Hutchinson Public Schools is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Certified and Classified Employee of the Year awards, recognizing staff members who have made a meaningful impact on students across the district.

Director of Communication, Stacy Goss said nominations are open through the end of February and may be submitted online by parents, students or community members. Nominees for the certified category include teachers, social workers and special education staff, while classified nominees may include paraeducators, secretaries, custodians and other support personnel.

Award recipients will be selected following a review and interview process and formally recognized during the district’s annual convocation in August.

In addition to the district awards, nominations are also being accepted for teacher recognition through the James A. and Julia L. Davis Foundation, which provides cash awards for selected teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Those honorees will also be recognized at the August convocation event.

Lisa Yantes the district's Director of Curriculum encourages families to explore academic opportunities through the International Baccalaureate program at Hutchinson High School, which has been offered locally since 2004.

The IB program allows students to pursue advanced coursework through three pathways: individual course enrollment, the Career-related Programme or the Diploma Programme. Students in the Career-related Programme complete a career and technical education pathway alongside IB coursework, community service and a reflective project. Diploma Programme students complete six IB courses, an extended essay and additional service requirements.

Participation in IB coursework may allow students to earn college credit depending on assessment scores and institutional policies. Completion of full IB pathways can also open opportunities for scholarship consideration at postsecondary institutions.

District officials recommend students begin planning for IB participation as early as their freshman or sophomore year to ensure they meet prerequisite requirements, including foreign language coursework for Diploma Programme candidates.

Enrollment for the upcoming school year recently concluded, and parents are encouraged to review student course selections through the district’s online planning platform or contact high school counselors for additional information about IB pathways or scheduling adjustments.

Hutchinson High School is among a limited number of Kansas schools offering IB programming and is currently the only location west of Wichita providing the full range of IB pathway options, according to district staff.

USD 308 opens nominations for employee awards

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. ——————————————

Aaron	Kyle	Fletchall		2/19/2026 10:50&nbsp;AM	Stalking; Conduct causing fear to a person or person's family,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact,					Stalking; Conduct causing fear to a person or person's family,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact

Russell	Alan	Keeler	Jr	2/19/2026 2:44&nbsp;PM	DWS; 2nd or subs conviction,					DL Violation; Drive While Habitual Violator,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

Leroy	Cornelius	Paige	Jr	2/19/2026 2:53&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Loretta	Marie	Caudillo		2/19/2026 4:42&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Bruce	Sherard	Nichols		2/19/2026 4:46&nbsp;PM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 3.5g to &lt; 100g,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Unlawful to aquire proceeds from drug transaction; Value &lt; $5,000

Jesse	Lee	Croslin Montague		2/19/2026 4:56&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

William	James	Galloway		2/19/2026 5:02&nbsp;PM	Viol protection order; Ext stalk/sex aslt/hmn traf

Nathan	Jay	FiFe		2/19/2026 5:16&nbsp;PM	In Transit From-To Other Agency

Daily Bookings

Reno County residents will have an opportunity on Saturday 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 an informational town hall on Saturday at 10 a.m. a Eastwood Church of Christ located at 2500 North Plum Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

At the town hall, 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 town hall is to provide clear,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;information and help residents better understand how property valuation and taxation&nbsp;impact&nbsp;them.&nbsp;

Appraiser to hold town hall on Saturday

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

Three-day Outlook

Local organizations are mobilizing to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;agricultural producers in southwest Kansas and northwest Oklahoma following a series of destructive wildfires that swept through cattle country earlier this week.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church is partnering with the&nbsp;Inman FFA Chapter&nbsp;and&nbsp;Haven FFA Chapter&nbsp;to collect supplies for farm and ranch families&nbsp;impacted&nbsp;by the fires. The effort is aimed at supporting producers who have sustained losses to pastureland, fencing, feed&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;and livestock infrastructure.&nbsp;

Donations are being accepted now through Friday, Feb. 27, at three locations:&nbsp;

If you are planning to donate&nbsp;at&nbsp;Inman High School or Haven High School, please contact the school office. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Collected items will be transported to Ashland on Feb. 28 for distribution to affected producers.&nbsp;

Saltcity&nbsp;Cowboy Church will accept donations during the following times:&nbsp;

Organizers say hay is the greatest current need. Those wishing to donate hay are asked to contact Makayla at 620-899-9688 or Daniel Knapp by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dknapp@usd448.com" target="_blank">dknapp@usd448.com</a>&nbsp;to coordinate transportation and staging.

