HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Christmas approaches later this week, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson is wrapping up its holiday distribution efforts while making a final push toward its Red Kettle fundraising goal, according to Major Paul James.

James said the organization distributed food and toys to families last week and planned to help additional families Monday morning who missed scheduled appointments.

“We had over 900 families with food and whatnot, and roughly close to 1,000 kids,” James said. “We will have a brief time this morning where we will help out those who missed their appointments for whatever reason and help a few more.”

With three days remaining in the Salvation Army’s 12 Days of Ringing campaign, James said the local Red Kettle goal of $85,000 was about $23,000 short. The Red Kettle effort is part of a larger annual fundraising goal of $300,000 to support year-round programs.

“Eighty-five thousand is our Red Kettle goal, but our overall goal is $300,000,” James said. “We are still about $150,000 down from that, roughly, though we have made some progress recently.”

James said community support has included an increase in individual bell ringers, which helps reduce staffing costs and allows more funds to go directly to programs.

“We had more individuals who volunteered,” James said. “Some people rang more hours this year than ever before. It definitely helps the bottom line.”

As part of this year’s campaign, the Salvation Army partnered with Westphal Jewelers to promote the Red Kettle effort through a Ring for Bling drawing that awarded a $1,500 diamond ring to an eligible bell ringer. The winner, drawn live on the BW Morning Show, was longtime volunteer Roger Sellers.

Sellers, who also won Chiefs tickets in a previous year, has increased his ringing hours over time and was recognized for his continued commitment to the campaign.

“That promotion definitely sparked interest,” James said. “People were calling and asking how they could sign up to ring.”

James said giving often increases in the final days before Christmas, when shoppers finish purchases and look for ways to give back. He added that economic uncertainty and rising costs have made this season more challenging for many families.

“The need has increased each year,” James said. “Inflation is a big part of that. Dollars just do not go as far as they used to.”

Beyond holiday assistance, James highlighted ongoing programs, including a shower and hygiene service that has provided more than 1,000 showers this year, as well as emergency help with rent and utilities.

“A lot of individuals we serve are working and need a place to get clean and be fresh for work,” James said. “It is an honor to be able to help people in that way.”

James also noted that donations are accepted beyond Christmas, with the Salvation Army’s year-end campaign continuing through Jan. 31.

“Just because Christmas has passed does not mean the need has gone away,” James said. “We hope people will continue to think about the Salvation Army and their neighbors.”

Salvation Army aids hundreds of families during Christmas distribution

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Hutchinson closes out a year marked by major construction projects and long-term planning efforts, Mayor Stacy Goss described 2025 as a year focused on execution rather than expansion.

“It was interesting,” Goss said. “This year was really about staying on task and accomplishing what we had already taken on.”

Among the city’s largest undertakings was the Woodie Seat Freeway project, which Goss described as a capstone effort. Phase one is nearing completion, with Avenue A expected to reopen to east-west traffic in mid-January. Bridge work is scheduled to continue through June or July.

Goss also highlighted changes to city intersections, including the removal of several traffic signals deemed no longer warranted. She said outdated designs can disrupt traffic flow and create confusion for drivers.

“They just don’t engineer intersections like that any longer,” Goss said. “If a light isn’t warranted, it throws off the flow of traffic and what drivers should expect.”

The city is also moving forward with plans for Memorial Hall, which is currently out for requests for proposals covering management, design and construction. Goss said the project includes $2.5 million in state STAR bond funding.

“The goal is to turn it into a year-round usable space,” Goss said. “We want to keep the small-town appeal but also bring in concerts, events and economic activity.”

Housing initiatives were another focus, with more than 200 homes under development and a new partnership with Interfaith Housing launching in 2026. The program will address residential blight by connecting occupants to resources while holding property owners accountable for repairs.

“We know people are living in homes that are not of a livable standard,” Goss said. “Every property should be held to the same standard.”

Mayor reflects on major projects, housing initiatives and Memorial Hall plans

Hutchinson Community College is marking the end of an era as longtime instructor Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato retires after 22 years of service to the college and its students.

Naccarato concludes his career as a Business and Leadership Instructor at Hutchinson Community College, leaving behind a legacy defined by enthusiasm, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success.

Before joining HutchCC, Naccarato spent years coaching and mentoring student-athletes in the Hutchinson area, experiences that shaped his approach in the classroom. That background aligned seamlessly in 2004, when the college launched its Entrepreneurship Program and Naccarato stepped into a role that blended education, leadership, and real-world business insight.

