The Hutchinson Career and Technical Education Academy received a major investment in its Automotive Technology program this week, thanks to a $16,000 donation from the Eck Auto Group in partnership with NAPA. The gift strengthens a long-standing relationship between the dealership group and the CTE program, which serves high school students and adult learners across the region.

During the presentation, CTE Director Travis Riebel welcomed students, USD 308 leadership, and representatives from Hutchinson Community College—highlighting the importance of industry partnerships in preparing the next generation of skilled automotive technicians. He noted that Kansas Department of Labor data shows more than six-percent projected growth in automotive service positions across south-central Kansas over the next decade.

“The demand is there, and our students are stepping up to meet it,” Riebel said. “But we can’t provide high-quality training without strong partners like the Eck Auto Group.”

The donation follows last year’s gift of a Ford Expedition, which students currently use to train on modern vehicle systems. This week’s contribution from the dealership group also included motors, instrument clusters, door panels, and other parts for hands-on instruction—resources instructors say are vital for keeping the program aligned with industry standards.

Kyle Eck, speaking on behalf of the Eck Auto Group, praised the students for choosing a career path that keeps the automotive industry moving.

“Technicians are the backbone of every dealership,” Eck said. “You’re the ones who keep cars running and customers coming back. We want to support programs like this because they produce the kind of skilled people our dealerships depend on.”

Instructors Jacob Dreiling and Kevin Berrey also thanked the dealership’s technicians who routinely visit the academy to mentor students, assist with projects, and provide real-world insight into the shop environment.

The Hutchinson CTE Academy’s automotive program operates as a joint partnership between Hutchinson Public Schools and Hutchinson Community College. Students can enroll beginning their junior year and have the opportunity to earn certificates or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Riebel said the donation ensures students continue training with the tools and technology found in today’s workplaces—giving them a competitive edge as they enter the automotive field.

Eck Auto Group makes $16K donation to Hutchinson CTEA

The Hutchinson Public Library is closed today, Saturday, Nov. 22, following a major electrical failure inside the building.

Library Director Gregg Wamsley announced the closure Saturday morning, noting that the issue forced staff to shut down all public operations while repairs are underway.

“We have had a major electrical failure in the library building and are closed Saturday 11/22,” Wamsley said in a statement. “We hope to reopen Monday 11/24 assuming repairs can be made, but we will provide updates when we know more.”

No additional details about the source of the electrical problem were immediately available. Crews are assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the library’s website and social media platforms for the latest updates on reopening plans.

Electrical failure closes library 

On November 20th, PrairieStar Health Center officials announced the beginning of a three-year, $9.6 million capital campaign to fund the Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project.&nbsp; Of the $9.6 million needed for the project, $7.55 million has already been raised or committed.&nbsp; PrairieStar hopes to raise the remaining $2.05 million by December 31, 2027, the end of the three year capital campaign.&nbsp;

The Patterson Family Foundation and Yield Giving have made contributions in the amount of $1.85 million and $3.1 million respectively.&nbsp; “The initial funding by these two major contributors shows their commitment to ensuring rural access to dental care and will help secure the success of the capital campaign,” said PrairieStar CEO, Bryant Anderson.&nbsp; Anderson said another major contributor will be announced soon.&nbsp;

The Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project will address the serious oral health issues in the underserved nine-county area that PrairieStar currently serves by increasing access through the construction of a new dental clinic with almost twice the capacity.&nbsp; With 14 dental suites, including one that is handicap accessible, the new clinic will allow more in-reach and out-reach patients to be served.&nbsp; The project will also include a new drive-thru pharmacy.&nbsp; According to Kansas Health Institute, eight of the nine main counties served by PrairieStar face a severe shortage of dental care providers, with population-to-dentist ratios significantly higher than the Kansas state average.&nbsp;

PrairieStar Dental Manager, Jennifer Kennedy, said “due to a lack of access many people are losing permanent teeth to decay, battling gum disease and infection, facing diagnoses like oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The new dental clinic will also allow PrairieStar to provide greater access for kids through the dental outreach program.&nbsp; Currently, PrairieStar provides dental outreach to thousands of kids at 64 school attendance centers.&nbsp; Of the students PrairieStar screens in the schools, 17% need urgent care.&nbsp; Kids with dental pain miss school more often and have difficulty concentrating, leading to lower grades.&nbsp; “There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a 4-year-old with an abscess, a tired expression, and multiple areas of decay, stating that it hurts when they eat,” PrairieStar Dental Outreach Coordinator, Alicia Harrison said.&nbsp;

