Residents will have two opportunities to learn more about the upcoming City of Hutchinson sales tax ballot measure ahead of the March 3 special election.

The City of Hutchinson will host public information meetings at Memorial Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 16, at 6 p.m. Both meetings will feature the same presentation and be held at the same location.

According to the city, staff will explain what will appear on the ballot, why a city sales tax is being considered, and how the proposal was developed. The goal is to provide residents with clear, factual information ahead of the vote.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions, with responses provided by city staff and elected officials. The meetings are open to the public, and residents may attend either date.

Meanwhile, Hutchinson residents planning to vote in the special election must be registered by Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to the Reno County Election Office.

Voters may register online through the Reno County Election Office website or in person at the Reno County Annex, located at 125 West 1st Avenue in Hutchinson.

The 2026 special election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Mail-in ballots will begin being sent to voters on Wednesday, Feb. 11. In-person advance voting will start on Feb. 23 in the Reno County Annex Conference Room and will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing at noon on Monday, March 2.

Election officials encourage eligible voters to register or verify their registration before the deadline to ensure they can participate in the special election.

Voter registration deadline today, sales tax town hall tonight

A popular 90s country revival show is headed back to Hutchinson this weekend, with strong ticket demand already signaling a packed dance floor at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

The Kansas State Fair Foundation is hosting “90s Revival: All Hat, No Cadillac” on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the 1861 Club. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. Table seating for the event sold out within hours late last year, leaving standing-room-only tickets still available.

James Fisher, with the Kansas State Fair Foundation, said the Austin-based band drew overwhelming positive feedback after performing at the foundation’s Boots &amp; Bling fundraiser last August.

“If we had one person ask us to bring them back, we had 100,” Fisher said. “Once they start playing, people hit the dance floor and they don’t leave.”

The concert features the band All Hat No Cadillac, known for high-energy performances and crowd interaction. Fisher said nearly all table purchases came from attendees who had previously seen the group perform.

The show also marks the launch of the Liquid Aloha Concert Series at the 1861 Club, sponsored by Kona Brewing.

Maddie Burns, venue and operations manager at the 1861 Club, said guests should be prepared to dance rather than sit.

“If you love 90s country, you’re not going to need a seat,” Burns said. “You’ll be on the dance floor all night.”

The venue will offer cocktail tables, a coat check, and indoor amenities to make winter travel easier for attendees. Organizers are also encouraging guests to support local restaurants before the show as part of a Valentine’s Day evening out.

Beyond the concert, the Kansas State Fair Foundation is also preparing for several upcoming events at the 1861 Club. On Sunday, Feb. 22, the venue will host Everything Weddings &amp; Events from 1 to 4 p.m. The showcase will feature local vendors offering services for weddings, corporate gatherings, fundraisers, and other special events. Admission is $10.

Later in March, the Liquid Aloha series continues with “HaHa Hutch” on March 27, featuring Hutchinson native and comedian Brett Riley. Tickets for that event are now on sale.

Standing-room tickets for the 90s Revival concert and information on upcoming events can be found at <a href="http://1861club.com">1861club.com</a>.

90s country revival coming to 1861 Club Saturday

Hutchinson Polar Plunge Returns Saturday to Benefit Special Olympics Kansas 

The Hutchinson Polar Plunge is set to return this Saturday at Midwest Superstore, raising funds to support Special Olympics athletes across Kansas after weather forced a postponement earlier this winter. 

The annual event, organized by Sgt. Andrew Soule of the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, is scheduled to begin with on-site registration at 9 a.m., followed by plunges starting at 10 a.m. or shortly thereafter. The plunge was originally planned for late January but was rescheduled due to extreme cold conditions. 

Soule said the local Polar Plunge began in either 2018 or 2019 after law enforcement officials saw the success of similar events across the state through the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement. 

“We looked at what other communities were doing and decided to give it a try here,” Soule said. “It’s been very successful for us since we started.” 

This year’s plunge returns to Midwest Superstore, a longtime host and sponsor. Additional local supporters include Pools Plus and People’s Bank and Trust.