Inman FFA also has brome hay available from its chapter farm for individuals interested in&nbsp;purchasing&nbsp;bales to donate.&nbsp;

Wildfire relief drive being held 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Officials with Hutchinson Public Schools say the district is continuing to focus on staff recruitment and early childhood education expansion as it prepares to open a new child care facility this spring.

District administrators provided updates this week on hiring needs, academic planning and construction progress on a new child care center located on the Morgan Elementary School campus.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Crystal Young said the district is actively recruiting educators ahead of the next academic year, with a particular emphasis on elementary teaching positions.

“We are looking for quality and elite educators to join our team,” Young said. “We have a focus on quality instruction as well as improving our academic achievement and culture of the district as a whole.”

District officials said current retirement projections among staff are lower than typical for this time of year, which they attribute in part to retention efforts that include staff feedback initiatives such as stay and exit interviews.

Young said those interviews have consistently pointed to building leadership and workplace culture as key factors influencing educators’ decisions to remain in the profession.

Meanwhile, the district is preparing to expand early childhood services through a new child care center expected to open in April. The facility will double classroom capacity from four rooms at the current site to eight classrooms at the new location.

Unlike previous district-operated programs, the new center will operate year-round and remain open until 5:30 p.m., serving both district staff and the broader Hutchinson community.

Applications are currently being accepted for preschool, child care and home-based services. Some programs are funded through Head Start and Early Head Start, which require income verification during the application process.

District officials said installation of a playground — required for state licensure — is scheduled for March, pending weather conditions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility is planned for April 3.

Administrators also noted that preschool programming plays a key role in the district’s strategic plan for improving kindergarten readiness. Officials said updated early learning curriculum adopted last year has already produced measurable academic gains in pre-kindergarten classrooms.

In addition to early childhood initiatives, the district continues work under the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation, or KESA, framework. Officials said the district has met its strategic goals within approximately 18 months of implementation and is entering its third year of accreditation.

As part of the next phase, administrators plan to more closely align instructional practices with measurable student outcomes while continuing to emphasize professional learning for staff.

USD 308 expands hiring efforts, prepares for new childcare center opening

 Families seeking early childhood services will have an opportunity to apply in person next week during the Little Hawks Application Clinic in Hutchinson.

The clinic is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, and is designed to help families enroll in preschool, child care or home-based services through the Little Hawks early childhood program.

District officials say walk-ins are welcome, but families are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance to reduce wait times. Appointments can be made by calling 620-615-5784.

Applicants must bring required documentation, including proof of birth for the child — such as a state-issued birth certificate. For prenatal applicants, a sonogram or a letter from a doctor is acceptable.

Families must also provide proof of household income. Acceptable documents include a 2025 W-2 form, a 2025 income tax return, the three most recent pay stubs or a SNAP approval letter.

In addition, parents or guardians must present proof of address, such as a piece of mail showing their name and current address.

Program officials say the clinic is intended to streamline the enrollment process and ensure eligible families can access early childhood education and support services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, families may call 620-615-5784.&nbsp;

The final clinic this spring is set for the Lincoln Center at 315 East Bigger on March 30. The clinic will run from 3 to 7 p.m.

