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 northwest corner of 2nd Avenue and North Plum.

Frank Colladay came to Hutchinson in 1885 and started a retail hardware store at 16 N. Main in 1888. He was very successful, especially at producing buggies. The first photo shows his advertising atop the Peru-Van Zandt Implement Company at 13 E. 1st in 1897.

Colladay incorporated in 1903 into a retail and wholesale division and, in 1906, built a large four-story building at (then addressed 420-428 E. 2nd) for $50,000. The second photo shows that building right after construction.

The third photo shows a second building added to the north in 1929.

By 1950, Frank's son, Charles, took over the company and its success continued.

The wholesale hardware company remained at this location until 2003 when the buildings were abandoned. The fourth photo shows the structures today, now addressed as 201-203 N. Plum St., and owned by Stovers Property Development L.L.C. out of Maize.

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: Colladay Hardware - Vol. 158

<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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — United Way of Reno County (UWRC) is pleased to welcome Jodie Hess and Jeremy Stauffacher as new members of its Board of Directors. Both bring valuable professional experience and a strong commitment to community service which will support the mission and work of UWRC in the community.

Jodie Hess, CPA, serves as a Senior Manager at Adams Brown. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Kansas State University. Prior to joining Adams Brown, Jodie held positions at Envista Credit Union in Hutchinson and American General Financial Services in Hutchinson, Kansas, and Crestview, Florida. Jodie and her husband, Kevin, have two sons, Austin and Aaron. In her free time, she enjoys weekends at the lake fishing and boating with her family, as well as cheering on K-State football and basketball.

Jeremy Stauffacher has worked in the financial industry since graduating from Wichita State University. He began his career as a loan officer at Bank of Kansas in South Hutchinson and later spent several years as a finance manager at a local dealership. In 2009, he joined Heartland Credit Union as an account representative, where he developed a passion for serving members and advancing the credit union industry. Jeremy and his wife are celebrating 20 years of marriage and have a 13-year-old son. As a family, they enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors, including riding mountain trails together in their RZR.

“Jeremy and Jodie each bring unique perspectives and expertise that will strengthen our board and our work in the community,” said Lacey Mills, UWRC CEO. “We are grateful for their willingness to serve and invest their time and talents in support of making Reno County a place where all can thrive.”

UWRC also recognizes its incoming executive officers, who will help guide the organization’s strategic direction. Those officers are:

For more information about United Way of Reno County, visit www.uwrenocounty.org.

About United Way of Reno County: United Way of Reno County works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and direct support, UWRC addresses critical needs in youth opportunity, financial stability, health and basic needs.

United Way of Reno County welcomes new board members

Firefighters rescued four animals from a house fire in the 200 block of West Eighth during a mid-morning response.

Crews arrived to find a significant fire in a back room of the residence, with smoke throughout the structure. Firefighters quickly located and removed four animals from the home. Two of the animals were unconscious and not breathing when they were pulled out, but crews were able to revive them. All four animals survived.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire without it spreading beyond the room of origin. Officials said there was no extension of the fire into the attic or the basement.

The cause of the fire has not yet been released and no injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Pets rescued after mid-morning house fire

 With a winter storm forecast to impact much of central Kansas, area churches, businesses, organizations, and event organizers are being encouraged to submit any cancellations, delays, or postponements as early as possible to help keep the community informed.

Hutch Post will compile and publish weather-related schedule changes as they are received. Those needing to announce an update should email the required information to <a href="MAILTO:HUTCHPOST@EAGLEMEDIA.COM">hutchpost@eaglemedia.com</a>.

Submissions should include the following details:

School district administrators should have received information on how to make cancellations. If you have not received that information, please let us know.&nbsp;

Community members are encouraged to check Hutch Post regularly for the latest updates as weather conditions evolve. Early and complete submissions will help ensure accurate and timely information for residents across the region.

