By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

NICKERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Nickerson High School Adaptive Special Education teacher Kily Peterson has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for December.

Peterson, who is in her fourth year teaching in the USD 309 Nickerson-South Hutchinson school district, was surprised with the award in mid-December, surrounded by her students, saying the recognition was both unexpected and meaningful.

“I was speechless,” Peterson said. “Teachers in general don’t always get the recognition they deserve, so to be chosen and get that acknowledgment was really amazing.”

Her path into teaching began with a lighthearted childhood decision but ultimately became deeply personal.

“When I was in fourth grade, my teacher let us be teacher for a day,” Peterson said. “Only teachers got to eat the salad bar, and there was cottage cheese, which I really enjoyed. So I decided I should be a teacher. That’s honestly how it started.”

Peterson earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught briefly in Texas before returning to Kansas. After several years as a substitute teacher and paraeducator, she pursued a master’s degree in special education. Her decision was influenced by her experiences as a parent.

Peterson’s son, now an adult who graduated in 2017, is autistic.

“I live in the autism world,” she said. “So I understand it from both sides.”

Peterson said working with special education students is not something she views as extraordinary, but rather essential.

“People tell me it takes a special person to teach special education, and I don’t really understand that wording,” Peterson said. “To me, it’s the best job. These kids have my whole heart. I fight for them with everything I have because they don’t always get a fair shake in life.”

Peterson was nominated twice for the award.

One nominator, Diane Lyon, wrote that Peterson “loves her students like they are her children” and works tirelessly to ensure they gain meaningful skills for life after high school, including cooking and job-related abilities tailored to each student’s needs.

Another nomination from Stephanie Oden, along with input from Peterson’s students, praised her compassion and commitment to preparing students for independence, noting that many of them consider her their “second mom.”

Peterson said the nominations themselves meant just as much as the award.

“I was told I was nominated twice, and that made me feel really special,” she said. “I want to thank the people who nominated me.”

Peterson also expressed appreciation for teaching in a smaller district.

“The Nickerson-South Hutchinson district is small, but still large enough to provide a lot of opportunities for every student,” she said. “Not just special education students, but all of them.”

As part of the recognition, Peterson and her students celebrated with pizza provided by Pizza Hut and ice cream sundaes provided by Braum’s.

Peterson said she was eager to return to class after winter break, as students returned in the Nickerson-South Hutchinson district on Wednesday.

“I haven’t seen my kids over the break,” she said. “I’m very excited to see them again and get the new year started.”

Nickerson's Peterson named Teacher of the Month

WASHINGTON, DC – The new year begins with the lowest national average in years at $2.81. The last time the national average for a gallon of regular gas was this low was back in March of 2021. 

Crude oil prices remain relatively unchanged from the end of 2025 and unaffected amid questions about Venezuela’s impact on the oil market.

Currently, the global oil supply is strong, as OPEC+, the coalition of oil-exporting countries, says it’s not planning any production hikes in the first quarter of 2026 due to lower demand.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/" target="_blank">new data from the Energy Information Administration</a>&nbsp;(EIA), gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;last week&nbsp;from 8.56 mill barrels/day to 8.17 million.

Total domestic gasoline increased from 234.3 million barrels to 242 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.0 million barrels per day.&nbsp;

Fuel Prices: Stable national average to start the year, lowest since '21

Zerger Field will remain closed and locked during the ongoing turf replacement project, with only very limited access permitted at this time for PAC students to use the playground under specific conditions.

According to school officials, the next phase of the project involves rebuilding the field’s base and ensuring the grade is exact before new turf and rubber pellets are installed. Crews will use laser-guided leveling technology to precisely prepare the surface. Any use of the field during this stage could disrupt the ground and compromise the accuracy of the grading process.

As part of the construction safety plan, the north gates at Zerger Field are now locked. PAC students who are dropped off by parents on Third Street will need to walk around using the sidewalk along Taylor Avenue. School officials emphasized that students should not walk through the construction area due to the presence of heavy equipment.

Access to the playground will be limited and determined on a week-to-week basis, depending on construction activity. When playground access is allowed, PAC students will be required to enter through the Band gate and follow the sidewalk route around to the playground area.

