Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Director of Communications Stacy Goss joined the KWBW Morning Show on Thursday to discuss key legislative issues impacting schools, upcoming professional development efforts, and community events scheduled after winter break.

Dr. Johnson said the district is closely monitoring several education-related bills during the current Kansas legislative session. One proposal would require school districts statewide to delay the start of the academic year until after Labor Day. USD 308 currently brings teachers back in mid-August for professional development, with students returning later that week.

Johnson said a mandated later start date would significantly affect district calendar planning, which is already underway through a committee that includes parents, teachers, administrators, and association representatives.

“If that bill were to pass after our calendar is already approved, we may have to reconvene the committee and make adjustments,” Johnson said.

Goss added that a delayed start could create challenges for families, particularly around childcare and scheduling during late summer weeks when many programs have already ended.

Another bill under consideration would shorten the required waiting period for retired educators to return to work. Johnson explained that the current waiting period is 180 days, up from 60 days several years ago. Reducing that timeframe could help districts address ongoing teacher shortages, though she emphasized there are still strict rules governing post-retirement employment.

“There are laws in place to prevent pre-arranged retire-and-return agreements, and we follow those closely,” Johnson said.

Johnson also addressed the future of Kansas’ school funding formula, which is set to sunset in 2027. The current formula includes a base state aid per pupil along with weighted funding for factors such as transportation and at-risk students. While discussions are underway among state leaders, Johnson said no specific changes have been proposed yet.

“There are a lot of nuances to school finance,” she said. “If I were betting, it may end up looking very similar, simply because of how complex it is.”

Looking ahead to January, Johnson and Goss highlighted the upcoming Reno County-wide professional development day on January 5, hosted in partnership with Hutchinson Community College. Teachers from districts across the county will gather for collaborative training sessions, with USD 308 holding its own professional development day on January 6. Students are scheduled to return to classes on January 7.

The district also announced its fourth annual Kids Night and Pack the Sack Food Drive on January 9 during home basketball games. Donations will benefit the Reno County Food Bank, and the first 500 children who bring an item will receive a free T-shirt.

Johnson praised the strong collaboration among Reno County school districts, noting that superintendents meet regularly to share ideas and problem-solve.

“We have great working relationships here,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to do what’s best for students and the community.”

USD 308 officials discuss legislative issues, professional development

SALINE COUNTY—A school bus driver and passengers avoided injury in a rear-end crash just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven by Cody Allan Denio, 31, McPherson, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of the Interstate 135 Junction. The pickup rear-ended a 2016 Bluebird school bus driven by Howard Doug&nbsp;Schanks, 68, Randolph, who had slowed to take the exit.

Denio, Schanks and 24 passengers on the bus were not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

McPherson driver rear-ends school bus on I-70

WASHINGTON, DC (December 18, 2025) – This holiday season is delivering cheaper gas prices as travelers hit the road in record numbers. 

The national average dropped more than 4 cents since last week to $2.89. This is the cheapest December at the pump since the end of 2020. Crude oil prices remain low, and despite an increase in gasoline demand over the holidays, supply is strong. 

Overall, 2025 has been a stable year for the national average with few fluctuations and no sharp spikes.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Here are the average prices around the area:

Holiday season delivers lower gas prices to end 2025

One of Hutchinson’s most cherished holiday traditions returns this weekend as the Hyde Park neighborhood hosts the 42nd Annual Luminaries, transforming more than 30 blocks into a glowing, walkable celebration of community and tradition.

The event dates back to 1983, when a small section of the Hyde Park neighborhood first lined its sidewalks with luminaries — simple paper bags weighted with sand and lit by candles. Over four decades later, the tradition has grown to span roughly 18th Street to 23rd Street and from Main to Monroe, with approximately 14,000 luminaries illuminating sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.

“This really has become more than just a display — it’s a community celebration,” organizer Angie Rice said. “It’s something that brings people together and encourages everyone to slow down during a busy season.”

Each year, Hyde Park residents receive bags and candles and are responsible for placing and lighting their own luminaries, a process that requires weeks of coordination. Planning begins as early as October, with candles ordered well in advance and distributed to about 30 block captains who help organize their respective streets.

The result is a large-scale neighborhood effort powered almost entirely by volunteers.

Streets surrounding Hyde Park will close at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, with luminary lighting and park activities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening opens with musical performances, including singers from Hutchinson High School, followed by the lighting of thousands of candles throughout the neighborhood.

