As Fourth of July festivities approach, the Hutchinson Fire Department is reminding residents of fireworks regulations and safety procedures during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.&nbsp;

Expanded sales period, but discharge rules Unchanged 

A recent change by the Kansas Legislature now allows year-round fireworks sales in fixed retail buildings, similar to neighboring states like Missouri and Oklahoma. For temporary retail stands—commonly set up in tents—the allowed sales period has also been extended by state law to run from June 20 through July 8. 

However, Fire Marshal Michael Cain emphasized that the discharge dates within Hutchinson remain the same: residents may only discharge fireworks from June 30 through July 4, between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

Cain outlined the multi-step inspection process required before a fireworks tent can open. Vendors must first secure a license from the State Fire Marshal before submitting a detailed application to the city, including a site plan, insurance, and contact information. 

“We make sure the tent is placed according to the plan, and that safety distances from buildings are maintained,” Cain said. After the structure and signage are installed, a final inspection is conducted before any fireworks can be sold. 

Once tents are open, inspectors make at least two unannounced visits per day to ensure continued compliance. 

Discharge locations and safety precautions 

Discharging fireworks is permitted only on private property, and not on public streets or in parks without a special use permit. Cain emphasized that fireworks must be used in open spaces away from structures and combustible materials, with driveways being the safest option. 

“Years ago, people were allowed to use apartment or church parking lots with permission,” he noted. “But now, without a city-issued permit, it’s strictly limited to private property.” 

Proper disposal: A must to prevent fires&nbsp;

Cain stressed the importance of safe disposal. He advised residents to soak used fireworks in water before placing them in the trash. 

“Don’t just sweep them up and throw them in the polycart. We’ve responded to house fires because people didn’t properly extinguish fireworks,” he warned. 

Fireworks stands rebounding after policy change

Hutchinson has seen a resurgence in fireworks stand applications since reinstating aerial fireworks. This year, 11 stands are approved up from a low of just four or five during the period when only “safe and sane” fireworks were allowed. 

The city also plays a role in inspecting large public fireworks displays, including the annual show at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. 

“Even though the state licenses the providers, we still inspect the site, monitor setup, and ensure safety conditions like wind are appropriate,” Dowling said. “We’ve only had to cancel once due to weather in recent memory.” 

The Hutchinson Fire Department encourages all residents to enjoy the holiday responsibly and keep safety top of mind. 

“Fireworks are part of the fun,” said Cain “We want everyone to make it through the Fourth with good memories—not a visit from the fire department.” 

Fire Marshal urges caution as Fourth of July holiday approaches 

In the past, ranchers used to worry whether people would eat beef.

That’s not a concern anymore, according to Mark Gardiner. Today, he said producers like himself are seeing the greatest demand in history.

“Beef has differentiated itself as the protein of choice, not only in the U.S., but worldwide,” he said.

The fourth-generation producer, who runs Gardiner Angus Ranch in southwest Kansas with his family, believes that’s largely because of the quality of beef consumers get today.

But even as beef prices hit record highs in May, demand does not appear to be slowing.

The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record $5.98 in May, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 16% increase from a year before, and with a short supply of cattle, experts say they don’t expect prices to fall anytime soon.

The cattle inventory in the U.S. is at its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/u-s-cattle-inventory-smallest-in-73-years" target="_blank">lowest since 1951</a>, according to USDA data.

Ranchers have shrunk their herds for several reasons; including inflation and the rising costs of caring for cattle. Drought throughout the Great Plains, where most of the country’s cattle are raised, also means higher feed costs for ranchers.

“So we are continuing to be very small and again, smaller than we intended to be,” said Derrell Peel, a livestock marketing specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension, to KOSU last February. “And that's gonna lead to growing incentives, I think, for the industry to try to rebuild and when we can, if Mother Nature lets us.”

Because producers have been seeing strong demand at high prices, Peel said they are in the driver’s seat in this market. Although high prices likely will encourage rebuilding herd sizes, he said producers have not responded so far.

