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 northeast corner of 2nd Avenue and North Main.

The limestone building at 200 N. Main was built in 1886 and most of its life it was a bank.

In 1887, it was the National Bank of Commerce.

By 1892, it had become the Citizens Bank. The first photo shows the Citizens Bank during the 1903 flood, also showing the Midland and Santa Fe hotels.

The second photo shows the Citizens Bank in 1929.

The cement bunker in the street was for sitting on, waiting for the trolley car in relative safety.

The third photo shows the Citizens Bank during the July 13, 1929, flood. This also shows the Fair Cafeteria, 12 E. 2nd, and the Leon Hotel, 14 E. 2nd, under construction.

In 1936, the Citizens became the Hutchinson State Bank. The fourth photo shows that bank about 1950.

About 1956, the Hutchinson State Bank and the American National Bank merged, forming the Hutchinson National Bank &amp; Trust Co.

In the late 1960s, this bank built the One Polaris Plaza building and moved over to that location.

Since that time, the 200 N. Main building has been: The Emporium in the 1970s, Baize &amp; Sons Jewelers in the 1980s and three different securities companies.

The fifth photo shows the current occupants of 200 N. Main: Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk &amp; Loyd CPAs. The building is owned by the James Strawn Trust.

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: Citizens Bank - Vol. 155

The beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs just scored their biggest win of the year. On December 22, the Chiefs announced a new agreement with the state of Kansas to spend $3.3 billion on a new domed stadium in western Wyandotte County, relying heavily on the tax mechanism called STAR bonds. Governor Laura Kelly and other policymakers are ecstatic about the deal, which also includes an entertainment district.

Unfortunately, economists have thoroughly documented that sports stadium incentives do not pay for themselves. The massive amounts of revenue diverted to pay back the STAR bonds could fund schools, libraries, first responders, and infrastructure. What economic growth the Chiefs generate is being relocated within the Kansas City area, not “created.” If the proposed entertainment district materializes, it will simply move the spending from other parts of the metro, such as Kansas City, MO’s Power and Light District.

It should also be noted that Kansas is a “right to work” state, meaning that the laws protecting unions are much weaker than Missouri’s. Non-union contractors paying workers less will likely be involved in constructing the new stadium– some may not even be located here. This also affects those who work at the concessions, who are currently unionized at the Truman Sports Complex in Missouri. After the big move, they may be stripped of their right to representation as well as some pay and benefits.

The Chiefs chose scrappy, often-overlooked Kansas City, Kansas over wealthy Johnson County for their project. Known as the Legends, the site lies in the western portion of Wyandotte County, surrounded by existing development including the Kansas Speedway, a soccer stadium, a theme park, hotels, and shopping. Unfortunately, because the STAR bonds will use the tax revenue generated to pay for the development itself, there will be little if any benefit to the eastern part of Wyandotte County, one of the poorest parts of the state where good jobs, stable tax revenue, and infrastructure development are badly needed.

The Chiefs deal and associated negotiations with the Royals also scuttled the border war truce. From 2009 until the truce was signed in 2018, Missouri and Kansas wasted $335 million in potential tax revenue luring businesses back and forth across the state line, creating only 1200 jobs, costing about $280,000 per job. The sports deals ended the truce, and just this week, real estate developer VanTrust Real Estate accepted nearly $120 million to move insurance brokerage firm Lockton to Leawood from Kansas City, MO’s Country Club Plaza, while the Plaza’s own developers simultaneously requested nearly half a billion in tax incentives of their own to redevelop that area.

In 2024, Jackson County, MO affordable housing advocates led a backlash against the sales tax funding the Truman Complex, arguing that a sales tax on food (among other things) should not be used to subsidize real estate developers and for-profit sports teams when others struggle to find affordable groceries and housing.

Now, any hope of taxpayers, unions, and property tax-reliant local schools being involved in a tax deal is gone. Team owners, politicians, and developers are back in the driver’s seat. This project will not pay for itself. Given their generosity, Kansas taxpayers can only hope that the Chiefs match their win in the capitol with more victories on the field.

