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 East 2nd and North Walnut.

The Benevolent &amp; Protective Order of the Elks Club of Hutchinson was chartered in 1899.

In 1907, a $40,000 clubhouse was built at 117 N. Walnut. The first photo shows that building at opening.

It had great amenities for the time. A lavish lobby and many meeting rooms, a grill room and even a billiard room, which is shown in the fourth photo.

The structure was razed in 1960 and a new clubhouse was built on-site in 1961.

In 1971, the clubhouse was sold to Southwestern Bell and the Elks moved to 201 N. Van Buren. The property became the Corner Restaurant in 1972, but didn't last long. The building was vacant from 1973 to 1990.

On June 28, 1991, the building was sold to the Chamber of Commerce and remodeled for its offices. It has been there ever since. The fifth photo shows the 117 N. Walnut Chamber of Commerce offices today with a fresh mural painted on the north wall from Mindy's Murals promoting Hutch. The building also houses Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boys &amp; Girls Clubs and United Way offices.

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: Chamber - Vol. 142

Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) proudly announces that two of its allied health programs — the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology — have both received continuing accreditation from their respective national accrediting bodies.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has granted continuing accreditation to HutchCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, with the next evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2033.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA), has conferred continuing accreditation on the Surgical Technology program, with the next evaluation scheduled for 2035.

“These accreditations are a strong affirmation of the quality of our faculty, curriculum, and student outcomes,” said Tricia Paramore, Ph.D., President of Hutchinson Community College. “They demonstrate our continued commitment to preparing highly skilled professionals who are ready to meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities.”

Accreditation by ACEN and CAAHEP ensures that HutchCC programs meet rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student success. For students, accreditation provides confidence that their education is of the highest quality and often serves as a requirement for licensure and certification exams. For employers, it assures that HutchCC graduates are fully prepared to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Alison Casebolt, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing and Co-Chair of Allied Health, added: “This recognition underscores the dedication of our faculty and staff to student learning and professional excellence. Our graduates are well-prepared to provide outstanding care and leadership in healthcare settings across Kansas and beyond.”

Hutchinson Community College remains committed to expanding access to high-quality healthcare education and to fostering the next generation of nurses, surgical technologists, and allied health professionals.

HutchCC nursing and surgical technology programs earn continued accreditation

Oct. 4 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting day for Hutch Rec, with a full slate of community events ranging from races to concerts — and even a new four-legged competition.

Assistant Executive Director Amy Conklin says the Salt City 8K, 5K, and Family Fun Run will kick off Saturday, October 4, starting from the Salt City Splash parking lot. The race, which now features a unique 8K distance along the Jim Martinez Trail, is designed to offer runners a middle ground between the traditional 5K and longer 10K.

“We really weren’t seeing the interest in the 10K anymore,” Conklin said. “The 8K gives people something different — just under five miles — and you can still choose the 5K or a one-mile Family Fun Run.”

The morning races are scheduled just ahead of Hutch Brewfest, giving participants a chance to enjoy both events on the same day.

Adding to the festivities, Hutch Rec will host the community’s first-ever Dachshund Dash at 10 a.m. on October 4. Inspired by similar Oktoberfest traditions, the event will feature dachshunds racing a 100-foot dash.

“Mayor Stacey Goss actually suggested the idea, and our marketing team has had a lot of fun with it,” Conklin said. “We think it’ll be just like those baby crawl contests you see at basketball games — but with weenie dogs.”

Dog owners can register their dachshunds for the race, and Conklin said Hutch Rec is working with local partners to make the event a festive addition to the fall lineup.

Beyond Saturday, Hutch Rec’s calendar is full of fall programs, from dance and music lessons to special events like Farm to Table on October 27 and the next Third Thursday downtown.

Conklin encourages residents to check out Hutch Rec’s online activity calendar at hutchrec.com, which allows users to filter by age, location, and interest.

