UPDATE As of 8:25 p.m., the evacuation has been lifted for the North Plum area.&nbsp; All residents can return home.&nbsp; There is some smoke drifting across plum near 69th&nbsp;street.&nbsp; Please slowdown in this area for visibility and the safety of the firefighters.

PREVIOUS STORY At this hour, all mutual aid, in county and out of county task forces have been released from the scene on North Plum. HFD is still on scene working a few hot spots and hay bale fires. Hutchinson crews will remain in the area overnight on patrol. Projection for tomorrow shows a wind shift out of the South. Crews have already solidified the North perimeter in preparation of this. HFD will be on site tomorrow patrolling the area and doing a damage assessment.

No homes have been reported damaged. No injuries of firefighters or residents. Approx. 500 acres burnt. Cause is currently under investigation. 

The evacuation area will be lifted later tonight. Our concern with this at this hour is the smoke drifting across Plum Street from a large amount of hay bales on fire. When this dissipates, all areas will be open. As residents return, please keep an eye out on your property and advise 911 if you feel there is a threat. You will see areas burning, these will mostly be in the middle of a burnt area. Again, crews will be in the area all night. 

Hutchinson Fire could not have done this without the help of great mutual aid partners. We thank all that were willing to assists us. 100 firefighters from multiple departments over 4 counties, multiple reno county agencies, and business partners.

UPDATE: North Plum wildfire, Evacuation order lifted

HARVEY COUNTY—&nbsp;A jury returned guilty verdicts this week against 63-year-old James Everett of Newton for multiple child sex crimes, according to the Harvey County Attorney's office.

Everett was found guilty of&nbsp;Four counts of Rape, Two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child and Two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sodomy involving victims under the age of 14.

The trial included testimony from witnesses, law enforcement, and other evidence presented by the State. The jury found that the evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed multiple acts of sexual abuse against children.

“This case involved extremely serious and disturbing offenses,” said Heather Figger, Harvey County Attorney. “We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention to the evidence and for holding the defendant accountable. We also commend the courage and strength shown by the victims throughout this difficult process.”

The case was prosecuted with the assistance of the Newton Police Department, the Department of Children and Families and Heart 2 Heart Child Advocacy Center.

Everett is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13. He&nbsp;faces a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison on each count, life-time post release supervision, and lifetime registration as a sexual offender.

Jury: Kan. man committed multiple acts of sex abuse against children

Due to the wildfire north of Hutchinson, the Kansas State Fairgrounds is accepting horses only for temporary emergency shelter, effective immediately and until further notice.

Horse owners needing shelter may bring animals to the Fairgrounds by entering through Gate 10. Upon arrival, owners must stop at the Stalling Office, located just inside Gate 10 next to the Big Red Barn, to provide contact information and receive directions.

Horses will be separated by travel history to protect animal health. Horses that have traveled within the past 15 days will be housed in Barn 1, while horses that have remained local will be placed in Barns 2 and 3.

The Kansas State Fair will provide water. Owners should bring feed, buckets, halters, medications, and any other necessary supplies. Trailers may park in the Midway area.

For additional information, please contact the Kansas State Fair Office at 620-669-3600. Updates will be shared through the Kansas State Fair’s official communication channels.

Kansas State Fairgrounds opens emergency horse shelter due to wildfire

Emergency officials announced that the evacuation area related to the ongoing grass fire will be reduced beginning at 5:45 p.m. as conditions continue to improve.

Under the updated order, the evacuation area will include 82nd Street south to the 6600 block of North Plum Street, and 69th Street east of Plum to Lorraine Avenue. Residents who live south of the 6600 block of North Plum will be required to show identification in order to travel north of 56th Street.

Fire crews will remain active throughout the evening, focusing on hotspot suppression in the areas between 82nd Street and 69th Street along Plum Street, as well as along 69th Street. Officials said crews are expected to work through the night to fully secure the fire perimeter and prevent flare-ups.

Authorities indicated they are hopeful the entire affected area can be reopened later this evening if conditions continue to improve. Residents are still urged to use caution and avoid the area unless necessary, as emergency personnel and equipment remain on scene.

 An evacuation order remains in effect Wednesday afternoon for areas from Plum Street east to Halstead and north of 56th Street, as firefighters continue to battle a fire burning on the east side of Hutchinson.

