The Hutchinson Community Foundation is now accepting proposals for its 2026 Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) grants, offering local youth-serving organizations the opportunity to secure funding for impactful programs that support Reno County students.

Each spring, the Youth Philanthropy Council—comprised of high school students from across Reno County—awards approximately $5,000 in grants from the Richard W. Dillon Memorial Fund for Youth Philanthropy. The fund was established by the Dillon family to honor Dick Dillon and his extensive philanthropic contributions to Hutchinson and the greater Reno County community.

The deadline to submit proposals for the 2026 grants is January 15, with awards announced in March.

Organizations interested in applying can review guidelines and submit proposals online at <a href="http://hutchcf.org/nonprofitsandgrants/available-grants">hutchcf.org/nonprofitsandgrants/available-grants</a>. Questions may be directed to Senior Program Officer Jan Steen at <a href="mailto:jan@hutchcf.org">jan@hutchcf.org</a> or 620-663-5293.

The Youth Philanthropy Council is a youth-led grantmaking program aimed at educating students about community needs, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. YPC members are recruited from high schools across Reno County and take part in every stage of the grantmaking process. Their responsibilities include:

• Identifying and prioritizing needs affecting local youth
• Establishing criteria for selecting youth-focused proposals
• Reviewing grant submissions
• Making final decisions on funding
• Awarding grants to selected organizations

Through this hands-on experience, YPC members learn how philanthropy shapes communities while supporting programs that directly benefit their peers. Each year’s grant cycle continues the legacy of the Dillon family’s commitment to youth and community enrichment.

Hutchinson Community Foundation opens 2026 Youth Philanthropy Council grant cycle

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Wiley Elementary School third grade teacher Kyle Welliver has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for November, recognized for her commitment to students, her classroom leadership in USD 308.

The person who nominated Welliver praised her as, “the absolute best at the 3 most important things…instruction, relationships, classroom management. Her students and families love her. She is highly respected by her peers! Kyle is humble and takes great pride in her call to service! If you’re looking for a teacher worthy of this award who embodies all the good things about teaching and leaving… Kyle is the person! It’s an honor to work alongside her each day!”

Welliver is in her 20th year of teaching, spanning time in Iowa and Kansas.

 “I’ve been teaching for, gosh, this is I have to count them up, my 20th year, and that’s between I lived in Iowa for nine years, and then I taught at Morgan as a PE teacher for nine years before we moved to Iowa,” she said. “Then I taught the whole time I was there, and then I’ve been back here for, this is my second year back in Hutch.”

She said she always knew teaching was her calling. 

“I can’t imagine myself doing anything else,” Welliver said. “My grandma was a teacher. My aunt is a teacher. And like I grew up playing school with my sister and my friends. That’s like the first thing we would play. And I just, I can’t imagine what else I would have done as a career. It just that’s what I’ve always loved.”

“I’m comfortable with 308 and I really enjoy it there,” she said. She recalled that her Kansas teaching license arrived the same day she learned of job openings at Wiley. “It was literally the day my Kansas license came in the mail… and my friend texted me, and she’s like, ‘You’re going to come work at Wiley next year.’… So that was perfect, because that’s really, I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.”

Welliver said this school year has been one of her best. “It’s been really great. I have such a sweet class,” she said. “This class just fell in a routine so quickly this year that we have just been able to, you know, do a lot of things this year because they fell into such a great routine so quickly.”

She said Wiley’s culture is what makes the school special. 

“The students, the staff, are amazing… the people there are so genuine and so kind and like you just feel comfortable instantly.”

Her Teacher of the Month celebration, which included pizza donated by Pizza Hut and ice cream sundaes donated by Braum’s, came as a complete shock. 

“Oh, my goodness, that was the biggest surprise,” she said. “I never, in my wildest dreams, would ever expect something like that… I still don’t have the right words to say, like, what a surprise it was.”

“They thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Welliver said. 

One student repeated in awe that the award honored a teacher “in all of Reno County.” “They loved every moment of that, too,” she said. “They’re my biggest fans. They’re my biggest cheerleaders. That’s for sure.”

