<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737978599221.png" alt="AP Morning Sports Minute for January 27th" />
 <figcaption>AP Morning Sports Minute for January 27th</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports for January 27th, 2025" 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=zfbhy-17d2ad8-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>

🎧 AP Early Morning Sports Minute for Jan. 27

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Saving lives and helping others is always the top priority for&nbsp;Hutchinson first responders. Again, this year, these first responders will be using that lifesaving priority to bolster the community’s blood supply. &nbsp;Join Hutchinson’s first responders and be a lifesaver at the annual American Red Cross Hutchinson Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.&nbsp;

&nbsp;During the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive,&nbsp;the Hutchinson Fire and Police departments&nbsp;compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give can cast a vote to determine who will win this year’s bragging rights to the trophy. All those who come to donate during the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last. Chili will be served daily and cinnamon rolls on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

The dates, times and locations for this year's battle of the badges are: &nbsp;

• &nbsp;Monday, Jan. 27 – First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, Noon to 6:30 pm &nbsp;

• &nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 28 – First Presbyterian Church 11 am to 5:30 pm&nbsp;

• &nbsp;Wednesday, Jan. 29 – First Presbyterian Church 7 am to 1 pm &nbsp;

You can schedule your appointment today by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737383862449.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Saving lives and helping others is always the top priority for&nbsp;Hutchinson first responders. Again, this year, these first responders will be using that lifesaving priority to bolster the community’s blood supply. &nbsp;Join Hutchinson’s first responders and be a lifesaver at the annual American Red Cross Hutchinson Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive,&nbsp;the Hutchinson Fire and Police departments&nbsp;compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give can cast a vote to determine who will win this year’s bragging rights to the trophy. All those who come to donate during the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last. Chili will be served daily and cinnamon rolls on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;The dates, times and locations for this year's battle of the badges are: &nbsp;• &nbsp;Monday, Jan. 27 – First Presbyterian Church, 201 East Sherman, Noon to 6:30 pm &nbsp;• &nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 28 – First Presbyterian Church 11 am to 5:30 pm&nbsp;• &nbsp;Wednesday, Jan. 29 – First Presbyterian Church 7 am to 1 pm &nbsp;You can schedule your appointment today by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Battle of the Badges continues through Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan (Hutch Rec)&nbsp;— Hutch Rec has scheduled their annual Daddy Daughter Date Night for Feb. 6.

Whether you're a dad, uncle, grandparent, or other special person in a young girl's life, Hutch Rec has the event for you and your special girl.&nbsp;

The Daddy Daughter Date Night is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood Court on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;

For further information or to purchase tickets, you can visit the Hutch Rec <a href="https://secure.rec1.com/KS/hutchinson-ks/catalog/index/4822617ad4d579f8f30459f287b65ead?filter=c2VhcmNoPURhZGR5">website.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718748509156.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan (Hutch Rec)&nbsp;— Hutch Rec has scheduled their annual Daddy Daughter Date Night for Feb. 6.Whether you're a dad, uncle, grandparent, or other special person in a young girl's life, Hutch Rec has the event for you and your special girl.&nbsp;The Daddy Daughter Date Night is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood Court on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;For further information or to purchase tickets, you can visit the Hutch Rec <a href="https://secure.rec1.com/KS/hutchinson-ks/catalog/index/4822617ad4d579f8f30459f287b65ead?filter=c2VhcmNoPURhZGR5">website.</a>&nbsp;

Hutch Rec sets date for Daddy Daughter Date Night 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.

Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.

The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.

K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.

Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.

Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.

Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”

Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.

The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737977963996.png" alt="The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)" />
 <figcaption>The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

K-State researchers say red meat allergy from tick bites is becoming more common

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— A south Wichita duplex is a total loss following an early morning fire on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Wichita Fire Department responded to a fire at a duplex in the 2600 block of South Fees Street shortly after midnight.&nbsp; Inital crews responding reported that the structure had fire showing.

Fire crews made an outside attack of the duplex, and while the fire department's search crews were inside it began to collapse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No one was injured in the fire, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580655540973.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— A south Wichita duplex is a total loss following an early morning fire on Sunday.&nbsp;The Wichita Fire Department responded to a fire at a duplex in the 2600 block of South Fees Street shortly after midnight.&nbsp; Inital crews responding reported that the structure had fire showing.Fire crews made an outside attack of the duplex, and while the fire department's search crews were inside it began to collapse.&nbsp;&nbsp;No one was injured in the fire, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.&nbsp;

Sunday morning fire leaves Wichita duplex a total loss

GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.

NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.

The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”

At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.

The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.

“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.

Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.

In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.

Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737927645951.png" alt=" NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)" />
 <figcaption> NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

Kansas mental health professionals prepare listening session while working to enhance services

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson School of Tae Kwon Doe is hosting the Salt City Martial Arts Classic at Memorial Hall.

The tournament will feature martial artists from various schools.  They will be competing in traditional forms, weapons, point sparring and Olympic sparring.  It is expected that they will have a large turnout from competitors and spectators.

The event is sponsored by the Hutchenson School of Tae Kwon Do.  The school is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2000. They are dedicated to providing free martial arts training to individuals of all ages in the community. They operate entirely through donations and fundraising events including the Salt City Classic.&nbsp;

Registration for competitors begins at 7:15 AM, and the tournament begins at 9 AM

&nbsp; You can find more information on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063573882889" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737859589894.jpeg" alt="Salt City Classic.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salt City Classic.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson School of Tae Kwon Doe is hosting the Salt City Martial Arts Classic at Memorial Hall.The tournament will feature martial artists from various schools. They will be competing in traditional forms, weapons, point sparring and Olympic sparring. It is expected that they will have a large turnout from competitors and spectators.The event is sponsored by the Hutchenson School of Tae Kwon Do. The school is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2000. They are dedicated to providing free martial arts training to individuals of all ages in the community. They operate entirely through donations and fundraising events including the Salt City Classic.&nbsp;Registration for competitors begins at 7:15 AM, and the tournament begins at 9 AM&nbsp; You can find more information on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063573882889" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tae Kwon Do tournament set for February 1st  

MCPHERSON, Kan. (McPherson County Community Foundation) — The McPherson County Community Foundation is partnering with McPherson County Research and Extension and the McPherson Public Library to host a grant writing workshop.

The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the McPherson County Research and Extension office, 600 W. Woodside, McPherson.

K-State Research and Extension’s Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist, will lead the workshop. Daniels brings a grant writing program that helped participants secure $42 million in successful grants during its first year.

You can find more information on the grant workshop at this <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcphersonfoundation.org%2F2025%2F01%2Fgrants-workshop-registration-now-open%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2VqWoGLbPkyZoWZMDBxHwAo8hZUwKfcJRRWPUxSoWbgf5f2zs8cfxaqns_aem_TKkSRu5d5tDw-TiYltvIrA&amp;h=AT1Hryblht6H5Eu0oL7Dm4tPn-004s0b4W6vVMeoyiuhkHOCnYrS3zzaoOqslNr-ywmxvxPL5BO6rx3sGDClpWifQs8kSpwQhv7mkh5Z4SneTS7fgbrwvL6sHT4eLX6w72IL&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3DhlJLBHWETINGBZjysGXQnZDIGBYYCbSY7pPnJloxEDYqTHFNkPF4R_LGVTVQx2uXqiy_zjB29FUz0nrBC0LCgIgtK8BqH52pLjzx-Z_9cTTi3k9EHAJbLItUFoWveQYT6Dkt2cGFvNKyJQxeA9z-hpzBRhZ4hV74P1IAvKHx5XfdKxS0jpMYZDHWFhj_efD2MsM80R9VAIYD4matYK1gQVU">link</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737784060438.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. (McPherson County Community Foundation) — The McPherson County Community Foundation is partnering with McPherson County Research and Extension and the McPherson Public Library to host a grant writing workshop.The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the McPherson County Research and Extension office, 600 W. Woodside, McPherson.K-State Research and Extension’s Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist, will lead the workshop. Daniels brings a grant writing program that helped participants secure $42 million in successful grants during its first year.You can find more information on the grant workshop at this <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcphersonfoundation.org%2F2025%2F01%2Fgrants-workshop-registration-now-open%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2VqWoGLbPkyZoWZMDBxHwAo8hZUwKfcJRRWPUxSoWbgf5f2zs8cfxaqns_aem_TKkSRu5d5tDw-TiYltvIrA&amp;h=AT1Hryblht6H5Eu0oL7Dm4tPn-004s0b4W6vVMeoyiuhkHOCnYrS3zzaoOqslNr-ywmxvxPL5BO6rx3sGDClpWifQs8kSpwQhv7mkh5Z4SneTS7fgbrwvL6sHT4eLX6w72IL&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3DhlJLBHWETINGBZjysGXQnZDIGBYYCbSY7pPnJloxEDYqTHFNkPF4R_LGVTVQx2uXqiy_zjB29FUz0nrBC0LCgIgtK8BqH52pLjzx-Z_9cTTi3k9EHAJbLItUFoWveQYT6Dkt2cGFvNKyJQxeA9z-hpzBRhZ4hV74P1IAvKHx5XfdKxS0jpMYZDHWFhj_efD2MsM80R9VAIYD4matYK1gQVU">link</a>.

