USD 308 Board Approves Morgan Elementary Kitchen Improvements, Reviews Bond Feedback Plan

The USD 308 Board of Education met Monday evening at the district’s administration building, approving facility improvements, discussing next steps following the recent bond election, and receiving updates on early childhood programming.


The board approved immediate improvements to the Morgan Elementary School kitchen to address excessive heat and inadequate ventilation. Board members agreed the conditions warranted action now rather than waiting for a future bond project. The work will include installation of air conditioning and was awarded to Kruse Corporation at a cost of $19,880.


In response to the failed bond election, the board authorized the superintendent to move forward with negotiations with Discovery Works to conduct a post-election analysis and an online community opinion survey. The goal is to better understand voter concerns and gather actionable feedback to inform future planning. The project is expected to begin promptly and will cost $28,500.

Staff presented the annual community assessment and program self-assessment for the Little Hawks early childhood program. The report cited elevated poverty levels, housing cost burdens, food insecurity, childcare shortages, substance abuse, and mental health challenges across Reno County.
Program priorities moving forward include curriculum training, attendance supports, expanded health and safety partnerships, and increased family engagement. Staff also shared employee engagement survey results showing strong gains in satisfaction and morale. The board approved updated selection criteria, including the addition of United Way referrals to better serve ALICE families, along with minor wording updates.

The board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda and personnel report. Members also discussed upcoming committee rotations, recognized recent community events, and noted a booster club fundraiser scheduled for March 21. The meeting concluded with an executive session for real property and personnel matters before returning to open session and adjourning.

The next meeting of the USD 308 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26.

USD 308 BOE approves Morgan Elementary kitchen improvements, reviews bond feedback plan

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF/jobs/148261">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!</a>

Status: Part-time or Full-time
Shifts: 2nd shift or 3rd shift

The Licensed Nurse (LPN or RN) is a professional nurse responsible for assisting with planning and directing nursing care for a designated group of residents. This position provides direct supervision of charge nurses and assists with the teaching and supervision of team members to ensure high-quality care consistent with the mission of The Wesley.

The Wesley is a 50-acre, vibrant retirement community located in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled home care. Multiple positions are currently available.

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF/career-page">CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL JOB OPENINGS FOR THE WESLEY</a>

Hutchinson man hospitalized after semi, pickup accident

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

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

Recent obituaries and service times

The Hutchinson Fire Department will conduct its annual mitigation burns on Wednesdays and Thursdays from January 21 through February 19, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting.

According to Division Chief of Operations Justin Holzrichter, the planned burns are part of the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce fire risk and enhance public safety by removing excess vegetation and other combustible materials in high-risk areas.

Burn operations are scheduled to take place at the following locations:

Mitigation burns help create wider non-combustible buffer zones by clearing roadside ditches and surrounding vegetation. These buffers reduce the likelihood of fires spreading into adjacent fields and nearby neighborhoods.

Residents are asked to remain aware of burn activity in these areas during the scheduled times. The fire department appreciates the community’s cooperation as these preventative safety measures are carried out.

For additional information, residents may contact the Hutchinson Fire Department directly.

Hutchinson Fire Department schedules annual mitigation burns

The Harvey County Commission approved a resolution that places a moratorium on the construction of data centers in the unincorporated areas of the county.

The Commission passed the resolution unanimously at its meeting today. It is effective upon legal publication, and will be in place through the end of 2028.

The resolution halts potential applications to operate or develop data centers. The primary use of data centers is to house computer systems for data processing or data storage.

There has not been an application submitted to construct a data center in unincorporated Harvey County to date. Instead, the moratorium allows the Harvey County Planning, Zoning and Environmental Department, as well as the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, time to research, consider or create regulations governing future development concerning data centers.

Harvey County Commission places moratorium on data center developments

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Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Tuefel said 2025 marked a strong year for business growth and strategic planning, with momentum expected to continue into 2026.

