WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp; A Wichita man accused of a fatal shooting of his one-year-old daughter was formally charged in Sedgwick County District Court on Tuesday afternoon. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Michael Tejeda was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated endangering of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. &nbsp;

Just after 8:30p.m. on Feb. 28, police responded to a shooting inside a home in the 2200 block of S Santa Fe in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders discovered a 1-year-old girl who had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;

EMS transported the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:27p.m. 

Another child in the home at the time of the incident was placed in police protective custody, according to Ford. 

Police interviewed the mother of the children and she was released.

Tejeda's next court appearance is set for March 13.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740922571690.png" alt="Michael Tejeda - Courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Michael Tejeda - Courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp; A Wichita man accused of a fatal shooting of his one-year-old daughter was formally charged in Sedgwick County District Court on Tuesday afternoon. &nbsp;&nbsp;Michael Tejeda was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated endangering of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. &nbsp;Just after 8:30p.m. on Feb. 28, police responded to a shooting inside a home in the 2200 block of S Santa Fe in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford. First responders discovered a 1-year-old girl who had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body.&nbsp;EMS transported the child to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:27p.m. Another child in the home at the time of the incident was placed in police protective custody, according to Ford. Police interviewed the mother of the children and she was released.Tejeda's next court appearance is set for March 13.&nbsp;

Father charged following shooting death of daughter 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. –&nbsp;Grace Episcopal, Emanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, First Mennonite, and Trinity United Methodist Churches, all of Hutchinson, will jointly host “The Wisdom of Lent,” a worship and luncheon series, starting March 12 at Grace Episcopal Church.

Each church will take turns hosting the event over five weeks. Luncheons will begin at 12:05 p.m. and feature worship, a short sermon, and a light meal. Pastors from the other participating congregations will speak and assist at the week’s host church. Each luncheon will end promptly at 1 p.m., although guests are welcome to remain longer.

“The Season of Lent is a season of renewal and reorientation,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. “Lent has a long and deep history in the various expressions of the Christian faith. These ecumenical lunches give us an opportunity to worship together, to learn from one another, and to appreciate the wisdom and the diversity of the gifts of our neighbors in the faith.”

“The Wisdom of Lent” locations and speakers follow: • March 12&nbsp; Grace Episcopal&nbsp; The Rev. Christy Kass (First Presbyterian) •March&nbsp; 18&nbsp; Trinity UMC&nbsp; The Rev. Lisa Simmelink (Emanuel Lutheran) •March 26&nbsp; &nbsp;Emanuel Lutheran&nbsp; The Rev. Craig Hauschild (Trinity UMC)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • April 2&nbsp; First Mennonite&nbsp; &nbsp;The Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley (Grace Episcopal) • April 9&nbsp; First Presbyterian&nbsp; The Rev. Tonya Wenger (First Mennonite)

All the luncheons are free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741107021971.jpeg" alt="Lenten Lunch Series" />
 <figcaption>Lenten Lunch Series</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. –&nbsp;Grace Episcopal, Emanuel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, First Mennonite, and Trinity United Methodist Churches, all of Hutchinson, will jointly host “The Wisdom of Lent,” a worship and luncheon series, starting March 12 at Grace Episcopal Church.Each church will take turns hosting the event over five weeks. Luncheons will begin at 12:05 p.m. and feature worship, a short sermon, and a light meal. Pastors from the other participating congregations will speak and assist at the week’s host church. Each luncheon will end promptly at 1 p.m., although guests are welcome to remain longer.“The Season of Lent is a season of renewal and reorientation,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. “Lent has a long and deep history in the various expressions of the Christian faith. These ecumenical lunches give us an opportunity to worship together, to learn from one another, and to appreciate the wisdom and the diversity of the gifts of our neighbors in the faith.”“The Wisdom of Lent” locations and speakers follow: • March 12&nbsp; Grace Episcopal&nbsp; The Rev. Christy Kass (First Presbyterian) •March&nbsp; 18&nbsp; Trinity UMC&nbsp; The Rev. Lisa Simmelink (Emanuel Lutheran) •March 26&nbsp; &nbsp;Emanuel Lutheran&nbsp; The Rev. Craig Hauschild (Trinity UMC)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • April 2&nbsp; First Mennonite&nbsp; &nbsp;The Rev. Dr. J. Ted Blakley (Grace Episcopal) • April 9&nbsp; First Presbyterian&nbsp; The Rev. Tonya Wenger (First Mennonite)All the luncheons are free and open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local churches to jointly host Lenten Lunch series

This Saturday will be a day filled with free gardening information for homeowners and gardeners. has been scheduled for March 8. The Hutchinson Horticulture Club’s “A Gathering for Gardners” will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Which is located at 407 East Twelfth Street &nbsp;

&nbsp;It will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 407 E. 12th, just west of the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. After missing two years because of COVID-19, the club resumed having this annual event in 2023. &nbsp;

If not for those two years, this would be the 36th year for this event. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the morning session beginning at 9 a.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87c0c52a-779c-423d-967c-68ff4e81867b">(LINK) BW Morning Show Interview: James &amp; Betty Taylor, Hutchinson Horticulture Club </a>

The first topic is “Backyard Chickens”by Patrick Bergkamp, Reno County agriculture and natural resources agent with K-State Research and Extension. Since eggs are so expensive, this might be a project to contemplate. He will cover what a person should consider before purchasing chickens and starting this type of endeavor.&nbsp;

At 10 a.m., the topic “The Sweet Slice of Summer: Growing Tomatoes” in Kansas will be presented by Jason Graves,&nbsp;horticulture Extension agent for Central Kansas District with K-State Research and Extension. This presentation will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy plants, selecting top-performing varieties, and growing tomatoes for maximum flavor.&nbsp; His presentation is for beginners and seasoned gardeners.&nbsp;