Grant writing workshop to be held in McPherson

LYONS, Kan (Rice County Sheriff's Office) —&nbsp;The Rice County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Mike Miles has joined the office as the new undersheriff.

Miles has dedicated his life to serving his country and local communities. After graduating from Lyons High School, he served 6 years in the United States Air Force in military law enforcement. 

Miles’ civilian law enforcement career spans nearly a decade, including roles as a City Police Officer, Linn County Deputy, and K9 handler with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. Most recently, he served as a School Resource Officer, driven by his belief in positively impacting the younger generation. 

A firm constitutionalist, Miles is also a firearms Instructor, teaching responsible and safe firearms ownership and the legalities that come with being a responsibly armed citizen. He is passionate about defending citizens' rights and making our community safer. 

Miles is excited to return to Rice County, reconnect with friends and family, and serve our community with professionalism, fairness, and courtesy. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737776684822.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>.&nbsp;&nbsp;LYONS, Kan (Rice County Sheriff's Office) —&nbsp;The Rice County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Mike Miles has joined the office as the new undersheriff.Miles has dedicated his life to serving his country and local communities. After graduating from Lyons High School, he served 6 years in the United States Air Force in military law enforcement. Miles’ civilian law enforcement career spans nearly a decade, including roles as a City Police Officer, Linn County Deputy, and K9 handler with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office. Most recently, he served as a School Resource Officer, driven by his belief in positively impacting the younger generation. A firm constitutionalist, Miles is also a firearms Instructor, teaching responsible and safe firearms ownership and the legalities that come with being a responsibly armed citizen. He is passionate about defending citizens' rights and making our community safer. Miles is excited to return to Rice County, reconnect with friends and family, and serve our community with professionalism, fairness, and courtesy.

Rice County Sheriff's Office appoints new undersheriff

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The rehabilitation project at the old Landmark Hotel is set to begin in February.  

Lori Meyer Dick told Hutch Post that they had meeting with the subcontractors and that on Wednesday they “put the hammer down” to start the rehabilitation. &nbsp;

It was 22 months ago that they began writing the grant paperwork to begin the rehabilitation. &nbsp;They do have a construction plan and hope to have the apartments ready for occupancy in mid 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, because of the historical nature of the building, they have made some changes to the floor plan, and instead of the original 40 expected apartments they will now only have 36. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is because they must keep the hallway plan as it is. &nbsp;The Landmark Hotel is a historical site and is on both the National Register of Historical Places and the Kansas Register of Historic Places. &nbsp;&nbsp;

She addressed the concern about parking for the apartments.  She stated that they own the property to the north of the hotel, and that the architect is working on a gated parking lot for tenants. &nbsp;

You can see their progress on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571926182197" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737748349998.jpeg" alt="Meyer Landmark&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Meyer Landmark&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBSHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The rehabilitation project at the old Landmark Hotel is set to begin in February. Lori Meyer Dick told Hutch Post that they had meeting with the subcontractors and that on Wednesday they “put the hammer down” to start the rehabilitation. &nbsp;It was 22 months ago that they began writing the grant paperwork to begin the rehabilitation. &nbsp;They do have a construction plan and hope to have the apartments ready for occupancy in mid 2026. &nbsp;&nbsp;However, because of the historical nature of the building, they have made some changes to the floor plan, and instead of the original 40 expected apartments they will now only have 36. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is because they must keep the hallway plan as it is. &nbsp;The Landmark Hotel is a historical site and is on both the National Register of Historical Places and the Kansas Register of Historic Places. &nbsp;&nbsp;She addressed the concern about parking for the apartments. She stated that they own the property to the north of the hotel, and that the architect is working on a gated parking lot for tenants. &nbsp;You can see their progress on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571926182197" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.

Meyer Landmark rehabilitation to begin in February 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Laura Meyer Dick 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Nick Hemphill

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.

A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.

The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.

The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.

The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.

“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”

There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.

“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.

The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.

“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.

The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.

“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.

Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.

“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”

Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.

“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”

Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.

“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565489017.png" alt="A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media<h2>Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.</h2>You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565779992.png" alt="&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

Egg prices soaring again; here’s why, what to expect

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) on Thursday issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive issued Tuesday, Jan. 21, to rescind previously issued guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that limit law enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which include schools and churches.&nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education is aware of concerns raised because of the recent announcement that certain policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have changed.&nbsp;Specifically, the federal government revoked the directive issued in 2021 that limited conducting immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, except in specific limited circumstances.&nbsp;Tuesday’s action did not change the law, nor did it increase the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s authority.&nbsp;To that end, we remind school personnel that their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students.&nbsp;All students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education.&nbsp;Schools are advised to continue to follow the law and abide by their board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds. KSDE wishes to assure school personnel, parents, and the students of Kansas that we will not share any student data without a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.