Officials say the project remains on schedule, and by the middle of February, students are expected to return to a newly resurfaced field with brand-new turf.

Pratt's Zerger Field closed during turf replacement project

HUTCHISON, Kan. (Jan. 9, 2026) - The Salvation Army of Reno County has ended its Red Kettle Campaign and the count is in. After just over 30 days of bell ringing, it has all come to a close. The Salvation Army has counted its last bucket for the year and for its goal of $85,000 they raised $75,627.55.

Major James said, “We are always humbled by the generosity of so many volunteers who ring each year, and those who give.” The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle has been around since 1891 when Salvation Army officer Captain Joseph McFee wanted to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor of San Francisco. This year was no different here in Reno County where The Salvation Army gave out toys to over 1100 children who were registered to receive toys, and even families who didn’t meet the cutoff date were able to come on a later day to select from the toys that were left. There were also over 900 families who received a Christmas meal in a box. After 134 Christmases, the spirit of The Salvation Army continues to bring hope to those who need it the most.

The Red Kettle Goal is only a little more than 28% of their overall $300,000 seasonal goal. “We have about $89,000 left in order to reach our overall goal of $300,000. This is actually a little bit ahead compared to last year, but The Salvation Army still has a ways to go. With the extremely slow start we had some major concerns and have been encouraged by people’s giving so far”, said Major James. With 3 weeks left in January you can still help The Salvation Army make a difference regardless of the size of your donation.

You may drop your donations off at The Salvation Army’s office located at 700 N Walnut, or send your donations in their return envelopes from their mailers. You can also donate online at www.GiveWithJoyHutch.com. Please call Major James at 620-663-3353 with any questions on how you might be able to give financially.

Salvation Army releases Red Kettle Campaign total, seasonal goal continues

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. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sacha	Shalena	Sizemore		1/8/2026 12:50&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate,					DUI; Misdemeanor,					Possession of marijuana

Justin	Allen	Nelson		1/8/2026 1:07&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Zander	Kai	Sublett		1/8/2026 1:39&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm

Kayla	Rose	Roy		1/8/2026 3:40&nbsp;PM	DWS; 1st conviction,					DWS; 1st conviction

Kelly	Ann	Stallings		1/8/2026 6:07&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

William	James	Kuhns		1/8/2026 8:01&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,					Failure to Appear

Rene	J	Reaza Hernandez	Jr	1/8/2026 11:21&nbsp;PM	Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; &lt; 25g,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use

Mariah	Nicole	Desmond		1/8/2026 11:46&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; &lt; 25g,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Luisa	Kay Maribel	Zubia		1/9/2026 2:07&nbsp;AM	Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner,					Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Daily Bookings

The City of Hutchinson has opened applications for its Commercial Façade Improvement Program, offering matching grants to help south Hutchinson business and property owners upgrade building exteriors along arterial streets south of and including 11th Avenue.

The program is designed to encourage reinvestment in commercial properties, reduce blight, and improve the overall appearance and economic vitality of the area. Through the program, the City will reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with grants capped at $10,000 per property.

Eligible improvements include exterior paint, signage, windows, doors, awnings, roof and wall repairs, and exterior lighting. Projects must involve commercial properties located on arterial streets and be current on property taxes at the time of application and project completion. Each property is limited to one grant.

The minimum grant award is $1,000, meaning total project costs must exceed $2,000. For projects exceeding $5,000, applicants must obtain at least two cost quotes, and city approval is required before work begins.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until available funding is exhausted. In evaluating projects, city staff and the Planning Commission will consider factors such as code compliance, current condition of the property, project feasibility, and consistency with adopted city plans.

Applicants are encouraged to meet with Community Development staff prior to submitting an application to review project concepts and eligibility requirements. Completed applications must be submitted to the Community Development Department. City staff will review submissions for completeness and may conduct site visits. In some cases, site plans may require Planning Commission approval, which also makes final funding decisions.

Projects may not begin until written approval is issued by the City. Any costs incurred prior to approval are not eligible for reimbursement, and projects that are substantially complete or finished at the time of application will not qualify.

A limited exception may be considered for projects that were planned or underway before the application release, provided strict conditions are met, including written notice of intent submitted before construction began and completion occurring after Jan. 1, 2026. Approval of such exceptions is at the City’s sole discretion.

