The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy received a major investment in its Automotive Technology program this week, thanks to a $16,000 donation from the Eck Auto Group in partnership with NAPA. The gift strengthens a long-standing relationship between the dealership group and the CTE program, which serves high school students and adult learners across the region.

During the presentation, CTE Director Travis Riebel welcomed students, USD 308 leadership, and representatives from Hutchinson Community College—highlighting the importance of industry partnerships in preparing the next generation of skilled automotive technicians. He noted that Kansas Department of Labor data shows more than six-percent projected growth in automotive service positions across south-central Kansas over the next decade.

“The demand is there, and our students are stepping up to meet it,” Riebel said. “But we can’t provide high-quality training without strong partners like the Eck Auto Group.”

The donation follows last year’s gift of a Ford Expedition, which students currently use to train on modern vehicle systems. This week’s contribution from the dealership group also included motors, instrument clusters, door panels, and other parts for hands-on instruction—resources instructors say are vital for keeping the program aligned with industry standards.

Kyle Eck, speaking on behalf of the Eck Auto Group, praised the students for choosing a career path that keeps the automotive industry moving.

“Technicians are the backbone of every dealership,” Eck said. “You’re the ones who keep cars running and customers coming back. We want to support programs like this because they produce the kind of skilled people our dealerships depend on.”

Instructors Jacob Dreiling and Kevin Berrey also thanked the dealership’s technicians who routinely visit the academy to mentor students, assist with projects, and provide real-world insight into the shop environment.

The Hutchinson CTE Academy’s automotive program operates as a joint partnership between Hutchinson Public Schools and Hutchinson Community College. Students can enroll beginning their junior year and have the opportunity to earn certificates or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Riebel said the donation ensures students continue training with the tools and technology found in today’s workplaces—giving them a competitive edge as they enter the automotive field.

Eck Auto Group makes $16K donation to Hutchinson CTEA

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. ——————————————

Derek	Jose	Jaquez	11/22/2025 6:41&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Edward	Lee	Fowler	11/22/2025 8:16&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Monique	Diane	Blassingill	11/22/2025 10:38&nbsp;AM	DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher

Michael	Jon	Jorgenson	11/22/2025 11:23&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Alphonso	Quatrell	Toney	11/22/2025 6:05&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 3.5g to &lt; 100g,&nbsp; &nbsp; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use

Cornelius	Wardell	Johnson	11/22/2025 6:04&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 3.5g to &lt; 100g,				Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); &lt; 3.5g,				Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Unlawful to aquire proceeds from drug transaction; Value &lt; $5,000

Daily Bookings

As Thanksgiving approaches, kitchens across Reno County are gearing up for one of the biggest cooking days of the year. To help local families prepare safely, Jason Probst—Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension—joined the KWBW Morning Show to provide timely guidance on everything from thawing a turkey to storing leftovers.

Probst’s work at K-State Extension covers a wide range of community wellness issues, including food safety, preservation, and addressing food insecurity. But this week, he says, it’s all about preventing holiday meals from turning into health hazards.

According to Probst, improper thawing is the number one mistake people make during Thanksgiving meal prep.

“When you're dealing with a 20- or 24-pound turkey, you really do need five or six days to thaw it out,” he explained. “Trying to cook a bird that’s still partially frozen will throw off your meal timing and increase safety risks.”

<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/your-safe-thanksgiving-guide">LINK:&nbsp; USDA thawing and cooking calculator. Turkey cooking/thawing calculator.</a>&nbsp;

The safest thawing method is in the refrigerator, below 40 degrees. Probst warns against leaving poultry on counters or in warm areas where bacteria can grow. He recommends placing the bird in a pan to keep raw juices contained and away from other foods.

Regardless of cooking method—roasting, smoking, or deep frying—the magic number stays the same: 165 degrees internal temperature.

“Temperature, temperature, temperature,” Probst emphasized. “Use a food thermometer. Check the breast, thigh, and wing. Don't rely on pop-up timers.”

It’s a debate that comes up every year, but Probst no longer hesitates.

“Always better to cook the stuffing separately,” he said. Stuffing inside the bird not only slows down cooking time, but also increases the risk of cross-contamination if the stuffing doesn’t reach the proper temperature.