“There’s so much going on that no one can say there’s nothing to do in Hutchinson,” Conklin said. “Whether it’s fitness, arts, or family fun, we want people to get connected.”

Hutch Rec has busy Saturday planned 

The Reno County Museum is inviting the community to “get down” for a groovy evening of food, music, and preservation support.

On Saturday, November 15, the museum will host Peace, Love and Preservation at the Red Shed Music Venue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and entertainment beginning at 6.

Guests will enjoy a three-course seated dinner, live entertainment featuring classic hits, dancing, cocktails, and a silent auction—all to benefit the preservation of local history.

Several ticket options are available: •&nbsp;&nbsp;$85 – Single ticket with cash bar •&nbsp;&nbsp;$115 – Single ticket with access to a complimentary cocktail lounge and party favor •&nbsp;&nbsp;$1,000 – VIP Table for eight, including the closest seating to the stage, a private lounge, complimentary cocktails, and exclusive Peace, Love and Preservation T-shirts. Only three VIP tables will be sold.

Tables of eight may also be purchased at single ticket rates or as a mix of ticket levels.

Tickets are available through the Reno County Museum’s Facebook page, at <a href="http://renocomuseum.org">renocomuseum.org</a>, or by calling 620-662-1184.

Peace, Love and Preservation Fundraiser Set for Nov. 15

Salt Hawk Community Support is inviting the public to its annual Chili Feed fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 16th and Main.

The evening will feature homemade chili, cinnamon rolls, vegetables, crackers, and dessert for $10 per person. Dine-in and carry-out options are available, with proceeds going toward programs that assist students at Hutchinson Middle School 8 and Hutchinson High School.

“This is the second year for our chili feed, and last year we had a wonderful turnout,” said Katie Brown, coordinator with Salt Hawk Community Support. “People stayed to enjoy a meal and community, but we also know schedules are busy, so takeout is always an option.”

Salthawk Community Support to hold Chili Feed 

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. ——————————————

Dylan	Mark	Green	10/1/2025 3:04&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation								

Christina	Marie	Hays	10/1/2025 3:42&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear								

Tyler	Aaron	Humphries	10/1/2025 3:45&nbsp;PM	Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation, Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner, Abuse&nbsp;of a child; Torture or beating child &lt;18								

Timothy	Edward	Herrman	10/1/2025 7:22&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving, Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage, Endangering&nbsp;a Child								

David	James	Williamson	10/2/2025 1:16&nbsp;AM	Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order								

Aaron	Kyle	Fletchall	10/2/2025 4:41&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear, Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact, Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999, Driving&nbsp;while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Criminal&nbsp;Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation								

Daily Bookings

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF#">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!</a>

The licensed nurse is a professional nurse (LPN or RN) responsible for assisting with planning and directing nursing care for a specific number of residents. This position directly supervises charge nurses and assists with teaching and supervision of other team members in the provision of quality care consistent with the mission of The Wesley.

Summary of Personnel Responsibilities: -Provide positive leadership and supervision of nursing personnel. -Assist with the orientation and training of newly hired personnel. -Supervise passing of medications by CMA's to residents in assigned area. -Evaluate completion of tasks assigned to CNAs and CMAs. -Participate in evaluation and corrective action of personnel in conjunction -with the charge nurse and Director of Nursing.

Summary of Coordination of Resident Care: -Assist in the ongoing development, updating and execution of the resident plan of care. -Interpret established resident care plan and any changes to members of their team. -Observe, assess and report changes in resident behavior/physical condition as necessary to physician, and designated contact person. -Administer medications/treatment per physician's orders. -Ensure all procedures for control of medications and supplies are followed by personnel. -Receive, document, execute and follow-up physician's orders and complete appropriate paper/computer work per policies and procedures. -Serve as a positive role model to staff, residents and families at all times, communicating positively and effectively to maintain quality atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive focus with the holistic well-being of the resident as the focal point for each day. -Assist with planning and implementing appropriate therapeutic individual and small group activities to fulfill resident’s needs/interests. -Execute and direct nursing care in accordance with regulations, guidelines, standards and The Wesley policies. -Perform duties of CNA, CMA, or other nursing staff as needed to fulfill the resident’s individualized plan of care. -The resident is number one at The Wesley. Therefore job duties can include anything that helps the resident to attain or maintain the highest possible functioning. These tasks must be within the nurse's scope of practice depending on whether he/she is an LPN or an RN.