Grant-funded improvements must be maintained in good condition for at least five years. All projects must comply with city codes and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. In-kind labor provided by applicants is not eligible for reimbursement, and any changes to approved project scope or materials must receive prior city approval.

Because funding is limited, interested business and property owners are encouraged to apply early.

City of Hutchinson opens commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program for south side businesses

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.Info forecast.</a>

Three-day Outlook

A Kansas-developed wheat variety has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind trophy honoring Bill Snyder, blending Kansas State University research, farmer stewardship and K-State football tradition into a single handcrafted work of art.

American master straw artist Marian Vavra created the trophy using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety, released in 2023 through K-State and licensed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance. The trophy was hand-built entirely from the wheat straw itself and designed as a ceremonial tribute to Coach Snyder’s legacy and Kansas agriculture.

“This piece gave me a way to honor Coach Snyder while also honoring the researchers who breed wheat and the farmers who decide what seed to plant,” said Vavra. “It brings all of those stories together in one form.”

The project began during the 2025 Wheat Plot Tour at the K-State Research and Extension John C. Pair Horticultural Center, where Vavra first saw the KS Bill Snyder variety growing in the field. While most visitors discussed agronomic performance and yield potential, Vavra evaluated the wheat for artistic qualities such as straw strength, stem length, head shape and color.

Because research plots cannot be harvested, the wheat used for the trophy was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. With permission from Kauffman Seed Company, Vavra hand-harvested six bundles of KS Bill Snyder wheat in June, using three bundles entirely to create the finished piece.

The trophy’s design is inspired by a traditional Ukrainian harvest form known as a didukh, a symbolic sheaf that represents legacy, renewal and gratitude. Vavra adapted the three-tiered structure to reflect Kansas wheat production, K-State research and the lasting culture of agriculture in the state.

“Wheat carries history with it,” Vavra said. “From the people who brought seed to Kansas, to the breeders who improve it, to the farmers who grow it, this trophy reflects that entire journey.”

The upper tier of the trophy features fanned wheat heads and a straw star symbolizing the Kansas motto, Ad astra per aspera. The middle tier represents Kansas soil and the abundance held within each wheat head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and features a football medallion that transforms the piece into a recognizable trophy.

Every element of the football was made from the KS Bill Snyder wheat itself. Straw was flattened to create the football surface, while fine straw threads were spun and sewn to form seams and edging. Purple ribbon and trim were added as finishing touches to clearly mark the piece as a K-State tribute.

The back of the football documents the trophy’s creation, including the wheat’s harvest location, licensing and release through K-State research. While inspired by traditional straw techniques, the football design and K-State symbolism make the piece an original artistic work.

This project highlights how Kansas wheat extends beyond the field, reflecting the connection between research programs, seed companies, farmers and Kansas culture.

The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

Support the KS Bill Snyder variety and wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign through the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF) at <a href="http://ksbillsnyder.com">ksbillsnyder.com</a>

From Field to Trophy: Kansas Wheat Honors Coach Bill Snyder

This handsome boy is at the perfect "adoption" age. 

He loves everyone and should be a wonderful family pet. Enrolling your puppy in a basic obedience course will be great for the whole family. 

Can't you just picture your kids growing up with this adorable pup?

To adopt Ichi-ban contact the Kingman County Humane Society. You can reach them by phone at 316-542-1812 or visit them on the <a href="https://www.kingmancountyhumanesociety.org/">web.</a>&nbsp;

The Kingman County Humane Society is located at&nbsp;811 East C Ave. in Kingman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🐶 Adopt a Furry Friend: Ichi-ban

PARKVILLE, Mo. — Park University is hosting “Reduce / Reuse / Redesign,” an exhibit of furniture created by interior design students that demonstrates creativity, craftsmanship and thoughtful reuse of materials. The exhibit is on display through Friday, Feb. 13, in the Campanella Gallery located inside Norrington Center on the University’s flagship Parkville Campus. Admission to the Gallery is free and open to the public.

According to Andrea Lee, Ph.D., director of the Campanella Gallery and associate professor of art, the students had three options in creating their furniture using objects and materials that were primarily found or reused, with minimal purchase from a hardware store.