When they do, it may shrink supply even further, as ranchers hold back cows to breed more calves.

“If you're not familiar with the beef industry, you don't turn this thing around rapidly,” Peel said. “Just the nature of cattle production is a slow process.”

Cortney Cowley, a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, said producers are looking at their input costs and looking at the prices for cattle to make decisions on whether to sell cattle or hold them back.

“And it’s really difficult to not sell right now at the historically high prices that ranchers are seeing,” Cowley said.

Because there are fewer cattle going through the system, Cowley said meatpackers at the wholesale level are paying more for cattle resulting in lower margins. Ultimately, those high prices get passed on to the consumers, because everyone else in the supply chain has had to pay more.

At the same time, Cowley said the U.S. consumes more beef than it produces — importing meat to make up the difference — which can contribute to higher prices.

“We actually have a trade deficit for beef right now … ,” Cowley said. “and with some of the trade policies that are in effect now, whenever you have to import more beef, that can be more expensive.”

Peel said while the beef industry hasn’t been directly affected yet, he expects it will be down the line.

“I mean, “the export markets are all messed up” is not a very technical term, but there's a lot of disruption and more importantly, a lot of uncertainty about those markets,” Peel said. “But those effects don't show up necessarily immediately, at least not to a great extent, but they will continue to build over time.”

Peel said he’s more concerned about the broader economy. While demand for beef is solid, he said if consumers face factors like unemployment, demand could be impacted at some point.

For the moment, beef producers like Gardiner are taking the markets in stride.

A few years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said producers had a difficult time because cattle could not get through the system while meat processing plants were shut down.

“So, it was frustrating to producers because the price that they were receiving was nowhere close to what they would see retail prices,” Gardiner said.

Currently, it’s a different story. He said producers are seeing record high prices as processors see the lows. Despite uncertainty over tariffs, Gardiner said producers are having a good moment.

“It's never been better in the beef industry, and I've been bullish my entire life,” he said, “But we have more opportunity today than any time in the history of American beef production.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Beef prices at an all-time high 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with James Bowden on the new Kernza wheat variety that was developed in Kansas.

🎤 Forward Ever: James Bowden on new wheat variety

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TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas' unemployment rate held steady at 3.8% in May, unchanged from April but up slightly from 3.5% a year ago, according to preliminary data released by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Reno County matched the statewide jobless rate at 3.8% in May. That’s a one-tenth of one percent increase from April 2025 and a two-tenths of one percent increase compared to May 2024, reflecting a modest softening in the local labor market.

Statewide, the labor force participation rate dipped to 67.0% in May, indicating fewer Kansans are working or actively looking for work.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas showed an increase of 1,800 nonfarm jobs from April to May. Most of the growth came from the private sector, which added 1,900 jobs, while government employment dipped by 100. Manufacturing led the way with 1,600 new jobs, while professional and business services saw the sharpest decline, losing 700 jobs.

Year over year, Kansas has added 12,500 nonfarm jobs. That includes 2,200 new private sector jobs and a significant increase of 10,300 government jobs.

The data is compiled monthly by KDOL’s Labor Market Information Division in cooperation with the BLS.

State releases May jobs report 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

As summer temperatures rise and the Fourth of July approaches, a local veterinarian is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their animals from heat, stress, and potential dangers.

Dr. Erica Miller of Apple Lane Animal Hospital says the combination of heat and humidity poses serious risks for pets, especially brachycephalic breeds — dogs with shorter snouts like bulldogs, Frenchies and shih tzus.

“If you're thirsty, they're thirsty,” said Miller. “These breeds already struggle to breathe normally, and in hot, humid weather, their risk for heat stroke increases dramatically.”

Miller advises pet owners to carry water for their animals when out in the heat, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and be mindful of how long pets are exposed to high temperatures.

