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 unit block of North Main on the west side.

The building at 25 N. Main was born a bank and insurance company in 1883, called James F. Redhead &amp; Co.

In 1892, Nathan J. Eby established the Monarch Billiard Parlor there. The first photo shows the billiard parlor during the 1903 flood.

By 1913, N.J. Eby partnered with L.A. Meece for a pool and barber shop there.

In 1922, Meece had taken over and partnered with Alfred Noonan to make it the Monarch Cigar Co. The second photo shows the Monarch Cigars, Billiards &amp; Tobacco Co. during the 1929 flood when Meece was partnered with Ernest Gilpin.

The business continued there until about 1940 when it moved to 3 S. Main St.

In the 1970s, this location was Wiley's Carpets. The third photo shows that in 1975.

In the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, this location was Self Service Drugs. The fourth photo shows this in 1988.

After Self Service, it became Fraese Drug as seen in the fifth photo in 2012.

In 2017, James Manges established The Hickory Stik barbecue restaurant here. The sixth photo shows the 25 N. Main business today, still The Hickory Stik, but managed by new partner Aaron Bruce. The building is still owned by Jerry and Nan Hawver.

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: 25 N. Main - Vol. 137

A Hutchinson man has been arrested following a disturbing incident that left a woman hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle.

According to the Hutchinson Police Department, officers responded at 9:01 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, to the 300 block of East 3rd Avenue after a passing motorist reported a female pedestrian had been hit while walking on the sidewalk.

When officers arrived, they found the injured woman, who was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center with visible injuries.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect known to the victim. Police arrested 41-year-old Jeffrey L. McCaskey of Hutchinson on a charge of Attempted First-Degree Homicide.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have witnessed the disturbance in the area of East 3rd Avenue, or who may have surveillance cameras capturing activity, is urged to contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, local law enforcement, or Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the P3Tips App or by texting RENOKS to 738477.

Police ask that anyone providing information reference case number 2025-35883.

Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder 

 Local historian and collector Steve Harmon has built a reputation for unearthing rare photographs and films of Hutchinson’s past, and one of his most prized finds traces back to Evel Knievel’s legendary 1971 motorcycle jump at the Kansas State Fair.

Harmon, who shares weekly history features through his Throwback Thursday series, said the collection started about a decade ago when he was handed a set of professional Jim Morris photographs of the stunt. “I was stunned,” Harmon recalled. “They weren’t just snapshots from the stands — these were staff-quality prints from the Hutchinson News photographer who captured the jump from start to finish.”

The archive grew through chance connections and trades. Harmon later connected with Mike Patterson, owner of the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, and exchanged photos for additional images from the museum’s Hutchinson exhibit. Most recently, Harmon swapped digitized 8mm film reels with Patterson, each containing rare footage of the jump from different angles and moments.

“It’s always a win-win,” Harmon said. “You share what you have, and suddenly both collections are stronger.”

That spirit of collaboration also extended locally, when Hutchinson resident Greg Payton converted his own family’s 8mm footage of the jump into a digital format and donated a copy to Harmon’s archive.

In August, Harmon featured the photos and film in a Throwback Thursday post, giving Hutch Post readers a chance to relive one of the Kansas State Fair’s most talked-about moments.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fdb90e4d-acec-4951-9aa1-8de848f1398b">LINK:&nbsp;📷 Throwback Thursday: Knievel's Jump - Vol. 129</a>

Looking ahead, Harmon said the key to preserving history is not only collecting but also protecting digital files for the next generation. He recommends backing up photos in multiple places and sticking to formats like JPEG for efficiency or TIFF for high-resolution archiving.

For those with old photos or film reels, Harmon encourages reaching out. “Sometimes people don’t realize the treasures they have in their attics or closets,” he said. “But once they’re shared, they become part of Hutchinson’s story.”

Throwback Thursday: Preserving history

Newton Police and Fire/EMS are assisting in the investigation of an exploded device found Thursday morning in the 1500 block of North Anderson. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and ATF are on-scene.

At around 5:20 a.m. Newton Police responded to a report of shots fired in the area but found no evidence. At around 10:25 a.m., a cyclist reported what appeared to be an exploded homemade device in the street.

North Anderson is closed to traffic between 15th Street and Terrace Drive. Investigators expect to remove the device and reopen the street by 3 p.m.