Summary of General Duties: -Supervise CNAs and CMAs in providing quality, personalized care for each resident in an assigned area. -Responsible for admission nursing assessments of residents and discharge summaries. -Coordinate with other team members, departments, unit coordinators, and physician to insure successful transfer of residents. -Provide update report to team members coming on duty between shifts. -Assist with ensuring that the residents' physician is notified of changes in condition and that the physician's plan of care is carried out. -Attend Care Planning sessions for assigned residents when possible. -Respond to emergency calls throughout the Wesley Towers’ complex as assigned.

Qualifications -Currently licensed as an LPN or RN in the State of Kansas. -Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

The Wesley is a 50-acre vibrant retirement community nestled in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled home care. We currently have multiple positions available. Join our team TODAY!

Sheriff: Body found in Harvey County hay field

Click here for the KSStorm.Info forecast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three-day weather outlook 

From agriculture to the arts to music, students in the Buhler School District are earning recognition at state and regional levels this fall. Superintendent Cindy Couchman highlighted several recent accomplishments during an update this week, calling them examples of the district’s “small school feel with big school opportunities.”&nbsp;

Among the standouts is Buhler High School senior Emily Hare, who won the Ag Challenge of Champions at the Kansas State Fair. The FFA competition tested her knowledge in livestock, crop identification, feed analysis, meat cuts, and industry practices. Along with the top prize, Hair earned a $3,000 scholarship. “It’s a very intense competition,” Couchman said. “We’re really proud of her, our FFA program, and our instructors. It takes a whole village with student success.”&nbsp;

Another student making headlines is Abby Cox, who attends Ad Astra Alternative Academy. Cox earned first place in both nonfiction and art categories in the Kansas Authors Club High School Division. Her nonfiction entry has since been featured on the district’s website. “It is a moving article, just beautiful,” Couchman said.&nbsp;

On the music front, the Buhler High School Marching Band captured first place at the Air Capital Marching Competition in Wichita and is competing at Emporia State University’s marching festival on Oct. 1. Couchman praised the dedication of students, staff, and families: “It’s a whole family event when you have a student out for band. They’re at school early in the morning, all summer long. It is a real commitment.”&nbsp;

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, Couchman emphasized the district’s broader focus on college and career readiness. She noted that Buhler consistently scores above state predictions for postsecondary success, with more than 70 percent of students deemed college- or career-ready. October is a busy month for career exposure, with freshmen taking the pre-ACT, juniors completing the WorkKeys exam, and students across grade levels participating in career fairs, college visits, and job site tours.&nbsp;

“Step one is helping students visualize themselves in a career or in college,” Couchman said. “Exposure is key, seeing what’s possible at an early age helps set that expectation.”&nbsp;

Couchman also shared the district’s efforts in student leadership development, from fourth and fifth graders applying to serve as “Cru Leaders” in elementary schools to high school students involved in Rise Up Reno County.&nbsp;

Despite the good news, the district is also navigating challenges with declining enrollment, tied to an 8 percent drop in Reno County’s birth rate. Class sizes remain strong at the high school and middle school levels, but smaller groups are entering the lower grades. Couchman said the district is watching the numbers closely and hopes housing developments in the area will help bring new families into the district.&nbsp;

“We're hopeful that that brings in some young families with kids. The housing study is an interesting study in Reno County right now, and we're hopeful that we are we have so many organizations working to fix it. Hopefully we start feeling the effects of that soon, inside our districts." said Couchman.