She also warned against leaving pets in cars, even for a short time. “Even with windows cracked, temperatures can climb quickly and become dangerous,” she said.

Another seasonal hazard? Long-haired dogs with unkempt coats. While shaving pets can help some animals stay cool, Miller says proper grooming is more important than a full shave. “If the coat is clean and unmatted, it actually helps regulate temperature. But mats trap heat and can lead to overheating.”

Miller also cautioned against grass awns — seed-like barbs that can lodge in dogs’ paws and cause painful infections. “I’ve seen several cases this month alone,” she said. “If your dog has long hair on its feet, keep it trimmed and check regularly.”

Looking ahead to the Fourth of July, Miller emphasized that fireworks are a major source of stress and danger for pets. “It’s the number one day for lost pets,” she said. “Noise can scare them into bolting from the house or yard.”

Miller recommends creating a safe space indoors, preferably in a crate or quiet room. For pets with known anxiety, she urges owners to contact their veterinarian now — not the day before the holiday — to ask about calming medications.

“Veterinary offices are often closed on July 4, and we get a flood of panicked calls every year,” she said.

She also reminded pet owners to make sure their animals are microchipped and that their registration information is up to date — especially in light of some pet chip companies going out of business. “We don’t want to chip a pet twice,” she said. “If it scans, we can help get the info transferred to a current provider.”

Ultimately, Miller said preparation and awareness can prevent emergencies. “Know your pet. Know their limits. Plan ahead — that’s the best way to keep them safe this summer.”

Veterinarian warns pet owners to take heat precautions, prepare for fireworks 

John Jenkinson took time out to visit with us concerning the status of the wheat harvest and other ag issues.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: John Jenkinson, Farmer and Ag commentator

Bryan Schulz of the Kansas State Fair was by the BW Morning Show to announce that they are bring professional wrestling to the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;

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

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. ——————————————

Sarah	Maria&nbsp;Sotomayor&nbsp;6/19/2025 7:37 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to Appear

Elijah	Jacoby Bell&nbsp;6/19/2025 8:53 AM&nbsp; Probation Violation

Leslie&nbsp;Loya-Menchaca&nbsp;6/19/2025 12:51 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Carl	James Day&nbsp;6/19/2025 2:51 PM&nbsp; Failure to Appear,&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,&nbsp;Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999

Bryce	Marquell Jones&nbsp;6/19/2025 3:02 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation&nbsp;

William	Arthur&nbsp;McMurry	Jr&nbsp;6/19/2025 5:25 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation&nbsp;

Kendra	Sherean Nichols 6/20/2025 3:33 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway,&nbsp;Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises,&nbsp;Aggravated assault; w/ deadly weapon

Daily Bookings 

DREW RICKETTS K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Bird feeders are a great way to enjoy nature without leaving your front porch, and many homeowners understand the joys of seeing multiple bird species frequent the feeders.

But Kansas State University wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts said bird feeders also can attract predators and other wildlife into your yard.

For example, racoons are seven times more likely to enter the yard and deer are two times more likely if you have a bird feeder.

“Carnivores, such as coyotes and red foxes and those sorts of critters, are at least one and a half times more likely to be in yards with bird feeders,” Ricketts said.

“Folks often times are inadvertently attracting critters to the yard, and that can cause problems that don't have anything to do with the bird feeder. One of the things that I would suggest to those folks is to think about how they might be contributing to that situation by having food available in the yard.” Ricketts said.

At least once a year, Ricketts said he gets a call from people who are wanting to know how to get rid of a hawk that is hanging around their yard, preying on birds. He said there is nothing you can do because an increase in a prey species often leads to an increase in a predator species.

“Feeding birds is something people do for themselves and it might have unintended negative consequences.” Ricketts said.

According to Ricketts, bird feeders allow such predators as domesticated cats and hawks, to take advantage of the condensed hunting grounds around the feeder.

Even though we worry that birds are hungry during the winter, feeding birds may also have unintended consequences for the birds that are eating it.