At this time, we believe the best thing schools can provide to their respective communities is an assurance that they will continue to comply with all state and federal laws protecting student information and student safety.&nbsp;We also suggest schools update emergency contact information for all families.

Kansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) on Thursday issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive issued Tuesday, Jan. 21, to rescind previously issued guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that limit law enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which include schools and churches.&nbsp;The Kansas State Department of Education is aware of concerns raised because of the recent announcement that certain policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have changed.&nbsp;Specifically, the federal government revoked the directive issued in 2021 that limited conducting immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, except in specific limited circumstances.&nbsp;Tuesday’s action did not change the law, nor did it increase the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s authority.&nbsp;To that end, we remind school personnel that their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students.&nbsp;All students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education.&nbsp;Schools are advised to continue to follow the law and abide by their board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds. KSDE wishes to assure school personnel, parents, and the students of Kansas that we will not share any student data without a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.At this time, we believe the best thing schools can provide to their respective communities is an assurance that they will continue to comply with all state and federal laws protecting student information and student safety.&nbsp;We also suggest schools update emergency contact information for all families.KSDE recommendations:<ul>
 <li>Schools should ensure emergency contact information is updated for all families.</li><li>Ensure all school personnel follow the district’s board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds.</li><li>Schools should issue a reminder that no student information can be shared without parental consent or a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas Dept. of Education statement on immigration raids

UPDATE: Reno County Emergency Management Director Travis Vogt said that they responded to a call for a carbon monoxide leak with 16 employees having symptoms. &nbsp;

EMS evaluated the workers, and they refused treatment or transport. One worker began feeling ill the previous day and went home sick. That worker went to the emergency room this morning to be evaluated because he was still feeling ill.&nbsp;

The fire department found low levels of carbon monoxide in the warehouse, but they were unable to identify the source. &nbsp;

Straightline industries is contacting a contractor to locate the source of the carbon monoxide. &nbsp;

YODER, Kan (Hutch Post) — Hutch Post has learned that Reno County EMS&nbsp;is on the scene of an incident in the 1800 block of East Wasp Road. This is at the Hutchinson Naval Station site south of Hutchinson. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Reno County Dispatch confirms that there are multiple patients but would not confirm what the situation was. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737659105977.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Reno County Emergency Management Director Travis Vogt said that they responded to a call for a carbon monoxide leak with 16 employees having symptoms. &nbsp;EMS evaluated the workers, and they refused treatment or transport. One worker began feeling ill the previous day and went home sick. That worker went to the emergency room this morning to be evaluated because he was still feeling ill.&nbsp;The fire department found low levels of carbon monoxide in the warehouse, but they were unable to identify the source. &nbsp;Straightline industries is contacting a contractor to locate the source of the carbon monoxide. &nbsp;YODER, Kan (Hutch Post) — Hutch Post has learned that Reno County EMS&nbsp;is on the scene of an incident in the 1800 block of East Wasp Road. This is at the Hutchinson Naval Station site south of Hutchinson. &nbsp;&nbsp;Reno County Dispatch confirms that there are multiple patients but would not confirm what the situation was. &nbsp;

Incident at Naval Air Base leaves multiple people injured 

NEWTON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) has revoked the CPOST certification for a former Newton Police Officer. &nbsp;

Former Newton Police Officer Wyatt Blasi has had his CPOST certification revoked following an indicent from September of 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Blasi was notified in a Summary Order of Revocation dated Dec. 23, 2024 that CPOST has revoked his law enforcement certification. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Blasi is accused of lying about the presence of NARCAN in a patrol vehicle he was on and overdose call in September 2023. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the report, “On September 2, 2024 Respondent (Blasi) and his Field Training Officer (FTO) responded to an overdose call and were among the first to atrive on scene. After entering the home, Respondent's FTO requested Respondent go outto their patrol vehicle and retrieve NARCAN. Respondent complied and checked the map pocket in the passenger side door, the glove compartment and the back hatch area but did not find the NARCAN.” &nbsp;

The order continues to say that “Respondent re-entered the home and advised his PTO he couldn't find the NARCAN. By this time, EMS had arrived and revived the overdose patient”&nbsp;

After addressing the medical emergency, evidence of illicit substances were observed. The report says, “Respondent's PTO requested Respondent process the evidence. With his body camera rnnning, Respondent processed the evidence and secured the evidence in the back of the patrol vehicle. Respondent then walked to the driver's side of the vehicle, opened the door, and noticed the NARCAN in the door map pocket.”&nbsp;