Officials said the primary fire is located near 82nd Street, east of Blue Spruce Road, extending toward the Rolling Hills area and the 1000 block of East 69th Street. A smaller portion of the fire is also burning near Plum Street and 69th Street on the east side, extending south to the 6400 block of North Plum.

The evacuation was ordered out of an abundance of caution. Residents are urged to avoid the area due to heavy emergency traffic. Authorities said conditions are improving for those outside the evacuation zone.

As a precaution, the Buhler School District evacuated Plum Creek Elementary School. Students were relocated to Cross Point Church, located at 1401 E. 30th Ave. Parents are instructed to pick up their children at the church after 2:15 p.m. and are asked not to go to the school due to the evacuation.

For additional information, parents may contact the Buhler School District central office at 620-543-2258.

Emergency crews remain on scene, and officials said further updates will be provided as conditions change.

Due to a brush fire north of town. Reno county emergency management is evacuating an area that is between Plum Street and K 61 and north of 68th Avenue and south of 82nd Avenue. 

The Buhler school district is evacuating Plum Creek Elementary to Cross Point Church at 1410 East 3oth Ave., the district says parents will need to pick up their students at the church after 2:15pm today, the district says not to go to Plum Creek because of the evacuation process. If you have any questions, you can call the Buhler central office at 620-543-2258.&nbsp;

This is a developing story. We will provide updates as they become available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATE:  Evacuation area reduced as crews continue fire suppression efforts

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The Reno County Sheriff’s Office recognized the advancement of three deputies during a promotion ceremony held Wednesday afternoon at the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Savannah Saiz, Casey Borrowman and Abraham Baca-Perez were each promoted to the rank of corporal, marking a significant step forward in their law enforcement careers.

Corporal Savannah Saiz began her career with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office on June 19, 2023, as a deputy. During her time in that role, Saiz took on additional responsibilities as a Jail Training Officer, helping prepare newly hired deputies for their careers with the agency. She has also assisted with numerous community events and was selected as a Key Deputy, a role that includes responsibility for maintaining all keys within the correctional facility.

Corporal Casey Borrowman started his career with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office on May 6, 2024, as a deputy. While serving in that capacity, Borrowman was recognized for his dedication and commitment to respect, ownership and drive, while balancing compassion and control in his work. He also assumed the role of Jail Training Officer, helping develop safe, effective and motivated deputies, and volunteered to become certified with the Crisis Intervention Team.

Corporal Abraham Baca-Perez began his service with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office on November 4, 2024, as a deputy. He quickly took on additional responsibilities and advanced to the position of Jail Training Officer, where he has played a key role in mentoring and preparing new deputies. Through his professionalism, strong work ethic and commitment to the agency, Baca-Perez earned the respect of his peers and leadership. He was promoted to the rank of corporal on Nov. 30.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office congratulated Corporals Saiz, Borrowman and Baca-Perez on their promotions and wished them continued success as they take on expanded leadership roles within the agency.

Reno County Sheriff's Office announces promotions

KELSEY STREMEL K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN — Long before he stepped onto a research field in western Kansas, Rayhaan Kabenge was building small systems in Kampala, Uganda, trying to understand how technology could make everyday work easier.

That early curiosity, shaped by a family that valued precision, discipline and service, eventually led him halfway across the world to Kansas State University, where he is now helping design advanced digital tools for farmers as a graduate research assistant with the Testing Ag Performance Solutions team.

Kabenge grew up as the oldest of three, raised by an engineer and a gynecologist who set high expectations in both academics and character.

Kampala’s diversity exposed him to a wide range of ideas, but he found himself drawn to engineering and problem-solving. During his undergraduate studies in water and irrigation engineering at Makerere University, he designed an innovative wireless irrigation control system.

The experience deepened his interest in developing technology that could improve farmers’ livelihoods.

A meeting that redirected his future

His path shifted in 2023, when Daran Rudnick, K-State director of sustainable irrigation and leader of KSU-TAPS, now his advisor, visited Makerere University.

Rudnick described the hands-on agricultural research underway through TAPS, a model that blends scientific experimentation with real decisions made by farmers housed on the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Stations. The program draws on engineering, agronomy, sociology, economics and data science.

That interdisciplinary structure is part of what makes TAPS distinctive and effective, giving producers access to solutions shaped by multiple fields rather than a single discipline.

Kabenge recognized immediately that it was the kind of work he had been seeking. It was practical, applied and directly connected to producer needs. Rudnick later offered him an internship, and within months, Kabenge was in Kansas experiencing his first season of field trials, data collection and producer engagement.