The final presentation for the morning begins at 11 o’clock. Calla Edwards, Butler County horticulture agent with K-State Research and Extension, will present “Sedums and other Succulents.”Sedums are known for using less water. In the past few years, the availability of various varieties of sedums and other succulents has increased dramatically. She will share photos of some of her favorites and give suggestions for their use in the landscape.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The afternoon programs will resume at 1 p.m. with Mike DeRee, sales representative for Ball Seed Company, presenting “The Best Annual and Perennial Plants.” He will be looking back through the years and reviewing those plants that have proven themselves as true winners to consider as potential additions to your gardens.&nbsp;

At 2:15 p.m., Kevin Nelson, a master gardener from Douglas County, will address “Gardening as We Age.” This presentation will make the case for the benefits of gardening and will encourage gardeners to continue well into the golden years. He’ll give examples of how to change beds, look at plant choices and tools so a seasoned gardener can still do the most with the space he or she has and the desire to do so.&nbsp;

There will be no charge to attend any of the “gathering for gardeners” programs although registration at the door is requested. Door prize drawings will be conducted throughout the day. This schedule is designed so individuals may attend any or all of the topics.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741099028995.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostThis Saturday will be a day filled with free gardening information for homeowners and gardeners. has been scheduled for March 8. The Hutchinson Horticulture Club’s “A Gathering for Gardners” will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Which is located at 407 East Twelfth Street &nbsp;&nbsp;It will be at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 407 E. 12th, just west of the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. After missing two years because of COVID-19, the club resumed having this annual event in 2023. &nbsp;If not for those two years, this would be the 36th year for this event. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with the morning session beginning at 9 a.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/87c0c52a-779c-423d-967c-68ff4e81867b">(LINK) BW Morning Show Interview: James &amp; Betty Taylor, Hutchinson Horticulture Club </a>The first topic is “Backyard Chickens”by Patrick Bergkamp, Reno County agriculture and natural resources agent with K-State Research and Extension. Since eggs are so expensive, this might be a project to contemplate. He will cover what a person should consider before purchasing chickens and starting this type of endeavor.&nbsp;At 10 a.m., the topic “The Sweet Slice of Summer: Growing Tomatoes” in Kansas will be presented by Jason Graves,&nbsp;horticulture Extension agent for Central Kansas District with K-State Research and Extension. This presentation will cover essential tips for cultivating healthy plants, selecting top-performing varieties, and growing tomatoes for maximum flavor.&nbsp; His presentation is for beginners and seasoned gardeners.&nbsp;The final presentation for the morning begins at 11 o’clock. Calla Edwards, Butler County horticulture agent with K-State Research and Extension, will present “Sedums and other Succulents.”Sedums are known for using less water. In the past few years, the availability of various varieties of sedums and other succulents has increased dramatically. She will share photos of some of her favorites and give suggestions for their use in the landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;The afternoon programs will resume at 1 p.m. with Mike DeRee, sales representative for Ball Seed Company, presenting “The Best Annual and Perennial Plants.” He will be looking back through the years and reviewing those plants that have proven themselves as true winners to consider as potential additions to your gardens.&nbsp;At 2:15 p.m., Kevin Nelson, a master gardener from Douglas County, will address “Gardening as We Age.” This presentation will make the case for the benefits of gardening and will encourage gardeners to continue well into the golden years. He’ll give examples of how to change beds, look at plant choices and tools so a seasoned gardener can still do the most with the space he or she has and the desire to do so.&nbsp;There will be no charge to attend any of the “gathering for gardeners” programs although registration at the door is requested. Door prize drawings will be conducted throughout the day. This schedule is designed so individuals may attend any or all of the topics.&nbsp;

Gathering of Gardeners set for Saturday 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741099028995.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Horticulture Club" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Horticulture Club</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Gathering of Gardeners" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ngyfr-1829f0d-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: James & Betty Taylor, Hutchinson Horticulture Club 

Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 3 – 7.  This week we’ll examine a different topic each day.   

Preparedness is the topic for Monday.  Are you prepared for this storm season?  Here are some key points to remember heading into the spring storm season.   

• Be weather aware. Know what conditions are expected for the day.  Get your forecast from a reliable source such as the National Weather Service or local media.  Don’t rely on those apps to provide an accurate picture of the day.   

• Sign up for notifications, you can sign up for notifications from local media.  In Reno County you can sign up for Everbridge.  You can sign up for notifications at this link.  

• Have a family plan. Have a plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member. 

• Determine your safe room.  If you have a basement, find a room there that you can go to if severe weather strikes. If you don’t have a basement, put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible.  Think of a small room with no windows on the lowest floor of your home.   

• Have a plan and practice it.  Meet with your family and make a plan.  Determine that “safe place” in your home and make sure that everyone knows where it is.   

• Have an emergency kit. Your kit should contain a wireless radio, flashlight, and at least three days of water for each person in your home.  That's one gallon per person per day. You’ll also need any medicines, important documents, and food. Remember you may not have power following the storm so have foods that don’t need to be heated or kept cold.   

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716652079344.png" alt="Critical ways to stay weather aware provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Graphic courtesy NOAA&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Critical ways to stay weather aware provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Graphic courtesy NOAA&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 3 – 7. This week we’ll examine a different topic each day. Preparedness is the topic for Monday. Are you prepared for this storm season? Here are some key points to remember heading into the spring storm season. • Be weather aware. Know what conditions are expected for the day. Get your forecast from a reliable source such as the National Weather Service or local media. Don’t rely on those apps to provide an accurate picture of the day. • Sign up for notifications, you can sign up for notifications from local media. In Reno County you can sign up for Everbridge. You can sign up for notifications at this link. • Have a family plan. Have a plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, such as a church or family member. • Determine your safe room. If you have a basement, find a room there that you can go to if severe weather strikes. If you don’t have a basement, put as many walls between you and the outdoors as possible. Think of a small room with no windows on the lowest floor of your home. • Have a plan and practice it. Meet with your family and make a plan. Determine that “safe place” in your home and make sure that everyone knows where it is. • Have an emergency kit. Your kit should contain a wireless radio, flashlight, and at least three days of water for each person in your home. That's one gallon per person per day. You’ll also need any medicines, important documents, and food. Remember you may not have power following the storm so have foods that don’t need to be heated or kept cold.