Newton Police investigating exploded device

Life on the farm has never been easy. Long hours, unpredictable weather and volatile markets are part of the job, but in recent years, wheat growers and farmers across the country have faced a wave of challenges that go beyond the fields. Rising debt, shrinking margins and isolation have placed enormous strain on rural families. Tragically, farm organizations, including the National Association of Wheat Growers, have reported an increase in suicides among producers, often younger growers without the financial cushion to withstand the hardships of modern agriculture.

Farming is more than an occupation; it is a way of life. But it is also one of the most stressful professions in America. Studies show suicide rates among farmers are two to five times higher than the national average. At the same time, rural communities often lack adequate mental health services, leaving producers to carry their burdens alone.

National surveys reveal that three out of four rural adults believe reducing stigma around mental health is critical. Yet cultural barriers, especially the perception that asking for help is a weakness, continue to silence conversations. For too long, resilience has been defined only as pushing through. True resilience also means recognizing when support is needed.

Building Awareness and Reducing Stigma

Farm groups, nonprofits and mental health advocates are working to break that silence. Campaigns like Farm State of Mind from the American Farm Bureau Federation, Rural Minds and Stigma-Free Mental Health are providing resources tailored to the agricultural community. These efforts emphasize that seeking help is not a failure but an act of strength.

“Your wellness is a key to your farm’s wellness; stress management is a business strategy,” said Sarah Gideon, executive director of Health Innovations Network of Kansas Inc. “More than ever before, we have to look out for one another, to have those hard conversations when we notice changes in our friends and community members.”

Gideon added that resources are available locally, regionally and across the state, and no one should feel they have to manage alone.

Social media has become a valuable tool in spreading the message. Simple posts reminding neighbors that help is just a call away through the 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline, or pointing to resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, make a difference in connecting farmers to support.