Little Hawks Application Clinic on Monday

&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson’s Downtown Revitalization Director was arrested twice this week, according to Reno County booking and court records.&nbsp;

Reno County Detention Center records show that Scott Andrew Cooley was first booked Sunday, Feb. 15, on requested charges of driving under the influence, second conviction; incapable of safely driving; and&nbsp;operating&nbsp;a motor vehicle without a required ignition interlock device during a restriction.&nbsp;

Cooley was booked again Wednesday after a probation arrest and detain warrant was issued. Court documents&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;the warrant was filed by his court services officer following the Feb. 15 arrest. The order alleges Cooley violated the terms of his probation by being arrested for DUI and by&nbsp;possessing&nbsp;a bottle of Seagram’s gin.&nbsp;

Cooley’s probation stemmed from a municipal appeal of a Dec. 12, 2023, conviction in Hutchinson Municipal Court, where he was found guilty of driving under the influence.&nbsp;

According to Reno County District Court records, Cooley entered into a plea agreement on Sept. 17, 2025. He was sentenced on Sept. 19,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;to&nbsp;90 days&nbsp;in the custody of the Reno County Detention Center, with five days to be served before probation due to a medical condition. The court also imposed a $1,250 fine&nbsp;for the charge&nbsp;and an&nbsp;additional&nbsp;$100 fine for interference with law enforcement. He was serving six months of probation at the time of the recent arrest.&nbsp;

The City of Hutchinson announced in January that Cooley had joined the city as its Downtown Revitalization Manager, effective Jan. 5. The position was created to provide focused leadership for the downtown area and to advance implementation of the city’s Downtown Master Plan.&nbsp;

In that role, Cooley&nbsp;was responsible for&nbsp;leading day-to-day downtown revitalization efforts, including business support, redevelopment, coordination and oversight of the city’s Kansas Main Street Program.&nbsp;

Hutch Post has requested the status of Cooly’s employment.&nbsp;City officials tell us that Cooley is no longer employed by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Downtown Revitalization Director arrested

Congratulations Gracin Bergmeier on being selected as a 2026 Rudd Foundation Scholarship recipient! Over 700 students applied, 75 interviewed, and Gracin was one of 50 who received this prestigious full-ride scholarship.

"My future plans are to attend Wichita State University to major in Health Science and to be a part of the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College. This major will allow me to learn about different aspects of healthcare, while also preparing me to further my education in the physical therapy program at Wichita State," Gracin said. "Becoming a pediatric physical therapist is something that I want to pursue because of my own medical journey and the crucial role each of my physical therapists played in making me who I am today."

Inman senior receives Rudd Foundation scholarship

\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. ——————————————

Kenneth	Daniel	Miller		2/18/2026 10:11&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear; AGGRAVATED,					In Transit From-To Other Agency,					Violation of Offender Registration Act; 2nd Conv; Person

Sammy	Christopher	Ward		2/18/2026 11:09&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Ruben	Lee	Cox		2/18/2026 1:45&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Caden	Scott	Engstrom		2/18/2026 2:37&nbsp;PM	Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Agg endangering a child; unknown circumstance,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Failure to Appear

Peyton	Michelle	Rimbey		2/18/2026 3:00&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Possession of marijuana, Use&nbsp;or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Agg endangering a child; unknown circumstance

Robbie	Eugene	Calvin		2/18/2026 3:43&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation,					Probation Violation

Jose		Zuniga Martinez		2/18/2026 6:11&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Kidnapping; AGGRAVATED

Andre		Glacet		2/18/2026 10:56&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Tajarie	Lyn	Monroe		2/19/2026 2:42&nbsp;AM	DUI; Misdemeanor

Timothy	Duane	Field		2/19/2026 4:31&nbsp;AM	DWS; 1st conviction,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction,					Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southwest corner of Avenue D and South Main.

In 1891, John Truesdell, ancestor of the Lovett family, moved to Hutch and started a boiler manufacturing plant on Avenue B.

In 1895, Truesdell Boiler Works expanded its business with a new location at Avenue D and Main, addressed as 1-7 W. Ave. D. The first photo shows the exterior of Truesdell Boiler Works with employees next to the railroad siding.

The second photo shows the interior of the facility with John overseeing the production workings.

By 1910, the boiler plant was sold off to the Hutchinson Foundry and the D and Main building was eventually razed.