Over more than two decades, Naccarato became known for courses that consistently filled to capacity, driven by his engaging teaching style, infectious energy, and personal investment in students. Colleagues and students alike often described him as more than an instructor — he was a motivator who built relationships and fostered confidence.

Beyond the classroom, Naccarato helped connect students with the broader business community through his semi-annual Management &amp; Entrepreneur’s Forum. The event brought together local business leaders alongside Fortune 500 executives, giving students direct exposure to professional perspectives and encouraging them to think ambitiously about their futures.

His impact was recognized multiple times through honors as a Blue Dragon Educator of the Year, reflecting both his instructional excellence and his lasting influence on campus culture.

As HutchCC closes another year in Blue Dragon history, college leaders and students are celebrating Naccarato’s contributions and wishing him well in retirement.

“Thank you, Dan, for 22 years of leadership, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in your students,” the college said in a statement. “Congratulations on your well-earned retirement and thank you for making every day a great day to study business at HutchCC.”

HutchCC business instructor Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato retires after 22 years

Wichita State University men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills is sharing a deeply personal story after surviving a life-threatening cardiac emergency earlier this month—an experience he says could have ended very differently had even a few circumstances changed.

Mills explained that two weeks ago, following a road game at Northern Iowa, he began experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing immediately after the final buzzer.

“I realized something wasn’t right,” Mills said. “It felt like my chest had a skeletal fracture, and it was extremely hard to breathe.”

Despite the pain, Mills completed postgame responsibilities before sitting down in the locker room, exhausted and struggling to move. With a winter storm impacting travel plans, the team ultimately boarded a late-night flight rather than returning by bus. Mills said that decision may have saved his life.

After landing shortly after 1 a.m., Mills told his wife he needed to go to the hospital. Doctors immediately performed an EKG and identified abnormalities, admitting him overnight while a cardiac team was called in. Mills said the next thing he remembers is waking up after undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.

Doctors later told Mills his right coronary artery was 100 percent blocked and had gone without blood flow for approximately six hours. Multiple stents were inserted to restore circulation.

According to his cardiologist, survival rates for that type of cardiac event drop to about 50 percent if treatment is not received within the first hour.

“There were so many moments where this could have gone the other way,” Mills said. “If we had gotten on a bus, if I had gone to a hotel, if I had gone to the wrong hospital, or if I had ignored the pain and gone to sleep—I likely wouldn’t be here.”

Mills credited what he described as a series of providential circumstances for his survival, noting that he does not drink or smoke and runs regularly.

“I thought I was doing everything right,” he said. “What I didn’t realize was that about 80 percent of my cholesterol issue was hereditary.”

Despite being released from the intensive care unit on a Wednesday, Mills returned to the bench just days later for Wichita State’s game against DePaul, under strict medical supervision and while wearing heart-monitoring equipment.

“I wouldn’t recommend getting out of the ICU on a Wednesday and coaching on a Saturday,” Mills said. “But I wanted to show up for our players.”

Mills said doctors initially warned his wife they were uncertain about his long-term quality of life, and a chaplain was brought in following surgery. Today, however, Mills says he feels better than he has in years.

“It’s like living your whole life with low water pressure and suddenly everything is wide open,” he said. “I had no idea how restricted my blood flow was.”

Mills said the experience has changed his perspective on life and work, and he urged others—especially young people—not to ignore warning signs or skip routine medical checkups.

“There are two conditions,” Mills said. “There’s death, and there’s life. And I have life. For that, I’m grateful.”

He closed his remarks by reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season.

“Christmas is both sacred and solemn,” Mills said. “Some families have empty chairs at the table. We almost had that. Don’t take a single day for granted.”

Mills ended with a message he said now carries deeper meaning than ever before:

Wichita State's Paul Mills shares story of cardiac emergency

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TODD THOMPSON Leavenworth County Attorney

Busted? A Prosecutor Reopens the Case for Santa

“Busted!” my young son announced as he climbed into the back seat of our car for the drive home from school.

“You know how I know Santa isn’t real?” he shouted. “We don’t have a chimney!”

As a prosecutor, I respected his solid reasoning, but I was not prepared for his argument. I sat stunned. Because of my silence, my son exclaimed, “See! I knew I was right—busted!”

“He’s real! But, Dad, how does he get in?”

Needing an explanation, I replied, “He’s magic.”

My son then decided to cross-examine me further.