Michael A. Smith is a Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Playing devil's advocate on the Chiefs' deal

Tickets are now on sale for Reno Round Up, the annual fundraiser for the Cancer Council of Reno County, with this year’s event marking a major milestone.

The 2026 Reno Round Up will celebrate its 30th anniversary, and organizers are marking the occasion by bringing the event back to its roots with a Reno Casino–themed evening — complete with a fresh, modern twist. Branded as “Cowboy Casino,” the night promises a lively atmosphere inspired by the original casino-style fundraisers that helped establish Round Up as one of Reno County’s most anticipated charitable events.

Guests can expect casino-style games, raffles, food and drinks, and opportunities to bid on a variety of auction items, all while supporting a critical local mission. Proceeds from Reno Round Up directly benefit more than 370 Reno County individuals and families currently receiving assistance through the Cancer Council.

Round Up is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, providing essential funding for services that help local cancer patients and their families navigate treatment and recovery. Those services include transportation to and from medical appointments, assistance with medications, nutritional support, and other practical needs that ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis.

Organizers encourage attendees to dress in casino chic, try their luck at the tables, and enjoy an evening that combines entertainment with purpose.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now, with every purchase helping ensure the Cancer Council of Reno County can continue delivering vital support to those facing cancer across the community. <a href="https://ccrcroundup.home.qtego.us/">You can order tickets at this link.&nbsp;</a>

Tickets available for Reno Round Up

<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

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————&nbsp;&nbsp;

Angel	Antonio	Estrada	III	12/31/2025 9:49&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Keeon	Patrick	Roberts		12/31/2025 12:02&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Dustin	James	Hanson		12/31/2025 12:39&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jayme	Leigh	Allen		12/31/2025 1:48&nbsp;PM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Johnathen	Steven	Bishop		12/31/2025 2:25&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Jenay	Melody	Franklin		12/31/2025 4:10&nbsp;PM	DWS; 3rd or subs conv

Brenden	Michael	Harrison		12/31/2025 5:25&nbsp;PM	Poss of THC,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Possess media of child &lt;18,					Failure to Appear

Michael	Dean	Talent		12/31/2025 10:13&nbsp;PM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Chelsea	Page	Stuart		12/31/2025 11:16&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Loyd	Albert	Leckliter		12/31/2025 11:50&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Paige	Erin	Callaway	1/1/2026 2:55&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Nastassja	Alexandra	Ney	1/1/2026 2:42&nbsp;AM	Poss of marijuana, DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving

Daily Bookings

TOPEKA — Kansas boat owners will see a significant tax change beginning next year.

According to a notice issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Property Valuation, all watercraft, boat trailers, boat motors, and marine equipment will be exempt from Kansas personal property tax starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The change follows the passage of House Bill 2231, which amended state law to remove watercraft from taxable personal property. In addition, Kansas statute K.S.A. 79-213 was updated to include marine equipment as tax-exempt beginning after Dec. 31, 2025.

While property taxes are being eliminated, the Department of Revenue emphasized that watercraft must still be registered with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks if they are used on Kansas waters.

The notice also reminds boat owners that watercraft remain taxable through Dec. 31, 2025. Boats owned as of January 1, 2025, must still be listed, valued, and taxed in the appropriate taxing district for the current year.

Under existing law through the end of 2025:

State officials encourage boat owners with questions to contact their local county appraiser’s office for guidance as the transition to the new tax exemption approaches.

The change represents a major shift in Kansas personal property taxation and is expected to reduce administrative burdens for boat owners, marinas, and county officials statewide.

Property taxes on boats and marine equipment eliminated in 2026

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

Three-day Outlook

On December 29th, 2025, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Hutchinson suspected of distributing illegal narcotics. During the search, an illegal clandestine lab manufacturing operation was discovered. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations Drug Task Force was requested to assist with the investigation. 