According to Ricketts, birds don't need to be fed in the winter. A study that looked at birds' reproductive performance showed that birds being fed in the winter time hatched chicks that weighed less and had a lower survival rate than birds that did not have access to feeders.

Ricketts said concentrating birds in one area around a feeder can also be a hot spot for parasites and diseases. Two examples from scientific studies show an increase in diseases like avian pox and infections of lice and mites.

For those who want to keep birds coming around, Ricketts suggests washing bird feeders thoroughly every 24 hours with 10% bleach, and rinsing them well to remove the bleach odor.

More information on managing common wildlife animals in Kansas is available online from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wildlife.k-state.edu/">K-State Research and Extension.</a>

Danger near the bird feeder? K-State wildlife expert urges caution

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Brigade rode a relentless offensive attack and a four-run first inning to a 14-10 victory over the Hutchinson Monarchs on Friday night at Rathert Stadium.

The Brigade struck early, posting six runs in the first two innings to take command. Kyler Horsman led the charge, driving in four runs, including a towering three-run homer to center in the fifth that gave Junction City a 12-10 lead.

“We came out swinging, and that early momentum really set the tone,” Horsman said. “Hutchinson pushed back hard, but we answered every time.”

The Monarchs (11-3) responded with a six-run fourth inning, capped by a bases-clearing double from Keegan Demmer and a two-run single by Omare Cross to jump ahead 9-6. They added another run in the fifth on a fielder’s choice to lead 10-8, but couldn’t hold the advantage.

In the bottom half of the fifth, Horsman launched a game-changing three-run homer that shifted the momentum back to the Brigade (insert record if known). Ian Luce added a solo shot in the seventh to pad the lead, and Sawyer Tolk’s RBI double in the eighth sealed the final score at 14-10.

Hutchinson’s biggest highlight came in the second inning when Blake Bradford crushed a three-run homer to center to bring the Monarchs within one. Bradford finished with three RBIs.

The teams combined for 24 runs and 26 hits in a slugfest marked by lead changes and defensive miscues, including a costly error by Monarchs outfielder Omare Cross in the second that allowed two runs to score.

Junction City will look to carry the momentum into their next matchup, while Hutchinson (11-3) aims to tighten its defense and regroup after a hard-fought loss. Hutchinson travels to Rose Hill Saturday night to take on the Wichita Wildcats.

⚾ Junction City Brigade out-slugs Hutchinson Monarchs in Friday night shootout

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Salvador Perez singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning for the Kansas City Royals, who got home runs from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to beat the San Diego Padres 6-5 on Friday night for their fourth straight win.

The Royals started this trip with a three-game sweep at Texas. The Padres have lost eight of 11.

San Diego’s Manny Machado hit his 12th homer leading off the ninth off Carlos Estévez, who then retired the side for his big league-leading 22nd save.

Padres manager Mike Shildt served his one-game suspension handed down by MLB after a brouhaha in Los Angeles on Thursday night after Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit on the right wrist by a pitch in San Diego’s 5-3 win, which prevented a four-game sweep. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also was suspended for one game. Padres closer Robert Suarez was suspended for three games for hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch in the ninth inning. He is appealing.

Tatis started Friday night after imaging showed no damage.

Padres reliever Jason Adam (5-3) opened the eighth by allowing a single and a walk before the 35-year-old Perez singled to left to bring in Maikel Garcia with the go-ahead run. Drew Waters added an RBI single with two outs.

Witt homered to left with one out in the first, his 11th, off Nick Pivetta. Pivetta opened the fifth with consecutive walks to Freddy Fermin and Nick Loftin and then allowed India’s shot to left with one out for a 4-0 lead. It was his fourth.

The Padres chased starter Matt Lorenzen in the sixth as they closed to 4-2. Gavin Sheets tied it with a two-out, two-run single in the seventh off Lucas Erceg (2-2).