Tuefel cited roughly $7 million in new investment announced or underway across Hutchinson and Reno County, including major expansions by APAC, Wichita Tractor, Superior Boiler, Collins Bus, and continued workforce stabilization at Tyson Foods. She also pointed to community-changing projects such as the GunBros attraction, the Meyer Landmark redevelopment, and STAR Bond-supported improvements tied to the Cosmosphere and Memorial Hall.

Looking ahead, Tuefel said the Chamber’s new economic development strategy, Elevate Reno County, will guide efforts to grow quality jobs, attract new employers, and prepare shovel-ready sites. Key infrastructure work includes engineering for a new roadway serving the Kimball Industrial Park along K-96, improving access for future industrial development and the planned Evergy power generation site.

Tuefel said Evergy continues to advance agreements with Reno County and local cities, including a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes framework, with construction possibly beginning in late 2026 or early 2027 and operations targeted by 2030.

Housing readiness, tourism, and convention activity are also priorities. Tuefel highlighted the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, expansion of event hosting capacity, and continued preparation of new residential subdivisions to support workforce growth.

She added that the Reno County Chamber of Commerce enters 2026 with strong engagement, welcoming about 45 new members and hosting 25 ribbon cuttings in 2025, while continuing to connect businesses, recruit investment prospects, and promote Hutchinson as a regional destination for events, conferences, and economic opportunity.

Reno County Chamber highlights economic momentum, previews 2026

Mecha is the sweetest girl and after running loose for over a year, she now prefers the inside life.  Now when she goes outside, she does her business and comes right back in! 

Mecha is around 3 years old and maybe an Australian Shepherd mix! 

 She does have a high prey drive after living on her own so she will need a slow introduction to other pets.  She would make the perfect farm dog too! 

To adopt Mecha, contact the Pratt Area Humane Society. You can reach them by phone at&nbsp;620-672-6777 or visit them on the <a href="https://www.prattareahumanesociety.com/">web</a>.

The Pratt Area Animal Shelter is located at&nbsp;10233 Bluestem Blvd. Pratt.

Please call if you would like to set up a meet and greet with a specific dog or cat.

🐶 Adopt a Furry Friend:  Mecha

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. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chauncey	Keith	Grissom		1/12/2026 8:10&nbsp;AM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant

Alison	Marie	Hiner		1/12/2026 1:09&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt

Douglas	Wayne	McBrien		1/12/2026 2:05&nbsp;PM	Distr heroin/fentanyl w/in 1000' sch; 3.5-&lt;100gm,					Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use, Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana,&nbsp;					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Derohn	Kent	Wilburn		1/12/2026 6:11&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt, Failure to Appear

Cameron	Dewayne	Hardrick		1/12/2026 10:41&nbsp;PM	Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,					Agg endangering a child;Reckless &lt;18;Bodily harm,					Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO,					DWS; 3rd or subs conv,					DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving,					Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Bradley	Harrison	Shafer		1/12/2026 11:12&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Christopher	Michael	Roberts		1/13/2026 1:55&nbsp;AM	Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order,					Possession of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

Aspiring entrepreneurs in Reno County will have an opportunity this winter to build business skills and explore new income pathways through the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, an eight-week, in-person course hosted by StartUp Hutch in partnership with Network Kansas.

The program will run weekly from Jan. 29 through March 26, meeting Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Hutchinson Community College’s Peel Center, Room 114. Designed for low-income individuals seeking economic mobility, the course is geared toward those interested in starting a small business, creating an additional income stream, or developing an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving.

Registration costs $50, with scholarships available. The deadline to register is Monday, Jan. 26.

“This course is designed to empower individuals with the mindset and skills needed to take control of their future,” said Graham Klemme, executive director of StartUp Hutch. “Whether you have a business idea or simply want to develop an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, this program offers valuable insights and real-world applications.”

Participants will take part in interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises intended to build confidence, strategic thinking, and practical business knowledge.

Additional information about the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program and other resources available through StartUp Hutch can be found at startuphutch.com. Klemme can also be reached at 620-665-3319.