“Seeing that level of engagement and practical learning was exciting,” Kabenge said. “It showed me how impactful research can be when producers are directly involved.”

Now a master’s student in the K-State Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agriculture, Kabenge is leading the development of a TAPS Decision Support Suite, a web-based dashboard designed to help producers interpret complex field data and make timely decisions.

The dashboard integrates weather data, soil moisture readings, irrigation and nitrogen logs, drone imagery and crop-health indices. Its distinguishing feature is an AI-powered interpretation tool that converts technical analytics into plain-language explanations.

Kabenge said the tool “bridges the gap between technical analysis and practical decision-making” by helping users understand what patterns mean and why they matter.

Working beside producers reshaped how he approaches engineering. Earlier in his academic journey, he began with technology and sought a way to apply it.

“I begin with producer needs and reverse-engineer the solution,” he said. “Understanding their challenges, habits and decision-making processes ensures that the tools we design are not just technically sound but genuinely useful.”

Adjusting to a new home and a new rhythm

Coming to Kansas required a steep learning curve. From research methods to climate to cultural norms, almost everything was different from what he knew in Uganda. He also spent long stretches driving between classes on campus at K-State in Manhattan and the Northwest Research-Extension Center in Colby for fieldwork, a route he jokes he could now navigate in his sleep, though he is quick to add that he never would.

Even with the adjustment, Kabenge found a sense of community within the TAPS program and the broader K-State Extension network.

“Any time I face a challenge, in class, in research or in coding, people are genuinely willing to help,” he said. “This level of openness and teamwork creates an environment where you feel supported.”

He was especially struck by how effectively a small team can run a program with such a significant footprint. Watching the TAPS team organize producer outreach, manage trials and maintain data integrity left a lasting impression.

“It honestly surprised me how such a relatively small team can run a program as large and impactful as TAPS,” he said.

Their collaboration has shaped his understanding of leadership and teamwork.

A global vision for agricultural innovation

That perspective also influences how he thinks about the future. Kabenge hopes the tools he is building at K-State will eventually support producers far beyond the High Plains.

“My goal is to create systems that help producers get more out of what they invest while prioritizing environmental sustainability,” he said.

Whether deployed in Kansas, Asia or Africa, he wants those tools to simplify decisions and improve efficiency.

Kabenge is encouraged by how quickly AI is advancing and what that progress could mean for producers. He sees a future in which farmers will not need deep technical expertise to make confident decisions because the tools will translate complexity for them.

The possibility of combining global data, shared knowledge and advanced models to support agriculture anywhere in the world is something he finds genuinely exciting.

For students, especially those from abroad, who want to pursue agricultural research, Kabenge encourages curiosity and a broader perspective on the field.

“Many students hear ‘agriculture’ and immediately think of soil, hoes and rakes, but there is so much more to it,” he said. “There are endless opportunities to innovate and solve real-world problems using engineering, data science, AI and automation. Come in with an open mind, be curious and don’t be afraid to chase bold ideas.”

K-State Graduate researcher Rayhaan Kabenge is growing digital tools that empower farms

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. ——————————————

Collin	Ray	Bott	12/17/2025 8:57&nbsp;AM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Failure to Appear

Cory	Joel	Sherbon	12/17/2025 9:21&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Sasha	Marie	Mederos	12/17/2025 12:37&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conv,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant

Cody	Ryan	Griffin	12/17/2025 12:40&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

Davin	Lee	Rose	12/17/2025 1:18&nbsp;PM	Theft; By Deception; 2 or more prior conv in 5 yrs; Less than $1,500,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case

Timothy	Lucas	Allen	12/17/2025 1:48&nbsp;PM	Poss of hallucinogenic drug,				Agg battery; Knowingly cause great body harm,				Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Unauthorized Possession; Firearm, Ammo, Explosive, Controlled Subst.,				Failure to Appear,				Probation Violation,				Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g,				Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance,				Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,				Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Jeremiah	Thomas	Collins	12/17/2025 4:19&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Celena	Elaine	Aguinaga	12/17/2025 8:51&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Falsely report a Felony crime intending to obstruct

Robert	Sylvester	Kincannon	12/18/2025 3:17&nbsp;AM	Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner

Daily Bookings

Is Christmas Cancelled?  Not this year! The Salvation Army is giving out Christmas food Boxes and toys for Christmas today, Thursday Dec. 18 from 9 AM to 5:00 PM.  