Buhler students shine with success in agriculture, arts and music

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County (UWRC) is proud to announce the addition of two new team members, JK Vann as Director of Community Impact, and Gary Race as Community Navigator with the Reno Connections program.  

JK Vann – Director of Community Impact Vann will lead UWRC’s community impact initiatives, designed to strengthen communities, foster collaboration, and ensure every individual can thrive. With a background in banking and logistics, he brings expertise in financial systems, operations, and organizational efficiency--skills that serve as a foundation for driving social change.

A native Kansan, Vann comes from a legacy of entrepreneurs, activists, ministers, authors, and thought leaders. Beyond his professional expertise, Vann is deeply passionate about advocating for human rights and investing in future generations. He is also a husband, father of one daughter, and a friend to all. 

Gary Race – Community Navigator, Reno Connections Race has been dedicated to strengthening Reno County since 2021 through work in public health, peer mentoring, case management, and community partnerships.

In his new role with UWRC’s Reno Connections program, he will continue that work, with a specific focus on assisting households that fall in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category. Reno Connections works to connect individuals and families with the resources and programs that will help them thrive. 

“We are thrilled to welcome JK and Gary to the UWRC team,” said Lacey Mills, UWRC CEO. “They each have a deep passion for serving others in this community. Their leadership will strengthen our efforts to create meaningful impact and ensure all members of our community have the support they need.”

United Way of Reno County announces two new team members

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

TOPEKA — University officials across Kansas celebrated a third year of growing enrollments on Wednesday, even though&nbsp; the future will present more challenges.&nbsp;

“We’re obviously extremely pleased,” said Blake Benson, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. “It’s a third consecutive year of growth, and we’re really glad to see that it’s spread out — the public universities, community colleges and technical colleges are all up, so very, very positive news.”

In general, Board of Regents public universities saw enrollment growth or stayed level. The only drop was at Fort Hays State University, which essentially stabilized with a decrease of 0.2%. Washburn University increased enrollment by 2.3%.&nbsp;

Twelve of 19 Kansas community colleges also posted enrollment growth, although Fort Scott Community College seeing a decreased enrollment of 17.2%,&nbsp;<a href="https://submission.kansasregents.gov/ibi_apps/portal/BIP_Public2/KHEStats" target="_blank">Kansas Board of Regent data showed</a>. All six technical colleges Increased or stayed stable in their enrollment.&nbsp;

Emporia State University saw the biggest enrollment jump this year of 5.8%, a strong recovery after posting losses since 2020. The school increased enrollment by 263 students, for a total of 4,820.

In a letter to students, ESU president Ken Hush attributed the growth to no tuition or fee increase for two years, increasing student scholarships awarded by 141%, investment in student activities and more funding from the ESU Foundation, among other factors.

The university&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/former-interim-emporia-state-president-condemns-mass-firing-of-tenured-faculty/">fired tenured faculty</a>&nbsp;as part of restructuring efforts.&nbsp;

“When we began our transformation, we predicted changes in our enrollment as we took on the challenges facing our university, with the prediction for fall 2025 holding stable after some initial decreases,” Hush wrote, adding he was pleased to instead post a 6% increase.

Kansas State and Wichita State increased enrollment at about the same rate, 4.6% and 4.3%, respectively.&nbsp; The University of Kansas posted a 1.2% increase, while the University of Kansas Medical Center enrollment increased 1.9%.

“We’ve been working diligently on a strategic enrollment plan, and we’re really seeing the fruits of the labor across campus and have had some of the largest enrollment gains that we’ve seen,” said Karen Goos, K-State’s vice provost for enrollment management.

Freshmen enrollment numbers were up 7.5% this year, she said. Growth is occurring with both new students and retention of current students, Goos added.&nbsp;

Scott Cason, Fort Hays State University spokesman, said the school’s on-campus enrollment increased by 2% this year and the number of new undergraduate students attending the school grew by 9%.&nbsp;

“Our residence halls are in full capacity right now,” he said. “We haven’t seen that in a long time. It shows you that the on-campus experience is still a draw, even in times where there have been increasing questions about the perception of the value of the college degree.”

