 National Modular MFG LLC has signed a long-term lease to double the size of its Kansas operations, expanding into a 57,600-square-foot facility at the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park in Hutchinson.

The company, which operates in Haven, Kansas, and Providence, North Carolina, manufactures modular units for national brands including 7 Brew Coffee. Company officials said the additional space will significantly increase manufacturing capacity and support continued growth.

National Modular said its facilities combine the strength and quality of traditional site-built construction with the added benefits of transportability and efficiency. The company completed 138 drive-thru buildings last year and expects the expansion to allow it to complete at least 200 units this year.

The manufacturer distinguishes itself by using welded steel frames exclusively, engineering its structures to meet snow, wind and seismic requirements across the United States and Canada. In addition to constructing the buildings, National Modular also designs and delivers full drive-thru canopy systems — a component often supplied separately in modular or site-built projects.

Company representatives said leasing the spec building in Hutchinson allowed for immediate expansion. They credited city and county leaders for supporting the company’s rapid growth since it established operations in Haven more than five years ago.

Brad Pryor of Salt City Investments said the spec building was designed to accommodate growing companies seeking ready-to-occupy industrial space.

“This is exactly the type of project we are proud to support,” Pryor said, adding that the development model is expected to be replicated for future projects.

Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst said the county remains committed to economic development efforts that create jobs and generate broader economic impact.

Hutchinson Mayor Scott Meggers said the city supported the vision for development in the industrial park to demonstrate that Hutchinson is positioned for business expansion.

Debra Teufel, president and CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, said the availability of modern, move-in-ready industrial space played a key role in facilitating the company’s growth and strengthening its long-term investment in Reno County.

National Modular MFG to expand locally

Firefighters across Kansas were very busy today. Many fires were suppressed without state assistance. KFS and partners assisted with the following fires. 

Burned from Texas Co Ok into Seward Co. Located southwest of Liberal, forward progress is stopped for now and crews are actively working to extinguish hot spots. 

Located southeast Liberal is actively burning. Johnson County Task Force and KFS DFMO Williams is engaged with the local fire departments. The head fire is approaching Meade Co. 

This fire continues to burn actively and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi and other state resources are working with local responders on this fire.

Continues to burn actively moving east and is located south of Protection, KS. 

The Sedgwick Co Task Force is engaged on this fire along with KFS Assistant Fire Management Officer Dennis Carlson. 

Aviation and additional Kansas Task Forces will be available tomorrow to assist the local fire departments. 

Please check local social media outlets for evacuation notifications. 

Kansas Forest Service provides wildfire update

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has staffed the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service in response to wildland fire threats across the state.

Blowing winds and possible wildfires are expected to continue this evening and into Wednesday. Motorists are advised to delay traveling as much as possible and to not drive into dust where visibility is restricted. Do not go into areas where active fires are being fought. Give emergency crews time and space to work.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is working alongside partner agencies in Southwest and Northwest Kansas to support wildfire response efforts through emergency response, evacuation assistance, traffic control, enforcement of safety closures, and securing affected areas. For emergencies, continue to dial *47(HP) while traveling on Kansas roadways, or *KTA (582) if traveling on the Kansas Turnpike."

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas and U.S. 50 in southwest Kansas at times today that could continue tonight due to reduced visibility from blowing dust which has caused several crashes. &nbsp;Similar conditions and multiple crashes have also occurred in Colorado and Oklahoma and have closed highways. KDOT has sent water tenders to support fire suppression efforts in the Englewood and Ashland communities.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal has sent an agent and the State Fire Marshal to Southwest Kansas to assist local responders. An agent will be sent to Northwest Kansas later today. Task Forces have been sent to different locations across the state. The Task Forces are from Johnson County, Sedgwick County, Dickinson County, Shawnee County and the Kansas National Guard.

Kansas Forest Service personnel are assisting with the wildfire outbreak in Kansas by providing subject-matter-expertise to local fire departments actively engaged in wildfire suppression operations which assist in determining priorities for limited resources statewide.

The Kansas National Guard has deployed a wildfire task force to western Kansas to help with fire suppression.

The American Red Cross is assisting counties impacted with mass care and human service’s needs.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management provides wildfire update

The Food Bank of Reno County will move into a larger facility next week after successfully completing its capital campaign, Executive Director Angela Penner announced.