“Let me see the security cameras from last year. I know we have cameras—show them to me from Christmas.” His questions were as sharp as those I’ve heard from seasoned defense attorneys.

“In my job, I have to prove things beyond a reasonable doubt,” I replied. “I must present evidence to a jury. So let’s look at the evidence: when you go to bed, your stockings are bare, but when you wake up, they are full.”

“That’s because you fill them when we are asleep,” he rebutted.

My daughter chimed in. “I have an idea! What if we put cookies out, and if they are eaten, then that will show Santa was there?”

My son shut that idea down. “You know Dad would just eat the cookies—probably before Santa!”

My son then delivered his closing argument. “Dad, I know Santa Claus is also called Saint Nick, or Saint Nicholas, and he lived a very long time ago. There’s no way he could still be alive today.” Then, with pride, he yelled again, “Busted!”

Admittedly, I smelled defeat from this very skilled adversary. Another childhood treasure seemed on the verge of being lost. Worse, I could see the jury of his peers—his sister—leaning his way.

That’s when I decided to call my star witness, my daughter. “How does Santa decide who gets gifts?”

“If you have been good,” she said. “He even keeps a list!”

I asked my son if he knew how Saint Nicholas became a saint.

He explained that Saint Nicholas came from a wealthy family and, instead of keeping his wealth, gave gifts to the less fortunate—without telling anyone.

“Exactly,” I said. “That’s called altruism.”

My daughter asked, “Dad, on my Christmas list, I want to give a friend a Labubu because she doesn’t have one. Is that altruism?”

“Yes,” I said. “And that’s very sweet.”

Feeling my momentum, I delivered my final argument.

“In the law, we have a concept called transferred intent. Basically, if you intend to affect one person, but your actions end up affecting others, the responsibility still carries.”

“You both agree that people all over the world receive gifts on Christmas from what is reported to be Santa, right?”

“Saint Nick wanted others to do good. One way he helped people who did good things was by giving without recognition. That still happens on Christmas, doesn’t it?

“That means Santa’s intent from long ago still exists today. His good intentions have been passed on to others, who continue acts of kindness—that is the magic of Santa. That’s how Santa is real. That’s how he comes to our house on Christmas, even if we don’t believe.”

My daughter asked, “Dad, am I Santa?”

“You already have his spirit,” I said. “It shows in you wanting to give that gift to your friend.”

Then my son said, “I want to be Santa, but not yet.”

I told him, “That’s okay. You have plenty of time to share in his spirit and keep his magic alive.”

At that point, I knew my case wasn’t busted. Santa is less a man in a sleigh and more a commitment to generosity we choose to carry forward, a shared intent that survives the belief itself.

Todd Thompson is the County Attorney for Leavenworth County, Kansas.&nbsp;

Busted? A prosecutor reopens the case for Santa

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Today, Dave talks to a mother of two who’s divorced and wondering what steps to take next.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dear Dave, I went through a divorce earlier this year, and I was granted custody of our children. They’re 13 and 18. The house we live in is paid for, and it’s worth about $450,000. I also don’t have any other debt. My ex-husband has been very good about paying child support, and I have $175,000 in savings. Should I be investing at this point?

Dear Michele, I’m really sorry to hear about the divorce. I know the whole situation, regardless of the financial situation, is very hard on you and your kids. Do yourself, and them, a favor, okay? Make sure you spend a ton of quality time with them. Hug on them a lot, pray and let them know how much you love them every single day.

Now, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of your situation. Fortunately, it sounds like things are pretty good financially. At the very least, you’ve got a net worth of over $600,000. But here’s the thing. I’m sure the trauma of having your life upended is still very painful. That being the case, I wouldn’t recommend making any big decisions now. It’s never a good idea to make important, long-range plans when your emotions are messed up.

When it comes to the money you have in savings, my advice is to just let it sit there a while. I know it won’t make much money, but you won’t lose anything, either. Then, in a few months when your emotions are in a better place, you can look into investing some of that into good growth stock mutual funds. Find a quality advisor, one with the heart of a teacher, who can walk you through the process and explain your options and investments in ways you’ll understand completely. Knowledge has a way of erasing fear and uncertainty.

Finally, at some point you’ll need to take a look down the road, and decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. Do you want to go back to school? Maybe start your own business? Take a little time later to allow for thought, education and deciding what you want out of life now. But above all, Michele, please spend lots of time with your kids. Also, if you’re not currently in a good church, I’d suggest finding one nearby. Those things will help so much with the healing process.