As a result of the investigation, Curtis K. Chappel, a 42-year-old male from Hutchinson, was arrested on multiple charges including unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance, distribution of a hallucinogenic, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of psilocybin, possession of a hallucinogenic, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and distribution of drug paraphernalia. Chappel is currently being held at the Reno County Correctional Facility without bond. Additionally, Jeremy W. Fundenberger, a 47-year-old male from Hutchinson, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of a depressant, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jeff A. Kennedy, a 46-year-old male from Hutchinson, was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm.

During the execution of the search warrant, numerous supplies and equipment used in the manufacturing of illegal narcotics were seized, including over 50 pounds of suspected Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 25 grams of methamphetamine, 50 grams of marijuana, as well as cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms.

All suspects are innocent unless found guilty in court.

Three arrested following search warrant execution

The Kansas Highway Patrol has released its Christmas Holiday Activity Report, detailing enforcement activity and crash data from across the state during the 2025 holiday travel period.

The reporting period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 28.

According to the report, troopers worked one fatal, non-DUI-related crash during the holiday period, resulting in one fatality. The crash occurred December 27 in Ellsworth County. No fatal crashes or fatalities during the reporting period were determined to be DUI-related.

KHP enforcement numbers showed a significant increase in activity in 2025 compared to previous years.

Seat belt enforcement also saw an uptick:

Troopers issued 11 child restraint citations, compared to 9 in 2023 and 8 in 2024.

In addition to enforcement, KHP troopers provided 809 motorist assists during the holiday period, a sharp increase from 449 assists in 2023 and 218 in 2024.

The crash data reflects that while enforcement activity increased, fatal incidents remained limited:

In comparison, KHP recorded four non-DUI fatal crashes and fatalities in 2023, and one each in 2024.

KHP officials continue to emphasize safe driving behaviors, including obeying speed limits, wearing seat belts, properly securing children, and avoiding impaired driving — especially during high-traffic holiday periods.

KHP releases Christmas holiday activity report

Jonathan	Wayne	Beer	12/30/2025 8:27&nbsp;AM	Agg endangering a child;Reckless &lt;18;Bodily harm,				Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),				Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon

Shawna	Rikki	Mulford	12/30/2025 9:32&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Patrick	Levi	Moody	12/30/2025 3:29&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Probation Violation

Conor	Michael	Eickbush	12/30/2025 5:24&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Possession of THC,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				DWS; 1st conviction,				Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

From devastating emergencies to defining civic debates, 2025 was a year that tested Hutchinson and Reno County while also revealing the community’s resilience and resolve. Residents faced sudden crises that demanded swift emergency response, difficult conversations about public investment and infrastructure, and moments that brought the region together despite adversity. Severe weather, public safety tragedies, major policy decisions, and landmark community events all shaped the year’s news cycle and left a lasting imprint on the local landscape.

The following stories stand out as some of the top local news events of 2025 — moments that sparked widespread attention, prompted change, and underscored the challenges and priorities facing Hutchinson and Reno County. Together, they reflect a year marked by hardship, accountability, adaptation, and a continued focus on the community’s future.

Here are six stories from 2025. The stories are in chronological order and are not a complete list of top stories.&nbsp;

Fatal East Third Avenue arson - <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0a5cf68a-586c-437f-9d82-c62780b53987">LINK</a>

A devastating house fire on Feb. 1, 2025, became one of Hutchinson’s most heartbreaking and consequential stories of the year. Responding to reports of screams and smoke at a home in the 1000 block of East Third Avenue, officers with the Hutchinson Police Department and local firefighters discovered a deadly scene. Thirty-two-year-old Kalsey Payton and her 4-year-old daughter were found dead inside the residence, with investigators later determining both deaths were homicides.

The investigation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Wendell Payton, who was charged with multiple felonies including two counts of first-degree murder and aggravated arson. In October, Payton pleaded guilty to all charges. He was later sentenced in Reno County District Court to consecutive life terms, resulting in a controlling sentence of 100 years without the possibility of parole.