The Central Mercantile Co. built a new distribution center on the location and, by 1930, it became the Kellogg-Mackay Plumbing &amp; Heating Co. The third photo shows that business at that time.

In 1955, the building became the Weber Hatchery &amp; Feed Store. The fourth photo shows that enterprise at that time.

The fifth photo shows the building at 401 S. Main today, known as the Gumble Furniture Warehouse with ownership going to Mitch &amp; Jill Gumble of Hutchinson.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchorinnhutch">Anchor Inn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchorawayhutch/">Anchor Away</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Truesdell Boiler Works - Vol. 162

🎧 ⚾ Shockers lose in Hawaii, 🏀 Salt Hawks travel to Newton

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

This was undoubtedly an incredible moment. Well done, gentlemen. Furthermore, we are thrilled to report that both firefighters are recovering exceptionally well.

Fire truck lifts boy to see his father who was injured fighting wildfire

JACKSON COUNTY, MO.—Law enforcement are investigating a fatal dog attack in the Kansas City suburb of Independence.

Just after 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home&nbsp; near E. Bundschu Road and N. Jones Road, according to a media release.

A dog was attacking the victim when officers arrived at the home. Because the dog was so aggressive and the victim's injuries were so severe, one officer shot the dog.

The dog then became aggressive toward the officers, and the officers shot the dog a second time and killed it.

Officers provided emergency treatment to the victim, later identified as 41-year-old&nbsp;Tyler Brennan, until an ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced Brennan deceased. There were no other injuries.

KC area man dies from injuries in dog attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he’s directing the Pentagon and other government agencies to identify and release files related to extraterrestrials and UFOs because of “tremendous interest.”

Trump made the announcement in a social media post hours after he accused former President Barack Obama of disclosing “classified information” when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/obama-aliens-podcast-area-51-a23f03ebb1b4c3009415b20bec3df26b">Obama recently suggested in a podcast interview</a>&nbsp;that aliens were real.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “I don’t know if they’re real or not,” and said of Obama, “I may get him out of trouble by declassifying.”

In a post on his social media platform Thursday night, Trump said he was directing government agencies to release files related “to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters.”

Obama, who made his comments in a podcast appearance over the weekend, later clarified that he had not seen evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” but said, “statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there.”

Trump orders Pentagon to release files related to UFOs and aliens

By Dewey Terrill JC Post / Little Apple Post

Firefighters responded to a blaze at 1810 Caroline Ave. Building "O" in Junction City Thursday afternoon. There were no any injuries. Residents of 17 apartments were displaced.

The cause of the blaze is still undetermined. Fire Chief Jason Lankas reported that about one-quarter of the building was destroyed. A damage estimate has not yet been determined. Investigators from the State Fire Marshall's Office and Junction City Fire Department were brought in to work on the case.

Junction City and Geary County firefighters responded along with a ladder truck from Fort Riley. The military and Red Cross responded to the scene to help those who were displaced. Most of those people were members of the military and everyone has been taken care of.&nbsp; The fire call came in at 2:04 p.m.

This is the fourth building fire at the Bluffs since the complex opened many years ago.

Residents of 17 apartments displaced after Kansas fire

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations anfter

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police&nbsp;responded to the 600 block of N 10th Street in Salina for subject refusing to leave property in the area, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

 Officers located a subject identified as 38-year-old, Raymond Lawrence of Salina. He was under the influence of an unknown substance and was acting erratically, according to Feldman.

 Officers learned that Lawrence attempted to confront a person, he did not know, in the area wanting to fight. No fight occurred and when Lawrence went towards the person he tripped and fell on his own hitting his head on the ground. 

As officers were speaking with Lawrence he spit on an officer and yelled he was going to kill the officer. Officers placed Lawrence under arrest. As Lawrence was being walked to a vehicle, he kicked an officer. 