Funds raised through the event benefit Special Olympics Kansas. While donations are collected locally, Soule explained that all funds raised through Torch Run–affiliated events go to the state level and are then distributed back to local athletes through Special Olympics Kansas programs. 

Registration remains open up until plunge time Saturday morning. Participants can sign up in advance online at soks.org by selecting the Polar Plunge tab and choosing the Hutchinson location, or they can register in person the day of the event. A $75 donation is requested to participate, though organizers work with individuals who want to take part. 

Those who prefer not to plunge can still support the cause by making a donation online or in person at the event. Spectators are also encouraged to attend, with food, drinks, and opportunities to meet local Special Olympics athletes available throughout the morning. 

Soule said the event is about more than just fundraising. 

“These athletes are wonderful people,” he said. “This is our chance to support them and help them continue to compete in the events they take so much pride in throughout the year.” 

Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $8,000 for this year’s Polar Plunge. As of Tuesday morning, approximately $2,445 had been raised.  

If you would like to donate, but don’t want to plunge, you can make a donation to their effort using this link.  

The Hutchinson Polar Plunge will take place Saturday morning at Midwest Superstore, with registration opening at 9 a.m. and plunging beginning around 10 a.m. Community members are invited to attend, cheer on participants, and support Special Olympics athletes. 

Rescheduled Polar Plunge set for Saturday

Here's a list of events happening around the area.&nbsp; If your club or organization has an event, you can e-mail the information to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@eaglemedia.com">HutchPost@eaglemedia.com.</a>

Hutch High basketball vs Valley Center – 6 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Salthawk&nbsp;Activity Center&nbsp;&nbsp;

HutchCC Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs Dodge City 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/">“The Princess Bride” Fox Classic/Retro Film Series</a> — 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre – 18 East First&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/45b532b0-b050-4bc8-a05e-ccdf10f283d0">“Newsies” - Family Community Theater</a> — 7:30&nbsp;p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 301 North Main Street&nbsp;

“Crazy Little Cafe Called Love” - Stage&nbsp;9 — 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9 South Main&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch High basketball vs Derby — 6 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Salthawk&nbsp;Activity Center&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/">“The Princess Bride” Fox Classic/Retro Film Series </a>— 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Fox Theatre – 18 East First&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/45b532b0-b050-4bc8-a05e-ccdf10f283d0">“Newsies” - Family Community Theater </a>— 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 301 North Main Street&nbsp;

Polar Plunge for Special Olympics&nbsp;— 9 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Midwest Superstore - 1100 East 30th Avenue

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/">Saturday Morning Artists</a> — 9 to 11:30 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center&nbsp;

Valentine’s Day Movie Night at the Cosmosphere – 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1100 North Plum&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/">“Casablanca” Fox&nbsp;Classic/Retro Film Series</a> – 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Fox Theatre – 18 East First&nbsp;

“Crazy Little Cafe Called Love” - Stage&nbsp;9 — 7:30&nbsp;p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9 South Main&nbsp;

90’s Revival ‘All Hats No Cadillac’ - 1861 Club — 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Crazy Little Cafe Called Love” - Stage&nbsp;9&nbsp;— 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9 South Main&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/">“Casablanca” Fox Classic/Retro Film Series</a> — 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hutchinson Fox Theatre – 18 East First&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/45b532b0-b050-4bc8-a05e-ccdf10f283d0">“Newsies” - Family Community Theater</a> — 3 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 301 North Main Street&nbsp;

 Happenings Around Hutch • Feb. 10 - 15

A familiar face has returned to the classrooms at Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School — and is already earning recognition for his impact on students.

Isaac Miller, a 2019 Trinity graduate now in his second year of teaching, was recently named the recipient of the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Outstanding New Teacher Award, presented during Catholic Schools Week by the Diocese of Wichita. The honor recognizes one outstanding early-career teacher among educators across the diocese’s 38 Catholic schools.

Miller teaches English at both the junior and senior high levels and is deeply involved beyond the classroom, coaching football and track while also assisting with forensics and theater. Trinity Principal Joe Godina said that broad involvement has been central to Miller’s early success.

“Isaac is kind of a jack-of-all-trades,” Godina said. “While he’s new as a teacher, he’s certainly not new to Trinity. He understands our culture, our students, and how important relationships are in education.”

