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

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

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

📷 Throwback Thursday: Truesdell Boiler Works - Vol. 162

\Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Bookings

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Topeka, KS&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on Feb. 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

Wildfires can&nbsp;release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases, as well as children and elderly, are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8YXVV8AYrQaVz97bcc3PdBSU9L8y5gKh0XzjJ_2wbDM=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bce4b-e7e7f18d-7d99-4039-a962-e0762925b7bd-000000/8-aaGhhlVkBzBc1Z_lVCVaFX7Zm_qR5oTfWei9Ublqg=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality due to wildfires

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

Three-day Outlook

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers on Wednesday overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a controversial measure regulating bathroom use and identification documents, enacting the so-called “bathroom bill” into law despite sharp opposition from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.

The Kansas House voted 87-37 on Wednesday to override Kelly’s veto of House Substitute for Senate Bill 244. The Senate voted 31-9 a day earlier to override. The successful votes give the measure enough support to take effect over the Democratic governor’s objections.

Kelly vetoed the bill on Feb. 13, calling it “poorly drafted” and warning it would have significant consequences for Kansans and state and local governments.

“As I said in my veto statement, this is a poorly drafted bill with significant, far-reaching consequences,” Kelly said in a statement Feb. 18. “Not only will this bill keep brothers from visiting sisters’ dorms and husbands from wives’ shared hospital rooms, it will cost Kansas taxpayers millions of dollars to comply with this very vague legislation.”

She added that lawmakers were focusing on a “manufactured problem” rather than issues such as education, job creation, housing and grocery costs.

Under SB 244, Kansans would be required to list their biological sex on driver’s licenses and use public restrooms that correspond to their biological sex.

Republican leaders defended the measure as necessary to protect women and girls. In a Feb. 18 news release, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Sedgwick County, criticized Kelly’s veto message.

“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” Hawkins said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion. They expect leadership, not surrender to radical activists. Today, the legislature made it clear: reality will always override ideology.”

Democrats in both chambers voiced strong opposition during hours of debate when lawmakers initially passed the bill Jan. 28. The House approved it 87-36 and the Senate 30-9 before sending it to the governor Feb. 3.

Advocacy groups also condemned the override. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson accused lawmakers of prioritizing “cruelty” over constituents’ needs.

“Forcing people into the wrong bathrooms, stripping them of accurate IDs, and allowing government-sanctioned harassment doesn’t make anyone safer — it targets transgender Kansans for no reason and will undoubtedly impact many others,” Robinson said in a statement. “This was sadly politics over people, but we will keep fighting for dignity and freedom for all LGBTQ+ people.”

Demonstrators gathered at the Kansas Statehouse on Feb. 7 to protest the legislation before the override votes.

With the veto override complete, SB 244 will become law, marking the latest in a series of measures across the country addressing transgender rights and access to public facilities.

Legislature overrides Kelly's 'Bathroom Bill' veto

Fires across Kansas remained active overnight. Firefighters worked through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.

In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.

Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.

At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded. Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.

Burned from Texas County, OK, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. Forward progress is currently stopped, and crews continue working to extinguish hot spots.

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2)

Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.

Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.

Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., OK)

Remains active. Resources have shifted to address a flare-up in Meade County. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources. Additional task forces and single resources are arriving today and will assist local agencies through the night.

Thank you to all firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly to protect our communities. Please stay aware of conditions and avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. 

Kansas Forest Service wildfire update

 Construction on the new Hutchinson YMCA is progressing on schedule, with major interior work underway and membership continuing to grow ahead of the facility’s anticipated opening later this year.

David Foster, executive director of the Hutchinson YMCA, said contractors have completed much of the exterior enclosure, allowing crews to focus on interior finishes. Tile installation has begun in the aquatics center, including the main pool and lazy river, while ductwork and other infrastructure are largely in place.

The project is being designed by Schaefer Architecture of Wichita and built by Simpson Construction. Foster said materials needed to complete the facility have already been secured, minimizing the risk of supply chain delays. Weather remains the primary variable that could affect the timeline.