Winter Weather: How to submit closures, delays, and cancellations

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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. ——————————————

Esaiahs	Xavier	Flores		1/21/2026 8:53&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Candace	May	Helm		1/21/2026 9:27&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Cameron	Dewayne	Hardrick		1/21/2026 11:28&nbsp;AM	Direct Contempt

Adam	Scott	McConnell		1/21/2026 12:47&nbsp;PM	In Transit From-To Other Agency

Brayden	Wayne	Chesterman		1/21/2026 1:28&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Reghan	Anastacia	ONeal		1/21/2026 10:11&nbsp;PM	Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000

Darious	Zane	Ledford		1/21/2026 10:37&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,					Probation Violation (5 counts),					Failure to Appear

Kammi	Kay	Doddato		1/21/2026 6:59&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Tyler	Wayne	Lyon		1/21/2026 8:02&nbsp;PM	Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or post release supervision,					Domestic Battery; Aggravated; Impede Breathing by Pressure to Throat, Neck or Chest,					Assault

Kainoa	Kaneakua	Torres-Barrozo		1/22/2026 1:32&nbsp;AM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Falsely report a Felony crime intending to obstruct,					Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY

Kyle	Jarrett	Baker		1/22/2026 1:34&nbsp;AM	Poss of substance in KSA 65-4105/65-4111;1 prior conv,					Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; $1,000 to $24,999,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

David	Earl	Sinnett	Sr	1/22/2026 3:22&nbsp;AM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas Corporation Commission on Tuesday held a public hearing on Evergy’s request for a line-siting permit for a new approximately 15-mile, 345-kilovolt transmission line in Reno County that would connect the McNew generating station to the existing Reno County Substation.

KCC Chair Andrew French, joined by Commissioner Dwight Keen and Commissioner Annie Kieither (participating by Zoom), told attendees the docket was opened after Evergy requested approval to site and build the line, which would tie the new McNew facility into Evergy’s transmission grid. French emphasized the hearing was limited to the transmission line siting permit and did not address whether the generating station should exist, only the line proposed to connect it.

The hearing was structured in two parts: an informational session with presentations from Evergy and KCC staff followed by a Q&amp;A, and then a formal public comment period for residents to enter comments into the official record.

Evergy outlines route study and timeline

Evergy Vice President of Transmission Steve Vetch said the company’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan identified a need for additional capacity and energy tied to demand growth and requirements from the Southwest Power Pool. He referenced a prior KCC order in Evergy’s predetermination case that granted authority to construct and own two combined-cycle natural gas facilities in Kansas, including the McNew station in Reno County.

Vetch said the proposed transmission line would strengthen capacity and reliability and help meet the needs of homes and businesses in Hutchinson, central Kansas and beyond.

Evergy project manager Scott Lord described a routing study that began in March 2025, including the use of an engineering consultant and an internal multi-discipline team to identify potential routes connecting the McNew station and the Reno County substation.

Lord said routes were evaluated on a wide range of criteria, including maximizing distance from residences and public facilities, minimizing impacts to cultivated land and irrigation pivots, avoiding wetlands and sensitive habitat where possible, and maintaining a practical line length with fewer angles. Lord noted the route network generally headed east and north, influenced by proximity to the Hutchinson Municipal Airport.

Evergy held a public open house on July 29, 2025, Lord said, inviting landowners within 1,000 feet of identified line segments and collecting questionnaires to weigh route factors. Evergy then modified the route network and scored alternate routes using weighted criteria based on public input, agency feedback, engineering and KCC guidance.

If approved, Lord said, the project schedule would include easement acquisition in 2026, engineering and procurement in 2026 and 2027, construction beginning in January 2028 and ending in December 2028, and restoration extending into 2029.

KCC staff: Case is about the line, not the plant

KCC staff attorney Assan Latif told attendees the commission is a state agency with three commissioners appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. Latif said KCC proceedings operate similar to administrative trials, with commissioners serving as the decision-makers and KCC technical staff acting as a party advocating on behalf of the public interest.

Latif said Evergy filed its application on Nov. 14, 2025, seeking approval for an approximately 15-mile, 345-kV transmission line in Reno County. He reiterated the public hearing and docket focus on the transmission line only.

Latif said KCC staff are conducting an independent review of Evergy’s routing study, potential impacts and whether the process used appropriate reasoning, and will file testimony stating staff’s position after the investigation is complete. He also referenced commission guidance adopted for transmission line siting proceedings.

Q&amp;A highlights: Substation noise, right-of-way concerns, restoration and trees

During the Q&amp;A portion, residents raised a series of questions and concerns ranging from substation impacts to restoration expectations and accountability during construction.