The Campanella Gallery is open during Norrington Center’s regular business hours:

Note: Norrington Center will be closed Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 10-11, and Monday, Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King holiday)

Hutch High grad, others exhibit furniture projects at Park University

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A defining landmark on Hutchinson’s skyline is shining once again.

The bell tower at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church has been relit for the first time in more than a century, restoring a feature that was part of the church’s original 1911 design. At the same time, the parish has completed automation of its historic bells, allowing them to ring in new and meaningful ways for worship, weddings, and funerals.

Father Jerome, pastor of St. Teresa’s and Holy Cross Catholic Church, said the project was inspired by the church’s history and its original architect, Emmanuel Masqueray, who envisioned the cross atop the tower illuminated as a beacon of faith.

“When the church was first built, the cross was lit from within using incandescent bulbs,” Father Jerome said. “The idea was that the light of Christ would be visible from miles around. Over time, that lighting was lost, and the tower went dark. We wanted to restore that original vision.”

Masqueray, a French-born architect, also designed the cathedral in Wichita, as well as several nationally significant churches in Minnesota. St. Teresa’s itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is widely recognized for its brick exterior, detailed sanctuary, and stained-glass windows.

The lighting project and bell automation were made possible through a diocesan fundraising campaign launched by Bishop Carl Kemme. Under the campaign’s structure, parishes receive 20 percent of locally raised funds back for approved projects.

“We met our campaign goal, and when those funds came back, I thought, ‘Let’s light the tower,’” Father Jerome said. “At the same time, we wanted to improve how the bells function.”

The church’s three bells — small, medium, and large — had previously been rung manually by pulling ropes. While traditional, the system limited how the bells could be used. Automation now allows for solemn tolling during funerals, with spaced rings symbolizing the years of a person’s life, as well as full peals for weddings and celebrations.

“That kind of reverence just isn’t possible when you’re swinging a bell by hand,” Father Jerome said. “Now, with the push of a button, we can ring them in a way that’s both beautiful and appropriate.”

The lighting design took several months of planning, with parish committees consulting local and regional experts to determine the most dignified and durable approach. Rather than installing ground-level poles, lights were mounted discreetly on the structure itself to illuminate the tower evenly and safely.

Beyond St. Teresa’s, the diocesan campaign is also funding improvements at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interior renovations are planned to begin in late May and will include new pews, updated flooring, and refreshed finishes throughout the sanctuary.

Holy Cross traces its parish roots to 1957, with the current church building completed in 1983. Father Jerome noted that much of the interior remains original.

“Nothing major has really been done inside since it was built,” he said. “This renovation is overdue, and when it’s finished, it’s going to be beautiful.”

Looking ahead, both parishes are preparing for a busy calendar that includes Catholic Schools Week, confirmations later this month, and an expected 20 to 30 new members entering the church at Easter.

“There’s always something going on,” Father Jerome said. “Whether it’s the bells ringing, the tower shining, or people coming into the faith, our goal is the same — to be a visible and audible sign of Christ in the community.”

St. Teresa's bell tower relit, a parish restores historic vision

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. While officers were responding to the scene, several additional calls for a sound of shots were reported.

Upon arrival, officers observed a group of people summoning responding officers to the rear of an apartment complex building. An unidentified male victim, believed to be&nbsp;an&nbsp;adult, was located lying in a parking lot, unresponsive and suffering from believed gunshot trauma. EMS responded shortly behind officers and declared the victim deceased on scene.

Preliminary information indicates there was an interaction that took place between the victim and several unknown males. That interaction escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The unidentified suspects left the scene in an unknown direction occupying an unidentified vehicle. Police do not have any subjects of interest identified and no one is in police custody at this time.

Homicide: Man found dead in parking lot of KC apartment complex

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces boarded another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea on Friday, the U.S. military said, as the Trump administration continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-venezuela-oil-tanker-77f2c1441dda8217b37f9e38c3ae9131">target sanctioned tankers</a>&nbsp;traveling to and from Venezuela.

The pre-dawn action was carried out by Marines and Navy sailors launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, part of the extensive force the U.S. has built up in the Caribbean in recent months, according to U.S. Southern Command, which declared “there is no safe haven for criminals” as it announced the seizure of the tanker called the Olina. The Coast Guard then took control of the vessel, officials said.