The school did see a small decrease in international students and in general in online enrollment, Cason said. Once dominating among Kansas schools in online enrollment, FHSU has more competition in that arena and experienced a drop after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other schools are reporting decreasing numbers of international students, but that data won’t be collected by the Board of Regents until later in the school year, Benson said.&nbsp;

Cason said Fort Hays State lost only three international students. He attributed that to their diversity of enrollment sources internationally.&nbsp;

“We’re actually up in our early college program that includes our international students. We have partner campuses,” he said, adding that although they have strong partnerships in China, they also draw from Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia and Senegal.

“We haven’t seen the disruption that other schools have seen that count more heavily on traditional international student models,” he said.

Challenges are expected for post-secondary institutions in coming years as the number of students graduating from Kansas high schools will begin decreasing next year. The change is often referred to as an enrollment cliff. In addition, schools are already experiencing decreases in graduating high school students who enroll in higher education, she said.

“What we’re seeing is the percent of students who are having any post-secondary credentials after high school has declined pretty significantly,” Goos said. “We actually have seen an increase of high school graduates. This will be the last year. After this, we will start to decline.”

Benson said the decrease in number of graduating high school students in 2026 is one of the primary challenges facing higher education.&nbsp;

“That’s probably not going to be just a two- or three-year challenge,” he said. “That’s going to be that way for the foreseeable future. That just means the pool of traditional college-age students will continue shrinking, even as the demand for college-educated workers keeps growing.”

That makes it imperative for Kansas to increase the number of students going to college to meet workforce needs, Benson said.&nbsp;

“I think we’ve also got to work to enroll adult learners, including those who may already have some college credit but no degree,” Benson said. “I don’t think that there’s going to be a silver bullet answer to it, but I’m really proud of the steps that the system in our institutions have taken to get ready for those challenges, and I think that we’ll be able to meet them.”

K-State is planning for all those challenges, Goos said.&nbsp;

“We’re just launching a new strategic enrollment plan with the idea of thinking about, how do we move forward with the enrollment cliff?” she said. “How do we position ourselves?”

Kansas post-secondary schools see increased enrollment, plan for challenges ahead

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes is due back in court Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

Savana King, 31, will appear in Judge William Wooley's courtroom for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to go to a trial, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.

<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.

Former coach in Kan., accused of sex assault of player, returns to court

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has intervened for the first time in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-catholic-durbin-chicago-archdiocese-immigration-af966da9a8483f116d65f494799eba5f">abortion dispute</a>&nbsp;roiling the U.S. Catholic Church by raising the seeming contradiction over what it really means to be “pro-life.”

Leo, a Chicago native, was asked late Tuesday about plans by Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich to give a lifetime achievement award to Illinois Senator Dick Durbin for his work helping immigrants. The plans drew objection from some conservative U.S. bishops given the powerful Democratic senator’s support for abortion rights.

Leo called first of all for respect for both sides, but he also pointed out the seeming contradiction in such debates.

“Someone who says ‘I’m against abortion but says I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really pro-life,” Leo said. “Someone who says that ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.”

Leo, whose words echoed a common Catholic argument often made in discussions about abortion, spoke hours before Cupich announced that Durbin had declined the award.

Church teaching forbids abortion but it also opposes capital punishment as “inadmissible” under all circumstances. U.S. bishops and the Vatican have strongly called for humane treatment of migrants, citing the Biblical command to “welcome the stranger.”

In his comments about the Illinois dispute, Leo made no mention of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-ice-chicago-arrests-a09921fedd10489f08a4073abe31345e">a surge of immigration enforcement in the Chicago area</a>.

Still, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt weighed in and disputed concerns raised by Pope Leo about the treatment of immigrants, saying that she “would reject there is inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants in the United States under this administration.”