The case, which involved multiple local and state agencies and deeply impacted the Hutchinson community, underscored the city’s focus on public safety and accountability and remained a defining story of 2025.

Downtown gas leak and fire - <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/da07b8a7-4579-491f-8698-50fcedbff4ab">LINK</a>

One of Hutchinson’s most serious public safety incidents of 2025 unfolded on Feb. 22, when a natural gas leak in the downtown corridor led to an explosion, fires, and large-scale evacuations. Crews with the Hutchinson Fire Department were investigating reports of a gas odor near Main Street when gas was found surfacing through the roadway. Moments after firefighters exited a downtown business, the structure exploded, fueled by a 10-inch natural gas line.

The incident forced the evacuation of multiple blocks, displaced businesses, and left parts of downtown without natural gas service for days as Kansas Gas Service carried out repairs and safety inspections. Evacuation zones were gradually reduced as crews stabilized the area. No injuries were reported, but the explosion prompted an extensive emergency response and a prolonged investigation, making it one of the most impactful stories in Hutchinson during 2025.

Tornado strikes Reno County, Plevna escapes injuries - <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3ef4dfaa-78a4-4897-b450-ecee24b35ff5">LINK</a>

A late-night tornado that tore through rural Reno County and the city of Plevna on May 18, 2025, ranked among the year’s most significant weather events. The storm touched down near Turon shortly before midnight, carving a destructive path through farmland before striking Plevna and continuing northeast for several miles. Homes, trees, and utility infrastructure were damaged, with snapped power poles and blocked roadways reported across the area.

Despite the extensive damage, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Officials with Reno County Emergency Management credited timely warnings and residents taking shelter quickly for the positive outcome. Emergency responders, utility crews, and public works teams mobilized immediately, while barricades were placed to keep the public out of hazardous areas.

The American Red Cross opened an assistance center in Abbyville to support displaced residents. The coordinated response and community cooperation highlighted Reno County’s preparedness and resilience in the face of severe weather, making the Plevna tornado a defining local story of 2025.

Draft floodplain maps raise alarm in Hutchinson, Reno County -<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/73fd6ded-6dc5-4576-9a24-9f45fc6e8c92"> LINK</a>

A newly released draft floodplain map became a major infrastructure and planning story in 2025, as it showed large portions of Hutchinson could be newly classified within the 100-year floodplain. The draft maps, unveiled by the State of Kansas and FEMA, represent a significant expansion from the floodplain boundaries currently in effect and prompted immediate concern from homeowners, businesses, and local institutions.

City engineers warned that if the maps are finalized, property owners could face new flood insurance requirements and stricter development standards. Officials with the City of Hutchinson emphasized that the maps are not yet final and that the city has time to pursue stormwater projects and technical reviews that could reduce the impacted areas before the earliest possible implementation in 2027.

The proposed floodplain also raised red flags for future development, including the location of a planned USD 308 middle school, and renewed debate about long-standing stormwater challenges tied to flat terrain and drainage limitations. City leaders characterized the maps as a critical call to action, making flood mitigation, infrastructure investment, and federal coordination one of Hutchinson’s most consequential policy discussions of 2025.

Hilton Garden Inn &amp; Conference Center opens, boosting tourism - <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0232970f-3b28-4e5f-8291-bff05ece7ccc">LINK</a>

The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Hutchinson marked a major economic development milestone in 2025, strengthening Hutchinson’s position as a regional destination for conventions, tourism, and large-scale events. After nearly two years of construction, the hotel and conference center opened along the K-61 corridor near Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, filling a long-identified gap in the city’s hospitality infrastructure.

Featuring 112 guest rooms and more than 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting and conference space, the project was hailed by local leaders and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce as critical to attracting conventions, weddings, and major sporting events. Officials said the development helps secure long-standing events such as the NJCAA Basketball Tournament while driving new visitor spending across the community.

