The Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday will consider the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the City of South Hutchinson, Reno County and Evergy that outlines how the entities will handle any annexation of the proposed power plant site south of the cities.

Under the agreement, both the City of Hutchinson and City of South Hutchinson acknowledge the value of the planned development and agree not to pursue annexation of the property until the project is complete.

Hutchinson City Commissioner Jon Richardson told Hutch Post that this&nbsp;“There was confusion about communications, and which city would be responsible for services,” Richardson said. "Because state officials sometimes misunderstand that Hutchinson and South Hutchinson are two separate cities, he said territorial assumptions can happen unintentionally."

“We’re going to work together as a team,” Richardson said. “We’ve all vocalized that we want this done cooperatively.”&nbsp;

Hutchinson is the final governing body to act on the memorandum. The South Hutchinson city council and Reno County Board of County Commissioners approved the agreement during meetings last week.

The agreement follows recent tensions between the cities after South Hutchinson initiated the annexation process during a special council meeting on Nov. 17. That action prompted a joint meeting among Hutchinson, South Hutchinson and Reno County leaders on Nov. 20, where officials discussed how best to coordinate on the project and avoid conflict moving forward.

The council will also vote on an ordinance authorizing general obligation (GO) bonds for several capital projects, including sidewalk upgrades, improvements to the Hutchinson Zoo’s nature play area, new equipment at Fairgrounds Park, and repairs to the Memorial Hall roof.

According to agenda documents, the city expects to cover a portion of the costs upfront and bond the remainder once the ordinance is in place.

The council will also consider updating the Planning &amp; Zoning Division’s master fee schedule for the first time since 1991.

City code allows the division to collect application fees, which help offset—but do not fully cover—the cost of processing applications. Staff say expenses have risen significantly over the past three decades.

A staff report notes that most proposed fees remain below the average charged by 12 comparable Kansas municipalities.

The city council meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall.&nbsp;

Council to consider approval of annexation MOU, fee increases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The season of giving is here, and Eagle Media is once again teaming up with Vermeer Great Plains and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) for the annual Adopt-A-Child program — a cherished community tradition that helps bring Christmas joy to children across Reno, Harvey, and McPherson counties.

This year, more than 200 children — from newborns to teenagers — are hoping for a brighter holiday thanks to the generosity of local residents. Each child’s Christmas wish list is provided through DCF, and Eagle Media is inviting community members to “adopt” one or more children by purchasing gifts from those lists.

“This is your opportunity to make a real difference for a child in need right here in our community,” said Eagle Media’s Randy McKay. “We see firsthand how much this program means to families every year, and it wouldn’t happen without the amazing support of our listeners and partners.”

Those interested in adopting a child can call (620) 662-4486 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email <a>randy.mckay@eaglemedia.com</a> to receive a child’s wish list.

Once the shopping is complete, participants are invited to bring their wrapped gifts to the drop-off celebration at the Eagle Media Center, 825 N. Main, on Friday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.&nbsp;

For nearly a decade, the Adopt-A-Child program has ensured that local children who might otherwise go without have a reason to smile during the holidays. Community members are encouraged to take part and help make this Christmas season a little brighter for kids across south-central Kansas.

Eagle Media, Vermeer Great Plains kicks off Adopt-A-Child 2025

Adam Wooten and Richard Haley stopped by the BW Morning Show to talk about their service to the law enforcement officers in Reno County.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show interview: Adam Wooten and Richard Haley, Chaplains for Reno County

Carla Stanfield from the United Way of Reno County stopped by the BW Morning Show to visit about Giving Tuesday.

🎧 BW Morning Show interview: Carla Stanfield, United Way of Reno County

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. ——————————————

Makayla	Nickole	Stubby	12/1/2025 12:33&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Autumn	Leigh	Kelley	12/1/2025 12:35&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

John	Robert	Brown	12/1/2025 2:21&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jason	Ryan	Matthews	12/1/2025 3:53&nbsp;PM	Agg battery; Reckless great bodily harm,&nbsp;Mistreat dependent adult/elder; Physical injury

Luisa	Kay Maribel	Zubia	12/1/2025 5:20&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jesse	Ray	DeLaCruz	12/1/2025 5:32&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation, Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

The Reno Choral Society will present its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children in grades K–8. An immediate family ticket is available for $30, but only at the door. All other tickets may be purchased from any Reno Choral Society member or by calling 620-669-9123.