The report continues, “Respondent immediately shut the door, locked it, and walked towards the house, however, when he reached the front yard, he turned around and returned to the patrol vehicle. Respondent then opened the door, retrieved the NARCAN and pushed the NARCAN under the front seat.”&nbsp;

Blasi eventually told his FTO that he found the NARCAN under the front seat. &nbsp;Ten days later the FTO was reviewing the body cam video to prepare a report on the status of the officer’s training. &nbsp;The report states, “During the review she observed Respondent pushing the NARCAN under the front seat. Respondent's PTO immediately reported the incident to&nbsp;the Newton Police Department (NPD) administration”. &nbsp;

The NPD administration, a supervisor asked Blasi about the location of the NARCAN. Blasi lied to the supervisor but later admitted that he lied to his FTO and the supervisor. &nbsp;

In the conclusion the board stated “Respondent intentionally used false statements in official communications when he lied to his FTO and NPD supervisor. Respondent's dishonesty was not in furtherance of a legitimate law enforcement purpose.”&nbsp;

Blaisi’s law enforcement certification was revoked, and he was ordered to surrender and all evidence of law enforcement certifications &nbsp;

Blaisi was a full-time officer for the newton police department from June 2022 and August 2023 and August 2024 to September 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737661490671.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) has revoked the CPOST certification for a former Newton Police Officer. &nbsp;Former Newton Police Officer Wyatt Blasi has had his CPOST certification revoked following an indicent from September of 2024. &nbsp;&nbsp;Blasi was notified in a Summary Order of Revocation dated Dec. 23, 2024 that CPOST has revoked his law enforcement certification. &nbsp;&nbsp;Blasi is accused of lying about the presence of NARCAN in a patrol vehicle he was on and overdose call in September 2023. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to the report, “On September 2, 2024 Respondent (Blasi) and his Field Training Officer (FTO) responded to an overdose call and were among the first to atrive on scene. After entering the home, Respondent's FTO requested Respondent go outto their patrol vehicle and retrieve NARCAN. Respondent complied and checked the map pocket in the passenger side door, the glove compartment and the back hatch area but did not find the NARCAN.” &nbsp;The order continues to say that “Respondent re-entered the home and advised his PTO he couldn't find the NARCAN. By this time, EMS had arrived and revived the overdose patient”&nbsp;After addressing the medical emergency, evidence of illicit substances were observed. The report says, “Respondent's PTO requested Respondent process the evidence. With his body camera rnnning, Respondent processed the evidence and secured the evidence in the back of the patrol vehicle. Respondent then walked to the driver's side of the vehicle, opened the door, and noticed the NARCAN in the door map pocket.”&nbsp;The report continues, “Respondent immediately shut the door, locked it, and walked towards the house, however, when he reached the front yard, he turned around and returned to the patrol vehicle. Respondent then opened the door, retrieved the NARCAN and pushed the NARCAN under the front seat.”&nbsp;Blasi eventually told his FTO that he found the NARCAN under the front seat. &nbsp;Ten days later the FTO was reviewing the body cam video to prepare a report on the status of the officer’s training. &nbsp;The report states, “During the review she observed Respondent pushing the NARCAN under the front seat. Respondent's PTO immediately reported the incident to&nbsp;the Newton Police Department (NPD) administration”. &nbsp;The NPD administration, a supervisor asked Blasi about the location of the NARCAN. Blasi lied to the supervisor but later admitted that he lied to his FTO and the supervisor. &nbsp;In the conclusion the board stated “Respondent intentionally used false statements in official communications when he lied to his FTO and NPD supervisor. Respondent's dishonesty was not in furtherance of a legitimate law enforcement purpose.”&nbsp;Blaisi’s law enforcement certification was revoked, and he was ordered to surrender and all evidence of law enforcement certifications &nbsp;Blaisi was a full-time officer for the newton police department from June 2022 and August 2023 and August 2024 to September 2024.

Former Newton Police officer has CPOST certification revoked

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Karen Hammersmith - Reno Co. Health Department 

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Hutch Library 

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the unit block of South Main on the west side.

In 1906, automobiles started showing up in Hutchinson, but don't forget about motorcycles. They were becoming extremely popular too and dealerships were the key to distribution.

The Excelsior Company of Chicago was originally a bicycle builder. The company introduced its first motorcycle in 1905. The Hutchinson Cycle Company at 3 S. Main became the company's dealer. The first photo shows that dealership as well as the Oxford Cafe at 5 S. Main in 1912.

The 1912 Excelsior Auto Cycle had more horsepower than the 1911 model and they dropped the price, so it was selling like hotcakes. The second photo shows an original 1912 Excelsior Twin with belt drive.

