Reno County lawmakers fielded questions Saturday&nbsp;during a legislative forum hosted by the&nbsp;Hutchinsn/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at the Stringer Fine Arts&nbsp;Center&nbsp;on&nbsp;everything from property tax relief and school cell phone policies to prison construction and campaign-style advocacy by public agencies, offering a preview of the issues likely to dominate the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session.&nbsp;

Senator Michael Murphy,&nbsp;Representatives Kyler Sweely,&nbsp;Paul&nbsp;Waggoner&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kevin Schwertfeger&nbsp;were in&nbsp;attendance,&nbsp;Rep. Joe&nbsp;Seiwert was&nbsp;invited,&nbsp;but&nbsp;did not attend due to recovering from a battle with&nbsp;an&nbsp;illness. The&nbsp;panelists said they are still sorting through competing proposals to curb rising property taxes, including bills that would cap valuation growth, require votes for bigger&nbsp;increases&nbsp;and provide incentives for local governments that limit revenue hikes. They also discussed a more sweeping idea from Sen. Mike Murphy to&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;property taxes altogether and replace them with a capped retail surcharge.&nbsp;

“We’re trying to deal with that,”&nbsp;Rep. Kyler Sweely&nbsp;said of property taxes, describing it as a difficult balancing act as legislators&nbsp;face&nbsp;pressure to restrain state spending while meeting demands for schools,&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;and public services.&nbsp;

Energy siting bill draws limited comment&nbsp;

Audience questions opened with House Bill 2728, which would require the Kansas Corporation Commission to&nbsp;establish&nbsp;uniform&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;and&nbsp;permitting&nbsp;standards for certain energy facilities and would limit some local government actions related to permitting.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;lawmakers said they had not reviewed the measure closely because it&nbsp;remains&nbsp;in committee and is outside their assignments. One said the proposal is the type of bill he would expect to track more closely once it clears&nbsp;the committee&nbsp;and reaches the full House.&nbsp;

Sales tax authority, property tax caps debated&nbsp;

A longer discussion centered on House Bill 2712 and House Bill 2745, both tied to broader debates about how Kansas should finance local government and schools.&nbsp;

HB 2712 would expand authority for countywide retailer sales taxes, allow certain dedicated apportionments of special-purpose tax revenues and limit special-purpose city and county sales taxes to 10 years, according to a summary read at the forum.&nbsp;

Rep.Waggoner&nbsp;said current Kansas law creates a disincentive for counties to rely on sales tax, noting that once a county exceeds 1% on its sales tax rate it must seek legislative approval to go higher — a step he characterized as outdated and one that can encourage reliance on property taxes instead.&nbsp;

“Frankly, all that does is incentivize counties to raise their property tax rather than go to the sales tax,” he said, adding that requiring the Legislature’s approval can push counties toward what he called the “easy way” to raise revenue.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also addressed HB 2745, which was described at the forum as having multiple parts and drawing a contentious response in committee.&nbsp;Waggoner&nbsp;said the bill “went over like a lead balloon” in a hearing, despite the credibility of its sponsor, House Taxation Committee&nbsp;Chairman&nbsp;Adam Smith.&nbsp;

Another lawmaker contrasted what he described as differing House and Senate approaches to property tax relief — including a valuation-cap concept and a revenue-neutral framework aimed at limiting local tax growth to a range tied to inflation and encouraging compliance through incentive funding.&nbsp;

Underlying both approaches, multiple panelists said, is the same core tension: restraining government spending while responding to local demands.&nbsp;

Murphy pitches “Property Tax Freedom” plan&nbsp;

Murphy, discussing Senate Bill 488 — which he said would need a constitutional amendment to remove property taxes from Kansas’ constitution — argued property taxes have become unsustainable for some homeowners, particularly those on fixed incomes whose home values rise faster than their ability to pay.&nbsp;

Murphy compared property taxes to “the Titanic,” saying the system has “struck the iceberg” and lawmakers can only “rearrange the deck chairs” unless they embrace a bigger change.&nbsp;

Murphy said SB 488 would replace property taxes with a small surcharge on purchases, capped per transaction. Under his outline, the surcharge would be 7.6% up to $20, topping out at $1.60. A $25 item would add $1.60, he said, while a much more expensive purchase — such as a vehicle — would also add $1.60 because of the cap.&nbsp;