Southern Command and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem both posted unclassified footage on social media of a U.S. helicopter landing on the vessel and U.S. personnel conducting a search of the deck and tossing what appeared to be an explosive device in front of a door leading to inside the ship.

In her social media post, Noem said the ship was “another ‘ghost fleet’ tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil” and it had departed Venezuela “attempting to evade U.S. forces."

The Olina is the fifth tanker that has been seized by U.S. forces as part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to control&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-reserves-trump-exxon-8a6462e76315c7d1a6e6a5a879f98c16">the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products</a>&nbsp;globally following the U.S. ouster of President Nicolás Maduro in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">a surprise nighttime raid</a>.

U.S. government records show that the Olina was sanctioned for moving Russian oil under its prior name, Minerva M, and flagged in Panama.

While records show the Olina is now flying the flag of Timor-Leste, it is listed in the international shipping registry as having a false flag, meaning the registration it is claiming is not valid. In July, the owner and manager of the ship on its registration was changed to a company in Hong Kong.

According to ship tracking databases, the Olina last transmitted its location in November in the Caribbean, north of the Venezuelan coast. Since then, however, the ship has been running dark with its location beacon turned off.

While Noem and the military framed the seizure as part of an effort to enforce the law, other officials in the Trump administration have made clear they see it as a way to generate cash to fund U.S. goals in Venezuela.

In an early morning post on his social media network, Trump said the U.S. and Venezuela “are working well together, especially as it pertains to rebuilding, in a much bigger, better, and more modern form, their oil and gas infrastructure.”

The administration said it expects to sell 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil, with the proceeds to go to both the U.S. and Venezuelan people. But the president expects the arrangement to continue indefinitely as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-oil-chevron-exxonmobil-conocophillips-0e0619a991e92fd546504f1a613161e7">meets on Friday</a>&nbsp;with executives from 17 oil companies to discuss his goal of investing $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution.

Vice President JD Vance told Fox News this week that the U.S. can “control” Venezuela’s “purse strings” by dictating where its oil can be sold.

The Olina has a listed cargo capacity of up to 890,000 barrels of oil. While it is unclear if the tanker was full or empty, at the current market price of about $60 a barrel, a full cargo of oil from the tanker would be worth about $53 million.

Associated Press writers Dánica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Josh Boak in Washington contributed reporting.

🎥 US intercepts another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflecto</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes will run for state insurance commissioner, vowing to decline any campaign contributions from the insurance industry.

Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, announced her intention Thursday to challenge House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a previously uncontested Republican from Wichita with decades of experience in insurance.

She described a platform focused on lowering costs, consumer protection and holding “big insurance companies accountable.”

“It’s simple: The cost of health insurance in Kansas is simply out of control,” Sykes said in the announcement. “Families and consumers can’t afford to keep up with the rise in premiums — on health care, auto, property or any other kind of insurance for that matter.”

She said she will not “take a single dime from the insurance industry.”

Sykes was elected to the Senate in 2016 as a Republican, switching parties during her first term. She was elected minority leader in 2020 and has held the position since. Before her tenure in the Legislature, Sykes ran her own business as a personal chef and a PTA president. She is a mother to two boys and married.

Hawkins announced his candidacy in May, rooting it in&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/05/13/kansas-house-speaker-launches-campaign-for-insurance-commissioner-with-pro-trump-rhetoric-1/">conservative values and deregulating the state’s insurance marketplace</a>, which he speculated could lower costs and make insurance easier to navigate.

The insurance commissioner oversees the Kansas Insurance Department, which regulates insurance companies operating in the state. The current commissioner, Vicki Schmidt, is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Hawkins said in a statement he and Sykes have a good working relationship, and he welcomed a spirited campaign. But, he said, “we arrive at things from a very different perspective politically and quite frankly, fiscally.” He said his focus is on increasing competition, easing marketplace navigation issues and ensuring people are not wrongly denied coverage.

He liked Sykes’ policy focus to “Zohran Mamdani-like woke politics,” referencing the newly elected Democratic mayor of New York City.