Miller said returning to his alma mater was a decision shaped by both reflection and faith. After attending college in Nebraska, he felt called to bring new experiences back home.

“I had a lot of different experiences when I went away,” Miller said. “I thought it would be really cool to come back with everything I’ve learned and see what kind of difference I could make in a new role at the same school.”

That philosophy extends well beyond lesson plans. Miller emphasized that building relationships with students — on the field, at games, and in extracurricular activities — directly strengthens learning inside the classroom.

“When students see you outside the classroom, you get more buy-in,” he said. “You’re a bigger part of their life, not just someone teaching English. That makes everything smoother when you’re back in class.”

Godina, who previously taught for more than two decades at Hutchinson High School, said the emphasis on relationships transcends school size.

“Big school or small school, it’s really the same,” he said. “When students trust you and know you care, they’ll work for you. The difference is just the number of kids.”

Miller admitted he was caught completely off guard when his name was announced for the diocesan award.

“I had no idea,” he said. “When they said it was going to a young teacher, I started to suspect — but I was very surprised and very grateful.”

For Miller, the recognition affirmed the challenges and rewards of a demanding profession.

“Teaching is one of the most fulfilling jobs, but it can be hard,” he said. “To have your work acknowledged like that — it feels really good.”

Godina said the honor was well deserved and reflective of Miller’s early impact on the Trinity community.

“He really is a fantastic teacher,” Godina said. “This recognition speaks to the kind of influence he’s already having on our students.”

Trinity Catholic alum Isaac Miller honored with diocesan new teacher award

Kansas is recognizing Kansas Wildfire Awareness Week from Feb. 8–14, a statewide public information campaign aimed at reducing wildfire risk through education, preparedness, and cooperation among residents, fire agencies, and emergency partners.

The campaign is a joint effort involving the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas State Firefighters Association, and the Kansas Association of Fire Chiefs. Federal partners include the National Weather Service and the U.S. Forest Service, including support through the Cimarron National Grassland.

The 2026 theme, “Working Together for Wildfire Awareness – Making Kansas Stronger,” emphasizes that wildfire preparedness starts at home and extends to neighborhoods, local fire departments, and state and federal agencies working together year-round.

Officials note that more than 90 percent of wildfires in Kansas are human-caused, often sparked by escaped debris burns, dragging trailer chains, welding, equipment use, or other outdoor activities during high fire danger conditions. Wildfire Awareness Week focuses on simple, practical steps Kansans can take to prevent fires and reduce their impact when they occur.

Homeowners are encouraged to reduce hazards around their properties by clearing dry vegetation, removing flammable materials, and managing the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)—the area in and around a structure where small changes can significantly reduce wildfire risk. Suggested actions include cleaning leaves and debris from roofs and gutters, moving firewood and combustible materials away from buildings, and trimming vegetation near structures and propane tanks.

Prevention also includes securing trailer chains, maintaining vehicles and equipment, clearing debris that could spark fires, and avoiding risky outdoor activities on days with elevated fire danger. Fire officials stress that responsible behavior during dry and windy conditions is critical to protecting both property and lives.

Kansas Wildfire Awareness Week also highlights the importance of readiness and response planning. Residents are urged to know multiple evacuation routes, sign up for local emergency alerts, and prepare a “go kit” for family members and pets. Having a plan in place allows first responders to focus on fire suppression rather than last-minute rescues.

Emergency officials say strong partnerships built before a wildfire occurs are essential. Local, state, and federal agencies work together year-round to provide weather monitoring, training, equipment, and coordinated response to wildfires across Kansas.

State fire leaders emphasize that individual actions have community-wide impacts. Preparing homes, preventing ignition sources, and planning ahead not only protect individual households but also help safeguard neighbors, firefighters, and entire communities during wildfire season.