The administration, Leavitt said, “is trying to enforce our nation’s laws in the most humane way possible.”

Leo said he wasn’t familiar with the details of the dispute over the Durbin award, but said it was nevertheless important to look at the senator’s overall record and noted Durbin’s four-decade tenure. Responding to a question in English from the U.S. Catholic broadcaster EWTN News, he said there were many ethical issues that constitute the teaching of the Catholic Church.

“I don’t know if anyone has all the truth on them but I would ask first and foremost that there be greater respect for one another and that we search together both as human beings, in that case as American citizens or citizens of the state of Illinois, as well as Catholics to say we need to you know really look closely at all of these ethical issues and to find the way forward in this church. Church teaching on each one of those issues is very clear,” he said.

Cupich was a close adviser to Pope Francis, who strongly upheld church teaching opposing abortion but also criticized the politicizing of the abortion debate by U.S. bishops. Some bishops had called for denying Communion to Catholic politicians who supported abortion rights, including former President Joe Biden.

Biden met on several occasions with Francis and told reporters in 2021 that Francis had told him to continue receiving Communion. During a visit to Rome that year he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-joe-biden-g-20-summit-europe-rome-b88497127cc09a79d018cd262b1c41a1">received the sacrament</a>&nbsp;during Mass at a church in Francis’ diocese.

Durbin was barred from receiving Communion in his home diocese of Springfield in 2004. Springfield Bishop Thomas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2001350b11b6466282caf73b671fd861">Paprocki has continued the prohibition</a>&nbsp;and was one of the U.S. bishops who strongly objected to Cupich's decision to honor the senator. Cupich claims Durbin as a member of the Chicago Archdiocese, where Durbin also has a home.

In his statement announcing that Durbin would decline the award, Cupich lamented that the polarization in the U.S. has created a situation where U.S. Catholics “find themselves politically homeless” since neither the Republican nor the Democratic party fully encapsulates the breadth of Catholic teaching.

He defended honoring Durbin for his pro-immigration stance, and said the planned Nov. 3 award ceremony could have been an occasion to engage him and other political leaders with the hope of pressing the church’s view on other issues, including abortion.

“It could be an invitation to Catholics who tirelessly promote the dignity of the unborn, the elderly, and the sick to extend the circle of protection to immigrants facing in this present moment an existential threat to their lives and the lives of their families,” Cupich wrote.

Paprocki, for his part, thanked Durbin for declining the award. “I ask that all Catholics continue to pray for our church, our country, and for the human dignity of all people to be respected in all stages of life including the unborn and immigrants,” Paprocki said in a Facebook post.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Pope intervenes in US abortion debate roiling the Catholic Church

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City have identified the victims as 25-year-old Lashon L. Campbell, according to Police Sgt. Phil DiMartino.

Just after 11:15p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 5200 block of Winner Road in Kansas City, Missouri on a reported sound of shots, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

While canvassing the area, officers located security personnel who advised a shooting had occurred and directed officers to a crime scene. While officers were on scene, dispatch advised a private vehicle had transported an adult male shooting victim, later identified as Campbell, to an area hospital. He was later pronounced&nbsp;deceased. 

An additional adult male shooting victim arrived at a separate hospital in stable condition. 

Preliminary investigations indicates an interaction between a group of individuals took place and escalated to gunfire.&nbsp; Police have not released suspect information or reported an arrest.

KCPD: Group fight led to shooting death of 25-year-old

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends September 2025 with total tax collections at $1.00 billion. That is $3.4 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 1.9% from September 2024, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“I have been consistent in expressing concern that the reckless budgets passed by the state legislature risk veering us off the course of fiscal responsibility,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“While one month of revenues missing the estimate is not cause for panic, it is a reminder that fiscal restraint is sound policy.”

