The American Heart Association is renewing its push at the Kansas Statehouse this session, focusing on policies aimed at increasing survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest through improved CPR access, training, and emergency response systems.

Kari Rinker, the organization’s region senior state government relations lead, said advocacy has become a critical part of the association’s mission as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur nationwide each year, with only about one in 10 victims surviving without immediate intervention.

“One of our goals is turning bystanders into lifesavers,” Rinker said. “We want people to be prepared and confident to step in and act when a cardiac arrest happens.”

A major priority this year is expanding telecommunicator CPR across Kansas. Telecommunicator CPR allows 911 dispatchers to provide real-time, verbal CPR instructions to callers witnessing a cardiac arrest until first responders arrive.

Rinker said a recent work group involving the American Heart Association, the Kansas 911 Board, and the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association found that about half of Kansas counties do not currently have telecommunicator CPR protocols in place. That means whether a caller receives CPR guidance can depend entirely on where the emergency occurs.

“To us, 911 dispatchers are truly the first first-responders,” Rinker said. “They can make the difference between life and death.”

Legislation introduced last year, Senate Bill 11, would require all Kansas 911 medical dispatchers to receive standardized telecommunicator CPR training. Similar laws have already been adopted in Oklahoma and Nebraska. However, the bill has faced resistance, largely due to concerns over state mandates.

While statewide legislation has stalled, Rinker noted that free online training—four hours initially, with a two-hour annual refresher—has already been developed and could be accessed by dispatch centers. Even so, without a requirement, some agencies may choose not to participate.

Progress being made in Kansas schools

Another advocacy success cited by Rinker is the requirement that all Kansas public schools have a cardiac emergency response plan. The law, passed several years ago with bipartisan legislative support, requires schools to prepare for cardiac emergencies involving students, staff, and visitors.

As of July of 2025, about 87 percent of Kansas schools have submitted their plans to the state health department. However, surveys show that many districts—particularly in rural areas—still lack adequate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training equipment.

“We’ve learned that having a plan and being able to fully implement it are two different things,” Rinker said.

The American Heart Association is now working with lawmakers to establish a grant program that would help schools purchase AEDs and training equipment, with hopes of securing funding during the current legislative cycle.

Kansas Advocacy Day set for March 4

These priorities will be front and center during Kansas Advocacy Day on March 4 in Topeka. Advocates from across the state will meet with legislators to share information and personal stories about cardiac arrest survival and bystander CPR.

“Personal stories are the most powerful thing elected officials can hear,” Rinker said. “We’ll be joined by survivors and by people whose lives were saved because someone stepped in and performed CPR.”

Rinker emphasized that learning CPR does not have to be intimidating or time-consuming. Short instructional videos are widely available, and even basic knowledge—pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest—can save a life.

“We train kids as young as 12,” she said. “Anyone can do CPR, and people shouldn’t hesitate because they think they need a full certification first.”

Those interested in heart-health advocacy or Advocacy Day can get more information by texting KS to 46839.

“Every person who learns CPR or speaks up for these policies helps make Kansas a safer place,” Rinker said.

American Heart Association advocating lifesaving policies

RENO COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just after 10a.m. Saturday in Reno County.

According to the Reno County Sheriff's Office, preliminary information indicates that a silver Jeep Liberty was North bound on Kansas 14 Highway one half mile north of US 50.&nbsp; The Jeep and southbound&nbsp; Chevy Malibu&nbsp; were involved in a collision. Both drivers were pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel.

 A passenger from one of the vehicles was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. The sheriff's office did not have details on the condition of the passenger early Saturday afternoon.

The cause of the crash remains under active investigation.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the names of the victims.

2 dead, 1 injured in 2-vehicle Reno County crash

Dear Dave,&nbsp; My wife and I have paid off all of our credit card debt, but she doesn’t want to follow your suggestion to cut up the cards and close the accounts. She wants us to keep the cards in a safe deposit box at the bank, and use them for nothing but emergencies.

