The Kansas Corporation Commission this week approved two settlement agreements allowing Evergy Kansas Central to recover costs for three new power generation facilities, including two gas plants and a utility-scale solar farm aimed at meeting rising electric demand and improving grid reliability.

The utility’s plan generated significant interest after its application was filed in November. Thirty-one parties formally intervened in the case alongside Evergy and KCC staff.

The Commission unanimously approved the agreement covering the new solar project, called Kansas Sky, which will be located in Douglas County and fully owned by Evergy Kansas Central. Construction costs for the facility are estimated at $228.1 million. Regulators said the project will help diversify the state’s energy mix, which remains largely reliant on wind and fossil fuels.

“Very little utility-scale solar generation has been successfully developed in Kansas so far, and solar can complement the region’s existing resources,” the Commission wrote in its order.

A separate non-unanimous settlement agreement covering the gas plants was also approved. Under the plan, Evergy will build two combined cycle gas turbine plants totaling 1,420 megawatts of capacity — one near Viola in Sumner County and the other in Reno County. Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Missouri West will share 50% ownership of the gas plants, with Evergy Kansas Central’s estimated share totaling more than $1.5 billion.

Construction on the Viola plant is expected to be completed by January 2029, while the Reno County facility is projected to come online by January 2030.

The Commission said the gas plants are a “reliable plan” to expand generation capacity and include safeguards to protect customers from potential cost overruns.

Thursday’s order noted that rates will not increase immediately, except for a rider authorized by the Legislature that allows Evergy to recover some construction costs after work begins. Other costs must go through future rate cases.

However, the Commission signaled frustration over the frequency of Evergy’s rate hike requests.

“The Commission is troubled by the frequency and magnitude of rate cases and strongly encourages Evergy to focus on pacing investment to better align with load growth and mitigate large rate increases,” regulators wrote.

While acknowledging that new generation is needed for reliability and economic growth, the Commission said it expects Evergy to seriously evaluate less costly alternatives, including demand response programs, grid upgrades and surplus interconnection sites.

KCC approves Evergy plans for new gas, solar facilities 

PRATT COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Friday in Pratt County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Buick Encore driven by&nbsp;Prosser, Riley Cheyenne&nbsp;Prosser, 21, Pratt, was Eastbound on SW 50th Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 1962 Chevy Truck driven by Christopher Michael&nbsp; Sanders, 35, Pratt, was northbound on SW 20th Avenue. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time and collided.&nbsp;

Prosser was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Larrison's Mortuary. EMS transported Sanders to&nbsp;Ascension via Christi St. Francis and a passenger in the truck identified as Jorden Samuel&nbsp;House, 18, Pratt, to Pratt Regional Medical Center. All three were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dead, 2 injured after pickup, SUV crash

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIROMENT 

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Zenda public water supply system located in Kingman County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Zenda indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 620-243-7710 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F468%2FDisruption-in-Water-Service%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000197fa29aed7-4d3765e6-cc60-4790-baa8-055e84f886fc-000000/2GBoNL_YY6MGo0MD2v9vw8F77jGqL5-oOxmV7VARILM=413">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service</a>.

Rescinded: Boil Water Advisory for City of Zenda 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Friday morning in the 400 block of East Avenue C.

Crews were dispatched at 2:26 a.m. and arrived to find light smoke coming from the west side of the home and possibly the attic. All residents were able to evacuate safely without injury.

Firefighters determined the fire was primarily located on the exterior of the structure and quickly extinguished the flames. Crews remained on scene to ventilate the home, perform overhaul operations, and assist with the investigation.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The Hutchinson Fire Department thanked Hutchinson/Reno County emergency communications, the Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Evergy, and the Red Cross for their assistance.

Hutchinson firefighters respond to early morning house fire

WASHINGTON, DC – With summer road trips in full swing, drivers are getting a break at the pump, as gas prices match July 2021 numbers. 

The national average for a gallon of gas dipped as low as $3.14 this past week before going up a few cents to $3.17. It’s been four years since the national average has been this low during the summer. 

This season’s lower pump prices are due to an abundance of supply in the oil market. 