The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols dates back to Christmas Eve 1919, when it was first performed at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England. The service has since become a cherished tradition in churches around the world, each adapting the program to its own community. The theme centers on the birth of Christ, conveyed through scripture readings and carols that span more than six centuries. The selections highlight well-known favorites, newer compositions, and music traditionally used in the famed King’s College Christmas Eve service.

In keeping with the group’s ecumenical mission, worship leaders from various area churches will join society members in presenting this year’s readings.

The Reno Choral Society is a long-standing, non-auditioned community choir recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This year’s concert is under the direction of Roger Wilson, a Hutchinson resident and veteran music educator with 38 years of experience. Wilson holds degrees from Kansas Wesleyan University and Wichita State University and currently teaches vocal music in Sedgwick after many years at Hutchinson High School.

The Society also announced its 2026 performance schedule at Trinity United Methodist Church: Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m., and Salute to America on Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m.

Organizers encourage the community to mark their calendars and join in celebrating the season with this historic and uplifting musical tradition.

Reno Choral Society to Present 'Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols'

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStormInfo forecast.</a>

Three-Day Outlook

Delivered to your virtual porch every morning — on time and free :-)

<a href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE!</a>

Sign up for the Hutch Post Morning News Update!

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

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

Recent obituaries and service times

We had the opportunity to visit with&nbsp;Hutchinson City Councilmember John&nbsp;Richardson&nbsp;addressing&nbsp;questions about property taxes, regional cooperation with Reno County and&nbsp;the city of&nbsp;South Hutchinson, major economic-development projects, and compensation for local elected officials as his own term&nbsp;comes to an end.&nbsp;

Richardson said recent social media posts he shared&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;property tax data sparked strong community interest. Many residents assume Hutchinson and Reno County have the highest tax rates in Kansas, but Richardson pointed to Kansas Department of Revenue maps showing&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;not the case when compared objectively.&nbsp;

The map he posted last week focused on property tax dollars collected per capita—a measurement that reflects the total taxes paid in a county divided by the population. He noted&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;useful for comparing counties but does not&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;what an individual taxpayer pays.&nbsp;

Richardson encouraged residents to examine their own property trends through the Reno County GIS system, where tax histories for individual parcels show gradual annual increases rather than dramatic jumps.&nbsp;

He added that mill levies adjust based on rising property values and inflation pressures. The City of Hutchinson’s levy has hovered between 40 and 44 mills over the past several years and currently sits at about 42 mills. Even when the city cuts spending, he said, the inflationary cost of operating municipal services still pushes budgets upward.&nbsp;

Richardson also discussed&nbsp;the&nbsp;joint work session between the City of Hutchinson, City of South Hutchinson, and Reno County, held at&nbsp;the&nbsp;&nbsp;Sand&nbsp;Hills&nbsp;Center. The primary outcome was a collaborative agreement to pause any&nbsp;annexation&nbsp;actions related to&nbsp;Evergy’s&nbsp;planned facility south of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

“There was confusion about&nbsp;communications&nbsp;and which city would be responsible for services,” Richardson said. Because state officials sometimes misunderstand that Hutchinson and South Hutchinson are two separate cities, he said territorial assumptions can happen unintentionally.&nbsp;

To avoid conflict, all three entities agreed to&nbsp;set&nbsp;annexation aside while&nbsp;Evergy&nbsp;begins construction. As infrastructure needs arise, the parties will jointly&nbsp;determine&nbsp;which&nbsp;jurisdiction&nbsp;is best equipped to provide resources.&nbsp;

A non-annexation agreement&nbsp;formalizing that commitment is scheduled for discussion at the Hutchinson City Council meeting Tuesday night.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/04bec506-e5bc-46f2-8bf0-f515f123f59f">LINK:&nbsp;Evergy to build 705 MW natural gas plant in Reno County</a>