Penner said the organization met its fundraising goal “due to the generosity of our community” and is scheduled to relocate to 921 E. Fourth Ave., at the corner of Fourth and Severance.

The food bank will suspend operations during the move next week and reopen March 3 at the new site.

The expanded space significantly increases storage capacity, particularly for perishable goods. Penner said the new facility has roughly tripled its cold storage area, allowing the organization to accept and distribute more dairy and other refrigerated items.

“We’re going to be able to serve people with a lot more dignity,” Penner said. “People will be able to come through and shop our aisles like a grocery store.”

At its current location, the food bank can serve only one or two patrons at a time, creating delays on busy days. The new site will allow walk-in service without appointments and introduce a client-choice model, enabling families to select items that best meet their needs.

Beginning March 3, distribution hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

The Food Bank of Reno County serves at least 15,000 people annually. Penner said the organization operates primarily through community donations and volunteer support and does not receive dedicated funding for its core programs.

The project gained momentum after the organization won the United Way of Reno County’s Spark Tank competition last fall, which Penner said increased public awareness and support.

The outgoing Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce board chair,&nbsp;Nick Baldetti selected the food bank as the recipient of a $200 gift.&nbsp; The foodbank has a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for March 12.

The new building, a former grocery store, was purchased by the food bank. Rental income from other tenants in the building will help offset operational costs.

First Call for Help will share space in the facility, creating what Penner described as a “one-stop shop” for clients seeking food assistance and additional community resources. The organization is also partnering with K-State Research and Extension to provide educational programming and working with United Way to connect clients with further services.

A community food drive is scheduled for March 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dillons Marketplace, with support from Eagle Media. The food bank is seeking donations of cereal, pancake mix, syrup and canned fruit, along with perishable items such as milk, eggs and cheese.

Penner said volunteers remain essential to operations, and those interested can contact the Volunteer Center at Hutchinson Community College.

“We just want to thank our community,” Penner said. “The support has been overwhelming.”

Food Bank of Reno County set to make move

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="http://hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

Recent obituaries and service times

STERLING, Kan. (AP) — The Sterling College Symphonic Band will take the stage Sunday afternoon for a concert featuring music by three celebrated composers, joined by guest performers from the Wichita Choral Society.

The performance will highlight works by Gustav Holst, John Rutter and Leonard Bernstein, including Holst’s “Mars” and “Jupiter” from “The Planets,” Rutter’s “Gloria,” and selections from Bernstein’s “Mass.”

Members of the Wichita Choral Society will collaborate with the Sterling College Band for the program. Guest vocalists Katelyn Mattson and Sean Foster will perform with the combined ensemble on Bernstein’s “Mass.”

The concert also will feature harpist Camden Hyder and organist Alejandro Avila.

The performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. The concert will be livestreamed on the SCMusic Facebook page.

Sterling College Symphonic band to host concert

The National Weather Service Wichita has issued a Red Flag Warning for extreme grassland fire danger across parts of central and south-central Kansas from noon to 9 p.m. CST Tuesday.

Forecasters said southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 23 percent, will create conditions favorable for rapid wildfire growth. Officials strongly discouraged outdoor burning, warning that any ignition could quickly become a fast-moving grassfire.

A separate Red Flag Warning remains in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST for southwest Kansas, where even more severe conditions are expected.

The National Weather Service Dodge City said southwest to west winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 mph, and relative humidity dropping as low as 13 percent will significantly increase the risk of extreme fire behavior.

A Red Flag Warning indicates that critical fire weather conditions are occurring or imminent. The combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid fire spread and intense fire behavior.

Emergency managers and fire crews were urged to prepare for potential wildfire operations, and residents were advised to avoid any activities that could spark a fire.

Red Flag Warning issued

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a bridge replacement project on K-4 over Plum Creek east of Bushton in Rice County on Monday, Feb. 23, conditions permitting.