I think this has something to do with the fact she grew up in a poor family. We’re doing okay, but it makes me wonder if some part of her is afraid of being poor again. We both know this isn’t what you recommend, but what can I do to convince her we should get rid of the credit cards once and for all?&nbsp;

Dear Geoff,&nbsp; Honestly, I’m not sure I’d approach this with the idea of&nbsp;convincing&nbsp;her of something. Under the circumstances, maybe it’d be a better idea to start off by having a gentle, understanding conversation, and talking things through.

I say this because one of the things you mentioned is that she grew up poor. In my mind, this could mean that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-credit-cards-work">the credit cards</a>&nbsp;represent security for her. But, if you had $10,000 or so set aside for emergencies, you’d have the security of knowing that a transmission repair, or a new water heater wouldn’t really be an emergency—it’d be reduced to a minor inconvenience. On top of that, having an actual cash emergency fund sitting there would mean you wouldn’t have to go right back into debt again when something goes wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are lots of deep emotions involved in this situation, Geoff. Let her know you understand her concerns, and that you respect and sympathize with everything she has experienced. But also explain how financial security wouldn’t be disappearing by doing this. The credit cards would be replaced by your very own money. In addition, you’d also be substituting what the credit cards do with a debit card.

After this, ask her if there’s a reasonable amount you two could have in the bank that would make her feel comfortable, and take away the worry and stress. Talk it out, see if you can settle on an amount, and then agree that when you’ve saved and hit that number, the cards get cut up and you close the account.&nbsp;You’ll have to be patient and understanding. Above all, you’ll have to communicate and work together as a&nbsp;team&nbsp;on this. But trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Dave says: They represent security to her

HUTCHINSON/RENO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the January Small Business Award to Leading Edge Technology Partners owned and founded by Gavin Lusk. Founded in 2004, the business began as a part-time, one-person operation while Gavin was between IT roles at Tyson Foods. Working in information technology had always been his calling, but at the time, he never imagined he was building something long-term. That quickly changed after securing his first client, Fee Insurance, followed by the City of South Hutchinson. What started as a temporary solution soon became a growing business with a clear purpose.

As demand increased, so did the scope of services. Leading Edge evolved into a full-service managed IT provider with a strong focus on municipalities and law enforcement agencies—organizations that rely heavily on dependable, secure, and responsive technology. By the late 2010s, Gavin recognized that for the business to grow, the vision needed to grow too.

In 2017, the company began shifting from an owner-operated model to an employee-driven organization. In 2019, Leading Edge hired its first full-time employee, and in 2021, Gavin partnered with fellow IT professional Brian Moore. That partnership helped accelerate growth, led to a company rebrand, and resulted in a move to their current location here in Hutchinson—one that has already expanded multiple times and is expanding again to support future positions.

What truly sets Leading Edge Technology Partners apart is their commitment to relationships. Clients are never treated as numbers. Instead, the team works to build trust and personal connections, delivering a managed IT experience that makes clients feel as though they have their own in-house IT department. This approach is especially important today as cybersecurity threats, online scams, and AI-driven risks continue to evolve. By investing heavily in ongoing education for both employees and clients, Leading Edge stays proactive rather than reactive.

That same people-first philosophy extends to their employees. Today, the company has six full-time team members, including two who have been with the business for more than five years. Employees enjoy paid major holidays, floating holidays, and rotating hybrid Fridays off. The culture is built on respect, trust, and shared goals, where dedication and hard work are recognized and appreciated.

Community involvement is also central to the company’s mission. Gavin serves as a board member and major sponsor of the Cancer Council of Reno County and is an active member of Rotary. The company supports the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Reno County, Child Care Links, Beyond Barriers, and other local organizations. Partner Brian Moore is also engaged in community efforts, including participation in events like the annual Toy Run.

For Gavin, success is best measured by trust—especially when new clients come through referrals. From its humble beginnings as a one-person startup to a respected managed IT provider serving organizations across Kansas, Leading Edge Technology Partners exemplifies innovation, leadership, and commitment to both clients and community.