One resident living near the Reno County substation asked whether the new line would increase audible “humming” and whether Evergy could reduce lighting around the site. Evergy responded that the line connecting the plant to the grid would likely carry lower amperage than other existing lines feeding the substation, and said substation lighting is used for security due to theft concerns. Evergy also said work at the substation would remain within existing fence lines.

Others asked about restoration and how Evergy compensates for damage, including questions about trash left behind after projects, equipment traveling outside easements, and whether land would be restored to original conditions. KCC staff noted residents can contact the commission if construction crews go outside the right-of-way and said restoration compliance issues can be addressed through formal channels.

A property owner whose land includes mature timber asked how restoration works when tree clearing is required. Evergy said easements require the corridor to remain clear of tall-growing vegetation and indicated wooded areas would be cleared within the easement. Evergy said tree compensation is handled during the easement process and restoration would typically return areas to native grass, while encouraging landowners to discuss specifics with Evergy’s real estate staff.

Additional commenters echoed notification concerns and proposed route changes. one resident requested shifting the line east several hundred feet near Kent Street, arguing it would reduce residential adjacency. Another landowner said his wife received notifications on one property, but he did not receive notice on another property where the line would cross for roughly a mile.

French reminded residents that public comments can be submitted in multiple ways and will be accepted through 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, with all comments carrying equal weight regardless of whether they are made in person, online, by mail or by phone.

The commission said it will hold an evidentiary hearing on March 9 at 10 a.m. in the KCC hearing room in Topeka, with the hearing also broadcast on the commission’s YouTube channel. Commissioners said a final decision is scheduled on or before May 13.

Evergy and KCC staff encouraged landowners seeking more information to review docket filings through the commission’s website and to contact the appropriate offices with questions about the process.

KCC hears public concerns over Evergy’s proposed 345-kV transmission line

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly today announced&nbsp;ten&nbsp;Kansas communities have secured&nbsp;over&nbsp;$2.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;in federal&nbsp;Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act&nbsp;(IIJA) funding from the&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant&nbsp;(AIG)&nbsp;program. &nbsp;

“Investing in&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;airport&nbsp;infrastructure&nbsp;is crucial&nbsp;to&nbsp;enhancing connectivity and supporting local economies&nbsp;across the state,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I'm pleased&nbsp;that these projects are receiving vital infrastructure grants, which will not only improve our airports but also strengthen the entire state’s transportation network.”&nbsp;

Combined with just over $145,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund and over $22,000 in local contributions, the total investment into airport infrastructure in Kansas through this round of grants is more than $2.6 million.&nbsp;

“The City of Chanute has been planning funding for over&nbsp;three&nbsp;years to rehabilitate our runway and taxiway pavements. With most of our local matching funds dedicated&nbsp;to&nbsp;Runway 18-36, the availability of&nbsp;Build Kansas&nbsp;Funds&nbsp;allowed us to take advantage of&nbsp;additional&nbsp;federal&nbsp;funds and complete taxiway repairs in the same year,”&nbsp;said Ryan Follmer, Chanute Assistant City Manager.&nbsp;“Completing these repairs now will extend the life of our taxiway by 10-15 years,&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;the need for costly reconstruction, and&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;aircraft&nbsp;operations.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;airport&nbsp;projects receiving funding&nbsp;are:

Hugoton Airport – Improvements to Runway, Taxiway, Lighting, Signage, and Electrical

City of Garnett – Runway 1-19 Reconstruction – Phase 2 Land Acquisition

City of Colby – Hangar Construction – Design Only

McPherson Airport Authority – Airfield Electrical Improvements

Strother Field Commission – Snow Removal Equipment Building Construction

City of Eureka – Apron Construction – Design Only

Kearny County – Electrical Vault and Beacon Installation&nbsp;

City of Eureka – Fuel Farm Installation

City of Chanute – South Taxiway A Rehabilitation&nbsp;

City of Great Bend – Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation&nbsp;

In addition to these&nbsp;ten&nbsp;awards&nbsp;for airport infrastructure, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 79&nbsp;other federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects&nbsp;across the state&nbsp;is over $47.7&nbsp;million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $153.4&nbsp;million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;best practices for maximizing IIJA funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under IIJA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McPherson airport and others receive airport infrastructure AIG grants

The American Red Cross has issued a severe blood shortage warning after the national blood supply dropped by approximately 35% over the past month, raising concerns for hospitals and patients nationwide.