For farmers and rural residents, support is closer than it may seem. The following organizations and programs offer confidential assistance, education and crisis intervention: •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline - 24/7 free and confidential support: <a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lgn3WKPuAW4MfpBP3UfK_i6rrZ146odpoZckWhYSZOgGoG3M2SiXZQ7NfgkttOfCBtwPrngeBXKXBk2KbUNi_FNxCvZG7KLwfLutDL4vBYi8G07UXSa1aGGRF7hM4jBdKlhWfAlMab9nxNU8nTVb_zpfTUU3NfXf&amp;c=MxUj8Fi3ecZYkPyKOqeaZy5jUaJJ4P4pRD3hrFjlvUwE2eVOlkzh_Q==&amp;ch=zdc1-zw3T9qSvMXh-d3cwl_ttvZiC3cr7SlcgixMIdtnGBNbE8Ug5w==">988lifeline.org</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp; Rural Minds&nbsp;- dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma in rural communities:&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lgn3WKPuAW4MfpBP3UfK_i6rrZ146odpoZckWhYSZOgGoG3M2SiXZQ7NfgkttOfC5bJvtwAxlPshQZvUsb34P_qvxf9NSm22BJJW786ArU7OxqAGBZ7c-7k2ujOL0esuhsBMas02LHWbU7NZVlmeo59CEjTWqsmG&amp;c=MxUj8Fi3ecZYkPyKOqeaZy5jUaJJ4P4pRD3hrFjlvUwE2eVOlkzh_Q==&amp;ch=zdc1-zw3T9qSvMXh-d3cwl_ttvZiC3cr7SlcgixMIdtnGBNbE8Ug5w==">ruralminds.org</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - nationwide network for mental health education and advocacy: <a href="http://nami.org">nami.org</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Farm State of Mind - American Farm Bureau Federation: <a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lgn3WKPuAW4MfpBP3UfK_i6rrZ146odpoZckWhYSZOgGoG3M2SiXZQ7NfgkttOfCx_v2PXgkNHZO5tUZpAudsjJStO-9WMz5Hy7ihWUOrkqx7jJJ3NfJCkeYrTaNYky7BkGAYHqejxYLfYfs4gtehSZq1YdwJFYpyhIFcLuEWwgAmJmGSi2VcUakVJpBvmW0&amp;c=MxUj8Fi3ecZYkPyKOqeaZy5jUaJJ4P4pRD3hrFjlvUwE2eVOlkzh_Q==&amp;ch=zdc1-zw3T9qSvMXh-d3cwl_ttvZiC3cr7SlcgixMIdtnGBNbE8Ug5w==">fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;AgriSafe Network - health and safety resources for farm families: <a href="http://agrisafe.org">agrisafe.or</a>g •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Farm Aid - support services and emergency assistance: <a href="http://farmaid.org">farmaid.org</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Farm Family Wellness Alliance: <a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lgn3WKPuAW4MfpBP3UfK_i6rrZ146odpoZckWhYSZOgGoG3M2SiXZQ7NfgkttOfC7Ont9BiuJeUNMXdFpNLcH8Rzxe5TaGP9KJtF2kJ5MELg4jf0j9THp3ZJjMQYTCR-QtLQaNZe2t21cNMWQf48dUS8gj1x9kOO&amp;c=MxUj8Fi3ecZYkPyKOqeaZy5jUaJJ4P4pRD3hrFjlvUwE2eVOlkzh_Q==&amp;ch=zdc1-zw3T9qSvMXh-d3cwl_ttvZiC3cr7SlcgixMIdtnGBNbE8Ug5w==">farmfamilywellness.com</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Rural Health Information Hub: <a href="http://ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer-mental-health">ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer-mental-health</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;American Soybean Association #SoyHelp: <a href="http://soygrowers.com/soyhelp-national-resources-info">soygrowers.com/soyhelp-national-resources-info</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ag-Aware behavioral health providers: <a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas">https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas</a> •&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Local providers within our service region in northeast Kansas: <a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lgn3WKPuAW4MfpBP3UfK_i6rrZ146odpoZckWhYSZOgGoG3M2SiXZQ7NfgkttOfCiFSXWHTF0mQXVjhpo8yMvbPngfE2ZeYjDkDZzErz4DvCxvHZDsESE92-0bLcna_965BeHphUYBBoKEFm2QFe5GhYYkb5HkSqQU0E96nx6qablk-FaDEa-slMSvDvKavxHRwIzNp5QPQ8opUqc5tkRbuKNu0JGFfyEqcKluQIDJQPKW6CzUZuKO6Y9ftgyDB9fXuLTqaBe5mtDhHuTEf9-MBWDZ9O8SGVV6kkm_vyih_hOJsoZgS7gZnZnJc-wW-2uqaWfjPR5s2XJvfIMQFxcqWykMzfg2rIuES-fIcOQeI4cQfpoP72CLCjTtS1OzNKZSyRlG7FziW-5N3FFy6IU-KKrYfRr5X4CJliMDN7s-TfAETQXMgGfExPe9n3Aykmrq8yq2YaQefgzl6WPnmq0TEZsfp8yg_UUp66DNCfP3o-3gDXMUMOwfZKQef5qfUc&amp;c=MxUj8Fi3ecZYkPyKOqeaZy5jUaJJ4P4pRD3hrFjlvUwE2eVOlkzh_Q==&amp;ch=zdc1-zw3T9qSvMXh-d3cwl_ttvZiC3cr7SlcgixMIdtnGBNbE8Ug5w==">https://www.healthinnovationsnetworkofkansas.org/hink-spin </a>

Every conversation helps. Whether it is checking in on a neighbor, sharing resources online or reminding a friend they are not alone, small actions can save lives. Reducing stigma and building awareness is a community effort and one that rural America cannot afford to ignore.

Farming will always come with challenges, but no one should have to carry the weight of those challenges alone. As Gideon put it, “If you don’t ask the hard questions, who will?”

If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 to connect with immediate help.

Breaking the silence: Mental health in farming communities

The countdown is on, with just eight days to go until the 2025 Kansas State Fair kicks off in Hutchinson. Fair General Manager Brian Schulz says preparations are well underway as vendors, exhibits, and entertainment begin to move onto the grounds.&nbsp;

“We’ve been out making sure everything is ready,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “People are starting to move in, and for safety reasons, we’ve closed the grounds to walkers during setup. With big trucks, combines, tractors, and other large items coming in, it’s just too dangerous.”&nbsp;

Schulz&nbsp;highlighted this year’s lineup of free entertainment, much of it featuring Kansas talent. Acts will perform at venues across the fairgrounds, including the Lowen Stage at Lake Talbott, the newly upgraded People’s Bank and Trust Arena with a permanent canopy, and Gottschalk Park. Local performers include Derby’s America’s Got Talent runner-up and Ella Wellman of Sterling, now a K-State student.&nbsp;

Vendors are also making their return. Most booths are held year-to-year, with waiting lists for new spots. The fair takes care to avoid placing direct competitors side by side. Schulz&nbsp;noted that equipment displays remain a highlight, connecting new generations with Kansas’ agricultural roots.&nbsp;