The hotel’s opening — along with the opening of the Old Chicago restaurant in December signaled renewed momentum in Hutchinson’s tourism strategy and stood out as one of the city’s most significant growth stories of 2025.

USD 308 reassesses path forward after bond defeat - <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5361d174-1080-425a-bb61-d79ce76042e9">LINK</a>

The failed USD 308 bond proposal emerged as a major local education story in 2025, prompting district leaders to pause, reassess, and refocus on community engagement. Following the defeat, Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said the district plans to launch a series of listening sessions to better understand voter concerns before determining next steps.

District leaders acknowledged that key planning data — including a community survey conducted two years earlier — may no longer reflect the economic realities facing residents in 2025, with rising costs and property taxes cited as central issues. While the proposed bond would have raised the district’s mill levy, officials noted it would have remained below several neighboring districts.

Despite the setback, Johnson emphasized that facility needs remain and that the bond effort was aimed at long-term growth, modernization, and competitiveness. The bond’s defeat and the district’s response highlighted broader community conversations in 2025 about taxes, school investment, and the future of Hutchinson’s public education system.

Looking back at 2025 top stories

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a shooting that has left one person dead.

Just before 11p.m. New Year's Eve, officers were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release from police.

First responders discovered a man with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Police have not released the name of the victim or possible suspect information.

Homicide: One victim in Kan. shooting on New Year's Eve

FORD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Ford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Mercury Montego driven by Shane Glendon&nbsp;Callison, 53, Ingalls, was northbound at&nbsp;10839  County Road 109. The driver lost control of the car. It clipped the westside of the road, struck a fence, rolled and the driver was ejected.&nbsp;

Callison was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected in rollover accident

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Farmers are now learning how much aid they can expect to receive from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-farmers-aid-07328f260d1ebf26c2bfde79b426230e">$12 billion package</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;announced earlier this month.

<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/12/31/usda-announces-commodity-payment-rates-farmer-bridge-assistance-program">Click here for more details</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/12/31/usda-announces-commodity-payment-rates-farmer-bridge-assistance-program">released the figures</a>&nbsp;Wednesday for how much aid per acre farmers can plan on for each row crop. The details arrived after most farmers have already met with their bankers to arrange financing for next year's crops and placed orders for the seed and fertilizer they will need. But officials have promised that the payments should arrive by the end of February.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/soybeans-trade-tariff-china-united-states-export-025792707c4e4e91d975f8558edae1d8">Soybean farmers</a>&nbsp;have been hit especially hard by Trump's trade war with China, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-donald-trump-tariffs-agriculture-china-d5674c21e240acdc72cde76e474f172a">stopped buying any American crops</a>&nbsp;after Trump announced his tariffs this spring. China is the world's largest buyer of soybeans. This aid package is expected to help farmers weather the trade disruptions until China&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trump-xi-soybean-farmers-brazil-72ded79cdd71ce61e93337b8984e6f69">buys more soybeans</a>&nbsp;under an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trump-soybean-farmers-tariffs-trade-war-c532d730dd8c70551df384bc8a3aee76">agreement announced in October</a>&nbsp;and until provisions of Trump's massive budget bill take effect later this year.

Soybean farmers will get $30.88 per acre while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre. Another crop hit hard when China stopped buying was sorghum, and those farmers will get $48.11 per acre. The amounts are based on a USDA formula on the cost of production.

Farmers say they need more buyers for their crops

But farmers say the aid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-soybean-farmers-china-trade-tariffs-brazil-9663759ac3c9c7360bd5f23cb84180f0">won't solve all their problems</a>&nbsp;as they continue to deal with the soaring costs of fertilizer, seeds and labor that make it hard to turn a profit right now. Some agricultural trade groups have said they worry that thousands of farmers could go out of business, but others have said they believe most farmers have the financial resources and equity needed to survive.

Kentucky soybean farmer Caleb Ragland, who was president of the American Soybean Association until recently, said the aid is “a Band-Aid on a deep wound. We need competition and opportunities in the market to make our future brighter.”