For Welliver, the reward is the relationship she builds with each child. “Just building those relationships with them,” she said. “I feel like I know them so well… watching them grow and learn throughout the year is amazing as well.”

Wiley Elementary’s Welliver named Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month

Central Christian School invites the public to their Christmas program on Dec. 11.&nbsp; The program entitled "The King of Love and Light" will be performed by students of all grade levels, kindergarten through 12th grade.

Families, friends, and community members are invited to enjoy what promises to be a meaningful night of music and seasonal spirit.

Doors will open at 6:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m.

“We can’t wait to share this joyful celebration of the season,” school officials said.&nbsp;

Central Christian to hold Christmas Concert on Dec. 11

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Three Day Outlook

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Three Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School seniors are encouraging fellow Reno County students to consider Kansas Boys State, calling the weeklong leadership and government immersion program one of the most impactful experiences of their high-school careers.

John and Jacob Lindstrom and Sam Vogel visited the studio this week to discuss their experience at the 2025 session of Kansas Boys State, a program of the American Legion that brings together hundreds of incoming juniors and seniors from across Kansas for a hands-on simulation of state and local government.

The students described the program as both intense and energizing. Over the course of a week, attendees are assigned to fictional cities and counties, campaign for leadership roles, debate policy, pass budgets, run departments, and operate a full mock government—complete with legislatures, courts, and administrative agencies.

“It’s a government simulation, but it’s also so much more,” said John Lindstrom. “You’re split into towns and counties, you elect leaders, and then you start running a government. You’re creating ordinances, debating ideas, fixing problems, and watching how your decisions impact the simulation. It was incredibly detailed.”

For many, the scale of the experience was the biggest surprise. The students said they arrived expecting a small camp, only to find more than 200 participants representing communities from across Kansas.

“There was a huge, diverse group of kids,” said Vogel. “You’re working with people you’ve never met, from every corner of the state. That alone pushed me out of my comfort zone in a big way.”

Days at Boys State were highly structured, beginning with morning assemblies and flag-raising before launching into a full schedule of meetings, legislative sessions, simulation activities, and collaborative work. Participants also competed in county athletic challenges and took part in evening events.

John Lindstrom served as a city commissioner, managing a fictional city with his peers. “We were up early, and every morning immediately impacted the simulation—writing ordinances, debating issues, and making real decisions,” he said. “You learn very quickly how important teamwork and communication are.”

All three students said the leadership lessons have stuck with them well into their senior year. They’ve applied the communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills gained at Boys State in classes, group projects, and even college applications.

“It taught me how to effectively express ideas, persuade people, and stand out,” Jacob said. “Seeing other students who were really good at it helped me learn from them.”

Boys State’s realistic election process—including party caucuses, speeches, and debates—was especially eye-opening.

“It does model that election process.” Jacob Lindstrom said. “If you’re interested in politics, this is the place to go. Even if you’re not, it teaches leadership in a way that’s hard to get anywhere else.”

While none of the students declared a firm path toward public office, each said the experience broadened their perspective on both government and leadership.

“It made me realize leadership isn’t just one person out front,” John Lindstrom said. “It’s a collaborative effort. You have roles, responsibilities, and people relying on you. That changed how I see leadership going forward.”

Jacob Lindstrom added that the program gave him a deeper appreciation for how complex Kansas government truly is. “There are so many departments and moving parts. Every decision affects someone.”

Despite the political setting, all three stressed that Boys State is not only for those pursuing government careers.

“You don’t have to want to be a politician to benefit,” Vogel said. “It’s one of the best leadership camps you can attend.”

Applications for the 2025 Kansas Boys State program are now open. High-school juniors across Reno County are encouraged to contact their school counselors or visit the Kansas Boys State website for details.