Park activities include cider and ginger snap cookies served by National Honor Society students, horse-drawn wagon rides provided by the Rumford family, roaming carolers, a brass quintet, and Santa Claus handing out candy canes. All activities conclude at 9 p.m., when streets reopen to traffic.

Grace Episcopal Church’s youth group will again serve a soup dinner for a free-will donation, continuing a long-standing partnership that supports both attendees and community outreach.

Organizers emphasize that the event is intentionally kept nostalgic and traditional. “We want it to be quiet, beautiful, and meaningful,” Rice said. “It’s about hearing the music, seeing the glow, and spending time together.”

The entire event is funded by Hyde Park residents, making it free and open to the public. While donations are accepted through a designated luminaries account, organizers stress that the tradition remains resident driven.

Over the years, the Luminaries have become a backdrop for countless personal traditions — from families strolling the neighborhood to memorable moments like marriage proposals and long-running volunteer roles, including longtime Santa Richard Hall, who served the event for decades.

L<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/hutch/posts/863636e4-7d81-4ed3-aef5-e664519489c8">INK: Long-time Hyde Park Santa to hang up red suit.&nbsp;</a>

For organizers Mitch and Angie Rice, the goal remains simple: preserve a tradition that connects neighbors and welcomes the entire Hutchinson community.

“If you’ve never experienced it,” Mitch Rice said, “a cool December evening with candlelight, carolers, and horses’ hooves really does take you back to a simpler time. It’s a special way to begin the holiday season.”

The 42nd Annual Hyde Park Luminaries take place Saturday evening in and around Hyde Park, just north of Midtown Hutchinson.

Annual Hyde Park Luminaries to light up Hutchinson Saturday

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Hutchinson police investigated a reported threat at Central Christian School overnight and determined it was not credible, according to authorities.

Captain Dayton Gates with the Hutchinson Police Department said the school received a threatening message on its voicemail overnight. Officers responded to the campus and conducted a sweep of the building as a precaution and cleared the school after finding no validity to the threat.

Central Christian School notified families through a parent alert, stating that a threat had been made and that police were on scene assisting students in relocating to Union Valley Bible Church as a precaution. The message said officials did not believe the threat was credible but were taking all necessary safety measures and would provide updates as available.

Dr. John Walker, superintendent of Central Christian School, said the matter remains under investigation.

“A threat was made to Central Christian School this morning. This is an ongoing investigation being handled in coordination with the Hutchinson Police Department. Students and staff are safe. At this time, we do not have any additional information to share,” Walker said.

Walker later said that, out of an abundance of caution, school was canceled for the day.

Hutchinson Police investigate threat at Central Christian School 

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. ——————————————

Skyler	Dean	Imel		12/18/2025 12:56&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					In Transit From-To Other Agency

Martin	Luther	Tolbert	II	12/18/2025 12:57&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Dustin	Lee	Hawkins		12/18/2025 2:59&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Christopher	Lee	Wilkerson		12/18/2025 4:56&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Brittany	Nicole	Holt		12/18/2025 6:08&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Shuruthi		Senthil Marugan		12/18/2025 8:21&nbsp;PM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Kathy	Diane	Ratley		12/18/2025 8:22&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Daily Bookings 

UPDATE As of 8:25 p.m., the evacuation has been lifted for the North Plum area.&nbsp; All residents can return home.&nbsp; There is some smoke drifting across plum near 69th&nbsp;street.&nbsp; Please slowdown in this area for visibility and the safety of the firefighters.

PREVIOUS STORY At this hour, all mutual aid, in county and out of county task forces have been released from the scene on North Plum. HFD is still on scene working a few hot spots and hay bale fires. Hutchinson crews will remain in the area overnight on patrol. Projection for tomorrow shows a wind shift out of the South. Crews have already solidified the North perimeter in preparation of this. HFD will be on site tomorrow patrolling the area and doing a damage assessment.

No homes have been reported damaged. No injuries of firefighters or residents. Approx. 500 acres burnt. Cause is currently under investigation. 

The evacuation area will be lifted later tonight. Our concern with this at this hour is the smoke drifting across Plum Street from a large amount of hay bales on fire. When this dissipates, all areas will be open. As residents return, please keep an eye out on your property and advise 911 if you feel there is a threat. You will see areas burning, these will mostly be in the middle of a burnt area. Again, crews will be in the area all night. 