For 132 years, The Salvation Army has been giving toys and food to residents of Reno County.  This year children from Reno County will receive toys and more than 900 families will receive a Christmas food box and new blankets.  Of course, The Salvation Army cannot do this on their own and has been blessed by the generosity of so many individuals, businesses, organizations, and angels in our midst.

Dillons is a huge part of making it possible to provide food for the 1000 boxes that will be shared.  They also help with food drives in front of their stores making it possible for special people in the community to take part in helping their neighbors.  “Without the help of everyone in our community, it isn’t possible to help those in need this season.  It literally takes everyone pitching in that’s able to give of their time and resources”, said Major James.

When looking at all the toys needed, there are so many groups and businesses who take part and need our thanks.  The Angel Tree at Walmart is one of the largest pieces to help get toys for every child from 0-12 year olds.  This allows parents the opportunity to share a wish list for businesses and people in the community to adopt a child, several children, or even an entire family.  There’s also the Reno County Toy Run that makes up a large portion of the toys we need along with Toys 4 Tots who collects toys for different groups. Major James said, “It’s so humbling and encouraging to see people’s generosity when it comes to making sure children receive a gift.  We at The Salvation Army pride ourselves in giving Hope, but this time of year can be discouraging without the support of so many groups.”

The Salvation Army still needs help to reach their operating budget goal this season.  With 6 days to go as of Wednesday, they still need $32,123 for their Red Kettle goal, and $180,000 for their overall goal which ends on January 31. “This time is The Salvation Army’s most important fundraising season and we’ve gotten a slow start with so many factors working against and less groups volunteering at the kettle this year.  We’ve had an amazing response with toys this year, however, we’re quite a bit behind where we need to be financially at this point in the season.”, said Major James.  

Don’t worry, there are still 6 days left to Help The Salvation Army to raise the money needed in their red kettles or to sign up at registertoring.com for a chance to win a diamond ring!  It’s also the perfect time to begin thinking about your year-end gift as you think about the tax season.  The Salvation Army is a perfect organization to give to with roughly 12% of the population receiving help there every year.

You can mail your donation, drop it off at their local office at 700 N Walnut Hutchinson, KS 67501, or drop it in one of their iconic Red Kettles. You can even go to GiveWithJoyHutch.com and give online!  Give with joy this year and help your neighbor.

Salvation Army:  Is Christmas Cancelled

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 southeast corner of 16th Avenue and North Main.

The Jewish community in Hutchinson can trace its roots back as far as 1880.

But it wasn't until 1946 that it made much of a public appearance. It was then that they created a community center upstairs on the southwest corner of 1st and Main.

Then in 1948, six families decided to build their own building at 1520 N. Main. The first photo shows that structure shortly after finishing construction.

The Jewish Community Center resided there until 1976.

The building was donated to the Hutchinson Art Center that year and was at that location until 1995.

Since then, there have been some insurance companies, bail bonds companies and a chiropractor occupying the building.

In 2011, Leslie Osborn D.C. purchased the building and operated Oz Chiropractic from there. The second photo shows that business occupancy.

About 2020, Don Fulmer purchased the building. The third photo shows the building today at 1520 N. Main, housing the Don Fulmer Art Gallery.

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: Hutchinson Jewish Community Center - Vol. 153

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A man who is suspected of killing two and wounding several others at Brown University has been found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility, a law enforcement official and a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The man was found dead Thursday evening. He is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the person familiar with the matter said.

Investigators believe the man is responsible for both the shooting at Brown and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor who was fatally shot in his Brookline home Monday, the official said. Authorities have not formally confirmed a connection between the two shootings.

The official and the person familiar with the matter could not publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and both spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Two people were killed and nine were wounded in the mass shooting Saturday at Brown University. The investigation had shifted Thursday when authorities said they were looking into a connection between the Brown mass shooting and an attack&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mit-shooting-nuno-fg-loureiro-portugal-f310824e354180816c33c9f40c0c5195">two days later</a>&nbsp;near Boston that killed MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro.

The FBI previously said it knew of no links between the cases.

It has been nearly a week since the shooting at Brown. There have been other high-profile attacks in which it took days or longer to make an arrest, including in the brazen New York City sidewalk killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO last year, which took five days.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brown-university-shooting-attack-investigation-a79661656428a4952920fd72a8ca21bc">frustration mounted in Providence</a>&nbsp;that the person behind the attack managed to get away and that a clear image of their face hadn't emerged.