PrairieStar also provides outreach services to nursing homes, Disability Supports of the Great Plains and TECH.&nbsp; “The dental services offered by PrairieStar to the developmentally disabled individuals served by Disability Supports, represents a vital contribution to their overall health, well-being and feeling of inclusion in our community.&nbsp; This support is deeply appreciated, as it alleviates financial burdens and ensures access to essential care that might otherwise be out of reach. Through this program, as well as an enduring and overarching commitment to all those in their care, PrairieStar’s comprehensive efforts exhibit true dedication to community wellness,” Disability Supports of the Great Plains CEO, Rick Staab said.&nbsp;

PrairieStar remains deeply committed to improving oral health access in rural Kansas.&nbsp; However, to continue meeting the needs of the community, expansion is not just important - it is essential.&nbsp; “Far too many rural Kansans are quietly suffering from serious oral health issues - conditions that are often painful, life-altering, and preventable,” PrairieStar Dental Director, Yen Nguyen said.&nbsp;

For more information on the Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care project or to make a donation, visit <a href="https://www.pshcks.org/bridgingthegap/" target="_blank">https://www.pshcks.org/bridgingthegap/</a>.&nbsp;

To learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation, visit <a href="https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/" target="_blank">https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;

PrairieStar Health Center announces $9.6M capital campaign

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. ——————————————

David	Michael	Zimmerman		11/21/2025 5:14&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Randy	Joel	Wesley		11/21/2025 8:57&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Ryan	Scott	McHenry		11/21/2025 10:25&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry physical contact

Zachary	Hunter	Higgins		11/21/2025 11:32&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Jonathan	Nathaniel	Looney	Sr	11/21/2025 12:54&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation,					Failure to Appear

Francis	Marie	Weller		11/21/2025 2:18&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Brayden	Oakley	Keeler		11/21/2025 2:37&nbsp;PM	Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon

Tanner	Joseph	Emerick		11/21/2025 6:07&nbsp;PM	DUI;1st; incapable of safely driving;child present,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Robert	Delfino	Raigoza	Jr	11/21/2025 6:47&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999,					Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,					DUI;1st; incapable of safely driving;child present,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Sean	Anthony Roylynn	Hogan		11/21/2025 8:00&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Dalton	Michael	Hartley	11/22/2025 12:22&nbsp;AM	Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or postrelease supervision

Michelle	Chantel	Moore	11/22/2025 4:33&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Joshua	Lee	Prebble	11/22/2025 1:45&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,				Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

Dalton	Michael	Hartley	11/22/2025 12:22&nbsp;AM	Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999,				Flee or attempt to elude; Comm of felony,				DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,				Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,				DL Violation; No Drivers License

Daily Bookings

 As Kansas continues to see steady growth in local entrepreneurship, one regional expert says small businesses remain the backbone of the state’s economy—and deserve both community support and strategic planning to thrive.

Brandy Willett, Regional Director for the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC) at Wichita State University, joined the KWBW Morning Show this week to talk about the resources her office provides and the trends she’s seeing among local business owners. With a background in organizational communication and marketing, Willett said her passion lies in helping everyday Kansans launch and grow successful ventures.

“Jobs are created in small businesses,” Willett said. “People create their own wealth by opening their own businesses. I just wanted to help do that.”

The Wichita State KSBDC serves 12 counties and offers what Willett calls “simple but essential” services for entrepreneurs at any stage.
“We train, we advise, and we connect,” she said.

The center hosts roughly 150 trainings per year—most of them virtual—and provides no-cost, one-on-one advising. That guidance covers everything from start-up planning and accounting to marketing, artificial intelligence, buying or selling a business, and long-term operational strategy. Staff also help business owners find funding opportunities and build networks of support.

Willett meets monthly at the Hutchinson Public Library for intake sessions, helping new entrepreneurs understand where they are in their business journey and what resources they’ll need next. “Never too small to ask, and never too early to talk to us,” she said.