Severe Weather Awareness Week:  Preparedness

Although there are not any cases in the area, the Reno County Health Department wants to emphasize the need to be prepared as measles cases and outbreaks have increased in the United States over the past few years. Currently, there is an outbreak in western Texas which has spread into New Mexico, totaling over 120 cases so far. Almost all of the cases have been among unvaccinated children or those who had not received a second vaccination. There has been one child who has died.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases in the world that can lead to both hospitalization and death. Though symptoms typically include high fever, cough, red eyes, and rash, complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and acute encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), only 89% of kindergarteners in Reno County had received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine for the 2023-2024 school year, which is below the target level. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated for measles or have immunity to the virus to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable individuals. With this in mind, the Reno County Health Department is committed to educating the community and promoting measures to strengthen overall immunity and reduce the risk of an outbreak like the one in Texas.

Children should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected, one at 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. There is a catch-up vaccination schedule if you know your child is unvaccinated or behind on vaccinations. Children between 6 and 11 months old can receive one MMR dose if they are traveling internationally or to an area where there is a known outbreak but will need to receive 2 doses on or after their first birthday. If you were born before 1957 then you are considered to be immune to measles, but if you work in high-risk settings, such as in healthcare, you should consider getting vaccinated. If you received a measles vaccine from 1963-1967, you should check the type of vaccine you received. You may need to receive 1 or 2 more doses to be fully protected. Also, if you have a serious illness that lowers your immune system, such as TB, HIV, or cancer, you should discuss with your doctor your immunity status to measles and if you need additional vaccinations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589983765832.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT&nbsp;Although there are not any cases in the area, the Reno County Health Department wants to emphasize the need to be prepared as measles cases and outbreaks have increased in the United States over the past few years. Currently, there is an outbreak in western Texas which has spread into New Mexico, totaling over 120 cases so far. Almost all of the cases have been among unvaccinated children or those who had not received a second vaccination. There has been one child who has died.Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases in the world that can lead to both hospitalization and death. Though symptoms typically include high fever, cough, red eyes, and rash, complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, and acute encephalitis (swelling of the brain).Per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), only 89% of kindergarteners in Reno County had received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine for the 2023-2024 school year, which is below the target level. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated for measles or have immunity to the virus to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable individuals. With this in mind, the Reno County Health Department is committed to educating the community and promoting measures to strengthen overall immunity and reduce the risk of an outbreak like the one in Texas.Children should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected, one at 12 to 15 months old and the second at 4 to 6 years old. There is a catch-up vaccination schedule if you know your child is unvaccinated or behind on vaccinations. Children between 6 and 11 months old can receive one MMR dose if they are traveling internationally or to an area where there is a known outbreak but will need to receive 2 doses on or after their first birthday. If you were born before 1957 then you are considered to be immune to measles, but if you work in high-risk settings, such as in healthcare, you should consider getting vaccinated. If you received a measles vaccine from 1963-1967, you should check the type of vaccine you received. You may need to receive 1 or 2 more doses to be fully protected. Also, if you have a serious illness that lowers your immune system, such as TB, HIV, or cancer, you should discuss with your doctor your immunity status to measles and if you need additional vaccinations.

Health Department: Measles vaccinations important to prevent outbreak 

UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued.&nbsp; According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set from March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.

Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.

Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.

KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.

The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.

Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.

Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730458850794.png" alt="The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash" />
 <figcaption>The red dot from a laser pointer used by Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan shows Barrioz driving the wihite van just before the fatal head-on crash</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The hearing scheduled on March 3 was continued.&nbsp; According to court records, Barrioz's next court date is set from March 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY — A woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle that was involved in a crash that killed a Hutchinson woman has made is due back in court Monday afternoon.Katelyn Elizabeth Barrioz, 24, Wichita, is schedule for a preliminary hearing before Judge Seth Rundle, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In November she was charged with First-Degree Felony Murder, Second-Degree Murder – Reckless, Felony Flee and Elude, Aggravated Burglary, Auto Theft and Criminal Damage to Property, according to Wichita Police spokesman Andrew Ford.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730284905956.png" alt="Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Barrioz photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On October 27, police located an occupied stolen vehicle at the Riverwalk Apartments, according to Officer Kris Gupilan. Officers monitored the vehicle using unmarked cars, and air support was requested from the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;The vehicle stopped at Walmart, 29th and Rock Road in Wichita. Officers deployed spike strips to prevent the vehicle from leaving, successfully deflating two tires.Despite this, the suspect later identified as Barrioz, fled the Walmart parking lot, striking a police vehicle.Officers did not pursue the vehicle, but KHP air support continued to track it from above. The vehicle proceeded to a business on North Webb Road, where two individuals exited the vehicle and fled on foot.One individual was apprehended, while&nbsp; Barrioz stole the van from the business and fled south on Webb, then west on 29th Street, according to Gupilan.KHP Air maintained surveillance of the stolen vehicle, which, at 29th and Wilderness, collided with a&nbsp; Chevy Cobalt.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the stolen 2024 Ford Transit Van driven by Barrioz, 24, Wichita, was westbound in the eastbound lanes in the&nbsp;8700 block of E 29th St N in Wichita traveling in the inside lane.The van struck an eastbound 2010 Chevy Cobalt driven by Mandy Lynn&nbsp;Buckwalter, 43, Hutchinson, head-on.Buckwalter was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Barrioz to Wesley Medical Center for treatment. She was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on Tuesday evening, according to online jail records. Police presented their case to the district attorney on Thursday.Barrioz remains jailed on a bond of $1.2 million.&nbsp;

Plea hearing for stolen vehicle crash that killed Hutchinson woman

KANSAS FARM BUREAU Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

I drove my kids to school one morning last week. As we drove to town, we passed a farm pond that had the remains of a homemade hockey rink pulled onto the wheat surrounding the pond. This particular pond has had many days this winter where the ice has been so thick that hockey games and ice skating has been a common sight for passersby. Now, the ice on the pond has melted and replaced by an impressive number of geese floating on the water. 