Hutchinson Fire could not have done this without the help of great mutual aid partners. We thank all that were willing to assists us. 100 firefighters from multiple departments over 4 counties, multiple reno county agencies, and business partners.

UPDATE: North Plum wildfire, Evacuation order lifted

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

Three-day Outlook

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Recent obituaries and service times

HARVEY COUNTY—&nbsp;A jury returned guilty verdicts this week against 63-year-old James Everett of Newton for multiple child sex crimes, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

Everett was found guilty of&nbsp;Four counts of Rape, Two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child and Two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy involving victims under the age of 14.

The trial included testimony from witnesses, law enforcement, and other evidence presented by the State. The jury found that the evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed multiple acts of sexual abuse against children.

“This case involved extremely serious and disturbing offenses,” said Heather Figger, Harvey County Attorney. “We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention to the evidence and for holding the defendant accountable. We also commend the courage and strength shown by the victims throughout this difficult process.”

The case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department, the Department of Children and Families and Heart 2 Heart Child Advocacy Center.

Everett is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13. He&nbsp;faces a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison on each count, life-time post release supervision, and lifetime registration as a sexual offender.

Jury: Kan. man committed multiple acts of sex abuse against children

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 4:30a.m. December 15, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-150 that was northbound on U.S. Highway 75 near 318th&nbsp;Road for an alleged traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle, David John Remmers, 40, of Salina was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, driving while suspended, tampering with an interlock device, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance and for an outstanding warrant for failure to appear out of Washington County.

The passenger of the vehicle, Jennifer Rose Martin, 40, of Marysville, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on a requested charges possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas man jailed for skipping court, drug possession

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department released thousands of files Friday from its investigation into convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;even as it acknowledged that its documents disclosure about the wealthy financier, known for his connections to President Donald Trump and other influential people, was incomplete.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">The records</a>&nbsp;arrived with public anticipation that they could offer the most detailed look yet at nearly two decades worth of government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-investigation-records-timeline-545c371ee3dd3142355a26d27829c188">investigations into Epstein’s sexual abuse</a>&nbsp;of young women and underage girls. But it remained unclear how much substantive new information was included in the photos, call logs, grand jury testimony and interview transcripts, or how much if any additional insight might be gleaned about Epstein’s relationships with rich and powerful contacts.

The files were being released in accordance with a congressionally set deadline of Friday, but the Justice Department signaled that it would not fully meet that mark, with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche telling Fox News Channel that he expected the department to release “several hundred thousand” records Friday and then several hundred thousand more in the coming weeks.

Their release has long been demanded by a public hungry to learn whether any of Epstein’s rich and powerful associates knew about — or participated in — the abuse.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">Epstein’s accusers</a>&nbsp;have also long sought answers about why federal authorities shut down their initial investigation into the allegations in 2008.

Bowing to political pressure from fellow Republicans, Trump on Nov. 19 signed a bill giving the Justice Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">30 days to release most of its files</a>&nbsp;and communications related to Epstein, including information about the investigation into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">his death in a federal jail</a>. The law’s passage was a remarkable display of bipartisanship that overcame months of opposition from Trump and Republican leadership.

That law allows for redactions about the victims or ongoing investigations but makes clear no records shall be withheld or redacted due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Nov. 14 that she had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-clinton-investigation-justice-department-d0ce8385cb7f42705ac068310e3231be">ordered a top federal prosecutor</a>&nbsp;to investigate Epstein’s ties to Trump’s political foes, including former President Bill Clinton. Bondi acted after Trump pressed for such an inquiry, though he did not explain what supposed crimes he wanted the Justice Department to investigate. None of the men Trump mentioned in a social media post demanding the investigation has been accused of sexual misconduct by any of Epstein’s victims.

In July, Trump dismissed some of his own supporters as “weaklings” for falling for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-supporters-epstein-sex-trafficking-investigation-bondi-47370e63060d79af64b0b8ac70b970a4">“the Jeffrey Epstein hoax.”</a>&nbsp;But both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., failed to prevent the legislation from coming to a vote.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-trump-congress-c858fcd7d587bb61d1b73753487b0ee1">Trump did a U-turn</a>&nbsp;on the files once it became clear that congressional action was inevitable. He insisted that the Epstein matter had become a distraction to the Republican agenda and that releasing the records was the best way to move on.