Although Brown officials say there are 1,200 cameras on campus, the attack happened in an older part of the engineering building that has few, if any, cameras. And investigators believe the shooter entered and left through a door that faces a residential street bordering campus, which might explain why the cameras Brown does have didn’t capture footage of the person.

What can be learned from past investigations?

In such targeted and highly public attacks, the shooters typically kill themselves or are killed or arrested by police, said Katherine Schweit, a retired FBI agent and expert on mass shootings. When they do get away, searches can take time.

In the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, it took investigators four days to catch up to the two brothers who carried it out. In a 2023 case, Army reservist Robert Card was found dead of an apparent suicide two days after he killed 18 people and wounded 13 others in Lewiston, Maine.

The man accused of killing conservative political figure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlie-kirk-shooter-search-utah-governor-21ba12bbf01579fd2fbcdbe1da03dae5">Charlie Kirk</a>&nbsp;in September turned himself in about a day and a half after the attack on Utah Valley University's campus. And&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-suspect-c68d0328f278d85fcf201ae89f634098">Luigi Mangione</a>, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last year, was arrested five days later at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania.

MIT mourns the loss of an esteemed professor

Loureiro, who was married, joined MIT in 2016 and was named last year to lead the school's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he worked to advance clean energy technology and other research. The center, one of MIT's largest labs, had more than 250 people working across seven buildings when he took the helm. He was a professor of physics and nuclear science and engineering.

He grew up in Viseu, in central Portugal, and studied in Lisbon before earning a doctorate in London, according to MIT. He was a researcher at an institute for nuclear fusion in Lisbon before joining MIT, the university said.

“He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader, and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner,” Dennis Whyte, an engineering professor who previously led MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, told a campus publication.

Loureiro had said he hoped his work would shape the future.

“It’s not hyperbole to say MIT is where you go to find solutions to humanity’s biggest problems,” Loureiro said when he was named to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.mit.edu/2024/nuno-loureiro-named-director-mit-plasma-science-fusion-center-0501">lead the plasma science lab</a>&nbsp;last year. “Fusion energy will change the course of human history.”

Suspect in shooting at Brown University found dead 

Legislators will consider public funding package in hopes of luring the NFL team to Kansas. The Royals will not be discussed Monday, leaving the MLB team’s future uncertain.

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/peggylowe/">Peggy Lowe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/stevekraske/">Steve Kraske</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflecto</a>r

Kansas legislative leaders will meet Monday to take one of the final steps toward luring the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line, floating bonds worth hundreds of millions so the team can build a domed stadium and an entertainment district.

With a year-end deadline looming, the Legislative Coordinating Council will consider approving Sales Tax and Revenue Bond agreements with the Chiefs. Monday is the council’s last scheduled meeting of the year.

With the bonds’ approval, the Kansas City Chiefs could move closer to uprooting six decades of NFL history in Missouri and relocate to Kansas. The deal is said to call for placing the new stadium near the Legends, a regional shopping mall and commercial area in the Village West development in Kansas City, Kansas.

The council will not consider any deals with the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Legislative and state leaders refused to offer specifics about the meeting and would say only that the Chiefs will be on the agenda. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican running for governor, said he has worked diligently to explore the change to bring the Chiefs to Kansas without raising taxes.

“He remains fully committed to these efforts and will continue working tirelessly up to and through the upcoming Legislative Coordinating Council meeting to facilitate this exciting opportunity for Kansas,” said Megan Stookey, Masterson’s spokesperson.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said she was told the council, which is composed of legislative leadership from both parties, would be talking about the Chiefs on Monday — but not the Royals.

“We will be talking about the Chiefs,” Sykes said. “It sounds like there is some proposal that we will be looking at.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce, which handles such deals, posted on Facebook that the state is in active discussions with the Chiefs about “building a new stadium and other facilities in Kansas.”

“No final agreement has been reached, but this would be a massive economic win for Kansas and benefit Kansans for generations to come,” the statement said. “We are aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”

The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t return an email seeking comment.

In an interview Tuesday, Gov. Laura Kelly declined to say whether the Chiefs or Royals were coming to Kansas.

“You really think I’m going to answer that question?” Kelly said.

Missouri Gov, Mike Kehoe said his team remains in frequent communication with the Royals and the Chiefs and wants to keep the teams in Missouri.