Even though individual income tax collections were above estimates, they are offset by a significant 15% loss in corporate income. Individual income tax collections were $481.4 million. That is $26.4 million, or 5.8% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 2.8% from September 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $199.6 million. That is $35.4 million, or 15.0% below the estimate, and down 12.5% from September 2024.&nbsp;

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $293.3 million, which is $5.3 million, or 1.8% above the estimate, and down 1.1% from September 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F10%2F01%2Ffile_attachments%2F3407069%2F03_September_Revenue_FY2026_10-01-2025_Final.pdf/1/01010199a0a598f3-551d951b-91b8-438e-9730-78c1256c0a75-000000/Hwk_G_BZJAkkSSbB5GSY5A9_8Y58XE4io3ni7gcM95A=425">here</a>&nbsp;to view the September 2025 revenue numbers.

Gov. critical of Kan. legislature after Sept. tax collections below estimate

TOPEKA — Fort Riley announced Wednesday that many civilian employees are furloughed as a result of the federal government shutdown that went into effect at midnight Tuesday.

In a social media post, Fort Riley said email messages and phone calls to affected civilian staff will not be answered and many social media channeled will not be monitored.

More than 15 departments were closed, according to the post, including Public Affairs, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, some child care services, the Recycling Center and the Military Personnel Division administration.

Other departments&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FortRiley/posts/pfbid02xtT4ukJa9FxrxzHqVbqTepydihno6fYpaZ5RQmhKhhd9mcAFj3YCEH16ueiroXRcl" target="_blank">are scheduling work by appointment only</a>.

“Those who still report to work are classified as exempt and are generally in the life/health/safety fields,” Fort Riley’s social media posted in response to a question about who is affected. “Those who are not exempt do not report to work until funding is restored.”

A separate social media post referred people to the U.S. Defense Department’s website, which reads: “Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.”

Fort Riley also postponed its Retiree Appreciation Day scheduled for Saturday.

In federal information posted online about the government shutdown, federal civilian paychecks for Sept. 7–Sept. 20 would not be delayed. Those checks generally arrive between Sept. 26 and Oct. 2, the information said.

Fort Riley closes 15+ departments, furloughs employees after federal government shutdown

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler at a Wednesday night vigil for Sgt. Scott Heimann said that his deep faith had been shaken in the wake of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/259a0a4e-7e84-4de0-abd6-7a961ab84091">Sunday killing in the line of duty of one of his officers</a>.

He added he continued to find comfort in the word of God.

Heimann served on the Hays Police Department since 2016, all of those years under the direction of Scheibler. He was serving as a patrol sergeant when he was killed, having recently been promoted.

Mourners gathered Wednesday night at the Thomas More Prep-Marian grotto for a candlelight vigil for Heimann. Many of them were his peers dressed in uniform. The Kansas Highway Patrol offered a special escort for the family.

"Scott was an amazing and talented man," Scheibler said. "He was kind and compassionate and caring in all that he did. Scott was so smart, so strong. He had an amazing sense of humor.&nbsp;

"If Scott were here, he would tell you he was handsome too," Scheibler said, which brought giggles from the crowd.

He said Heimann could have done anything in the world and been successful. He wanted to be a Hays Police officer.

"He wanted to stand on the wall and protect this community," Scheibler said. "I think it's important that you know that he wanted to protect you."

He said this made him successful throughout his career. Scheibler said he was a strong leader and a mentor for the Hays Police Department.

Scheibler said Heimann joked with him that he was keeping the seat warm for him, as Scott hoped to one day be the chief of the Hays Police Department.

"Scott impacted our community in so many ways," he said, "By reading books to children in the library, giving knuckle bumps as kids walked to school, wrestling drunks in the bar, to responding to the most dangerous threats in our community."

Scheibler's voice began to waver, "During the last few days, as my thoughts dwell on Scott, I'm reminded of the Bible verse Isiah 6:8.

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom should I send? Who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here I am.'"

"When evil came to our community that night, like so many other times for the members of the Special Situation Response Team, he left his family, he left the comfort and safety of his home and raised his hand and said, 'Here I am.'"