Kansas observes wildfire awareness week, encouraging preparedness and prevention

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. ——————————————

Joshua	Matthew	Stubby		2/9/2026 8:33&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Carlos		Robledo		2/9/2026 1:00&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Sean	Michael	Dionne		2/9/2026 6:00&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500,					Theft; By Deception; Less than $1,500

Michelle	Lynn	Caldwell		2/9/2026 7:16&nbsp;PM	Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten

Karl	Eugene	Ferrell		2/9/2026 8:03&nbsp;PM	Poss of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Interference with LEO; knowingly flee by means other than motor vehicle for misdemeanor case

Jeremy Lee Grissom&nbsp;2/9/2026 11:13 PM Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact

Daily Bookings

USD 308 Board hears KESA accreditation update, OKs major curriculum and technology purchases

The USD 308 Board of Education received an update Monday night on the district’s Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) work, with Dr. Krystal Young crediting Director of Curriculum Lisa Yantes for leading the effort and reporting the district met its six-month and one-year strategic plan goals.

Yantes told the board KESA is now a yearly process and that USD 308 is in year two of the state’s newer accreditation model. She said the district remains in compliance with required measures and has been implementing its action plan tied to math and English language arts outcomes, graduation rate and postsecondary success. Yantes said the state has set a graduation-rate standard, but is still finalizing assessment and postsecondary metrics expected this spring; USD 308 will submit its updated plan by March 16, with accreditation feedback anticipated in early April.

Yantes also noted collaboration with “like systems” assigned by the state—Pittsburg, Kansas City Turner and Leavenworth—helped districts compare challenges, strategies and data trends, including academics and staffing.

In other business, the board approved several purchases and agreements, including:

The board also received updates on a bond survey process, upcoming no-school dates (Feb. 20 and Feb. 23), and a planned ribbon cutting for the Little Hawks Child Care Center on April 3 at 11:30 a.m.

The next meeting of the USD 308 Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 23.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Luke Berblinger, a Buhler High School graduate and former college assistant coach, has been named the 28th head football coach in the 125-year history of Salthawk football, the Board of Education approved Monday.

For Berblinger, the opportunity is both a professional milestone and a homecoming.

“We’re really excited about it,” Berblinger said. “I’ve spent the last seven years as an assistant at the FCS level and learned a lot from great mentors, but I’ve always wanted to be a head coach. Hutchinson High School is an awesome opportunity. To run your own program, set the culture and set the standards, that’s something I’m really excited about.”

Berblinger grew up in Reno County and starred at Buhler, where he helped guide the Crusaders to the Class 4A state championship in 2013 during a 13-1 season. He graduated in 2014.

His former coach, longtime Buhler leader Steve Warner, said Berblinger’s path into coaching felt inevitable.

“I was very excited for Luke. I know this is a great opportunity for him,” Warner said. “Last spring my staff and I met with him and SEMO. He told us then that he was ready to try and coach at the high school level.”

Warner said Berblinger’s leadership qualities stood out even as a player.

“In Luke’s senior year we won the state championship. Luke was a very strong leader on the team,” Warner said. “Luke would do anything we ever asked of him. He was a very hard worker.”

Berblinger said returning to Reno County was a major factor in taking the Hutchinson job.

“That’s the reason we wanted to take this job,” he said. “My wife and I both have family here. We started our family away from everybody, but being back in the community is something we’re really, really excited about. We had great experiences growing up here and we want the same thing for our family.”

After high school, Berblinger played four seasons as a slotback at Emporia State from 2014 through 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance in 2018 and immediately transitioned into coaching, first as a student assistant and later as a graduate assistant working with slotbacks and strength and conditioning.

Those early responsibilities ranged from breaking down film to handling practice logistics, experiences he said helped shape his work ethic.

His career continued at Southeast Missouri State, where he spent the past seven seasons on staff in a variety of roles. Berblinger served as offensive quality control, video coordinator for three years, recruiting coordinator, running backs coach for three seasons and most recently tight ends coach.

“I’ve kind of done everything,” Berblinger said. “Head coaches need to know how to do everything. Doing the jobs nobody wants to do really teaches you a lot and prepares you for this.”

Warner said Berblinger’s coaching instincts were apparent long before college.

“I knew Luke wanted to coach when he was in high school,” Warner said. “He had a love of the game. He studied a lot of film in high school. I knew he would be successful for that reason but also because he was a great leader for the team. Leadership and love of the game can carry a coach a long way.”