The new facility will feature a 5,000-square-foot dedicated gymnastics area, three group exercise studios, expanded aquatics amenities, basketball courts with pickleball capability and a 1/7-mile elevated indoor track designed for walking, jogging and running.

Foster said the dedicated spaces will alleviate crowding and scheduling conflicts that have occurred in the current building, where programs such as gymnastics and group exercise often share space. The expanded layout is expected to allow the YMCA to increase class offerings and community programming.

A community meeting room near the main entrance will be available at no cost to nonprofit organizations in Hutchinson and Reno County when not in use for YMCA business, Foster said.

Membership has continued to rise during construction. Foster said the YMCA added approximately 270 membership units during a January promotion, bringing total membership to about 5,200 — up from roughly 4,800 at the same time last year.

Despite the upgraded facility, Foster said membership rates will not increase when the new YMCA opens. Adult memberships average about $39 per month, while family memberships — covering two adults and dependents under age 24 in the household — average about $59 per month. Youth memberships are $19 per month. Income-based financial assistance will continue to be available.

“We don’t want anyone to see the new building and assume it’s not for them,” Foster said. “We want it to be accessible to everyone.”

The YMCA also participates in a nationwide reciprocity program, allowing members to use participating YMCA facilities across the country when traveling.

In addition to the new construction, the Hutchinson YMCA is marking a milestone year. The local organization traces its presence in the community to 1876 and is celebrating its 150th year of service. The national YMCA organization is marking its 175th anniversary this year.

Spring sports registration for soccer and dodgeball is open through Monday, Foster said. Memberships purchased before the opening will automatically transfer to the new facility once it begins operations.

Construction progressing on new YMCA

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grace Episcopal, Emanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, First Mennonite and Trinity United Methodist churches will jointly host “God’s Chosen Fast: Justice, Mercy, Humility,” a five-week worship and luncheon series beginning Feb. 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Each congregation will take turns hosting the event during Lent. Luncheons begin at 12:05 p.m. and include worship, a brief sermon and a light meal. Pastors from the other participating churches will speak and assist at the host church each week. The gatherings conclude promptly at 1 p.m., although guests are welcome to stay longer.

“The Season of Lent is a season of renewal and reorientation,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. “Lent has a long and deep history in the various expressions of the Christian faith. These ecumenical lunches give us an opportunity to worship together, to learn from one another, and to appreciate the wisdom and the diversity of the gifts of our neighbors in the faith.”

All luncheons are free and open to the public.

Grace Episcopal Church
Founded in 1879, Grace Episcopal Church is part of the Diocese of Western Kansas and the worldwide Anglican Communion. More information is available at <a href="http://www.gracechurchhutch.org">www.gracechurchhutch.org</a>.

Emanuel Lutheran Church
Founded in 1886, Emanuel Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Learn more at <a href="http://www.emanuel-hutchinson.org">www.emanuel-hutchinson.org</a>.

First Presbyterian Church
A congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Presbytery of Southern Kansas and the Synod of Mid-America, First Presbyterian has been located at the corner of Sherman and Poplar in Hutchinson for 150 years. More information is available at <a href="http://www.fpchutch.org">www.fpchutch.org</a>.

First Mennonite Church
First Mennonite Church traces its roots to 1913, when members met in homes and in a room above Bloom’s Drug Store on Main Street. The congregation now worships at 21st and Rambler Road and is part of Mennonite Church USA. Learn more at <a href="http://www.hutchfmc.org">www.hutchfmc.org</a>.

Trinity United Methodist Church
Since 1923, Trinity United Methodist Church has provided worship services, community outreach and programs for all ages. It is located at the southeast corner of 17th and Main. More information is available at <a href="http://www.trinityhutch.org">www.trinityhutch.org</a>.