“He believes Missouri is the best home for both teams and continues working with the teams to make the right decision to grow and invest in the Show-Me State,” said his communications director, Gabby Picard.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a statement Thursday saying the city doesn’t negotiate in public.

“As the city and our Missouri partners continue discussions with our long-term partners at the Chiefs and the Royals, we remain steadfast in working toward an arrangement in the best interest of our community and the greatest success of our teams on and off the field,” Lucas said.

After a ping-pong of public-financing proposals offered by the two states, the Chiefs face a decision on&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/hb2001/" target="_blank">Kansas’ deal</a>, which could&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/07/kansas-lawmakers-extend-deadline-for-chiefs-royals-to-accept-stadium-incentives/">cover up to 70% of the project</a>&nbsp;through bonds. Missouri’s plan offered 50%.

Missouri hit a wall in its bid to keep the Chiefs after voters rejected a sales tax extension in April 2024, throwing in jeopardy a plan that would have helped fund a new $2 billion downtown ballpark for the Royals and $800 million in renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. That’s when Kansas lawmakers aggressively stepped in, authorizing STAR bonds to finance 70% of development projects with a minimum investment of a billion dollars.

Kansas Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from Wyandotte County, said Thursday he’s hearing talk that the team is headed to the Legends.

The site of the new stadium could be west of the Kansas Speedway, at the junction of Interstate 435 and Interstate 70. The potential entertainment district surrounding the stadium would be placed near other existing businesses, like Legends Outlets, the Hollywood Casino, and Sporting KC’s soccer stadium.

The Kansas Legislature during a special session last summer created a financial incentive package designed to lure the Chiefs and Royals across state lines. The law allows for STAR bonds to pay for 70% of a development project with a minimum investment of a billion dollars. The bonds would be paid through liquor sales and retail sales tax revenue in the development area, with a window up to 30 years.

Reaching a deal now could allow a stadium to open by 2031, when the team’s leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire.

The Chiefs began playing in Kansas City in 1963 after owner Lamar Hunt moved the franchise from Dallas. The team first played at Municipal Stadium, at 22nd Street and Brooklyn Avenue, then moved to Arrowhead in 1971. The Truman Sports Complex, on the city’s east side, is also home to the Royals and the teams share parking lots.

The Chiefs sold naming rights in 2021 to the Government Employees Health Association and the official name became&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-home-field-now-geha-field-at-arrowhead-stadium" target="_blank">GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium</a>.

The Chiefs’ negotiations with Kansas intensified last month when the team floated a request for proposals from firms to design a domed stadium, which would be available for use during the Super Bowl and other winter events. The team was said to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-11-11/chiefs-kansas-stadium-speedway-rfp" target="_blank">negotiating with NASCAR&nbsp;</a>for land near the Speedway.

Five months earlier, in June, the<a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2025-06-27/chiefs-kansas-stadium-extension" target="_blank">&nbsp;Chiefs requested an extension</a>&nbsp;to a deadline for a stadium financing package from the state of Kansas, which was an indication the NFL franchise’s move across the state line was a real possibility.

But that same month, Missouri’s Kehoe called lawmakers into a special session to offer a competing stadium financing deal, hoping for something that could keep both the Chiefs and the Royals on that side of the state line. The Missouri Legislature approved the plan, which authorized bonds covering up to half of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and more aid from local governments.

Kan. legislators to meet Monday about deal to bring KC Chiefs across the state line

BOONE COUNTY —Authorities in Missouri canceled an Amber Alert Thursday afternoon after two missing children were located and safe.

Just after 4p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued the Alert for&nbsp; a blue 2005 Lincoln Aviator with Missouri license plate GL7B2S. The vehicle was believed to be driving westbound on Interstate 70.

The suspect identified as 24-year-old Joy Ariel Smith was taken into custody at 4:42 p.m., according to the Patrol. Authorities

Patrol: Amber Alert suspect captured, children are safe

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/stephen-groves">STEPHEN GROVES</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats released several dozen more photos Thursday from the estate of the convicted sex offender&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>, showing his associations with the rich and famous, as the Department of Justice faces a deadline to release many of its case files on the late financier by the end of the week.