Jake Cronenworth worked a full count against Estévez before popping up to end it.

Xander Bogaerts, who has struggled this year, tied the Padres' franchise record by hitting safely in eight straight at-bats before popping up in the ninth.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron (2-2, 1.91 ERA) and Padres RHP Dylan Cease (2-6, 4.69) are scheduled to start Saturday night.

⚾ Perez hits go-ahead single as the Royals beat the Padres

The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played Saturday evening at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City at 7 p.m. You can <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0fce9ba7-ff80-48a6-b97e-2489a278824d">hear the game on our Eagle Media</a> stations across the state.

The West team held camp throughout the week at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson before departing for Dodge City on Thursday.&nbsp;

Below are thoughts from area student-athletes and coaches that will be partaking in the all-star football game Saturday.

🎧📷 Area student-athletes prepare in Hutch for Shrine Bowl Saturday

🎧⚾ Royals sweep Rangers; ⚾ Wind Surge bounces back; 🏈 Shrine Bowl audio

⚾ Wind Surge bounce back against Travelers

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Top prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-caglianone-b777242d68ce78c9f85b19d1e4464317">Jac Caglianone went deep twice</a>&nbsp;for his first two homers in the majors, and the Kansas City Royals finished their first three-game sweep at Texas since 2003 with a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Thursday.

Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot, and Michael Wacha held the Rangers hitless until Wyatt Langford's one-out single in the sixth. The right-hander allowed two hits and a run with five strikeouts in six innings.

Wacha (4-6) was the third Kansas City starter to win for the first time in June as part of the sweep, with the Royals coming off a 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season. Kansas City already had clinched its first series win in Arlington in 11 years.

Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth for his AL-leading 21st save and second of the series.

Pasquantino's team-leading 11th homer opened the scoring in the first off right-hander Shawn Armstrong, the starter in a bullpen game for Texas. A run of 11 consecutive scoreless appearances ended for Armstrong (2-2).

Caglianone greeted Jacob Latz with his first big league homer leading off the second. The 22-year-old won a lefty-lefty matchup with a 387-foot drive into the Texas bullpen in right-center field.

The 6-foot-5 Caglianone mastered the lefty-lefty thing again to start the ninth, sending Robert Garcia's first pitch 439 feet over the Texas bullpen.

Latz went a career-high 5 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and a run.

Adolis García was the potential tying run when Wacha got him on a popout to finish his outing in the sixth.

Marcus Semien extended the longest hitting streak for the Rangers this season to 11 games with an RBI double in the sixth.

Both teams open road series Friday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-7, 4.91 ERA) is set to go for Kansas City against San Diego. Texas RHP Jacob deGrom (6-2, 2.19) is set to face Pittsburgh a day after his 37th birthday.

⚾🎥 Jac Caglianone goes deep twice as Royals beat Rangers

🎧⚾ Royals win second straight; ⚾ Monarchs win pitchers duel; 2 of Rusty Hilst's state title calls

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Behind dominant relief pitching and just enough offense, the Hutchinson Monarchs edged the Junction City Brigade 2-1 in a tightly contested game Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field.

Lachlan Rosser started for the Monarchs but had trouble with control from the very start. He walked four, struck-out 2 giving up 1 run and 1 hit over the 1.1 innings pitched. He was able to work his way out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the first with nobody out. 

Cole Toureau was stellar in long relief for the Monarchs, entering in the second inning and tossing 5.2 brilliant frames. The right-hander gave up just one hit, walked three, and struck out eight to earn the win.

Aiden Sowers locked down the final six outs for the save, allowing only one hit and one walk while fanning two — including the final out of the game with the potential tying run on second base.

The Brigade struck first in the second inning when Ian Luce scored from third on a costly error by Monarchs third baseman Joey Senstock. That would be Junction City’s only run of the night.