Trinity Catholic seniors share leadership lessons, insights from Kansas Boys State

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;&nbsp;

Christopher	Miguel	Hutchins-Hernandez	12/8/2025 5:26&nbsp;AM	Poss of marijuana,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of a Firearm Under the Influence,				Theft; Possession of Stolen Firearm; less than $25,000,				Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Troy	Powell	Ottinger	12/8/2025 12:42&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Justin	Roy	Holmquist	12/8/2025 4:09&nbsp;PM	Sodomy; AGGRAVATED; Non-Consensual, overcome by Force or Fear

Dale	Ray	Robinson	12/8/2025 11:11&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,				Criminal Restraint,				Probation Violation

Timothy	William	Bohannan	12/9/2025 12:00&nbsp;AM	Viol protection order; Tribal order

Heather	T	Scheer	12/9/2025 3:18&nbsp;AM	Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

Tahjinae	L	Caldcleught	12/9/2025 3:40&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

Startup Hutch will host its Small Town, Big Ideas entrepreneurship workshop in Buhler on Tuesday, Dec. 16, offering a free, hands-on training opportunity for anyone looking to start or grow a small business. The workshop runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the 1888 Room on North Main.

With support from the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Fund for Reno County, Startup Hutch is expanding its outreach by bringing training and business resources directly into surrounding communities, including Haven, Pretty Prairie, Buhler, and Nickerson.

Attendees will learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, explore legal and financial steps for launching a business, gain practical marketing and operational strategies, and connect with local business resources. The session will also feature insights from a guest entrepreneur and provide time for networking.

The workshop is free, but registration is encouraged. More information is available at StartupHutch.com or by calling 620-665-3319.

StartUp Hutch to host 'Small Town, Big Ideas' workshop in Buhler

Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;today that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) $166.6 million final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.&nbsp;The approval&nbsp;represents a significant milestone toward delivering high-speed internet access to the 26,673 eligible households and businesses&nbsp;across Kansas.&nbsp;

“The NTIA’s approval of Kansas’ proposal brings our state one step closer to connecting every home, farm, business, and community with access to reliable internet,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “This historic investment will yield essential infrastructure, bringing 21st&nbsp;century tools and broadband opportunities to connect all parts of Kansas in the digital era.”&nbsp;

Kansas’ final proposal builds on volumes one and two of the initial proposal and&nbsp;is&nbsp;revised in alignment with NTIA’s 2025 BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The notice, issued June 6, 2025, required all states to run a new application round with additional guidance eliminating the Kansas technology preference for fiber projects. The approved plan outlines the state’s comprehensive subgrantee selection process and implementation strategies designed to ensure efficiency in the deployment of high-speed internet.&nbsp;

“This milestone is the direct result of shared goals and positive negotiations between our industry partners and the NTIA,”&nbsp;said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By securing competitive bids for every eligible location, and working cooperatively with applicants, Kansas continues to prove what is possible when we prioritize transparency and public investment — and focus on building a stronger and connected economy.”&nbsp;

KOBD received competitive bids for 100% of the eligible homes and businesses, ultimately selecting 14 subrecipients. The approved plan includes private contributions of $61.3 million and achieved a 63% reduction in federal allocation through Kansas’ Benefit of the Bargain Round. The average BEAD cost per location stands at $6,791 with technology solutions spanning fiber (30%), fixed wireless (67%), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service (3%).&nbsp;

With NTIA’s approval, Kansas is positioned to push out the optimal technology solutions available and lead the state toward future-ready connectivity for generations to come.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Our office has been hard at work with the many moving pieces of this program — and it’s because of different roles involved in the approval process that we’re able to keep moving Kansas forward,”&nbsp;said Bill Abston, Executive Director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development.&nbsp;“Our commitment to connecting Kansans, amid changing federal guidance and priorities, has been relentless — and I cannot wait to see the impact on our Kansas communities.”&nbsp;

KOBD will begin the next phase of BEAD implementation, including finalization of subgrantee contracts, oversight and compliance, and continued technical assistance,&nbsp;with anticipated groundbreaking during the second half of 2026.&nbsp;

For more information on the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and the BEAD program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fbead-benefit-of-the-bargain-final-proposal-approved%2F/1/0101019aff9b7a2f-824b7e7b-f585-405c-9069-30101a01444b-000000/rz36ElxHskQBQUht4mz95E8UJGKtfVr2yLlMc-qlxmk=434">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas broadband receives federal approval for $166.6M BEAD final proposal 

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Three-Day Outlook

WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violently attacking a federal law enforcement agent, the maximum punishment allowed under the statute, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents, Diego Barron-Esquivel, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault of a federal officer.&nbsp;

On February 28, 2025, Barron-Esquivel intentionally assaulted and strangled an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation officer who was in Wichita performing his official duties, causing bodily injury to the officer. &nbsp;

“Violence against law enforcement is completely unacceptable and will be dealt with very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our society would cease to function without brave officers enforcing the law. We owe these officers our thanks and our respect. This sentence shows how egregious the conduct was in this case.”