“We’re five to seven generations removed from the family farm,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said. “For many young people, this is their first chance to see a combine or tractor up close.”&nbsp;

This year’s grandstand shows feature a wide variety of acts:&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Sam Barber and Adriana&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Jeff Dunham&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Josh Turner with Jason Scott and the High Heat&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday: Demolition Derby&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Tuesday: Fair Fight Pro Wrestling •&nbsp; &nbsp;Wednesday: Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller (Christian Night)&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Thursday: Hairball&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Friday: Ludacris&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Saturday: Plain White T’s with The Fray&nbsp; •&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday: Lorrie Morgan with Mason Ramsey&nbsp;

One sweet tradition is also making a comeback. The Kansas State Fair Foundation will be selling official saltwater taffy as a fundraiser. The taffy, absent in recent years, will be available at the merchandise booth near the interactive fountain and at the 1861 Club.&nbsp;

Alongside staple fair foods like Pronto Pups and roasted corn, new items this year include fried brownie bites, pulled pork corn dogs, pineapple smoothies, and firecracker wontons.&nbsp;

Advance ticket packages are still available, including kids, seniors, and couple’s night bundles.&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;recommends purchasing early, as prices increase once the fair begins. Adults will be $10 at the gate, while kids 6–12 are $6, and seniors $6.&nbsp;

The Kansas State Fair app has also been updated, offering visitors maps, schedules, food locations, and event reminders. “It’ll be your best friend during the fair,”&nbsp;Schulz&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

The fair opens Friday, September 5, with gates at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the People’s Bank and Trust Arena, where a ribbon-cutting will also be held for the new canopy.&nbsp;

The fair runs for 10 days, bringing back a mix of tradition and new experiences for Kansans of all ages.&nbsp;

Schulz talks State Fair preps

The Reno County Public Works Department on Thursday said that the Sun City Road bridge between K-14 Highway and Valley Pride Road is closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The closure began on Aug. 28, and the bridge will be closed until further notice.&nbsp;

This repair is being necessitated because of damage due to flooding.&nbsp;

Flooding damage closes Reno County bridge 

The Reno County Board of Commissioners worked through a packed agenda on Wednesday.

National Recovery Month Proclamation

Health educators Thomas Simmons and Gary Race, joined by members of the Reno Recovery Collaborative, presented a proclamation declaring September 2025 as National Recovery Month. 

The proclamation acknowledges the toll of substance misuse on families, schools, and workplaces while highlighting the importance of resilience and recovery services. The board unanimously approved the measure, reinforcing the county’s support for local recovery networks involving health providers, social services, law enforcement, and Oxford Houses.

Commissioners also approved the low bid from MBC Construction for the remodel of EMS Station 2 in Hutchinson. 

MBC’s base bid came in at $570,000, with the total project cost estimated at $659,600 once additional expenses are factored in. Funding will come from the county’s Reserve Fund, and the project is currently under permitting review with the City of Hutchinson.

A second addendum to the county’s grant agreement with the United Way of Reno County was also approved unanimously. 

The addendum provides $367,230 in upfront funding for the Kids Collective Project, part of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) childcare expansion efforts. Officials said the funding structure will ease financial strain on United Way and allow more effective rollout of new childcare services.

On the economic development front, instructed county staff to write a letter of intent outlining incentive payments supporting ADE Wifco Steel Products, Inc. in its planned facility expansion. 

The company expects to add 20 new jobs over the next year, with starting wages at $21 an hour, bolstered by new laser and welding technology investments. Incentives will be provided through the county’s job performance grant program.

Special Parks &amp; Recreation Fund Policy

Finally, the board reviewed a proposed policy for the county’s Special Parks &amp; Recreation Fund, which is supported by liquor tax revenues. The policy outlines eligibility standards and funding priorities for projects such as playgrounds, trails, outdoor classrooms, community gardens, and wellness initiatives, with a focus on equitable access for communities outside Hutchinson. 

After discussion, staff were directed to prepare a formal resolution for consideration and approval at the next county commission meeting.