The President of the National Corn Growers Association Jed Bower also urged the Trump administration to focus on cultivating additional uses for their crops. Farmers will benefit from having more buyers whether it is for ethanol and animal feed at home or for international markets.

“Corn growers have been sounding the alarm about the fact that farmers have been faced with multiple consecutive years of low corn prices and high input costs,” Bower said. “While this financial assistance is helpful and welcomed, we urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more long-term economic certainty.”

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that is the goal and promised to continue working to open new markets while strengthening the safety net for farmers.

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Darin Johnson said the aid number for soybeans fell short of what farmers had been hoping for, so more help could be needed, though this package will help.

Most farmers remain steadfast supporters of Trump even after the disruptions caused by the trade war. They generally support many of his other policies and believe they will get a better trade deal in the end.

White House and farmers encouraged by China's purchases

These aid payments will add up to $11 billion for row crop farmers who raise corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and other crops. Another $1 billion has been set aside for specialty crops and sugar, but the administration hasn't released any details of aid for those crops.

After Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, the White House said Beijing had promised to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of the calendar year, plus 25 million metric tons a year in each of the next three years. Officials have said China is on track to meet the 12 million metric ton goal by the end of February.

As of Dec. 18, China had bought about 6 million metric tons of soybeans, according to the latest USDA’s weekly report. Separately, the federal agency reported that China since then bought at least three more batches totaling 600,000 metric tons.

Beijing has yet to confirm any commitment to buying 12 million metric tons of soybeans for this season, but the Chinese embassy in Washington said earlier this month that “agricultural trade cooperation between China and the United States is proceeding in an orderly manner.”

However, the recent increase in international purchases is encouraging to farmers, said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, who has seen more than 1 million metric tons of sorghum purchased in just the past few weeks. Like soybeans, more than half of the sorghum crop is exported each year with China traditionally being the biggest buyer.

The aid payments will be capped at $155,000 per farmer or entity, and only farms that make less than $900,000 in adjusted gross income will be eligible. During the first Trump administration, a number of large farms found ways around the payment limits and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/75df5e7bf56e43df99d091bc4d16a87d">collected millions</a>.

The USDA says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/farming-and-farm-income">the average size</a>&nbsp;of the 1.88 million farms nationwide was 466 acres last year, but many farmers are much larger than that as larger operations have continued to buy up neighboring farms over time.

Farmers can now learn how much aid they will get from the Trump administration

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide silver alert for a missing Kansas woman.

The whereabouts of 86-year-old Linda Holle of Wichita are unknown, and public assistance is requested to help locate her, according to a media release from the KBI.

Holle is likely driving a blue 2007 Ford Expedition bearing Kansas tag 1054ADS.&nbsp; She was last believed to be in St. Joseph, Missouri on Dec. 31, at approximately 11:20 p.m.

Holle is a white female who is around 5-foot-3 inches tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds. She has blonde and gray hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

If you see Holle, or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Wichita Police Department at (316) 268-4111.

KBI: Silver Alert for missing Kansas woman

The nation’s capital&nbsp; is celebrating the transition to a new year in a historic way.

For the first time ever, the Washington Monument was&nbsp; illuminated on all four sides with a large-scale projection light show that began New Year’s Eve. The display kicked off celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.

🎥 DC light show kicked off America's 250th birthday 

SEDGWICK COUNTY. -&nbsp;Wichita police, with help from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service, arrested a man wanted on federal and state warrants after a pursuit Tuesday.

Just after 2p.m., officers spotted the man identified on county booking records as 37-year-old Erik Harper, driving a stolen 2004 GMC Sierra near East Central Avenue and North Oliver Avenue in Wichita, according to a media release from police.

 Harper was wanted on a federal warrant and a felony state warrant for aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. Officers followed the truck and requested assistance from the KHP Air Support Unit.