Murphy said the proposal would exempt certain essentials such as utilities and groceries and would broaden the base so “everybody pays,” arguing that existing exemptions can shift costs onto remaining taxpayers. He said the approach could capture money from out-of-state travelers and would make Kansas more attractive economically if property taxes were eliminated.&nbsp;

“What do you think is going to happen if we don’t have property tax?” Murphy said, predicting it would spur investment and help housing affordability by removing a recurring cost borne by homeowners and embedded in rents.&nbsp;

Other lawmakers were more cautious.&nbsp;Waggoner&nbsp;credited Murphy for “thinking out of the box” but said the core issue&nbsp;remains&nbsp;spending: shifting from property tax to a consumption-based system would not automatically limit what government spends.&nbsp;

Rep. Sweely&nbsp;raised concerns about border communities, where shoppers might cross into nearby states if they feel a consumption tax is too high —&nbsp;a dynamic&nbsp;lawmakers said they would need to study if the proposal advances.&nbsp;

Prison construction in Hutchinson resurfaces&nbsp;

The forum also revisited ongoing concerns over the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, where lawmakers and corrections officials have cited aging infrastructure and design issues.&nbsp;

Representative Sweely,&nbsp;whose district includes the prison, said Gov. Laura Kelly previously included funding for a new Hutchinson prison in a past budget proposal but does not include it in her current&nbsp;budget. The lawmaker estimated replacement costs in the hundreds of&nbsp;millions,&nbsp;and said legislators would need to consider bonding or other financing mechanisms.&nbsp;

Sweely&nbsp;called the existing prison “pretty rough,” describing conditions as deteriorated and arguing that a new facility could strengthen local employment and help Hutchinson&nbsp;retain&nbsp;workers who now commute from outside the county.&nbsp;

Panelists emphasized that the Legislature — not the governor —&nbsp;ultimately appropriates&nbsp;funding. Several said Kansas has shifted toward a more Legislature-driven budget process, with legislative committees developing recommendations in advance, making the governor’s budget proposal less determinative than it once was.&nbsp;

On the question of where a new prison would be built, one lawmaker said state-owned land near the current site appears the&nbsp;most likely option&nbsp;because it would reduce acquisition costs, though he said community input would be considered.&nbsp;

KPERS changes seen as unlikely&nbsp;

Asked about proposals to eliminate KPERS 3 and move workers to KPERS 2, lawmakers said the change faces steep costs and would be difficult to pass.&nbsp;

Waggoner&nbsp;said legislation is introduced&nbsp;nearly every&nbsp;year but “has a very, very minimal chance to ever pass,” citing estimates of hundreds of millions of dollars in upfront state funding&nbsp;required&nbsp;to make the shift.&nbsp;

Cell phones in schools, special education funding&nbsp;

On cell phone policies in schools, lawmakers said Gov. Kelly has urged legislators to send her a bill restricting student cell phone use, and some predicted a measure could advance soon. Panelists discussed balancing statewide standards with local control and noted research suggesting student mental health and classroom outcomes can improve after districts adopt restrictions, though the adjustment can take time.&nbsp;

Special education funding sparked a broader debate. Lawmakers acknowledged that Kansas does not currently meet a commonly cited benchmark of covering 92% of excess special education costs, but multiple panelists said the issue is complicated by how spending is counted and the constraints of state budgeting.&nbsp;

One lawmaker said any increase creates “maintenance of effort” obligations, meaning new funding levels become an ongoing commitment rather than a one-time appropriation. Another pointed to rising per-student spending overall while warning that academic outcomes have not risen proportionately.&nbsp;

Conservation fund and “heirs&nbsp;property” act&nbsp;

Lawmakers also discussed House Bill 2063, which would&nbsp;establish&nbsp;a statewide conservation fund aimed at supporting working lands, outdoor&nbsp;recreation&nbsp;and wildlife. One panelist said an original request for $60 million was reduced in discussion to a smaller amount and could potentially be paired with federal matching funds if enacted.&nbsp;

Another lawmaker voiced support for directing resources to rural communities and conservation needs but raised concerns about how outside groups might influence the program’s&nbsp;administration;&nbsp;arguing conservation districts should play&nbsp;a central role.&nbsp;