After the feast, Probst says the clock starts ticking. Thanksgiving leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours—one hour is even better.

Leaving food on the counter too long invites bacteria to multiply. For large dishes like soups or casseroles, Probst suggests transferring food into smaller, shallow containers so it cools safely and quickly.

Once stored, cooked poultry and most sides should be used within three to four days. Leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees.

<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/at-home-safe-food-handling-its-in-your-hands_MF2465.pdf">LINK: Food safety guide at K-State Research and Extension</a>

If traveling to a gathering, Probst recommends preparing the dish ahead of time, cooling it properly, then reheating it at the destination. For crockpots and casseroles, reheating on site is the safest method.

For those frying their turkeys this year, Probst warns that moisture—especially from a partially frozen bird—can cause the oil to boil over violently. But despite the external hazards, he notes that food safety principles remain the same: the turkey must reach 165 degrees internally.

Probst brought along a meat thermometer during his visit and says the Extension office is giving them away for free.

“We want people to have the tools they need,” he said. The office, located at 2 West 10th Avenue in South Hutchinson, can be accessed from Adams Street or via the Frank Hart crossing. Construction at Woody Seat Crossing may require detours.

<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/holiday.html">LINK:&nbsp; K-State and Research and Extension site for Holiday food safety</a>

In addition to thermometers, Probst provides educational materials on safe cooking temperatures and proper leftover handling.

Probst recommends K-State Research and Extension resources and USDA online tools, which include turkey thawing and cooking calculators. He encourages anyone with questions to call the South Hutch office directly.

“We're here to help families stay healthy and safe,” he said.

K-State Extension shares key Thanksgiving food safety tips

TURON, Kan. — Reno County officials have announced that the new District #7 Fire Station in Turon is complete, operational, and ready to serve the western portion of the county.

The long-awaited facility marks a major milestone in strengthening emergency services and improving response capabilities for residents. County leaders say the upgraded station will enhance efficiency, provide better support for volunteer firefighters, and help meet the growing needs of the community.

To celebrate the opening, the public is invited to an Open House on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. Visitors will be able to tour the new facility, meet District #7 personnel, and learn more about the equipment and resources housed on-site. Guests will also be treated to chili and cinnamon rolls, a longtime Kansas community favorite.

Reno County officials are encouraging residents from across the area to stop by and help mark this significant addition to the county’s emergency response infrastructure.

“This is a wonderful step forward for Reno County,” the county shared in the announcement, adding that they are excited to showcase the new station and thank the many people who helped make the project possible.

New Turon fire station complete, open house set for Dec. 6

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

Three-day weather outlook

The Hutchinson Public Library is closed today, Saturday, Nov. 22, following a major electrical failure inside the building.

Library Director Gregg Wamsley announced the closure Saturday morning, noting that the issue forced staff to shut down all public operations while repairs are underway.

“We have had a major electrical failure in the library building and are closed Saturday 11/22,” Wamsley said in a statement. “We hope to reopen Monday 11/24 assuming repairs can be made, but we will provide updates when we know more.”

No additional details about the source of the electrical problem were immediately available. Crews are assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the library’s website and social media platforms for the latest updates on reopening plans.

Electrical failure closes library 

On November 20th, PrairieStar Health Center officials announced the beginning of a three-year, $9.6 million capital campaign to fund the Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project.&nbsp; Of the $9.6 million needed for the project, $7.55 million has already been raised or committed.&nbsp; PrairieStar hopes to raise the remaining $2.05 million by December 31, 2027, the end of the three year capital campaign.&nbsp;

The Patterson Family Foundation and Yield Giving have made contributions in the amount of $1.85 million and $3.1 million respectively.&nbsp; “The initial funding by these two major contributors shows their commitment to ensuring rural access to dental care and will help secure the success of the capital campaign,” said PrairieStar CEO, Bryant Anderson.&nbsp; Anderson said another major contributor will be announced soon.&nbsp;

The Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project will address the serious oral health issues in the underserved nine-county area that PrairieStar currently serves by increasing access through the construction of a new dental clinic with almost twice the capacity.&nbsp; With 14 dental suites, including one that is handicap accessible, the new clinic will allow more in-reach and out-reach patients to be served.&nbsp; The project will also include a new drive-thru pharmacy.&nbsp; According to Kansas Health Institute, eight of the nine main counties served by PrairieStar face a severe shortage of dental care providers, with population-to-dentist ratios significantly higher than the Kansas state average.&nbsp;

