Steve Kappenman, Athletic and Activities Director at Hutchison High School, visited about the upcoming Mike Kinney Cup golf tournament, which has 36 teams registered, the maximum capacity.&nbsp; He also touched on other items including the sale of Gold cards.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738772789361.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Kappenman, Athletic and Activities Director at Hutchison High School, visited about the upcoming Mike Kinney Cup golf tournament, which has 36 teams registered, the maximum capacity.&nbsp; He also touched on other items including the sale of Gold cards.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Steve Kappenman - HHS Athletic Director" 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=eggdm-19058e0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Steven Kappenman, HHS Athletic and Activities Director

Christian David Kaufman, 69, passed away doing what he loved, Sunday, July 6, 2025 in a motorcycle accident outside of Topeka, KS. He was born February 2, 1956 in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Gerald G. Kaufman and Marilyn M. Unruh. He was a 1974 graduate of Inman High School and received his bachelor's degree in structural engineering from New Orleans University.

His first job was as a journeyman plumber where he developed the skills that would serve him to later secure a position as mechanical engineer at Boeing in Wichita, where he worked for over 35 years. While there, Chris was involved in the design and delivery of the first Air Force One VC-25, the prototype development of the KC-767 Tanker, and a career-long member of the SPEEA union.

Christian enjoyed motorcycling, was an avid gun collector, and an award-winning home brewer and distiller. He was active in all of the arts as a sound and video technician for the Fox Theater in Hutchinson, the McPherson Opera House, and Bandy Sound Production. Chris also supported as sound director and judge for the Doc Sunback Film Festival.

He is survived by his daughters, Katherine and Elisabeth Kaufman (fiancé Shahab Namdar); ex-wife Sheri Kaufman-Marsh, twin brother Kent (Charlotte) Kaufman; brother Georffrey (Kate) Kaufman; nieces and nephews Josh, Jessica, Troy, Stacy, and Alanna; and several great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Inman Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Inman Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at North Inman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fox Theater or the McPherson Opera House, both in care of the funeral home. To leave a message for the family, visit:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752506050108.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Christian David Kaufman, 69, passed away doing what he loved, Sunday, July 6, 2025 in a motorcycle accident outside of Topeka, KS. He was born February 2, 1956 in Junction City, Kansas, the son of Gerald G. Kaufman and Marilyn M. Unruh. He was a 1974 graduate of Inman High School and received his bachelor's degree in structural engineering from New Orleans University.His first job was as a journeyman plumber where he developed the skills that would serve him to later secure a position as mechanical engineer at Boeing in Wichita, where he worked for over 35 years. While there, Chris was involved in the design and delivery of the first Air Force One VC-25, the prototype development of the KC-767 Tanker, and a career-long member of the SPEEA union.Christian enjoyed motorcycling, was an avid gun collector, and an award-winning home brewer and distiller. He was active in all of the arts as a sound and video technician for the Fox Theater in Hutchinson, the McPherson Opera House, and Bandy Sound Production. Chris also supported as sound director and judge for the Doc Sunback Film Festival.He is survived by his daughters, Katherine and Elisabeth Kaufman (fiancé Shahab Namdar); ex-wife Sheri Kaufman-Marsh, twin brother Kent (Charlotte) Kaufman; brother Georffrey (Kate) Kaufman; nieces and nephews Josh, Jessica, Troy, Stacy, and Alanna; and several great nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents.A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Inman Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Inman Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at North Inman Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fox Theater or the McPherson Opera House, both in care of the funeral home. To leave a message for the family, visit:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.inmanfh.com">www.inmanfh.com</a>.&nbsp;

Christian David Kaufman |1956-2025|

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

WASHINGTON — Congress has just days left to approve the Trump administration’s request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved funding for public media and foreign aid, setting up yet another tight deadline for lawmakers.&nbsp;

The Senate must pass the bill before July 18, otherwise the White House budget office will be required to spend the funding and be barred from sending up the same proposal again for what are called rescissions.

But objections from several GOP senators could stop the legislation in its tracks, or change it substantially, requiring another House vote in a very short time frame. Rejecting the plan would represent a loss for the Trump administration after passage of the “big, beautiful” tax and spending cut law earlier this month.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., appears optimistic he can secure the votes needed to begin debate, though he hasn’t said publicly if he thinks the bill can actually pass.&nbsp;

“We’ll have it up on the floor next week. Hopefully, we get on it and then we’ll have an amendment process,” Thune said during a Wednesday press conference. “And kind of like a budget reconciliation bill, it’s an open amendment process, a vote-a-rama type process, which I’m sure you’re very excited about.”

At least 50 Republicans must agree to proceed to the legislation amid unified opposition from Democrats. Thune can only lose three GOP senators and still begin debate with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote. Rescissions bills are exempt from the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.

After a maximum of 10 hours of debate, the Senate will begin a marathon amendment voting session that could substantially reshape the measure.

There may be enough Republican votes to completely remove the section rescinding $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds the Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio and hundreds of local public media stations.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds all brought up misgivings during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-drive-defund-npr-pbs-resisted-republicans-rural-states" target="_blank">a June hearing</a>&nbsp;about how canceling previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would impact rural communities and emergency alerts.

Collins, R-Maine, also raised concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to claw back previously approved funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and is likely to bring an amendment to the floor on that issue, according to her office. PEPFAR is a global initiative to combat HIV/AIDS that was led by President George W. Bush.