The decline comes as flu activity surges across nearly every state, sidelining many potential donors and placing additional strain on already overburdened hospitals. As inventories continue to fall, some hospitals are being forced to triage critical blood products, prioritizing limited supplies for the most urgent cases.

The shortage is particularly acute for blood types O, A negative, and B negative. Patients who depend on regular transfusions—including trauma victims, mothers in childbirth, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment or living with sickle cell disease—could face serious risks if supplies are not replenished quickly.

Winter weather has further complicated collection efforts. According to the Red Cross, approximately 400 blood drives were disrupted by severe winter conditions last month alone—more than three times the number affected during the same period last year. Those cancellations resulted in thousands of donations going uncollected, deepening the shortage.

“This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.”

With additional winter storms forecast in the coming weeks, the Red Cross warns the situation could worsen without immediate donor action. Eligible donors are urged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible by using the Blood Donor App, visiting <a href="http://RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Red Cross issues blood shortage warning

A bridge replacement project will begin Jan. 26 on Northwest 12th Street between North Ridge Road and North Emma Creek Road. The bridge is west of Newton.

Northwest 12th Street will be closed to through traffic at the project site for the duration of the project. Residents will continue to have access to their properties.

The bridge replacement will be completed by King Construction. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of August, contingent on weather.

Bridge replacement to begin on NW 12th Street in Harvey County

ATLANTA (AP) — Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas are bracing for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-ice-snow-freezing-rain-f8f2277db0d87b1aa3d4893c565ce57c">a potentially catastrophic ice storm</a>&nbsp;that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days, while Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston could see enough snow to make travel very difficult or nearly impossible, forecasters say.

About 140 million people were under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings — and in many places both.

The storm, expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-storm-polar-vortex-snow-ice-freezing-06beb5eef46fba3fc81ac3213e5568e0">is also projected to bring</a>&nbsp;heavy snow and all types of wintry precipitation, including freezing rain and sleet. An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/atmospheric-river-explainer-weather-terms-noaa-1255da0c90791344332391b81dbcd8e6">atmospheric river</a>&nbsp;of moisture could be in place by the weekend, pulling precipitation across Texas and other states along the Gulf Coast and continuing across Georgia and the Carolinas before heading northeast, forecasters said.

“Snow amounts could reach a foot or more in the I-95 major cities from D.C. to Boston,” said weather service forecasters on the East Coast, who are increasingly confident the storm will strike the big cities.

In Washington, D.C., “the combination of heavy snow and ice alongside prolonged very cold temperatures presents a unique and significant risk to life and property across virtually the entire region,” forecasters said in the weather service's Washington/Baltimore office warned.

Here's a look at the approaching storm and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-tips-c6c631eaf21489462a6c7de58a1f1003">how people are preparing for it</a>, by the numbers:

The number of snowplows owned by the city of Jackson, Mississippi, where a mix of ice and sleet is possible this weekend. The city uses other heavy machinery like skid steers and small excavators to clear roads, said James Caldwell, deputy director of public works. Jackson also has three trucks that carry salt and sand to spread across roads before freezing weather.

The amount of ice — half an inch, or 1.27 centimeters — that can lead to a crippling ice storm, toppling trees and power lines to create widespread and long-lasting power outages. The latest forecasts from the weather service warn of the potential for a half-inch of ice or more for many areas, including parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee.

The number of Nashville snowplows named after country music legend and Tennessee native Dolly Parton&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MetroSchools/photos/meet-dolly-plowton-music-city-plow-blizzard-of-oz-snowella-and-frosty-the-snow-p/1337230701778613/">(Dolly Plowton)</a>. Another snowplow in East Tennessee was named Snowlene after her classic hit song “Jolene” as part of a 2022 naming contest.

The number of layers needed to keep warm in extreme cold. AP video journalist Mark Vancleave in Minnesota explains the benefits of all three — a base layer, a middle layer and an outer shell —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-snow-ice-weekend-storm-ba67d30f05cbe14e9568907f09d2f13f">in this video</a>.

The number of major U.S. hub airports in the path of the southern storm this weekend, when ice, sleet and snow could delay passengers and cargo: Dallas-Fort Worth; Atlanta; Memphis, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Still more major airports on the East Coast could see delays later, as the storm barrels east.