Please join us in congratulating Leading Edge Technology Partners, our January Small Business of the Month!

Leading Edge Technology Partners receives Small Business Award

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. ——————————————

Raymond	Lee	Bell		2/6/2026 1:38&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Forgery; Making, altering, endorsing,					Making False Information,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Theft; By Deception; $1,500 to $24,999,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Travis	James	Wasinger		2/6/2026 1:43&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Meraly	Saramy	Menjivar		2/6/2026 10:55&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Elisha	LeAnn	Kinast		2/6/2026 10:57&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Gregory	Bryon	Norris		2/6/2026 12:28&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Nathan	Kent	Myers		2/6/2026 3:56&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Taylor	Nichole	Ryan		2/6/2026 4:34&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Matthew	Lee	Cole		2/6/2026 4:53&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,					Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Marcus	Juanell	Hill		2/6/2026 5:11&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Shyann	Taylor	Cullison		2/6/2026 6:44&nbsp;PM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct,					Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Jessica	Dawn	Wornkey		2/6/2026 7:16&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Abram	Jon	Roth		2/6/2026 9:10&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

Gwendolynn	Deann	Conde		2/6/2026 9:35&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Nicholas	Dwight	Wilmurth		2/7/2026 12:45&nbsp;AM	Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony,					DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Daily Bookings

Garage Fire Causes Damage on North Grimes Street in McPherson

McPherson emergency crews responded Friday afternoon to a structure fire involving a detached garage in the 800 block of North Grimes Street.

According to the McPherson Fire Department, the call came in at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, after passersby noticed smoke coming from a two-car detached garage behind a residence and alerted 911.

Firefighters arrived on scene with two engines and a command vehicle and found heavy fire involvement inside the garage. Additional fire department units were called in to assist with extinguishment efforts. Crews were able to bring the fire under control, limiting damage to the two-car garage, its contents, and a vehicle parked in front of the structure.

Fire investigators with the McPherson Fire Department, assisted by the McPherson Police Department, identified an area of origin but were unable to determine the exact ignition sequence. Officials say no foul play is suspected.

The McPherson EMS also responded to the scene as a precaution.

Garage fire causes damage on North Grimes Street in McPherson

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

MCPHERSON COUNTY - One of two suspects was arrested after breaking into a McPherson County bar through the roof.

Original:&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/192a82c8-cfad-4e26-ac62-c7924edb6f48">Investigation ongoing: Two masked suspects break into McPherson Co. bar through roof</a>

According to the McPherson County Sheriff's Office deputies have arrested 46-year old, Patrick Hull who was connected to burglarizing the Main Street Bar &amp; Grill through the roof by repelling on early Thursday morning.

Hull was arrested from his home in the county and booked into the McPherson County Jail late Thursday night.

He was booked for the requested charges of Burglary and Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property.

Deputies are actively searching for the second suspect connected to the burglary.

UPDATE: One of two suspects arrested after bar burglary in McPherson Co.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is inviting residents to think differently about development with the launch of Build Hutch, a new initiative aimed at helping local property owners and aspiring developers redevelop vacant lots and blighted properties—one project at a time.

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 options and keep investment dollars circulating locally.

Dave Sotelo, Hutchinson’s director of strategic growth, said Build Hutch was created in response to frequent questions from residents who want to improve properties but don’t know where to start.

“People come to City Hall and say, ‘I want to flip a blighted building’ or ‘I want to build on a land bank lot,’” Sotelo said. “City staff aren’t developers, so this program is about giving people real tools—how the math works, how financing works, and how to navigate city processes.”

To deliver the training, the city is partnering with Neighborhood Evolution, a national organization that both develops properties and teaches small-scale development in communities across the country, including South Bend, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Minneapolis.

Neighborhood Evolution’s work is centered on helping communities build wealth locally by empowering residents to redevelop underused properties themselves.

Funding for Build Hutch comes from a $100,000 grant awarded by the Hutchinson Community Foundation as part of its housing development strategy, making the program available at little cost to the city.

