The Cosmosphere is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Jim Remar, has been elected to the 2026 Board of Directors of the Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA).

The GSCA, a leading organization dedicated to advancing giant screen cinemaworldwide, recently announced the results of its 2026 Board election. Jim Remar joins a distinguished group of industry leaders representing theaters, production companies, distributors, and related businesses. His term begins on Jan. 1,2026.

“I am honored to serve on the GSCA Board and look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to advance immersive, educational, and high-quality giant screen experiences,” said Remar.

The Cosmosphere congratulates Jim Remar on this achievement and looks forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the giant screen cinemacommunity.

Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar Elected to GSCA Board of Directors

In this edition, Dave talks going back to school with a couple who seems primed to make their future brighter.

Dear Dave,&nbsp; My husband wants to leave his job next year. He wants to go back to school full-time and finish his degree. It wouldn’t take him long to complete his studies, and we’ve both agreed it’s the best thing to do for our family.

The only drawback is once he begins school, our yearly income will fall from $100,000 to about $50,000. The good news is we’ll have his veteran’s stipend and tuition assistance from my job to help pay for things. During all this, once we complete Baby Step 3, should we move on the Baby Step 4, or keep saving? &nbsp;

Dear Courtney,&nbsp; As long as you two are completely in agreement about this plan, and you’re willing to save like crazy for the next year and beyond, I think it makes sense.

But listen carefully to this next part. You’re going to have some unexpected things pop up along the way. That’s just how life works. I’m not trying to discourage you, but I want you to understand that even with your husband’s stipend, and help from your employer, you’ll have to stick to a budget and be smart with your money now more than ever before.&nbsp;

Later, once you complete Baby Step 3—which is having three to six months of expenses set aside as an emergency fund—Baby Step 4 is usually starting to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ramseysolutions.com/retirement/the-truth-about-retirement">invest 15 percent of your income for retirement</a>. In your case, however, you’re not investing directly for retirement at that point. But you will be investing in your husband and your future together as a family. And it’s a great investment if he’s studying something that has practical marketplace application. Because that means you’re setting the stage to make back the money you put into his degree&nbsp;and&nbsp;have a bigger income for years into the future.&nbsp;

Again, as long as he’s not off taking stupid courses like left-handed puppetry or pursuing a Ph.D. in the history of German polka, you two are making a great investment for the future. Do everything you can to save and pile up money—that includes him doing something to bring in a little cash on weekends when he’s not in class—so you two can pay the bills, he can get through school and together, you can make this dream come true!&nbsp; 

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:  Make sure the degree is practical and marketable

As Kansans brace for frigid temperatures this weekend, safety experts and local officials are urging residents to take precautions when heating their homes. With house fires spiking during the coldest months of the year, knowing how to safely use space heaters, fireplaces, and furnaces can be the difference between comfort and catastrophe.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with space heaters responsible for the majority of incidents. The American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas reports that home fire responses are 30% higher during cold weather than during the rest of the year.

“Too often we see preventable tragedies happen when families try to stay warm,” said Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the regional Red Cross. “Simple steps like keeping flammable items three feet away from heat sources and testing smoke alarms can save lives.”

To reduce the risk of fire, officials recommend these guidelines:

In addition to safe heating practices, it is recommended to test smoke alarms monthly and practice a two-minute home escape plan — the average amount of time a family may have to get out of a burning home.&nbsp;

Families who cannot afford smoke alarms or who are unable to install them can contact their local Red Cross office for help.

Home Fire Campaign Continues Saving Lives

Since 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign has partnered with communities nationwide to install free smoke alarms, create fire escape plans, and educate residents on fire safety. The campaign has been credited with saving over 2,500 lives so far.

“Preparing now can make all the difference,” Wedge said. “We encourage families to take action before the temperatures drop — your safety depends on it.”

For more resources — including the Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps — <a href="http://redcross.org/apps">visit redcross.org/apps</a>.