A 1912 Excelsior was the first motorcycle to be officially timed at a speed of 100 mph. The Excelsior Co. was later bought out by Schwinn and ceased motorcycle production in 1931 because of the Great Depression. The third photo shows the 3 S. Main location today: the south part of Apron Strings, owned by Anne Dowell, and Keller Music at 5 S. Main, owned by David Keller.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737559531423.png" alt="Hutchinson Cycle Co. - feat. Excelsior Auto Cycle - 1912 - 3 S. Main. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Cycle Co. - feat. Excelsior Auto Cycle - 1912 - 3 S. Main. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714573898261.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the unit block of South Main on the west side.In 1906, automobiles started showing up in Hutchinson, but don't forget about motorcycles. They were becoming extremely popular too and dealerships were the key to distribution.The Excelsior Company of Chicago was originally a bicycle builder. The company introduced its first motorcycle in 1905. The Hutchinson Cycle Company at 3 S. Main became the company's dealer. The first photo shows that dealership as well as the Oxford Cafe at 5 S. Main in 1912.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737559531423.png" alt="Hutchinson Cycle Co. - feat. Excelsior Auto Cycle - 1912 - 3 S. Main. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Cycle Co. - feat. Excelsior Auto Cycle - 1912 - 3 S. Main. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The 1912 Excelsior Auto Cycle had more horsepower than the 1911 model and they dropped the price, so it was selling like hotcakes. The second photo shows an original 1912 Excelsior Twin with belt drive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737559627423.png" alt="Hutchinson Cycle Co. - 1912 Excelsior Twin (with Belt Drive). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Cycle Co. - 1912 Excelsior Twin (with Belt Drive). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>A 1912 Excelsior was the first motorcycle to be officially timed at a speed of 100 mph. The Excelsior Co. was later bought out by Schwinn and ceased motorcycle production in 1931 because of the Great Depression. The third photo shows the 3 S. Main location today: the south part of Apron Strings, owned by Anne Dowell, and Keller Music at 5 S. Main, owned by David Keller.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737559690495.png" alt="Hutchinson Cycle Co. - Apron Strings - 3 S. Main - Dec. 15, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Cycle Co. - Apron Strings - 3 S. Main - Dec. 15, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutchinson Cycle Co. - Vol. 106

TOPEKA, Kan. (Office of the Governor)&nbsp; –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;that the&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County&nbsp;(PASC)&nbsp;has secured&nbsp;$25&nbsp;million&nbsp;in&nbsp;federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Transportation’s&nbsp;Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“The&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County&nbsp;project is an example of what&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;accomplished&nbsp;with&nbsp;crucial funding,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By utilizing&nbsp;matching funds, we are making a difference&nbsp;for communities across Kansas.”&nbsp;

The PASC will use the grant to design and create a rail-served transload facility and grain terminal&nbsp;adjacent to&nbsp;a BNSF Railway. The PASC project will&nbsp;facilitate&nbsp;the movement of a variety of commodities that currently move by truck.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I am so glad to hear that the Port Authority of Stafford County is receiving a RAISE grant. This is a project that we have been working on for a few years now that will make a positive difference for Stafford County and central Kansas,”&nbsp;said Troy Waymaster, Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee Chair.&nbsp;“This is the prime purpose of the BUILD Kansas Committee: to make prominent changes for our small and rural communities by providing them with assistance and matching dollars for federal grants.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Combined with $5 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, the total investment in Kansas for this inland port infrastructure project totals $30 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"On behalf of the Port Authority of Stafford County, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Build Kansas Fund for their invaluable support through both matching dollars and technical assistance.&nbsp;The partnerships&nbsp;created&nbsp;will be instrumental in the development of our new rail-served transload facility and grain terminal,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Carolyn Dunn,&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County President.&nbsp;"This facility will enhance our region's transportation infrastructure, foster economic growth, and provide critical resources to our agricultural sector, strengthening Stafford County’s role in the global supply chain."&nbsp;&nbsp;