Hutchinson answered in the fourth. Jake Knox singled and came around to score on a triple by Dylan Bell, tying the game at 1-1. The Monarchs took the lead for good in the sixth when Drew Bugner crossed the plate on an error by Brigade first baseman Brayden Harpole following a grounder by Blake Bradford.

Junction City starter Max Lialios was tough in the loss, allowing just four hits and two runs — only one earned — across eight innings. He struck out three and walked one.

The game was a brisk affair, lasting just 2 hours and 1 minute, as both pitching staffs were sharp throughout the night.

With the win, the Monarchs, now 11-2 continue to hold their ground in the league standings while showcasing the depth of their bullpen.

Hutchinson is off today, but will travel to Junction City on Friday before a road game in Wichita on Saturday versus the Wichita Wildcats College team. The next home game is Monday, June 23rd at Hobart-Detter versus the Wildcats again.

⚾ Monarchs edge Junction City in classic pitching duel

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Maikel Garcia homered and drove in four runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Garcia capped Kansas City's four-run third inning with a three-run drive for his career-best eighth homer. He also tripled in Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth.

Garcia's three hits matched a season high, and his four RBIs equaled a career best.

The Royals have taken the first two in their three-game set at Texas following an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season.

Kris Bubic (6-4) earned his first win since May 19. He allowed nine hits and three runs in 5 1/3 innings, throwing a season-high 101 pitches.

Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect ninth inning for his AL-best 20th save.

Patrick Corbin (4-6) allowed four runs over five innings for the Rangers, who have dropped two straight following a four-game win streak.

Texas opened a 2-0 lead in the first on Wyatt Langford’s RBI double and Adolis García’s run-scoring single. It closed 4-3 in the fifth on back-to-back doubles by Josh Jung and Jake Burger.

Sam Haggerty had three hits for the Rangers, matching a career high.

Texas played its second consecutive game without infielder Josh Smith, who is sidelined with a minor hamstring issue.

Lucas Erceg, the second of four Kansas City relievers, got Adolis García to ground into a double play with runners on the corners to end the seventh inning.

Texas was 5 for 13 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine on base.

Kansas City goes for the sweep Thursday with RHP Michael Wacha (3-6, 3.38 ERA). Texas will go with a bullpen game, starting with RHP Shawn Armstrong (2-1, 2.90).

⚾ Maikel Garcia homers to help the Royals beat the Rangers

Hutchinson Community College sophomore first baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/bios/maher_quinn_nqj4">Quinn Maher</a>&nbsp;was named a national Gold Glove winner on Wednesday.

The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) released its NJCAA Division I Gold Glove team for the 2025. Maher, a sophomore from Colorado Springs, Colorado was one of Jayhawk Conference players on this year's team, which recognizes the top defensive players in the nation.

Maher, outfielder Marcus Dierks and Fort Scott pitcher Reese Kortum represent the KJCCC on this year's Gold Glove team.

Maher is the fifth Blue Dragon to earn a national Gold Glove award. Maher joins Ben McLaughlin (2022), Shane Cooper (2017), Michael Helman (2016) and Bennett Oliver (2013) as ABCA Gold Glove winners.

Previously named All-Jayhawk West honorable mention and All-Region 6 Gold Club this season, Maher is just the sixth Blue Dragon player in program history to post a 1.000 fielding percentage with more than 150 defensive chances.

Maher started 60 games at first base in 2025 and did not commit an error in 418 total defensive chances. Maher's 418 defensive chances ranked seventh in Blue Dragon single-season history. His 412 putouts are four-most in Blue Dragon history, third most by a Hutchinson first baseman.

Maher helped the 2025 Blue Dragons lead the Jayhawk West in defense this season with a .972 team fielding percentage.

Over his two years with the Blue Dragons, Maher committed only three errors in 467 total defensive chances.

Maher's .994 career fielding percentage breaks the old career record of .993 set by Scott Wolverton in 2017 and 2018. Maher is only the sixth Blue Dragon with a career fielding percentage of .990 with 150 defensive chances or more.