Experts urge safe home heating practices as winter weather arrives

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. ——————————————

William	Arthur	McMurry	Jr	11/7/2025 9:55&nbsp;AM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Cassondra	Marie	Scott		11/7/2025 10:26&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Deon	Marquez	Garrett		11/7/2025 10:51&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Joseph	Daniel	Gobble		11/7/2025 12:20&nbsp;PM	Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

Madison	Dawn Taylor	Benitez		11/7/2025 3:45&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Richard		Acosta	III	11/7/2025 3:45&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,					Littering; Public property,					Consuming Alcoholic Liquor; On Public Property

Michael	Shane	Penny		11/7/2025 4:43&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,					Agg battery; Reckless great bodily harm

Bree	Nicole	Mungei		11/7/2025 5:32&nbsp;PM	DL Violation; Drive While Habitual Violator

Joseph	Eugene	Garcia		11/7/2025 6:01&nbsp;PM	Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage,					DUI; 2nd conv; blood or breath .08 or higher,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

Ramon	Andrew	Luna		11/7/2025 6:07&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of marijuana,					Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Realiti	Dawn	Courson	11/7/2025 7:57&nbsp;PM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,&nbsp;Assault,				Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,				Agg burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex, dv,				Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO

Sean	Anthony Roylynn	Hogan	11/7/2025 8:41&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jerlene	Lenay	Oliver	11/7/2025 9:14&nbsp;PM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Earl	Dean	Smith	11/7/2025 9:35&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving,				Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Daily Bookings

Hutchinson, KS — Dillons will honor active and former military members and their dependents this Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with a 10% discount in stores across Kansas. All service members, veterans, and their dependents with a valid military ID are eligible for the promotion.

Dillons military associates can also take advantage of the savings on top of their 10% Our Brands discount, for a total 20% savings on Veterans Day.

“At Dillons, we’re deeply grateful for the courage and commitment of those who have served our country,” said Sheila Regehr, Dillons spokesperson. “This Veterans Day, we’re proud to extend our thanks through this special offer and through our ongoing commitment to support veterans and their families in the communities we serve.”

The Veterans Day discount is valid at all Dillons locations on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

*Excludes alcohol, tobacco products, fuel, money orders, taxes, postage stamps, Gift Cards/Certificates, lottery, promotional tickets, CRV, prescriptions and guest or customer services/fees. Must use Rewards Card or Shopper’s Card to earn reward.

Dillons honors military heroes on Veterans Day

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

Three-day weather outlook

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Moose Lodge will host its 19th annual veterans fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 8, continuing a tradition started nearly two decades ago by local veteran John Miller to honor service members and support veterans’ causes.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a donation-based turkey dinner at Moose Lodge #982, 1401 E. 1st Ave. There is a dance that starts at 7 p.m., and the main veterans recognition ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. Veterans are admitted free; Moose Lodge members will be charged $8 and non-members $10.

Miller, a member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion and American Legion Riders, launched the event after noticing Hutchinson lacked a full ceremony honoring veterans. 

“We have short ceremonies, maybe 15 or 20 minutes, maybe a breakfast, but not one that let veterans tell their stories and interact with the crowd,” he said. “I didn’t think it was fair to have Veterans Day without a veterans ceremony.”

Since then, the fundraiser has grown with support from the Moose Lodge, which provides the building and assistance. “They said, ‘We won’t charge you for the lodge and we’ll help you do everything we can,’ and it just blossomed from there,” Miller said. The lodge now even issues a special membership card for veterans.

Each year, proceeds benefit local veterans organizations, including the American Legion, AMVETS and both VFW posts. Additional funds are donated to a selected nonprofit. Past recipients include Healing Waters, which takes wounded veterans on fishing trips; Patriotic Adventures, which provides outdoor experiences for injured service members; and Wounded Warriors. This year’s chosen organization is KS for Vets, which helps local veterans with home modifications, utility assistance and support services. 