You can hear Dave Ramsey, Monday through Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. on KWBW, unless it is preempted by sports coverage.&nbsp;

Dave Says: The healing process will take time

One man is dead and another is critically injured following a shooting Sunday in Norwich, according to the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to the 300 block of South Somerset Street on Sunday, Dec. 21, for a report of a shooting. When emergency crews arrived, they found a 37-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by Norwich EMS to a Wichita hospital in critical condition.

A second individual, a 44-year-old man, was found deceased at the scene.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the case, including support from its crime scene unit, according to Undersheriff Travis Sowers.

No additional information has been released due to the ongoing investigation and the need to notify family members. Authorities stated this was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.

Kingman County Sheriff, KBI investigate shooting in Norwich

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. ——————————————

Ryan	William	Rue	12/20/2025 2:30&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

Ryan	William	Rue	12/20/2025 2:30&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Zachary	Lynn	Stinson	12/20/2025 3:55&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

William	Lee	Dye	12/20/2025 4:28&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conv,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Possession of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Quin'darious	Isaiah	Switzer Chapman	12/21/2025 1:07&nbsp;AM	Possession of marijuana, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body, Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage,&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant				Distribute marijuana w/in 1000' sch; 25-&lt;450 gm,				Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use

Teresa	June	Milburn	12/21/2025 4:56&nbsp;AM	DUI; Misdemeanor,				Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction,				DL Violation; Drive While Habitual Violator

Daily Bookings

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Sunday announced he is appointing Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to serve as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, the vast, semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that Trump has said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-offshore-drilling-gulf-of-america-fa66f8d072eb39c00a8128a8941ede75">U.S. needs to take over.</a>

“Jeff understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World,” Trump said in announcing the appointment.

Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-greenland-norway-panama-canal-canada-a52858e3075f9b5ad95e78753293fc1f">during his presidential transition</a>&nbsp;and in the early months of his return to the White House repeatedly called for U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, and has not ruled out military force to take control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

The issue had drifted out of the headlines in recent months, but in August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-6c9544314792cf1e287e21af06111c1e">Danish officials summoned the U.S. ambassador</a>&nbsp;following a report that at least three people with connections to Trump had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance visited a remote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-american-military-pituffik-space-base-denmark-746d67b1bc8e6681328a809787412495">U.S. military base</a>&nbsp;on the island and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-dd58fe169672042f803886da55ff3c0b">accused Denmark of underinvesting</a>&nbsp;there.

Trump has said that Greenland is crucial for U.S. security and hasn’t ruled out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-vance-visit-us-base-834785773189f2f12ec6b09f8c5a9321">taking the island by military force</a>, even though Denmark is a NATO ally of the U.S.

Landry took office as governor in January 2024. His term ends in January 2028.

“It's an honor to serve you in this volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S.,” Landry wrote in a posting on X in which he thanked Trump for the appointment. He added, "This in no way affects my position as Governor of Louisiana!”

Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. The U.S. push for Greenland is also opposed by Russia and much of Europe.

The Embassy of Denmark in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Landry's appointment.

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service said in a report earlier this month that the United States is using its economic power to “assert its will” and threaten military force against friend and foe alike.

The service, in its annual assessment, said Washington’s greater assertiveness under the Trump administration also comes as China and Russia seek to diminish Western, especially American, influence.

"The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies, and the growing security and strategic focus on the Arctic by the United States will further accelerate these developments,” the report said.

Trump takes next step in effort to make Greenland part of U.S.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in the death of a 4-year-old boy is due back in court on Monday.&nbsp;

On Dec. 12, Judge Rodger Woods charged 34-year-old Daniel Martin with&nbsp; first degree murder and child abuse in the death of Tiuri Blunt-Porrata, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 3:30p.m. Dec. 8, police&nbsp; responded to a medical call regarding an unresponsive 4-year-old child in the 2600 block of South Topeka in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford. The child identified as Tirui Blunt-Porrata, according to an online fundraiser, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and was pronounced deceased at 4:07 p.m.

Police arrested Martin and booked him, into the Sedgwick County Jail where he remains on a $1 million bond, according to online jail records.

On December 16, police arrested the boy's mother 27-year-old Tyne Blunt in connection with the boy's death. A Sedgwick County judge charged her with first-degree murder and aggravated endangering a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Blunt is being held on a  a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on December 29, according to the district attorney's office.