While many assumed pandemic-era startups were at high risk of failure, Willett said the opposite has often proven true.

“A lot of the small businesses that started during COVID are successful,” she noted. “People started small during COVID—and that makes you more successful.”
She added that a notable number of KSBDC clients are hitting the five-year milestone this year, the benchmark at which businesses are generally considered stable.

Willett pushed back on the idea that the economy relies primarily on large corporations.

“Big business doesn’t create jobs—they shift them,” she said, pointing to the example of Boeing’s departure from Wichita. “Small shops start local, stay local, and keep money in the community.”

With holiday shopping underway, Willett encouraged Kansans to prioritize local stores. “If you want to make a real, lasting impact on your community, shop small this holiday season,” she said. “Your business matters to those owners—it can make the difference in their success.”

One of the most common challenges for new businesses, Willett said, is growing too quickly.

“That’s a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem,” she cautioned. “Growing too fast can kill a business just as easily as not having customers.”

The KSBDC frequently helps owners plan for the highs and lows of business before they become overwhelming. She advises new restaurants, shops, and startups to expect an early burst of attention followed by a natural drop-off.

“We build that into our three-year projection models. Business isn’t steady—our goal is to help owners prepare for that.”

For anyone considering launching a business in 2025 or 2026, Willett was clear:
“Do your market research and run your numbers. Don’t waste your time on something that doesn’t have the potential to be successful.”

The Wichita State KSBDC website offers appointment scheduling, training information, and resource materials. Willett also encouraged local entrepreneurs to reach out through StartUp Hutch, noting that Startup Hutch’s Graham Lang is “a wonderful asset.”

For details on upcoming trainings or to schedule an advising session, visit the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University online.

Willett expressed her appreciation to the Hutchinson community and encouraged entrepreneurs to reach out early—and often—for support.

“We’re here for the long run,” she said. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

Small Business Adviser highlights growth, challenges, and the power of shopping local

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

Three-day weather outlook

The annual Reno County Toy Run returns on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, inviting riders and community members to help support local children by donating a new unwrapped toy.

Lineup begins at Salty Cycles, 129 E. Sherman in Hutchinson, at the corner of Sherman and Poplar, with entry from Main and Sherman. The event is open to street-legal bikes only. Riders gather at 10 a.m., and the parade—along with Santa—leaves at 1 p.m.

The Toy Run concludes at the Moose Lodge, 1401 E. 1st, where participants can enjoy a chili feed, purchase event shirts and buttons, and take part in a live auction with Curtis Jefferis.

The run benefits multiple local charities.
For more information, contact Alan Turner at 620-662-2972 or Karl “Handy” Kocher at 620-960-8044, or follow the Reno County Toy Run on Facebook.

Reno County Toy Run to be held Sunday 

The City of Hutchinson announces that water service disconnections for nonpayment will resume beginning&nbsp;December 2025. The City implemented a temporary pause on&nbsp;November 4th&nbsp;to provide&nbsp;residents additional stability during a period of financial uncertainty.

City staff recognize that financial challenges do not disappear overnight and remain committed to working with residents to keep their water service connected. Customers who need more time to pay or who wish to discuss payment arrangements are encouraged to contact the Utility Billing Office as soon as possible.

Payment arrangements are available.Residents may call&nbsp;620-694-2621, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:billing@hutchinsonks.gov">billing@hutchinsonks.gov</a>, or visit the Utility Billing Office at City Hall to discuss options.

To avoid interruption of service, customers should make payments according to their assigned billing group:

Residents can use the City’s&nbsp;interactive utility billing map&nbsp;to look up their address and identify their billing group.Interactive Map:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/HutchBillingGroups">https://bit.ly/HutchBillingGroups</a>

“We understand that residents may still be working through financial difficulties, and our goal is to help them stay connected,” said&nbsp;Angela Richard,&nbsp;Director of Finance. “If you’re having trouble paying your bill, please contact our office. We will gladly work with you to find a manageable solution.”

Payments remain due according to schedule, and customers are encouraged to stay current to avoid service interruption.

Customers with questions or concerns can reach the Utility Billing Office at&nbsp;620-694-2621&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:billing@hutchinsonks.gov">billing@hutchinsonks.gov</a>.