Medics were called to check on Lawrence’s injuries and transport him to the hospital. In the ambulance, Lawrence again spit on an officer. While at the hospital, Lawrence attempted to kick hospital personnel and also threatened to kill hospital personnel. 

 Once Lawrence was cleared by the hospital he was transported to the Saline County Jail where he continued to be combative towards officers and jail personnel and threatened to kill jail personnel. 

Lawrence was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges that include 3 counts of Battery of a Law Enforcement Officer, Criminal Threat, and Disorderly Conduct.

Police: Kansas man threatened to kill officers, hospital staff

MILAN (AP) — On a night of American comebacks at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>, Alysa Liu delivered the U.S. its first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

The 20-year-old Liu performed a near-flawless free skate Thursday to upstage Japanese rivals Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. She finished with a career-best 226.79 points. Nakai and Sakamoto each made a mistake on a combination sequence.

Liu had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-usa-328f4469f6ea79776df47c27afac710a">walked away from the sport</a>&nbsp;after the 2022 Beijing Games only to launch a remarkable comeback.

It was the first individual gold medal for an American woman figure skater since 2002, when Sarah Hughes won in Salt Lake City, and it was the second gold for Liu at these Games. She helped the Americans win team gold.

Sakamoto scored 224.90 points to earn a silver. Nakai finished third with 219.16 points.

Liu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-figure-skating-women-us-0870a87177fc4cb07e2a0474fa708fa0">third after the short program</a>&nbsp;two nights earlier, though within range of gold.

US beats Canada in OT for women's hockey gold

The U.S. women's hockey team delivered an Olympic comeback for the ages by beating Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal.

With her team trailing 1-0, American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.

Megan Keller then&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">scored 4:07 into overtime</a>&nbsp;to hand the U.S. its third Olympic gold medal in women’s hockey.

It was the seventh time the two powerhouses faced off for Olympic gold since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games. In the 2022 Beijing final,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-womens-hockey-canada-gold-d3850710a59523b92693ba57c0111160">Canada beat the Americans</a>&nbsp;in the final.

With the sides playing 3-on-3 in overtime, Keller broke up the left wing and pushed past Claire Thompson. Driving to the net, Keller got off a backhander that beat Ann-Renee Desbiens.

Kristin O’Neill scored a short-handed goal for Canada in the second period.

Earlier Thursday, Alina Muller scored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/switzerland-sweden-womens-hockey-olympic-bronze-cf85aec375145aa20294037d1094cd56">the bronze medal-winning goal in overtime</a>&nbsp;in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Sweden. It came 12 years after Muller&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alina-muller-switzerland-womens-hockey-6019a6844f1a9f72e60049f01ef45270">scored the clinching goal</a>&nbsp;to deliver the Swiss their first Olympic medal in women’s hockey — a bronze at the 2014 Sochi Games.

U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz’s late push wasn’t enough.

The American star settled for silver in the 1,500 meters, missing a chance to secure a third gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.

China’s Ning Zhongyan won Thursday’s race in an Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds. The 21-year-old Stolz, who won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-stolz-olympics-speedskating-339ceb92acbc3450ca973e0fa277403f">gold medals in the 500 and 1,000</a>&nbsp;at these Games, crossed 0.77 seconds later.

As Stolz glided by, hands on his knees, Ning raised his country’s flag aloft with both hands and started a victory lap.

Stolz, a Wisconsin native, will participate in the mass start on Saturday.

Dutch skater Kjeld Nuis, who won the 1,500 at the past two Olympics, took bronze.

Eileen Gu advances to halfpipe final despite fall

Defending Olympic champion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/eileen-gu">Eileen Gu</a>&nbsp;shook off a fall during her opening run to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eileen-gu-halfpipe-freeski-winter-olympics-f5ee0364425f639c22b2502a3850706e">advance to Saturday's final</a>&nbsp;in freeski halfpipe. The 22-year-old Gu was born in the United States and competes for China.

She clipped the lip of the halfpipe on the third trick of her first run, knocking her left ski off and sending her skittering to the bottom of the course.