A separate question focused on the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, legislation intended to help prevent forced sales that can break up family farms when heirs disagree about property. One sponsor said the effort has struggled to advance, noting opposition from some interests and the challenge of securing hearings amid packed committee schedules.&nbsp;

Veto override expected on bathroom bill&nbsp;

The panelists also said they expect to override Kelly’s veto of a bill restricting transgender individuals’ access to bathrooms and changing rooms in government-owned buildings. Lawmakers said the bill passed with a veto-proof majority and described the measure as rooted in biological distinctions and privacy concerns.&nbsp;

Public advocacy by government at issue&nbsp;

Rep. Paul Waggoner also highlighted House Bill 2451, which would prohibit governments from using public assets to advocate for or against proposed ballot questions. Waggoner said the bill was prompted in part by controversies he described in Hutchinson tied to public messaging during a recent school bond campaign.&nbsp;

Waggoner said Kansas law already bars the use of public funds to support candidates but is less explicit on ballot measures, leaving what he called a gap between permissible public education efforts and advocacy.&nbsp;

He said the proposal is intended to clarify that line and create consistent rules statewide.&nbsp;

The next forum, hosted by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce,&nbsp;is scheduled for March 14.&nbsp;

Legislators discuss prison, property tax at forum

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Comedian Gabriel Iglesias is returning to the Kansas State Fair with a new show this fall.

Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz announced Monday on the BW Morning Show that Iglesias, known to fans as “Fluffy,” will perform Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand.

“We are 207 days out from the Kansas State Fair, and we are excited to announce today that we will be having Gabriel ‘Fluffy’ Iglesias at the Kansas State Fair this year,” Schulz said. “That’ll be Thursday the 17th for his show. So we are really excited about that.”

Iglesias previously appeared at the fair about four years ago, drawing what Schulz called “phenomenal” attendance numbers.

“Comedy has been a big hit out at the Kansas State Fair,” Schulz said. “We thought it would be a great time to bring him back.”

Schulz said the upcoming performance will feature fresh material.

“This is a new show, so if you’ve seen his shows in the past, he does change up a lot of stuff,” Schulz said. “And we’ve heard that it’s even going to be bigger and better than it has been in the past.”

The booking came together quickly, he said, with routing playing a key role. “It didn’t take but maybe two weeks from offer to commitment,” Schulz said.

One of the most successful touring comedians in the world, Iglesias ranks among the highest-grossing stand-up acts of all time. He has generated more than 2.4 billion YouTube views and has more than 34 million followers across social media platforms. According to Billboard, he was the third highest-grossing comedian of 2024.

His reach extends beyond live performance. Iglesias has been named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 40 Comedy Players list alongside Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Lorne Michaels and has appeared on the cover of Variety’s comedy issue.

He is also among a select group of comedians to headline and sell out venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York, Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. His Netflix specials include “I’m Sorry For What I Said When I Was Hungry,” “One Show Fits All” and “Stadium Fluffy,” the latter filmed before 55,000 fans at Dodger Stadium, making him the first comedian to perform at and sell out the largest Major League Baseball stadium in the United States.

Tickets feature all-in pricing and include fair gate admission valid for the day of the show. Reserved grandstand seats are $45 and $60. Track Party Pit seating on the floor is $75. A standing VIP Deck package is $110 and includes early entry, two drink tickets and complimentary appetizers. VIP tables for six are $825 and include drinks, appetizers and a private table. Some exclusions apply.

Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, with a presale available Thursday for fans who sign up for email alerts through the fair’s website. Tickets and additional information are available at <a href="http://kansasstatefair.gov">kansasstatefair.gov</a> or by calling 620-669-3618.