The City appreciates the community’s cooperation and continued efforts to maintain timely utility payments, which support reliable water service for all Hutchinson residents.

City to resume water service disconnections in December

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

Brandy Willett the Small Business Development Center regional manager from Wichita State University stopped by to talk about opportunities for small businesses in south central Kansas.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Brandy Willett, SBDC Regional Director

Martin	Ramon	Duran	11/20/2025 8:16&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Aaron	Christopher	Glover	11/20/2025 12:28&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999

Devin	Michael	Horton	11/20/2025 12:58&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Billy	Odeal	Taylor	11/20/2025 3:40&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 or less; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours

Ryan	Andrew	Wells	11/20/2025 3:44&nbsp;PM	Worthless Checks; Less than $1,000

Jennifer	Nicole	Reed	11/20/2025 4:20&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Poss of marijuana

Patrick	Levi	Moody	11/20/2025 6:06&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Lewis	Jade	Reed	11/20/2025 6:22&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Poss of marijuana, Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Lisa	Dawn	Armstrong	11/20/2025 9:36&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conviction, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance

SALINE COUNTY —A suspect is in jail facing multiple allegations after a high speed chase in Saline County.

Just after 12a.m. Thursday, a sheriff's deputy near the south Saline County line around on Interstate 135 near the Kansas 104 exit was searching for a 2013 BMW that had been reportedly speeding northbound with no lights on, according to a statement from the Saline County Sheriff's Office.

The deputy found the vehicle traveling at 135 mph in Saline County and pursued. After an attempted stop, the vehicle continued northbound on the Interstate with no lights on.

The vehicle continued west on Interstate 70 until eventually pulling over just east of the Sylvan Grove exit in Ellsworth County. The driver identified as 22-year-old Hunter Sims of Denton, TX was arrested on requested charges of Reckless Driving, Speeding, Registration Violation, Driving with no Headlights and Felony Flee and Elude.

Sheriff: Driver jailed after I-70 chase at 130mph

WILSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 3p.m. Saturday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a pedestrian identified as 21-year-old Angel M.&nbsp;Stephens of Altoona, was walking westbound on 7th Street in Altoona.&nbsp; She accidentally walked in front of and was struck by a northbound train.&nbsp;

Stephens was pronounced dead at the scene. It is believed that she did not see or hear the train, according to the KHP.

She was transported to&nbsp;Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia.&nbsp;

KHP: 21-year-old did not see or hear train in fatal accident

KANSAS CITY—A man was sentenced in federal court this week for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood,” 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 57 months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, according to the United State's Attorney.

On Sept. 17, 2022, Hodge and 12 other members of the Pagan’s and their support club chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo.&nbsp; Various members of the Pagan’s and their support club were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.&nbsp; Hodge, who was a Pagan’s prospect at the time, and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to their knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks, and back of their leg.&nbsp;Hodge and several others fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Following this event, several members, including Hodge, were awarded club patches for their participation.

Motorcycle club member going to prison for armed assault of rival

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday night in Basehor, Kansas.

Just before 9p.m., deputies from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 16900 block of Dempsey Road where a resident reported being threatened, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp; The reporting party provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was a white Honda SUV.

Preliminary information indicates deputies located the Honda nearby, and attempted to stop the SUV, when the driver fled. While the Honda traveled eastbound in the 17000 block of Dempsey Road, gunshots were fired from the SUV toward the pursuing patrol vehicle. Near N. 147th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, in Basehor, gunshots were again fired from the Honda, and the responding deputy crashed his patrol vehicle.

The pursuit continued to the area of N. 156th&nbsp;and Parallel Road, where the Honda collided with a passenger car. As a deputy pulled behind the Honda, a male subject, later identified as Andrew M. Amundsen, 33, of Leavenworth, exited the passenger side, and fired several rounds. The deputy returned fire. The driver of the vehicle, Mariah Huggins, 29, of Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody at the crash site.

Amundsen fled on foot. In an attempt to hide, he broke a basement window of an area home, entered the residence, but then exited and continued to flee. Sheriff's deputies located him hiding in a truck bed in the area of N. 157th&nbsp;and Cedar Street and took him into custody. Amundsen was uninjured, and later booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on an outstanding arrest warrant.