“They widen doors for wheelchairs, build ramps, help pay electric bills, whatever veterans need that they can’t afford,” Miller said.

Saturday’s ceremony will also honor Rachel, an O’Reilly Auto Parts employee whose son, an Army paratrooper, was severely injured when his parachute failed to deploy properly. 

“He’s been in the hospital for two years. He just learned to talk again about a month ago,” Miller said. 

Local veterans groups will present her with plaques, a Blue Star Family flag and a special throw blanket for her son.

Miller said the event also serves to remind the community of the unseen struggles many veterans face, including PTSD and mental health challenges. 

“It’s not always the broken bones you see—it’s what’s going on inside that can be worse,” he said. 

He highlighted the American Legion’s “Be the One” program, which encourages veterans to reach out to fellow veterans who may be struggling.

Businesses across Hutchinson continue to support the fundraiser, some for all 19 years, including Chafin Electric, Good Samaritan Funeral and Retirement Home, and B&amp;J Smoke Shop. New supporters this year include Hutch Auto Body.

Donations can be made at the Moose Lodge or by contacting Miller at 620-694-7128.

“It’s for the veterans,” Miller said. “We appreciate the support, and on behalf of all vets, thank you.”

19th annual Moose Lodge fundraiser to honor Veterans on Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department is welcoming a new four-legged officer to its ranks. K9 Strike, a German Shorthaired Pointer with international training and specialized skills, officially joined the force this September.

Born on May 3, 2024, in the Czech Republic, K9 Strike underwent initial training through K9 Working Dogs International (K9WDI) before being recruited by the department this fall. He is partnered with Officer Ryan Aden, and together the duo has already completed their certification as a team in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Strike is certified to detect a range of illegal narcotics, including PCP, LSD, psilocybin, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. He brings a critical toolset to the department, especially as law enforcement agencies across the country face rising concerns over drug trafficking and opioid abuse.

In addition to his narcotics detection abilities, Strike is trained to identify ground disturbances—a valuable skill in search and rescue operations, including locating missing persons.

The department says Strike is already proving to be a valuable addition to its K9 team, enhancing both its patrol and investigative functions.

“Strike and Officer Aden have trained extensively together, and we’re confident they will make a strong impact in keeping our community safe,” the department said in a statement.

Hutch Police add new K-9 officer

With winter temperatures beginning to settle across the region, the Salvation Army of Hutchinson is stepping up to help families stay warm through its annual coat distribution, taking place this weekend at its main facility at 700 N. Walnut Street, behind Wendy’s off Main.

Thanks to a generous community partnership, hundreds of coats have been collected, cleaned, and prepared for distribution. Ineeda Cleaners led the charge with a successful coat drive and also donated their services to professionally clean every item—ensuring that each coat is ready for a new home.

“This kind of event is only possible because our community comes together to support one another,” said a Salvation Army representative. “We’re grateful to Ineeda Cleaners and everyone who donated.”

In addition to warm coats, Kansas Gas Service is providing free weatherization kits designed to help households improve energy efficiency and stay warm throughout the cold season.

The giveaway will take place over two days:

Following the weekend event, coats will continue to be distributed by appointment only. Local residents in need of winter clothing or weatherization supplies are encouraged to attend or contact the Salvation Army to schedule a time.

For more information or to make an appointment, call the Salvation Army office at (620) 663-3353.

'Coats for Kids' Distribution today, Saturday

Martin	Ramon	Duran	11/6/2025 8:16&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Kyran	Evan	Walters	11/6/2025 1:09&nbsp;PM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,				Taxation; Sell cig/electr cig/tobacco &lt; 21,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,				Burglary; Non-dwelling for felony, theft, dv, sex

Robert	Jude	Stallbaumer	11/6/2025 1:09&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Kensley	Chez Rado	Pizzuto	11/6/2025 4:25&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Guadalupe		Bermudez	11/6/2025 7:20&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Danica	Nicole	Wente	11/6/2025 9:31&nbsp;PM	Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm,&nbsp;Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

Marissa	Sierra	Kennedy	11/7/2025 12:10&nbsp;AM	Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 100g to &lt; 1Kg,&nbsp; &nbsp; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,				Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

The Food Bank of Reno County and Eagle Media along with presenting sponsor Midwest Superstore are partnering on a “Stuff the Trucks” food drive today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dillons Marketplace on East Plaza Drive.&nbsp;

Volunteers will be collecting nonperishable items such as canned meats and vegetables, cereal, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and pancake mix. 