The number of beet juice-dispensing trucks in the city of Chicago, according to Cole Stallard, Chicago’s commissioner of Streets and Sanitation. The natural sugars of beet juice lower the freezing point of water, allowing salt mixtures to work at much lower temperatures and preventing refreezing, while also helping salt stick to the road longer.

The number of snow and ice removal trucks operated by Memphis, Tennessee's Division of Public Works. The city also has six trucks that spread brine, a mixture designed to melt wintry precipitation. Statewide, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has 851 salt trucks and 634 brine trucks, and most of the salt trucks double as plows.

Parts of at least 19 states in the storm’s path were under winter storm watches by late Wednesday, with more watches and warnings expected as the system approaches. They include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. An estimated 55 million people are included in these winter storm watches, the weather service said.

The degree in Fahrenheit when water freezes, equivalent to 0 Celsius. This is a magic number when it comes to winter weather, said Eric Guillot, a scientist at the weather service. If the temperature is slightly above 32, it will be mostly liquid. But the colder it is below the mark, the more efficiently precipitation will freeze.

The number of snowplow trucks at the ready in Nashville, Tennessee, according to the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure.

The windchill value — how cold it feels to a person when winds are factored in — that is expected in parts of the Northern Plains, the weather service projects. That equates to minus 45.6 Celsius and is forecast for parts of northern Minnesota and North Dakota.

“When the weather forecast says, ‘feels like negative 34,’ it’s just a matter of covering skin and being prepared for it,” said Nils Anderson, who owns Duluth Gear Exchange, an outdoor equipment store in Duluth, Minnesota.

The number of miles added last year to snowplow routes in Nashville, Tennessee. That was done “to get deeper into our neighborhoods — roads that had never been plowed before,” said Alex Apple, a spokesperson for Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.

Texas has this number of pieces of winter weather equipment, including snowplows, motor graders and brine tankers, Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson Adam Hammons said. He said the agency also works with state partners and contractors to get more equipment when needed. In the Dallas area, “right now our main focus is treating our roadways in advance of the storm,” agency spokesperson Tony Hartzel said Wednesday.

The number of cubic yards of salt on hand at the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The state has 121 salt houses around the Arkansas, plus 600 salt spreaders and 700 snowplows, said Dave Parker, an agency spokesperson.

Associated Press writers Jamie Stengle in Dallas; Sophie Bates in Jackson, Mississippi; Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee; Travis Loller and Kristin M. Hall in Nashville, Tennessee; Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City; John O'Connor in Springfield, Illinois; and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed.

What the numbers show: Millions prepare for potentially catastrophic ice storm

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri gambling regulators on Thursday rejected a request from the NCAA to restrict bets on the performance of college athletes in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-basketball-betting-charges-bribery-ncaa-4a558591ffedcd9bbf8450e602ebc99a">recent betting scandals</a>, but left open the possibility of revisiting the issue as the state's fledgling sports betting market gets better established.

The action by the Missouri Gaming Commission came just a week after the NCAA sent a letter to state gambling oversight boards asking them to ban college athlete prop bets — a popular type of wager focused on what individual players will do in a game, like scoring a certain amount of points in basketball or surpassing a particular passing yardage in football. The NCAA also urged states to ban certain other specialty bets, such as wagers on whether a team will trail by a particular point spread at halftime of a game.

The NCAA contends such bets are ripe for manipulation by athletes facing pressure, harassment or bribes from bettors. It pointed to last week's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-basketball-betting-charges-bribery-ncaa-49963615bfd622c2b42bd7038f7c0a3c">federal indictment</a>&nbsp;of more than two dozen people for alleged bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy in a scheme that involved more than 39 players on more than 17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams attempting to rig more than 29 games.

But Missouri gambling regulators said they didn't want to change the state's rules less than two months after legal sports betting launched in the state. Missouri became the 39th — and latest — state to allow&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-prop-bets-missouri-f7be83cb51fb9be828089f005f83075e">sports betting on Dec. 1</a>&nbsp;under a state constitutional amendment that narrowly won voter approval.

“I just don’t feel that I have enough information to grant a request by the NCAA to prohibit this type of sports wagering, because I don’t know enough yet,” commission chair Jan Zimmerman said.