“This sentencing is a victory for justice and a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can assault law enforcement officers without consequences,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “We are grateful to the Honorable Judge John Broomes for handing down a sentence that reflects the seriousness of this crime. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten the safety of our officers and the rule of law are held accountable.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case.

Mexican man living illegally in Kansas attacked ICE officer 

COWLEY COUNTY—Explosive experts responded to assist law enforcement with the investigation of an unknown device found in Winfield.

On December 9, during an active investigation, sheriff's deputies located unclaimed property in the 1500 block of Main Street in Winfield, according to Cowley County Sheriff Dave Falletti.

The item was collected and transported to the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office for further examination. During the evaluation process, an additional item was discovered that appeared to be an unknown device. In accordance with safety protocols, the Wichita Bomb Squad was contacted and responded to retrieve the item.

For the safety of the public, the area south of the Cowley County Courthouse was temporarily closed during the response.

The sheriff's office released no additional details late Tuesday.

Bomb squad investigating device found by Kan. deputies

MOUNT POCONO, Pa. (AP) — On the road in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, President Donald Trump tried to emphasize his focus on combating inflation, yet the issue that has damaged his popularity couldn't quite command his full attention.

The president told the crowd gathered at a casino and resort in Mount Pocono that inflation was no longer a problem and that Democrats had used the term “affordability” as a “hoax” to hurt his reputation. But his remarks weaved wildly to include grievances he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-international-news-fdda2ff0b877416c8ae1c1a77a3cc425">first raised behind closed doors</a>&nbsp;in his first term in 2018 — and later denied saying — asking why the U.S. doesn't have more immigrants from Scandinavia.

“Why is it we only take people from s—-hole countries, right?” Trump said onstage. "Why can’t we have some people from Norway, Sweden, just a few?”

Trump said he objected to taking immigrants from “hellholes like Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and many other countries." He added for emphasis that those places “are a disaster, right? Filthy, dirty, disgusting, ridden with crime.”

Tuesday’s gathering in the swing state — and in a competitive House district — was an official White House event, yet it seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that his chief of staff said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms. But instead of being in an arena that could draw several thousand attendees, it was held in a conference center ballroom at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, a small town of about 3,000 residents.

Voters starting to blame lasting inflation on Republicans

Following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-issues-exit-poll-election-2025-6b72dd7ea327d56235c350e84addc8dc">dismal results for Republicans</a>&nbsp;in last month's off-cycle elections, the White House has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-visits-pennsylvania-e39cd8b6253e521d909370012bf3e7af">sought to convince voters</a>&nbsp;that the economy will emerge stronger next year and that any anxieties over inflation have nothing to do with Trump.

He displayed a chart comparing price increases under his predecessor, Joe Biden, to prices under his own watch to argue his case. But the overall inflation rate has climbed since he announced broad tariffs in April and left many Americans worried about their grocery, utility and housing bills.

“I have no higher priority than making America affordable again,” Trump said. “They caused the high prices and we’re bringing them down."

As the president spoke, his party's political vulnerabilities were further seen as Miami voters chose Eileen Higgins to be their first Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years. Higgins defeated the Trump-endorsed Republican Emilio Gonzalez.

The president's reception in the county hosting his Tuesday rally showed he could still appeal to the base, but it was unable to settle questions of whether he could hold together his 2024 coalition. Monroe County flipped to Trump last year after having backed Biden in 2020, helping the Republican win the swing state of Pennsylvania and return to the White House after a four-year hiatus.