Richardson said the&nbsp;Evergy&nbsp;project has already spurred new interest from outside businesses considering the region. While details&nbsp;remain&nbsp;confidential, he said the three local governmental entities&nbsp;must coordinate resources and strategies so they can respond as a unified&nbsp;economic-development&nbsp;front.&nbsp;

And although much of the discussion centers on the industrial corridor north of town, Richardson emphasized the approach must be county-wide, aligning with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber’s recruitment efforts.&nbsp;

“Hutchinson isn’t an island,” he said. “The closer a project is to our city limits, the more service options we can provide—but economic development is a regional effort.”&nbsp;

Following the recent discussion by the Reno County&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;we asked&nbsp;Richardson&nbsp;about whether elected officials should receive improved compensation. While he cannot speak for the county, he noted Hutchinson City Council members receive no pay at all, despite the significant hours, travel, and time away from work that the role requires.&nbsp;

He recently raised the idea of discussing future compensation—not for the current council, but for future office holders—to ensure residents of all income levels can afford to serve.&nbsp;

“There’s a perception that only the well-to-do or the elites make decisions in Hutchinson,” he said. “If people&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;afford the time or the cost to be on&nbsp;the&nbsp;council, they simply&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;run. This is a challenge in every rural community.”&nbsp;

He said volunteer service is important, but added, “It shouldn’t cost you to be on a council or board.”&nbsp;

Richardson’s term ends in&nbsp;January, and he thanked the community for the opportunity to serve. He will continue to be active on other boards and in his professional work. Mayor&nbsp;Stacy&nbsp;Goss&nbsp;was recently elected to Richardson’s northwest district seat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richardson talks, property tax data, Evergy plant 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2026 program is Thursday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Saturday, Jan. 31, will receive a KBS sweatshirt or polo. Furthermore, delegates who are returning for a second year have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three people from their school (or another school) to attend.

Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/collegecredit/">three-hour course credit</a>&nbsp;(Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through Kansas State University at a 72% discount, as well as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/scouts/">earn merit badges</a>&nbsp;to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/our-program/samsung-scholarship/">apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship</a>. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ksbstate.org/sponsor">ksbstate.org/sponsor</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.&nbsp; For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration open for 2026 American Legion Boys State

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A Kansas teacher, accused of sex crimes involving a student, is due back in court Tuesday.

Nicole Morgan Baird Hernandez, 30, will appear for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, she was charged with four counts of unlawful sexual relations with a student, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She was an art teacher at Wichita North High School, according to the school web site.&nbsp;The student involved was over the age of 16, according to the arrest report.

On May 22, police arrested her in the 300 Block of West Tyler in Wichita. She met the requirement for bond and was released from custody the following day.

Preliminary hearing: Kan. art teacher accused of sex crime with student

MAZONE, a leading German agricultural machinery manufacturer, has chosen the Wichita region for its new North American parts and distribution facility, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion in the United States. 

The 30,000-square-foot facility, located on a 6.5-acre site in El Dorado, will be used for the storage and shipment of AMAZONE agricultural machinery and spare parts across the U.S., as well as for final assembly. The new operation complements AMAZONE’s growing presence across North America and reinforces its long-term commitment to serving customers in one of the country’s most important agricultural regions. 

“Despite the current challenging market conditions, we believe strongly in the potential of the U.S.agricultural sector. Establishing our presence in Kansas underscores our confidence in the region and our commitment to growing alongside our partners and customers. El Dorado’s ideal logistical location enables us to respond faster, deliver more efficiently, and better support the U.S. market,” said Christian and Dr. Justus Dreyer, chairmen of the management board and owners of the AMAZONE Group.

“I’m incredibly happy and excited for our new location in El Dorado, a milestone that truly reflects how far we’ve come. From being the first employee in the USA to witnessing our growth to this point, it’s clear that the hard work of our team and AMAZONE has made this achievement possible,” shared Marc Heater, Director of Sales and Marketing, AMAZONE USA.

