left and advanced to third on an error, scoring Jacob Gutierrez. Moments later, Jackson Legg laced a two-run single to right, plating Bugner and Blake Bradford to give the Monarchs a 3-0 lead before the Islanders had recorded an out.

In the second, more defensive troubles plagued Kingman. A second error by second baseman Kyle Reese allowed another run to score. Tyson Vassart followed with an RBI single, then Bradford broke things wide open with a three-run homer to dead center to make it 8-0.

Kingman got on the board in the bottom of the second with an RBI single from Landon Parks, but Hutchinson answered quickly.

Gutierrez delivered a two-run single in the third, Tyler Mitchell homered in the fifth, and the Monarchs added a run in the sixth on a Bugner groundout that scored Vassart, stretching the lead to 12-1.

Kingman added three more runs across the sixth and seventh innings, including a two-run triple by Hayden Oviatt, but Hutchinson buried any hope of a comeback with another outburst in the top of the ninth.

Gutierrez singled home a run, Bugner added another RBI hit, and Vassart put the exclamation point on the night with a towering three-run homer to right to push the lead to 17-4.

Bugner finished the night with three hits, three RBIs, and four runs scored. Gutierrez tallied three hits and two RBIs, while Vassart drove in four and Bradford added three more.

The Monarchs, who have now scored 16 or more runs in three of their last five games, continue to lead the Jayhawk Collegiate League as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

Hutchinson, with Friday night's win now has a five game lead on the Derby Twins with five remaining games to play. Derby has six remaining games to play.

Hutchinson returns home to Hobart-Detter Field on Saturday night to wrap up the series with Kingman.

Monday night's game versus the Junction City Brigade is Eagle Media Night. Stop by Eagle Media at 825 North Main on Monday between 8am - 5pm to pick up free admission tickets to the game that night only. Courtesy of Eagle Media Hutchinson.

⚾ Hutchinson Monarchs Maul Islanders behind explosive offense

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals will be sending four players to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with closer Carlos Estévez and utilityman Maikel Garcia earning late additions to the American League roster.

Both players were named All-Stars on Friday, joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.

Estévez was selected as a replacement for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday and will not be available for the All-Star Game. It marks the second career All-Star appearance for Estévez, who made the team in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Now in his first season with Kansas City, the 32-year-old right-hander is enjoying a career year. He leads the American League with 25 saves and holds a 2.03 ERA across 39 outings. Among AL relievers with at least 40 innings pitched, his ERA ranks fifth. Estévez is on pace to eclipse his personal best of 31 saves, set just two seasons ago.

Garcia, 25, was selected to replace Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe, who has been sidelined with side soreness. It is the first All-Star nod for Garcia, who has emerged as a key contributor in the Royals’ lineup this season.

⚾ Royals' Carlos Estévez and Maikel Garcia added to ASG roster

🎧⚾ Monarchs dominate Bat Cats; ⚾ Wind Surge lose to Missions; 🏀 KSHSAA unveils new state tourney format

Former Kansas men’s basketball coach Ted Owens will be honored with the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award during a black-tie banquet Aug. 4 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The award, previously known as the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, is the highest honor presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes individuals whose careers and lives have left a lasting impact and inspired others to pursue excellence. Owens will become just the 11th recipient since the honor was established in 1989.

A native of Hollis, Oklahoma, Owens was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He joins a prestigious list of past Lifetime Achievement honorees that includes Johnny Bench, Barry Switzer, Tom Osborne, Allie Reynolds and Abe Lemons.

Owens played three seasons at the University of Oklahoma (1949-51) and began his coaching career at Cameron State Junior College, now Cameron University, in Lawton. He led Cameron’s basketball program to a 93-24 record in four seasons, reaching the national junior college semifinals three times. He also coached the Cameron baseball team to the 1958 NJCAA national title.

Owens joined the Kansas coaching staff in 1960 and took over as head coach in 1964 following the resignation of Dick Harp. He led the Jayhawks for 19 seasons, compiling a 348-182 record from 1964 to 1983. He ranks fourth all-time in program wins behind Bill Self, Phog Allen and Roy Williams.

During his tenure, Kansas claimed six Big Eight regular-season titles and appeared in seven NCAA Tournaments. Owens led the Jayhawks to the Final Four in 1971 and 1974 and to the NIT championship game in 1968. He was named Big Eight Coach of the Year five times and earned National Coach of the Year honors from Basketball Weekly in 1978.

Owens coached five All-Americans at Kansas: Jo Jo White, Darnell Valentine, Dave Robisch, Bud Stallworth and Walter Wesley, all of whom have their jerseys retired in Allen Fieldhouse.

🏀 Former KU coach Ted Owens to receive Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their dominant summer with an emphatic 11-1 win over the Great Bend Bat Cats in a Jayhawk Collegiate League game Thursday night at Al Burns Memorial Field.