As home to the Pocono Mountains, the county has largely relied on tourism for skiing, hiking, hunting and other activities as a source of jobs. Its proximity to New York City — under two hours by car — has also attracted people seeking more affordable housing.

In Monroe County, people agree that prices are a problem

But what seems undeniable — even to Trump supporters in Monroe County — is that inflation seems to be here to stay.

Lou Heddy, a retired maintenance mechanic who voted for Trump last year, said he’s noticed in the past month alone that his and his wife’s grocery bills have risen from $175 to $200, and he’s not sure Trump can bring food prices down.

“Once the prices get up for food, they don’t ever come back down. That’s just the way I feel. I don’t know how the hell he would do it,” said Heddy, 72.

But Suzanne Vena, a Democratic voter, blames Trump’s tariffs for making life more expensive, as she struggles with rising bills for food, rent and electricity on a fixed income. She remembers Trump saying that he would stop inflation.

“That’s what we were originally told,” said Vena, 66. “Did I believe it? That’s another question. I did not.”

The area Trump visited could help decide control of the House in next year's midterm elections.

Trump held his rally in a congressional district held by first-term Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-pennsylvania-house-cognetti-brooks-bresnahan-mackenzie-1e4ec001ee97b229f87e6c3d8635705d">Rob Bresnahan</a>, who is a top target of Democrats. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democrat, is running for the nomination to challenge him.

Speaking to the crowd before Trump, Bresnahan said the administration was working to lower costs, but voters “aren’t asking for partisan arguments — they’re asking for results.”

It's not clear if Trump can motivate voters in Monroe County to show up in next year's election if they're worried about inflation.

Nick Riley, 38, said he’s cutting back on luxuries, like going out to eat, as he absorbs higher bills for food and electricity and is having a hard time finding a good deal on a used car. Riley voted for Trump in 2020, but he sat out the 2024 election and plans to do so again next year.

“We’re all broke. It doesn’t matter whether you support Republicans or support Democrats,” Riley said. “We’re all broke, and we’re all feeling it.”

Trump to start holding more rallies before midterm elections

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said on the online conservative talk show “The Mom View” that Trump would be on the campaign trail next year to engage supporters who otherwise might sit out a congressional race.

Wiles, who helped manage Trump's 2024 campaign, said most administrations try to localize midterm elections and keep the president out of the race, but she intends to do the opposite of that.

“We’re actually going to turn that on its head," Wiles said, "and put him on the ballot because so many of those low-propensity voters are Trump voters.”

The challenge for Trump is how to address the concerns of voters about the economy while simultaneously claiming that the economy is enjoying a historic boom.

Asked on a Politico podcast how he'd rate the economy, Trump leaned into grade inflation by answering “A-plus,” only to then amend his answer to “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.”

Trump says economy is strong, but Americans should buy fewer dolls

The U.S. economy has shown signs of resilience with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/financial-markets">the stock market</a>&nbsp;up this year and overall growth looking solid for the third quarter. But many Americans see the prices of housing, groceries, education,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2026-election-utility-bills-ai-data-centers-13703f61d1397612fd067e69b9093116">electricity</a>&nbsp;and other basic needs as swallowing up their incomes, a dynamic that the Trump administration has said it expects to fade next year with more investments in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;and manufacturing.

So far, the public has been skeptical about Trump's economic performance. Just 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy, according to a November survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

But Trump indicated that his tariffs and other policies were helping industries such as the steel sector. He said those industries mattered for the country as he then specifically told Americans that they should buy fewer pencils and dolls from overseas.

“You don’t need 37 dolls for your daughter,” he told the crowd. “Two or three is nice.”

🎥Highlights of President Trump's rally on the economy, affordability worries

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage at a museum in Atchison.

On Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, 223 North Terrace Street in Atchison, after museum staff had arrived and found that an antique glass window on an exterior door with an estimated $350 had been broken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation followed that lead officers to arrest 21-year-old Bernard M. Rempe, 21, Atchison, on requested charges of criminal damage to property. He was issued a notice to appear in court.