Kickstarted by a $2,500 donation by Dillons' stores and partner businesses including Friendly Bingo, Hog Wild Pit Barbecue, Pools Plus, and JACAM Catalyst who have already donated $500 toward the effort.

When asked, Angela Penner, the Executive Director of the Reno County, talked about those items always in need. “There's always a need for nonperishable items, so things like canned meats, vegetables, canned fruits, pancake mix, cereal, we're running very low on cereal right now, so that's a great thing, if you can add that, peanut butter and pastas, rice, all of that kind of pantry stable items. 

In addition to the ‘Stuff the Trucks” event, you can make a donation each time you head to Dillon’s Marketplace. Donation barrels are in place year-round at the Dillon’s Marketplace for those who wish to give.  

'Stuff the Trucks' today for the Reno County Food Bank 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —A suspect in the November 1, death of a woman in Kansas City, Kansas has been charged.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney's office has charged 22-year-old Kevin Calamaco-Morales with felony first-degree murder in the shooting death of 20-year-old Ana Juarez.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Calamaco-Morales also is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 4:30 a.m. November 1, officers with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department were called the area of North 11th Street and Barnett Avenue to investigate a shooting.

When officers arrived on the scene they located Juarez, outside of her home. She had been shot.&nbsp;She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.&nbsp;

Calamaco-Morales was arrested at the scene and is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $500,000 bond, according to a statement from Kansas City, Kansas Police.

Man accused of killing woman outside her Kansas home

GEARY COUNTY —The Junction City Vice Mayor, 30-year-old Alovence Gordon has been arrested on requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Deadly Use of a Weapon. 

He was booked into the Detention Center at 3:41 p.m. Saturday, according to information from the Geary County Detention Center.

Gordon's term on the Junction City Commission runs until January. He ran for reelection but was defeated in the August primary election.

Junction City Vice Mayor is in jail for an alleged violent crime

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The runner who died from injuries after she was struck in a hit-and-run incident Thursday evening near Lawrence was Elsa McGrain, 20, a University of Kansas student from Omaha, according to&nbsp; Sheriff's Department Spokesman Officer George Diepenbrock.

She was studying pre-medicine and set to graduate in 2026.&nbsp;

Elsa was running and a vehicle struck her around 6 p.m. Thursday in the 1700 block of E 1500 Road, which is North Seventh Street extended and south of U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Regional Airport.

Douglas County deputies and detectives continue to work diligently to investigate this thoroughly, find the driver involved and work appropriately through the justice system from there.

Detectives have determined the vehicle of interest is a truck that is all white with no side markings.

DGSO continues to ask anyone who might have information about the vehicle in the photo or been in the area on E 1500 Road between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday and has potential information to call DGSO Detective Lance Flachsbarth, 785-393-5845, or Douglas County Crime Stoppers, 785-843-TIPS (8477), and leave your contact information.

Sheriff: Victim in fatal hit-and-run was KU student

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal judge sentenced a former Kansas credit union manager to 63 months in prison for stealing more than $750,000 from her long-time employer and substantially jeopardizing the safety and soundness of the financial institution, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Rita Hartman, 71, of Atchison pleaded guilty to one count of false entries in federal credit union records.

For 30 years, Hartman was the manager of Muddy River Credit Union (formerly Atchison Casting Credit Union and Bradken Federal Credit Union), which served the employees of a foundry located in Atchison, Kansas. 