Halfway through the year, the national gas price comparison chart shows how steady prices have remained in 2025 compared to recent years.&nbsp;

Today’s National Average: $3.172&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Week Ago: $3.162&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Month Ago: $3.121&nbsp; •&nbsp; One Year Ago: $3.538&nbsp;

The state average is slightly lower from last week at $2.884 and is up two cents per gallon from a month ago.&nbsp;

• Today’s State Average: $2.884 • One Week Ago: $2.891 • One Month Ago: $2.860 • One Year Ago: $3.162

Here are the average prices around the area.&nbsp; • Reno County: $2.621 • McPherson County: $2.783&nbsp; • Stafford County: $2.810 • Harvey County: $2.861 • Rice County: $2.870 • Sedgwick County: $2.929 • Pratt County: $2.943 • Kingman County: $3.01

Averages are for regular grade gasoline.&nbsp;

Gas prices match lows from 4 years ago

Officer Lane Hammond of the Hutchinson Police Department's traffic division stopped by to visit about traffic concerns around the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Officer Lane Hammond, Hutchinson Police 

Dr. Marilyn Graham the Executive Director of First Call for Help stopped by to visit about 'Adopt a Student' and other services that First Call for Help offers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Marilyn Graham, First Call for Help 

Fuel prices are going higher, but it's not because ethanol or the grain to make it is increasing.&nbsp; 

In just one week, the nation’s average price of gasoline has increased almost ten cents.&nbsp; 

The average diesel prices recorded their largest weekly jump during that same time.&nbsp;

Ag Minute: Fuel prices 

TOPEKA — Kansas education officials say nearly $50 million in federal funding for student learning, teacher development and other support services is now in limbo after the U.S. Department of Education abruptly delayed payments that had already been appropriated by Congress.

Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson said he was notified late on Monday, June 30, that the federal agency is reviewing several Title programs — leaving Kansas districts without a clear timeline for when the money will arrive, or if it will come at all.

“Normally we would receive notice by July 1 that these funds are being awarded for the coming school year,” Watson said. “Now, the funding for these programs remains uncertain as we wait for the U.S. Department of Education’s review.”

The delay affects multiple programs that provide critical support for Kansas students and teachers:

Watson warned that cuts to Title II-A and Title IV-A in particular could hit rural districts the hardest. Many rural schools rely on federal funds through the Rural Education Achievement Program, which gives them flexibility to use broader federal funds to meet local needs.

In addition to the delayed Title programs, the U.S. Department of Education has also suspended payments for adult basic and literacy education, including GED completion programs overseen by the Kansas Board of Regents.

“We don’t know when the review of these and other programs will be completed or if we will receive the already approved funding,” Watson said. “There is no timetable for when these funds will be released, if ever, and Kansas districts should plan accordingly.”

Kansas schools face uncertainty after federal title funds delayed 

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. ——————————————

Deana	Faye Ferris&nbsp;7/10/2025 9:39 AM&nbsp; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

Patrick Scott Berry 7/10/2025 10:57 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage,&nbsp;Flee &amp; Elude; 1st Offense,&nbsp;DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,&nbsp;Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions,&nbsp; Aggravated assault; w/ deadly weapon,&nbsp;Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,&nbsp;Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon,&nbsp;

Louis Pina Cabra 10/2 PM&nbsp; Probation Violation

Ben Cody Tucker&nbsp;7/10/2025 2:38 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Rebecca	Leann Lane&nbsp;7/10/2025 3:37 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Ryan	Wayne&nbsp;Pinkston&nbsp;7/10/2025 3:38 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Probation Violation

Donald	Eugene&nbsp;Jackson&nbsp;7/10/2025 6:13 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to Appear

Davin Lee Rose&nbsp;7/10/2025 7:24 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Theft; Property or Services; More than $100,000,&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

Araseli&nbsp;Albarez&nbsp;7/10/2025 9:29 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle,&nbsp;Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard,&nbsp;DL Violation; No Drivers License

Anthony	Lee&nbsp;Everhart&nbsp;7/11/2025 6:32 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;DL Violation; No Drivers License in Possession,&nbsp;Violate protection order; Condition of release



Daily Bookings 

Despite early drought, uneven stands and losses to wheat streak mosaic virus, some farmers are reporting better than expected yields, with test weights and protein levels starting strong before tapering off due to late rains. Overall, the 2025 season has been an improvement over recent years.