PrairieStar Dental Manager, Jennifer Kennedy, said “due to a lack of access many people are losing permanent teeth to decay, battling gum disease and infection, facing diagnoses like oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new dental clinic will also allow PrairieStar to provide greater access for kids through the dental outreach program.&nbsp; Currently, PrairieStar provides dental outreach to thousands of kids at 64 school attendance centers.&nbsp; Of the students PrairieStar screens in the schools, 17% need urgent care.&nbsp; Kids with dental pain miss school more often and have difficulty concentrating, leading to lower grades.&nbsp; “There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a 4-year-old with an abscess, a tired expression, and multiple areas of decay, stating that it hurts when they eat,” PrairieStar Dental Outreach Coordinator, Alicia Harrison said.&nbsp;

PrairieStar also provides outreach services to nursing homes, Disability Supports of the Great Plains and TECH.&nbsp; “The dental services offered by PrairieStar to the developmentally disabled individuals served by Disability Supports, represents a vital contribution to their overall health, well-being and feeling of inclusion in our community.&nbsp; This support is deeply appreciated, as it alleviates financial burdens and ensures access to essential care that might otherwise be out of reach. Through this program, as well as an enduring and overarching commitment to all those in their care, PrairieStar’s comprehensive efforts exhibit true dedication to community wellness,” Disability Supports of the Great Plains CEO, Rick Staab said.&nbsp;

PrairieStar remains deeply committed to improving oral health access in rural Kansas.&nbsp; However, to continue meeting the needs of the community, expansion is not just important - it is essential.&nbsp; “Far too many rural Kansans are quietly suffering from serious oral health issues - conditions that are often painful, life-altering, and preventable,” PrairieStar Dental Director, Yen Nguyen said.&nbsp;

For more information on the Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project or to make a donation, visit <a href="https://www.pshcks.org/bridgingthegap/" target="_blank">https://www.pshcks.org/bridgingthegap/</a>.&nbsp;

To learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation, visit <a href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

PrairieStar Health Center announces $9.6M capital campaign

David	Michael	Zimmerman		11/21/2025 5:14&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Randy	Joel	Wesley		11/21/2025 8:57&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Ryan	Scott	McHenry		11/21/2025 10:25&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry physical contact

Zachary	Hunter	Higgins		11/21/2025 11:32&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Jonathan	Nathaniel	Looney	Sr	11/21/2025 12:54&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation,					Failure to Appear

Francis	Marie	Weller		11/21/2025 2:18&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Brayden	Oakley	Keeler		11/21/2025 2:37&nbsp;PM	Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon

Tanner	Joseph	Emerick		11/21/2025 6:07&nbsp;PM	DUI;1st; incapable of safely driving;child present,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Robert	Delfino	Raigoza	Jr	11/21/2025 6:47&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999,					Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,					DUI;1st; incapable of safely driving;child present,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Sean	Anthony Roylynn	Hogan		11/21/2025 8:00&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Dalton	Michael	Hartley	11/22/2025 12:22&nbsp;AM	Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

Michelle	Chantel	Moore	11/22/2025 4:33&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Joshua	Lee	Prebble	11/22/2025 1:45&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,				Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Dalton	Michael	Hartley	11/22/2025 12:22&nbsp;AM	Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999,				Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,				DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,				Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,				DL Violation; No Drivers License

 As Kansas continues to see steady growth in local entrepreneurship, one regional expert says small businesses remain the backbone of the state’s economy—and deserve both community support and strategic planning to thrive.

Brandy Willett, Regional Director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Wichita State University, joined the KWBW Morning Show this week to talk about the resources her office provides and the trends she’s seeing among local business owners. With a background in organizational communication and marketing, Willett said her passion lies in helping everyday Kansans launch and grow successful ventures.

“Jobs are created in small businesses,” Willett said. “People create their own wealth by opening their own businesses. I just wanted to help do that.”

The Wichita State KSBDC serves 12 counties and offers what Willett calls “simple but essential” services for entrepreneurs at any stage.
“We train, we advise, and we connect,” she said.