Hartman’s position gave her control over all aspects of Muddy River’s finances. Between 2007 and 2021, she abused the trust that Muddy River granted her to steal approximately $346,000 in customer cash deposits. 

Hartman also fraudulently credited approximately $430,000 in deposits and loan payments to her or her relatives’ accounts when no payments or deposits had been made. Hartman concealed her conduct by altering ledgers and records and by falsifying information submitted to Muddy River’s regulators. &nbsp;She obstructed efforts to uncover her fraud by submitting fraudulent documents to regulators and delaying a mandated audit. &nbsp;

The defendant’s embezzlement wiped out Muddy River’s capital and rendered it insolvent, ultimately forcing a merger into another credit union to continue operations.&nbsp;

In 2013, the then-Governor of the State of Kansas appointed Hartman to the Kansas Credit Union Council, which advises the Kansas Department of Credit Unions on issues and needs of credit unions. Hartman is also a former mayor and city commissioner in Atchison. A federal judge ordered that during her imprisonment, all of Hartman’s state pension payments be directed towards the $778,361 in restitution she was ordered to pay as part of her sentence.

“For decades, Rita Hartman was a prominent, well-respected figure in Atchison, Kansas,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Instead of living up to the high regard that people in the community had for her, she exploited their trust and used it to perpetuate her embezzlement scheme and line her pockets with stolen funds.”&nbsp;

“The defendant was entrusted with the fiscal responsibility of the credit union’s members. In using the money for her personal benefit, the defendant’s actions were a betrayal of that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen A. Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s longstanding commitment to working financial fraud investigations and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.”

Prison for Kan. credit union manager's $700K embezzlement scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — Peloton is recalling nearly 878,000 of its exercise bikes across the U.S. and Canada because the products’ seat posts can break during use, posing fall hazards.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Peloton-Recalls-Original-Series-Bike-Exercise-Bikes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards" target="_blank">notices published</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada on Thursday, the recall covers certain “Peloton Original Series Bike+” units carrying model number PL02. Peloton has received three reports of seat posts breaking on these bikes in the U.S., two of which resulted in fall injuries. There’s been no additional incidents&nbsp;<a href="https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/peloton-original-series-bike-model-pl02-seat-post-recalled-due-potential-fall-hazard" target="_blank">in Canada</a>&nbsp;to date.

Both consumer safety watchdogs and Peloton urge owners of these bikes to stop using them and contact the New York-based exercise company for a free seat post replacement.

“The integrity of our products and our Members’ well-being are our top priorities,” a Peloton spokesperson said in an emailed statement — adding that the company would make its redesigned seat post replacements “available to all affected Bike+ users.”

<a href="https://support.onepeloton.com/s/article/Peloton-Original-Series-Bike-Plus-Seat-Post-Recall-and-Free-Seat-Post-Replacement?language=en_CA" target="_blank">Peloton’s website</a>&nbsp;has information to help determine if your bike is part of the recall and instructions on how to install this new seat post if needed.

The now-recalled bikes were sold at Peloton and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores, as well as websites like Amazon and eBay, from 2020 through April 2025 for about $2,495. The impacted Bike+ units have serial numbers beginning with the letter “T.” About 833,000 units were sold in the U.S. and another 44,800 in Canada.

Peloton&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/peloton-recall-exercise-bike-97e041d66bb5677af87a2db02a093437">previously recalled 2 million of its original Bikes</a>&nbsp;(with model number PL01) back in 2023, following similar — and more numerous — reports of breaking seat posts and related injuries.

The Bike+ products recalled this week were manufactured before that 2023 recall, between December 2019 and July 2022. But the company has since rolled out its redesigned seat post. According to Peloton’s spokesperson, Bike+ products made since the middle of 2023 have had that new seat post and are not impacted.