Leading 11-1 in the top of the sixth inning, play was halted due to inclement weather and never resumed, giving Hutchinson (23-5) the win and keeping the Monarchs firmly atop the Jayhawk Collegiate League standings. Hutchinson has a 4.5 game lead over the Derby Twins with six games remaining in the regular season.

Hutchinson wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly from Joey Senstock to bring home JJ Spafford. After stranding the bases loaded in the second, the Monarchs broke the game wide open with a two-out rally in the third. Jackson Legg tripled and scored on a single by Jake Knox before Spafford delivered a two-run double to make it 4-0.

The Monarchs piled on in the fourth. Tyson Vassart plated two more with a double to center, and Legg added another two-RBI knock — this time a double — to stretch the lead to 8-0. Spafford capped the six-run inning with a two-run single that became three runs scored after a fielding error.

Spafford finished the night 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Jeter Worthley also tallied three hits going 3 for 3 and an RBI as part of Hutchinson’s 14-hit attack.

On the mound, Pryce Bender earned the win with 4.1 innings of one-run ball, striking out three while working around four walks. Daegan Vinduska got the final two outs of the fifth to preserve the 10-run cushion.

Great Bend (15-12) managed just one run and struck out four times. The Bat Cats avoided the shutout in the fifth on a groundout by Luke Nohinek.

Hutchinson will travel to Kingman tonight to take on the Islanders at Islander park before returning to Hobart-Detter on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

⚾ Big Fourth Inning leads Hutchinson Monarchs past Great Bend Bat Cats

INDIANAPOLIS — With more states incorporating the javelin into high school track and field, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has voted to include javelin implement construction specifications in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book beginning with the 2026 season.

The move was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“Moving the implement construction specifications for the javelin into the rules book provides greater clarity, consistency and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee. “This approach maintains appropriate equipment standards while promoting ease of understanding, consistent enforcement and fairness across all levels of high school competition.”

The committee also approved several changes aimed at minimizing risk of injury during competition. One of the most significant adjustments allows a health-care professional to assess a downed competitor during a race without the athlete being disqualified, so long as no physical aid is provided in advancing along the course.

In high jump and pole vault, athletes entering a competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now be granted a brief warm-up period—1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault—under the supervision of an official. Previously, athletes could only warm up after passing three consecutive heights, a rule that sometimes left competitors inactive for long stretches at large meets.

To further promote safety in vertical jumps, language was added to require padding on “items above ground level,” such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces, which pose a greater risk of injury during falls.

A full listing of changes will be available at <a href="http://www.nfhs.org">nfhs.org</a>. Print and digital versions of the 2026 NFHS Track and Field Rules Book will be released in October.

👟 NFHS adds javelin specifications, alters field event guidelines for 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations.

"While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."

Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has been changed from “heather gray” to “charcoal gray” in response to manufacturing trends.

“Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available,” Searcy said.

In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.

A full list of rule changes will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfhs.org">www.nfhs.org</a> under the “Sports” section for softball.

🥎 NFHS unveils 2026 softball rule modifications

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has unveiled a new format and finalized sites for the 2026 and 2027 state basketball tournaments, bringing sweeping changes aimed at consolidating classes and enhancing the championship experience.

Beginning in 2026, multiple classes will share championship venues, a first since 1953. KSHSAA officials say the updated format reflects input from school administrators who favored grouping classes for semifinal and final rounds to create a more unified and high-energy environment.

In 2026, the semifinal and final sites are as follows:

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level.”

All state tournaments will begin with quarterfinal games played March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027. The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.

Quarterfinals will be held at seven venues across five cities:

Quarterfinal matchups will be determined by the proximity to the higher seed, not by classification. Games involving schools more than 250 miles apart may be moved to centrally located venues. State brackets will remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski. “This new format is a win for teams and school communities.”

The new approach mirrors recent changes in championship soccer and football formats, which consolidate title games to increase visibility and fan engagement. KSHSAA says combining semifinal and final rounds for multiple classes will reduce travel burdens and make it easier for fans, coaches, and media to follow the action.

The changes come in response to a 2022 survey of member schools, in which each class expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.

🏀 Sports Arena to host 3A, 4A state semifinals and finals under new KSHSAA tournament format

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;A Leavenworth, Kansas man was sentenced in federal court this week for enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and production child pornography, involving a 15-year-old minor victim, according to the United State's Attorney.

Antoine Askari Richardson, 27, was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge D. Gregory Kays for one count of use of interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of production of child pornography.

Richardson, a former graduate student and employee of a private University, in Leavenworth, Kansas, previously pled guilty to enticement of a minor and production of child pornography on February 27, 2025. According to the written plea agreement, Richardson met the minor victim on a social media application.&nbsp; 

Richardson communicated online with the minor victim and travelled to Grain Valley, Missouri to engage in sexual acts with the minor victim four times between November 2022 and January 2023.&nbsp; Richardson recorded the sexual acts with his cellular phone and sent the videos to the minor victim.&nbsp; Richardson admitted to also communicating with a second minor on a social media application and engaging in sexually explicit conversations with the second minor.&nbsp;Richardson admitted to traveling across state lines in attempt to meet the second minor but was unsuccessful in contacting the second minor.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett.&nbsp; It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Grain Valley, Missouri Police Department, Leavenworth, Kansas Police Department, and the Jackson County, Missouri Prosecutor’s Office.