Democrats will get to offer as many amendments as they want during the vote-a-rama and could try to remove each section of the bill one by one, forcing Republicans to weigh in publicly on numerous foreign aid programs.

President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-wants-congress-slash-94b-spending-now-defund-npr-and-pbs" target="_blank">sent Congress the rescissions request</a>&nbsp;in early June, starting a 45-day clock for lawmakers to consider his proposal.

The recommendation asked lawmakers to cancel $8.3 billion in foreign aid funding, including $500 million for certain global health programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development.

“This proposal would not reduce treatment but would eliminate programs that are antithetical to American interests and worsen the lives of women and children, like ‘family planning’ and ‘reproductive health,’ LGBTQI+ activities, and ‘equity’ programs,” the request states. “This rescission proposal aligns with the Administration’s efforts to eliminate wasteful USAID foreign assistance programs.”

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-votes-yank-billions-npr-pbs-and-foreign-aid-programs" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;in mid-June to approve the rescissions request, but the legislation sat around the Senate for weeks as Republicans struggled to pass their “big, beautiful” law.

The Senate can vote to approve the proposal as is, change it, or let it expire, forcing the White House budget office to spend the money, which it’s been able to legally freeze since sending Congress the rescissions request.

Senators’ decision will impact how Republicans in that chamber, especially Thune and those on the Appropriations Committee, work with White House budget director Russ Vought in the coming months and years.

Congress and the Trump administration must broker some sort of funding agreement before the start of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1 to stave off a shutdown.

Vought has also said he plans to send lawmakers additional rescissions requests, though he hasn’t said exactly when or what programs he’ll include.

Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Thursday as the panel debated three of the full-year government funding bills that the rescissions package is not acceptable and could impede the committee’s traditionally bipartisan work.

“We need to make sure decisions about what to fund and, yes, what to rescind are made here in Congress on a bipartisan basis and within our annual funding process,” Murray said. “We cannot allow bipartisan funding bills with partisan rescission packages. It will not work. And that is why I will repeat my commitment to all of my colleagues that on this side of the dais, we stand ready to discuss rescissions as part of these bipartisan spending bills.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746181587274.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — Congress has just days left to approve the Trump administration’s request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved funding for public media and foreign aid, setting up yet another tight deadline for lawmakers.&nbsp;The Senate must pass the bill before July 18, otherwise the White House budget office will be required to spend the funding and be barred from sending up the same proposal again for what are called rescissions.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/zMYMcrzbxu">pic.twitter.com/zMYMcrzbxu</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1943446385501614262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But objections from several GOP senators could stop the legislation in its tracks, or change it substantially, requiring another House vote in a very short time frame. Rejecting the plan would represent a loss for the Trump administration after passage of the “big, beautiful” tax and spending cut law earlier this month.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., appears optimistic he can secure the votes needed to begin debate, though he hasn’t said publicly if he thinks the bill can actually pass.&nbsp;“We’ll have it up on the floor next week. Hopefully, we get on it and then we’ll have an amendment process,” Thune said during a Wednesday press conference. “And kind of like a budget reconciliation bill, it’s an open amendment process, a vote-a-rama type process, which I’m sure you’re very excited about.”<h2>JD Vance needed again?</h2>At least 50 Republicans must agree to proceed to the legislation amid unified opposition from Democrats. Thune can only lose three GOP senators and still begin debate with Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote. Rescissions bills are exempt from the Senate’s 60-vote legislative filibuster.After a maximum of 10 hours of debate, the Senate will begin a marathon amendment voting session that could substantially reshape the measure.There may be enough Republican votes to completely remove the section rescinding $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds the Public Broadcasting Service, National Public Radio and hundreds of local public media stations.Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins, Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds all brought up misgivings during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-drive-defund-npr-pbs-resisted-republicans-rural-states" target="_blank">a June hearing</a>&nbsp;about how canceling previously approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting would impact rural communities and emergency alerts.Collins, R-Maine, also raised concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to claw back previously approved funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and is likely to bring an amendment to the floor on that issue, according to her office. PEPFAR is a global initiative to combat HIV/AIDS that was led by President George W. Bush.Democrats will get to offer as many amendments as they want during the vote-a-rama and could try to remove each section of the bill one by one, forcing Republicans to weigh in publicly on numerous foreign aid programs.<h2>45 days for Trump request</h2>President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-wants-congress-slash-94b-spending-now-defund-npr-and-pbs" target="_blank">sent Congress the rescissions request</a>&nbsp;in early June, starting a 45-day clock for lawmakers to consider his proposal.The recommendation asked lawmakers to cancel $8.3 billion in foreign aid funding, including $500 million for certain global health programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development.“This proposal would not reduce treatment but would eliminate programs that are antithetical to American interests and worsen the lives of women and children, like ‘family planning’ and ‘reproductive health,’ LGBTQI+ activities, and ‘equity’ programs,” the request states. “This rescission proposal aligns with the Administration’s efforts to eliminate wasteful USAID foreign assistance programs.”The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-votes-yank-billions-npr-pbs-and-foreign-aid-programs" target="_blank">voted mostly along party lines</a>&nbsp;in mid-June to approve the rescissions request, but the legislation sat around the Senate for weeks as Republicans struggled to pass their “big, beautiful” law.The Senate can vote to approve the proposal as is, change it, or let it expire, forcing the White House budget office to spend the money, which it’s been able to legally freeze since sending Congress the rescissions request.<h2>Relations with White House</h2>Senators’ decision will impact how Republicans in that chamber, especially Thune and those on the Appropriations Committee, work with White House budget director Russ Vought in the coming months and years.Congress and the Trump administration must broker some sort of funding agreement before the start of the next fiscal year on Oct. 1 to stave off a shutdown.Vought has also said he plans to send lawmakers additional rescissions requests, though he hasn’t said exactly when or what programs he’ll include.Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Thursday as the panel debated three of the full-year government funding bills that the rescissions package is not acceptable and could impede the committee’s traditionally bipartisan work.“We need to make sure decisions about what to fund and, yes, what to rescind are made here in Congress on a bipartisan basis and within our annual funding process,” Murray said. “We cannot allow bipartisan funding bills with partisan rescission packages. It will not work. And that is why I will repeat my commitment to all of my colleagues that on this side of the dais, we stand ready to discuss rescissions as part of these bipartisan spending bills.”