Police in Palm Beach, Florida, began investigating Epstein in 2005 after the family of a 14-year-old girl reported she had been molested at his mansion. The FBI joined the investigation, and authorities gathered testimony from multiple underage girls who said they had been hired to give Epstein sexual massages.

Ultimately, though, prosecutors&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-florida-e2a4431f7319afd037023d9a586aa291">gave Epstein a deal</a>&nbsp;that allowed him to avoid federal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to state prostitution charges involving someone under age 18 and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Epstein’s accusers then spent years in civil litigation trying to get that plea deal set aside. One of those women, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters, starting at age 17, with numerous other men, including billionaires, famous academics, U.S. politicians and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then known as Britain’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ghislaine-maxwell-entertainment-lifestyle-virginia-prince-andrew-60348f70fd605c26c26615ffc5ed5f14">Prince Andrew</a>.

All of those men denied the allegations. Prosecutors never brought charges in connection with Giuffre’s claims, but her account fueled conspiracy theories about supposed government plots to protect the powerful.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-roberts-giuffre-obit-778c4fdd6fac2522133ca3d79244bccd">Giuffre died</a>&nbsp;by suicide at her farm in Western Australia in April at age 41.

Federal prosecutors in New York brought new sex trafficking charges against Epstein in 2019, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">he killed himself in jail</a>&nbsp;a month after his arrest. Prosecutors then charged Epstein’s longtime confidant, British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, with recruiting underage girls for Epstein to abuse.

Maxwell was convicted in late 2021 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence, though she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-ghislaine-maxwell-justice-department-prison-27d53cd22f8c53d9f2b5012cea32eb5e">moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida</a>&nbsp;to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">was interviewed</a>&nbsp;over the summer by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Her lawyers argued that she never should have been tried or convicted.

The Justice Department in July said it had not found any information that could support prosecuting anyone else.

Lots of Epstein records were already public

After nearly two decades of court action and prying by reporters, a voluminous number of records related to Epstein is already public, including flight logs, address books, email correspondence, police reports, grand jury records, courtroom testimony and transcripts of depositions of his accusers, his staffers and others.

Yet, the public’s appetite for more records has been insatiable, particularly for anything related to Epstein’s associations with famous people including Trump, Mountbatten-Windsor and Clinton.

Trump was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling out. Neither he nor Clinton has ever been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.

Mountbatten-Windsor denied ever having sex with Giuffre, but King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-royals-andrew-prince-title-removed-c1538b68893cb1395073e1ca6b9468f4">stripped him of his royal titles</a>&nbsp;this year after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-guiffre-jeffrey-epstein-memoir-983e88151ce72ac5428fd7940ad19d1e">Giuffre’s memoir</a>&nbsp;was published after she died.

See the files: Some long-awaited Epstein files finally released

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday announced the start of a military operation in Syria to “eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites” following the deaths of three U.S. citizens in an ambush attack almost a week ago.

A U.S. official described it as “a large-scale” strike that targeted multiple locations and concentrated areas across central Syria that had Islamic State group infrastructure and weapons. Another U.S. official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations, said more strikes should be expected.

The attack was conducted using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters, the officials said. F-16 fighter jets from Jordan and HIMARS rocket artillery also were used, one official said.

“This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” Hegseth said on social media.

President Donald Trump had pledged “very serious retaliation” after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-us-military-attack-palmyra-is-22f67e54c1a15fcc643de2672b83aacb">the shooting in the Syrian desert</a>&nbsp;last Saturday that killed two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter. He blamed IS for their deaths. The troops were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting IS.

The attack was a major test for the warming ties between the United States and Syria since the ouster of autocratic leader Bashar Assad a year ago. Trump has stressed that Syria was fighting alongside U.S. troops and said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was “extremely angry and disturbed by this attack,” which came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-syria-troops-islamic-state-kurds-3354f71e88d278427994d209b2d16d9c">U.S. military is expanding its cooperation</a>&nbsp;with Syrian security forces.

Syrian state television reported that strikes hit targets in rural areas of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa provinces and in the Jabal al-Amour area near Palmyra. It said they targeted “weapons storage sites and headquarters used by ISIS as launching points for its operations in the region.”

White House officials noted that Trump had made clear that retaliation was coming.