Since the hockey rink had not been stored away yet, it left me wondering if someone still believes that the pond will freeze thick enough for a few more rounds of hockey this winter.

I would soon discover not everyone shared the belief as the owner of the beached hockey rink.

As I inched closer to the school drop-off line, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Shorts! 

Kids with exposed legs walking into the school building. Some kids wearing sweatshirts, some wearing long sleeve shirts, some wearing jackets. But so many kids entering the building wearing shorts!

Yes, the temperature outside that morning was significantly warmer than the majority of the days we’ve experienced the last few months.

But in my mind, it was as if those same kids had just gone to school in heavy coats, insulated overalls, knit caps, gloves and snow boots. Literally just days before. 

These were the same kids who didn’t have outside recess because of extreme wind chills just days before. The same kids who had multiple days of school called off and late start days because of the wintery conditions. And now, these same kids were all walking into school that morning wearing shorts.

Perhaps the youth do believe that we are still in the throes of winter. Maybe they saw an opportunity to shed some of the extra layers that have been weighing them down for what seems like months. Perhaps they are simply capitalizing on temporary warmer temperatures.

Whatever the case, I caught myself saying out loud as I drove off from the school: “Madness! Pure madness!”

The next day, after much pleading by the kids and double checking the forecast by the parents, both of my kids went to school wearing shorts, too. 

Who knows if winter will reappear again before spring officially sets in? Who knows if the kids will have to layer up and stay inside for recess again due to cold temperatures? Who knows?

All I know is that the warmer temperatures, the bright sun and the lack of wind have left many who experienced extreme cabin fever ready to embrace the next season. 

Yes, there are many experiencing this fever right now. And for many kids in our school district, the cure for this fever is in the form of shorts.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587998382293.jpeg" alt="Insight Logo" />
 <figcaption>Insight Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS FARM BUREAU Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherI drove my kids to school one morning last week. As we drove to town, we passed a farm pond that had the remains of a homemade hockey rink pulled onto the wheat surrounding the pond. This particular pond has had many days this winter where the ice has been so thick that hockey games and ice skating has been a common sight for passersby. Now, the ice on the pond has melted and replaced by an impressive number of geese floating on the water. Since the hockey rink had not been stored away yet, it left me wondering if someone still believes that the pond will freeze thick enough for a few more rounds of hockey this winter.I would soon discover not everyone shared the belief as the owner of the beached hockey rink.As I inched closer to the school drop-off line, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Shorts! They were everywhere. Kids with exposed legs walking into the school building. Some kids wearing sweatshirts, some wearing long sleeve shirts, some wearing jackets. But so many kids entering the building wearing shorts!Yes, the temperature outside that morning was significantly warmer than the majority of the days we’ve experienced the last few months.But in my mind, it was as if those same kids had just gone to school in heavy coats, insulated overalls, knit caps, gloves and snow boots. Literally just days before. These were the same kids who didn’t have outside recess because of extreme wind chills just days before. The same kids who had multiple days of school called off and late start days because of the wintery conditions. And now, these same kids were all walking into school that morning wearing shorts.Perhaps the youth do believe that we are still in the throes of winter. Maybe they saw an opportunity to shed some of the extra layers that have been weighing them down for what seems like months. Perhaps they are simply capitalizing on temporary warmer temperatures.Whatever the case, I caught myself saying out loud as I drove off from the school: “Madness! Pure madness!”The next day, after much pleading by the kids and double checking the forecast by the parents, both of my kids went to school wearing shorts, too. Who knows if winter will reappear again before spring officially sets in? Who knows if the kids will have to layer up and stay inside for recess again due to cold temperatures? Who knows?All I know is that the warmer temperatures, the bright sun and the lack of wind have left many who experienced extreme cabin fever ready to embrace the next season. Yes, there are many experiencing this fever right now. And for many kids in our school district, the cure for this fever is in the form of shorts."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Insight: Cure for cabin fever

Holly is a long timer at the Kingman County Humane Society.&nbsp;

She's a 1-year-old tabby and has been at the humane society since Dec.17, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She's spunky, independent and playful, everything you could ask for in a new kitty.&nbsp;

Here's a bonus, you can visit Holly at the Petco here in Hutch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kingman County Humane Society is located at 811 East C. in Kingman. They are open 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Saturday.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741014659417.jpeg" alt="Holly - Kingman County Humane Society " />
 <figcaption>Holly - Kingman County Humane Society </figcaption>
 </figure>Holly is a long timer at the Kingman County Humane Society.&nbsp;She's a 1-year-old tabby and has been at the humane society since Dec.17, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;She's spunky, independent and playful, everything you could ask for in a new kitty.&nbsp;Here's a bonus, you can visit Holly at the Petco here in Hutch.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741014207798.jpeg" alt="Holly - Kingman County Humane Society.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Holly - Kingman County Humane Society.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kingman County Humane Society is located at 811 East C. in Kingman. They are open 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Saturday.

Adopt a Furry Friend: Holly 

MATT HARDING KSStorm Info Weather&nbsp;

The 2024 severe weather season was more representative of a typical severe weather season in Kansas, with activity mainly centered in the March through May window. The main reason for this was a quick transition from El Niño into a neutral phase of the ENSO, which led to a more active storm track across the region. June was quiet as high pressure built in and we transitioned into the summer heat.

Overall, it was as close to a normal tornado season as we’ve had in a long time, with 76 occurring. That number is five off the 30-year average of 81. Continuing the pattern we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons, the hot spot remained along and east of the Kansas Turnpike, with Wilson County the recipient of seven tornadoes last season.

This decade is on track to be one of the quietest since the 1980s. From 2020-24, Kansas has recorded 230 tornadoes, or an average of 46 per year.