Five Hutchinson churches join for lenten worship series

Here's a list of events happening around the area.&nbsp; If your club or organization has an event, you can e-mail the information to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">HutchPost@eaglemedia.com.</a>

Hutch CC Men’s &amp; Women’s Basketball vs Colby – 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;

Third Thursday 6 to&nbsp;8&nbsp;p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Downtown Hutchinson&nbsp;

Salthawk&nbsp;Basketball&nbsp;vs&nbsp;Newton – 6 and 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Newton High School&nbsp;

“Newsies” - Family Community Theater – 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;301 North Main Street&nbsp;

Fox Live Series – Celebrate Neil Diamond: ‘I Am, He Said’&nbsp;- 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Fox Theater – 18 East First&nbsp;

Saturday Morning Artists – 9 to 11:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Art Center&nbsp;

Hutch CC Men’s &amp; Women’s Basketball at Coffeyville – 2 &amp; 4 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Nellis Hall, Coffeyville&nbsp;

“Newsies” - Family Community Theater – 3 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;301 North Main Street&nbsp;

Happenings Around Hutch • Feb. 18 - 22

Hutchinson Community College is proud to join fellow Kansas community colleges and the Kansas Air National Guard (KSANG) in a new collaborative effort aimed at strengthening the state and nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

Recently highlighted by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, the partnership creates new opportunities for community college students across Kansas to engage directly in training that supports industries throughout Kansas and the nation.

“The safety of our communities is inextricably linked to the security of our digital networks,” said Dr. Tricia Paramore, president of Hutchinson Community College. “Cybersecurity threats impact every industry — from our local hospitals and small businesses to our schools and public agencies. This partnership expands access, strengthens learning opportunities, and demonstrates the power of collaboration in protecting our communities.”

The initiative also reinforces the vital role Kansas community colleges play in workforce development and national security.

“This isn’t just a curriculum enhancement — it’s a direct pipeline to the front lines of digital defense,” said Jesse Newberry, associate professor of Information Technology at Hutchinson Community College. “Our students are learning to defend the same types of systems that support our national infrastructure. Through this partnership, they gain exposure to high-level cybersecurity challenges and are even better positioned to step into critical, high-impact roles immediately after graduation.”

While the initiative represents a powerful statewide collaboration, Hutchinson Community College is uniquely positioned to contribute through its established and comprehensive Cybersecurity program.  HutchCC offers an Associate of Science degree in Cybersecurity that prepares students through hands-on instruction in programming and secure coding. Students train using industry-relevant tools and scenarios that mirror the real-world challenges facing public and private institutions every day.

For more information on Hutchinson Community College and its cybersecurity offerings, visit the college website at www.hutchcc.edu/cybersecurity.

HutchCC joins Kansas Air National Guard partnership

The Dillon Lecture Series (DLS) is proud to announce its first speaker of the 2026 season: legendary award-winning Kansas journalist, Larry Hatteberg.

During a 51-year career centered on telling people’s stories, Hatteberg became a defining voice in Kansas local television. His “Hatteberg’s People” series remains the longest-running television feature in the state’s history, profiling nearly 2,000 Kansans and taking him to 17 foreign countries. A former prime-time anchor and executive news director for KAKE-TV, Hatteberg is also a nationally recognized teacher of photojournalism who has consulted for over 40 stations across the country and the U.S. Department of Defense.

During his lecture, Hatteberg will share insights from his half-century of storytelling — finding the extraordinary in "ordinary" people and illuminating the human spirit through the lens of a camera.

Patrons and attendees should take special note of a change to the traditional schedule for this event. Unlike most Dillon Lectures, which are held in the morning at the Sports Arena, Hatteberg will speak at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, at the Stringer Fine Arts Center on the Hutchinson Community College campus.

“Larry Hatteberg is a respected storyteller whose work has had a lasting impact on Kansas communities,” said Susan Buttram, chair of the Dillon Lecture Committee. “We’re excited to welcome him to Hutchinson for what promises to be a meaningful and engaging lecture.”