Legal sports betting has spread quickly across the U.S. since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;cleared the way for states to adopt it in 2018. Through the first 11 months of 2025, legal sportsbooks generated $15 billion in revenue, up over 17% from the same period a year earlier, according to the American Gaming Association. Missouri has not yet reported its initial sports betting revenues.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-nba-gambling-probe-1c49fcf651b8e6906c21811eec3b860f">Prop bets</a>&nbsp;on professional athletes are currently allowed in every state that has legalized sports betting. But states have widely differing rules for bets on college athletes.

More than a dozen states place no limits on collegiate prop bets while nearly an equal number prohibit all such bets. Missouri is among several states that fall somewhere in between. It prohibits prop bets on athletes playing in games involving Missouri colleges and universities but allows them for all other collegiate games.

The NCAA in 2023 began encouraging states to adopt restrictions on bets involving college athletes. Since then, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio and Vermont have joined the ranks of states banning individual prop bets on college athletes.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said in his recent letter to state gambling regulators that his office “regularly hears concerns from schools and student-athletes across the country on the impacts of sports betting,” including about prop bets.

In written comments to the Missouri Gaming Commission, a sports betting industry group said its members played an integral role in detecting and disclosing to authorities the unscrupulous betting involved in last week's indictment.

Rather than providing grounds to restrict bets on college athletes, the Sports Betting Alliance said the case highlights how legal sportsbooks can help catch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/billups-rozier-mlb-ncaa-sports-betting-scandals-fe51e2ae3b3ea33ef271c764e581a9ee">instances of wrongdoing</a>&nbsp;that might otherwise go undetected if people placed prop bets through unregulated bookies.

The alliance — which includes Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Betting &amp; Gaming — argued that the NCAA's request didn't meet Missouri's criteria for regulatory revisions and “should not trigger a radical change” to the state's new sports betting industry.

Others also expressed opposition to the betting limits backed by the NCAA.

Restricting prop bets on college athletes would drive gamblers to "offshore and illegal operators” with fewer consumer protections, Kansas City sports wagerer Chuck Kucera said in written comments to the commission.

“The NCAA's efforts would be better directed toward player education, internal compliance, and enforcement of its own rules,” Kucera wrote.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sports bettors in Missouri could face new restrictions on college athlete wagers under rules being considered Thursday in response to an NCAA request to states following the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-basketball-betting-charges-bribery-ncaa-4a558591ffedcd9bbf8450e602ebc99a">latest betting scandal to rock college athletics</a>.

The move by the Missouri Gaming Commission comes a week after the NCAA sent a letter to state gambling oversight boards asking them to ban college athlete prop bets — a popular type of wager focused on what individual players will do in a game, like scoring a certain amount of points in basketball or surpassing a particular passing yardage in football. The NCAA also urged states to ban certain other specialty bets, such as wagers on whether a team will trail by a particular point spread at halftime of a game.

Legal sports betting has spread quickly across the U.S. since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;cleared the way for states to adopt it in 2018. Through the first 11 months of 2025, legal sportsbooks generated $15 billion in revenue, up over 17% from the same period a year earlier, according to the American Gaming Association. Much of the betting is done online through smartphone apps and websites.

Missouri became the 39th — and latest — state to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-prop-bets-missouri-f7be83cb51fb9be828089f005f83075e">launch sports betting on Dec. 1</a>&nbsp;under a state constitutional amendment that narrowly won voter approval.

The alliance — which includes Bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Betting &amp; Gaming — argued that the NCAA's request didn't meet Missouri's criteria for regulatory revisions and “should not trigger a radical change” to the state's fledgling sports betting industry.

Missouri rejects a ban on college athlete prop bets after NCAA gambling scandals

Topeka&nbsp;– On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. officially filed for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, according to a statement from his office.

Senator Marshall&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114826039777950636">has received</a>&nbsp;the “full and total endorsement” of President Donald Trump.

“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve Kansas in the Senate,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“And I promise to continue protecting our Kansas values and working with President Trump to restore the American Dream for future generations.”

Senator Roger Marshall files for re-election 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Colorado man will be in court to learn his fate Thursday for a crash that killed an 82-year-old Kansas woman.

Austin Hedges, 26, is scheduled for sentencing in Judge Seth Rundle's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November Hedges pleaded guilty to charges of reckless involuntary manslaughter in the death of Kathy Knorr, according to the District Attorney's office.