Initial work will consist of constructing a temporary road around the bridge to carry traffic through the project area. Traffic impacts should be minimal during this phase.&nbsp; Once the temporary road is complete, traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the new bridge is constructed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.&nbsp;

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor on the $2.5 million project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cnick.gosnell%2540ks.gov%257C2307b72cd6354edebb9908de0b396462%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638960538275676177%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=R%252FzM61p3LWpRX4mqgVb8vFp2RGA7gdD9N%252FZ5xyhBO9Y%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.kandrive.gov%25253Futm_medium%253Demail%252526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%252F1%252F01010199e36a64fc-93fce69b-44f1-44a1-8752-bdd6df0019b0-000000%252FWttZkfWnkeXjcNMQ7BhANqZPjcWOShUW76xWu5IjAbs%253D426%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c67e18a93-4b2c7d18-eaae-44fe-9e88-b679072d5220-000000/FWl6XVr13NVJy25A36dGR_9lIVmZGaHd9aVV5FMPnpk=444">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257Cnick.gosnell%2540ks.gov%257C2307b72cd6354edebb9908de0b396462%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638960538275696990%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=dod34vcyj47X%252FN%252FmgmDcLFmM5RXAdeDBUvuQNhTkVEQ%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Flinks-2.govdelivery.com%252FCL0%252Fhttps%253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ksdot.gov%25252Fsouthcentralnews%25253Futm_medium%253Demail%252526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%252F1%252F01010199e36a64fc-93fce69b-44f1-44a1-8752-bdd6df0019b0-000000%252FLdD914WqngWaUbjLVqXy7TEPLJvXjX5Bp6Kqc-WGHso%253D426%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019c67e18a93-4b2c7d18-eaae-44fe-9e88-b679072d5220-000000/H9NLq1Q6zCe5Xw8qdkQaWKy7j_hXSBInrTVj1IIFxRs=444">ksdot.gov/southcentralnews</a>.

Bridge replacement to begin in Rice County

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. ——————————————

Hayward	Paul	Mckoy	Jr	2/16/2026 12:53&nbsp;AM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

William	Alexander Lane	Stiffler		2/16/2026 4:12&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv,					Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance

Joshua	Alexander	Duque		2/16/2026 9:56&nbsp;AM	Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm,					Agg burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, sex, dv,					Endangering a Child

William	James	Galloway		2/16/2026 10:52&nbsp;AM	Viol protection order; Ext stalk/sex aslt/hmn traf,					Stalking; Conduct after receiving notice of protection order causing fear; 2nd conviction,					Harassment by Telephone; Calling to harass or threaten,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

Shellie	Rae	Cap		2/16/2026 7:23&nbsp;PM	Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Probation Violation

Douglas	Craig	Millet		2/16/2026 8:35&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Charles	Daniel	Sayer		2/17/2026 12:24&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear,					Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction),					Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

Daily Bookings

The Hutchinson City Council will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.&nbsp;

On the consent agenda is approval of a stop sign grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. If approved, new, improved signage would be installed at Halstead Street and 17th Avenue, Halstead Street and 11th Avenue, and Airport Road and 11th Avenue. The grant is intended to improve traffic control and safety at the intersections.&nbsp;

Among business items, council members will consider a beverage sales and sponsorship agreement between PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, the City of Hutchinson, Hutchinson Community&nbsp;College&nbsp;and Unified School District No. 308.&nbsp;

The USD 308 Board of Education approved its&nbsp;portion&nbsp;of the agreement at its Feb. 9 meeting. The agreement would formalize beverage sales and sponsorship terms among the participating entities.&nbsp;

The council&nbsp;also will&nbsp;consider a development agreement with Superior Holding that includes the creation of 10 new jobs paying more than $21 per hour.&nbsp;Additional&nbsp;details about the project are expected to be discussed during the meeting.&nbsp;

Council members are also scheduled to receive an update on Build&nbsp;Hutch,&nbsp;the city’s infill housing initiative created in partnership with the Hutchinson Community Foundation. The program is&nbsp;aimed at helping local property owners and aspiring developers&nbsp;redevelop&nbsp;vacant lots and blighted properties—one project at a time.&nbsp;

The program focuses on incremental development, a model that emphasizes smaller, locally driven projects rather than large, out-of-town developers building sprawling subdivisions. City officials say the approach can strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing&nbsp;options&nbsp;and keep investment dollars circulating locally.&nbsp;

City council to discuss beverage contract, development agreement

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for an unnamed tributary of the Chikaskia River in Kingman County from County Road 808 to the Chikaskia south of Spivey to the K-2 bridge in Harper County.

The stream advisory is due to a spill of crude oil and produced water from an oil production lease. Water quality has been impacted and the extent is still being determined. Water quality measurements have been taken by EPA.

The Kingman County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) are on scene to assist with the coordination of this cleanup.