Tickets to the lecture are available now at <a href="https://www.hutchcc.edu/dillon-lecture-series">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> and will also be available beginning at 1:15 pm the day of the lecture at the Stringer Fine Arts Center.

2026 is the 45th season for the Dillon Lecture Series on the HutchCC Campus. Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College has brought distinguished and notable speakers to the Hutchinson community. Following the philosophy that "learning is the key to enlightenment," the series continues to provide audiences with access to world-class thinkers, leaders, and storytellers.

For more information on the Dillon Lecture Series or to become a patron, visit <a href="https://www.hutchcc.edu/dillon-lecture-series">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a> or call Becky Rogers at 620-665-3505.

Hatteberg to open 2026 Dillon Lecture Series

LONDON (AP) — U.K. police arrested&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-1eabcfff09626fbed29a5920ffe506f9">Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor</a>&nbsp;on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Thames Valley Police, an agency that covers areas west of London, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s former home, said it was “assessing” reports that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">former Prince Andrew</a>&nbsp;sent trade reports to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010.

The assessment followed the release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation of Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-andrew-prince-mountbatten-windsor-friend-7fa8aadad792e66963a1d18d9039235b">features a number of times</a>&nbsp;in the documents.

The police force did not name Mountbatten-Windsor, as is normal under U.K. law. But when asked if he had been arrested, the force pointed to a statement saying that they had arrested a man in his 60s. Mountbatten-Windsor is 66.

“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,’’ the statement said. “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in his relationship with Epstein. Last fall, King Charles III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-scandal-king-charles-monarchy-epstein-33ec8ff4508ef1b36aad7532181245e8">stripped Andrew of his royal titles</a>, including the right to be called a prince, as he tried to insulate the monarchy from the continuing revelations about his younger brother’s relationship with Epstein. Those revelations have tarnished the royal family for more than a decade.

Images circulated online appeared to show unmarked police cars at Mountbatten-Windsor's home, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, with plainclothes officers appearing to gather outside.

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein-linked allegations

KANSAS CITY —When the call came in Sunday afternoon for someone drowning in a lake near Pittman Road and E 43rd, Officers Manley and Hawley raced to the scene, according to a social media report from the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.

The officers found two people in the water, with one deep in the lake, struggling for survival.

Manley and Hawley shed their gear and entered the water, rescuing a young woman.

Manley has been with the department 26 years, while Hawley started her KCPD career four years ago.

🎥KCPD officers rescue woman from drowning 

WASHINGTON – Carter Camacho, 18,&nbsp; of Smyrna, Georgia,&nbsp;was charged in a complaint Wednesday with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm within the United States Capitol Buildings or Grounds in connection to carrying a loaded shotgun onto federal property, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Camacho made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey who scheduled a detention hearing for March 2, 2026.

According to the charging documents, on Feb. 17, 2026, Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV on Maryland Ave. SE, between First and Third Streets. About 12:07 p.m., Camacho exited the vehicle and ran toward the United States Capitol carrying a firearm while wearing a tactical-style vest and camouflage-style clothing.

Camacho reached the steps on the western side of the Capitol. A uniformed officer with the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) asked Camacho what he was carrying. Camacho produced the firearm. The officer ordered Camacho to halt and lie down on the ground.

Once Camacho was on the ground, USCP officers recovered a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber, with the safety off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were held in a carrier attached to the shotgun’s stock.

Officers placed Camacho in handcuffs. Camacho told USCP officers that he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress.

USCP officers traced Camacho’s path to the white Mercedes SUV and located a fixed blade knife on the ground about forty feet from the vehicle.

WASHINGTON —United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday. The arrest happened shortly after noon on the Lower West Terrace, according to a media release from U.S. Capitol Police.

The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest. USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.&nbsp;

Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested on requested charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.&nbsp;

The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.

Man who charged U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun faces a judge

WICHITA, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2435, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announces the conclusion of the investigation into potential criminal culpability arising from the issuance of a mailer the week of January 26, 2026 which contained inaccurate details regarding the March 3 Wichita Sales Tax special election, according to a media release from the DA's office.