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cl62lochkdzdalbzzqgq8/ADJIDEfLD1oQZrKmNeae2So?dl=0&amp;e=2&amp;rlkey=y7529bx9tl7db6zf279jp3cyu&amp;st=8o7kizhr">Click&nbsp;here&nbsp;</a>to view the additional photos

The photos released Thursday were among more than 95,000 that the House Oversight Committee has received after issuing a subpoena for the photos that Epstein had in his possession before he died in a New York jail cell in 2019. Congress has also passed, and President Donald Trump has signed,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">a law requiring the Justice Department</a>&nbsp;to release its case files on Epstein, and his longtime girlfriend and confidante Ghislaine Maxwell, by Friday. Anticipation about what those files will show is running high after they have been the subject of conspiracy theories and speculation about his friendships with Trump, former President Bill Clinton, the former Prince Andrew, and others.

House Democrats have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-photos-released-democrats-trump-clinton-andrew-f256bd536bf4d2e63c37e59d50a65304">already released dozens</a>&nbsp;of photos from Epstein’s estate showing Trump, Clinton and Andrew, who lost his royal title and privileges this year amid scrutiny of his relationship with the wealthy financier. The photos released Thursday showed Epstein cooking with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman. The photos also include the billionaire Bill Gates and images of a 2011 dinner of notable people and wealthy philanthropists hosted by a nonprofit group. The committee made no accusations of wrongdoing by the men in the photos.

There were also images of passports, visas and identification cards from Russia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, South Africa and Lithuania with personally identifying information redacted, as well as photos of Epstein with women or girls whose faces were blacked out. The committee has said it is redacting information from the photos that may lead to the identity of victims being revealed.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the oversight panel, said in a statement that the “new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the DOJ must release the Epstein files now.”

See the pics: Dems drop new Epstein photos ahead of DOJ  deadline

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — TikTok has signed a deal to sell its U.S. business to three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — ensuring the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States.

The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. CEO Shou Zi Chew said in the memo that ByteDance and TikTok have signed binding agreements with the three investors.

TikTok signs deal to sell US unit to American investors

President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order that would&nbsp;reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug&nbsp;and open new avenues for medical research, a major shift in federal drug policy that inches closer to what many states have done.

The switch would move marijuana away from its current classification as a Schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD. Cannabis would instead be a Schedule III substance, like ketamine and some anabolic steroids.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the President's Executive Order and reminded the public, "rescheduling is not the same as legalization."

"The cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana-derived THC products remains illegal under state and federal law, and the KBI will continue to enforce existing laws. "

"The marijuana products sold today are highly potent and pose a direct threat to public health. Rescheduling will allow qualified scientists to conduct reliable research on the long-term impact on the human brain of the use of high-concentration THC products. We believe this will conclusively prove the connection between marijuana use and mental health disorders, especially in children and teens."

"Marijuana products remain just as illegal today as they were yesterday. The KBI will continue our efforts to protect Kansans, especially Kansas children, from those who sell these illegal and dangerous products."

KBI responds to Trump's move to reclassify marijuana

STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Former race driver Greg Biffle and members of his family were among seven people who died in a plane crash Thursday in North Carolina, state police said.

The business jet erupted into a large fire when it hit the ground while trying to land at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) north of Charlotte.

Flight records show the plane was registered to a company run by Biffle.

“Although the post-crash fire prevents us from releasing a definitive list of the occupants at this time, it is believed that Mr. Gregory Biffle and members of his immediate family were occupants of the airplane,” state police said.

Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family killed in plane crash

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Quest for November special session fell short, but Republicans may try again in January

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly predicted Tuesday the 2026 Legislature wouldn’t muster enough political support to implement a new congressional district map splitting Johnson County and making it easier to defeat Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in the midterm election.

Kelly, the two-term Democrat entering her final year as governor, said the political landscape in Kansas appeared unchanged since House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, conceded in November he lacked enough signatures from Kansas House members to trigger a special session on redistricting.

While Hawkins fell about 10 signatures short of the required supermajority needed to convene in special session, enough Kansas Senate Republicans signed a petition to authorize a special session devoted to congressional mapping. The GOP leadership’s objective has been to implement a Kansas map to oust Davids, the state’s lone Democrat in the federal delegation, without threatening the three incumbent Kansas Republicans in Congress.

The administration of President Donald Trump urged GOP-led states to gerrymander enough districts so Republicans could remain in control of the U.S. House.

Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said their strategy would be to consider redistricting when the 2026 Legislature convened Jan. 12 for its regular session.

“In some ways, I’ll be surprised if they even really bring it up,” Kelly said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “I don’t think a lot has changed in terms of where legislators stand on the issue.”

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