City leaders say the initiative is not unique to Hutchinson’s challenges, noting that many communities across Kansas and the Midwest face similar issues with vacant houses and empty lots.

“This isn’t just a Hutchinson problem—it’s happening all over America,” Sotelo said. “Housing is a big issue, but it doesn’t have to be solved overnight. Incremental development is about taking small, manageable steps that add up over time.”

The public kickoff event for Build Hutch is scheduled for February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Attendees will meet instructors and coaches, learn what incremental development means, and connect with others interested in investing locally.

Sotelo said the program is designed for a wide range of participants—from young professionals interested in development, to business owners who want to expand, to residents who want to turn a vacant house into a duplex or redevelop a long-neglected property.

In addition to training, Build Hutch will help participants understand and access existing city tools such as the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and the Facade Improvement Program, which many property owners are unaware of.

“We want people to know that becoming a developer doesn’t have to be intimidating,” Sotelo said. “If you’re willing to learn and put in the work, this can be a win for you, a win for the city, and a win for the entire community.”

City of Hutchinson launches “Build Hutch” to grow housing through local, small-scale development

<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

Reno County residents will have multiple opportunities this month to learn more about how property values are determined and how those values affect property taxes.&nbsp;

The Reno County Appraiser’s Office is hosting a pair of informational town halls this month. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The first is scheduled for&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;Feb. 16&nbsp;at 7 p.m.&nbsp;at the Blue Shoes Theater in Pretty Prairie. Reno County Commission&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;Ron Hirst will also be in attendance. &nbsp;The second is&nbsp;scheduled&nbsp;for Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at Eastwood Church of Christ&nbsp;located&nbsp;at 2500 North Plum Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the town halls, the presentation will&nbsp;focus on how property values are&nbsp;established, how market conditions influence those values, and how property taxes are calculated under Kansas law.&nbsp;County Appraiser Michael Plank will explain the appraisal process&nbsp;address&nbsp;common&nbsp;misconceptions and&nbsp;answer&nbsp;general questions&nbsp;from the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The appraiser’s office emphasizes that&nbsp;the town hall is intended for education and understanding, not individual property appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

All Reno County residents are welcome, and no registration is&nbsp;required. Representatives from the Reno County Commission and Hutchinson City Council have been invited to attend.&nbsp;

County officials say the goal of all the meetings is to provide clear,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;information and help residents better understand how property valuation and taxation&nbsp;impact&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

County appraiser to hold town halls on property taxes

CHEROKEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted a two-day enforcement operation this week targeting individuals who solicit minors for sex, according to a media release from the KBI.

The operation, which concluded Feb. 6, resulted in the arrest of five suspects on various charges, such as commercial sexual exploitation of a child, unlawful use of a communication facility, aggravated human trafficking, attempted aggravated indecent liberties, and electronic solicitation of a child.

The following individuals were taken into custody and booked into the Cherokee County Jail: Darin Price, 52, of Anderson, Missouri; Nicholes Reginal, 28, of Jackson, Mississippi;&nbsp; Trevor Porter, 34, of Pittsburg, Kansas; Nicolas Perez-Paxtor, 38, of Neosho, Missouri and Derek McKenney, 31, of Sarcoxie, Missouri.

The investigation was a collaborative effort to identify and apprehend predators who utilize digital platforms to prey upon underage victims. Following the arrests, case files were submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office for formal prosecution.

The KBI and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were assisted in this operation by the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, the Ray County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

KBI: 5 jailed after allegedly soliciting minors for sex

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;told the potential kidnappers of her mother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;on Saturday that the family is prepared to pay for her safe return, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">frantic search</a>&nbsp;for the 84-year-old has entered a seventh day.

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said in a video posted on social media, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

It was not immediately clear if the longtime host of NBC's “Today” show was referring to a new message from someone who might have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie. The Associated Press reached out to the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department seeking additional details.