As has been previously reported, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, was contacted by Laura Rainwater, Sedgwick County Election Commissioner, regarding a mailer sent to Wichita voters the previous week by the group, “Wichita Forward.”

The mailer contained the following inaccurate statements:

1. Under “Step 3” the mailer informed readers that advance ballots had to be received by the election office by February 24th. That was incorrect. Advance ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the date of the election, March 3.

2. At the bottom of the mailer, under the section entitled “Vote In Person,” the mailer states

that polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. That was incorrect. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wichita Forward issued an apology and clarification on Saturday, January 31, 2026, acknowledging the misstatements and clarifying with accurate information.

The political consulting group, Cato Consulting, was retained by Wichita Forward to handle marketing associated with the March 3 special election. Cato Consulting then contracted with Hexcode Marketing, a private vendor, to design the mailer in question. 

Both Cato Consulting and Hexcode Marketing provided written communications detailing the process by which the mailer came to be finalized. Both parties assert that the errors contained in the mailer were identified by Cato Consulting in writing before the mailer was sent to the printer.

Hexcode Marketing sent the incorrect mailer on to be printed without taking corrective action to fix the mailer, which the company attributes to human error while attending to other tasks.

Various laws were considered, including K.S.A. 25-2433, Advance Voting Suppression, which prohibits “knowingly, which intent to impede, obstruct or exert undue influence on the election process,” “(d) exercising undue influence upon an advance voter in applying for, delivering ormarking an advance voting ballot”; and K.S.A. 25-2415, Intimidation of Voters, which prohibits “(a)(2) mailing, publishing, broadcasting, telephoning or transmitting by any means false information intended to keep one or more voters from casting a ballot or applying for or returning an advance voting ballot.”

There is no evidence that the goal of the marketing vendor or the consultant was to impede voters or prevent the casting of votes. Rather than uncovering evidence of the requisite criminal intent necessary to charge a crime, the investigation revealed that the inaccuracies in the mailer appear to have been the result of human error.

There is no evidence of the criminal intent necessary to support criminal charges in this matter. 

DA rules on criminal intent in Wichita sales tax mailer 

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kansas man Tuesday afternoon for an alleged child sex offense.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, KBI agents with the Child Victims Unit arrested Charles K. VanCamp, 26, in Topeka. VanCamp was arrested for a charge of criminal sodomy, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

On Dec. 18, 2025, KBI agents executed a search warrant at VanCamp’s residence after receiving a cyber-tip that was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Evidence was seized from the residence.

Following his arrest VanCamp was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Additional charges against VanCamp are expected.

KBI: Cyber-tip led to arrest of Kansas man for child sex crimes

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 1:30p.m. February 14,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero passenger vehicle for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver 40-year-old Shane Christopher Garrison, and the passenger 39-year-old Cheyanna Marie Gordon both of Horton were placed under arrest. 

 Garrison was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gordon was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stop ruins Valentine's Day for Kansas couple

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Shaun Keller, 47, Augusta, was northbound in the right lane of Interstate 135 near Rock Road. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall.

Keller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Morgue. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle crash into barrier wall

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;and opposing lawyers dueled in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where the Meta CEO answered questions about young people’s use of Instagram, his congressional testimony and internal advice he’s received about being “authentic” and not “robotic.”

Zuckerberg's testimony is part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">unprecedented social media trial</a>&nbsp;that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children. During questioning by the plaintiff's lawyer, Zuckerberg said he still agrees with a previous statement he made that the existing body of scientific work has not proven that social media causes mental health harms.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, asked Zuckerberg if people tend to use something more if it’s addictive.

“I’m not sure what to say to that,” Zuckerberg said. “I don’t think that applies here.”