StartUp Hutch to host Ice House Entrepreneurship Program

WASHINGTON (AP) — Multiple Americans who were detained in Venezuela have been released, the Trump administration said Tuesday.

“We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela,” the State Department said. “This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.”

The State Department did not provide the exact numbers of those released. But a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe non-public details, said four Americans were released as a group Tuesday and one was quietly released Monday.

The releases come after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a stunning nighttime raid earlier this month.

The head of Venezuela’s national assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, said last week that a “significant number” of Venezuelan and foreigners imprisoned in the country would be released as a gesture to “seek peace” following the military operation that deposed Maduro.

As of Tuesday evening, the Venezuela human rights group Foro Penal had confirmed 56 prisoners it said were detained for political reasons had been freed. The group criticized the lack of government transparency over the releases. Venezuela’s government negated the organization’s count, and reported a far higher figure of 400 Tuesday afternoon.

But the government did not provide evidence of the releases or a time range in which they were carried out, nor did it identify those freed, making it impossible to determine whether those freed were behind bars for political or other reasons.

Though Washington and Caracas have long had a fraught and limited relationship, prisoner releases have been a rare source of connection, with the two countries in engaging in a series of swaps of detained citizens.

In July,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prisoner-swap-venezuela-united-states-el-salvador-a0c3070355fbdc31f028a16096c5655c">Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens</a>&nbsp;and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador under the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

Some Americans detained in Venezuela have been released

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just&nbsp; 1p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A black Honda Motorcycle was southbound on Paseo at 9th Street in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil Dimartino. A Metro Bus was traveling westbound on&nbsp;9th Street. The bus driver failed to stop for the posted stop sign, entered the intersection and struck the motorcycle. 

The operator of the motorcycle, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected off the motorcycle. EMS transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced deceased by hospital staff. The bus driver, as well as all the passengers on the bus were uninjured in the collision. 

This is fatality #4 compared to #2 at this time last year in Kansas City, Missouri.

Fatal crash: KC metro bus strikes motorcycle

WYANDOTTE COUNTY - A jury last week found a suspect guilty in Kansas cold case murder.

&nbsp;Gary Dion Davis,54, was convicted&nbsp;of second-degree murder in the November 1996 death of Pearl Davis, also known as Sameemah Mussawir, according to the Wyandott County District Attorney's office.

Police had found the victim’s body in a house on Lafayette Avenue in Kanas City, Kansas, and the case went unsolved for decades.

Davis&nbsp;had also been charged with killing Christina King two years later in December 1998, but the jury found him not guilty of her murder.

Davis worked as a long-haul truck driver. The district attorney's office said it is possible that Davis could be responsible for other crimes across the country because of his job.

Davis is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 26, according to the district attorney's office.

Jury: Man guilty in cold case murder of Kansas woman

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 2a.m. January 11, police conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 Block of Heizer Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

 Contact was made with the driver and multiple occupants of the vehicle. During the stop, K9 NEO was deployed for a free air sniff of the vehicle, subsequently indicating to the odor of narcotics. 

The back seat passenger identified as 31-year-old Christopher Hutchins-Hernandez was found to have marijuana on his person. During the subsequent search of the vehicle, Officers located Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia, as well as a stolen firearm. 

Police arrested Hutchins-Hernandez on requested charges of&nbsp; Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,  Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Stolen Property, and No Drug Tax Stamp.&nbsp;

Police: Alleged Kan. meth dealer had a stolen firearm

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly delivers her final State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature 6:30p.m. Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎥Governor Laura Kelly's final State of the State address

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities Tuesday and vowed to fight charges of child sex abuse stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico.

His apprehension comes after authorities in Albuquerque&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/timothy-busfield-child-sex-abuse-charge-83c82a8c5dbfabd4880f3c8af02fb523">issued a warrant for his arrest</a>&nbsp;on Friday on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A criminal complaint alleges the acts occurred on the set of the series “The Cleaning Lady,” which was filmed in Albuquerque.