On March 16, 2024, a vehicle driven by Hedges was northbound on Rock Road in Wichita and struck a vehicle driven by Knorr who was turning from Killarney Court onto southbound Rock Road, according to Wichita Police.

EMS transported Knorr to a local hospital. She died on March 30.&nbsp; The Weld County Colorado Sheriff arrested Hedges on April 19 and he was returned to Kansas to face charges.&nbsp; Hedges met the conditions of bond and is not currently in custody.

Sentencing day for driver in crash that killed 82-year-old Kan. woman 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A Kansas City Chiefs attorney told legislators Wednesday that projections show STAR bonds financing the team’s stadium deal will be paid off 10 to 15 years earlier than the expected 30-year term, upping economic benefits for the state.

Korb Maxwell, a Chiefs attorney, told legislators the planned $3 billion domed stadium and mixed-use development in Wyandotte County, and a $300 million Chiefs headquarters and training facility in Johnson County, will add to the state coffers earlier than expected.

He addressed a joint meeting of the Senate and House commerce committees, where legislators put him on the hot seat for an hour as they attempted to clear up “confusion” and answer constituent concerns about the deal.

Most of the questions, couched from different angles, came down to the dollars — how do the economics of the deal work for Kansas, how will Kansans living in the western part of the state benefit and is the estimated $1 billion economic impact realistic?

While many specifics of the plan are still in planning stages, Maxwell said, the STAR bonds — or sales tax and revenue bonds — are projected to pay off early, which will then push the revenue to the state’s treasury years ahead of time.

The Chiefs project will be funded through a 60-40 public-private partnership, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Project-Monitor-2.0-STAR-Bond-Agreement-Execution-Version.pdf" target="_blank">terms posted online</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The state’s 60% of funding will come from a mix of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/" target="_blank">STAR bonds</a>&nbsp;and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund, which is revenue from iLottery and sports betting. STAR bonds also will be repaid with 100% of liquor sales tax collected in the district.

Aside from expected benefits of 20,000 construction jobs and $4 billion in investment during the building phase, Maxwell touted long-term effects.

“This is also about 4,000 permanent careers, hundreds of millions of dollars in annual payroll once the team starts playing,” he said. “It also includes visiting team payroll, broadcaster payroll, concerts, major national events, Republican or Democratic conventions that could be hosted.”

Sen. Kenny Titus, a Wamego Republican, wasn’t convinced about the economic benefits.

“I do appreciate the optimism that this will be one of the first stadiums to pay for itself in new growth, so it will be interesting to watch that play out,” he said, adding that he’d like to know what happens if in 30 years the Chiefs moved again, leaving an empty stadium.

Maxwell answered by explaining the level of investment being made by the team showed their commitment to the stadium project, and also pointed out the team has been at its current location for more than 60 years.

“We absolutely plan to be there for the very long term,” he said.&nbsp;

Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Republican from Stilwell who chairs the House commerce committee, asked Maxwell about information he hears repeatedly that all emails, contracts and other aspects of the deal would be kept private until 2029.

Maxwell said he didn’t know where that idea came from because his understanding was that Kansas open records and open meetings laws wouldn’t allow that to happen.

However, the reference to a July 1, 2029, deadline comes directly from the 2024 special session law that allows the Kansas Department of Commerce to negotiate a deal to move the Chiefs or the Royals to the state.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2024s/b2023_24/measures/HB2001/" target="_blank">House Bill 2001</a>&nbsp;says negotiations and documentation around sports team deals would not be subject to open records requests and would remain confidential until July 1, 2029.&nbsp;

The intent of the Commerce Department is to maintain transparency, which is why the terms sheet and other documentation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit/" target="_blank">were made public</a>&nbsp;on the agency’s website when the announcement was made in December, according to Rachel Willis, director of legislative affairs for the Commerce Department.

After the legislative hearing, she affirmed that even though that language is in HB 2001, the agency will only hold back sensitive information for short periods of time, such as maintaining confidentiality that may affect issuing the STAR bonds. Otherwise, transparency on this deal is important, she said.

Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park, questioned the use of other tax incentives programs, such as a Community Improvement District, which would put a special tax on a designated area that would go to pay off the STAR bonds.

“This is the first I’d heard about it, so I am curious to know, do we know where that CID would be, and would it only apply to things that are built after the formation of the district?” she said. “I don’t like CIDs in general, when they include places where people have to shop. We have to get gas. We have to go to the grocery store. I don’t mind economic development incentives when there’s choice involved.”