The 2026 Kansas State Fair runs Sept. 11-20 in Hutchinson.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fluffy Is Back: Gabriel Iglesias returns to Kansas State Fair

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. ——————————————

Reyjon	Edward-Powers	Redenbaugh		2/15/2026 5:37&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher,					Leave the scene of an accident; Property Damage &lt; $1000,					Possess, Consume, Purchase Alcoholic Liquor/CMB by &lt;18 YOA; 1st Conviction

Matthew	Guy	Currie		2/15/2026 10:18&nbsp;AM	Reckless Driving,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv,					Fleeing or attempting to elude a LEO; Unknown felony,					Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for felony case

Lucas	Walter	Redman		2/15/2026 12:10&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Brian	Erich	Jaquet		2/15/2026 3:18&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,					Probation Violation

Collin	Ray	Teter		2/15/2026 6:37&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Scott	Andrew	Cooley		2/15/2026 7:54&nbsp;PM	DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving,					Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction

Daily Bookings

U.S. Sen.&nbsp;Roger Marshall&nbsp;told a Reno County audience Saturday that the nation is safer and economically stronger than it was a year ago, while acknowledging ongoing cost pressures that continue to burden younger Americans.&nbsp;

Marshall delivered opening remarks at the first Reno County Legislative Forum of 2026, hosted by the Reno County Chamber of&nbsp;Commerce&nbsp;and presented by AT&amp;T and Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Chamber President and CEO Deborah Teufel welcomed attendees and introduced Marshall as a special guest before state lawmakers took part in the forum.&nbsp;

Marshall said he is in the&nbsp;early stages&nbsp;of a 50-county tour across Kansas and stopped in Inman earlier in the day. He pointed to record military recruitment, declining fentanyl&nbsp;poisonings,&nbsp;and what he described as historically low murder rates as signs of improved national security.&nbsp;

“Our families are safer than they were a year and a half ago,” Marshall said, crediting stronger enforcement at the border and renewed confidence in the U.S. military.&nbsp;

Turning to the economy, Marshall said wages have risen faster than inflation in recent months and that job growth is increasingly concentrated in full-time and manufacturing positions rather than government employment. He said inflation has stabilized below 2.5 percent, though he acknowledged that cumulative price increases over the past several years continue to strain household budgets.&nbsp;

Marshall described what he called a “two-lane economy,” with older Americans often better positioned due to paid-off homes and retirement savings, while younger adults struggle with housing costs, student loan&nbsp;debt&nbsp;and high interest rates.&nbsp;

“My focus is helping the people in the slow lane,” Marshall said, referring to younger families and workers facing higher costs for housing,&nbsp;childcare&nbsp;and groceries.&nbsp;

Marshall said lowering health care costs is a top priority, highlighting efforts to expand price transparency for medical services and reduce the influence of pharmacy benefit managers. He also pointed to recent initiatives aimed at lowering prescription drug&nbsp;prices by&nbsp;bypassing intermediaries.&nbsp;

On agriculture, Marshall said recent trade developments could significantly&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;Kansas producers. He cited expanded soybean purchases by China, a new trade agreement with India and federal tax credits aimed at promoting sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels made from corn and soybeans.&nbsp;

Marshall said those policies would help farmers by encouraging value-added production and rewarding regenerative agriculture practices such as reduced tillage and fertilizer use.&nbsp;

“Kansas agriculture makes money when we sell value-added products,” he said.&nbsp;

Marshall touts economy, military strength

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

Three-day Outlook

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF/jobs/165712">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!</a>

Resident Care Unit Coordinator (LPN) – Assisted Living

The Wesley | Hutchinson, KS
 Day Shift | Full Time
 Salary Range: $28–$41 per hour

The Wesley is seeking a Resident Care Unit Coordinator (LPN or RN) to serve Collier Assisted Living and Hester Living Center.

The Care Coordinator is a licensed nurse responsible for carrying out resident care plans and assisting the Assisted Living Administrator in the overall operations of Collier Assisted Living and Hester Living Center.

This role ensures residents’ physical and mental well-being are maintained at the highest practicable level while upholding state and federal regulations and The Wesley’s standards of care.

Reports To: Assisted Living Administrator
FLSA Status: Non-exempt, hourly

The Wesley is a 50-acre retirement community located in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. Services include:

We are currently hiring for multiple positions.

Join our team today and make a difference in the lives of our residents.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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

K-State's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation to be renamed

By many measures, one could argue the Kelly-Toland years have been the biggest economic boon the state has ever seen.

Pick any measure…$30 billion of private sector investment (most per capita in nation), almost 80,000 new or retained jobs that pay 7.7% more than the average private sector wage in Kansas, highest ever Kansas exports, four consecutive Golden Shovel awards, a recent $3 billion budget surplus, or the coup de grace…securing the biggest economic win in state history luring the Chiefs from Missouri.