Busfield, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-celebrity-9ba7c27a8ae04a3993864eea8508f2f3">married to actor Melissa Gilbert</a>, is known for appearances in “The West Wing,” “Field of Dreams” and “Thirtysomething,” the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991.

“Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations,” said Stanton Stein, an attorney for Busfield. “He is innocent and is determined to clear his name.”

Busfield was booked by Albuquerque police on the charges, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for the city police department. A first appearance in court was scheduled for Wednesday.

NBC shelved an episode of “Law &amp; Order: Special Victims Unit” that featured Busfield and was set to air Thursday, a network spokesperson confirmed Tuesday to The Associated Press. Busfield was guest-starring as the judge on the long-running show, which focuses on sex crimes.

The criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the police department says the boy reported that he was 7 years old when Busfield touched him three or four times on private areas over his clothing. Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times on another occasion when he was 8, the complaint said.

Busfield denied the allegations when interviewed by authorities last fall as part of an investigation, according to the complaint.

The complaint also says the child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him.

The boy's twin brother told authorities he was touched by Busfield but did not specify where. He said he didn't say anything because he didn't want to get in trouble.

When he was interviewed by authorities as part of the investigation, Busfield suggested that the boys' mother was seeking revenge for her children being replaced on the series — an argument echoed Tuesday by Busfield's attorney. Busfield also previously said he likely would have picked up and tickled the boys, saying the set was a playful environment.

Lawyer says Warner Bros. investigation unable to corroborate complaint

On Tuesday, Stein invoked the results of a private investigation by Warner Bros. to assert that the allegations are false. The investigator hired by Warner Bros. could not immediately be contacted by phone or email.

Authorities say the Warner Bros. investigation was unable to corroborate details of an anonymous complaint to a union workplace hotline after its private investigator “was not able to talk with anyone who would support evidence that Timothy Busfield engaged in this behavior.”

A video obtained by TMZ showed Busfield in front of a window with the Albuquerque skyline in the backdrop. He said he arrived in the city after driving 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers).

“I’m going to confront these lies. They’re horrible. They’re all lies,” Busfield said.

Marshals Service involved in search for Busfield

The search for Busfield involved the U.S. Marshals Service and extended to New York before Busfield appeared in the video and arrived at a metropolitan detention center, Gallegos said.

“We had the U.S. Marshals' office looking in New York in particular, and other cities,” Gallegos said.

The mother of the twins — who are identified only by their initials in court records — reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said.

Busfield’s wife, Gilbert, indicated through a publicist that she won’t speak publicly at the request of attorneys for Busfield while the legal process unfolds.

“Her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family,” publicist Ame Van Iden said in a statement. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”

The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. The boys' parents had gone there at the recommendation of a law firm, the complaint said.

According to the complaint, one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented him saying he has had nightmares about Busfield touching him.

“The Cleaning Lady” aired for four seasons on Fox, ending in 2025. The show was produced by Warner Bros., which according to the complaint conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations but was unable to corroborate them.

Associated Press journalist Mallika Sen in New York contributed to this report. Lee contributed from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

'West Wing' actor turns himself in to face child sex abuse allegations

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a wekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 28-year-old De’Ontez&nbsp;Denson, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 6:30p.m. Sunday, polie were dispatched to an apartment in the 6400 block of Manchester Avenue in Kansas City on a report of a disturbance, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon arrival, officers responded to the dispatched apartment unit where they located Denson inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers checked for signs of life just as EMS was responding. EMS declared him was deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation reveals there was an argument between Denson and an adult male suspect. That argument escalated into gunfire and resulted in the victim being struck. The adult male suspect has not been identified at this time and left the scene prior to officer arrival.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to canvass the area for evidence and collecting witness statements. This incident is being investigated as a homicide, according to Gonzalez.

Police ID homicide victim found in Kansas City apartment

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bill-clinton">Bill Clinton</a>&nbsp;and former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hillary-clinton">Hillary Clinton</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday that they will refuse to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify in a House committee's investigation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;even as Republican lawmakers prepare contempt of Congress proceedings against them.