US Senate GOP under pressure on Trump demand to defund NPR, PBS, foreign aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-trump-nonprofit-religion-courts-eee4b690ad475d5c8a52137c14cb03de">surprise move by the IRS</a>&nbsp;that would allow pastors to back political candidates from the pulpit without losing their organization’s tax-exempt status is drawing praise from conservatives and even some progressive religious groups but concern from other leaders of faith, along with tax and legal experts.

A 1954 provision in the tax code called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-287f4cd55eea49d699e9924e3984a38e">Johnson Amendment</a>&nbsp;says churches and other nonprofits could lose their tax-exempt status if they participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. The rule was rarely enforced.

While the IRS did not go as far as calling for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, it said in court documents Monday that communications in good faith by a church to its flock does not amount to “intervening” or affecting the outcome of a political campaign.

“Communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted,” the IRS said.

The new IRS interpretation came after decades of debate and, most recently, lawsuits from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christian-broadcasters-am-radio-cars-9f9ac90674b8d429ebf4871e4e1f16a1">National Religious Broadcasters</a>&nbsp;association and other conservative churches complaining that the amendment violates their First Amendment rights, among other legal protections.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-west-africa-leaders-aid-cuts-e4b3a3f568151656eb177f0b7de6ae08">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;called the IRS’ assessment “terrific.”

“I love the fact that churches can endorse a political candidate,” he said. “We have a lot of respect for the people that lead the church.”

While some congregations see a new freedom to speak openly about preferred candidates, others see openings for campaign finance corruption, new pressures on religious leaders and an overall entanglement between church and state.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-evangelicals-christians-politics-jesus-2024-election-2850284ccf3e7155273131b7344a0dd0">Robert Jeffress</a>, pastor of a Baptist megachurch in Dallas and a Trump ally, called it “the right decision.” He said his church’s tax-exempt status was threatened because of an IRS investigation into their political endorsements, costing the megachurch hundreds of thousands in legal fees.

“The IRS has no business dictating what can be said from the pulpit,” he said. “They need to stay the heck out of our churches.”

Calvary Church Chino Hills, a Southern California megachurch led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-churches-ballot-gathering-evangelicals-1d1a48c53f8e970fb3f31a7650f200fb">Jack Hibbs</a>, has been endorsing candidates for years, particularly in local elections. Gina Gleason, director of the church’s political engagement team, said she hopes the move will encourage smaller churches previously hesitant for fear of triggering an IRS response.

“I’d have thought if the IRS had targeted any church it would’ve been us,” she said. “But we got sound legal advice from lawyers and religious liberty organizations that explained we were within our constitutional rights.”

For Democrats trying to connect with people of faith, this decision is timely, said Doug Pagitt, pastor and executive director of Vote Common Good, a progressive and evangelical Christian organization.

“Conservative pastors who have been blatantly endorsing candidates regardless of the Johnson Amendment over the years created a disadvantage causing Democrats to step away from faith voters,” he said. “There was a true imbalance between how many more opportunities there were for Republican voters.”

The IRS statement, Pagitt says, also puts an end to the delicate dance pastors and congregations were forced to do.

“You could talk about politics in the church gymnasium, but not in the sanctuary or from the pulpit,” he said. “Pastors could express political opinions on their personal Facebook page, but not on the church’s website. It’s just silly.”

Tax and constitutional law experts, meanwhile, are wary of what entanglements could arise from the IRS’ new position.

<a href="https://www.law.pitt.edu/people/philip-hackney" target="_blank">Philip Hackney</a>, a University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor who studies the relationship between churches and tax authority, said the decree could allow churches to push new boundaries.

“It’s essentially creating a political intervention tax shelter for churches,” Hackney said. “It has the potential to corrupt their mission, more towards politics and away from their true beliefs.”

Other religious groups, particularly in faith communities of color, are viewing it with skepticism. The Rev.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-tx-state-wire-new-york-ny-state-wire-nv-state-wire-165f7ac1b3ce8b90a537da1a1f8886a4">Mark Whitlock</a>, senior pastor at Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland, said it raises more questions than answers.

“From those of us in the Black church, this decision is being viewed with caution, apprehension and skepticism,” he said. “The question we’re asking is: ‘Why now?’”

Whitlock said he will continue to do what the Black church has always done — educating and civically engaging parishioners. His congregants’ political views vary, too.

“If I do say something in church, it needs to be God-centered, God-focused and a revelation that God gave you,” Whitlock said. “You can’t go to the pulpit as a campaign manager.”

Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, warned that a repeal of the Johnson Amendment could help tether some congregations to certain parties or candidates.

“This can lead to a partisan identity becoming the primary marker of a church or congregation, over a commitment to the Gospel, which cuts against both existing major parties,” he said. “Church leaders may also face pressure to make political endorsements.”

California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gavin-newsom-south-carolina-democratic-primary-d04d1f313fbe7697aa31785e0e47440b">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he finds the IRS’ position on the issue “politically convenient and cynical.”

“We’ve seen a lot of the pulpit be coming more and more political over the years — almost weaponized in that respect,” the Democrat said at a church in South Carolina.

About 8 in 10 U.S. adults believe churches and other houses of worship should not come out in favor of one political candidate over another during elections, a Pew Research Center survey conducted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/religion-in-public-life/" target="_blank">2022</a>&nbsp;found.

White evangelicals and Black Protestants were a little more divided on the matter, with about one-third in each group favoring political endorsements. But in every other religious group surveyed, there was a strong consensus against political involvement by houses of worship.

Others are more optimistic that the IRS statement puts to bed unfounded criticisms against the agency for a rarely enforced rule.

Terry Lemons, a former IRS official who began at the agency under Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-clinton-reinventing-government-gore-a95795eb75cacc03734ef0065c1b0a6d">Bill Clinton</a>, called it a “common sense approach through a narrowly written filing.”

Roger Colinvaux, a Catholic University of America law professor, said he would caution churches against “overinterpreting” the IRS statement. He points out that the word “endorse” does not appear anywhere in it and said his biggest concern is religion being used as a partisan tool in campaigns.

Pagitt at Common Good said not all pastors will seize the opportunity because they might be ministering to a divided congregation or might not be comfortable mixing politics and religion.

Chieko Noguchi, spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Tuesday that the IRS statement doesn’t “change how the Catholic Church engages in public debate.”

“The Church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good,” Noguchi said. “The Catholic Church maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates.”

Bharath reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in South Carolina contributed reporting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-tax-trump-nonprofit-religion-courts-eee4b690ad475d5c8a52137c14cb03de">surprise move by the IRS</a>&nbsp;that would allow pastors to back political candidates from the pulpit without losing their organization’s tax-exempt status is drawing praise from conservatives and even some progressive religious groups but concern from other leaders of faith, along with tax and legal experts.A 1954 provision in the tax code called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-287f4cd55eea49d699e9924e3984a38e">Johnson Amendment</a>&nbsp;says churches and other nonprofits could lose their tax-exempt status if they participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. The rule was rarely enforced.While the IRS did not go as far as calling for the repeal of the Johnson Amendment, it said in court documents Monday that communications in good faith by a church to its flock does not amount to “intervening” or affecting the outcome of a political campaign.“Communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted,” the IRS said.The new IRS interpretation came after decades of debate and, most recently, lawsuits from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/christian-broadcasters-am-radio-cars-9f9ac90674b8d429ebf4871e4e1f16a1">National Religious Broadcasters</a>&nbsp;association and other conservative churches complaining that the amendment violates their First Amendment rights, among other legal protections.Speaking to reporters Wednesday, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-west-africa-leaders-aid-cuts-e4b3a3f568151656eb177f0b7de6ae08">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;called the IRS’ assessment “terrific.”“I love the fact that churches can endorse a political candidate,” he said. “We have a lot of respect for the people that lead the church.”While some congregations see a new freedom to speak openly about preferred candidates, others see openings for campaign finance corruption, new pressures on religious leaders and an overall entanglement between church and state.<h2>Praises to the IRS</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-evangelicals-christians-politics-jesus-2024-election-2850284ccf3e7155273131b7344a0dd0">Robert Jeffress</a>, pastor of a Baptist megachurch in Dallas and a Trump ally, called it “the right decision.” He said his church’s tax-exempt status was threatened because of an IRS investigation into their political endorsements, costing the megachurch hundreds of thousands in legal fees.“The IRS has no business dictating what can be said from the pulpit,” he said. “They need to stay the heck out of our churches.”Calvary Church Chino Hills, a Southern California megachurch led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-churches-ballot-gathering-evangelicals-1d1a48c53f8e970fb3f31a7650f200fb">Jack Hibbs</a>, has been endorsing candidates for years, particularly in local elections. Gina Gleason, director of the church’s political engagement team, said she hopes the move will encourage smaller churches previously hesitant for fear of triggering an IRS response.“I’d have thought if the IRS had targeted any church it would’ve been us,” she said. “But we got sound legal advice from lawyers and religious liberty organizations that explained we were within our constitutional rights.”For Democrats trying to connect with people of faith, this decision is timely, said Doug Pagitt, pastor and executive director of Vote Common Good, a progressive and evangelical Christian organization.“Conservative pastors who have been blatantly endorsing candidates regardless of the Johnson Amendment over the years created a disadvantage causing Democrats to step away from faith voters,” he said. “There was a true imbalance between how many more opportunities there were for Republican voters.”The IRS statement, Pagitt says, also puts an end to the delicate dance pastors and congregations were forced to do.“You could talk about politics in the church gymnasium, but not in the sanctuary or from the pulpit,” he said. “Pastors could express political opinions on their personal Facebook page, but not on the church’s website. It’s just silly.”<h2>Church politicking concerns</h2>Tax and constitutional law experts, meanwhile, are wary of what entanglements could arise from the IRS’ new position.<a href="https://www.law.pitt.edu/people/philip-hackney" target="_blank">Philip Hackney</a>, a University of Pittsburgh School of Law professor who studies the relationship between churches and tax authority, said the decree could allow churches to push new boundaries.“It’s essentially creating a political intervention tax shelter for churches,” Hackney said. “It has the potential to corrupt their mission, more towards politics and away from their true beliefs.”Other religious groups, particularly in faith communities of color, are viewing it with skepticism. The Rev.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pa-state-wire-tx-state-wire-new-york-ny-state-wire-nv-state-wire-165f7ac1b3ce8b90a537da1a1f8886a4">Mark Whitlock</a>, senior pastor at Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland, said it raises more questions than answers.“From those of us in the Black church, this decision is being viewed with caution, apprehension and skepticism,” he said. “The question we’re asking is: ‘Why now?’”Whitlock said he will continue to do what the Black church has always done — educating and civically engaging parishioners. His congregants’ political views vary, too.“If I do say something in church, it needs to be God-centered, God-focused and a revelation that God gave you,” Whitlock said. “You can’t go to the pulpit as a campaign manager.”Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, warned that a repeal of the Johnson Amendment could help tether some congregations to certain parties or candidates.“This can lead to a partisan identity becoming the primary marker of a church or congregation, over a commitment to the Gospel, which cuts against both existing major parties,” he said. “Church leaders may also face pressure to make political endorsements.”California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gavin-newsom-south-carolina-democratic-primary-d04d1f313fbe7697aa31785e0e47440b">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday that he finds the IRS’ position on the issue “politically convenient and cynical.”“We’ve seen a lot of the pulpit be coming more and more political over the years — almost weaponized in that respect,” the Democrat said at a church in South Carolina.<h2>What comes next</h2>About 8 in 10 U.S. adults believe churches and other houses of worship should not come out in favor of one political candidate over another during elections, a Pew Research Center survey conducted in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/religion-in-public-life/" target="_blank">2022</a>&nbsp;found.White evangelicals and Black Protestants were a little more divided on the matter, with about one-third in each group favoring political endorsements. But in every other religious group surveyed, there was a strong consensus against political involvement by houses of worship.Others are more optimistic that the IRS statement puts to bed unfounded criticisms against the agency for a rarely enforced rule.Terry Lemons, a former IRS official who began at the agency under Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-doge-clinton-reinventing-government-gore-a95795eb75cacc03734ef0065c1b0a6d">Bill Clinton</a>, called it a “common sense approach through a narrowly written filing.”Roger Colinvaux, a Catholic University of America law professor, said he would caution churches against “overinterpreting” the IRS statement. He points out that the word “endorse” does not appear anywhere in it and said his biggest concern is religion being used as a partisan tool in campaigns.Pagitt at Common Good said not all pastors will seize the opportunity because they might be ministering to a divided congregation or might not be comfortable mixing politics and religion.Chieko Noguchi, spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Tuesday that the IRS statement doesn’t “change how the Catholic Church engages in public debate.”“The Church seeks to help Catholics form their conscience in the Gospel so they might discern which candidates and policies would advance the common good,” Noguchi said. “The Catholic Church maintains its stance of not endorsing or opposing political candidates.”___Bharath reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in South Carolina contributed reporting.___