Attorneys representing the plaintiff, a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, claim her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">TikTok and Snap have settled.</a>

Beginning his questioning, Lanier laid out three options of what people can do regarding vulnerable people: help them, ignore them, or “prey upon them and use them for our own ends.” Zuckerberg said he agrees the last option is not what a reasonable company should do, saying, “I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”

Lanier questioned the Meta CEO extensively about a comment he made during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">past congressional hearing</a>, where he said Instagram employees are not given goals to increase amount of time people spent on the platform.

Lanier presented internal documents that seemed to contradict that statement. Zuckerberg replied that they previously had goals associated with time, but said he and the company made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility. He said he believes in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”

Lanier also asked Zuckerberg about what he characterized as extensive media training, including for testimonies like the one he was giving in court. Lanier pointed to an internal document about feedback on Zuckerberg's tone of voice on his own social media, imploring him to come off as “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and instructing him to “not try hard, fake, robotic, corporate or cheesy” in his communication.

Zuckerberg pushed back against the idea that he’s been coached on how to respond to questions or present himself, saying those offering the advice were “just giving feedback.”

Regarding his media appearances and public speaking, Zuckerberg said, “I think I’m actually well known to be sort of bad at this.”

The Meta CEO has long been mocked online for appearing robotic and, when he was younger, nervous when speaking publicly. In 2010, during an interview with renowned tech journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, he was sweating so profusely that Swisher asked him if he wanted to “take off the hoodie” that was his uniform at the time.

Lanier spent a considerable stretch of his time with Zuckerberg asking about the company’s age verification policies.

“I don’t see why this is so complicated,” Zuckerberg said after a lengthy back-and-forth, reiterating that the company’s policy restricts users under the age of 13 and that they work to detect users who have lied about their ages to bypass restrictions.

Zuckerberg mostly stuck to his talking points, referencing his goal of building a platform that is valuable to users and, on multiple occasions, saying he disagreed with Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions or of Zuckerberg’s own comments.

As was the case with head of Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-social-media-addiction-trial-mosseri-los-angeles-a49f64e21682e8bc1b98fbdf3d061579">Adam Mosseri’s testimony last week</a>, Zuckerberg was grilled about policies relating to cosmetic beauty filters on Instagram. Zuckerberg said he didn’t believe there was enough evidence pointing to harm the filters could cause and said he has a “high bar” for blocking tools or features that would limit people’s expression. Lanier pointed to external experts Meta hired to assess the filters and their potential impacts, saying that all 18 of them raised concerns.

Children's advocates slammed Zuckerberg's testimony as disingenuous.

“All Mark Zuckerberg accomplished with his testimony today was to prove yet again that he cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to kids’ safety," said Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay. “Under oath, Meta’s CEO testified that his company does not have an objective to increase users’ time spent on Instagram. But we know Zuckerberg and his fellow executives prevented Instagram from getting rid of features like visible like counts and plastic surgery filters — features that are by their very nature addictive.”

Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">Congress about youth safety</a>&nbsp;on Meta's platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through,” he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg stands before a jury. Once again, bereaved parents are sitting in the courtroom audience.

The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are likely to play out.

One of Meta's attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather disputing that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.

Meta is also facing a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;that began last week.

Facebook founder quizzed on kids' social media use in landmark trial

COMANCHE COUNTY —All fires in Comanche County are contained at this time, according to Comanche County Emergency Management.&nbsp; All Barber County firefighters who were assisting have returned to the Barber County.

COMANCHE COUNTY—A grass fire in Comanche County is moving to the north with localized evacuations occurring, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp;

Multiple fire agencies from Barber County are responding to assist The fire was at Comanche County Hwy 160 just 7 miles East of Coldwater, according to Comanche County Emergency Management. There are no reports of injuries.

South central Kansas wildfire fire now contained

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.

The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.

But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.

Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.

“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.

The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

Bayer agrees to $7 billion settlement in Roundup cancer lawsuits

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Kenyon Giles and TJ Williams powered Wichita State to a 92-89 double overtime win at East Carolina Wednesday night in Minges Coliseum.

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