The Clintons, in&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BillClinton/status/2011098958236697021?s=20">a letter</a>&nbsp;released on social media, slammed the House Oversight probe as “legally invalid” and wrote that the chair of the House Oversight Committee, Republican Rep. James Comer, is on the cusp of a process “literally designed to result in our imprisonment.”

“We will forcefully defend ourselves,” wrote the Clintons, who are Democrats. They accused Comer of allowing other former officials to provide written statements about Epstein to the committee, while selectively&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">enforcing subpoenas</a>&nbsp;against them.

The intensifying clash adds another dimension to the fight over Epstein, raising new questions about the limits of congressional power to compel testimony. It also comes when Republicans are grappling with the Justice Department’s delayed release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">the Epstein files</a>&nbsp;after a bipartisan push for their release.

Possible contempt of Congress proceedings

Comer said he’ll begin contempt of Congress proceedings next week. It potentially starts a complicated and politically messy process that Congress has rarely reached for and could result in prosecution from the Justice Department.

“No one’s accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions," Comer told reporters after Bill Clinton, a onetime Epstein friend, did not show up for a scheduled deposition at House offices Tuesday.

He added, “Anyone would admit they spent a lot of time together.”

Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein but had a well-documented friendship with the wealthy financier throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">Republicans have zeroed</a>&nbsp;in on that relationship as they wrestle with demands for a full accounting of Epstein's wrongdoing.

“We have tried to give you the little information we have. We’ve done so because Mr. Epstein’s crimes were horrific,” the Clintons wrote in the letter.

Epstein was arrested in 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f995d90cbfd943169f74a0dbb3b1eadc">on federal sex trafficking</a>&nbsp;and conspiracy charges. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-new-york-business-suicides-4ff27f28f32d446795b65ac7dd8cc4ac">killed himself in a New York jail cell</a>&nbsp;while awaiting trial.

Multiple former presidents have voluntarily testified before Congress, but none has been compelled to do so. That history was invoked by President Donald Trump in 2022, between his first and second terms, when he faced a subpoena by the House committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, riot by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">a mob of his supporters</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump's lawyers cited decades of legal precedent they said shielded an ex-president from being ordered to appear before Congress. The committee ultimately withdrew its subpoena.

Comer also indicated that the Oversight committee would not attempt to compel testimony from Trump about Epstein, saying that it could not force a sitting president to testify.

Trump, a Republican, was also friends with Epstein. He has said he cut off that relationship before Epstein was accused of sexual abuse.

Comer cast the subpoena for the Clintons as a bipartisan effort. But when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-trump-congress-subpoena-clintons-a02749e1fe6f0de0c385c7fac186d3ba">a subcommittee of the Oversight panel</a>&nbsp;initiated its overall investigation into Epstein in August, it adopted the subpoenas for the Clintons without allowing Democrats to cast individual votes.

The Justice Department also has not completely fulfilled the committee's subpoena for its files on Epstein.

Meanwhile, the congressional co-sponsors of legislation that forced the public release of investigative documents in the sex trafficking probe of Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell asked a New York judge in a letter to appoint a neutral expert to oversee release of the materials. The letter, dated Jan. 8, was delivered to the judge Monday night.

U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, told U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer they had “urgent and grave concerns” that the Justice Department has failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the files to be released last month. They said they believed “criminal violations have taken place” in the release process.

Engelmayer presides over the Maxwell case. Maxwell, a former Epstein girlfriend, is serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 sex trafficking conviction for recruiting girls and women to be abused by Epstein and for sometimes joining in the abuse. Last month, Maxwell sought to set aside her conviction, saying new evidence had emerged proving constitutional violations spoiled her trial.

Justice Department officials, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday, have said the files' release was slowed by redactions required to protect the identities of abuse victims.

In their letter, Khanna and Massie wrote that the Department of Justice's release of 12,000 documents out of more than 2 million documents being reviewed was a “flagrant violation” of the law's release requirements and had caused “serious trauma to survivors.”