(LINK): <a href="https://ksstorm.info/prepare-2025-a-look-back-at-the-2024-storm-season/">https://ksstorm.info/prepare-2025-a-look-back-at-the-2024-storm-season/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715990328092.png" alt=" Storm chasers watch rotating clouds hovering over Gove and Ness counties May 1, 2024 in western Kansas. This year’s number of tornadoes in the state is now at 40. (File Photo - Courtesy AJ Dome)" />
 <figcaption> Storm chasers watch rotating clouds hovering over Gove and Ness counties May 1, 2024 in western Kansas. This year’s number of tornadoes in the state is now at 40. (File Photo - Courtesy AJ Dome)</figcaption>
 </figure>MATT HARDING KSStorm Info Weather&nbsp;The 2024 severe weather season was more representative of a typical severe weather season in Kansas, with activity mainly centered in the March through May window. The main reason for this was a quick transition from El Niño into a neutral phase of the ENSO, which led to a more active storm track across the region. June was quiet as high pressure built in and we transitioned into the summer heat.Overall, it was as close to a normal tornado season as we’ve had in a long time, with 76 occurring. That number is five off the 30-year average of 81. Continuing the pattern we’ve seen over the last couple of seasons, the hot spot remained along and east of the Kansas Turnpike, with Wilson County the recipient of seven tornadoes last season.This decade is on track to be one of the quietest since the 1980s. From 2020-24, Kansas has recorded 230 tornadoes, or an average of 46 per year.(LINK): <a href="https://ksstorm.info/prepare-2025-a-look-back-at-the-2024-storm-season/">https://ksstorm.info/prepare-2025-a-look-back-at-the-2024-storm-season/</a>

2024 severe weather season wrap-up

CINCINNATI&nbsp; (AP)—Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned after an internal investigation into his personal conduct.

Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, said Monday that the investigation into McMullen’s personal conduct was unrelated to the business, but was found to be inconsistent with its business ethics policy.

Board member Ronald Sargent will serve as chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately.

Sargent has been on Kroger’s board since 2006 and has served as the lead director of the company since 2017. He’s worked in several roles at the grocery chain across stores, sales, marketing, manufacturing and strategy. Sargent is also the former Chairman and CEO of Staples.

McMullen, 64, began his career with Kroger in 1978 as a part-time stock clerk and bagger at a store in Lexington, Kentucky. He worked his way up through the company, becoming chief financial officer in 1995 and chief operating officer in 2009. McMullen was named Kroger’s CEO in 2014 and became the company’s chairman the following year.

Cincinnati-based Kroger said its board was made aware of the situation on Feb. 21 and immediately hired an outside independent counsel to conduct an investigation, overseen by a special board committee.

The company said that McMullen’s conduct is not related to its financial performance, operations or reporting, and did not involve any Kroger associates.

Kroger will conduct a search for its next CEO, with Sargent agreeing to remain as interim CEO until someone is appointed to the role permanently.

Kroger shares fell more than 3.5% ahead of the opening bell Monday.

McMullen’s departure comes as Kroger is regrouping from its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-79e366723d7287b2df71d96730fba76e">failed effort</a>&nbsp;to merger with Albertsons. The two companies proposed what would have been the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in 2022, saying they needed to combine forces to better compete with rivals like Walmart.

But two judges&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-court-decision-41263bd9137d5046a642e7d26e98cdfc">halted the $24.6 billion deal</a>&nbsp;in December, saying it was likely to lessen competition and raise prices. Albertsons later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-79e366723d7287b2df71d96730fba76e">sued Kroger</a>, saying it had failed to make every effort to ensure that the merger would win regulatory approval.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741014152963.png" alt="File photo Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen in testimony before a Senate committee in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen in testimony before a Senate committee in 2022-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>CINCINNATI&nbsp; (AP)—Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned after an internal investigation into his personal conduct.Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, said Monday that the investigation into McMullen’s personal conduct was unrelated to the business, but was found to be inconsistent with its business ethics policy.Board member Ronald Sargent will serve as chairman and interim CEO, effective immediately.Sargent has been on Kroger’s board since 2006 and has served as the lead director of the company since 2017. He’s worked in several roles at the grocery chain across stores, sales, marketing, manufacturing and strategy. Sargent is also the former Chairman and CEO of Staples.McMullen, 64, began his career with Kroger in 1978 as a part-time stock clerk and bagger at a store in Lexington, Kentucky. He worked his way up through the company, becoming chief financial officer in 1995 and chief operating officer in 2009. McMullen was named Kroger’s CEO in 2014 and became the company’s chairman the following year.Cincinnati-based Kroger said its board was made aware of the situation on Feb. 21 and immediately hired an outside independent counsel to conduct an investigation, overseen by a special board committee.The company said that McMullen’s conduct is not related to its financial performance, operations or reporting, and did not involve any Kroger associates.Kroger will conduct a search for its next CEO, with Sargent agreeing to remain as interim CEO until someone is appointed to the role permanently.Kroger shares fell more than 3.5% ahead of the opening bell Monday.McMullen’s departure comes as Kroger is regrouping from its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-79e366723d7287b2df71d96730fba76e">failed effort</a>&nbsp;to merger with Albertsons. The two companies proposed what would have been the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in 2022, saying they needed to combine forces to better compete with rivals like Walmart.But two judges&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-merger-court-decision-41263bd9137d5046a642e7d26e98cdfc">halted the $24.6 billion deal</a>&nbsp;in December, saying it was likely to lessen competition and raise prices. Albertsons later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kroger-albertsons-79e366723d7287b2df71d96730fba76e">sued Kroger</a>, saying it had failed to make every effort to ensure that the merger would win regulatory approval.

Kroger CEO resigns following investigation into personal conduct

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Rodney Redinger, Kansas Forest Service 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Adam Weishar, Reno County Emergency Manager 

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for 22-year-old Nevaeh Ann Thompson following an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer that occurred early this morning.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on March 2, 2025, a Sedgwick County Deputy conducted a traffic stop near Lincoln and Rock Rd. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Nevaeh Thompson. During the stop, Thompson informed the deputy that she might have outstanding warrants for her arrest. Before she could be taken into custody, Thompson quickly jumped back into her vehicle in an attempt to flee. The deputy followed her into the vehicle, trying to prevent her escape. However, Thompson managed to shift the car into drive and sped away, dragging the deputy a short distance.

