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

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

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

📷 Throwback Thursday: Truesdell Boiler Works - Vol. 162

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wildfire relief drive being held 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little Hawks Application Clinic on Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downtown Revitalization Director arrested

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

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

Inman senior receives Rudd Foundation scholarship

\Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Bookings

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

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

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

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

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

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

KDHE monitoring air quality due to wildfires

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

Three-day Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legislature overrides Kelly's 'Bathroom Bill' veto

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

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

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

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

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

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2)

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas Forest Service wildfire update

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commissioners offered mostly complimentary comments before the votes.

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

“Our sitting president has actually designed a very beautiful structure,” Cook said. “The United States just should not be entertaining the world in tents.”

The panel received mainly negative comments from the public

Members of the public were asked to submit written comment by a Wednesday afternoon deadline. Thomas Leubke, the panel’s secretary, said “over 99%” of the more than 2,000 messages it received in the past week from around the country were in opposition to the project.

Leubke tried to summarize the comments for the commissioners.

Some comments cited concerns about Trump’s decision to unilaterally tear down the East Wing, as well as the lack of transparency about who is paying for the ballroom or how contracts were awarded, Leubke said. Comments in support referenced concerns for the image of the United States on the world stage and the need for a larger entertaining space at the White House.

Trump has defended the ballroom in a recent series of social media posts that included drawings of the building. He said in one January post that most of the material needed to build it had been ordered “and there is no practical or reasonable way to go back. IT IS TOO LATE!”

The commission met Thursday over Zoom and heard from Shalom Baranes, the lead architect, and Rick Parisi, the landscape architect. Both described a series of images and sketches of the ballroom and the grounds as they would appear after the project is completed.

Trump has said the ballroom would cost about $400 million and be paid for with private donations. To date, the White House has only released an incomplete list of donors.

A lawsuit against the project is still pending

The National Trust for Historic Preservation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-sued-preservationists-76dc3bbea28257e79f8becd487d2c4d7">has sued</a>&nbsp;in federal court to halt construction. A ruling in the case is pending.

In comments it submitted to the commission, the privately funded group recommended that the size of the ballroom be reduced to “accommodate and respect the primary historic importance of the original Executive Residence.”

At&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ballroom-white-house-east-wing-48c6630d2e81adad1793e25f8e447117">the commission's January meeting</a>, some commissioners had questioned Baranes, Trump's architect, about the “immense” design and scale of the project even as they broadly endorsed Trump's vision. On Thursday, Baranes described changes he has since made to the design, and the commissioners said they welcomed the adjustments.

The ballroom project is scheduled for additional discussion at a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top White House aide. This panel heard an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-white-house-ballroom-commission-review-3dd5e3c1b2475d1f39843b9193572576">initial presentation about the project</a>&nbsp;in January.

This story has been corrected to reflect that the ballroom was approved by six of the seven commissioners and that one commission did not vote because he was the initial architect on the project.

 Commission OKs Trump's White House ballroom plan

WASHINGTON&nbsp;–&nbsp;On Wednesday,&nbsp;U.S. Senator Roger&nbsp;Marshall, M.D. praised President Trump’s nominations of Kansas Bureau of Investigations Director Tony Mattivi, Great Bend Attorney Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, and Kansas Solicitor General Anthony J. Powell as judges on the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.

“President Trump has selected three exceptional Kansans who bring to the bench deep legal experience, strong judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law,”&nbsp;said Senator&nbsp;Marshall.&nbsp;“Tony Mattivi’s career as a federal prosecutor and as a leader in the fight against terrorism, violent crime, and drug trafficking speaks volumes about the depth of his expertise; Jeff Kuhlman’s experience clerking for Federal judges and representing Kansas communities demonstrate his strong commitment to our State; and Anthony Powell’s decades of service as a legislator, judge and now Kansas Solicitor General exemplify his steadfast commitment to justice and public service. While there were many options from which to choose, these three Kansans will bring a rare depth of professional experience to the District Court, ensuring that justice is served and our constitutional principles are steadfastly upheld.

“These nominees understand the Constitution, respect the law as written, and have dedicated their careers to serving and protecting Kansans. I’m grateful to President Trump for selecting such highly qualified individuals, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to confirm them swiftly.”

President Trump nominates KBI Director for vacancy on U.S. District Court

The weather allowed both ground and aerial firefighting efforts to make good progress containing the fires in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle on Wednesday, according to&nbsp;Mark Engholm,&nbsp;State Fire Marshal of Kansas.

On Thursday, the state has also pre-positioned a task force in southeast Kansas due to forecast Red Flag conditions.

State Fire Marshal: Good progress on containing wildfires in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas sheriff's office detective will be in court Thursday. Shawn McMahon, 57, will attend a preliminary hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Rousch, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; The judge will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

In December 2024, the Wichita Police Department was requested to investigate the conduct of a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children’s Unit who allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate criminal complaints while serving on a task force investigating internet crimes involving children.

Investigators from the WPD’s Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) carried out the investigation, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

As a result, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office charged Detective Shawn McMahon with two counts of Making a False Writing and one count of Interference with Law Enforcement. All of these charges are felonies.&nbsp;McMahon is currently suspended without pay.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. sheriff's detective charged with felony crimes

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Last week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed House Substitute for Senate Bill 244 that requires those who use bathrooms in government buildings use the bathroom that match their biological sex at birth.   

 On February 18, the Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding the overriding of her veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244:

“As I said in my&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F920%2F55/1/0101019c71ebbca5-d080fc2d-91aa-4ca4-b5ce-faac5e5be697-000000/bAgEqd529f51Of2UCTGhmeXJPzQ2oP3HwC59m2beqIs=445">veto statement</a>, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences.

“Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem. Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

What Kan. governor said after her veto of bathroom bill  was overridden

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein-linked allegations

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.

Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.

Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

🎥KCPD officers rescue woman from drowning 

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.

As has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”

The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:

1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.

2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer states

that polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.

The political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. 

Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.

Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.

Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”

There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.

There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter. 

DA rules on criminal intent in Wichita sales tax mailer 

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas man Tuesday afternoon for an alleged child sex offense.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit arrested Charles K. VanCamp, 26, in Topeka. VanCamp was arrested for a charge of criminal sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

On Dec. 18, 2025, KBI agents executed a search warrant at VanCamp’s residence after receiving a cyber-tip that was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Evidence was seized from the residence.

Following his arrest VanCamp was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against VanCamp are expected.

KBI: Cyber-tip led to arrest of Kansas man for child sex crimes

🎧🏀 HutchCC Sweeps Colby, KU downs Cowboys, Shockers win on the road in 2OT

FINAL: No. 17 Hutchinson women 50, Colby 42 FINAL: Hutchinson men 75, Colby 71

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC vs. Colby

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) — TJ Williams scored 27 points, including the game-winning layup with 22 seconds remaining in double overtime, to lead Wichita State over East Carolina 92-89 on Wednesday.

Williams added eight rebounds for the Shockers (17-10, 9-5 American Athletic Conference). Kenyon Giles scored 24 points and added five rebounds. Karon Boyd shot 5 of 15 from the field to finish with 13 points, to go with eight rebounds.

Jordan Riley led the Pirates (9-17, 4-9) in scoring, finishing with 40 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. East Carolina also got 16 points and three blocks from Giovanni Emejuru. Demitri Gardner had 14 points.

Giles put up 11 points in the first half for Wichita State, who led 37-33 at halftime. Wichita State was outscored by four points in the second half as the teams ended regulation tied 69-69. Williams paced Wichita State with seven points in double overtime, including the game-winner.

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