Tucson TV station KOLD on Friday that it received a message via email that was tied to the Guthrie case, the contents of which it could not disclose. The FBI said it was aware of a new message and was reviewing its authenticity.

Investigators think Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;from her home just outside Tucson last weekend. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said. Authorities have not identified any suspects or ruled anyone out.

The sheriff said Friday that he was frustrated that a camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home was not able to capture images of anyone the day she went missing.

Investigators have found that the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday and that software data recorded movement at the home minutes later. But Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so none of the images were able to be recovered.

“It is concerning, it’s actually almost disappointing, because you’ve got your hopes up,” Nanos told The Associated Press in an interview. “OK, they got an image. ‘Well, we do, but we don’t.’”

President Donald Trump, speaking on Air Force One on Friday, said the investigation was going “very well.”

“We have some clues that I think are very strong,” Trump said, while en route to his Florida estate. “We have some things that may be coming out reasonably soon.”

They were back in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood on Friday.

The sheriff’s department posted on social media to say access was restricted to the road in front of the home to give investigators space. Journalists staked out there were directed to move.

The Catalina Foothills Association, a neighborhood group, told residents in a letter that authorities were resuming searches in the area immediately.

“I know we all stand together in our collective disbelief and sadness and greatly appreciate your willingness to speak with law enforcement, share camera images and allow searches of your properties,” the association president said in the letter.

The sheriff said Thursday that investigators have not given up on trying to retrieve camera recordings.

“I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here’s a picture, here’s your bad guy. But it’s not,” Nanos told the AP. “There are pieces of information that come to us from these tech groups that say ‘this is what we have and we can’t get anymore.’”

The sheriff also said he had no new information about the note to the TV station or other purported ransom letters sent to some media outlets, saying the FBI is handling that side of the investigation.

Meanwhile concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health condition has grown, because authorities say she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

“Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,” Nanos said. “She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they’re getting that medication to her.”

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a previous video message, on Wednesday, saying they were ready to talk but wanted proof of life. Camron Guthrie repeated that in a video Thursday.

It is not clear if all of the ransom notes were identical. Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said details included a demand for money with a deadline that passed Thursday evening and a second deadline for Monday if the first one was not met. At least one note mentioned a floodlight at Guthrie’s home and an Apple watch, Janke said.

The kidnapping has captured the attention of Americans, including Trump, who said he was directing federal authorities to help investigate.

🎥'Today' show host's new video plea to kidnapper: We will pay

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an alleged violent incident at a Kansas home.

Just before 10:30a.m. Feb. 5, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance in the 6600 block of SW Montara Northway, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

Upon arrival, deputies determined the adult male suspect identified as 39-year-old Stephon S. Taylor had left the residence. 

A search of the area began, utilizing K-9 units, drones, and additional personnel from law enforcement agencies. Stephon S. Taylor, 39, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department

of Corrections (SNDOC) on the requested charges of Aggravated battery; knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with a weapon

The sheriff's department thanked the Auburn Police Department, Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 Police Department, Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee Heights Fire District and American Medical Response for their assistance.

Drone, K9 help track down Kan. domestic violence suspect

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/dee-ann-durbin">DEE-ANN DURBIN</a> Associated Press

Pizza Hut plans to close 250 U.S. restaurants in the first half of this year as its parent company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pizza-hut-yum-brands-sale-review-ba818d29eb38fd91af5bed8a8d8ea59c">considers a sale</a>&nbsp;of the chain.

Yum Brands said Wednesday it’s targeting underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants in its system. Pizza Hut has more than 6,000 locations in the U.S.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands said in November it was conducting a formal review of options for Pizza Hut, which has struggled with outdated stores and growing competition. The chain’s U.S. same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, fell 5% last year, Yum said.

Rival Domino’s, the world’s largest pizza company, hasn’t yet released its full-year earnings, but its U.S. same-store sales were up 2.7% in the first nine months of last year.

Internationally, Pizza Hut’s results have been stronger. International same-store sales were up 1% last year, with growth in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, Yum said. China is Pizza Hut’s second-largest market outside the U.S., accounting for 19% of sales.