Suspect in 4-year-old's death is due back in court

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

Project relies on combination of state and federal funding, donations and bond debt

TOPEKA — The total price of constructing research and clinical facilities for the new University of Kansas Cancer Center increased nearly $80 million to accommodate plans for additional laboratory space and in response to general inflation, tariff and labor cost spikes.

Roy Jensen, director of the KU Cancer Center, said financial requirements of transforming the campus in Kansas City, Kansas, to fulfill the promise of a coveted federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center was estimated in November 2023 to total $250 million. He said the current assessment pegged the project cost at $329 million, which would amount to a 30% escalation in the budget.

Presentations to the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Board of Regents indicated decisions to add 70,000 square feet to the project for research purposes, enough to allow 44 principal laboratories rather than the original 32, would elevate the cost by $67.5 million. Escalation in materials and labor expenses added $6 million to the bottom line. In addition, planners committed $6 million more to the contingency fund.

In May, ground was broken for the cancer center complex. The plan calls for occupancy of the new research building in February 2028. Renovation of the nearby Hemenway Life Sciences and Innovation Center would connect it to the research hub of the cancer center. The entire complex would be operational by February 2029.

“It’s going to be an incredible catalyst for, I think, further growth of the cancer center,” Jensen said. “We’re super excited to have this in progress right now.”

The cancer center complex at 39th and Rainbow campus was designed to provide patients with access to groundbreaking clinical trials and therapies, KU officials said. Physicians and researchers engaged in cancer research and treatment would be brought together to make personalized care more readily available.

Jensen said KU Medical Center attracted 8,500 new cancer patients annually, an increase from 1,700 new patients in 2004. The volume of research at the medical center has grown over the past 20 years from $14 million annually to $94 million annually, he said.

“With that significant growth, we’re in need of an expansion,” Jensen said. “We’re currently in 10 different buildings just on the medical center campus. A big reason for this project was to begin to consolidate.”

Under the revised $329 million budget endorsed by the Board of Regents, the cancer center project would rely on $75 million in state aid, $60.7 million in federal appropriations, $57.2 million in private donations, $98 million in bond debt and $38 million from cash reserves and contributions from KU Health System.

“The Legislature’s allocation of $75 million played a key role in allowing us to move forward with this project,” Jensen said. “The office of Sen. (Jerry) Moran has also been quite helpful with a number of congressionally directed spending allocations.”

Rep. Troy Waymaster, the Bunker Hill Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said unresolved pieces of the puzzle included the potential of supplemental federal funding. U.S. Senate legislation pending in Washington, D.C., would earmark $36 million more to the KU Cancer Center, which Waymaster suggested could be dedicated to reducing KU’s bond debt obligations.

Jensen said extra federal aid might moderate costs of borrowing, but the infusion also could allow shifting of resources to better incentivize hiring of cancer center researchers.

“Some of the cash on hand that’s being set aside for this building could then be used to help us to build recruiting packages to help bring new investigators to the cancer center,” he said.

In 2012, KU was federally designated by the U.S. National Cancer Institute as a clinical cancer center. KU Cancer Center was declared a comprehensive center in 2022, which was the highest level of recognition awarded by NCI.

Fifty-four comprehensive cancer centers have been established in the United States — a figure representing 1% of all cancer treatment facilities in the country, Jensen said.

“It’s impressive,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence. “I think people should know that because it didn’t happen by accident.”

Extra lab space, inflation drives cost of University of Kansas Cancer Center to $329 million

JACKSON COUNTY —A Jackson County sheriff's deputy struck by a car while investigating an accident continues to show improvement, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.&nbsp;

Just after 6p.m. December 17, a 2012 Mercedes driven by a 69-year-old Lee's Summit woman was southbound at South Buckner Tarsney at E. Ryan Road. The vehicle traveled into the crash scene and struck the the 53-year-old deputy, according to the MSHP. 

Central Jackson County EMS transported the deputy to Centerpoint Medical Center.

"After undergoing several medical procedures the deputy is making progress toward healing, remains in stable condition and is expected to recover," according to Sheriff Forte'

Deputy recovering after struck by a car at scene of earlier crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are poised to vote Monday on a proposal that could lure the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line from Missouri, and replace popular but aging Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility capable of hosting major year-round events.

The meeting of the Legislative Coordinating Council, which includes the state's top lawmakers, is expected to be attended by Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and other team officials. If the proposal is passed, the Chiefs could move swiftly in announcing plans to depart their 53-year-old home at the Truman Sports Complex for a stadium that could cost upwards of $2 billion.