A Kansas Highway Patrol unit equipped with a grappler attempted a traffic stop near East Central Avenue and North Edgemoor Street. The grappler was deployed to prevent the suspect vehicle from fleeing, but the suspect escaped. Shortly afterward, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a 2024 Subaru Impreza in the westbound lanes near the 6800 block of East Central Avenue.

Officers took Harper into custody at 4:53 p.m.

The Subaru’s occupants, a 72-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Harper was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for charging.

Kan. man wanted on federal warrant captured after pursuit, crash

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/charlotte-kramon">CHARLOTTE KRAMON</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sarah-brumfield">SARAH BRUMFIELD</a>

The Trump administration has said it is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-child-care-funds-fraud-b511941de10f02fbb7349eff6738f748">freezing child care funds</a>&nbsp;to all states until they provide more verification about the programs in a move fueled by a series of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-immigration-enforcement-somali-76e246b70d582f1dd42f1242cf7d7a66">fraud schemes</a>&nbsp;at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents.

All 50 states will be impacted by the review, but the Republican administration is focusing most of its ire on the blue state of Minnesota and is calling for an audit of some of its centers.

Minnesota Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement Wednesday that he was “exploring all our legal options to ensure that critical childcare services do not get abruptly slashed based on pretext and grandstanding.”

It is unclear how much more robust the verification process for states will be than it already has been.

Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill called the decision a response to “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country” in a social media post announcing the change on Tuesday.

Here are some things to know about these moves:

More verification needed for all states to get child care funds

All 50 states will have to provide additional levels of verification and administrative data before they receive more funding from the Child Care and Development Fund, according to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. However, Minnesota will have to provide even more verification for child care centers that are suspected of fraud, such as attendance and licensing records, past enforcement actions and inspection reports.

In his social media post on Tuesday, O’Neill said all Administration for Children and Families payments nationwide would require “justification and a receipt or photo evidence” before money is sent, but the HHS spokesperson said Wednesday that the additional verifications only apply to CCDF payments.

Walz says Trump is politicizing the issue

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, said in a social media post that fraudsters are a serious issue that the state has spent years cracking down on but that this is a political move that is part of “Trump’s long game.”

State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy condemned the move in a statement Wednesday.

“Republicans are playing sick games and winning devastating prizes,” Murphy said. “And now, tens of thousands of Minnesota families will pay the price as Donald’s Trump’s agents strip away crucial funding.”

Fraud investigations could stretch to other programs, states

The administration launched efforts in recent weeks to track down fraud in other programs in Minnesota and is looking at fraud in blue states such as California and New York, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with “Fox &amp; Friends” on Wednesday.

The administration will continue to send officers to investigate “potential fraud sites” in Minnesota and deport undocumented immigrants, Leavitt said, adding that the Department of Homeland Security is considering plans to denaturalize citizens.

The Department of Labor is also investigating the state’s unemployment insurance program, Leavitt said. The administration this month threatened to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/food-aid-snap-rollins-blue-states-edf7a10ab409fe471ae81a13823484ab">withhold SNAP food</a>&nbsp;aid funding from Democratic-controlled states, including Minnesota, unless they provide information about people receiving assistance.

The announcement came a day after U.S. Homeland Security officials conducted a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-minnesota-ice-immigration-noem-fraud-investigation-5f97cefc9adf9c0d14a90762dca3cfc8">fraud investigation</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis, questioning workers at unidentified businesses. Trump has criticized Walz’s administration over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-fraud-charges-fbad68312012dc02a4060852474f72ee">cases</a>, capitalizing on them to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalia-trump-immigration-explainer-f5155ea29c22441b6507e999b574e136">target the Somali diaspora</a>&nbsp;in the state, which has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/somalis-minnesota-trump-immigration-5b772dfcf1b342693f12083779247359">the largest Somali population</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

In his post Tuesday, O’Neill, who is serving as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, referenced a right-wing influencer who posted a video last week claiming he found that day care centers operated by Somali residents in Minneapolis had committed up to $100 million in fraud.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about harassment that home-based day care providers and members of the Somali community nationwide might face amid the vitriol, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-garbage-somalia-minneapolis-immigrant-omar-03e31bba53519d8a39b419679a3b75d9">Trump’s comments earlier this month referring to Somali immigrants as “garbage.”</a>&nbsp;Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown released a statement saying, “Showing up on someone’s porch, threatening, or harassing them isn’t an investigation. Neither is filming minors who may be in the home.”