Yum CEO Chris Turner said Wednesday that the company plans to complete its review of options for Pizza Hut this year. He declined to share further updates on the process.

Pizza Hut ended 2025 with 19,974 stores globally, which was 251 fewer than it had the previous year. Pizza Hut opened nearly 1,200 stores across 65 countries last year, but closures outpaced that. Yum said Wednesday that Pizza Hut plans more global openings in 2026 but it didn’t give details.

Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. PepsiCo acquired the chain in 1977 but spun off its restaurant division — which became Yum Brands — in 1997. Yum Brands also owns KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger &amp; Grill.

Why Pizza Hut is closing hundreds of locations across the US

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">Mary Sanchez</a>

The images have become ubiquitous in the Trump administration’s campaign for mass deportations of immigrants.

Masked agents, swathed in tactical gear and carrying semiautomatic firearms, menace protesters with chemical sprays and smash car windows while dragging immigrants from their vehicles.

Critics label the aggressive actions by unidentifiable agents as a calculated effort by the Department of Homeland Security to send a paramilitary force into select American cities.

But the cheapest and most basic part of federal agents’ gear — face coverings of knit and cloth masks — is the focus of legislation at the federal level, in statehouses and smaller municipalities across the nation, including in Jackson County.

“We’re going to have to deal with the issue before the issue deals with us,” said Jackson County Legislature Chair Manny Abarca IV.

Abarca introduced a proposal requiring law enforcement to keep their faces and badges visible and is backing an amendment narrowing the focus to federal agents conducting immigration enforcement within the county.

County legislators are scheduled to hear public comments at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9.

The Jackson County ordinance mirrors efforts nationally, carving out exceptions for SWAT and other specialty teams, undercover work and the use of helmets with shields for officer safety. Those efforts have gained momentum since the recent shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good during an ongoing immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis.

Supporters believe mask bans will help deescalate tensions between the community and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by ensuring that immigration agents are identifiable and accountable.

Decades of social science research supports the contention that masking a person can facilitate aggressive behavior. Outcomes have been studied with children, in law enforcement, in the military and in conflicts around the world.

Homeland Security is pushing back against local and state bans.

Primarily, the government cites the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which guards against state laws that conflict with federal.

Legal experts disagree on the legality of banning mask-wearing by law enforcement.

They are split on whether the Supremacy Clause is a full shield for an immigration agent’s use of masks while detaining immigrants.

In Jackson County, legal counsel is continuing to study the issue, acknowledging that this is a new type of law.

National policing agencies are also weighing in, at times moderating prior messaging. They seek to strike a balance between maintaining public trust by having officers identifiable and supporting officer safety in an era of doxing.

Municipal police have long worked to differentiate themselves from federal immigration agents. They emphasize that members of immigrant communities can be perpetrators of crime, witnesses or victims. Maintaining trust and relationships is imperative.

Police departments have a tradition of requiring identifiable uniforms, badges and having the officer’s name prominently displayed.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-02-02/jackson-county-sheriff-mask-ban-ice" target="_blank">Jackson County Sheriff Darryl Forté</a>&nbsp;believes the proposed ordinance is unenforceable.

Forté is concerned about scenarios where his deputies would be required to issue citations to federal agents. He doesn’t want deputies accused of interfering with federal investigations, noting “it could create a situation where both deputies and federal agents attempt to detain one another, leading to a dangerous confrontation.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/resources/document/face-coverings-and-police-community-engagement" target="_blank">International Association of Chiefs of Police</a>&nbsp;recently issued a statement underscoring that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

The organization cautioned officers during COVID to be aware of the impact of masks, noting that facial coverings, even surgical ones for health reasons, can be intimidating and diminish transparency to the public.

The organization hasn’t backed off from that stance.

“The use of face coverings and the absence of visible identification during enforcement operations can create confusion, fear and mistrust among community members and responding agencies, potentially increasing operational risks and eroding public confidence,” a recent statement read.