Police believe the damage occurred sometime between midnight and 1:00a.m. on Saturday night. &nbsp;

Man accused of breaking an antique glass window at Kan. museum

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating the death of a 4-year-old have made an arrest.

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

Police booked a suspect, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Martin,&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail on a requested charge of Child Abuse pending the Medical Examiners autopsy report.

Kansas man arrested after 4-year-old dies at a hospital

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas CIty man faces several felony charges in connection with a shooting that injured two people last month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2767/BankstonMarquise-Complaint-PC-Red">Marquise Bankston</a>, 29, faces two counts of 1st Degree Assault, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon/Prior Conviction, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

On Nov. 5, Kansas City police responded to a shooting and located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Nearby surveillance footage showed a vehicle stopping at an intersection. The driver exited the vehicle and began firing shots toward the victims as they were walking down the street. The victims began firing back. The vehicle then fled.

Detectives began using investigative leads, including license plate readers, location data from the vehicle, which was discovered to be stolen, and surveillance footage to identify Bankston and connect him to the shooting.&nbsp;

Kansas City man jailed for gunfight that injured two

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV insisted Tuesday that Europe must have a role in any Ukraine peace deal and criticized what he said was the Trump administration’s effort to “break apart” the long-standing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-us-security-strategy-russia-interference-dd672c0d0b3f31378c39381ef8ea8dea">U.S.-European alliance.</a>

Leo spoke to reporters after meeting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>, who is on another tour to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-zelenskyy-europe-talks-297fc6a148fdb8dce4defb31b953ce0f">rally European support</a>&nbsp;for Kyiv. The American pope said they discussed the need for a ceasefire and the Vatican’s efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace proposal and the seeming sidelining of European powers in the process. Speaking as he left his vacation home in Castel Gandolfo, Leo insisted that Europe’s role was crucial to any deal.

“Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe in the talks is unrealistic, given the war is in Europe,” he said. “Guarantees are also being sought for security today and in the future. Europe must be part of this, and unfortunately not everyone understands this, but I think there is a great opportunity for European leaders to unite and seek a solution together.”

Zelenskyy has said there are three documents in the peace agreement being discussed with U.S. and European partners, a framework document of 20 points, a second document with security guarantees, and a third document about Ukraine's recovery.

Leo was asked about the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine but appeared to respond to a broader question about the Trump administration’s views on the U.S.-Europe alliance. Just last week, the Trump administration released its U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-security-strategy-europe-russia-america-first-068488ca7e6d1c92ccaddd1649958218">national security strategy</a>, which questions the U.S.-European alliance and stresses a desire to improve U.S.-Russia relations.

Leo said what he had read would “make a huge change in what was for many, many years a true alliance between Europe and the United States.” Additionally, some comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggest an effort “trying to break apart what I think needs to be an alliance today and in the future.”

While some people in the United States may agree with that effort, “I think many others would see things in a different way,” Leo said.

The Holy See has tried to remain neutral in Russia's war while offering solidarity and concrete assistance to what it calls the “martyred” people of Ukraine. Leo has met now three times with Zelenskyy and has spoken by telephone at least once with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American pope has called for a ceasefire and urged Russia in particular to make gestures to promote peace.

The Vatican has also tried to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities, and last month Leo met with some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vatican-ukraine-russia-war-negotiations-children-c83dc48e3c197a66bb1377bbb50a341a">returned children at the Vatican.</a>

Pope Leo issues demand on Ukraine peace deal

NEMAHA COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a residential fire Friday in Nemaha County.

Just after 7:30p.m. Friday, the Wetmore Fire Chief noticed smoke in the valley near the community and&nbsp; eventually found a trailer fully involved in fire in the 300 Block of 1st Street, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office.

 Wetmore Fire Department, Nemaha County Fire District #3, and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the fire incident.

The occupant was known to be homebound and believed to be in the residence. Special Agents arrived at the scene, and the victim, identified as 65-year-old Randall Nott, was soon located inside the residence deceased. He was a user of Home Oxygen Therapy and a known smoker.

&nbsp;The Kansas State Fire Marshal (KSFM) Investigation Division was requested to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;Three Special Agents/Certified Fire Investigators from the KSFM responded to assist with the investigation.&nbsp;

The fire incident is classified as undetermined.