The center hosts roughly 150 trainings per year—most of them virtual—and provides no-cost, one-on-one advising. That guidance covers everything from start-up planning and accounting to marketing, artificial intelligence, buying or selling a business, and long-term operational strategy. Staff also help business owners find funding opportunities and build networks of support.

Willett meets monthly at the Hutchinson Public Library for intake sessions, helping new entrepreneurs understand where they are in their business journey and what resources they’ll need next. “Never too small to ask, and never too early to talk to us,” she said.

While many assumed pandemic-era startups were at high risk of failure, Willett said the opposite has often proven true.

“A lot of the small businesses that started during COVID are successful,” she noted. “People started small during COVID—and that makes you more successful.”
She added that a notable number of KSBDC clients are hitting the five-year milestone this year, the benchmark at which businesses are generally considered stable.

Willett pushed back on the idea that the economy relies primarily on large corporations.

“Big business doesn’t create jobs—they shift them,” she said, pointing to the example of Boeing’s departure from Wichita. “Small shops start local, stay local, and keep money in the community.”

With holiday shopping underway, Willett encouraged Kansans to prioritize local stores. “If you want to make a real, lasting impact on your community, shop small this holiday season,” she said. “Your business matters to those owners—it can make the difference in their success.”

One of the most common challenges for new businesses, Willett said, is growing too quickly.

“That’s a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem,” she cautioned. “Growing too fast can kill a business just as easily as not having customers.”

The KSBDC frequently helps owners plan for the highs and lows of business before they become overwhelming. She advises new restaurants, shops, and startups to expect an early burst of attention followed by a natural drop-off.

“We build that into our three-year projection models. Business isn’t steady—our goal is to help owners prepare for that.”

For anyone considering launching a business in 2025 or 2026, Willett was clear:
“Do your market research and run your numbers. Don’t waste your time on something that doesn’t have the potential to be successful.”

The Wichita State KSBDC website offers appointment scheduling, training information, and resource materials. Willett also encouraged local entrepreneurs to reach out through StartUp Hutch, noting that Startup Hutch’s Graham Lang is “a wonderful asset.”

For details on upcoming trainings or to schedule an advising session, visit the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University online.

Willett expressed her appreciation to the Hutchinson community and encouraged entrepreneurs to reach out early—and often—for support.

“We’re here for the long run,” she said. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

Small Business Adviser highlights growth, challenges, and the power of shopping local

The annual Reno County Toy Run returns on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, inviting riders and community members to help support local children by donating a new unwrapped toy.

Lineup begins at Salty Cycles, 129 E. Sherman in Hutchinson, at the corner of Sherman and Poplar, with entry from Main and Sherman. The event is open to street-legal bikes only. Riders gather at 10 a.m., and the parade—along with Santa—leaves at 1 p.m.

The Toy Run concludes at the Moose Lodge, 1401 E. 1st, where participants can enjoy a chili feed, purchase event shirts and buttons, and take part in a live auction with Curtis Jefferis.

The run benefits multiple local charities.
For more information, contact Alan Turner at 620-662-2972 or Karl “Handy” Kocher at 620-960-8044, or follow the Reno County Toy Run on Facebook.

Reno County Toy Run to be held Sunday 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka.

Just before 1a.m. Saturday, police responded to several reports of gunshots around SE 37th Street and SE Adams Street in Topeka, according to Topeka Police  LT Jason Schumacher.

 While officers were investigating that area, they received information on a victim arriving at a local hospital by private vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds. That individual was later pronounced deceased. Police released no additional details.

Police: Kansas shooting victim died at the hospital

Sen. Jerry Moran seeks to insulate FAA; Rep. Ron Estes hunts CBO transparency

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas joined five dozen colleagues requesting a House vote on legislation extending federal tax credits set to expire at the end of December that were implemented to moderate Affordable Care Act insurance costs.

In the letter signed by 59 lawmakers and sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the coalition said a bill preserving the tax credit would allow more than 24 million Americans in the ACA to avoid substantial premium increases in 2026. Sky-high premiums could prompt as many as 4 million people to drop health coverage.

Davids said 160,000 Kansans relied on federal tax credits last year to save an average of $700 annually on health care premiums.