Maxwell said the CID would be for the development the Chiefs are building and new developments around the stadium. Adding a CID is part of the reason the STAR bonds are projected to pay off more quickly than the 30-year term.

Sawyer Clayton also confirmed with Maxwell that labor used to build the stadium would be primarily union workers.

Legislators peppered Maxwell with questions, including whether work is being done to address needed infrastructure changes in the area where the stadium will be located next to the Kansas Speedway, whether local governments were partnering with the state on the project and how the future looks for economic development around the stadium.

Although Maxwell said many of the items were in early stages and emphasized the Chiefs and Commerce Department are working with local entities, he said the Chiefs are already in discussion with developers interested in being part of the mixed-use development.

“Our phone has been ringing off the hook since the moment that we announced in Kansas on Dec. 22, and we are considering all of those possibilities and looking at, is that right to go in Olathe? Is that right to go in Wyandotte County?” he said.

Kansas legislators grill Chiefs' attorney on economics behind deal to bring team across state line

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have made a second arrest in the investigation into the Dec. 27, home invasion shooting in the 100 block of North Ash Wichita that left one man dead and another injured.

On January 15, 39-year-old Andre Bryant was taken into custody&nbsp; and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail, according to a media release from Wichita Police. He made his first court appearance and has been charged with felony murder, aggravated murder, aggravated battery, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated burglary, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Just before 8:30p.m. on December 27, police responded to the home on North Ash&nbsp; and found a 52-year-old man and a 67-year-old man inside the home with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a hospital. The 52-year-old later died. The 67-year-old man underwent surgery, was released from the hospital and is recovering.&nbsp;

A neighbor, identified as 54-year-old Matthew Morgan, was previously arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail and was charged with second-degree reckless murder.

Bryant is due back in court next month, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Second suspect in Kan. home invasion killing faces a judge

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Thursday inaugurated his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-gaza-board-of-peace-trump-1-21-2026-2f0e063d03babbd3276f31289ba5f2a2">Board of Peace</a>&nbsp;to lead efforts at maintaining a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas, insisting that “everyone wants to be a part” of the body that could eventually rival the United Nations — despite many U.S. allies opting not to participate.

In a speech at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/world-economic-forum-davos-updates-1-20-2026">the World Economic Forum</a>, Trump sought to create momentum for a project to map out a future of the war-torn Gaza Strip that has been overshadowed this week, first by his threats to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/greenland">seize Greenland</a>, then by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-davos-housing-greenland-gaza-a2f3f4c18ba321c8025a3e208fc0ddf6">a dramatic retreat</a>&nbsp;from that push.

“This isn’t the United States, this is for the world,” he said, adding, “I think we can spread it out to other things as we succeed in Gaza.”

The event featured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-dce5a67ee31c5310149121baa52ea14a">Ali Shaath</a>, the head of a new, future technocratic government in Gaza, announcing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-hamas-rafah-1e1f8a208a58c0bb671b52304e2d6afa">the Rafah border crossing will open</a>&nbsp;in both directions next week. That's after Israel said in early December it would open the crossing, which runs between Gaza and Egypt, but has yet to do so.

Shaath, an engineer and former Palestinian Authority official from Gaza, is overseeing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-gaza-a7f07c3c9680b34c563124964885efa8">the Palestinian committee</a>&nbsp;set to govern the territory under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mideast-wars-israel-hamas-gaza-trump-witkoff-bb39015d25aeb627a5b9ce73dd4e1155">U.S. supervision</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-gaza-board-of-peace-a4a296f736474e8c6a4edacd7109b8e5">The new peace board</a>&nbsp;was initially envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing the ceasefire, but it has morphed into something far more ambitious — and skepticism about its membership and mandate has led some countries usually closest to Washington to take a pass.

Trump tried not to let those not participating ruin his unveiling party, saying 59 countries had signed onto the board — even though heads of state, top diplomats and other officials from only 19 countries plus the U.S. actually attended. He told the group, ranging from Azerbaijan to Paraguay to Hungary, “You’re the most powerful people in the world."

Trump has spoken about the board replacing some U.N. functions and perhaps even making that entire body obsolete one day. But he was more conciliatory in his remarks on the sidelines of the forum in the Swiss alps.

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