The state's proposal would allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of the overall cost of the project. They would be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around around the sports complex.

The same bonding process was used to build Kansas Speedway and the surrounding shopping and entertainment district, known as The Legends, in Kansas City, Kansas — the area where a future stadium for the Chiefs is most likely to be built.

The area is also home to Children's Mercy Park, where Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer plays its home matches.

“The state of Kansas is in active discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs about the prospects of building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas,” the Kansas Department of Commerce said last week. “No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come. We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”

The move by the Chiefs would be a massive blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who have been working on a package of their own to prevent a second NFL franchise in a decade from leaving their borders. The Rams departed St. Louis for Los Angeles a decade ago in part because of their inability to secure funding to help replace The Dome at America’s Center.

Kehoe backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.

The special session came in response to Kansas lawmakers approving their bond package.

The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Kansas City Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium — which sits a couple of hundred yards across a parking lot from Arrowhead Stadium — when the two teams' leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031.

But after county voters soundly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-royals-kansas-city-stadiums-e9605296b85e91699441e4ba10e83212">defeated a local sales tax extension</a>&nbsp;last year, the Royals and Chiefs began work on separate plans.

The Royals will not be discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already has purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.

Quinton Lucas, the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, has been working to keep both franchises on the Missouri side of the state line. He said in a statement over the weekend that negotiations had continued with the Chiefs throughout last week.

“We’ll reserve further comment until we hear from the Kansas City Chiefs,” Lucas said.

Hunt has long said his preference was to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, which was beloved by his father and team founder, the late Lamar Hunt. It is considered one of the jewels of the NFL, alongside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and is revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage; it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar.

This summer, Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including matches in the Round of 32 and quarterfinals.

The Hunt family has warmed in recent years to the idea of leaving their own mark by building its replacement, though. Not only would a new, state-of-the-art stadium provide new revenue streams, through luxury seating and accompanying development, but a fixed or retractable roof would allow it to be used year-round. That would mean the potential to host concerts and events, college football bowl games, the Final Four and one of Lamar Hunt's long-held dreams: a Super Bowl.

Kan. lawmakers to vote on proposal to lure Chiefs with new stadium across state line

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Wichita police arrested four people, including two juveniles, after investigators determined a gunshot that struck a 22-year-old woman inside her home was fired from a nearby parking garage.

Just before 10p.m. Dec. 18, police responded to a reported shooting in the 700 block of E. Second Street North in Wichita, according to a media release.

The injured woman told officers she had just arrived home with a friend when a bullet came through a window and struck her in the upper body. She went to a local hospital in a private vehicle and was later treated and released.

Investigators determined the shot came from the Warren Parking Garage, 315 N. Moore Street., across from the apartment complex at 701 E. Second St. North.

Cameras in the area were used to identify a vehicle of interest. Later that night, officers observed and stopped that vehicle near Mount Vernon and Washington. Officers detained five people and took them for interviews. Police later booked four suspects into the Sedgwick County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Facility.

Those arrested include a 17-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, an 18-year-old woman identified in county booking records at Pamela Nunez and a 20-year-old man identified in county booking records as Franklin L. Hernandez Murillo. They are being held on requested charges of aggravated battery, discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling and unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

“This has to stop,” Chief Joe Sullivan said. “One reckless decision can change a life forever. Juveniles, or any person, who make the intentional decision to pick up a firearm and use it in the commission of a crime need to and will be held accountable.”

Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Gunfire struck Kansas woman in her home, 4 arrested

KANSAS CITY—Three people were injured in a fire on Sunday in Kansas City.

Just after 10:30a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 3300 block of Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported smoke on the 2nd&nbsp;floor of a 2-story house and initiated an offensive fire attack.&nbsp;Residents reported that all residents were able to get out on their own. Crews did conduct a search of the structure, which came back all clear. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to a single room.&nbsp;KCFD ambulances transported 3 occupants of the residence, to local hospitals. Late Sunday, there was no update on their condition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by KCFD.&nbsp;

3 hospitalized after fire at home in Kansas City

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday defended the Justice Department’s decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">release just a fraction</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;files by the congressionally mandated deadline as necessary to protect survivors of sexual abuse by the disgraced financier.

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

Blanche pledged that the Trump administration eventually would meet its obligation required by law. But he stressed that the department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about making public thousands of documents that can include sensitive information.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">Friday's partial release</a>&nbsp;of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats who have accused the Republican administration of trying to hide information.

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