The next Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Sept. 10, in the Veteran's Room of the Reno County Courthouse.&nbsp;

County Commission approves EMS remodel bid 

Somebody's buying it... but who?&nbsp; &nbsp;

Indiana farmland prices are hitting record highs this year, even though crop prices are extremely low.&nbsp; The average price of top-quality farm ground hit $14,826 dollars an acre.&nbsp;

That's a three percent increase from just one year ago.&nbsp; This is interesting.&nbsp; Purdue University did the math, and farmland rent per bushel of corn was $1.32.&nbsp; The cash price for corn is running around four dollars.&nbsp; 

This study didn't specify if it was farmers or investors that was buying the farmland.&nbsp;

Ag Minute: Farmland prices

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. ——————————————

Jeremia	Dean	Palmer		8/27/2025 8:28&nbsp;AM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Matthew	Douglas	Brooks		8/27/2025 12:07&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order,					Probation Violation

Freddy	Alexander	Morales		8/27/2025 4:05&nbsp;PM	Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm

Robert	Leonard	Hill		8/27/2025 4:12&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Ciera	Calais	Mead		8/27/2025 8:41&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Richard	Paul	Hinderliter	Jr	8/27/2025 9:00&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Danielle	Janelle Ranae L	Demoret		8/27/2025 9:09&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

John	Robert	Brown		8/28/2025 4:38&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

Daily Bookings 

Drivers in Harvey County should plan ahead for a temporary closure this week as the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) continues work on the 36th Street bridge replacement.

KDOT officials announced that both northbound and southbound off-ramps from Interstate 135 to 36th Street will be closed on Friday, August 29, beginning at 5 a.m. The ramps are expected to reopen by 3 p.m., weather permitting.

The closure is necessary to accommodate ongoing construction activities tied to the replacement of the 36th Street bridge, a project aimed at improving safety and extending the life of the corridor.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, use alternate routes, and exercise caution when navigating through work zones.

For more information and real-time updates on state highway projects, drivers can visit <a href="http://www.kandrive.org">www.kandrive.org</a> or follow KDOT on social media.

K-Dot to close ramps as part of bridge replacement project

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 7:30 August 25, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a white 2020 Dodge Charger with an expired license plate near NW Grant Street and NW Jackson Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, a K-9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.&nbsp; Deputies arrested 27-year-old Rachael R. Ratzloff of Topeka on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Vehicles; operate a vehicle without registration or with an expired tag and Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license

Kansas woman without driver's license caught transporting drugs

LYON COUNTY —A switch that malfunctioned is being blamed for triggering an active shooter alarm on Thursday.

Just before 4:30p.m. the Emporia Police Department received a report of an active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health, 1201 W 12th Avenue in&nbsp; Emporia, according to Police Captain Ray Mattas.

Officers from the Emporia Police Department responded and law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the hospital and adjacent medical facilities for approximately two hours. No evidence of a shooter or any threat was found.

Further investigation revealed that the alarm was triggered by a malfunctioning emergency switch.

In addition to Emporia Police, personnel from the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia State University Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, responded promptly to the scene. The Emporia Fire Department also provided support.

The Emporia Police Department extended its gratitude to all responding agencies and the staff at Newman Regional Health for their cooperation and swift action in resolving this incident. The safety and security of our community remain our top priority.

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement in Emporia responded to an active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health, 1201 West 12 Street in Emporia, according to police spokesperson Christine Torrens. 

Officers thoroughly searched the premises, and it appears to be an alarm only — no active threat was identified.

Police asked the public continue to use caution in the area they remained on scene.

Police detail what caused active shooter alarm at hospital in Emporia

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas woman who called 911 to report shooting her son in October of 2024 was scheduled to attend a plea hearing on Thursday in Judge Eric Williams courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;Last week, Tesha Florence, 46, pleaded no contest to charges of second degree murder,&nbsp; aggravated assault and aggravated burglary, according to the District Attorney's office.

On October 9, 2025, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">&nbsp;Florence,</a>&nbsp;the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Florence will be sentenced October 17, according to the district attorney's office.

Mother enters plea in shooting death of her 16-year-old son

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-fed-governor-trump-firing-211c3db1a5082d46449f26b865fde850">Lisa Cook</a>&nbsp;has sued the Trump administration in an effort to overturn the president’s attempt to fire her, launching an unprecedented legal battle that could significantly reshape the Fed’s longstanding political independence.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270/gov.uscourts.dcd.284270.1.0_17.pdf">Click here to read the lawsuit</a>

The lawsuit seeks an emergency injunction to block her firing and “confirm her status” as a member of the Fed's governing board.