The agencies asks that individuals avoid contact with the impacted bodies of water, do not let their cattle enter the water, or drink the water.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once contact has been deemed safe.

Stream advisory issued in Kingman County

KANSAS CITY — A Kansas City man is facing multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2809/Willingham-Lucas---Complaint-Packet-1">Lucas Willingham</a>, 44, is charged with 2nd Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2810/Willingham---Statement-of-Probable-Cause_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a reported shooting on Feb. 11. When officers contacted the victim, he advised officers he had been shot by Willingham outside the apartment building. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later confirmed deceased.&nbsp;

Detectives located a spent shell casing inside the defendant’s apartment, which matched the shell casings found at the crime scene outside the apartment building.&nbsp;

Video footage from the incident captured the victim running through the apartment complex and Willingham following the victim. Willingham can be seen raising a firearm and firing it in the direction of the victim.&nbsp;

Willingham turned himself in to police on Feb. 12. During an interview with detectives, he said he was under the influence of PCP around the time of the shooting and did not know what happened and couldn’t comprehend what was going on.&nbsp;

Willingham is being held on $150,000 cash only bond.&nbsp;

Suspect turned himself in after killing man in KC apartment complex

OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 3:30p.m. February 13, a&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office Investigator conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of K-68 &amp; K-268 Highways in rural Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The deputy arrested 46-year-old Chance D. Eastman of Vassar and transported him to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Osage County arrest warrant.

Wanted Kansas suspect captured transporting meth

DNA from gloves found a few miles from the Arizona home of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;did not match any entries in a national database, authorities said Tuesday, the 17th day of her disappearance.

“There were no DNA hits in CODIS," the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said, referring to the national Combined DNA Index System.

"At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” the department said, suggesting that other DNA samples had been put through the system.

CODIS is a storehouse of DNA taken from crime suspects or people with convictions. Any hits could identify possible suspects in Guthrie's disappearance.

The 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1 after spending the previous night with family, police said. Her blood was detected on the porch.

A porch camera&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-guthrie-nest-camera-footage-kidnapper-bd5f1d886543e23f2d105535031c9445">recorded video</a>&nbsp;of a man with a backpack who was wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. The FBI said the suspect is about 5 feet, 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall with a medium build.

Gloves were found about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Guthrie's home. The FBI has said that the gloves appeared to match those worn by the man in the video.

“There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence, and that is also being analyzed,” the sheriff's department said.

In addition, the department said it's working with experts to try to locate Guthrie by detecting her heart pacemaker.

Parsons Corp. said its BlueFly device, which weighs less than a pound (.45 kilograms) and has a range of up to 218 yards (200 meters), can detect signals from wearable electronics and medical devices. The company said the technology has been used from the air and on the ground in Arizona. It declined further comment about the search.

Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video Sunday in which she issued an appeal to anyone with information about what happened to her mother.

"It is never too late to do the right thing,” she said. “And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it’s never too late.”

DNA results from glove found near Nancy Guthrie’s home revealed

SEWARD COUNTY—Authorities have opened emergency shelters in Seward and Comanche Counties in southwest Kansas due to wildfires, according to the Seward County Sheriff's office.

Shelter locations is the city of Liberal include the Seward County Activity Center, 810 Stadium Avenue in Liberal and&nbsp;CrossPoint Church, 204 N Sherman Avenue in Liberal.

An evacuation center in Coldwater is available for residents of Ashland at the USD 300 Gymnasium, 600 East Garfield Street. There are no reports of injuries.

Evacuation centers opened in SW Kansas due to wildfires

RAWLINS COUNTY —Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, the evacuation order was lifted for city of Herndon, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office.

According to the Fire Chief, the fire is 80 % contained and no longer a threat to the city of Herndon. Those who evacuated are safe to return home

RAWLINS COUNTY —The town of Herndon has been placed under an evacuation order. A large grass fire is headed toward the community, according to the Rawlins County Sheriff's office. Just after 4p.m. the fire was approximately 4-5 miles northwest of Herndon moving southeast, according to Rawlins County Emergency Management.

The residents of the community are asked to shelter in Atwood at the Redeemer Lutheran Church,&nbsp;808 1st Street. There were no injuries reported as of 3:30p.m. Tuesday. Check the post for additional details as they become available.

Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community after wildfire

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Officers arrested a person with a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday afternoon, according to an online statement from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, while officers investigated

At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol police asked the public to stay away from the area while they investigate and collect evidence.&nbsp;

🎥Man with loaded shotgun arrested after running toward the US Capitol

Both sides agree 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, needs regulation, but opponents say kratom shouldn’t be included

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bill heard Monday would list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, moving the previously unclassified substance into the same category as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb497/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 497</a>&nbsp;classifies both Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as controlled substances. Proponents and opponents Monday before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee agreed that 7-OH — the opioid-like compound derived from kratom — is hurting Kansans, but opponents argued the bill wrongly equates the two substances.&nbsp;

Several proponents came from state organizations. One was Sara Hortenstine, youth services division chief for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;

“If we continue to allow widespread retail access to substances that act like opioids, we will see opioid-type consequences that include more addiction and overdoses and preventable deaths in our state,” Hortenstine said.&nbsp;

David Kuntz works for the Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa. He said he’s seen more 7-OH recently than oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl combined.&nbsp;

If the bill passes, Kansas would join a&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/11/kratom-faces-increasing-scrutiny-from-states-and-the-feds/" target="_blank">growing number of states</a>&nbsp;in banning kratom or 7-OH. Kratom and 7-OH aren’t considered a controlled substance in Kansas, but there have been regional bans.&nbsp;

On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-02-13/kansas-city-kratom-ban-7oh-addiction-gas-station-drugs" target="_blank">Kansas City, Missouri barred</a>&nbsp;the sale of synthetic kratom — known as 7-OH — and restricted kratom sales to adults older than 21.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2230_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2230</a>&nbsp;from last session would have taken a similar path in Kansas, but was never heard by the House.&nbsp;

Kratom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171" target="_blank">is marketed as</a>&nbsp;a stimulant if used in low dosages, and a sedative at higher ones. It’s also been used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom" target="_blank">Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;</a>said 7-OH naturally occurs in trace amounts in kratom, but when synthesized it acts more like an opioid, and increases the chance of addiction.&nbsp;

Kelly Gray owns two shops that sell kratom in Salina and Derby. He broke his back 10 years ago, and was prescribed opioids. He became addicted and decided to quit.&nbsp;

“I was still going through daily pain with my back as well as my hips being bone on bone when I heard about and tried kratom, after much research. It completely changed my life for the better,” Gray said.

Jason Todack runs a similar business in Topeka. He also uses kratom.

“I’ve seen addicts from fentanyl. I’ve seen alcoholics use it. I’ve seen people hooked on pain pills,” Todack said. “This is an all-natural, whole leaf product, this product gives people choices and options to be able to get off of these other heinous drugs that are out there. I see this literally every day.”&nbsp;

Nearly every opponent asked legislators not to lump kratom and 7-OH in the same group.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers" target="_blank">FDA recommended</a>&nbsp;scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance, and specified they are “not focused on natural kratom leaf products.”&nbsp;

Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association based in Virginia, said the bill should be amended to focus solely on 7-OH.&nbsp;

Bob Stuart is an executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He said it’s difficult for KBI officers to differentiate between the two substances. Haddow disagreed.

Kansas bill would label kratom a Schedule 1 drug alongside heroin, meth and cocaine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Sentencing day: Man killed Kansas couple in parking garage 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Last week, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a driver on Interstate 70 around Turner Diagonal, according to a social media report from Troop A. The trooper was stopping the driver for displaying a tag that belonged on a Dodge Charger; however, it was being displayed on a GMC truck.

The driver fled east on I-70.  The trooper was joined by another trooper equipped with a Grappler.  The trooper successfully deployed the Grappler on Interstate 70 just east of 18th Street.  

The driver was taken into custody.  It was discovered the driver had multiple felony warrants through multiple jurisdictions and was in possession of methamphetamine.&nbsp; The patrol released no additional details including the name of the suspect.

KHP used Grappler to capture wanted suspect on I-70

GRANT COUNTY —USD 214 Ulysses gave students the day off Tuesday due to the forecast sustained high winds and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph producing reduced visibility and blowing dust.

A high wind warning and red flag warning is in effect for Tuesday, according to National Weather Service in Dodge City.

The status of scheduled night activities for the school district are yet to be determined.

Wind warning prompts Kan. district to cancel school Tuesday

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its final boys and girls basketball rankings of the 2025-26 season Tuesday, with several Hutch Post area teams finishing the regular season in the top 10 of their respective classifications.