Stan Remington, CEO of Frontier Ag, described this year’s wheat harvest as average overall, though results varied across their trade territory, which stretches from the Colorado border to Ogallah along I-70, and from the Nebraska line south to Ransom and Utica along Highway 4. With harvest now about 90 percent complete in their territory, Remington noted that the 2025 season stands out as above average when compared to the past few years.

In the northwest corner of the state, yields came in a little lower than expected. Fields north of Highway 24 also struggled, with several producers reporting below-average performance. Meanwhile, the Ness County area saw a stronger crop. As with most years, weather conditions made all the difference.

One of the bigger challenges this year came from wheat streak mosaic virus, which showed up more frequently along the I-70 corridor. These areas saw some of the most disappointing harvest results across Frontier Ag’s footprint, with Oakley and locations to the east experiencing the most severe impact from the virus. The presence of the virus in concentrated pockets dragged down yields.

Protein levels were also varied across the region. Weather conditions earlier in the growing season took a toll on quality in some areas. In addition, timing of spring rains played a key role. Fields that missed those critical windows saw reduced performance. Scattered showers during harvest also caused occasional delays, slowing progress in some locations.

Brian Linin, a farmer from Goodland, reports that harvest began on July 1 and his crew has about 10 days left. Linin, who farms alongside his dad and son, says their wheat is better than it looked, averaging above 50 bushels per acre so far, much better than last year and slightly above average.&nbsp;

Last fall’s drought conditions forced the Linins to redrill some fields in early November, a decision that significantly improved both stand establishment and yields. In fact, fields drilled later in the season are outperforming the earlier-emerging wheat across the area.

Test weights have been strong, ranging from 58 to 61.5 pounds per bushel, while protein levels are above average, running between 13.5 and 14 percent. Linin reported that drought was the biggest challenge this season, adding, “If we had received rain a month earlier, yields would be so much better.”

“Wheat is an excellent crop for this area,” said Linin, emphasizing that it fits well into their rotation. The stubble left behind greatly benefits the soil and improves the subsequent crop, and with decent yields, wheat can be a good cash crop.

In Lane County, farmer Ron Suppes, who grows hard white wheat, says he’s about 98 percent done with harvest and is working to finish up the last bit between rain showers. He brought in his first load about two weeks ago.

Suppes says recent rains have knocked down test weights, which started out about 61 to 63 pounds per bushel but have since dropped to 57 to 58 pounds. Protein levels have also dropped, starting out at 12 to 12.5 percent and are now sitting closer to 11 percent.

He says one of the biggest challenges this season started last fall, when wheat was planted into very dry soil. That led to uneven stands and staggered maturity across his fields, making harvest more complicated. Suppes planted KS Big Bow, KS Silverado and KS Snow Fox this year, and says all three have held up well despite the season’s challenges.

The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag us at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas Wheat: Wheat harvest day 11

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals will be sending four players to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, with closer Carlos Estévez and utilityman Maikel Garcia earning late additions to the American League roster.

Both players were named All-Stars on Friday, joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic for Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic in Atlanta.

Estévez was selected as a replacement for Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to pitch Saturday and will not be available for the All-Star Game. It marks the second career All-Star appearance for Estévez, who made the team in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Now in his first season with Kansas City, the 32-year-old right-hander is enjoying a career year. He leads the American League with 25 saves and holds a 2.03 ERA across 39 outings. Among AL relievers with at least 40 innings pitched, his ERA ranks fifth. Estévez is on pace to eclipse his personal best of 31 saves, set just two seasons ago.

Garcia, 25, was selected to replace Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe, who has been sidelined with side soreness. It is the first All-Star nod for Garcia, who has emerged as a key contributor in the Royals’ lineup this season.

⚾ Royals' Carlos Estévez and Maikel Garcia added to ASG roster

🎧⚾ Monarchs dominate Bat Cats; ⚾ Wind Surge lose to Missions; 🏀 KSHSAA unveils new state tourney format

Former Kansas men’s basketball coach Ted Owens will be honored with the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award during a black-tie banquet Aug. 4 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The award, previously known as the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award, is the highest honor presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes individuals whose careers and lives have left a lasting impact and inspired others to pursue excellence. Owens will become just the 11th recipient since the honor was established in 1989.