The deputy involved in the wreck was transported to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries and then released. No other deputies or civilians were hurt during this incident. As a precaution, Huggins was examined by hospital personnel, and then booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on a pre-existing warrant.

Additional charges, related to this incident, are expected for Amundsen and Huggins.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature, and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

When this investigation concludes case findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for determination of charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Couple jailed after exchange of gunfire with Kan. deputy

MITCHELL COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 1:30p.m. Saturday in Mitchell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy Malibu driven by Dustin K.&nbsp;West, 31, Cawker City, was eastbound in the 800 block of Wisconsin Street in Cawker City. The struck a pedestrian, identified as LInda B. Clover, 81, Cawker City, who stepped into the roadway from the south curb.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Clover to&nbsp;Mitchell County Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. West was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

81-year-old Kansas woman hospitalized after struck by a car

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/melania-trump">Melania Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/usha-vance-attorney-jd-vance-wife-vp-63406da4f6739546391ed7797fc1fef2">Usha Vance</a>&nbsp;took their first trip together on Wednesday, visiting Marine Corps members and their relatives in North Carolina to mark the approach of Thanksgiving and salute military families, which the first lady called "the quiet strength of our nation.”

The wives of President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a former Marine, visited schools at Camp Lejeune, the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast, before delivering remarks to some 1,600 uniformed, cheering Marines and their families at Marine Corps Air Station New River.

“Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you and deeply grateful for your service,” Trump said of all military service members stationed far from home during the holidays, speaking from a stage flanked by parked tanks and helicopters.

Trump stressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the military, noting that “technology is changing the art of war.”

“Predictably, AI will alter war more profoundly than any technology since nuclear weapons,” she said, also noting that "we are moving from human operators to human overseers fast.”

Trump and Vance both saluted the Marines for the branch's recent 250th anniversary, and the second lady said that “military families are truly a model for our country and for my own family."

Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo Jr, said of the joint visit: “Those moments matter because they show our families their service and sacrifices are seen and appreciated."

Trump and Vance's speeches followed them discussing AI with high schoolers and helping younger children make turkeys out of cardstock — surrounded by Elmer’s glue and glue sticks.

They watched an advanced placement research class from the Lejeune High “Devilpups,” recalling the Marine Corps’ “Devil Dog” nickname, and had discussions about technological development.

Trump and Vance sat with four tables of students with laptops. They listened to a student presentation on electronic media affecting sleep and adolescent wellbeing, as well as a study on social media addiction and its impact on young people’s esteem and body image.

The students demonstrated how they used AI to generate videos as part of their presentation. The first lady asked one group how they used AI in school, and nodded along as they chatted. The students also described rules that kept them from using AI to improperly complete assignments.

Trump and Vance later visited a gymnasium, where the school was assembling 2,000 care packages for service members stationed abroad — filled with goodies including jerky sticks. The first lady told the crowd there that she and the president always think of U.S. service members but “especially during the holidays.”

Trump and Vance also toured two kindergarten classes and a first grade class at DeLalio Elementary School, entering classrooms where each table had been laid with folders from Be Best, Trump’s child-focused initiative. The folders featured a puzzle, pen, and sticker for each student.

Trump told one of the girls she was “beautiful.” The youngster had a patriotic ribbon pinned to her light blue top, meaning one of her parents is on active deployment.

The first lady asked another a question, before declaring, “’Isn’t it fun?” She engaged in a long conversation with another girl before offering, “Very nice. I love your story.”

Later, sitting at tables with the youngsters, Trump commanded, “Show me how you play.” Several of the kindergartners and first graders wore ribbons signifying a deployed parent — as did many in the larger group of students later making turkeys with the first and second ladies.

Both have appeared together at other public events, though not on the road. Most notably, they were together at the inauguration of their husbands at the U.S. Capitol in January.

Other joint appearances came at a White House event celebrating military mothers and a luncheon for Senate spouses, both in May; the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-performing-arts-487a890419ebf4de42660c5d947dc69c">opening night of “Les Misérables”</a>&nbsp;at the Kennedy Center in June; and the president's signing last week of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-white-house-foster-care-5301987e676786c793b2b9fba0eb4c2f">executive order to help foster children</a>, which also came as part of Be Best.