Sterling closed the regular season ranked No. 1 in Class 2A boys, while Little River topped Class 1A Division I. Hesston finished No. 2 in Class 3A and Pratt checked in at No. 3 in Class 4A. On the girls side, Little River earned the No. 1 ranking in Class 1A Division I, Hutchinson Central Christian finished No. 1 in Class 1A Division II and Halstead at No. 2 in Class 3A. Moundridge also remained ranked in both the boys and girls 2A polls.

Rankings are voted on by KBCA member coaches and the Feb. 17 release marks the final poll of the season.

🏀 KBCA releases final basketball rankings of regular season

LYONS, Kan. — Lyons High School announced Tuesday that Wyatt Seidl has been named the next head football coach of the Lions, tasked with revitalizing a program that has struggled in recent years.

A McPherson native, Seidl played high school football for the Bullpups before continuing his career at Fort Hays State University. Following his senior season at McPherson High School, Seidl was selected to participate in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Seidl most recently served as defensive coordinator at Liberal High School. In addition to his football duties, he coached the school’s powerlifting team, mentoring a national champion.

Seidl replaces Carl Nolan, who was relieved of his duties in January.

Lyons has posted records of 1-8 in 2025, 2-7 in 2024, 1-8 in 2023 and 0-9 in 2022. The Lions have not had a winning season since finishing 5-4 in 2013.

Seidl’s wife, Liberty Seidl, will teach fourth grade at Central Elementary School in USD 405. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏈 Lyons names Wyatt Seidl as head football coach

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas forward Jaliya Davis has been named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the seventh-straight week, setting a new conference record for consecutive honors. The Big 12 announced its weekly awards Tuesday afternoon.

Davis averaged 19.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while helping Kansas to a 1-1 record last week, highlighted by an 85-68 victory over Houston on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.

She scored 14 points with four rebounds at No. 16 Texas Tech on Wednesday before pouring in 25 points and grabbing five rebounds against Houston. Davis shot 53.6 percent (15-28) from the field and 81.8 percent (9-11) from the free-throw line over the two games.

Davis is now the only player in conference history to win Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors in seven consecutive weeks. She also becomes just the third Power Conference player since at least the 2007-08 season with a streak of seven or more freshman of the week honors, joining:

• Taniya Latson (Florida State) – 8 straight (2022-23)
• Aneesah Morrow (DePaul) – 7 straight (2021-22)

With seven total Big 12 Freshman of the Week honors, Davis is tied for fourth-most in conference history behind:

Most Consecutive Freshman of the Week Awards

Most Total Big 12 Freshman of the Week Awards

A McDonald's All-American from Overland Park, Kansas, Davis has scored 20 or more points in 12 games this season, tied for the sixth-most by a Big 12 freshman in conference history.

She is averaging 21.6 points per game, which ranks second all-time among Big 12 freshmen. In league play, she has increased that mark to 22.4 points per game, second in the conference, while leading the league in field-goal percentage at 63.4 percent (116-183) in conference games.

Davis has scored at least 10 points in all 17 games she has played and ranks second on the team with 6.1 rebounds per game.

As Big 12 Freshman of the Week, Davis was also named to the Big 12 Women's Basketball Starting Five, selected by a media panel. In addition to seven Freshman of the Week honors, she earned a Starting Five nod on Nov. 10.

Kansas (16-11, 6-9 Big 12) returns from its bye week Saturday, Feb. 21, traveling to Bramlage Coliseum for the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas State. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The Jayhawks then host No. 20 Texas Tech for Senior Night on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Allen Fieldhouse. Tickets remain available at <a href="http://KUAthletics.com">KUAthletics.com</a> or by calling 800-34-HAWKS.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏀 Kansas freshman Jaliya Davis breaks Big 12 record

🎧🏀 Hutch High travels to Campus; 🏀 K-State plays first game with interim head coach

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

🎧🏀 K-State fires Tang; 🏀 Blue Dragons split in Concordia

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Hutch High GBB/BBB at Campus, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) K-State MBB at Baylor, 7 p.m. pregame, 8 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

HutchCC WBB/MBB vs. Colby, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW)



Hutch High GBB/BBB at Newton, 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Coffeyville, 1:45 p.m. pregame, 2 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) K-State MBB at Texas Tech, 12:30 p.m. pregame, 1:30 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

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