A native of Hollis, Oklahoma, Owens was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. He joins a prestigious list of past Lifetime Achievement honorees that includes Johnny Bench, Barry Switzer, Tom Osborne, Allie Reynolds and Abe Lemons.

Owens played three seasons at the University of Oklahoma (1949-51) and began his coaching career at Cameron State Junior College, now Cameron University, in Lawton. He led Cameron’s basketball program to a 93-24 record in four seasons, reaching the national junior college semifinals three times. He also coached the Cameron baseball team to the 1958 NJCAA national title.

Owens joined the Kansas coaching staff in 1960 and took over as head coach in 1964 following the resignation of Dick Harp. He led the Jayhawks for 19 seasons, compiling a 348-182 record from 1964 to 1983. He ranks fourth all-time in program wins behind Bill Self, Phog Allen and Roy Williams.

During his tenure, Kansas claimed six Big Eight regular-season titles and appeared in seven NCAA Tournaments. Owens led the Jayhawks to the Final Four in 1971 and 1974 and to the NIT championship game in 1968. He was named Big Eight Coach of the Year five times and earned National Coach of the Year honors from Basketball Weekly in 1978.

Owens coached five All-Americans at Kansas: Jo Jo White, Darnell Valentine, Dave Robisch, Bud Stallworth and Walter Wesley, all of whom have their jerseys retired in Allen Fieldhouse.

🏀 Former KU coach Ted Owens to receive Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their dominant summer with an emphatic 11-1 win over the Great Bend Bat Cats in a Jayhawk Collegiate League game Thursday night at Al Burns Memorial Field.

Leading 11-1 in the top of the sixth inning, play was halted due to inclement weather and never resumed, giving Hutchinson (23-5) the win and keeping the Monarchs firmly atop the Jayhawk Collegiate League standings. Hutchinson has a 4.5 game lead over the Derby Twins with six games remaining in the regular season.

Hutchinson wasted no time getting on the board, scoring in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly from Joey Senstock to bring home JJ Spafford. After stranding the bases loaded in the second, the Monarchs broke the game wide open with a two-out rally in the third. Jackson Legg tripled and scored on a single by Jake Knox before Spafford delivered a two-run double to make it 4-0.

The Monarchs piled on in the fourth. Tyson Vassart plated two more with a double to center, and Legg added another two-RBI knock — this time a double — to stretch the lead to 8-0. Spafford capped the six-run inning with a two-run single that became three runs scored after a fielding error.

Spafford finished the night 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Jeter Worthley also tallied three hits going 3 for 3 and an RBI as part of Hutchinson’s 14-hit attack.

On the mound, Pryce Bender earned the win with 4.1 innings of one-run ball, striking out three while working around four walks. Daegan Vinduska got the final two outs of the fifth to preserve the 10-run cushion.

Great Bend (15-12) managed just one run and struck out four times. The Bat Cats avoided the shutout in the fifth on a groundout by Luke Nohinek.

Hutchinson will travel to Kingman tonight to take on the Islanders at Islander park before returning to Hobart-Detter on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.

⚾ Big Fourth Inning leads Hutchinson Monarchs past Great Bend Bat Cats

INDIANAPOLIS — With more states incorporating the javelin into high school track and field, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has voted to include javelin implement construction specifications in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book beginning with the 2026 season.

The move was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“Moving the implement construction specifications for the javelin into the rules book provides greater clarity, consistency and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee. “This approach maintains appropriate equipment standards while promoting ease of understanding, consistent enforcement and fairness across all levels of high school competition.”

The committee also approved several changes aimed at minimizing risk of injury during competition. One of the most significant adjustments allows a health-care professional to assess a downed competitor during a race without the athlete being disqualified, so long as no physical aid is provided in advancing along the course.

In high jump and pole vault, athletes entering a competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now be granted a brief warm-up period—1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault—under the supervision of an official. Previously, athletes could only warm up after passing three consecutive heights, a rule that sometimes left competitors inactive for long stretches at large meets.

To further promote safety in vertical jumps, language was added to require padding on “items above ground level,” such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces, which pose a greater risk of injury during falls.