Just don’t pick population growth. At least on its face. Last month, Census population estimates were released for 2025 showing Kansas, while achieving a modicum of growth since 2020 (1.3%), lagged all neighboring states (Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Nebraska) who averaged 2.8%, or more than double the rate of Kansas. The US growth rate was 3.0%.

It’s hard to beat population growth as the gold standard metric for economic success in localities. It’s easy to see why when a community’s fortunes are tethered to it.

For example, in growing communities, if it costs each taxpayer $100 to provide “good” schools in their community, having more people (i.e., income) effectively allows the government to either lower everyone’s taxes to maintain the same level of service or keep spending levels at $100 for “better” schools. Either choice makes the community more competitive.

Conversely, communities with declining populations are death spirals. Fewer taxpayers paying $100 for “good” schools forces a decision point on local government – increase taxes to maintain “good” schools or keep them flat for “okay” schools. Either choice is a losing proposition and just induces more middle class wage-earners to vote with their feet leaving behind a cost of operation fewer people can afford in their wake.

So, while adding jobs and private sector investment are significant precursors to growing population, why is Kansas’ population gains underachieving?

Of the seven biggest developments that opened under Kelly-Toland, four dot growing urbanizing counties between 2020-2024 – NBAF/Riley (0.8%), NBAF/Pottawatomie (6.0%), Panasonic/Johnson (3.7%), Integra/Sedgwick (2.3%), and Urban Outfitters/Wyandotte (0.1%). Wyandotte springboards to 2.2% since 2022. The remaining three developments dot shrinking rural to semi-rural counties - Hilmar Cheese/Ford (-0.6%), Schwan’s

Pizza/Saline (-1.6%), and Amber Wave/Phillips (-5.0%). Localized population growth is happening, but when 75% of the 105 counties have not grown since 2020, statewide gains fight an uphill battle.

Another trend affecting state population is the nation’s own growth. Population math made simple: take births, minus deaths, factor arriving and departing migrants. This formula ensured US population growth was unstoppable over its 250-year history. And in turn helped states grow.

By 2030, US deaths will likely outnumber births. Without natural growth, only net migration remains. And under current immigration policies, net international migration has plummeted so much that the US population could shrink for the first-time in its history next year. Kansas’s own international migration in 2024-25 cratered to 7,440 from the previous year’s 13,829 due to the chilling effect on new migrants rather than deportations.

In conclusion, the Kelly-Toland wins have shown some silver linings even in the face of these obstacles. Last year, Kansas domestic net migration increased by 4,000 people from the previous year, virtually all 39,000+ people added to Kansas since 2020 occurred since 2022, and many big STAR Bond projects focus on out-of-state visitors – a proxy for temporary population growth.

Good signs that the massive economic wins under Kelly-Toland stand to bear population fruit.

Bill Fiander teaches university-level courses in Kansas covering state/local government, public administration, and city planning.

Insight Kansas: Are Kansas' economic wins also translating to population wins

Hunter	Christian	Cherry		2/13/2026 8:37&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Dawn	Renee	White		2/13/2026 11:20&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Judy	Mae	Powers		2/14/2026 1:53&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Kaylan	Lee	Mulligan		2/14/2026 4:21&nbsp;AM	Criminal Restraint,					Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner,					Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Darin	Daniel	Rodriquez		2/14/2026 10:25&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; drugs or combination of drugs

Travis	Lane	Hannan		2/14/2026 10:26&nbsp;AM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Jonathan	Wayne	Beer		2/14/2026 12:25&nbsp;AM	Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

Raelynn	Denae	Spencer		2/14/2026 6:21&nbsp;PM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Blake	Alexander	Wornkey		2/14/2026 6:21&nbsp;PM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Jennifer	Delloro	McGehee		2/14/2026 7:19&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Kimberly	Jo Lydia	Cain		2/14/2026 10:55&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Evan	Christopher	Klamczynski		2/15/2026 1:40&nbsp;AM	Possess, Consume, Purchase Alcoholic Liquor/CMB by 18-20 YOA; 1st Conviction

 Kansas corrections officials told lawmakers Friday that the state’s aging Hutchinson Correctional Facility is nearing a breaking point, with decades-old infrastructure problems and rising inmate population projections driving renewed discussion about a costly rebuild.

Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda testified before a joint hearing of legislative committees that the prison’s Central Unit — portions of which date back to the 19th century — faces significant design and maintenance challenges that are increasingly difficult to manage. Construction on the Central Unit began in 1885, he said.

Lawmakers formed the joint hearing to gather information from KDOC and the Kansas Sentencing Commission about options to renovate or replace the facility, which houses adult men and is the state’s third-largest prison.

Zmuda said KDOC has examined replacement plans for several years, but escalating construction costs have narrowed the department’s focus. Earlier concepts contemplated replacing three units at Hutchinson — the Central, South and East units — but KDOC has since scaled back to prioritize the Central Unit.

A replacement plan that also adds about 400 beds to help address projected population growth is now estimated at about $453 million, Zmuda told lawmakers. If financed through a 20-year bond, annual debt service would be about $34.5 million, he said.

The project was previously included in an earlier budget recommendation, Zmuda said, but the Legislature did not fund it. It is not included in current budget recommendations, he said.

KDOC officials described multiple concerns at the Central Unit tied to its age and layout, including extreme temperature swings in housing areas, frequent plumbing and electrical system failures, and limited fire protection systems in parts of the facility. Zmuda said maintenance staff “just can’t keep up” with the demands of the infrastructure.

He also pointed to cramped cell sizes — some measuring roughly 5 1/2 feet by 7 1/2 feet — and older open-bar cell designs that can complicate safety and security. Limited day-room space and poor sightlines for officers operating cell doors also add operational challenges, he said.

In addition, KDOC officials said public streets run close to portions of the Central Unit’s perimeter, allowing people to throw contraband — including drugs and cellphones — over the wall. Contraband drives a large share of problems inside facilities, Zmuda said.

A 2021 facility assessment commissioned by KDOC found building conditions at Hutchinson ranged from fair to poor and concluded replacement would likely be more cost-effective than major renovations, Zmuda said. The assessment estimated about $80 million in renovation needs at the time — a figure Zmuda said would translate to about $95 million in 2026 dollars — but he cautioned the total would rise further if the state pursued major renovations that would require additional compliance work and hazardous-material mitigation.

Lawmakers asked KDOC how a rebuild would work and where inmates would be housed during construction. Zmuda said the department would likely build a new unit on available land near the current Central Unit and keep inmates in the existing facility until the new unit is completed, then relocate them. He said a full replacement project could take roughly 40 to 50 months from approval to completion, including design and bidding.

Other legislators raised questions about potential demolition or repurposing of the old Central Unit, including whether historic preservation requirements might apply and what demolition costs could be. Zmuda said KDOC has not priced demolition and has not determined whether parts of the old facility could be repurposed for community uses.

Kansas Sentencing Commission Executive Director Scott Schultz told lawmakers that prison populations dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic as court proceedings slowed and releases outpaced admissions, but have since climbed back toward pre-pandemic levels. Based on the commission’s projections, Kansas is expected to exceed prison capacity around fiscal year 2029, he said.

Schultz said the commission’s 10-year model projects a roughly 20.6% increase in the prison population through fiscal year 2035, translating to about 2,530 additional beds compared with today’s numbers. After accounting for existing capacity, he said the system would still need about 1,365 more beds beyond current capacity — even if Kansas moves forward with the Hutchinson project and adds beds there.

Schultz urged lawmakers to consider prison construction alongside sentencing policy, rehabilitation programs and community-based alternatives. While the system must house people who pose serious risks, he said, most incarcerated people ultimately return to their communities.

Several lawmakers echoed calls for a broader strategy that balances facility needs, public safety and costs. The hearing chair said no decision would be made at the meeting but argued the issue needs sustained attention and could become more expensive the longer it is delayed.

The hearing concluded with lawmakers encouraging colleagues to tour the Hutchinson facility to better understand conditions and the scope of the challenges.

Lawmakers weigh costly future of Hutchinson Correctional Facility

Two people were arrested Saturday afternoon following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle that began on Interstate 135 and ended on the south side of McPherson, authorities said.