But the association is also addressing doxing fears and suggests substituting officer names in some cases for alphanumeric codes or badge numbers.

In late January, the association&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theiacp.org/news/official-statements/iacp-calls-on-white-house-to-convene-joint-federal-state-local-discussion" target="_blank">asked the White House to convene&nbsp;</a>national, state and local policing representatives for policy discussions to find “a constructive path forward.”

Democrats, in recent budget talks, demanded that immigration agents stop masking in exchange for votes to end a partial federal government shutdown.

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri quickly replied to the demand in a video posted on social media.

“There is no way in hell we’re going to let Democrats kneecap law enforcement and stop deportations in exchange for funding DHS,” Schmitt said.

Public trust balanced against threat of doxing&nbsp;&nbsp;

In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-state-senate-passes-mask-ban-to-curb-federal-immigration-enforcement-tactics" target="_blank">Washington state</a>, proposed legislation to ban law enforcement’s use of masks has passed out of the Senate. Washington is among at least six states that have or are considering banning masks for law enforcement, including Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Tennessee and Michigan.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/29/kansas-democrats-tout-bill-requiring-ice-to-display-ids-shed-masks-and-forego-warrantless-searches/" target="_blank">A mask ban is included in a Democrat-backed measure in the Republican-controlled Kansas House.</a>

California was the first state to pass a law in 2025. The No Secret Police Act bans the use of face masks by law enforcement in California. Exceptions include health considerations, such as a face covering to protect officers against fumes or dangerous chemicals.

The California measure was quickly challenged in November 2025 with a lawsuit by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

The federal government said the California law is unconstitutional, anti-cop and a danger to law enforcement.

DHS stresses that agents clearly identify themselves as police, usually by their vests, which are marked “ICE/ERO” or “Homeland Security.”

“The sanctuary politicians of California want to make it easier for violent political extremists to target our brave men and women of federal law enforcement for enforcing immigration laws and keeping the American people safe,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

“This demonization is going to get somebody killed.”

Threats to public officials, both elected and law enforcement, were underscored with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/two-kansans-indicted-making-threats-against-federal-officials-separate-unrelated" target="_blank">two indictments returned by a federal grand jury in late January.</a>

A 23-year-old Wichita man was accused of posting a video on social media threatening to assault and murder federal ICE agents working in Wichita.

In a separate case, the same grand jury also returned an indictment for a 60-year-old Wichita man who is accused of stating his intention to murder U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-were-learning-about-the-man-arrested-in-the-attack-on-rep-ilhan-omar" target="_blank">Omar, a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump</a>, was rushed and sprayed with a liquid by a man during a town hall on Jan. 27.

Her attacker was tackled, taken into custody and has since been charged in the incident. Omar was unharmed.

U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser issued a statement along with the two Kansas indictments, underscoring an intolerance to political violence, no matter the target.

“In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate,” Kriegshauser said. “For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression. Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”

Gaiters, simple tubular pieces of cloth that cover the neck and face, can be purchased in packs of two for less than $10.

Balaclavas, which also cover the head, are similarly affordable.

Both garments are commonly used to protect hunters and others from cold and sun. But they have been adopted by federal agents detaining immigrants for deportation.

Gas masks are often worn also, further obscuring the agents’ faces.

Supporters see the bans on such apparel as a method to help deescalate tensions, forcing the agents to be identifiable and accountable for actions like shoving people or spraying them with chemical irritants.

Anonymity, a reprieve from being held accountable for individual actions, has long been studied.

The process that researchers study is deindividualization. They attempt to measure how shielding identity can make people less self-conscious and more vulnerable to groupthink and has an impact on the ego.

The research looks at what types of things can change a person’s psychological state so that they are more likely to inflict harm on other people, said Lauren Yan, a Kansas City resident.

Yan was among more than 150 people who testified at a recent town hall on Jackson County’s proposed ordinance.

Yan’s own research on migration has taken her around the world. Her dissertation focused on Syrian refugees living in Jordan.

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