A full listing of changes will be available at <a href="http://www.nfhs.org">nfhs.org</a>. Print and digital versions of the 2026 NFHS Track and Field Rules Book will be released in October.

👟 NFHS adds javelin specifications, alters field event guidelines for 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations.

"While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."

Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has been changed from “heather gray” to “charcoal gray” in response to manufacturing trends.

“Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available,” Searcy said.

In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.

A full list of rule changes will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfhs.org">www.nfhs.org</a> under the “Sports” section for softball.

🥎 NFHS unveils 2026 softball rule modifications

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has unveiled a new format and finalized sites for the 2026 and 2027 state basketball tournaments, bringing sweeping changes aimed at consolidating classes and enhancing the championship experience.

Beginning in 2026, multiple classes will share championship venues, a first since 1953. KSHSAA officials say the updated format reflects input from school administrators who favored grouping classes for semifinal and final rounds to create a more unified and high-energy environment.

In 2026, the semifinal and final sites are as follows:

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level.”

All state tournaments will begin with quarterfinal games played March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027. The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.

Quarterfinals will be held at seven venues across five cities:

Quarterfinal matchups will be determined by the proximity to the higher seed, not by classification. Games involving schools more than 250 miles apart may be moved to centrally located venues. State brackets will remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski. “This new format is a win for teams and school communities.”

The new approach mirrors recent changes in championship soccer and football formats, which consolidate title games to increase visibility and fan engagement. KSHSAA says combining semifinal and final rounds for multiple classes will reduce travel burdens and make it easier for fans, coaches, and media to follow the action.

The changes come in response to a 2022 survey of member schools, in which each class expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.

🏀 Sports Arena to host 3A, 4A state semifinals and finals under new KSHSAA tournament format

🎧⚾ Royals sweep Pirates; ⚾ Monarchs walk-off Bat Cats; ⚾ Missions beat Wind Surge

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The magic of Hobart-Detter Field struck again Wednesday night, as the Hutchinson Monarchs (22-5) walked off the Great Bend Bat Cats 3-2 in a dramatic finish to a tightly contested Jayhawk Collegiate League matchup.

Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the ninth, Hutchinson rallied behind a clutch at-bat from catcher Jake Knox, who delivered a two-run walk-off double to right field to score Drew Bugner and Dylan Bell, sending the Monarchs and the home crowd into celebration.

Bugner drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After an out and a strikeout, Bell worked a walk to set the stage for Knox’s heroics. Facing a 2-2 count, Knox fouled off a pair of pitches before driving a liner to right that plated both runners and sealed the Monarchs' comeback.

The Bat Cats struck first with a solo homer by Tony Moore in the second and added another run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Walker to take a 2-0 lead. Hutchinson scratched across a run in the sixth when Tyler Mitchell tripled and later scored on a single by Jacob Gutierrez.

Pitching was sharp on both sides throughout the night. Monarchs starter Brayden McClure went six strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out three and walking none. Kyle Chamberlain and Riley Dickey combined for three scoreless innings of relief, with Dickey earning the win.

Great Bend’s J Field went 6.2 innings and giving up one run, before C Kunz allowed the final two runs in the ninth taking the tough-luck loss after going just 1.2 innings giving up the two runs on one hit, walking 2 and sticking out two.

The win extends Hutchinson’s dominance at Hobart-Detter and keeps them atop the league standings as they near the final stretch of the regular season.

The same two teams go at it tonight in Great Bend. First pitch at 7pm. Video is available on the Bat Cat's YouTube Channel.

The Monarchs will continue their season traveling to Kingman on Friday the back home later this week before looking to build on their 22-5 record and lock in a high seed for the upcoming NBC World Series in Wichita.

⚾ Hutchinson Monarchs get walk off win over the Great Bend Bat Cats in thrilling finish at Hobart-Detter

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice, Jac Caglianone hit the longest measured homer by a Royals rookie, and Kansas City beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

Perez broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth inning with his longball off Isaac Mattson (2-1). He opened the scoring with a 444-foot shot to center in the second.

But the most impressive homer of the game belonged to Caglianone —&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943109192639762689">a 466-foot, two-run drive</a>&nbsp;to center in the fourth against Bailey Falter. It was the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast started tracking in 2015 and the fourth-longest by any Kansas City player at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals have won six of seven overall. They did not have a multi-homer game this season before doing it Monday night against Pittsburgh, and now they've done it three games in a row. Kansas City hit nine homers in the series.