At about 4:04 p.m., officers with the McPherson Police Department were notified by the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office that a stolen vehicle was traveling southbound on I-135 from Smoky Valley Road. The sheriff’s office detected the vehicle using its newly deployed Flock license plate reader camera network.

Police officers spotted the vehicle entering the McPherson near the I-135 and Kansas Avenue interchange. After confirming with dispatch that the vehicle had been reported stolen, officers attempted a traffic stop in the 100 block of South Champlin Road.

The driver fled the stop, traveling south on Centennial before leaving the city limits. A McPherson County sheriff’s deputy later deployed stop sticks, puncturing the vehicle’s tires and slowing it down, according to authorities.

After about 15 minutes, the suspect lost control and the vehicle became stuck near the intersection of 19th Street and Eisenhower Road.

Two individuals including 39-year-old Bobby Heckman were taken into custody, according to online jail records. Law enforcement also cleared two outstanding arrest warrants. No injuries were reported, and the only damage occurred to the stolen vehicle. Heckman is being held on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude; operate a stole vehicle; theft of property or services; drug distribution and numerous traffic violations, according to online jail records.

McPherson police arrest two following chase

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.

During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.

The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.

Article 4, Section 9 of the Missouri Constitution, which describes the powers of the governor, states that on extraordinary occasions, the governor may convene the General Assembly by proclamation and state matters for the legislature to take action on.

Kehoe called Missouri lawmakers to a special session on Aug. 29, 2025, directing them to focus the session on redistricting the state and changing the initiative petition process.

The new congressional map, which is at the center of multiple lawsuits, would likely give the Republican Party a 7-to-1 majority in Missouri’s U.S. House seats. Republicans already hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats.

This story originally appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/special-session-to-redraw-missouris-congressional-districts-was-constitutional-judge-rules/article_0782f59f-c883-497d-9260-dbae0a12fae2.html" target="_blank">KOMU.com</a>. It can be republished in print or online.&nbsp;

Special session to redraw Missouri congressional districts was constitutional, judge rules

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement continue searching for suspects in a deadly nightclub shooting in Kansas City, Missouri and have identified the women who died as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim is reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

Detectives talked with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and processed through the evidence gathered. As the investigation progresses it is still believed the shooting occurred inside the business, so anyone who may have been there that has not talked to police yet is urged to contact detectives or the TIPS Hotline anonymously. 

Police have not been advised of any change in the status of either of the surviving victims.

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

Police ID 2 women who died in Kansas City nightclub shooting

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Lawmakers and the White House offered no signs of compromise Sunday in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers that has led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-shutdown-ice-funding-7bf62bc50ca0a6a6013a714bee2ffdb4">a pause in funding</a>&nbsp;for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-homeland-security">Department of Homeland Security</a>.

A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump's team&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homeland-security-funding-shutdown-democrats-trump-4e9c4cebd45396e77f8333fd6cc31944">failed to reach a deal</a>&nbsp;on legislation to fund the department through September. Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-protester-alex-pretti-15ade7de6e19cb0291734e85dac763dc">Alex Pretti</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5">Renee Good</a>&nbsp;by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.

Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and both sides appear dug into their positions. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dhs-shutdown-tsa-travel-airports-delays-ff8b225c6ff8d57172fd301a550057b3">impasse affects</a>&nbsp;agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, the Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The work at ICE and CBP goes on unabated because Trump’s tax and spending cut law from 2025 provided billions more to those agencies that can be tapped for deportation operations. About 90% of DHS employees were to continue working during the shutdown, but do so without pay — and missed paychecks could mean financial hardships. Last year there was a record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9">43-day government shutdown</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-metro-surge-ice-523d18d5d75c81cbf9f24c602f1884ff">White House border czar Tom Homan</a>&nbsp;said the administration was unwilling to agree to Democrats' demands that federal officers clearly identify themselves, remove masks during operations and display unique ID numbers.

“I don’t like the masks, either,” Homan said, But, he said, “These men and women have to protect themselves."

Democrats also want to require immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandate judicial warrants for arrests on private property.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats are only asking for federal agents to abide by rules followed by law enforcement agencies around the country.

“And the question that Americans are asking is, ‘Why aren’t Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?’” Schumer said. "They’re not crazy. They’re not way out. They’re what every police department in America does.”