Why Peloton is recalling 878,000 exercise bikes

Speaker: Ten Republicans in House refuse to sign petition to change U.S. House boundaries

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins stripped three Republicans of committee chairmanships for refusing to sign a petition calling for a special legislative session to redraw congressional boundaries in a bid to block reelection of Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and to tackle a handful of unrelated bills.

Hawkins relied on his unilateral power as the House’s top leader to alter committee assignments and remove as chairmen GOP Reps. Steven Howe of Salina, Nathan Butler of Junction City and Jesse Borjon of Topeka. Hawkins also removed Rep. Clarke Sanders of Salina and Rep. Leah Howell of Derby from vice chair positions.

Sanders, who was vice chair of the House Higher Education Budget Committee, said Hawkins called him Friday with the news. Sanders said Republicans in committee leadership positions who wouldn’t sign the special session petition were targeted.

“Those of us who were chairs and vice chairs … have been relieved because we didn’t agree to sign on for a special session,” Sanders said. “I understand it. I knew that not signing it came with a risk. I just didn’t think it was the right thing to do. I hope to maintain a good relationship with the speaker, but this was something he felt he had to do.”

It’s likely additional committee vice chairs could be removed from leadership positions by the House speaker. Rank-and-file members of the House also could face sanctions in terms of committee assignments ahead of the 2026 legislative session in January.

The committee leaders demoted by Hawkins were among 10 Republican House members who declined to sign the petition for the special session. Neither Howe, Butler nor Borjon could be immediately reached for comment.

“I’m not shocked. It wasn’t too much of a surprise to me,” said Rep. Mark Schreiber, an Emporia Republican who was among the GOP representatives who didn’t sign the petition. “I’ve been there quite a long time as a lobbyist and legislator. I’ve seen that from leadership.”

He said the Republicans who lost committee assignments wouldn’t be deprived of an opportunity to represent their constituents in the House.

“They still have votes on the floor and can speak from the (House) well,” Schreiber said.

Hawkins was able to convince 78 of the 88 GOP members of the House to sign, which fell below the two-thirds requirement of 84 signatures from 125 House members to authorize the special session. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson was able to secure the necessary 27 signatures to complete special session requirements in that chamber. The special session had been scheduled for Nov. 7.

On Tuesday, Hawkins threw in the towel on a plan to circumvent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and call a special session devoted to congressional redistricting intended to undermine Davids, a four-term congresswoman with a district centered on Johnson County.

The Kansas Constitution permits the state’s governor to call special sessions. The Legislature also could convene the House and Senate at the Capitol for a special session, but that required petition signatures from at least two-thirds of members in the House and Senate.

Under legislative rules, Hawkins said, once the Nov. 7 deadline was breached the original House and Senate petitions would be voided and the signature search would have to start over.

“To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement,” Hawkins said in his newsletter posted Friday. “At this late date, the only option was to wait until we return for the regular session on January 12.”

In terms of Kansas’ four congressional districts, President Donald Trump urged GOP-led legislatures in Kansas and other states to redraw boundaries to promote election of more Republicans in November 2026 so the U.S. House might remain under GOP control.

Hawkins wanted the Legislature to gather in November to address Trump’s plea for mid-decade redistricting and to consider how to handle federal funding of rural health care and a court decision allowing Kansans to change gender information on a driver’s license. There also were discussions about taking up property tax legislation during the special session.

He said in a statement Tuesday that scheduling conflicts and competing agendas made planning a special session an “uphill battle.”

In the House speaker’s newsletter Friday, he said delaying decisions until January meant Kelly would have “full discretion” on allocation of new federal funding for health care in rural Kansas. Without advance guardrails, he said, funding accepted by Kelly couldn’t be returned to the federal government.

“Those who refused to sign a petition played right into the governor’s hands by giving her free rein without oversight on hundreds of millions of dollars. Sad,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said delaying passage of a gender identification bill meant the Legislature’s action to nullify the court decision would be “very costly and difficult.”

The timeline for imposing new congressional districts on Kansans — the focus has been on splitting voter-rich Johnson County among multiple districts — would be “greatly shortened,” Hawkins said.