The deputy sustained minor injuries during the incident but is expected to make a full recovery.

Thompson’s vehicle was later found abandoned in the 7300 block of E. Indianapolis. Surveillance footage from a nearby residence shows Thompson running from the vehicle. She has not yet been located.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Nevaeh Ann Thompson. She is described as a 22-year-old white female with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing around 140 pounds.

If you have any information regarding Thompson’s whereabouts, please call 911 immediately. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (316) 268-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740500322103.jpeg" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for 22-year-old Nevaeh Ann Thompson following an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer that occurred early this morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740967523593.png" alt="Nevaeh Ann Thompson - Courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Nevaeh Ann Thompson - Courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 3:00 a.m. on March 2, 2025, a Sedgwick County Deputy conducted a traffic stop near Lincoln and Rock Rd. The deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Nevaeh Thompson. During the stop, Thompson informed the deputy that she might have outstanding warrants for her arrest. Before she could be taken into custody, Thompson quickly jumped back into her vehicle in an attempt to flee. The deputy followed her into the vehicle, trying to prevent her escape. However, Thompson managed to shift the car into drive and sped away, dragging the deputy a short distance.The deputy sustained minor injuries during the incident but is expected to make a full recovery.Thompson’s vehicle was later found abandoned in the 7300 block of E. Indianapolis. Surveillance footage from a nearby residence shows Thompson running from the vehicle. She has not yet been located.The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Nevaeh Ann Thompson. She is described as a 22-year-old white female with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing around 140 pounds.If you have any information regarding Thompson’s whereabouts, please call 911 immediately. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (316) 268-2111.

Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office searching for suspect that dragged deputy at traffic stop 

The Rice County Sheriff's Office is investigating an illegal dumping of oil just southwest of Lyons.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The location of the dumping is near 15th Road and Avenue N.

Water Contamination: Oil can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and posing health risks to humans and animals.

Soil Degradation: Dumped oil alters the chemical composition of soil, making it toxic and unsuitable for plant growth.

Harm to Wildlife: Oil can coat the feathers and fur of animals, reducing their insulation and buoyancy, which can lead to hypothermia, drowning, or poisoning if ingested.

Ecosystem Disruption: The introduction of oil into natural habitats disrupts the balance of ecosystems, affecting the microbial composition and nutrient cycling in the soil.

We are seeking any information that could help identify the individual(s) responsible for this illegal oil dumping incident. If you have any details, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 620-257-2363 and reference case number&nbsp;Case Number: 25-74.

The sheriff's office says that the&nbsp;poses significant environmental and public health risks, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740889994027.jpeg" alt="Oil Dumping - Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office " />
 <figcaption>Oil Dumping - Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;The Rice County Sheriff's Office is investigating an illegal dumping of oil just southwest of Lyons.&nbsp;&nbsp;The location of the dumping is near 15th Road and Avenue N.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740890165080.png" alt="Google Earth Image" />
 <figcaption>Google Earth Image</figcaption>
 </figure>Why Illegal Oil Dumping is Harmful:Water Contamination: Oil can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and posing health risks to humans and animals.Soil Degradation: Dumped oil alters the chemical composition of soil, making it toxic and unsuitable for plant growth.Harm to Wildlife: Oil can coat the feathers and fur of animals, reducing their insulation and buoyancy, which can lead to hypothermia, drowning, or poisoning if ingested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740890397969.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Ecosystem Disruption: The introduction of oil into natural habitats disrupts the balance of ecosystems, affecting the microbial composition and nutrient cycling in the soil.We are seeking any information that could help identify the individual(s) responsible for this illegal oil dumping incident. If you have any details, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 620-257-2363 and reference case number&nbsp;Case Number: 25-74.The sheriff's office says that the&nbsp;poses significant environmental and public health risks, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.&nbsp;

Rice County Sheriff's Office investigating illegal oil dumping 

WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Police Department has arrested a man following the fatal shooting of his one- year-old daughter inside a home in the 2200 block of S. Santa Fe. 

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, they discovered a one-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency medical services were called, and the child was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m. by medical staff.

Following an investigation, investigators arrested the child’s father, a Wichita man, on charges of felony murder, aggravated child endangerment, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Another child who was in the home during the incident was placed in Police Protective Custody. The child'smother was interviewed and subsequently released.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his condolences, stating:

“The heartbreaking loss of this precious 1 year old child is truly devastating. No family should ever have toexperience such a profound tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who loved her and are affected during this incredibly difficult time. We remain committed to seeking justice on her behalf.”

The Wichita Police Department chose not to release the victim's name at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645814991453.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. – The Wichita Police Department has arrested a man following the fatal shooting of his one- year-old daughter inside a home in the 2200 block of S. Santa Fe. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, they discovered a one-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency medical services were called, and the child was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m. by medical staff.Following an investigation, investigators arrested the child’s father, a Wichita man, on charges of felony murder, aggravated child endangerment, and felon in possession of a firearm.Another child who was in the home during the incident was placed in Police Protective Custody. The child'smother was interviewed and subsequently released.Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his condolences, stating:“The heartbreaking loss of this precious 1 year old child is truly devastating. No family should ever have toexperience such a profound tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who loved her and are affected during this incredibly difficult time. We remain committed to seeking justice on her behalf.”The investigation remains ongoing.The Wichita Police Department chose not to release the victim's name at this time.

Father arrested following death of one-year-old daughter

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.

The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.

Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.

Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.

However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.

Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.

Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.

Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.

Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.

Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.

He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.

“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. 

“I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”

In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website.

"Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.

The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said.

"The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.

Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.

She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;

Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle.

"He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.

A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."

Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.

He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.

Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.

Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said.

"This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.

Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;

In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."