“Families in Kansas and across the country are staring down massive health care price hikes because Congress hasn’t done its job,” said Davids, the Democrat representing the 3rd District in the Kansas City area. “Republican leadership in the Senate has already promised a vote to extend ACA tax credits. There is no excuse for the House to stall any longer.”

Davids said a bipartisan majority in the House support action to mitigate rising health care costs. While Democrats have sought a tax-credit extension, Republicans complained the credits were costly to the government and helped boost insurance company profits. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would cost the $350 billion in the next decade if the subsidy were extended.

“Inaction here will decimate millions of Americans’ budgets and force impossible decisions between receiving necessary care and other basic needs,” the letter said.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee, said the 43-day government shutdown inhibited operation of the Federal Aviation Administration, caused widespread flight delays and interrupted an estimated $6 billion in travel spending.

Moran convened a Senate hearing to lay the groundwork for legislation capable of shielding the industry during government shutdowns.

“We convened this hearing because of the importance of the aviation and travel industry, a vital component of our nation’s economy,” Moran said. “We must do our part to enable the FAA and the Department of Transportation to make certain that America remains the standard for aviation and air safety.”

In March, the Kansas Republican introduced a bill that would insulate the FAA by making emergency funding available for critical operations and to pay air traffic controllers.

“When Congress fails to act, the FAA and the aviation industry suffer,” Moran said. “The people who work in the airports and in aviation cannot further afford the instability and chaos.”

The U.S. Travel Association reported more than $6 billion in travel spending was lost because of the inability of aircraft to fly as a result of the shutdown.

Moran said he was pleased the problem with flight delays had eased ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. A record 31 million passengers were expected to fly from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. The busiest days were expected to be Sunday Nov. 30 and Monday Dec. 1.

U.S. Rep. Ron&nbsp;Estes, a Kansas Republican serving the Wichita area, said transparency and accuracy of the Congressional Budget Office was essential to the federal legislative process.

During a House budget committee hearing, Estes told CBO director Phillip Swagel that reports issued by the office had a dramatic impact on bills in the House and Senate. CBO, which operates as designated budget scorekeeper, influenced public perception of legislation, Estes said.

“We need to make sure that CBO works to improve scores, to actually make sure that they align with reality,” Estes said. “Unfortunately, as we’ve talked about previously in the committee room, CBO sometimes falls short of making those good estimates that help us make decisions.”

Estes said an example was the CBO’s estimate on the 2022 Inflation Adjustment Act, which focused on health care, climate and taxes, and was signed by President Joe Biden. Estes and GOP U.S. Reps. Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner of Kansas voted against the bill. Davids voted for it.

Estes said the CBO’s initial report said the energy and climate provisions of the bill would cost $391 billion. Credit Suisse concluded the cost was closer to $800 billion, he said.

“My struggle, and I think a lot of our struggle, is that we’re literally making trillion-dollar decisions based on this information, so we want to make sure it’s the best possible,” he said.

Rep. Sharice Davids encourages House vote on extending tax credit for health insurance

BOSTON (AP) —John F. Kennedy's granddaughter disclosed Saturday that she has terminal cancer, writing in an essay in “The New Yorker” that one of her doctors said she might live for about another year and criticizing policies pushed by her cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-rfk-jr-maha-summit-199786933b09fc610feb9c08695cbfc8">Robert F. Kennedy Jr</a>.

Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, said she was diagnosed in May 2024 at 34. After the birth of her second child, her doctor noticed her white blood cell count was high. It turned out to be acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation, mostly seen in older people.

Her essay was published on the 62nd anniversary of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jfk-assassination-files-released-trump-4e82e40715312f68b4f1f0d0592a8c42">her grandfather's assassination.</a>

Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, wrote she has undergone rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, the first using cells from her sister and the next from an unrelated donor, and participated in clinical trials. During the latest trial, she wrote, her doctor told her “he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”

Schlossberg also said policies backed by RFK could hurt cancer patients like her. Caroline Kennedy urged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26293924-ruling-in-irs-case/">senators to reject</a>&nbsp;his confirmation.

“As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers,” the essay reads.

Schlossberg wrote about her fears that her daughter and son won't remember her. She feels cheated and sad that she won't get to keep living “the wonderful life” she had with her husband, George Moran. While her parents and siblings try to hide their pain from her, she said she feels it every day.