The decision to expand to El Dorado reflects the region’s strategic advantages, including its central location along Interstate 35 between Kansas City and Wichita, proximity to major rail and air cargo hubs, and access to a labor market with highly trained technical specialists.

“AMAZONE’s investment in Kansas is a powerful example of how the state’s proactive international engagement delivers results,” Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “The company exemplifies the international partnerships the Kelly–Toland administration is cultivating to elevate Kansas’ competitiveness on the global stage.”

AMAZONE has been active in North America since the 1970s, initially through the sale of fertilizer spreaders under the Easy Flow and New Idea brand names. Building on that success, the company founded its subsidiary AMAZONE Inc. in Canada in 2016 and AMAZONE USA Inc. in Delaware in 2021, establishing a strong North American foundation with more than 30 employees supporting local farmers and dealers across the continent.

“We’re proud that AMAZONE chose the Wichita region for its new North American operations. This decision reflects the strength of our workforce, the region’s central location and the collaborative business environment that makes Kansas such a compelling choice for global companies,” said Jeff Fluhr, President of the Greater Wichita Partnership.

“We are thrilled to welcome AMAZONE to El Dorado. Their investment strengthens our local economy, creates new opportunities and highlights the region as an attractive location for international companies looking to grow in the United States,” added Sarah Hoefgen, Executive Director of El Dorado Inc.

The project was supported by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Greater Wichita Partnership, El Dorado Inc. and local stakeholders, who helped AMAZONE evaluate the Wichita region and identify El Dorado as the ideal location for its operations.

AMAZONE is operational in El Dorado, with the flexibility to expand the facility as market conditions evolve. The company is actively hiring to support this expansion. Interested candidates are encouraged to view and apply for open positions here.

In recognition of its commitment to innovation and technology, AMAZONE was named Germany’s Most Innovative Medium-Sized Company in 2024 by WirtschaftsWoche, a leading business magazine, and again honored in 2025 by Stern magazine as the Most Innovative Medium-Sized Company in the Agriculture and Agricultural Machinery Sector for the second year in a row.

German Ag Manufacturer to open new facility in El Dorado

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Air travelers in the U.S. without a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-may-required-air-travel-flying-d3c748cae8c2f496f2b496b53aab6724">REAL ID</a>&nbsp;will be charged a $45 fee beginning in February, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday.

The updated ID has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/real-id-travelers-tsa-when-deadline-f0923fe95923e9675d556ee7e08df326">required since May</a>, but passengers without it have so far been allowed to clear security with additional screening and a warning. The Department of Homeland Security says 94% of passengers are already compliant and that the new fee is intended to encourage travelers to obtain the ID.

REAL ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that meets enhanced requirements mandated in the aftermath of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/september-11-attacks">Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks</a>.

Obtaining the ID — indicated by a white star in a yellow circle in most states — means taking more documents to the motor vehicle agency than most states require for regular IDs. It was supposed to be rolled out in 2008 but the implementation had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-i-need-real-id-7911495d6643b02c205d496a9af4e322">repeatedly delayed</a>.

Beginning Feb. 1, travelers 18 and older flying domestically without a REAL ID and who don’t have another accepted form of ID on them, such as a passport, will pay the non-refundable fee to verify their identity through TSA’s alternative “Confirm.ID” system.

TSA officials said that paying the fee does not guarantee verification, and travelers whose identities cannot be verified may be turned away. If approved, however, the verification covers a 10-day travel period.

The fee can be paid online before arriving at the airport. Travelers can also pay online at the airport before entering the security line, but officials said the process may take up to 30 minutes.

The TSA initially proposed an $18 charge for passengers without a REAL ID, but officials said Monday they raised it after realizing the alternative identification program would cost more than anticipated.

Other acceptable forms of ID include military IDs, permanent resident cards and photo IDs from federally recognized tribal nations. TSA also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apple-iphone-travel-passport-ae7ab15d6a32e6005d9c85def4e39737">accepts digital IDs</a>&nbsp;through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsa.gov/digital-id/participating-states" target="_blank">more than 250 airports</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

US air travelers without REAL IDs will soon be charged a hefty fee

FINNEY COUNTY —A southwest Kansas man is another casualty of the war between Ukraine and Russia.