Pittsburgh fell to 0-6 on its nine-game trip ahead of the All-Star break after getting shut out in three straight games at Seattle.

Perez had his second multi-homer game of the season and 19th of his career, extending his franchise record.

Lucas Erceg (4-2) worked a scoreless eighth and Carlos Estevez pitched the ninth for his 25th save.

Ke'Bryan Hayes had a two-run single in the Pirates' three-run sixth.

<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1943129622788354333">Perez sent the first pitch of the eighth</a>&nbsp;to the walkway just short of the fountains in right-center.

Kansas City swept a series at home for the first time since a four-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in early May.

Pirates: Begin a three-game series at Minnesota on Friday.

Royals: Host the New York Mets for three games starting Friday.

⚾ Perez and Caglianone power Royals to win over Pirates 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 4a.m. July 9, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;conducted a traffic stop on a bicyclist near NE Paramore Street and NE Quincy Street for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, the individual initially gave a false name and date of birth. 

When notified that he had a warrant for his arrest, the man then gave his real name and date of birth, in which he also had a warrant for his arrest. Illegal narcotics were also located.

Geddy L. Barlow, 37, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Dept. of Corrections on requested charges of Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body and Interference with law enforcement.

Kan. drug suspect on bicycle lied to deputy about his name

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided federal appeals court on Friday threw out an agreement that would have allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-911-detainees-biden-trump-2216929adc77c376edef66290d781850">accused Sept. 11 mastermind</a>&nbsp;Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to plead guilty in a deal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-plea-deal-911-austin-death-penalty-073c3455e27ecbfd0f7dd524ccffdef3">sparing him the risk of execution</a>&nbsp;for al-Qaida’s 2001 attacks.

The decision by a panel of the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., undoes an attempt to wrap up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">more than two decades of military prosecution</a>&nbsp;beset by legal and logistical troubles. It signals there will be no quick end to the long struggle by the U.S. military and successive administrations to bring to justice the man charged with planning one of the deadliest attacks ever on the United States.

The deal, negotiated over two years and approved by military prosecutors and the Pentagon’s senior official for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a year ago, stipulated life sentences without parole for Mohammed and two co-defendants.

Mohammed is accused of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/september-11-attacks-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-guantanamo-ad3dec0045f642194d06730b00e78cb2">developing and directing the plot</a>&nbsp;to crash hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Another of the hijacked planes flew into a field in Pennsylvania.

Relatives of the Sept. 11 victims were split on the plea deal. Some objected to it, saying a trial was the best path to justice and to gaining more information about the attacks, while others saw it as the best hope for bringing the painful case to a conclusion and getting some answers from the defendants.

The plea deal would have obligated the men to answer any lingering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sept-11-guantanamo-plea-deal-families-trial-aa0b4ec72cac3dfdcaeb515371b3129e">questions that families of the victims have</a>&nbsp;about the attacks.

But then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/guantanamo-sept-11-defendants-austin-defense-bf450589039b761c028492a348da4ea5">repudiated the deal</a>, saying a decision on the death penalty in an attack as grave as Sept. 11 should only be made by the defense secretary.

Attorneys for the defendants had argued that the agreement was already legally in effect and that Austin, who served under President Joe Biden, acted too late to try to throw it out. A military judge at Guantanamo and a military appeals panel agreed with the defense lawyers.

But, by a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found Austin acted within his authority and faulted the military judge’s ruling.

The panel had previously put the agreement on hold while it considered the appeal,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/911-khalid-sheikh-mohammed-plea-guantanamo-austin-02fc64818a46a4bed14742bffa80db3c">first filed by the Biden administration</a>&nbsp;and then continued under President Donald Trump.

“Having properly assumed the convening authority, the Secretary determined that the ‘families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out.’ The Secretary acted within the bounds of his legal authority, and we decline to second-guess his judgment,” judges Patricia Millett and Neomi Rao wrote.

Millett was an appointee of President Barack Obama while Rao was appointed by Trump.

In a dissent, Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama appointee, wrote, “The government has not come within a country mile of proving clearly and indisputably that the Military Judge erred.”