“For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry,” she said. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

JFK's granddaughter reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

SALINE COUNTY —A suspect is in jail facing multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Saline County.

Just after 12a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy near the south Saline County line around on Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 exit was searching for a 2013 BMW that had been reportedly speeding northbound with no lights on, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The deputy found the vehicle traveling at 135 mph in Saline County and pursued. After an attempted stop, the vehicle continued northbound on the Interstate with no lights on.

The vehicle continued west on Interstate 70 until eventually pulling over just east of the Sylvan Grove exit in Ellsworth County. The driver identified as 22-year-old Hunter Sims of Denton, TX was arrested on requested charges of Reckless Driving, Speeding, Registration Violation, Driving with no Headlights and Felony Flee and Elude.

Sheriff: Driver jailed after I-70 chase at 130mph

WILSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pedestrian identified as 21-year-old Angel M.&nbsp;Stephens of Altoona, was walking westbound on 7th Street in Altoona.&nbsp; She accidentally walked in front of and was struck by a northbound train.&nbsp;

Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed that she did not see or hear the train, according to the KHP.

She was transported to&nbsp;Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia.&nbsp;

KHP: 21-year-old did not see or hear train in fatal accident

KANSAS CITY—A man was sentenced in federal court this week for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 57 months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Hodge and 12 other members of the Pagan’s and their support club chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and their support club were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Hodge, who was a Pagan’s prospect at the time, and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to their knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks, and back of their leg.&nbsp;Hodge and several others fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Following this event, several members, including Hodge, were awarded club patches for their participation.

Motorcycle club member going to prison for armed assault of rival

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night in Basehor, Kansas.

Just before 9p.m., deputies from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 16900 block of Dempsey Road where a resident reported being threatened, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; The reporting party provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was a white Honda SUV.

Preliminary information indicates deputies located the Honda nearby, and attempted to stop the SUV, when the driver fled. While the Honda traveled eastbound in the 17000 block of Dempsey Road, gunshots were fired from the SUV toward the pursuing patrol vehicle. Near N. 147th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, in Basehor, gunshots were again fired from the Honda, and the responding deputy crashed his patrol vehicle.

The pursuit continued to the area of N. 156th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, where the Honda collided with a passenger car. As a deputy pulled behind the Honda, a male subject, later identified as Andrew M. Amundsen, 33, of Leavenworth, exited the passenger side, and fired several rounds. The deputy returned fire. The driver of the vehicle, Mariah Huggins, 29, of Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody at the crash site.

Amundsen fled on foot. In an attempt to hide, he broke a basement window of an area home, entered the residence, but then exited and continued to flee. Sheriff's deputies located him hiding in a truck bed in the area of N. 157th&nbsp;and Cedar Street and took him into custody. Amundsen was uninjured, and later booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The deputy involved in the wreck was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and then released. No other deputies or civilians were hurt during this incident. As a precaution, Huggins was examined by hospital personnel, and then booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on a pre-existing warrant.

Additional charges, related to this incident, are expected for Amundsen and Huggins.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Couple jailed after exchange of gunfire with Kan. deputy

MITCHELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by Dustin K.&nbsp;West, 31, Cawker City, was eastbound in the 800 block of Wisconsin Street in Cawker City. The struck a pedestrian, identified as LInda B. Clover, 81, Cawker City, who stepped into the roadway from the south curb.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Clover to&nbsp;Mitchell County Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. West was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

81-year-old Kansas woman hospitalized after struck by a car

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">Usha Vance</a>&nbsp;took their first trip together on Wednesday, visiting Marine Corps members and their relatives in North Carolina to mark the approach of Thanksgiving and salute military families, which the first lady called "the quiet strength of our nation.”

The wives of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a former Marine, visited schools at Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, before delivering remarks to some 1,600 uniformed, cheering Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you and deeply grateful for your service,” Trump said of all military service members stationed far from home during the holidays, speaking from a stage flanked by parked tanks and helicopters.

Trump stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the military, noting that “technology is changing the art of war.”

“Predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons,” she said, also noting that "we are moving from human operators to human overseers fast.”