Former insurance commissioner and Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and former insurance commissioner Sandy Praeger, a Republican, threw their support behind Sykes.

“As long as I’ve known Dinah, she’s stood up for what’s right and fought for Kansas families,” Sebelius said in the announcement.

Praeger said Sykes is a practical leader, focused on garnering results over partisanship.

“Kansans want leaders who will listen to them and fight against unfair and discriminatory practices by the industry,” she said.

Kansas Senate minority leader challenges GOP House speaker for state insurance commissioner

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A 49-year-old Wichita man was sentenced Thursday for the shooting of a teenager in a Goddard parking lot in May 2024, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Judge Seth Rundle sentenced Ruben Contreras to 43 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. This sentence represents the maximum term of imprisonment allowed under Kansas law for the conviction.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Rundle ordered Contreras to serve 36 months of post-release supervision and required him to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

In November 2025, a Sedgwick County jury found Contreras guilty of one count of aggravated battery. The jury acquitted him of a separate charge of attempted first-degree murder.

The charges stemmed from an incident on May 11, 2024, at Walmart in Goddard, Kansas.&nbsp; Contreras shot 18-year-old Anakin Zehring following an altercation in the parking lot. Zehring was struck by gunfire and left paralyzed.

The case was prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District of Kansas.

Maximum sentence for shooting Kan. teen in Walmart parking lot

Flu cases are surging in Kansas City. For Dec 21–27, cases doubled from the previous week—marking the 4th-highest weekly total in 15 years, according to a statement from the Kansas City, Missouri health Department.

Missouri is now at very high flu activity. The CDC’s Influenza-Like Illness Activity Map for Missouri has increased from low to very high, highlighting the need for preventive actions. “It is crucial that we take preventive measures to keep our loved ones, friends, and community safe. This includes staying at home from work, school, and social gatherings when sick. Our health impacts everything in our daily lives, including the ability to go to work, school, family functions, and so many other aspects of life,” says Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of Health for the Kansas City Health Department.

Number of flu cases in Kansas City doubled in a week

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a deadly shooting in Topeka have made another arrest.

Just before 1a.m. on November 22, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th St. and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to media release. While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a subject arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual later identified as 16-year-old Kingston Scott of Topeka.

On Thursday, police booked a second 16-year-old Topeka boy into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Murder in the 1st degree; In the commission of a felony,&nbsp; Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and Aggravated Assault; Use of a deadly weapon

On December 5, police booked a 16-year-old boy from Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Murder in the 1st degree, in the commission of a felony, Criminal discharge of firearm; Occupied vehicle with great bodily harm and&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Second Kansas boy accused in murder of 16-year-old

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —A day after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a">officer shot</a>&nbsp;and killed 37-year-old mother of three&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;as she tried to drive away on a snowy Minneapolis street, tensions remained high, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-crackdown-woman-shot-5158ce0838305b491c95db97b970cd03">dozens of protesters</a>&nbsp;venting their outrage outside of a federal facility that’s serving as a hub for the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown on a major city.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has not publicly identified the officer who shot Good. But she spoke of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-shooting-immigration-842b1d92cb93f2326171f139686e8b0f">incident last June</a>&nbsp;in which the same officer was injured when he was dragged by another driver’s fleeing vehicle. A Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed Noem was referring to an incident in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Court records from that case identify the officer who was dragged and injured as Jonathan Ross.

Court documents say Ross got his arm stuck in a vehicle’s window as a driver fled arrest in Bloomington, Minnesota. The officer was dragged 100 yards (91 meters) and cuts to his arm required 50 stitches.

The Associated Press wasn’t immediately able to locate a phone number or address for Ross, and ICE no longer has a union that might comment on his behalf.

Meanwhile, two people were shot and wounded Thursday afternoon by federal immigration authorities in Portland, Oregon, the FBI’s Portland office said. The conditions of the victims were not immediately known. The shootings escalated tensions in Portland, a city that has long had a contentious relationship with President Donald Trump, including Trump’s recent,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">failed effort to deploy National Guard troops</a>&nbsp;in the city.

The scene of the Portland shooting three hours later

Yellow police tape cordoned off the area of the shooting at a medical complex in southeast Portland. Officers from different agencies, including the FBI and Portland police, were at the scene.