He also disclosed there were “valid” complaints about the cost to taxpayers of a special session, especially since the regular session would begin in two months on Jan. 12. The GOP-controlled Legislative Coordinating Council voted in October to allocate $460,000 to the special session.

“It’s also important to remember that the Legislature did their business in record time this (2025 regular) session saving a significant amount of money,” Hawkins said. “These savings would have been more than enough to cover the cost of a special session.”

Hawkins notified the chief clerk of the House of committee changes in a memo dated Friday.

The memo shows Rep. Adam Turk of Shawnee replaced Howe as the chair of Higher Education Budget Committee. Rep. Rick James of La Cygne replaced Butler as chair of the Veterans and Military Committee. Rep. Carl Turner of Leawood replaced Borjon as chair of the Legislative Modernization Committee.

Rep. Kyler Sweely of Hutchinson replaced Sanders as vice chair on the Higher Education Budget Committee, and Rep. John Resman of Olathe replaced Howell as vice chair on the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee.

In other changes, Rep. Blake Carpenter was removed from the Interstate Cooperation Committee, Rep. Brian Bergkamp was removed from the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, and Rep. Megan Steele was removed from the Veterans and Military Committee.

Kansas House speaker punishes GOP colleagues for not supporting special session

Earlier this week, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasTurnpike?__cft__[0]=AZWTnnNDBynwYuBVyTdC0hFaaJITHuM7xH0uXoKT7JGNTIDF4mFinyqK6I1fiPdRp6bSOffsEnsbDcDnUr9kbYs-pAkEsKIKH8wwkgNK1W-itWBlSdRcZB7RiW8yVfItnVDw07qC3xiX7KKwBrnnye8Q-En5leIQU4Ri0bop7AWeSu-JRt4Nc5ndBQjXfeb8AlzOq_N6my10zrB32r4-8p9s&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Turnpike Authority</a> Trooper was stopped with its emergency lights activated in the left lane of traffic on I-70 blocking a wrecked vehicle in the roadway, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

 The trooper was in his vehicle, along with a witness of that previous crash.  A motorist failed to move over and struck the stationary patrol car. 

"This is why it’s important to Slow Down and Move Over." If you can’t tell exactly where the flashing lights are - on the shoulder or in the lane - you have time to react if you’ve already slowed to prepare for an emergency ahead."

"The new Move Over law includes moving over for anyone on the side of the road with hazard lights activated. For everyone’s safety, please remember to Slow Down. Move Over."

🎥Car slammed into Trooper's vehicle on I-70

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday spoke on the Senate floor ahead of Veterans Day next Tuesday to mark this year as the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans and recognize the impact Vietnam veterans have had on Kansas and the nation. Sen. Moran this week introduced a resolution to recognize 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

“In Kansas, many communities have set up memorials to recognize their hometown heroes and the hundreds of Kansans who died serving in the Vietnam War,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“From the Rooks County Memorial at the local courthouse near my hometown to the Vietnam Wall at Pittsburg State in the eastern part of the state, Kansans have made it their mission to never forget those who served.”

“As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of our nation’s commitment to honor those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces and to make certain their legacy is never forgotten,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Vietnam veterans were not treated with the dignity and respect they deserved when they returned home from their service. Their service earned our nation’s lasting gratitude, and we should strive to honor our nation’s heroes and the sacrifices they made.”

Sen. Moran also honored two Kansans from Rooks County, Marine Corps Sergeant Timmy Miller and Army Private First-Class Charles Acheson, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country in Vietnam.

Sens. Moran, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced a resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Learn more about the resolution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.veterans.senate.gov/services/files/E9913A5B-E16E-43B1-B93C-9497FDD654A1">here</a>.

🎥Moran on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war 

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a> Associated Press

People in some U.S. states will be able to buy groceries with federally funded SNAP benefits Saturday while those in other states were still waiting for November food benefits that had been delayed by a protracted legal battle over the federal government shutdown.