Melania Trump has centered her work around children, launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/parenting-united-states-government-2aefddc6f11044d4ac340809f9e75bb3">Be Best</a>&nbsp;during her husband's first term to focus on their welfare, online safety and opioid abuse.

Last month, she announced that eight children displaced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the Russia-Ukraine war</a>&nbsp;had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/melania-trump-russia-ukraine-children-fe324a08a9a957f05995dac0d95a66c3">reunited with their families</a>&nbsp;following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this year, the first lady helped lobby Congress to pass legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-melania-intimate-imagery-bill-sign-c7416b4935f8ccac9fd2909e494da9f1">imposing federal penalties for online sexual exploitation</a>, often targeting young girls. Her husband signed the bill into law in May.

Usha Vance, a former lawyer, launched a “Summer Reading Challenge” to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books during the school break. Certificates and prizes were promised to those who completed the challenge.

The second lady often accompanies the vice president on his trips and sometimes brings along their three young children.

Highlights of first and second ladies visit with Marines and their relatives

By:<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/cindygonzalez/">Cindy Gonzalez</a> <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/03/17/lincoln-senators-clash-over-nebraska-school-retirement-bill-as-school-leaders-weigh-in/"></a>LINCOLN — In a blow to the local economy of Lexington, Nebraska, Tyson Foods announced that it is closing the town’s longtime Tyson beef plant that employed about 3,200 people.&nbsp;

The Arkansas-based Tyson said in a statement that changes were designed to “right-size” its beef business and position it for long-term success.

The Lexington plant is to close on or around Jan. 20.&nbsp;The statement did not elaborate on why the plant in the town of&nbsp; about 11,500 people was targeted.

The company said it also will convert an Amarillo, Texas, beef facility to a single, full-capacity shift and increase production at other company beef facilities. The number of layoffs from that eliminated shift is about 1,700.

A recent earnings report indicated that Tyson stands to lose some $600 million in its beef business next fiscal year, on top of the already-incurred $720 million loss over the last two years.&nbsp;

The closure sparked swift reaction from Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors expressed disappointment — especially, it said, in light of Friday’s U.S. Department of Agriculture data that Nebraska cattle-on-feed inventories remain slightly above year-ago levels in spite of the ongoing cyclical tightness in national cattle numbers.

“We firmly believe there isn’t a better place to efficiently and economically raise cattle and produce beef than Nebraska,” the board said in a statement. “This will have a profound impact on the community of Lexington and many cattle producers.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen called the state’s cattle industry resilient and “the envy of the world.” He said Tyson leadership promised to “work on future value-added opportunities” in the state.

“Big picture — our excellent cattlemen and cattle feeders have emerging opportunities and will still have the Tyson market to sell into as its planned re-organization will boost capacity and jobs at other Nebraska plants,” Pillen said.

But U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, blasted the decision.

“As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region and our state,” she said.

Calling Nebraska a beef state that knows better than anyone the highs and lows of the cattle market, Fischer added: “It’s no secret that just a few years ago, packers like Tyson were making windfall profits while the rest of the industry was continuously in the red.”

“I call on Tyson to do everything in its power to take care of the families affected by this short-sighted decision,” she said.&nbsp;

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he would do what he could to support Nebraskans impacted and to help employees find work close to home.

“This news is especially heartbreaking around the holidays,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb, called the closure a disappointing loss for the city, Dawson County, the region and cattle industry as a whole.&nbsp;

“Nebraska’s hard-working cattle producers are innovative and highly efficient as they work to provide high quality beef for consumers,” Smith said. “I welcome input from producers and stand ready to assist as we all move forward.”

In its announcement, Tyson said it recognized the impact its decisions have on its team members and their communities.

“The company is committed to supporting our team members through this transition, including helping them apply for open positions at other facilities and providing relocation benefits,” it said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb, said in a statement that ranchers “dutifully raised cattle even when times were hard. Now they are being abandoned.”

He said that after Tyson closed its Norfolk plant in 2006, it “stripped the plant bare” and the property couldn’t be used as a beef processing facility. He said the plant still sits empty today.

Said Flood: “As they wind down their Lexington plant, Tyson needs to preserve it, so it can remain a beef processing operation and keep good paying jobs in Dawson County that support our ag communities.”