Maria Snider, director of the Rainbow Child Development Center and vice president of advocacy group Minnesota Child Care Association, said fear is rising among both families — many of which are living paycheck to paycheck — and child care centers that rely on the federal funding. Without child care system tuition, centers may have to lay off teachers and shut down classrooms, she said.

In Minnesota, the application process for the funding is complex and multilayered, Snider said. Her own child care center has been subjected to random audits, she said, and all centers are required to submit to licensing visits by officials.

“I don’t know what else I would provide,” she said.

Ahmed Hasan, director of the ABC Learning Center that was one of those featured in the video by the right-wing influencer, said on Wednesday that there were 56 children enrolled at the center. Since the video was posted, Hasan, who is Somali, said his center has received harassing phone calls making staff members and parents feel unsafe.

He said the center is routinely subject to checks by state regulators to ensure they remain in compliance with their license.

“There’s no fraud happening here,” Hasan told The Associated Press. “We are open every day, and we have our records to show that this place is open.”

Kramon reported from Atlanta and Brumfield reported from Cockeysville, Maryland. AP Writers Mark Vancleave contributed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Margery Beck contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

HHS to freeze future child care funding for Kansas and beyond

On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes against three narco-trafficking vessels traveling as a convoy.

These vessels were operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations in international waters. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and had transferred narcotics between the three vessels prior to the strikes. Three narco-terrorists aboard the first vessel were killed in the first engagement. The remaining narco-terrorists abandoned the other two vessels, jumping overboard and distancing themselves before follow-on engagements sank their respective vessels. Following the engagements, the U.S. Southern Command immediately notified the Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system.

On Dec. 31, at the direction of&nbsp; Secretary Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and engaged in narco-trafficking. A total of five narco-terrorists were killed during these actions - three in the first vessel and two in the second

🎥US military strikes more drug boats killing 8 'narco-terrorists'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in connection with a violent attack on Christmas Eve remains jailed after a court appearance on Tuesday

A judge charged 43-year-old Jason Eastburn of Wichita with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, aggravated battery, aggravated endangering a child and criminal threat, according to online jail records.

Eastburn is accused of hitting a woman with a hammer at a home at&nbsp;7237 E 24th Street in Wichita, according to police. He remains jailed on a $2 million bond

Kansas man accused of Christmas Eve hammer attack

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s dropping — for now — his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, a move that comes after legal roadblocks hung up the effort.

Trump said in a social media post Wednesday that he’s removing the Guard troops for now. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!” he wrote.

Troops had already left Los Angeles after the president deployed them earlier this year as part of a broader crackdown on crime and immigration. They had been sent to Chicago and Portland but were never on the streets as legal challenges played out.

The president has made a crackdown on crime in cities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-cities-central-park-five-88b8ee178bf22e91ba205b32c458d060">a centerpiece of his second term</a>&nbsp;— and has toyed with the idea of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-hes-open-to-invoking-the-insurrection-act-if-necessary-d374093d6436410f993c2f10b140277a">invoking the Insurrection Act</a>&nbsp;to stop his opponents from using the courts to block his plans.

He has said he sees his tough-on-crime approach as a winning political issue ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

In November, U.S. Northern Command had said it was ”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-portland-chicago-los-angeles-cd6e585615422461d7088b8ed04bb974">shifting and/or rightsizing</a>&nbsp;″ operations in Portland, Chicago and Los Angeles, but there would be a “constant, enduring and long-term presence in each city.”

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