Kansas man dies in trailer house fire

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Joe Ceballos, a Kansas man who made national news after being charged with voting illegally, resigned his position as mayor of Coldwater.

The Coldwater City Council announced Monday that it had accepted Ceballos’ resignation.

“We will continue with the daily work of the city ensuring that all services and operations move forward without interruption,” a statement said. “Our priority is keeping the community informed and maintaining stability during this transition.”

The council swore in Britt Lenertz, president of the city council, as the town’s mayor. She will serve out the rest of Ceballos’ term, Lenertz said.

Ceballos was elected to his second term as mayor one day before Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/05/small-town-kansas-mayor-charged-with-alleged-voter-fraud-state-leader-says-hundreds-more-cases-expected/">announced at a November news conference</a>&nbsp;that Ceballos had been arrested for multiple felonies. Ceballos has a green card, which means he is a legal permanent resident of the United States, but he did not apply for citizenship until February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/11/13/dhs-reveals-new-records-criminal-alien-who-voted-multiple-times-kansas-elections" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security</a>.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Ceballos will be “placed in removal proceedings” if he is convicted.

Kansas man charged with election fraud resigns his position as mayor

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/christopher-rugaber">CHRISTOPHER RUGABER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve faces an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-8a0060c2f52f884ed3489450a66619b8">unusually contentious</a>&nbsp;meeting this week that will test Chair Jerome Powell’s ability to corral the necessary support from fellow policymakers for a third straight interest rate cut.

The Fed’s 19-member rate-setting committee is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-jobs-inflation-8a0060c2f52f884ed3489450a66619b8">sharply divided</a>&nbsp;over whether to lower borrowing costs again. The divisions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-economy-federal-reserve-d6f4bbc6c458f73cd230c63e6abb1985">have been exacerbated</a>&nbsp;by the convoluted nature of the economy: Inflation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-economy-spending-eaa913f6df77db354019d0d22a4b01fe">remains elevated</a>, which would typically lead the Fed to keep its key rate unchanged, while hiring is weak and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-trump-tariff-bf603d63e13d6dc1083e9a6616c7ffee">unemployment rate has risen</a>, which often leads to rate cuts.

Some economists expect three Fed officials could vote against the quarter-point cut that Powell is likely to support at the Dec. 9-10 meeting, which would be the most dissenting votes in six years. Just 12 of the 19 members vote on rate decisions. Several of the non-voting officials have also said they oppose another rate cut.

“It’s just a really tricky time. Perfectly sensible people can reach different answers,” said William English, an economist at the Yale School of Management and a former top Fed staff member. “And the committee kind of likes to work by consensus, but this is a situation where that consensus is hard to reach.”

The debate, which has also been fueled by a lack of official federal data on employment and inflation during the government shutdown, could be a preview of where the Fed is headed after Powell’s term as chair ends in May. His successor will be appointed by President Donald Trump and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-bessent-26f23d4bbccd2476e913c0e675fbffdc">widely expected to be</a>&nbsp;Kevin Hassett, the top White House economic adviser. Hassett may push for faster cuts than other officials would be willing to support.

English said the potential for greater disagreement could be seen as a sign of healthy debate between different views. The Fed’s tradition of reaching unanimous or nearly-unanimous decisions has often been criticized as evidence of “groupthink.” Yet some Fed officials warn that there are downsides to sharp splits. If the committee votes end up as 8-4 or even 7-5, then financial markets could lose confidence in where the central bank is headed next.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller, for example, has said that in the case of a 7-5 vote, if just one official changed their view, it could bring about a significant shift in Fed policy.

For now, however, most economists expect what’s called a “hawkish cut” — the Fed will reduce rates, while also signaling that it may stand pat for some time to assess the economy’s health. (“Hawks” refer to officials who generally support higher rates to combat inflation, while “doves” more often support lower rates to boost hiring).