Surprise IRS move on political endorsements leaves faith leaders and legal experts divided

For nearly five decades, First Call for Help has been a lifeline for Reno County residents in need — and next year, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary of offering vital assistance and hope to thousands.

First Call for Help was founded by community advocate Susie Christopher, who, back in the 1970s, recognized the simple yet powerful need for struggling families to have access to basic hygiene supplies. What began in a janitor’s closet at Memorial Hall has grown into a comprehensive community resource with more than a dozen active programs.

“Susie started with just shampoo, soap and toothbrushes for people who didn’t have them,” said Dr. Marilyn Graham, executive director of First Call for Help. “Now, we have 14 or 15 different programs that touch so many areas of people’s lives.”

First Call for Help provides direct assistance and connects clients with a network of community partners. “If we can’t help, we’ll find someone in the community who can,” Graham said.

Residents of Reno County can qualify for services by providing proof of residence, household identification and income verification. Many clients walk through the doors with little to nothing, and the organization works to help them obtain IDs, housing, or other basic needs to get back on their feet.

The nonprofit’s headquarters at 17 West 2nd Street is open for walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday for those who prefer more privacy.

Meeting Back-to-School Needs: Adopt a Student

One of First Call’s newest programs is its “Adopt a Student” initiative, which aims to ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for families. With school supply costs on the rise, the organization provides about 2,000 backpacks annually to local students.

“We want every child to walk into class on the first day with the same new pencils, notebooks, crayons and a backpack,” said Graham, a former teacher and principal. “For that brief moment, every student is equal.”

The program invites individuals and businesses to sponsor a student for about $67, covering the cost of supplies and a quality backpack. Donations stretch even further because First Call can purchase items tax-exempt and often benefit from matching contributions by local retailers.

Helping Prevent Evictions and Utility Shutoffs

Another critical service First Call for Help provides is eviction prevention. If a family receives a 30-day eviction notice, First Call steps in to work with landlords and help pay what’s needed to keep people in their homes — buying time and helping families create a plan for stability.

“No money ever goes directly to clients,” Graham explained. “Payments go to landlords or utility companies. And many landlords are really willing to work with us.”