With this award, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 38 federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over $34.6 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $75.9 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Local stakeholders have repeatedly noted that with the right technical assistance and matching funds, they can unlock additional federal funding for their communities,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Matt Volz, Executive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub.&nbsp;"The Kansas Infrastructure Hub's support demonstrates the state’s leadership in infrastructure development and provides communities with the tools they need to fully capitalize on the opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737593847889.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (Office of the Governor)&nbsp; –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;that the&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County&nbsp;(PASC)&nbsp;has secured&nbsp;$25&nbsp;million&nbsp;in&nbsp;federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Transportation’s&nbsp;Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program. &nbsp;&nbsp;“The&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County&nbsp;project is an example of what&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;accomplished&nbsp;with&nbsp;crucial funding,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By utilizing&nbsp;matching funds, we are making a difference&nbsp;for communities across Kansas.”&nbsp;The PASC will use the grant to design and create a rail-served transload facility and grain terminal&nbsp;adjacent to&nbsp;a BNSF Railway. The PASC project will&nbsp;facilitate&nbsp;the movement of a variety of commodities that currently move by truck.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am so glad to hear that the Port Authority of Stafford County is receiving a RAISE grant. This is a project that we have been working on for a few years now that will make a positive difference for Stafford County and central Kansas,”&nbsp;said Troy Waymaster, Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee Chair.&nbsp;“This is the prime purpose of the BUILD Kansas Committee: to make prominent changes for our small and rural communities by providing them with assistance and matching dollars for federal grants.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Combined with $5 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, the total investment in Kansas for this inland port infrastructure project totals $30 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;"On behalf of the Port Authority of Stafford County, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Build Kansas Fund for their invaluable support through both matching dollars and technical assistance.&nbsp;The partnerships&nbsp;created&nbsp;will be instrumental in the development of our new rail-served transload facility and grain terminal,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Carolyn Dunn,&nbsp;Port Authority of Stafford County President.&nbsp;"This facility will enhance our region's transportation infrastructure, foster economic growth, and provide critical resources to our agricultural sector, strengthening Stafford County’s role in the global supply chain."&nbsp;&nbsp;With this award, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 38 federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over $34.6 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $75.9 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Local stakeholders have repeatedly noted that with the right technical assistance and matching funds, they can unlock additional federal funding for their communities,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Matt Volz, Executive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub.&nbsp;"The Kansas Infrastructure Hub's support demonstrates the state’s leadership in infrastructure development and provides communities with the tools they need to fully capitalize on the opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill."&nbsp;

Stafford County transload facility project receives $25M grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is reaching out to the public for assistance in locating potholes that need to be repaired.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can help. By submitting the potholes through SeeClickFix you are helping the city's road crews find and address issues.&nbsp; &nbsp;You can submit a pothole at this <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/507/Report-An-Issue-SeeClickFix?fbclid=IwY2xjawH-CNtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWBOx7q48t9laT41sTC1ZuLGR7bKzDvFItxwSYiARwqajStMBDs7YXARdA_aem_45AAmx_i_q8IGUdhmlHhvQ">link</a>.

• Cracks in the Asphalt: Rain, snow, and ice seep into tiny cracks in the road.

• Expansion: As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, widening the cracks.

• Pooling Water: Once the cracks grow, water reaches the soil beneath the road and freezes again, which shifts the ground and pushes up the asphalt.

•&nbsp;Collapsing Asphalt: As the ice melts, the weakened surface collapses, forming a pothole. This cycle repeats as temperatures fluctuate, causing further damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737392475810.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson is reaching out to the public for assistance in locating potholes that need to be repaired.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can help. By submitting the potholes through SeeClickFix you are helping the city's road crews find and address issues.&nbsp; &nbsp;You can submit a pothole at this <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/507/Report-An-Issue-SeeClickFix?fbclid=IwY2xjawH-CNtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWBOx7q48t9laT41sTC1ZuLGR7bKzDvFItxwSYiARwqajStMBDs7YXARdA_aem_45AAmx_i_q8IGUdhmlHhvQ">link</a>.Here's what causes potholes:&nbsp;• Cracks in the Asphalt: Rain, snow, and ice seep into tiny cracks in the road.• Expansion: As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, widening the cracks.• Pooling Water: Once the cracks grow, water reaches the soil beneath the road and freezes again, which shifts the ground and pushes up the asphalt.•&nbsp;Collapsing Asphalt: As the ice melts, the weakened surface collapses, forming a pothole. This cycle repeats as temperatures fluctuate, causing further damage.

City seeks help in locating potholes needing repaired

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733378339190.jpeg" alt="David Foster, the Branch Manager of the Hutchinson YMCA spoke at the groundbreaking for the new YMCA branch in Hutchinson on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The new location is at the corner of 20th and Lorraine. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>David Foster, the Branch Manager of the Hutchinson YMCA spoke at the groundbreaking for the new YMCA branch in Hutchinson on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. The new location is at the corner of 20th and Lorraine. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="David Foster" 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=ny9x8-17c2218-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: David Foster

WICHITA, Kan. (Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center — New security requirements are changing the way Veterans sign into their VA health care accounts, and those who fail to update their sign-in option may lose access on Jan. 31, 2025. As of today, about 4,800 Veterans enrolled at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and its various outpatient clinics around the state still need to switch their sign-in option.