“Put simply, the DOJ cannot be trusted with making mandatory disclosures under the Act,” the congressmen said as they asked for the appointment of an independent monitor to ensure all documents and electronically stored information are immediately made public.

They also recommended that a court-appointed monitor be given authority to notify and prepare reports about the true nature and extent of the document production and whether improper redactions or conduct have taken place.

Engelmayer directed the Justice Department and Maxwell, if she wishes, to respond to the allegations from the congressmen by Friday.

Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Larry Neumeister in New York contributed to this report.

Clintons refuse to testify in congressional Epstein probe

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas schools that opt to use a gun detection software program supported by the attorney general could receive a cut of $10 million from the state.

Attorney General Kris Kobach promoted an artificial intelligence-driven, unconcealed firearm detection and situational awareness software that can be applied to existing security cameras. He announced Monday that his office is accepting applications to integrate the program into K-12 public schools.

AI gun detection software purports to halt and prevent gun violence. Its implementation in schools has grown in popularity as technology has advanced and school shootings and mass shootings have increased in frequency.

The attorney general uses a product from the Pennsylvania-based company ZeroEyes, which sent lobbyists to the Kansas Legislature in 2024 to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/09/kansas-bill-dangles-cash-to-persuade-k-12-school-districts-to-hire-a-specific-gun-detection-vendor/">push for a contract</a>&nbsp;with schools. The technology can analyze more than 36,000 images per second from security camera video feeds, according to the company’s website.

If the software identifies a gun in school, images are immediately shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center, an in-house hub staffed 24/7 by military and law enforcement veterans, according to ZeroEyes. The company claims security teams and law enforcement can be notified of a threat as quickly as three to five seconds from the point the software detects a firearm. Operation center staff review software images and determine whether a threat is valid. They can then send alerts equipped with information such as a description, gun type and last known location.

The chief strategy officer for ZeroEyes, Kieran Carroll, said in 2024 that installing the software in 1,300 school buildings in Kansas and enabling 24-hour surveillance of two dozen cameras per school would cost the state $8.5 million annually. That same year, Gov. Laura Kelly line-item vetoed a budget measure that allocated $5 million to a program that favored ZeroEyes. The governor called it “a no-bid contract,” criticizing the lack of consideration for other companies.

A $10 million earmark made it through the Legislature in 2025, and in November, the Legislature’s special budget committee said&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/26/kansas-looking-at-three-bidders-for-10-million-contract-relying-on-ai-to-find-guns-in-schools/">the state was considering three bidders</a>&nbsp;for a gun-detection software contract. ZeroEyes beat out companies based in Wichita and Springfield, Missouri.

Funding will be dispersed equally across Kansas’ four congressional districts, and grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Kobach opens up funding for AI gun detection software in Kansas public schools

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Manhattan.

Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of fraud in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 77-year-old man reported he purchased a dog on Facebook from two suspects unknown to him and never received the dog. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $1,200.

Police: Kan. man lost $1,200 in online dog purchase scam

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. — The Hutchinson High Salthawks earned their first victories of the 2026 calendar year Tuesday night, sweeping Valley Center in a pair of varsity contests on the road.

The Hutchinson girls pulled away in the second half for a 49-32 win over the Hornets, while the Salthawk boys held off a late Valley Center push to escape with a 59-56 victory.

In the girls’ game, Hutchinson found itself in a tight contest at halftime, carrying a 25-20 lead into the locker room. The Salthawks quickly took control after the break, opening the third quarter with a strong defensive effort that limited Valley Center’s scoring chances and fueled a decisive run.

Hutchinson outscored the Hornets by double figures in the third period to create separation and never looked back on the way to the 17-point win. Ava Kron led the way for the Salthawks with a 15-point double-double, providing steady scoring and presence on the glass.

The boys’ contest came down to the final minute, but this time Hutchinson avoided a late-game collapse. The Salthawks overcame turnovers and knocked down free throws in the closing moments to seal the three-point road victory.