Other Ways They Keep Families Warm and Well

First Call for Help also runs the “Head to Toe for Reno County” program, distributing hand-knit hats, scarves, mittens and socks to families during the coldest months of the year. Volunteers in the community make and donate these items, and anyone can walk in and pick up what they need.

For those facing out-of-town medical appointments that can’t be handled locally, the nonprofit can help cover travel costs by providing gas vouchers — another example of meeting everyday needs that can otherwise feel out of reach for struggling households.

Graham knows firsthand the power of saying “yes” instead of “no” when someone needs help — a lesson she’s carried with her since she was persuaded out of retirement eight years ago to lead the nonprofit.

“I want things done quickly and in a caring way,” she said. “I never want someone to feel like they’re alone when they come to us.”

First Call for Help relies on donations and volunteers to continue its mission. Anyone interested in supporting programs like Adopt a Student or Head to Toe can drop off contributions or reach out directly.

For more information, visit First Call for Help at 17 West 2nd Street in Hutchinson, call (620) 662-3629, or visit their website at <a href="http://www.firstcallreno.com">www.firstcallreno.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731617485892.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;For nearly five decades, First Call for Help has been a lifeline for Reno County residents in need — and next year, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary of offering vital assistance and hope to thousands.First Call for Help was founded by community advocate Susie Christopher, who, back in the 1970s, recognized the simple yet powerful need for struggling families to have access to basic hygiene supplies. What began in a janitor’s closet at Memorial Hall has grown into a comprehensive community resource with more than a dozen active programs.“Susie started with just shampoo, soap and toothbrushes for people who didn’t have them,” said Dr. Marilyn Graham, executive director of First Call for Help. “Now, we have 14 or 15 different programs that touch so many areas of people’s lives.”<h2>A Place to Turn for Many Needs</h2>First Call for Help provides direct assistance and connects clients with a network of community partners. “If we can’t help, we’ll find someone in the community who can,” Graham said.Residents of Reno County can qualify for services by providing proof of residence, household identification and income verification. Many clients walk through the doors with little to nothing, and the organization works to help them obtain IDs, housing, or other basic needs to get back on their feet.The nonprofit’s headquarters at 17 West 2nd Street is open for walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with appointments available Monday, Wednesday and Friday for those who prefer more privacy.<h2>Meeting Back-to-School Needs: Adopt a Student</h2>One of First Call’s newest programs is its “Adopt a Student” initiative, which aims to ease the burden of back-to-school expenses for families. With school supply costs on the rise, the organization provides about 2,000 backpacks annually to local students.“We want every child to walk into class on the first day with the same new pencils, notebooks, crayons and a backpack,” said Graham, a former teacher and principal. “For that brief moment, every student is equal.”The program invites individuals and businesses to sponsor a student for about $67, covering the cost of supplies and a quality backpack. Donations stretch even further because First Call can purchase items tax-exempt and often benefit from matching contributions by local retailers.<h2>Helping Prevent Evictions and Utility Shutoffs</h2>Another critical service First Call for Help provides is eviction prevention. If a family receives a 30-day eviction notice, First Call steps in to work with landlords and help pay what’s needed to keep people in their homes — buying time and helping families create a plan for stability.“No money ever goes directly to clients,” Graham explained. “Payments go to landlords or utility companies. And many landlords are really willing to work with us.”<h2>Other Ways They Keep Families Warm and Well</h2>First Call for Help also runs the “Head to Toe for Reno County” program, distributing hand-knit hats, scarves, mittens and socks to families during the coldest months of the year. Volunteers in the community make and donate these items, and anyone can walk in and pick up what they need.For those facing out-of-town medical appointments that can’t be handled locally, the nonprofit can help cover travel costs by providing gas vouchers — another example of meeting everyday needs that can otherwise feel out of reach for struggling households.<h2>Still Driven by the Community Spirit</h2>Graham knows firsthand the power of saying “yes” instead of “no” when someone needs help — a lesson she’s carried with her since she was persuaded out of retirement eight years ago to lead the nonprofit.“I want things done quickly and in a caring way,” she said. “I never want someone to feel like they’re alone when they come to us.”<h2>How to Get Involved</h2>First Call for Help relies on donations and volunteers to continue its mission. Anyone interested in supporting programs like Adopt a Student or Head to Toe can drop off contributions or reach out directly.For more information, visit First Call for Help at 17 West 2nd Street in Hutchinson, call (620) 662-3629, or visit their website at <a href="http://www.firstcallreno.com">www.firstcallreno.com</a>.&nbsp;

First Call for Help:  40 plus years of compassion and community support

The Reno County Child Care Task Force is proud to announce Heather Faulkner as the founding Executive Director of the Kids Collective Child Care Network, a newly-formed nonprofit focused on creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for Reno County’s child care system.&nbsp;

Faulkner, a Hutchinson native with over 25 years of experience in child care administration and leadership, has long been a dedicated advocate for families and providers in the community. Drawing on her background in accounting, she played a key role in strengthening and expanding operations at Abundant Life Community Child Care &amp; Preschool at The Father’s House, bringing a well-rounded perspective that blends business insight with hands-on experience in early childhood care. In that role, she led all aspects of daily operations, including licensing, compliance, budgeting, staffing, and long-term sustainability, and she understands firsthand the operational realities and potential of the child care sector. Faulkner and her husband, Sean, are raising four boys in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