On their social media page, the Garden City airport shared the news of the death of Zach Scheiman who worked at the airport since 2014.

"We are truly heartbroken with the loss of our colleague and top notch air traffic controller Zach Scheiman. Zach was killed in action in Stepnohirsk, Ukraine while serving with the Ukrainian Special Forces."

"Zach spent many days in his youth in Garden City, taking pictures of aircraft, helping with events, and observing his father Mike in the air traffic control tower."

"As an adult, Zach served in the US Air Force at Altus AFB, Mildenhall RAF, England, Iraq, Qatar and Eglin AFB.  Zach came back to Garden City as an air traffic controller for the past 11 years."

"Zach was always an inspiration to the school kids that would tour the tower. He was patient and helpful with student pilots over the air and in person when they visited the tower."

"Zach volunteered his time in the community serving on the local arts board and presenting on the air traffic control field at local career fairs. He also devoted much time to producing recitals and shows, like The Nutcracker and the Wizard of Oz, for a local dance studio."

"Zach built kids games for the Art in the Park festival and volunteered his off-duty time to setting up, working, and tearing down the Tumbleweed Music Festival."

"Zach was a lover of aviation and animals, rescuing and adopting many animals himself. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made in Zach's honor with the Wings of Rescue, which provides transportation for animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster areas."

SW Kansas man killed  serving in the Ukraine -Russia war

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a missing persons case say it is now a homicide investigation.

The victim, according to Independence police, Elayjah Murray, was reported missing on Nov. 28. Police learned Murray had possibly been shot. He was found dead in South Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday.

Police want to speak with 28-year-old Eric Phillips II in connection with the homicide investigation.

Search continues: Missing person case now KC homicide investigation

BARTON COUNTY—Two Kansas teens are in custody for a burglary in Great Bend.

Just after 4a.m. November 28, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a commercial burglary alarm at N-Stant Convenience, 3220 10th Street, Great Bend, according to a media release.

Officers located a large window broken out by a brick. Officers made entry into the building and ensured the building was unoccupied. After contacting staff members of the business, police were able to identify two juvenile suspects, ages 16 and 17, due to prior contacts throughout the night.&nbsp;

Prior to receiving this call for service, at 12:30 a.m. that same morning, Officers had received a similar alarm call at Ampride, 2300 10th Street, Great Bend.&nbsp; At the time of the call, the business was secure and undamaged. Later in the morning, Officers returned to Ampride and requested to observe security video prior to the alarm going off. Officers were able to identify the same two juveniles attempting to throw a large rock through the window to gain access to the business, but they were unsuccessful. The two juveniles fled the scene prior to officer arrival for the alarm. 

Officers located the juveniles and placed them under arrest for Burglary and Possession of Tobacco by Minors and Attempted Burglary for their actions at Ampride.

 The juveniles were booked into the Barton County Jail where they were referred to the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services for placement in juvenile detention.

Police: 16 and 17-year-old used a brick in Kan. business burglary

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The State of Kansas ends November 2025 with total tax collections at $687.0 million. That is $1.9 million, or 0.3%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.7% from November 2024, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FKSOG%2F2025%2F12%2F01%2Ffile_attachments%2F3477830%2F05_November_Revenue_FY2026_12-01-2025_Final.pdf/1/0101019adb79f0c5-7a9f1fbe-6801-41de-a747-3369c8ea9658-000000/kNcVtjhbLgOnlnkMo6TKHmxoELownFjgIxcTnGG8mmg=433">here</a>&nbsp;to view the November 2025 revenue numbers.

“November’s tax collections were nearly on target overall. While individual income tax collections were up, corporate income tax collections were again below estimates and significantly below November 2024 levels,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As I develop my next budget proposal I am not considering just Fiscal Year 2027, I am also looking on to the out-years to keep our state on solid financial footing.”