“The President’s effort to terminate a Senate-confirmed Federal Reserve Board member is a broadside attack on the century-old independence of the Federal Reserve System,” Cook's lawyer, Abbe David Lowell, wrote in a court filing.

The case could become a turning point for the 112-year old Federal Reserve, which was designed by Congress to be insulated from day-to-day political influence. Economists prefer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-powell-trump-independence-5c2ec1a37dc4aca6a59544f8b4513a45">independent central banks</a>&nbsp;because they can more easily take unpopular measures, such as lifting interest rates to combat inflation, than elected officials can.

The case was assigned to Judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. A hearing was scheduled for Friday.

Many economists worry that if the Fed falls under the control of the White House, it will keep its key interest rate lower than justified by economic fundamentals to satisfy Trump's demands for cheaper borrowing. That could accelerate inflation and could also push up longer-term interest rates, such as those on mortgages and car loans. Investors may demand a higher yield to own bonds to offset greater inflation in the future, lifting borrowing costs throughout the economy.

“If Cook wins, she stays in place and we achieve some semblance of stability," said Peter Conti-Brown, a professor of financial regulation at the University of Pennsylvania and Fed historian in a Substack post. "If she loses ... that’s the end of Fed independence as it has been constructed and reconstructed over 112 years.”

If Trump can replace Cook, he may be able to gain a 4-3 majority on the Fed’s governing board. Trump appointed two board members during his first term and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-miran-794df2cd9d33b327bf3b836a553dd5ef">has nominated</a>&nbsp;a key White House economic adviser, Stephen Miran, to replace&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fed-reserve-trump-kugler-powell-332a2e185ca8bbe695c78b0c5a1eb73b">Adriana Kugler</a>, another Fed governor who stepped down unexpectedly Aug. 1. Trump has said he will only appoint people to the Fed who will support lower rates.

No president has sought to fire a Fed governor before until Trump posted a letter on media&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-lisa-cook-trump-6fca3d2fbb54ba204cc91398e6a7b020">late Monday saying that Cook was fired</a>. Trump said the reason for her removal were allegations that she committed mortgage fraud in 2021, before she was appointed to the board. Most observers expect the case to end up at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has signaled that the president can’t fire Fed officials over policy differences, but can do so “for cause,” typically meaning misconduct or neglect of duty. Cook has not been charged with any crime.

The lawsuit argues that the allegations don't involve misconduct by Cook while in office and haven't been proven. Cook should also have been given a chance to answer the charges, the suit says.

“The unsubstantiated and unproven allegation that Governor Cook ‘potentially’ erred in filling out a mortgage form prior to her Senate confirmation—does not amount to ‘cause,’” the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit also denies the charges against Cook, without providing supporting detail.

“Neither the type of ‘offense’ the President cited nor the threadbare evidence against Governor Cook would constitute 'cause' for removal even if the President’s allegations were true—which they are not,” the lawsuit said.

The president’s decision comes as he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-federal-reserve-4821bb5d0baa9980c4c69ab26fab3ab4">repeatedly attacked</a>&nbsp;Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the other members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee for not cutting the short-term interest rate they control more quickly. It currently stands at 4.3%, after Fed policymakers reduced it by a full percentage point late last year. Trump has said he thinks it should be as low as 1.3%, a level that no Fed official and few economists support.

The suit argues that the allegations of mortgage fraud are simply a pretext to fire Cook because she hasn't voted to lower interest rates: “The mortgage allegations against her are pretextual, in order to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

“The President cannot rely on brute force or clever shortcuts to circumvent Congress to bend the institution to his will,” Lowell wrote in a request for an emergency order blocking the firing. “History provides no sanction for an attempt to short-circuit ‘for cause’ removal protections by conjuring up unfounded allegations of past wrongdoing.

The lawsuit also seeks to block the Federal Reserve from accepting the firing and asks the court to require the Fed and Powell to “treat Governor Cook as a member of the Board of Governors.”

Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank was leaning toward cutting its rate at its next meeting Sept. 16-17. Still, it's likely that the Fed will cut its key rate more slowly than Trump wants, and perhaps to as low as 3.25% or so — higher than Trump would prefer.

Cook is the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lisa-cook-federal-reserve-firing-trump-dei-4fdbb4af653bcca7b6fb0432166b44f3">first Black woman</a>&nbsp;to serve as a governor. She was a Marshall Scholar and received degrees from Oxford University and Spelman College, and prior to joining the board she taught at Michigan State University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Read the lawsuit: Fed official sues Trump over attempt to fire her

Wall Street notched more milestones Thursday after gains in technology stocks helped push the market to another all-time high.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.3%, lifting the benchmark index to its second record high in a row. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reversed an early slide and gained 0.2%, enough to move past its record high set last Friday.