The Blue Dragons finished 40-21 this season, placing third in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons swept the Allen Red Devils in two games in the Plains District opening-round series at Hobart-Detter Field. The Blue Dragons went 1-2 in the Plains District Tournament in Salina.

Offensively, Maher hit .299 for the season (58 for 194) with 14 doubles, eight home runs, 41 RBIs and 59 runs scored.

⚾ HutchCC's Maher named ABCA NJCAA Gold Glove winner

NEOSHO COUNTY — The search continues for the body one of two boys who died after struck by a train on a river bridge Wednesday in Neosho County.

Early Friday, officials determined the Neosho River had dropped approximately 10 feet, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.

A large contingent of first responders assisted with the search for the body of 12-year-old&nbsp;Kollin Showwalter of Erie. Search crews were able to use cadaver dogs. The sheriff believes the river may drop another 5 feet and authorities will resume the search Saturday.

The Neosho River is private property and the law requires anyone on the river to have permission from the landowners on both sides of the river, according to the sheriff.&nbsp; "I know we have a large contingent of river fishermen who have such permission for certain stretches of the river. No doubt many of these fishermen will be out enjoying their usual fishing holes on their Saturday off work."

"If any of the fisherman happen to see something while enjoying your normal activities, please call and we will get a first responder to your location."&nbsp;

"We desperately want to find this child, and hopefully give the family a little closure."

Just after 12:30p.m. Wednesday the Neosho County 911 Center received a report from the Union Pacific Railroad that two individuals had been struck on the Railroad Bridge south of Erie near 115th Road, according to Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor.

First responders found 16-year-old Arthur Pollries of Walnut, Kansas, deceased, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;Kansas Deparatment of Wildlife and Parks responded with personnel, a drone and boat. KHP sent numerous personnel, helicopter, and search dogs in an attempt to find the body of the 12-year-old.

After reviewing the Engine Camera footage and physical evidence, the two children were on the bridge and unable to outrun the train. Unfortunately after reviewing the footage and physical evidence at the scene, the search went from hopeful rescue effort to a recovery effort.

Sheriff asks for help: 2 Kan. boys tried to outrun train on river bridge

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. evacuated 79 staff and families from the U.S. Embassy in Israel on Friday as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-gaza-news-06-20-2025-8adbedb3427a76be7dbde4a18a05f75f">conflict between Israel and Iran</a>&nbsp;intensifies and growing numbers of private American citizens seek information on how to leave Israel and Iran.

An internal State Department memo says the military flight, the second known to have occurred this week, left Tel Aviv for Sofia, Bulgaria, where some or all of the passengers were to get a connecting charter flight to Washington.

The document, which was obtained by The Associated Press, also said that more than 6,400 U.S. citizens in Israel had filled out an online form on Friday alone asking for information about when and if the U.S. government would organize evacuation flights. An additional 3,265 people, some of whom may also have competed the form, called an emergency number seeking assistance.

The document estimated that between 300 and 500 people per day could need evacuation assistance should the U.S. decide to offer flights or ships to get Americans out, as the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has said is being considered.

There are some 700,000 Americans in Israel, many of them dual nationals, according to estimates, although the exact number at any given time is unclear because U.S. citizens are not required to notify the embassy if they are there or when they might leave.

Earlier Friday, before the memo was distributed, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters that more than 25,000 Americans had reached out for information on leaving Israel, the West Bank and Iran.

She told reporters that those people had sought “information and support” and were “seeking guidance” on departing. She would not give a breakdown of where the queries had come from and would not comment on embassy evacuations.

In Iran, the document said that at least 84 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, or Green Card holders, had crossed into neighboring Azerbaijan by land since the conflict began and that an additional 774 had been granted permission to enter as of Friday.

Nearly 200 American citizens and Green Card holders are awaiting permission to travel overland from Iran to neighboring Turkmenistan, it said.

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