Tyson to close Nebraska beef plant with 3,200 workers

Voting rights advocates say both states must carefully guard personal information and should proceed with the understanding that databases could be flawed

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

TOPEKA, Kansas — The Republican secretaries of state for Kansas and Missouri have signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange voter registration information in a bid to identify people who failed to cancel registrations after moving from one state to the other.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins said the partnership would enhance voter roll maintenance by “securely” sharing personal details on 1.87 million registered voters in Kansas and 4.13 million registered voters in Missouri.

Two organizations dedicated to advancing voter rights expressed skepticism the two-state agreement would do much to strengthen election security.

Neither secretary of state offered an estimate of the number of people in Kansas and Missouri who might have active registrations in a state where they used to reside.

“We can reduce duplicate registrations, created when residents move across the state line, by updating voter registration records timely and as allowed by law,” said Schwab, a candidate for the 2026 GOP nomination for governor in Kansas.

Hoskins said Missouri engaged in rigorous voter registration maintenance in accordance with state and federal law, but the deal “allows us to improve accuracy even further.”

He said the risk of duplicate registrations was real because thousands of Missourians and Kansans relocated each year across the state line in Kansas City metropolitan counties.

“This partnership is good government, plain and simple,” Hoskins said. “When voters move, their information should follow them and our local election officials deserve every available tool to keep the rolls clean, current and transparent.”

Esmie Tseng, spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said the organization’s concerns with the Missouri-Kansas arrangement were comparable to those shared in September when Schwab announced&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/23/kansas-among-nine-states-to-swap-voter-rolls-with-texas-in-effort-to-find-duplicates-prevent-fraud/" target="_blank">a voter registration collaboration between Kansas and Texas</a>. She said both states must carefully guard personal information, and the states ought to proceed with the understanding that databases could be flawed.

“It should not be used as a way of simply scaring people about election integrity,” Tseng said.

Some states — but not Kansas — striving to upgrade election security in the past decade turned to the Electronic Registration Information Center. ERIC an organization of member states worked to collate motor vehicle department data, Social Security Administration death reports, address information from the U.S. Postal Service and state voter registration records to search for possible illegal voting.

Schwab’s predecessors as Kansas secretary of state operated the now-defunct Crosscheck program that promised to improve accuracy of state voter registration rolls. A lawsuit was filed challenging Crosscheck’s security shortcomings and a high rate of false positives. Settlement of the lawsuit in 2019 led to shelving of Crosscheck.

“Given the history of voter data mismanagement and its negative impact on Kansans, our big question is: How is this better than ERIC and different from Crosscheck?” said Melissa Stiehler, advocacy director for Loud Light, a Kansas organization focused on civil and voting rights.

Whitney Tempel, director of communications for Schwab, said all data sharing relevant to maintaining accurate voter rolls would be conducted in accordance with mandates of state or federal law.

She said the Kansas agreements with Missouri and Texas were part of a trend in which states proactively sought to update voter rolls through direct cooperation with other states.

“This is part of a national surge in one-to-one state agreements as opposed to multistate groups,” Tempel said. “This is one more tool for voter roll maintenance.”

Hoskins, the Missouri secretary of state, said Kansas and Missouri were part of a growing trend among states that voluntarily partnered on data-sharing projects to streamline work on election security.

In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice requested states turn over voter registration lists as part of a national inquiry into potential voter fraud. The Justice Department said the goal was to guarantee compliance with federal laws. DOJ subsequently revealed information was shared with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for inclusion in the Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, database.

On Tuesday, election officials in 10 states&nbsp;<a href="https://coloradonewsline.com/2025/11/18/state-election-officials-misled-trump/" target="_blank">sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and DOJ asking for clarification of statements about uses for voter registration data by the administration of President Donald Trump. DOJ filed lawsuits against eight states for declining to comply with demands for information, which included driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers.

In response, the Kansas secretary of state praised the federal SAVE database. Schwab committed to providing DOJ with publicly available voter information.

Kansas, Missouri GOP officials agree to share voter registration details of 6 million people

KANSAS CITY —Police investigating another fatal shooting in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 23-year-old Jaquis Jones, according&nbsp;KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.&nbsp;

Just after 7:30p.m. Thursday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the area of 55th and Wabash on the sound of gunshots.

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