Individual income tax collections were $368.5 million. That is $7.9 million, or 2.2% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 9.9% from November 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.7 million. That is $968,253, or 4.9% below the estimate, and down 23.5% from November 2024.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $276.2 million, which is $9.0 million, or 3.1% below the estimate, and down 3.9% from November 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor: Not great news in Kan. November tax collection report

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has commuted the prison sentence of former investment manager David Gentile, who was convicted of defrauding investors — the latest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">series of clemency actions</a>&nbsp;Trump has taken in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pardons-trump-clemency-prisoners-donors-campaign-a81cb5e1115dd7f9e3df69cfb19c948b">white-collar criminal cases</a>.

Gentile had reported to prison on Nov. 14, just days before Trump commuted his sentence, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to provide details of the clemency action. Gentile had been the CEO and co-founder of GPB Capital, which had raised $1.6 billion in capital to acquire companies in the auto, retail, health care and housing sectors.

He had been sentenced to seven years in prison after an August 2024 conviction for his role in what the Justice Department at the time described as a scheme to defraud more than 10,000 investors by misrepresenting the performance of three private equity funds.

But the White House official said GPB Capital had disclosed to investors in 2015 that their capital might go to pay dividends to other investors, which the White House said undercut claims that the company had engaged in a “Ponzi” scheme in which new investments are used to reimburse previous investors.

The government has agreed to no restitution in the criminal case, though various civil cases are handling repayments and damages to investors.

Trump frees man convicted of fraud just days Into 7-year prison sentence

ALLEN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Monday in Allen County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reporrted a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Jerri Linn Francis, 58, Chanute, was southbound on U.S. 169 just east of 150th Street. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2019 GMC Sierra driven by Rogers II, Charles Edward&nbsp; Rogers II, 19, Iola, head-on.

Francis was pronounced at the scene. EMS transported Rogers to Wesley Medical Center. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the crash, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed in head-on pickup crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy is in jail on felony charges out of St. Charles County, Missouri.

On Sunday, Derby police conducted a traffic stop on Deputy Kadin Scritchfield, 20, of Derby, for an alleged traffic violation. During the stop, officers confirmed Scritchfield had an active felony warrant, according to sheriff's department spokesman Branden Stitt.

Scritchfield was taken into custody on allegations of Threatening Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Sexual Images and First-Degree Harassment from an incident reported in December 2024.

Although the allegations against Scritchfield are reported to have occurred in December 2024, the felony warrant was not signed by a St. Charles County judge until Oct. 1, 2025.

The deputy completed a full background investigation before being hired in August 2025 and had already entered the training academy prior to the issuance of the warrant, according to the sheriff's office. At the time of the background check, Scritchfield did not have any active warrants and was not listed as a suspect in any case.

The Sheriff’s Office was not notified of the Missouri charges or the warrant when it was issued in October. Sedgwick County officials first became aware of the situation during the deputy’s arrest on Sunday.

All applicants are required to report any law enforcement contact during the hiring and background investigation process. The deputy did not report any law enforcement contact related to this matter, as required by policy.

Scritchfield joined the Sheriff’s Office as a probationary employee in September 2025. His employment has since been terminated.

Scritchfield is being held without bond in the Sedgwick County Jail pending extradition to Missouri.

Man was wanted in Missouri when he was hired as Kan. jail deputy

The Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its preseason rankings for high school girls and boys basketball on Monday. Several area teams are ranked in their respective classifications.

Halstead girls (3A), Moundridge girls (2A), Hesston boys (3A) and Sterling boys (2A) are the area teams ranked No. 1 in their classes heading into this first week of competition.