Larry Jeramiah Jr. delivered a consistent performance to pace Hutchinson with 15 points, while Lamar Govain came up with several key baskets down the stretch to help preserve the lead as Valley Center threatened in the final seconds.

The sweep marked the first wins of 2026 for both Salthawk squads.

Hutchinson returns to action Friday night when the Salthawks travel to Great Bend for another road doubleheader non-league game.

🏀Salthawks Sweep Valley Center for first wins of 2026

🏀 KBCA releases latest boys rankings

🏀 KBCA releases latest girls rankings

The Hutchinson Community College look to keep the good vibes going from a victory over No. 18 Coffeyville one week ago heading into a Wednesday KJCCC road trip.

The Blue Dragons (10-6, 5-5 KJCCC) make their shortest road trip of the season on Wednesday as Hutchinson makes the hour trip to the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena to meet the Pratt Beavers (4-12, 1-10 KJCCC). Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 7:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.

The Blue Dragons come off their first league bye week on Saturday. Before that, Hutchinson played one of its best games of the season in a 93-77 victory over No. 18 Coffeyville, the Dragons' third win over a ranked opponent this season.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/shaw_kyrell_v507">Kyrell Shaw</a>&nbsp;scored 32 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/cannon_bobby_almy">Bobby Cannon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/thomas_daleron_yjqw">Daleron Thomas</a>&nbsp;added 15 each as the Blue Dragons out-shot Coffeyville 50.8-39.4 percent. Leading 48-42 at halftime, the Blue Dragon defense regained its first-semester form holding the Red Ravens to 34.4 percent overall shooting and outscored Coffeyville 45-35 in the final 20 minutes.

Coming off back-to-back 32-point games, Shaw is now second in the Jayhawk Conference in scoring at 20.6 points per game. Shaw is also averaging 20.6 points in KJCCC contests.

The Blue Dragons reclaim the No. 1 spot in the KJCCC in defensive scoring average at 70.6 points per game allowed). The Dragons are No. 2 in the KJCCC in scoring defense (38.6 percent) and fifth in 3-point defense (28.6 percent). Hutchinson has held 12 of 16 opponents to 75 points or less this season.

Pratt come into Wednesday's game 1-10 in the KJCCC, but seven of those losses have been by 10 points or loss. The Beavers fell 87-80 in overtime at home on Saturday to Coffeyville. Hunter Vaughn scored 31 points on 6 of 11 3-point shooting and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line to pace the Beavers.

The Beavers average 76.4 points while allowing 78.6 points. The shoot 42.6 percent overall and 31.1 percent from the 3-point line.

Vaughn is Pratt's leading scorer at 14.6 points per game. The Beavers are balanced in scoring with two players in double figures and nine players averaging at least five points per game.

Hutchinson leads the overall series with Pratt 155-28.

🏀 Blue Dragons face road test Wednesday at Pratt

The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team has had a week to think about a performance the team would like to forget.

The No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons (12-4, 7-3 KJCCC) will return to the court Wednesday after a bye week on Saturday to play the Pratt Beavers (6-10, 2-9) KJCCC at 5:30 p.m. at the Dennis Lesh Sports Arena in Pratt.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and on sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 5:15 p.m. with Sean Boston (PBP) and Daren Dunn (color) calling the action. The Beavers Sports Network will exclusively stream the game on a pay-per-view service.

The Blue Dragons had their worst offensive performance in four seasons last Wednesday in a 68-39 loss to Coffeyville at the Sports Arena.

The Red Ravens jumped out to a 21-14 lead after one quarter and never looked back holding the Dragons to season lows in points, field-goal percentage (26.0) and rebounds (26).

Despite the setback against Coffeyville, the Blue Dragons are only two games behind league front runners Butler and Dodge City as the league's season halfway point nears.

In Blue Dragon head coach John Ontjes' tenure, his teams are 67-6 following a loss, including 3-0 this season.

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