“President Trump told the world that the United States would retaliate for the killing of our heroes by ISIS in Syria, and he is delivering on that promise,” White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement.

Trump this week met privately with the families of the slain Americans at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before he joined top military officials and other dignitaries on the tarmac for the dignified transfer, a solemn and largely silent ritual honoring U.S. service members killed in action.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-attack-iowa-national-guard-islamic-state-38dd71dca411213f3789ccdb94e37f4e">The guardsmen</a>&nbsp;killed in Syria on Saturday were Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown, according to the U.S. Army. Ayad Mansoor Sakat, of Macomb, Michigan, a U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, was also killed.

The shooting nearly a week ago near the historic city of Palmyra also wounded three other U.S. troops as well as members of Syria’s security forces, and the gunman was killed. The assailant had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a base security guard two months ago and recently was reassigned because of suspicions that he might be affiliated with IS, Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba has said.

The man stormed a meeting between U.S. and Syrian security officials who were having lunch together and opened fire after clashing with Syrian guards.

When asked for further information, the Pentagon referred AP to Hegseth’s social media post.

Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut, Lebanon, contributed.

US launches retaliatory strikes in Syria targeting ISIS

CASS COUNTY —The  Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal officer shooting involving a member of the Belton Police Department.

Just after 10a.m. Friday, police in the Kansas City suburb of Belton responded to a the 16,000 Block of Rebecca Lane to check the welfare of a subject possibly experiencing&nbsp; mental health issues, according to a media release from the&nbsp; MSHP. Officers made contact with the subject at the residence. The subject refused any assistance from officers.

Just before 12:30p.m. Officers were called to the same address a second time on a re port the original subject&nbsp; threatening a member of the residence with a&nbsp; knife. Officer arrived and contacted the reporting party in the front of the home. During the conversation, the subject exited the residence and was armed with a knife. The subject ran toward the officers and they retreated.&nbsp; The subject continued to chase an officer. At 12:35p.m., the officer fired shots striking the subject. EMS transported the subject to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

No officers were injured during the incident. Investigators recovered a knife at the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is in charge of the investigation. Their final report on the incident will forwarded to the Cass County Attorney for review.

Patrol: Suspect shot, killed after chasing officers with a knife

BUTLER COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 2p.m. Thursday in Butler County.

According to Undersheriff Daimon Cundiff, a 1998 Harley Davidson driven by 53-year-old Salvador J. Tovar Jr., of Augusta was&nbsp;northbound in the 4000 Block of SW Haverhill Road in El Dorado. The driver lost control of the motorcycle as it entered the curve just north of SW 50th Street and was ejected. 

Tovar was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a helmet, according to Cundiff.&nbsp; High winds are believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

Sheriff: High winds contributed to fatal Kan. motorcycle crash

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ariana-figueroa/">Ariana Figueroa</a>

WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a prestigious cultural hub in the nation’s capital, will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.

<a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/about-us/leadership/trustees/">Click here to see the</a> Center's Board of Trustees

The renaming comes after President Donald Trump named himself chair of the board in February in a major shake-up. He later fired the Kennedy Center president as well as board members appointed by President Joe Biden before appointing his own members.

Leavitt said the board unanimously approved the name change. However, a federal statute appears to prohibit the renaming of portions of the center, which is considered a living memorial to Kennedy.

“After December 2, 1983, no additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials shall be designated or installed in the public areas of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,”&nbsp;<a href="https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title20/chapter3/subchapter5&amp;edition=prelim" target="_blank">according to the U.S. code.&nbsp;</a>

Congress likely would need to change the law for the center to be renamed officially.&nbsp;

The Kennedy Center was renamed in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated.

Leavitt said the renaming was “because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”

“Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!,” she wrote.

Since the president’s takeover of the center, major artists and performers have canceled performances or boycotted performing. The artist Issa Rae, and the musical “Hamilton” will no longer perform at the center and dozens of cast members of “Les Misérables” refused to perform for Trump officials earlier this year.

Controversy: Kennedy Center to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is expected to learn her fate Friday.

A sentencing hearing for Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime is scheduled in Judge Tyler Rousch's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

Sentencing day for acid attack on Kansas teen

RILEY COUNTY – Law enforcement investigating a homicide that occurred&nbsp; in the 800 Block of Colorado Street in Manhattan on December 6, have made additional arrests.