6A Girls 1. Derby 2. Olathe South 3. Olathe North 4. Topeka - Washburn Rural 5. Olathe West 6. OP - Blue Valley North 7. Wichita East 8. Topeka High 9. Manhattan 10. Liberal

5A Girls 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Maize South 3. Andover 4. St. James Academy 5. Kansas City Piper 6. Topeka Seaman 7. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 8. Spring Hill 9. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 10. Hays

4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Bishop Miege 3. Topeka–Hayden 4. Eudora 5. Andale 6. Wamego 7. Clay Center 8. Buhler 9. Altamont - Labette County 10. McPherson

3A Girls 1. Halstead 2. Silver Lake 3. Osage City 4. Hesston 5. Colby 6. Holcomb 7. Goodland 8. Girard 9. Riley County 10. Cheney

2A Girls 1. Moundridge 2. Pittsburg- St. Mary's Colgan 3. Inman 4. Highland - Doniphan West 5. Ellinwood 6. Hillsboro 7. Eureka 8. Blue Rapids - Valley Heights 9. Cottonwood Falls - Chase County 10. Oakley

1A Division&nbsp;1&nbsp; Girls 1. Little River 2. Centralia 3. Quinter 4. Alma - Wabaunsee 5. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 6. Jetmore - Hodgeman County 7. Troy 8. Frankfort 9. Montezuma - South Gray 10. Mankato - Rock Hills

1A Division 2 Girls 1. Hanover 2. Linn 3. Bucklin 4. Melvern - Marais des Cynges Valley 5. Lebo 6. Bird City - Cheylin 7. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 8. Attica 9. Axtell 10. Hutchinson - Central Christian

6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Shawnee - Mill Valley 4. OP - Blue Valley High 5. OP - Blue Valley North 6. Derby 7. Wichita Heights 8. Maize 9. Topeka - Washburn Rural 10. OP - Blue Valley Northwest

5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Kansas City Piper 3. Andover 4. Great Bend 5. Topeka - Highland Park 6. Topeka - Shawnee Heights 7. Topeka West 8. Bonner Springs 9. Topeka - Seaman 10. Maize South

4A Boys 1. Baldwin 2. Rock Creek 3. McPherson 4. Ottawa 5. Andale 6. Pratt 7. OP- Bishop Miege 8. Topeka Hayden 9. Eudora 10. Atchison

3A Boys 1. Hesston 2. Cheney 3. Silver Lake 4. Holcomb 5. Goodland 6. Nemaha Central 7. Burlington 8. Scott City 9. Wichita - Collegiate 10. Beloit

2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Moundridge 3. Brookville - Ell Saline 4. Rossville 5. Pittsburg - St. Mary's Colgan 6. Salina - Sacred Heart 7. St. Mary's 8. Elbing - Berean Academy 9. Valley Falls 10. Bennington

1A Division 1 Boys 1. Olpe 2. Coldwater-South Central 3. Montezuma-South Gray 4. Lincoln 5. Centralia 6. Little River 7. Frankfort 8. Alma-Wabaunsee 9. Burlingame 10. Canton-Galva

1A Division 2 Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Cunningham 4. McPherson - Elyria Christian 5. Weskan 6. Hutchinson- Central Christian 7. Lebo 8. Wallace County - Sharon Springs 9. Logan - Palco 10. Victoria

🏀 Several area teams ranked in KBCA preseason high school rankings

🎧🏀 K-State falls to Bowling Green; 🏀 KU hosts UConn in battle of Blue Bloods

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid sounded downright defiant Monday when asked about his team’s dwindling playoff hopes, which took a hit not only last week amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-d5f390be8edd69ad348ee80d8e201fc3">a Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys</a>&nbsp;but over the weekend when other results didn’t go their way.

The reigning AFC champions are 6-6 with five games remaining, and even if the Chiefs win them all, they’ll still need help to return to the postseason. Because when the Steelers lost to the Bills on Sunday, that dropped Kansas City to 10th in the AFC playoff pecking order, thanks in part to a disappointing 3-4 record against the rest of the conference.

Depending on the metrics, the Chiefs have a roughly 1-in-3 chance of playing in the postseason.

“If you’re coming to me,” Reid said Monday, “we’re going to go after you every game, and that’s how we roll. We’re going to tickle your tonsils on every play, every game. But that’s the attitude we’re coming in with, and then you let the chips fall where they may.”

The Chiefs are third in the AFC West as they prepare to play the Texans on Sunday night, and are nearly eliminated from their pursuit of a 10th consecutive division title. Now, their focus is on extending a playoff streak that goes back to the 2015 season, the third with Reid as the head coach, and three full seasons before Patrick Mahomes became the starting quarterback.