Brett Eagleson, who was among the family members who objected to the deal, called Friday’s appellate ruling “a good win, for now.”

“A plea deal allows this to be tucked away into a nice, pretty package, wrapped into a bow and put on a shelf and forgotten about,” said Eagleson, who was 15 when his father, shopping center executive John Bruce Eagleson, was killed in the attacks.

Brett Eagleson was unmoved by the deal’s provisions for the defendants to answer Sept. 11 families’ questions; he wonders how truthful the men would be. In his view, “the only valid way to get answers and seek the truth is through a trial” and pretrial fact-finding.

Elizabeth Miller, who was 6 when the attacks killed her father, firefighter Douglas Miller, was among those who supported the deal.

“Of course, growing up, a trial would have been great initially,” she said. But “we’re in 2025, and we’re still at the pretrial stage.”

“I just really don’t think a trial is possible,” said Miller, who also favored the deal because of her opposition to the death penalty in general.

Court throws out plea deal for 9/11 mastermind

🎥First lady, President share thoughts after seeing Texas flood damage

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</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>

TOPEKA — Panasonic is delaying full production in its De Soto battery plant because of dropping electric car sales and U.S. policies that do not support electric cars, international media reports.&nbsp;

The $4 billion economic development project, billed as the largest in Kansas history, is threatened because of decreased electric car sales at Tesla and skepticism from President Donald Trump about encouraging electric vehicle adoption, according to the Nikkei Asia news outlet.&nbsp;

The plant was expected to reach full production by March 2027, and a new target date has not been set, Nikkei reported.

The president’s “big, beautiful bill” eliminates tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles as of Sept. 30, along with eliminating or decreasing multiple green energy tax credits.&nbsp;

The De Soto plant, which was projected to create 4,000 jobs, has a grand opening scheduled Monday.&nbsp;

The Panasonic plant began construction in 2023 after receiving Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/10/kansas-officials-pursue-new-megadeals-with-semiconductor-makers/">tax credits</a>, through a program known as APEX that the state created to draw in large economic development projects. Incentives include rebates on capital investments, payroll and staff training.&nbsp;

The APEX program also lowers the corporate income tax rate by 0.5% for Kansas businesses for the fiscal year after a megadeal is signed. Under the APEX deal, Panasonic was expected to receive $829.2 million over 10 years.&nbsp;

The company had plans to provide at least 4,000 jobs, increasing the state’s annual labor income by more than $505 million. The state anticipated the project will create an additional 4,000 jobs through suppliers and community businesses. The state expected to see a $26 return for every $1 invested in tax incentives.

The De Soto community&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desotoks.us/417/Development-Agreement" target="_blank">also offered incentives&nbsp;</a>that were based on the company agreeing to employ 2,500 employees, well below the estimated full employment of 4,000.&nbsp;

The city offered to complete $229 million of public infrastructure projects, such as road improvements, and water and sewer projects, using Tax Increment Financing funds, a common economic development tool that uses increased property taxes received from developments to fund projects.&nbsp;

Panasonic to delay production at Kansas battery plant as electric car sales decline, policies shift

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/walmart-inc">Walmart</a>&nbsp;is recalling about 850,000 stainless steel water bottles because the lid can “forcefully eject” and unexpectedly strike consumers — resulting in permanent vision loss for two people to date.

The recall covers Walmart's “Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles," which have been sold at the chain's stores across the country since 2017. According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Walmart-Recalls-Ozark-Trail-64-oz-Water-Bottles-Due-to-Serious-Impact-and-Laceration-Hazards">notice</a>&nbsp;published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, these products pose “serious impact and laceration hazards.”

That's because when a consumer attempts to open the bottles “after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time,” the lid can eject forcefully, the CPSC notes.

As of Thursday's announcement, Walmart had received three reports of consumers who were injured after being struck in the face by these lids when opening their bottles. And two of those people “suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye,” the CPSC added.

Consumers are urged to stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles — and contact Walmart for a full refund. Shoppers can also bring the products to their local Walmart store for that compensation.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority," Walmart said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. The company added that it had “fully cooperated” with the CPSC and the manufacturer of the recalled product “to remove it from our stores and notify consumers"

Walmart recalls water bottles after 2 blinded by exploding caps

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>

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