That set up a pressure-packed second attempt that run earned 86.50 points, good enough to place fifth among the 12 skiers who advanced to the final.

US and Canada reach women’s curling semifinals

The United States and Canada&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-milan-cortina-olympics-canada-switzerland-sweden-414e619b93b4bad79e3a45a5f1af31d2">advanced to the women’s curling semifinals</a>.

The Americans, skipped by Tabitha Peterson, beat Switzerland 7-6 in a match that went to an extra end. The teams will square off again in Friday’s semifinals.

Peterson threw the decisive rock and her teammates swept it into position, just a hair closer to the button than the Swiss’ nearest stone.

Canada beat South Korea 10-7 and will play Sweden on Friday.

U.S. wins first women’s figure skating Olympic gold medal in 24 years.

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.– Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop. 

Jusst before 9:30 p.m. February 17,, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the traffic stop, deputies discovered illegal contraband.  The driver, Jason Green, 49, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway, and failure to provide vehicle insurance. 

The passenger Shannen Leeviy Price, 45, of Warsaw, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and criminal use of weapons.

2 Missouri men caught transporting drugs in Kansas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/meg-kinnard">MEG KINNARD</a> Associated Press

The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC’s “The View” over possible violations of the requirement that broadcast stations give&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time</a>&nbsp;to political candidates when they appear on-air, according to the head of the agency that oversees U.S. broadcast airwaves.

“The FCC has an enforcement action underway on that,” Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters after an agency meeting Wednesday, in response to a question about whether there were an investigation into the daytime series over potential violations of the “equal time” rule. “And we’re taking a look at it.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-talarico-cornyn-paxton-us-senate-texas-1826fe4d6aa162f0bdb8059c58987aa9">James Talarico</a>, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas, appeared on “The View” on Feb. 2. U.S. Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-senate-race-colin-allred-jasmine-crockett-5849d3ca44a733ce016300070788eec3">Jasmine Crockett</a>, who is running against Talarico for the nomination, has also been on the show.

The Trump administration has taken steps to clamp down on talk shows, which the FCC has suggested may be “motivated by partisan purposes.” Earlier in the week, late-night host Stephen Colbert said CBS executives had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-donald-trump-fcc-806845facffd3ab3e30142971be16add">pulled an appearance</a>&nbsp;by Talarico on his program over fears it ran afoul of equal time provisions.

The FCC issued&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-68A1.pdf" target="_blank">new guidance</a>&nbsp;in January to late-night and daytime hosts that they needed to give political candidates equal time. There are exceptions to the rule, including for newscasts, “bona fide” interview programs, and coverage of live events or documentaries. Carr has raised questions about the talk show exemption and whether it should stand.

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona fide news exemption,” according to the agency’s public notice last month.

Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested last year that investigating “The View,” whose hosts have frequently been critical of the Republican president, might be “worthwhile.”

The FCC has not responded to a message seeking comment on “The View” or Colbert’s show.

On Wednesday, Carr said watching the fallout from Colbert’s characterization of what happened with Talarico “was probably one of the most fun days I’ve had in the job,” adding that the candidate “took advantage” of media attention ”apparently for the purpose of raising money and getting clicks.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-colbert-james-talarico-equal-time-6cd29992ae2170ab6d10c3ddca92ec98">equal time provision applies</a>&nbsp;only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs. Colbert later posted the Talarico interview to YouTube, where it’s been viewed more than 7.5 million times — several times what the comic’s CBS program draws each night.

Talarico reported that he had raised $2.5 million in campaign donations in the 24 hours after the Colbert interview.

A spokesperson for “The View” on Thursday declined to comment on Carr’s statement.

CBS says Colbert was provided “legal guidance” that broadcasting the interview with Talarico could trigger the equal time rule. Colbert&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/colbert-talarico-cbs-trump-fcc-014a0531715f098fbcd7902476a22590">said on his show Tuesday night</a>&nbsp;that while Carr said in January he was thinking about getting rid of the exemption for late-night talk shows, “CBS generously did it for him.”

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