Trump and Vance both saluted the Marines for the branch's recent 250th anniversary, and the second lady said that “military families are truly a model for our country and for my own family."

Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo Jr, said of the joint visit: “Those moments matter because they show our families their service and sacrifices are seen and appreciated."

Trump and Vance's speeches followed them discussing AI with high schoolers and helping younger children make turkeys out of cardstock — surrounded by Elmer’s glue and glue sticks.

They watched an advanced placement research class from the Lejeune High “Devilpups,” recalling the Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” nickname, and had discussions about technological development.

Trump and Vance sat with four tables of students with laptops. They listened to a student presentation on electronic media affecting sleep and adolescent wellbeing, as well as a study on social media addiction and its impact on young people’s esteem and body image.

The students demonstrated how they used AI to generate videos as part of their presentation. The first lady asked one group how they used AI in school, and nodded along as they chatted. The students also described rules that kept them from using AI to improperly complete assignments.

Trump and Vance later visited a gymnasium, where the school was assembling 2,000 care packages for service members stationed abroad — filled with goodies including jerky sticks. The first lady told the crowd there that she and the president always think of U.S. service members but “especially during the holidays.”

Trump and Vance also toured two kindergarten classes and a first grade class at DeLalio Elementary School, entering classrooms where each table had been laid with folders from Be Best, Trump’s child-focused initiative. The folders featured a puzzle, pen, and sticker for each student.

Trump told one of the girls she was “beautiful.” The youngster had a patriotic ribbon pinned to her light blue top, meaning one of her parents is on active deployment.

The first lady asked another a question, before declaring, “’Isn’t it fun?” She engaged in a long conversation with another girl before offering, “Very nice. I love your story.”

Later, sitting at tables with the youngsters, Trump commanded, “Show me how you play.” Several of the kindergartners and first graders wore ribbons signifying a deployed parent — as did many in the larger group of students later making turkeys with the first and second ladies.

Both have appeared together at other public events, though not on the road. Most notably, they were together at the inauguration of their husbands at the U.S. Capitol in January.

Other joint appearances came at a White House event celebrating military mothers and a luncheon for Senate spouses, both in May; the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-487a890419ebf4de42660c5d947dc69c">opening night of “Les Misérables”</a>&nbsp;at the Kennedy Center in June; and the president's signing last week of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">executive order to help foster children</a>, which also came as part of Be Best.

Melania Trump has centered her work around children, launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;during her husband's first term to focus on their welfare, online safety and opioid abuse.

Last month, she announced that eight children displaced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the Russia-Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-russia-ukraine-children-fe324a08a9a957f05995dac0d95a66c3">reunited with their families</a>&nbsp;following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, the first lady helped lobby Congress to pass legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-intimate-imagery-bill-sign-c7416b4935f8ccac9fd2909e494da9f1">imposing federal penalties for online sexual exploitation</a>, often targeting young girls. Her husband signed the bill into law in May.

Usha Vance, a former lawyer, launched a “Summer Reading Challenge” to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books during the school break. Certificates and prizes were promised to those who completed the challenge.

The second lady often accompanies the vice president on his trips and sometimes brings along their three young children.

Highlights of first and second ladies visit with Marines and their relatives

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/"></a>LINCOLN — In a blow to the local economy of Lexington, Nebraska, Tyson Foods announced that it is closing the town’s longtime Tyson beef plant that employed about 3,200 people.&nbsp;

The Arkansas-based Tyson said in a statement that changes were designed to “right-size” its beef business and position it for long-term success.

The Lexington plant is to close on or around Jan. 20.&nbsp;The statement did not elaborate on why the plant in the town of&nbsp; about 11,500 people was targeted.

The company said it also will convert an Amarillo, Texas, beef facility to a single, full-capacity shift and increase production at other company beef facilities. The number of layoffs from that eliminated shift is about 1,700.

A recent earnings report indicated that Tyson stands to lose some $600 million in its beef business next fiscal year, on top of the already-incurred $720 million loss over the last two years.&nbsp;

The closure sparked swift reaction from Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors expressed disappointment — especially, it said, in light of Friday’s U.S. Department of Agriculture data that Nebraska cattle-on-feed inventories remain slightly above year-ago levels in spite of the ongoing cyclical tightness in national cattle numbers.

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