The Nasdaq composite closed 0.5% higher, finishing just short of its all-time high set two weeks ago.

About 55% of the companies in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 closed lower, but gains in the technology and communication services sectors offset losses elsewhere in the market. Broadcom rose 2.8%, Amazon added 1.1% and Google parent Alphabet finished 2% higher.

“We’re seeing a continuation of a theme that has been in place really all year long, and that is communication services, information technology, really the areas that are surrounding this incredible capital expenditure cycle, have been the primary beneficiaries,” said Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Asset Management.

Heading into the final day of trading in August, the S&amp;P 500 and Dow were on pace for their fourth straight monthly gain, while the Nasdaq was closing in on its fifth.

The market's latest gains came as traders pored over a mixed batch of earnings reports from big U.S. companies and new reports on the job market and U.S. economy.

Tech giant Nvidia fell 0.8% a day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nvidia-artificial-intelligence-boom-bubble-42657a49554bf35fb12fdf48c02287d2">reporting quarterly earnings and revenue</a>&nbsp;that beat Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, though the company noted that sales of its artificial intelligence chipsets rose at a slower pace than analysts anticipated.

Investors consider Nvidia a barometer for the strength of the boom in artificial intelligence because the company makes most of the chips that power the technology. Its heavy weighting also gives Nvidia outsized influence as a bellwether for the broader market.

Shares in several retailers fell following their latest quarterly results.

Best Buy dropped 3.7% after the consumer electronics chain's second-quarter snapshot was overshadowed by an outlook clouded due to the tariffs the U.S. is imposing on trading partners.

Despite also posting better-than-expected quarterly results, Urban Outfitters slid 10.7% after the retailer warned that it expects tariffs will increase pressure on its gross margins in the second half of the year.

Dick’s Sporting Goods fell 4.8% despite reporting second-quarter results that beat analysts' expectations.

Victoria’s Secret &amp; Co. gave up an early gain and closed 0.5% lower.

Burlington Stores bucked the trend. The retail chain climbed 5.3% after its latest earnings topped analysts’ estimates.

Elsewhere in the market, Spam maker Hormel sank 13.1% for the biggest decline among S&amp;P 500 companies after its earnings fell short of Wall Street’s forecasts and the company cut its outlook for the year.

Traders also had their eye on new government reports on the job market and economy.

The Labor Department reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-jobs-unemployment-tariffs-consumer-spending-bd496163bf386a3fabaaa6d1b6db06ff">applications for unemployment benefits fell last week</a>, the latest sign that employers are holding onto their workers even as the economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-trump-gdp-tariffs-inflation-trade-28a0da24c803c4796eb32704cd0244cc">has slowed</a>.

The most recent government data suggests hiring has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-federal-reserve-68a15f89d68793a6cf88a522ff33246c">slowed sharply</a>&nbsp;since this spring.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported that U.S. gross domestic product —- the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economygdp-f2f3c1a5401124fdee31ca02a1daa4b6">nation’s output of goods and services — grew at a 3.3% annual pace in the April-June quarter</a>&nbsp;after shrinking 0.5% in the first three months of this year due to the fallout from the Trump administration’s trade wars.

“The GDP print reinforces the fact that this continues to be an economy, domestically, that is continuing to show a great deal of resilience in terms of producing economic growth,” Northey said.

Still, the sluggishness in the job market is a key reason that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">signaled last week</a>&nbsp;that the central bank may cut its key interest rate at its meeting next month.

Lower rates can boost investment prices and the economy by making it cheaper for U.S. households and businesses to borrow, but they risk worsening inflation.

Traders are still betting the Fed will trim its benchmark interest rate at its next meeting in September. Traders see an 85.3% chance that the central bank will cut the rate by a quarter of a percentage point, according to data from CME Group.

Friday will bring another update on inflation: the U.S. personal consumption expenditures index. Economists expect it to show that inflation remained at about 2.6% in July, compared with a year ago. Businesses have been warning investors and consumers about higher costs and prices because of tariffs.

Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.21% from 4.24% late Wednesday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for Federal Reserve action, rose to 3.63% from 3.62%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 20.46 points to 6,501.86. The Dow added 71.67 points to 45,636.90, and the Nasdaq gained 115.02 points to close at 21,705.16.