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said he could back Democrats calls to equip immigration officers with body cameras and would support efforts to bolster training. But he balked at their demands that federal officers remove masks and clearly identify themselves, noting some officers taking part in immigration enforcement operations have faced doxing and other harassment.

“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?” Mullins said. "What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”

Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, a Trump ally who had pushed for a two-week extension of DHS funding while negotiations continued, said it was "shortsighted of Democrats to walk away" from talks.

Trump made enforcement of the nation's immigration laws a centerpiece of his 2024 campaign for the White House and he promised to be aggressive in detaining and deporting people living in the United States without legal permission.

DHS reports it has deported more than 675,000 migrants since Trump's return to office last year and claims some 2.2 million others have “self-deported” as the Republican president has made his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/immigration">immigration crackdown</a>&nbsp;a priority.

“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement," Britt said.

Homan was on CBS' “Face the Nation,” Schumer and Mullin appeared on CNN's “State of the Union” and Britt was interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”

No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown 

BOSTON (AP) — More than a decade before he became the country's first president, George Washington was leading a critical campaign in the early days of the American Revolution. The Siege of Boston was his first campaign as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and, in many ways, set the stage for his military and political successes — celebrated on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/presidents-day-history-george-washington-birthday-f9cdcb41b3128c63af0ffdf5066e10b9">Presidents Day</a>.

Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, militias had pinned down the British in Boston in April 1775. The Continental Congress, recognizing the need for a more organized military effort, selected Washington to lead the newly formed army.

On this day&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/america-250-declaration-of-independence-democracy-d49050f62425ed6ddecc5dfb42ba8a20">250 years ago</a>, Washington would have been nearing the end of an almost yearlong siege that bottled up as many as 11,000 British troops and hundreds more loyalists. The British were occupying Boston at the time, and the goal of the siege was to force them out.

A critical decision made by Washington was sending Henry Knox, a young bookseller, to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to retrieve dozens of cannons. The cannons, transported hundreds of miles in the dead of winter, were eventually used to fire on British positions. That contributed to the decision by the British, facing dwindling supplies, to abandon the city by boat on March 17, 1776.

Historians argue that the British abandoning their positions, celebrated in Boston as Evacuation Day, rid the city of loyalists at a critical time, denied the British access to an important port and gave patriots a huge morale boost.

“The success of the Siege of Boston gave new life and momentum to the Revolution,” Chris Beagan, the site manager at Longfellow House in Cambridge, a National Historic Site that served as Washington's headquarters during the American Revolution. “Had it failed, royal control of New England would have continued, and the Continental Army likely would have dissolved."

The siege was also a critical test for Washington. A surveyor and farmer, Washington had been out of the military for nearly 20 years after commanding troops for the British during the French and Indian War. His successful campaign ensured Washington remained the commander-in-chief for the remainder of the revolution.

Doug Bradburn, president of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, said Washington took the first steps to creating a geographically diverse army that included militiamen from Massachusetts to Virginia and, by the end of the war, a fighting force with significant Black and Native American representation. It was the most integrated military until President Harry S. Truman’s desegregated the armed forces in 1948, he said.

Washington, a slave owner who depended on hundreds of slaves on his Mount Vernon estate, was initially opposed to admitting formerly enslaved and free Black soldiers into the army. But short of men, Washington came to realize “there are free Blacks who want to enlist and he needs them to keep the British from breaking out” during the siege, Bradburn said.

Ridding Boston of the British also turned Washington into one of the country's most popular political figures.

“He comes to embody the cause in a time before you have a nation, before you have a Declaration of Independence, before you’re really sure what is the goal of this struggle,” Bradburn said. “He becomes the face of the revolutionary movement.”

Commanding the military for more than eight years also prepared Washington for the presidency, Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Frick-atkinson-book-deal-pulitzer-crown-b808b83109be45bf1c97af55ebcad830&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMCasey%40ap.org%7C549bdcc2d044437e269208de6755641d%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639061813625339374%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mJ4SU1Q8H%2B4OyYiF%2FjRlRGunbsH%2FnWpIVbJFmwfhSBM%3D&amp;reserved=0">Rick Atkinson</a>&nbsp;said. “Perhaps most important, it gave him a sense that Americans could and should be a single people, rather than denizens of thirteen different entities.”

Local

Region

Sports