He also believes Berblinger’s ability to connect with players will translate well at the high school level.

“I felt like Luke was able to relate to all of the players on the team,” Warner said. “I feel this will help him be a successful high school coach.”

Berblinger now takes over a Hutchinson program with a proud history and high expectations. The Salthawks compete in Class 5A and have long been considered one of the state’s premier jobs.

He replaces Mike Vernon, who went 46-33 over eight seasons from 2018 through 2025.

“I’ve seen what it’s like when Hutch High is rolling,” Berblinger said. “The excitement it brings to Hutchinson and all of Reno County is special. I’ve got a lot of pride in this community, and hopefully you see a team that plays hard and is physical.”

Offensively, Berblinger plans to feature a run-first spread attack rather than the flexbone system Hutchinson used for years.

“I want to run the football,” he said. “Most of my experience has been in a run-first spread offense. We’re going to try to establish the run and get the ball to our playmakers. Every team is different, so we’ll fit what we do to our personnel.”

Defensively, he emphasized stopping the run and playing with toughness up front.

Beyond schemes, Berblinger said relationships will drive the program’s success. He hopes to stay visible in the community and work closely with youth football programs to build long-term continuity.

“I want kids to love football and have a great experience from a young age,” he said. “If they’re excited about the program early, that carries over when they get to junior high and high school.”

Berblinger and his wife (formerly Baylee Heitschmidt), a Hutchinson High graduate, will move back to the area with their daughter, Lucy. He said the chance to lead a hometown program with such tradition made the decision clear.

“I didn’t want just any job,” he said. “I wanted this job.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🏈 Hutchinson High School hires Luke Berblinger to lead Salthawk football program

Hutchinson residents planning to vote in the upcoming City of Hutchinson Sales Tax special election must register by Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to the Reno County Election Office.

Voters can register online through the Reno County Election Office website or in person at the Reno County Annex, located at 125 West 1st Avenue in Hutchinson.

The 2026 Special Election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. Mail-in ballots will begin being sent to voters on Feb. 11.

Advance voting in person will start on Feb. 23 in the Reno County Annex Conference Room. In-person advance voting will be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will close at noon on Monday, March 2.

Election officials encourage eligible voters to complete their registration or make sure their registration is correct before the deadline to ensure they are able to participate in the special election.

Deadline for voter registration, changes is Tuesday 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities investigating the disappearance of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;released the first surveillance images Tuesday showing a masked person on her porch the night she went missing, as law enforcement and her family intensified calls for public help more than a week into the search.

Law enforcement searching for the mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;have not identified any suspects of persons or interest, and it's unclear if she is still alive. FBI Director Kash Patel posted the images on X.

“The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems,” Patel wrote, saying the images show “an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance.”

Video released by the FBI shows the person wearing a backpack, long sleeves and pants walk up to the door and try to conceal a camera with a glove before turning around, grabbing some plants and then putting them in front of the camera.

Investigators had been hopeful that cameras at the home would turn up some evidence about how she went missing, but the doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday. And while software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, Nancy Guthrie didn’t have an active subscription, so none of the footage could be recovered, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos had said.

The announcement comes as heartbreaking messages made by “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;and her family have shifted from hopeful to desperate as they plead with the apparent kidnappers to hand over their mother.

It's also unclear if ransom notes demanding money with deadlines that have already passed were authentic, or whether the Guthrie family has had any contact with the abductors.

Guthrie and her family have posted a series of videos over the past week, each striking a different tone. The latest message from Savannah Guthrie, in which she appeared alone, was more bleak.

“We are at an hour of desperation,” she said Monday, telling the public: “We need your help.”

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-6c7b78d17d7b647c64f71f64ecaecf8b">taken against her will</a>&nbsp;from her house just outside Tucson. She was last seen there Jan. 31 and reported missing the next day after not attending church. DNA tests showed blood on Nancy Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-nancy-adaa8af43efe04c252a52616d9037a05">doorbell camera was disconnected</a>&nbsp;in the early hours of Sunday morning, the sheriff has said.

Authorities say Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication because she is said to have high blood pressure and heart issues, including a pacemaker.