Although Coffelt and the others who contributed to the database were offered money to privatize the data, Coffelt and his fellow researchers insisted the database remain a free, open-source of information, Jennings said.

By 2009, Coffelt developed Lewy body dementia. He died on Jan. 25, 2012.

Hays VVA Chapter 939&nbsp;dedicated a plaque at the Hays Regional Airport to honor Coffelt's work in creating the database.

Not only is the Coffelt database still available and in use today. But a story on the database sparked an unlikely friendship between Jennings and a WWII veteran who read a story on the database in a veterans magazine.

Frank Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. He had been stationed in Great Bend during the war and was familiar with Hays and Ellis County. This led him to contact Jennings.

Read more on Malizia and Jennings' long friendship and correspondents at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/74f5a4c8-b37b-458a-b1a8-ddb7a744b869">NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino</a>.

You can access the Coffelt Database online for free. <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Click here for a link</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740765066874.png" alt="Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post The most extensive database on Vietnam War causalities was the passion of a man from Hays.The late Richard Coffelt, a longtime Hays attorney, spent years and his own money researching and amassing the <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Coffelt Database</a>, which is now available for free through the National Archives.Although others contributed to the database and Coffelt wanted the record source named something more accessible, the database was named in honor of him.Jo Ann Jennings, Coffelt's wife, recounted information about the database during a lecture at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.Coffelt was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He had no connection with the Vietnam War.However, in 1980, he became acquainted with the mother of&nbsp;Gary Lee Binder of Hays. Gary Binder, who served with the Navy, was killed in action in 1967 in Vietnam, and Coffelt wanted to learn more about the circumstances of Binder's death.Jennings explained this was before the rise of personal computing and Google, which meant hours spent at libraries, especially the&nbsp;Presidential Library of Lyndon Baines Johnson in Austin, Texas. She said she spent many vacations accompanying Richard on research trips, sometimes at his side in study rooms.Johnson sent a letter of condolence to every family of a service member killed in Vietnam during his administration. Those letters included the unit numbers of the service members, which made them valuable in Coffelt's research.Jennings said Richard spent countless hours taking notes on yellow legal pads.Coffelt saw the need to connect soldiers with other soldiers. The men who served wanted to know what had happened to their buddies.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740519068072.png" alt="Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Richard Coffelt when he was in the service. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Jennings said Coffelt was interested in working on the research because the federal government didn't keep track of the units the men who were killed in action were from.He said having a unit designation was the most important thing to know if you wanted to know what happened to your friend.“I felt that if I just looked long enough, hard enough, I would hit the mother lode,” Coffelt was quoted as saying in a story published in the February 2012 edition of the VVA Veteran magazine. “I still felt that there had to be some government source that would have all this information. It became kind of a game to try and locate the information in some government repository somewhere.”In 1993-94, after PCs had become commonplace, Tom Holloway (Emory University, Atlanta) changed the landscape by obtaining the Department of Defense's casualty database and the Army Adjutant General's database in digital form, according to the database's website."Using the university's mainframe computers to read the reel-to-reel computer tapes,&nbsp;Holloway integrated the two databases and converted the information into a commonly used small-computer format. The "Holloway Database" effectively became the public's sole source of information regarding all American Vietnam dead," the database website said.The database website said that in the late 1990s, others joined Coffelt's effort, contributing information and collating the collected material into digital form using the Holloway database as a baseline, the database said."The additional resources allowed the project's scope to expand to include units of assignment information for all service branches," according to the database's website. "In 2002, an early version of the Coffelt Database was deeded to the National Archives, which made it available online as a searchable database," the database said.Jennings said Coffelt amassed a library that filled a room floor to ceiling with more than 300 books on Vietnam. She said her husband had read every book.She said her husband had an almost photographic memory of the information. She recalled a person from Australia writing Coffelt, asking him if he might know what happened to his uncle.&nbsp;Without the need to look at any source, Coffelt was able to write him a page of the entire account of the battle in which the man's uncle was killed and what happened in that battle."He had super-detailed information just from his remembrance," Jennings said.A Vietnam veteran who worked on the database with Coffelt spoke at his funeral and said, "Richard knew more about what happened in Vietnam than any soldier that was there, and he wasn't there."Today, the database contains more than 60,000 names and more than 1 million pieces of information. Gary L. Noller, Co. B, 1/46th Infantry, Vietnam 1970-71, called the database a gift to and for Vietnam veterans and their families.He said in a letter on the database, often, the child or grandchild of a Vietnam casualty wishes to contact a veteran who served with their deceased family member.Prior to the Coffelt Database, a search of this kind was often overwhelming. The official record listed casualties by unit at the division or brigade level,&nbsp;Noller said in his letter.Coffelt's research expanded the casualty database to list the company and battalion-level casualties, Noller said."This effectively reduced the search for a veteran from a magnitude of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100. It can be said that the Coffelt Database made the search at least 100 times easier to conduct,"&nbsp;Noller said.Vietnam veteran Dick Arnold worked on the database with Coffelt.&nbsp;In a 2011 letter published on the database's website, he said, "I consider my participation in the creation and continued improvement of The Coffelt Database to be one of the proudest parts of my life. I also consider it a singular honor to have known and worked with Richard these last few years. All of us Vietnam veterans owe him a huge debt ..."Although Coffelt and the others who contributed to the database were offered money to privatize the data, Coffelt and his fellow researchers insisted the database remain a free, open-source of information, Jennings said.By 2009, Coffelt developed Lewy body dementia. He died on Jan. 25, 2012.Hays VVA Chapter 939&nbsp;dedicated a plaque at the Hays Regional Airport to honor Coffelt's work in creating the database.Not only is the Coffelt database still available and in use today. But a story on the database sparked an unlikely friendship between Jennings and a WWII veteran who read a story on the database in a veterans magazine.Frank Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. He had been stationed in Great Bend during the war and was familiar with Hays and Ellis County. This led him to contact Jennings.Read more on Malizia and Jennings' long friendship and correspondents at&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/74f5a4c8-b37b-458a-b1a8-ddb7a744b869">NWester: WWII soldier laid to rest next to 'love of his life' in Antonino</a>.You can access the Coffelt Database online for free. <a href="https://www.coffeltdatabase.org/">Click here for a link</a>.