“Heather brings unmatched passion and experience to this role,” said Kari Mailloux, Kids Collective Board President. “She’s been in the trenches, understands the challenges providers face, and is the ideal leader to guide Kids Collective through its start-up phase and beyond.”&nbsp;

With the generous support of The Father’s House, Faulkner has contributed significant leadership and expertise to the child care, nonprofit, and faith sectors in Reno County over the last decade, including the support of other center start-ups, coordination of and communication among providers through the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an advocate for data-driven solutions and both family and workforce-friendly policies. She has been a member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force since its inception.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kids Collective was born from the innovative efforts of the Reno County Child Care Task Force and made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by the City of Hutchinson and Reno County. Following in-depth research into the child care system at the local, state, and federal levels, the Task Force identified widespread challenges—particularly low wages and lack of benefits—that make it difficult to attract and retain a stable workforce. In response, Kids Collective was created as a long-term, sustainable solution to close those gaps and strengthen the overall child care infrastructure in Reno County.&nbsp;

“I'm honored to lead Kids Collective and continue building on the incredible work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force,” said Faulkner. “Our mission is to reduce the burden on providers, attract and retain a strong childcare workforce, and make quality care more accessible for families across our community. I am energized by the opportunity to lead an organization built on the belief that childcare is a collective responsibility—and an essential part of a thriving community.”&nbsp;

With Faulkner’s leadership and a county-wide commitment to forward-thinking solutions, Kids Collective is poised to create meaningful change for providers, families, and the broader Reno County economy.&nbsp;

To learn more, contact info@renocountychildcare.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752323351000.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County Child Care Task Force is proud to announce Heather Faulkner as the founding Executive Director of the Kids Collective Child Care Network, a newly-formed nonprofit focused on creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for Reno County’s child care system.&nbsp;Faulkner, a Hutchinson native with over 25 years of experience in child care administration and leadership, has long been a dedicated advocate for families and providers in the community. Drawing on her background in accounting, she played a key role in strengthening and expanding operations at Abundant Life Community Child Care &amp; Preschool at The Father’s House, bringing a well-rounded perspective that blends business insight with hands-on experience in early childhood care. In that role, she led all aspects of daily operations, including licensing, compliance, budgeting, staffing, and long-term sustainability, and she understands firsthand the operational realities and potential of the child care sector. Faulkner and her husband, Sean, are raising four boys in Hutchinson.&nbsp;“Heather brings unmatched passion and experience to this role,” said Kari Mailloux, Kids Collective Board President. “She’s been in the trenches, understands the challenges providers face, and is the ideal leader to guide Kids Collective through its start-up phase and beyond.”&nbsp;With the generous support of The Father’s House, Faulkner has contributed significant leadership and expertise to the child care, nonprofit, and faith sectors in Reno County over the last decade, including the support of other center start-ups, coordination of and communication among providers through the COVID-19 pandemic, and as an advocate for data-driven solutions and both family and workforce-friendly policies. She has been a member of the Reno County Child Care Task Force since its inception.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kids Collective was born from the innovative efforts of the Reno County Child Care Task Force and made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by the City of Hutchinson and Reno County. Following in-depth research into the child care system at the local, state, and federal levels, the Task Force identified widespread challenges—particularly low wages and lack of benefits—that make it difficult to attract and retain a stable workforce. In response, Kids Collective was created as a long-term, sustainable solution to close those gaps and strengthen the overall child care infrastructure in Reno County.&nbsp;“I'm honored to lead Kids Collective and continue building on the incredible work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force,” said Faulkner. “Our mission is to reduce the burden on providers, attract and retain a strong childcare workforce, and make quality care more accessible for families across our community. I am energized by the opportunity to lead an organization built on the belief that childcare is a collective responsibility—and an essential part of a thriving community.”&nbsp;With Faulkner’s leadership and a county-wide commitment to forward-thinking solutions, Kids Collective is poised to create meaningful change for providers, families, and the broader Reno County economy.&nbsp;To learn more, contact info@renocountychildcare.com.&nbsp;

Faulkner named director of new Reno County childcare nonprofit 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-office-closures-hhs-trump-00b1a6b33ef918cb66e59b7ffb07ac13">Head Start</a>, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.

People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.

HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-ultraprocessed-foods-diet-maha-trump-018a808efcf059eadfab2f8fc93fad4d">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens' interests.

“For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Today’s action changes that — it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.”

A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-head-start-cuts-survive-f55be05f92250ab3ac5d5bcb389ded47">Head Start</a>, said that eligibility will be determined based on the child’s immigration status.

Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-raids-detainee-families-los-angeles-651d8bba4752553a67eb53db084677b2">fear and confusion</a>&nbsp;among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.

“This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future,” Vinci said.

The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clinton's administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.

The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

“People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs," she said.

Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/community-college-trade-school-075d7e7e2b0dc659920a9be6d054c8b2">postsecondary career and technical education programs</a>&nbsp;or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.

Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.

“Policies like this don’t exist in a vacuum," Mays said. “They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.”

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lbj-stolen-election-box-13-mangan-c818e478ec509c65585d3094bda69f96">Lyndon B. Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-preschool-child-care-teacher-pay-256a66cc4df8a331a2d0badcba7f72e8">families who are homeless</a>&nbsp;or are in poverty. ___

Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.