The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Jeffrey Schmid, is expected to dissent for a second straight meeting in favor of keeping rates unchanged. He may be joined by St. Louis Fed president Alberto Musalem. Fed governor Stephen Miran, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-miran-trump-70a09bdf2e10839f35e1596cafe5c415">hurriedly appointed</a>&nbsp;to the Fed’s board by Trump in September, will likely dissent for a third straight meeting in favor of a larger, half-point reduction in the Fed’s key rate.

After the Fed’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cut-inflation-jobs-e689e1397856aa24ffebdaaefa9762a2">last meeting Oct. 28-29</a>, several policymakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-trump-economy-federal-reserve-d6f4bbc6c458f73cd230c63e6abb1985">said</a>&nbsp;they would prefer to keep rates unchanged at the December meeting, leading Wall Street investors to briefly downgrade the odds of a third rate cut to less than 30%. But then John Williams, president of the New York Fed, said that this year’s uptick in inflation appears to be a temporary blip driven by Trump’s tariffs that would likely fade by the middle of 2026.

As a result, “I still see room for a further adjustment” in the Fed’s short-term rate, Williams said. As president of the New York Fed and vice chair of the rate-setting committee, Williams gets to vote on every interest rate decision and is close to Powell. Analysts said it was unlikely Williams would have made such a statement without Powell’s support. Investors rapidly lifted the odds of a cut, which now are at 89%, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html" target="_blank">CME Fedwatch</a>.

“You’re seeing the power of the chair,” said Nathan Sheets, chief global economist at Citi and also a former top Fed staffer. “Members of the committee, my instinct is, are wanting to underscore their support for Powell.”

Powell has come under relentless attack from Trump, who just last month said he would “love to fire his ass” and called Powell “this clown.”

The Fed is required by Congress to seek low inflation and maximum employment, two goals that are potentially in conflict.

For now, Powell and many other Fed officials are more concerned about hiring and unemployment rather than inflation. While the official government jobs reports have been delayed, in September the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, the third straight increase and the highest in four years.

Payroll provider ADP, meanwhile, reported that in November, its data showed companies shed 32,000 jobs. And many large firms have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/layoffs-us-economy-job-numbers-cd9d657cb7d7b4429f2c8346e18f8840">announced sweeping layoffs.</a>

Worries that the job market could get worse are a key reason a rate cut in December is likely — but not necessarily beyond that. Fed officials will have up to three months of backlogged jobs and inflation data to consider when they meet in late January. Those figures could show inflation remains stubbornly high or that hiring has rebounded, which would suggest further cuts aren’t needed.

“What they may end up agreeing to do is cut rates now, but give some guidance ... that signals that they’re on&nbsp;

Divided Fed expected to deliver another interest rate cut

HUTCHINSON – Several Hutch Post–area boys basketball programs earned top-10 placements Tuesday as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide rankings. The next poll will be published Dec. 16.

Hesston led all area teams with the highest placement, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Swathers sit ahead of Silver Lake, Burlington and Holcomb in the early-season poll as they look to build on another strong start. Cheney also appears in the 3A rankings at No. 8, giving south-central Kansas multiple contenders in the classification.

Class 2A also features significant representation from the region. Sterling sits atop the poll at No. 1, while Moundridge follows at No. 2, marking the second time this week the two schools appear as a 1–2 pairing in basketball rankings after both girls teams debuted highly on Tuesday. Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Berean Academy round out the top five, but the Heart of America League presence remains the strongest at the top.

In Class 4A, McPherson enters the poll at No. 7 as one of the most consistent mid-sized programs in Kansas. Baldwin, Rock Creek and Pratt hold the top three positions, though the Bullpups’ strong early-season results keep them firmly in contender status heading toward holiday tournament play.

Little River also gives the region another top-10 program, checking in at No. 6 in Class 1A Division I, where Olpe, South Gray and Lincoln lead the field. Canton-Galva claims the final spot in that division at No. 10, strengthening the central Kansas presence.

🏀 Hesston, Sterling, Moundridge and Central Christian highlight area teams in KBCA boys rankings

HUTCHINSON – The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest girls basketball rankings Tuesday, and several Hutch Post–area programs hold prominent positions across the state’s classifications. The next poll will be released Dec. 16.

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