There is reason for hope: The previous time Kansas City was 6-6 was 2017, and it won its last four games to earn a wild-card bid.

“Every season is different,” Reid said. “This is a sport of challenges. That’s what it is. It’s probably a microcosm of life as you look at it. There’s always challenges. ... There’s such a small margin between winning and losing that every week is a challenge, a major challenge. That’s how you have to approach it, and you have to be ready for it.”

The biggest challenges the Chiefs are facing right now are of their own making. They’ve been dragged down by penalties and mental mistakes throughout much of the season, including in their 31-28 loss to the Cowboys, when a series of flags during the fourth quarter prevented them from having a chance to pull off a comeback victory.

Kansas City has allowed the fifth-most penalty yardage in the NFL this season.

“We have to make sure we take care of business with the penalties, keep working our fundamentals and techniques,” Reid said. “Not saying I agree with all of them, or half of them (against Dallas). But they took place. We’re not going to use that as an excuse.”

Nor was Reid willing to make any excuses for the Kansas City pass rush, which has produced just 22 sacks this season, a total that is better than just five other teams. Or a defense that has produced 11 turnovers, a total better than three other teams.

“You’re one or two plays away and that’s what this game is,” Reid said. ”You look at our season, we’re one or two plays off, and we take care of that — whether it’s a penalty at a crucial time, a possible turnover somewhere, or having a chance to create a turnover — we are right in position where if we can figure out those two, three plays, you flip this around.”

And while Reid sounded defiant about the Chiefs’ playoff peril Monday, he also understands the reality of the situation.

“You’re not going to hear a lot of positives from the outside coming in,” Reid said, “so you have to make sure you understand where you really sit, and the opportunity you have sitting in front of you. You know, there’s still opportunities.”

🏈 Andy Reid defiant as Chiefs’ playoff hopes dwindle after Thanksgiving loss

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Sam Towns scored a career-high 27 points shooting 9 of 14, and Bowling Green upset Kansas State 82-66 on Monday in a game the Falcons led from the start.

It was Bowling Green's first win over a Power 4 opponent since beating Virginia Tech on the road, 72-71, on Nov. 12, 2005.

Towns, who has played at least a half-dozen college basketball games a season since his career started at Ohio in 2020-21, shot 3 of 5 from 3-point range and made all six of his foul shots.

Javontae Campbell and Javon Ruffin each scored 17 points for the Falcons (6-2). Bowling Green shot 45% (28 of 62) overall and 46% (12 of 26) from 3-point range. Kansas State shot just 26% (6 of 23) from 3.

David Castillo scored 22 points and P.J. Haggerty 17 for the Wildcats (5-3).

Khamari McGriff had a dunk and Haggerty had a layup to bring Kansas State within 33-31 with 5:39 left before halftime. Bowling Green responded by outscoring the Wildcats 16-4 to close the half and went to the break up 49-35.

The Jayhawks only got within single digits twice (63-52 with 8:12 left and 63-55 with 7:21 to go) after halftime.

It was the first meeting between the teams.

Bowling Green is off to its best start since beginning the 2020-21 season 9-2.

Bowling Green hosts Utah Valley on Saturday.

🏀 Towns scores 27 points to lead Bowling Green past Kansas State

Women's head coach John Ontjes Freshman Whitney Brown Men's head coach Kyle Fisher Men's assistant Zack Price

🎧🏀 Dragon Talk with John Ontjes and Kyle Fisher

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHMY-FM (93.1)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KHUT-FM (102.9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">HERE</a>&nbsp;to listen to KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5)

Dragon Talk with John Ontjes &amp; Kyle Fisher, 6-7 p.m. (KWBW) K-State MBB vs. Bowling Green, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY) Chiefs Kingdom Show, 7-8 p.m. (KWBW)

HutchCC WBB/MBB at Barton, 5:15 p.m. pregame, 5:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT, KWBW) Chris Klieman Show, 7-8 p.m. (KHMY)

Local

Region

Sports