He called Heimann his friend, his brother in blue and his hero.

"... not because of how he fell, but how he lived to serve," Scheibler said. "I find assurance in Matthew 5:9. 'Blessed are the peacemakers because they will be called the children of God.'"

He called Heimann the ultimate peacemaker.

"God bless Scott, and may the example of his life bring peace to us all," Scheibler said.

Heimann, 32, was a 2012 graduate of TMP, the Catholic middle and high school in Hays. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays and was noted by many as a devout Catholic.

Fr. Fred Gatsche spoke to the mourners, "This evening we are going to acknowledge the hurt, the sense of loss, the grief, the anger, the frustration with the whole situation. As we go through the vigil tomorrow and the funeral, we will interject more hope and consolation."

Gatsche read Psalm 22, which was the Psalm that Jesus cited when he was on the cross.

The Psalm begins, "My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why so far from my call for help, my cries of anguish?"

As the Psalm continues, it says, "but you, oh Lord, do not stay far off. My strength comes quickly to help me, deliver my soul from the sword."

He concluded by quoting St. Theresa of Avila, "Let nothing upset you. Let nothing startle you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience wins all that it seeks. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone is enough."

Mayor Sandy Jacobs called Heimann a brave soul who made the ultimate sacrifice.&nbsp;

"On behalf of the city, my fellow commissioners and city staff, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends and colleagues of the fallen officer, Sgt. Scott Heimann. His service and sacrifice serving our community will never be forgotten," she said.

"We stand united with our police department and the entire community as we navigate this really difficult time," she said.&nbsp;

She asked the community to keep all those affected in their thoughts and prayers.

"Scott Heimann was more than just a uniform. He was a protector, a neighbor, a friend, a husband and a father. He was someone who stood tall every day, not knowing what the shift might bring, but always showing up with courage and commitment."

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/259a0a4e-7e84-4de0-abd6-7a961ab84091">Heimann is survived by his wife,&nbsp;Beth, and a young son and daughter.</a>&nbsp;His parents and mother-in-law and father-in-law are also Hays residents.

Jacobs continued, "Tonight we hold these candles, not only to mourn and honor, to shine light in the darkness of loss and to say to family and the department and each other, 'You are not alone.'"

"To Scott's family, your pain is unimaginable, and no words can make it easier, but please know, Scott did not serve in vain.&nbsp;

"This city is safer, stronger and better because of his sacrifice. We are forever in his debt," she said.

"To all that are gathered here," Jacobs said, "May this night remind us of the power of unity, the strength of community and the enduring light of service and love."

The vigil was concluded with a song sung by TMP students, followed by a prayer led by Fr. Gatsche.

A visitation for Heimann will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Hays Post will offer a live stream of the funeral in cooperation with Tiger Media Network through YouTube.

Vigil: Community shaken by officer's death, but blessed by 'ultimate peacemaker'

MONTGMERY COUNTY— A driver injured in a crash during a police chase in Montgomery County is now facing a possible murder charge.

Three people were injured in the accident that occurred just after 4p.m. on September 26 and one later died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2024 Jeep driven by Tenisha D.&nbsp;Mayberry, 38, Blue Springs, Mo., was northbound on Patterson Boulevard fleeing law enforcement. The driver failed to yield at a stop light at 8th Street in Coffeyville and struck the passenger side of eastbound Chevy Tahoe driven by Maia E, O'Connell, 17, Coffeyville.

After impact the Jeep traveled off the road and overturned. The Tahoe left the road and rolled onto its roof.

EMS transported Mayberry, a passenger in the Jeep Cortez J. Wasson, Jr. 19,&nbsp; Blue Springs, Missouri and O'Connell to Coffeyville Regional Hospital. EMS transported a passenger in the Tahoe Serafina L&nbsp; O'Connell, 15, Coffeyville, to&nbsp;St Francis Hospital in Tulsa where she later died. Wasson was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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