On Thursday, police arrested Danielle Sanchez, 47, of Manhattan, in the 1000 block of Pottawatomie Court on requested charges of interference with a law enforcement officer; conceal/alter/destroy evidence in a felony case and attempted obstruction of apprehension of prosecution; committed or charged with a felony, according to al media release from the Riley County Police Department.

On December 10, police arrested Joleann Killham, 24, and Eli Smith, 22, both of Manhattan on requested charges of interference with a&nbsp;law enforcement officer; conceal/alter/destroy evidence in a felony case and obstructing apprehension of prosecution; committed or charged with a felony. 

Sanchez and Killham and Smith met the requirement of a $10,000 bond and are no longer in custody. Smith remains confined, according to the RCPD.

These arrests are the results of continued investigative efforts following the apprehension of Erick Sanchez-Chavez, 29, of Manhattan, who was arrested on Dec. 8 and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault and criminal threat in the death of 36-year-old Mark Rickenbaker. Sanchez-Chavez is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

3 more accused in connection with homicide in Manhattan

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military said Thursday that it had conducted two more strikes against boats it said were smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing five people.

U.S. Southern Command posted on social media, “Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” though it did not provide evidence. It posted videos of each boat speeding through water before being struck by an explosion.

The military said three people in one vessel and two in the other were killed.

The attacks brought&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-boat-strikes-caribbean-military-venezuela-timeline-2dd9d16f4f74d9dfa4aca76d3123678d">the total number of known boat strikes</a>&nbsp;to 28 while at least 104 people have been killed, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-drugs-venezuela-911-hegseth-3db3aafed492556bb9ca7de855c4849e">justified the attacks</a>&nbsp;as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted the U.S. is engaged in an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>.

The administration is facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-pete-hegseth-venezuela-9f46a5f074b5b3c979ee41082949b196">increasing scrutiny from lawmakers</a>&nbsp;over the boat strike campaign. The first attack in early September involved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-strike-video-footage-boat-caribbean-3cf2ca9cbe4523978e935b99c2979caa">a follow-up strike that killed two survivors</a>&nbsp;clinging to the wreckage of a boat after the first hit.

🎥US strikes 2 more drug boats killing 5 'narco-terrorists'

TOPEKA –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced a settlement with Menards, a home improvement retail chain. Kansas, along with nine other states, investigated Menards for its business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its merchandise credit check program, also known as Menards’ “11% Rebate.”

&nbsp;In addition to paying Kansas $81,570.75, Menards agreed to clearly disclose limitations relating to its 11% Rebate, allow 12 months for consumers to submit an 11% Rebate claim and investigate the ability to redeem the 11% Rebate online.

&nbsp;“When a supplier offers rebates or in-store credits to consumers, the Kansas Consumer Protection Act requires the conditions and limitations of said program be fully and clearly disclosed,” said First Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Castillo. “Anything less can mislead the consumer in violation of the Act.”

&nbsp;Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and operates approximately 9 stores across Kansas.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/24700/639016562246570000" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to read the agreement between Menards and the Kansas Attorney General.

Menards settles complaint over deceptive discount ads

🎧🎥🏀Hutch High travels to Ark City to close out 2025 part of season

The best high school track and field athletes from the state of Kansas and surrounding states will descend on Manhattan this spring as Head Track and Field Coach Travis Geopfert and Athletics Director Gene Taylor have announced details for the inaugural K-State Relays at the R.V. Christian Track Complex.

The meet, which will be held April 10-11, will consist of six different relay events as well as seven field events and will infuse the Manhattan community with visitors from all over the state. The unique format will score the relay events and will crown both a boys and girls team champion.

"We are thrilled to host this event and help support high school track and field here in the state of Kansas," Geopfert said. "This will be a high school-only meet that will allow every school in the state of Kansas to come to Manhattan and have their athletes compete against the best that this state, and surrounding states, have to offer."

The relay events include the 4x100, 4x400, 4x800, sprint medley relay, distance medley relay and shuttle hurdle relay. The field events to be contested are the long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw and javelin throw with a field size of 32 athletes. The high jump and pole vault will have up to 24 participating athletes. The Cliff Rovelto Indoor Track will be utilized as a warm-up area while Bramlage Coliseum will house the team camps. The close proximity of these three facilities will make for a seamless experience for athletes and coaches.