Richardson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

Prison: Kansas man met 15-year-old sex crime victim online

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just before 7:30p.m. July 8, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2025 Chevy Malibu for a traffic infraction on 150th Road near Q. Road in rural Jackson County according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The investigation into the traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drug contraband. 

Vonda Jewell Lacour , 63, of Carnegie, Oklahoma, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Oklahoma woman was transporting meth in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;says he is considering “taking away” the U.S. citizenship of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-celebrity-united-states-government-national-c5f56e37a8b84379aea0328f9aafa126">longtime rival</a>, actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, despite a decades-old Supreme Court ruling that expressly prohibits such an action by the government.

“Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship,” Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday. He added that O’Donnell, who moved to Ireland in January, should stay in Ireland “if they want her.”

The two have criticized each other publicly for years, an often bitter back-and-forth that predates Trump’s involvement in politics. In recent days, O’Donnell on social media denounced Trump and recent moves by his administration, including the signing of a massive GOP-backed tax breaks and spending cuts plan.

It’s just the latest threat by Trump to revoke the citizenship of people with whom he has publicly disagreed, most recently his former adviser and one-time ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-their-own-words-c0108037881469f0b5bdd8df87eba6b4">Elon Musk</a>.

But O’Donnell’s situation is notably different from Musk, who was born in South Africa. O’Donnell was born in the United States and has a constitutional right to U.S. citizenship. The U.S. State Department notes&nbsp;<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship.html" target="_blank">on its website</a>&nbsp;that U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization may relinquish U.S. nationality by taking certain steps – but only if the act is performed voluntary and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.

Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, noted the Supreme Court ruled in a 1967 case that the Fourteen Amendment of the Constitution prevents the government from taking away citizenship.

“The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born U.S. citizen,” Frost said in an email Saturday. “In short, we are nation founded on the principle that the people choose the government; the government cannot choose the people.”

O’Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win his second term. She has said she’s in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship based on family lineage.

Responding to Trump Saturday, O’Donnell wrote on social media that she had upset the president and “add me to the list of people who oppose him at every turn.”

Read President Trump's threat about Rosie O’Donnell’s US citizenship

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced on Saturday Kansas deployed Kansas Task Force 1, consisting of two Type 3 swift-water search and rescue teams, through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, to assist the State of Texas in areas impacted by flooding from recent heavy rains. KS-TF1 departed on July 12 from Olathe and upon arrival will be assigned to Kerrville in Kerr County.

"Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who have been impacted by these devastating floods,"&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;"Kansas is always ready to send assistance to other states when disasters strike."

A request from Texas was sent to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, and this task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.

"Kansas has again answered the call to assist,"&nbsp;Mark Engholm, Kansas Fire Marshal said.&nbsp;"Our goal is to provide professionally trained rescuers and equipment where they are needed most, support rescue efforts, and help alleviate suffering caused by the devastating flooding in Texas."

The Type 3 swift-water/flood rescue teams with hard-bottom, inflatable boats with personnel will be sent from the Kansas State Fire Marshal, Chanute Fire Department, Kansas City Kansas Fire Department, Olathe Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Shawnee Kansas Fire Department, and Sedgwick County Fire District #1.

The teams will conduct search and rescue operations. Their objectives will be to search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.

Following the EMAC agreement, Kansas and assisting departments will be reimbursed for costs associated with the deployment.

Kansas sends swift-water rescue team to Texas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alex-veiga">ALEX VEIGA</a> Associated Press

The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged up this week, ending a five-week decline in borrowing costs for homebuyers.

The long-term rate ticked up to 6.72% from 6.67% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.89%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose. The average rate increased to 5.86% from 5.80% last week. A year ago, it was 6.17%, Freddie Mac said.

High mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers and reduce their purchasing power. That’s helped keep the U.S. housing market in a sales slump that dates back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from the rock-bottom lows they reached during the pandemic.

Last year, sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. They’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/housing-home-sales-real-estate-home-prices-2331cd0a212a1c1e8a9d8f0641696203">remained sluggish so far this year</a>, as many prospective homebuyers have been discouraged by elevated mortgage rates and home prices that have continued to climb, albeit more slowly.

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-interest-rates-fed-fa91e7b38ca858ff54f57bc642111188">interest rate policy decisions</a>&nbsp;to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.

The key barometer is the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4.37% at midday Thursday, up from 4.34% late Wednesday.

Yields moved up last week as traders bet that a better-than-expected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-economy-unemployment-trump-tariff-hiring-1d0ff530d9704e1dd5f4c08205dc0d21">June jobs report</a>&nbsp;could keep the Fed on hold when it comes to interest rates.

Local

Region

Sports