Investigators were in her neighborhood several times over the past few days and plan to keep working Tuesday as they expand the search and follow up on new leads, the sheriff’s department said.

Three days after the search began, Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings sent their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">first public appeal</a>&nbsp;to the kidnappers, telling them “we want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”

In the recorded video, Guthrie said her family was aware of media reports about a ransom letter, but they first wanted proof their mother was alive. "Please reach out to us,” they said.

Law enforcement officials declined to say whether the letters sent to several media outlets were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

The next day, Savannah Guthrie’s brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-2765f354b498e6146b955162c3b71d4f">again told the kidnappers</a>&nbsp;to reach out "so we can move forward.”

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly,” Camron Guthrie said.

Then over the past weekend the family&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-92dff046a91f2c5c0093f17cd3b7ad42">posted another video</a>&nbsp;— one that was more cryptic and generated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/search-nancy-guthrie-social-media-posts-e176abcc670af3844416946fb3bb5619">even more speculation</a>&nbsp;about Nancy Guthrie's fate.

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” said Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Up to that point, the family's first three videos addressed the kidnappers directly.

But just ahead of Monday's deadline spelled out in a purported note, Savannah Guthrie urged people nationwide to be on the lookout “no matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything.”

Her turn to the public comes as much of the nation is closely following the dramatic twists and turns involving&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/today-savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-2c0512333cfaa6cdb01a82d1992160b2">the longtime anchor</a>&nbsp;of NBC’s morning show.

The FBI this week began posting digital billboards in major cities from Texas to California.

Connor Hagan, a spokesperson for the FBI, said Monday that the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mom-missing-ransom-deadline-arizona-3977f842fd3d1fd66952d1d763944b9d">wasn’t aware of ongoing communication</a>&nbsp;between Guthrie’s family and the suspected kidnappers. Authorities also had not identified any suspects or persons of interest, he said.

“Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home,” he said.

🎥FBI: Video from Guthrie home shows masked person

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas man on drug allegations.

Just after 8p.m. Feb. 7, a Sheriffs Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford pickup truck on U.S. Highway 75 near 126th Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp; Deputies arrested the passenger, 61-year-old Daniel Lorann Hysten, of Topeka on a requested charge of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The driver, Frank Newton, of Topeka, was arrested on an outstanding City of Topeka warrant.

Pickup passenger caught with meth during Kan. traffic stop

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn’s father said Monday that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lindsey-vonn">American superstar</a>&nbsp;will no longer race if he has any influence over her decision and that she will not return to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Winter Olympics</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/lindsey-vonn-downhill-winter-olympics-milan-cortina-updates">breaking her leg</a>&nbsp;in the downhill over the weekend.

“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Alan Kildow said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”

Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family — a brother and two sisters, too — have been with Vonn while she is being treated at a hospital in Treviso following her fall and helicopter evacuation from the course in Cortina on Sunday.

The hospital late Sunday released a statement saying Vonn had undergone surgery on her left leg and the U.S. Ski Team said she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lindsey-vonn-milan-cortina-olympics-90b10c0a145053f3bbfb573c4024653a">was in stable condition.</a>&nbsp;There have not been other updates since.

Kildow declined to comment on details of Vonn’s injuries, but he did address how she was doing emotionally.

“She’s a very strong individual,” Kildow said. “She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she’s able to handle it. Better than I expected. She’s a very, very strong person. And so I think she’s handling it real well.”

Kildow — a former ski racer himself who taught his daughter to race — said he slept in his daughter’s hospital room overnight.

“She has somebody with her — or multiple people with her — at all times,” Kildow said. “We’ll have people here as long as she’s here.”

Kildow and the rest of Vonn’s family watched the crash from the finish area with all of the other spectators.

“First, the shock and the horror of the whole thing, seeing a crash like that,” Kildow said of what he felt watching the scene unfold. “It can be dramatic and traumatic. You’re just horrified at what those kinds of impacts have.

“You can go into a shock an emotional psychological shock,” he added. “Because it’s difficult to just accept what’s happened. But she’s well cared for. … And the USOC and the U.S. Ski team have a very, very top-notch doctor with her and she is being very well cared for here in Italy.”