My HealtheVet is a patient portal for VA health care that allows Veterans to order VA prescriptions, view VA appointments, send secure messages to VA providers, and gain access to their VA patient records.

Veterans and other beneficiaries will no longer be able to use usernames and passwords for My HealtheVet after Jan. 31, 2025, or DS Logon after Sept. 30, 2025. They will need to sign in with either a Login.gov or ID.me account.

&nbsp; VA has prepared a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/ss20241209-tips-creating-login-gov-id-me-account?redirect=%2Fmhv-portal-web%2Fhome">helpful webpage with tips</a>&nbsp;for creating a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://login.gov/">Login.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://id.me/">ID.me</a>&nbsp;account. The page gives advice on how the Veteran can take his or her photo, what to do if the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://login.gov/">Login.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/articles/4416188902039-Veterans-Affairs-and-ID-me?utm_campaign=part&amp;utm_content=govva&amp;utm_medium=homepage&amp;utm_source=hc">ID.me</a>&nbsp;won’t accept the Veteran’s phone number or says the Veteran already has an account, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, Dole VA is hosting an in-person training and support event this Friday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Those interested in attending can get location information and details on what to bring at Dole VA’s website.

Veterans will still be able to coordinate their care in person or via the phone.

If Veterans or others have questions, the Dole VA team is ready to help. Call 316-685-2221, ext. 57754.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669388430004.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center — New security requirements are changing the way Veterans sign into their VA health care accounts, and those who fail to update their sign-in option may lose access on Jan. 31, 2025. As of today, about 4,800 Veterans enrolled at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and its various outpatient clinics around the state still need to switch their sign-in option.My HealtheVet is a patient portal for VA health care that allows Veterans to order VA prescriptions, view VA appointments, send secure messages to VA providers, and gain access to their VA patient records.Veterans and other beneficiaries will no longer be able to use usernames and passwords for My HealtheVet after Jan. 31, 2025, or DS Logon after Sept. 30, 2025. They will need to sign in with either a Login.gov or ID.me account.&nbsp; VA has prepared a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/ss20241209-tips-creating-login-gov-id-me-account?redirect=%2Fmhv-portal-web%2Fhome">helpful webpage with tips</a>&nbsp;for creating a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://login.gov/">Login.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://id.me/">ID.me</a>&nbsp;account. The page gives advice on how the Veteran can take his or her photo, what to do if the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://login.gov/">Login.gov</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/articles/4416188902039-Veterans-Affairs-and-ID-me?utm_campaign=part&amp;utm_content=govva&amp;utm_medium=homepage&amp;utm_source=hc">ID.me</a>&nbsp;won’t accept the Veteran’s phone number or says the Veteran already has an account, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Dole VA is hosting an in-person training and support event this Friday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Those interested in attending can get location information and details on what to bring at Dole VA’s website.Veterans will still be able to coordinate their care in person or via the phone.If Veterans or others have questions, the Dole VA team is ready to help. Call 316-685-2221, ext. 57754.

VA enhancing security with modernized sign-in options 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.

On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.

&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.

WICHITA, Kan. - Late Monday evening, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate on the floor of his cell. &nbsp;

On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. The inmate was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 PM.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the inmate&nbsp;death. &nbsp;

The inmate, a 29-year-old man, had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, and was facing charges of aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, and possession of opiates. &nbsp;

This is the first in-custody death of 2025 for the detention center.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Further information will be released as it becomes available, pending the outcome of the investigation and notification of next of kin.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737478356602.png" alt="Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023" />
 <figcaption>Pleass photo from his Sedgwick Co. arrest in 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities are investigating the death of an inmate the Sedgwick County jail.Just after 10p.m. Monday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Pleas of Rockford, Illinois, on the floor of his cell in Pod 6, according to a media release.On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. He was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 p.m.&nbsp;Pleass had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, awaiting sentencing in the 18th Judicial District Court on charges of aggravated domestic battery, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of opiates.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.Pleass did not have any obvious signs of trauma and investigators are now awaiting an autopsy and toxicology.---------WICHITA, Kan. - Late Monday evening, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office detention staff discovered an unresponsive inmate on the floor of his cell. &nbsp;On-site medical personnel and Sedgwick County EMS were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where life-saving measures were attempted. The inmate was pronounced dead at approximately 10:52 PM.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the inmate&nbsp;death. &nbsp;The inmate, a 29-year-old man, had been in custody since Dec. 23, 2023, and was facing charges of aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, and possession of opiates. &nbsp;This is the first in-custody death of 2025 for the detention center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further information will be released as it becomes available, pending the outcome of the investigation and notification of next of kin.&nbsp;

Inmate dies at Sedgwick County Detention Center 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 308 Board Members" 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=9b65r-17bfd7f-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>