"We wanted to create a unique team concept, with team-scored relays only on the track," Geopfert added. "This allows hundreds of athletes to compete as a team in a condensed time frame that's exciting for all track and field fans. We also wanted to make sure we created an opportunity for the best field event athletes in the state to compete. This is a slightly different concept from the traditional 'Relays Meet' but we're hopeful the team score, the condensed schedule and the opportunity for elite field event competition, will attract and give a great opportunity for these high school athletes."

Events such as the K-State Relays also provide the department with the opportunity to host visitors to not only see the Wildcat program and facilities up close but also spend time in the Manhattan community.

"When we look at hosting outside events, we want to ensure that they provide value to our department and programs, make sense from a cost/revenue perspective and are beneficial to the Manhattan community," Taylor said. "We feel this event checks all the boxes, and we look forward to welcoming high school track athletes and their families to Manhattan in April."

More information, including detailed schedules and ticket information, will be announced in the coming months. High school coaches and teams interested in participating in the event can contact Chris Goodwin at (785) 473-6661 or cgoodwin@kstatesports.com.

Inaugural K-State Relays High School meet set for April 2026

The Kansas City Royals announced this morning they have acquired left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Matt Strahm&nbsp;from the Philadelphia Phillies for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jonathan Bowlan. The Royals Major League Reserve List remains at 40.

Strahm, 34, has pitched 10 seasons in the Majors for four different teams, including his first two with the Royals, who selected him in the 21st round of the 2012 Draft out of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kan. He will be the 37th player in franchise history to appear with the Royals, leave the organization and later return.

Strahm has pitched for the Royals (2016-17), Padres (2018-21), Red Sox (2022) and Phillies (2023-25). He was an All-Star with the Phillies in 2024, when he recorded a 1.87 ERA (13 ER in 62.2 IP) in 66 appearances. This season with Philadelphia, he matched a career high with 66 appearances and posted a 2.74 ERA (19 ER in 62.1 IP) and a career-best 22 holds, 5th best among National League left handers.

Over 10 seasons, Strahm has made 360 of his 395 appearances as a reliever and boasts a 3.36 ERA (193 ERA in 517.1 IP), 10.1 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. In the last four seasons since 2022, Strahm ranks 3rd among all left-handed pitchers (min. 200 appearances) with a 2.90 ERA (83 ER in 257.1 IP), trailing only&nbsp;Tyler Holton&nbsp;(2.63) and&nbsp;Alex Vesia&nbsp;(2.74).

Strahm has pitched in four postseasons, including 2020 with San Diego and each of the last three seasons (2023-25) with Philadelphia.

Royals acquire left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm from Phillies

🏈 Blue Dragons fall in title game, 🏀 Wichita State men top Wofford 🏐 KSU's Shaylee Meyers named All-American

CANYON, Texas — No. 1 Hutchinson (11-1) jumped out to a 10-0 lead before No. 2 Iowa Western (12-1) scored the final 28 points in Wednesday night's championship rematch.

Christian Johnson hit Derrick Salley Jr. on a 15-yard touchdown pass to score the game's first points on Hutchinson's first drive.

The Dragons held the Reivers to back-to-back three-and-outs to open the contest.

On Hutchinson's second possession, kicker Alejandro de la Poza hit a school-record 52-yard field goal. His 15th connection of the year also set a school record for made field goals in a season.

The Dragons outgained the Reivers 108-40 in the first frame and took the double-digit lead.

Iowa Western then scored the final 28 points of the game unanswered.

Quarterback Malachi Marshall started the game 1-for-7, but threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter.

Marshall finished 18-of-35 with three touchdowns and one interception for 212 yards.

Daniel Swinney became just the second running back to gash the Dragon defense for more than 100 yards this season.

Swinney's best day on the ground against the Dragons in his previous three matchups only went for 43 yards.

In the title game, Swinney racked up 153 yards. His six-yard touchdown with 3:30 to play sealed the Reiver victory.

FINAL: Iowa Western 28 Hutchinson 10

The Reivers sacked Christian Johnson 10 times. Johnson finished the day 10-of-21 for 89 yards.

The Reivers outgained the Dragons 409-159.

This is Iowa Western's fourth national title. The Reivers have appeared in the last five championship games.

The Dragons or Reivers have appeared in the last six title games and have now faced off in three of those contests.

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