The Trump administration initially&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-government-shutdown-snap-trump-democrats-8a52a63b26a707ea676962226b090bb1">said last month</a>&nbsp;that it would not fund&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-how-it-works-cards-e061c2af0f3cc997b69a24296238783c">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a>&nbsp;benefits for November because of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/the-government-shutdown-is-now-the-longest-in-history-d732b4616fa5467a9f6772793d1b8906">U.S. government shutdown</a>. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snap-food-government-shutdown-trump-a807e9f0c0a7213e203c074553dc1f9b">twists and turns</a>&nbsp;since have exacerbated uncertainty for the nearly 1 in 8 Americans who receive monthly SNAP benefits to spend at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

On Friday, some states began issuing full monthly SNAP benefits to people, a day after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to provide the funds.

But Friday night, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson temporarily paused that judicial order to allow time for an appeals court to decide whether to issue a more lasting halt. Jackson acted because she handles emergency matters from Massachusetts.

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Nearly 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, for help buying groceries. Most have incomes below the poverty line, which is about $32,000 for a family of four.

An individual can receive a monthly maximum food benefit of nearly $300 and a family of four up to nearly $1,000, although many receive less than that under a formula that takes into consideration their income.

The delay in payments has led to a surge in demand at food banks and pantries across the country, as well as long lines for free meals or drive-thru giveaways.

Some states have provided emergency funding to food banks to help them respond to the increased need. Some states also used their own dollars to fund direct payments to people while the federal benefits were in limbo.

Where have people already received benefits?

Whether SNAP beneficiaries see money on their electronic benefits transfer cards depends on where they live.

In Hawaii, Oregon and Wisconsin, officials worked quickly after a judge ordered full benefit payments Thursday to instruct their EBT providers to process the full payments.

“We moved with haste once we verified everything,” Joseph Campos II, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, told The Associated Press.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, said state employees “worked through the night” to issue full November benefits “to make sure every Oregon family relying on SNAP could buy groceries” over the weekend.

Officials in California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington also confirmed that some SNAP recipients were issued their full November payments on Friday.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said more than 250,00 households that missed their regular monthly SNAP payment during the first week of November received their full amount on Friday. The remaining beneficiaries would receive their November funds on their regularly scheduled dates later this month — if distribution does not remain blocked by legal challenges.

The Trump administration said in a legal filing with the Supreme Court that “there is no ready mechanism for the government to recover those funds” that already have been distributed.

Before Jackson ordered a pause, Colorado and Massachusetts had said SNAP participants could receive their full November payments as soon as Saturday. New York had said access to full SNAP benefits should begin by Sunday. New Hampshire had said full benefits should be available over the weekend.

And Arizona, Connecticut and Minnesota all had said that full SNAP benefits should be accessible in the coming days.

Whether people actually will receive those benefits on their EBT cards remains unclear.

For peoples in some other states, the wait appears likely to extend into next week. Numerous state officials said they had been waiting for further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP.

What has been holding up November benefits?

Because of the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration originally had said SNAP benefits would not be available in November. After two judges ruled the administration could not skip November’s benefits entirely, the administration said it would use an emergency reserve fund containing more than $4.6 billion to provide partial benefits in November.

A judge on Thursday said that wasn’t good enough, and ordered other funds to be used to make the full monthly payment. The Trump administration appealed, asking a higher court to suspend any orders that require it to spend more money than is available in the contingency fund. That is what led to Jackson’s temporary hold issued late Friday.

Kansans issued full SNAP food aid while others wait for Nov. benefits

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri.

Just before 11a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the area of E 39th Street and Chestnut Avenue, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers responded and began canvassing the area for any victims. Officers located a man lying on the sidewalk unresponsive and suffering from gunshot trauma.&nbsp; EMS immediately responded and declared the victim deceased.

Police have no suspect details and released no additional information.

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