Coffelt Database on Americans killed in Vietnam was passion of Kan. attorney

On February 28, 2025, at approximately 4:33 PM, Deputies from the Rice County Sheriff's Office and Officers from the Lyons Police Department responded to a serious traffic crash in the area of 935 Ave L. 

Upon arrival, they discovered a two-vehicle collision. One person was seriously injured, uncooperative, and received treatment from Rice County Emergency Medical Services before being transported to a local hospital.

It is believed that alcohol played a role in the crash, and the incident is currently under investigation. Both vehicles involved were severely damaged. The farm equipment involved was able to leave the scene under its own power but will require repairs to function properly.

No further information is available at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740886187331.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFFICEOn February 28, 2025, at approximately 4:33 PM, Deputies from the Rice County Sheriff's Office and Officers from the Lyons Police Department responded to a serious traffic crash in the area of 935 Ave L. Upon arrival, they discovered a two-vehicle collision. One person was seriously injured, uncooperative, and received treatment from Rice County Emergency Medical Services before being transported to a local hospital.It is believed that alcohol played a role in the crash, and the incident is currently under investigation. Both vehicles involved were severely damaged. The farm equipment involved was able to leave the scene under its own power but will require repairs to function properly.No further information is available at this time.

Rice County accident sends one to hospital 

The Harvey County Drug Court program hit a milestone, as we recently reached double-digit graduates with our 10th and 11th graduation ceremonies.

Jennifer graduated from the program Feb. 20. While skeptical to begin, she said she understood in time the program only intended to provide pathways to success.

"This has absolutely been a helpful program. Helpful to my life. Helpful to me," Jennifer said. "The program works if you let it."

Kaycee's ceremony was Feb. 27. Drug Court team members all cited Kaycee's willingness to work for his own betterment and advocate for himself.

"It seems as though you're way more secure in who Kaycee is in many, many ways," said Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder. "You're the reason we do things like this. It's wonderful to have your story to add to the Drug Court story."

Drug Court is a collaboration across many disciplines, including the judicial system, healthcare, law enforcement and treatment providers. Participants work through a five-phase program with stringent criteria to hold them accountable, including routine treatment meetings, regular appearances before the Drug Court and accepting behaviors and responsibilities to set each individual up for long-term success. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740884703235.jpeg" alt="Harvey County Drug Court " />
 <figcaption>Harvey County Drug Court </figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY&nbsp;The Harvey County Drug Court program hit a milestone, as we recently reached double-digit graduates with our 10th and 11th graduation ceremonies.Jennifer graduated from the program Feb. 20. While skeptical to begin, she said she understood in time the program only intended to provide pathways to success."This has absolutely been a helpful program. Helpful to my life. Helpful to me," Jennifer said. "The program works if you let it."Kaycee's ceremony was Feb. 27. Drug Court team members all cited Kaycee's willingness to work for his own betterment and advocate for himself."It seems as though you're way more secure in who Kaycee is in many, many ways," said Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder. "You're the reason we do things like this. It's wonderful to have your story to add to the Drug Court story."Drug Court is a collaboration across many disciplines, including the judicial system, healthcare, law enforcement and treatment providers. Participants work through a five-phase program with stringent criteria to hold them accountable, including routine treatment meetings, regular appearances before the Drug Court and accepting behaviors and responsibilities to set each individual up for long-term success. .0

Harvey County Drug Court announces 10, 11 graduates

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran addressed the issue of tariffs and the Kansas economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He stated that he’s been in contact with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce as well as the White House about the new tariffs. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“I understand the value of tariffs and trying to make sure that the practices that are so unfair, or that China, which tries to steal our technologies, are adversary and trying to develop the format for the world China, we need to be paying a lot of attention to but in the general circumstance of tariffs around the globe, we have a lot of harm that can come to Kansas.” said the senator. &nbsp;

He added, “Agriculture into the Kansas economy, almost always the retaliation. If we impose tariffs, some other country retaliates with tariffs on our products, and almost always those are agriculture commodities.” &nbsp;

The United States produces more food than the country can consume, so that makes the United State an export nation in terms of agriculture. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“Anything that reduces our markets, including those retaliatory tariffs, are real problems.” Moran added. &nbsp;

It is the same with Kansas manufacturers. Moran stated, “It's also true in Kansas that we have a lot of small manufacturers. Steel and aluminum are important to them. Those manufacturers, often in Kansas, produce farm equipment, and so the increasing cost of steel aluminum means an increasing cost of so there has to be the right balance. Is the case that I keep trying to provide to folks who are making decisions about tariffs.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740755212461.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Jerry Moran&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Jerry Moran&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran addressed the issue of tariffs and the Kansas economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;He stated that he’s been in contact with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce as well as the White House about the new tariffs. &nbsp;&nbsp;“I understand the value of tariffs and trying to make sure that the practices that are so unfair, or that China, which tries to steal our technologies, are adversary and trying to develop the format for the world China, we need to be paying a lot of attention to but in the general circumstance of tariffs around the globe, we have a lot of harm that can come to Kansas.” said the senator. &nbsp;He added, “Agriculture into the Kansas economy, almost always the retaliation. If we impose tariffs, some other country retaliates with tariffs on our products, and almost always those are agriculture commodities.” &nbsp;The United States produces more food than the country can consume, so that makes the United State an export nation in terms of agriculture. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Anything that reduces our markets, including those retaliatory tariffs, are real problems.” Moran added. &nbsp;It is the same with Kansas manufacturers. Moran stated, “It's also true in Kansas that we have a lot of small manufacturers. Steel and aluminum are important to them. Those manufacturers, often in Kansas, produce farm equipment, and so the increasing cost of steel aluminum means an increasing cost of so there has to be the right balance. Is the case that I keep trying to provide to folks who are making decisions about tariffs.”&nbsp;