Stocks add to their records on Wall Street

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

OVERLAND PARK — Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman pushed for deepening relationships and maintaining international growth opportunities for Kansas farmers at a meeting of state political and agricultural leaders Wednesday.&nbsp;

Glickman and U.S. Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids spoke about the effects of tariffs and federal policies on Kansas farmers during a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition luncheon. The event was closed to journalists, but Glickman shared thoughts on the current political climate afterward.&nbsp;

“My theory is pretty much don’t burn bridges, build bridges,” he said. “I got along very well with (Pat) Roberts, (Bob) Dole, (Nancy) Kassebaum. We didn’t try to kill each other.”

Glickman, a Democrat, said Dole, a longtime Republican senator, helped him get the position as secretary of agriculture, which he held from 1995 to 2001 during the Clinton administration.&nbsp;

Politicians need to be able to reach across the aisle and have open discussions and agreements, Glickman said.&nbsp;

“I hope we can create an environment where there’s trust in the system of government generally, because it’s not just agriculture, it’s everything,” he said. “And then we have some predictability in foreign policy, federal farm policy.”

He would also like to see Republicans stand up to the president, something he said he had to do when he served under Clinton.&nbsp;

“I’d like to see the Republicans show more courage and moxie in challenging the president – on the federal side, not so much on the Kansas side – when they think he’s wrong,” Glickman said. “It’s difficult to challenge a president if you’re in their party. When I would say to Clinton, ‘I think you’re wrong,’ I would do it very deliberately but still, I would do it at times, and I don’t see very much happening like that.”

National reports that legislators fear retaliation if they speak up aren’t good, Glickman said.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it’s healthy for democracy. You know, you’ve got to be able to speak out responsibly,” he said.

Building relationships extends beyond domestic politics, and Glickman is concerned international relationships may be impaired because of the way tariffs are being negotiated. He’s not against tariffs in general, he said, but he’s concerned about future trade effects.

“I’ve never been a purist on tariffs and trade,” he said. “I mean, there are some countries that abuse their relationships with us, and that’s why you have tariff agreements and trade agreements, to build those things in there so one country can’t take advantage of another by being too self protective.”&nbsp;

But Glickman said the way trade barriers are being implemented concerns him. Historically, international policies involved collaboration between Congress and the private sector to determine the best way to proceed, he said.

“Because when you put your finger on one set of problems, if you’re not careful, you’re going to create another set of problems,” Glickman said. “Agriculture has often been the whipping boy for those other sets of problems, because of how much we rely on access to global markets. So I guess my real answer is, can we do this carefully, or do we have to do it with a sledgehammer?”

Right now, the country is relying too much on the sledgehammer, Glickman said.

Growth opportunities in agriculture lie in the international market, he said.&nbsp;

“The president said something when he announced the original set of tariffs – ‘American farmers are going to love this, because they can finally take advantage of domestic markets,’ and I’m thinking to myself, no, that’s not where the growth is,” Glickman said. “There’s not really much growth in domestic markets. There might be a little here, a little there. All the growth is global, and so maybe he doesn’t understand it.”

Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, attended the luncheon and agreed with Glickman.&nbsp;

“As Secretary Glickman mentioned, we are becoming less and less of a reliable trading partner to the world,” he said. “Anymore, we are a global market, and you know, you can be upset with another country because maybe they don’t do as much trade with you and all that, but I’ve always believed that the carrot versus the stick does a lot more good.”

Levendofsky said the potential of growing markets such as India are important to Kansas farmers.&nbsp;

“If China is shutting the door on us, we’ve got to find an opening somewhere,” he said. “And that, to me, right now speaks to India.”

Along with international trade, Glickman is watching the future of the Farm Bill. The reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July addressed some policies usually found in the Farm Bill, but it didn’t include all the elements that need to be addressed, he said.&nbsp;

A Farm Bill has not passed this year, and Glickman said expert assessments that this may be the beginning of creating a different process for agricultural legislation is “astute.”

“We’ve had in the last 40 or 50 years, these five-year farm bills,” he said. “But then lately, we’ve been having these extensions every year and with no real fundamental change.”

Recent legislation added $40 to $50 billion of new or enhanced programs over the next 10 years, and also addressed commodity programs, crop insurance and risk management, Glickman said.&nbsp;

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