William Reznicek, a 36-year-old Portland resident, came to see the scene after reading about the shooting online.

“I’m sad that this is happening in America,” he said, expressing concern that such violence would continue to occur under Trump’s administration.

DHS says Portland shooting occurred during targeted vehicle stop

The Department of Homeland Security described the vehicle’s passenger as “a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring” who had been involved in a recent shooting in Portland.

When U.S. Border Patrol agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver tried to run them over, the department said in a written statement.

“Fearing for his life and safety, an agent fired a defensive shot,” the statement said. “The driver drove off with the passenger, fleeing the scene.”

There was no immediate independent corroboration of those events or any gang affiliation of the vehicle’s occupants. During prior shootings involving agents involved in Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement in U.S. cities, including Wednesday’s shooting in Minneapolis,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-ice-shooting-immigration-842b1d92cb93f2326171f139686e8b0f">video evidence cast doubt</a>&nbsp;on the administration’s initial descriptions of what prompted the shootings.

Portland city council member: ‘This is tyranny’

Portland City Councilor Jamie Dunphy said in an interview with local NBC station KGW8 that the shooting on Thursday afternoon indicated “a pattern that is starting to emerge” and accused the federal government of “trying to escalate across the nation.”

He also said that he expected Portland residents would protest the shooting.

“We’re going to let our voices be known that this is not the kind of acceptable behavior from the federal government that Portlanders expect. This is tyranny,” Dunphy said.

What is known about the Portland shooting

At 2:18 p.m., Portland police initially responded to a report of a shooting where federal agents were involved. The location appeared to be near a hospital, according to a map released by police.

A few minutes later, police received information that a man who had been shot was asking for help in a different area a couple miles away. Officers then responded there and found the two people with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers determined they were injured in the shooting with federal agents, police said.

Portland police have secured both scenes pending investigation.

“We are still in the early stages of this incident,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said. “We understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more.”

Mayor calls for federal immigration officers to end operations in Portland until the shooting is fully investigated

“We stand united as elected officials in saying that we cannot sit by while constitutional protections erode and bloodshed mounts,” reads a joint statement from Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and the city council. “Portland is not a ‘training ground’ for militarized agents, and the ‘full force’ threatened by the administration has deadly consequences.”

The city officials said “federal militarization undermines effective, community‑based public safety, and it runs counter to the values that define our region. We’ll use every legal and legislative tool available to protect our residents’ civil and human rights.”

They urged residents to show up with “calm and purpose during this difficult time.”

“We response with clarity, unity, and a commitment to justice,” the statement said. “We must stand together to protect Portland.”

ICE officer who shot woman in Minneapolis identified in court records

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement&nbsp; investigating alleged vandalism in Brown County have identified two suspects.

Just after 2:30 p.m. December 27, two individuals were caught on surveillance camera vandalizing a vehicle belonging to USD #430 in Everest, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

The windshield was broken due to rock or objects being intentionally thrown at the vehicle as well as verbage scratched into the paint.&nbsp;

Neither of the juvenile suspects are residents of Brown County. The public had a huge impact on solving the case, according to Merchant.

Sheriff: Suspects identified in Kan. school district vandalism

KANSAS CITY —POlice are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 1a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to&nbsp; a shooting reported in the area of 16th Street and Fremont Avenue, according to Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found an adult male victim inside of a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma. Officers attempted to render medical aid until EMS personnel responded and transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Preliminary information indicates the victim was outside working on a vehicle when an interaction between the victim and another adult male escalated into gunfire. The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival. Police do not have suspect details and did not report the name of the victim.

Homicide: Man working on vehicle in Kansas City was shot 

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs in the Kansas City area.

On January 3,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Cass County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Unit executed a search warrant on N. Armstrong Street in Pleasant Hill following an extensive investigation, according to a media release.

During the execution of the warrant, deputies located drug paraphernalia and a large sum of U.S. currency.

As a result, 65-year-old Robin Harrison was taken into custody. Harrison has been charged with four felonies: two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Prohibited Location (Class A), Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Class C) and Unlawful Use of a Weapon involving a controlled substance (Class E). 

Harrison is currently being held at the Cass County Jail with no bond allowed.

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