Vonn raced the downhill despite tearing the ACL in her left knee nine days earlier in another crash.

“What happened to her had nothing to do with the ACL issue on her left leg. Nothing,” Kildow said. “She had demonstrated that she was able to function at a very high level with the two downhill training runs. … And she had been cleared by high level physicians to ski.”

Kildow said the crash was less a result of Vonn’s knee injury than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lindsey-vonn-crash-olympics-cortina-219737db2d60c6c2d917b95048b2c0e7">the way she pushed the limits of her racing line</a>&nbsp;to the point where she clipped a gate early in her run and got knocked out of control.

“There are times sometimes in any race, but especially in downhill, where you have to take a little speed off,” he said. “You can give yourself a little bit more leeway on the line so you don’t put yourself in a questionable position.”

Vonn, who holds the record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, returned to the circuit last season after nearly six years of retirement and after a partial titanium replacement surgery in her right knee. She won two downhills and finished on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races that she finished this season — and came fourth in the other one.

“She won 84 World Cup races. And not many people do that,” Kildow said, referring to Vonn’s victory total, which place her second on the all-time women’s list behind teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mikaela-shiffrin">Mikaela Shiffrin’s</a>&nbsp;record 108 wins.

“And there’s a hell of a lot of the difference between a speed race, a downhill especially, and a slalom,” Kildow added.

Vonn will not return to the Olympics to cheer on teammates or for anything else, Kildow said.

“No, she’s not that in kind of situation,” he said. “She will be going home at an appropriate point in time.”

What Lindsey Vonn’s father wants her to do after her Olympic crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. military forces boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the ship from the Caribbean Sea as part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694">oil quarantine meant to squeeze Venezuela</a>, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday.

Venezuela had faced U.S. sanctions on its oil and relied on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-trump-sanctions-maduro-a2ef5b45b48365861e0a724d8c27dce3">smuggle crude into global supply chains</a>. Following the U.S. raid to apprehend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">then-President Nicolás Maduro</a>&nbsp;in early January, several tankers fled the Venezuelan coast, including the ship that was boarded in the Indian Ocean overnight.

Hegseth vowed to eventually capture all those ships, telling a group of shipyard workers in Maine on Monday that “the only guidance I gave to my military commanders is none of those are getting away.”

“I don’t care if we got to go around the globe to get them; we’re going to get them,” he added.

Later Monday, the U.S. military said it had carried out another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-strikes-military-death-toll-venezuela-20cef307b035c386f390df846b6056b7">deadly strike on a vessel</a>&nbsp;accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Southern Command said the strike killed two people, while one person survived. Southern Command said it had notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate its search and rescue system for the survivor. A video linked to the post shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames.

Monday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats to 130 people.

The Trump administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tanker-us-military-trump-086d42db3d56f0e952014f97fa30faaf">seized seven tankers</a>&nbsp;as part of its broader efforts&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-venezuela-oil-tanker-77f2c1441dda8217b37f9e38c3ae9131">to take control</a>&nbsp;of the South American country’s oil. Unlike those previous actions, the Aquila II has not been formally seized and placed under U.S. control, a defense official said.

Instead, the ship is being held while its ultimate fate is decided by the U.S., according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing decision-making.

The Aquila II is a Panamanian-flagged tanker under U.S. sanctions related to the shipment of illicit Russian oil. Owned by a company with a listed address in Hong Kong, ship tracking data shows it has spent much of the last year with its radio transponder turned off, a practice known as “running dark” commonly employed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-middle-east-iran-shipping-44d5cdc52e589c44a7bb0fc5be59d156">smugglers to hide their location</a>.

It was one of at least 16 tankers that fled the Venezuelan coast last month, according to Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, who said his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document the ship’s movements. According to data transmitted from the ship Monday, it is not currently laden with a cargo of crude oil.

The Pentagon’s post on X said the military “conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction” on the ship.

“The Aquila II was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean,” the Pentagon said. “It ran, and we followed.”

A Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations, would not say what forces were used in the operation but confirmed the destroyers USS Pinckney and USS John Finn as well as the mobile base ship USS Miguel Keith were operating in the Indian Ocean.

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