The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743539562670.png" alt="National Head Start Association" />
 <figcaption>National Head Start Association</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-office-closures-hhs-trump-00b1a6b33ef918cb66e59b7ffb07ac13">Head Start</a>, a federally funded preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday. The move is part of a broad effort to limit access to federal benefits for immigrants who lack legal status.People in the country illegally are largely ineligible for federal public benefits such as food stamps, student loans and financial aid for higher education. But for decades they have been able to access some community-level programs such as Head Start and community health centers.HHS said it will reclassify those programs as federal public benefits, excluding immigrants in the country illegally from accessing them. Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-ultraprocessed-foods-diet-maha-trump-018a808efcf059eadfab2f8fc93fad4d">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said the changes were part of a larger effort to protect American citizens' interests.“For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Today’s action changes that — it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.”A spokesperson for the Administration for Children and Families, which administers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-budget-head-start-cuts-survive-f55be05f92250ab3ac5d5bcb389ded47">Head Start</a>, said that eligibility will be determined based on the child’s immigration status.Requiring proof of immigration status would likely create&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ice-immigration-raids-detainee-families-los-angeles-651d8bba4752553a67eb53db084677b2">fear and confusion</a>&nbsp;among families seeking to enroll their children, said Yasmina Vinci, executive director of the National Head Start Association.“This decision undermines the fundamental commitment that the country has made to children and disregards decades of evidence that Head Start is essential to our collective future,” Vinci said.The changes are part of a multi-agency announcement rescinding an interpretation of federal law dating to former President Bill Clinton's administration, which had allowed immigrants in the country illegally to access some programs. The Education Department, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor announced similar changes affecting a range of workforce development and adult education programs.The changes will affect community health centers that immigrants rely on for a wide range of services, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president of immigration policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.“People depend on those services to get cancer treatment, to get ongoing maintenance for a variety of different health needs," she said.Students in the country illegally will no longer be eligible to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/community-college-trade-school-075d7e7e2b0dc659920a9be6d054c8b2">postsecondary career and technical education programs</a>&nbsp;or adult education programs, the Education Department announced. The department also issued a notice to grant recipients to ensure programs receiving federal money do not provide services to immigrants without legal status.Education advocates said the decision would harm young people who have grown up in this country. EdTrust Vice President Augustus Mays said the intention appears to be creating fear among immigrant communities.“Policies like this don’t exist in a vacuum," Mays said. “They are rooted in a political agenda that scapegoats immigrants and uses fear to strip rights and resources from the most vulnerable among us.”Head Start was started six decades ago as part of Democratic President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lbj-stolen-election-box-13-mangan-c818e478ec509c65585d3094bda69f96">Lyndon B. Johnson’s</a>&nbsp;War on Poverty. It operates in all 50 states, providing preschool, developmental therapy and child care for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-preschool-child-care-teacher-pay-256a66cc4df8a331a2d0badcba7f72e8">families who are homeless</a>&nbsp;or are in poverty. ___Associated Press writer Cheyanne Mumphrey in Phoenix contributed to this report.___The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/">standards</a>&nbsp;for working with philanthropies, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/about/supporting-ap/">list</a>&nbsp;of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Head Start cut off for immigrants without legal status, Trump admin. says

Dr. Marilyn Graham the Executive Director of First Call for Help stopped by to visit about 'Adopt a Student' and other services that First Call for Help offers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731617485892.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Marilyn Graham the Executive Director of First Call for Help stopped by to visit about 'Adopt a Student' and other services that First Call for Help offers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Dr. Marilyn Graham - First Call for Help" 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=2g3iu-1901e89-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Marilyn Graham, First Call for Help 

INDIANAPOLIS — With more states incorporating the javelin into high school track and field, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has voted to include javelin implement construction specifications in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book beginning with the 2026 season.

The move was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“Moving the implement construction specifications for the javelin into the rules book provides greater clarity, consistency and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee. “This approach maintains appropriate equipment standards while promoting ease of understanding, consistent enforcement and fairness across all levels of high school competition.”

The committee also approved several changes aimed at minimizing risk of injury during competition. One of the most significant adjustments allows a health-care professional to assess a downed competitor during a race without the athlete being disqualified, so long as no physical aid is provided in advancing along the course.

In high jump and pole vault, athletes entering a competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now be granted a brief warm-up period—1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault—under the supervision of an official. Previously, athletes could only warm up after passing three consecutive heights, a rule that sometimes left competitors inactive for long stretches at large meets.

To further promote safety in vertical jumps, language was added to require padding on “items above ground level,” such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces, which pose a greater risk of injury during falls.

A full listing of changes will be available at <a href="http://www.nfhs.org">nfhs.org</a>. Print and digital versions of the 2026 NFHS Track and Field Rules Book will be released in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744996285714.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS — With more states incorporating the javelin into high school track and field, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has voted to include javelin implement construction specifications in the NFHS Track and Field Rules Book beginning with the 2026 season.The move was among 11 rule changes recommended by the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee during its June 16-18 meeting in Indianapolis and later approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.“Moving the implement construction specifications for the javelin into the rules book provides greater clarity, consistency and accessibility for high school coaches, athletes and meet officials,” said Julie Cochran, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Track and Field Rules Committee. “This approach maintains appropriate equipment standards while promoting ease of understanding, consistent enforcement and fairness across all levels of high school competition.”The committee also approved several changes aimed at minimizing risk of injury during competition. One of the most significant adjustments allows a health-care professional to assess a downed competitor during a race without the athlete being disqualified, so long as no physical aid is provided in advancing along the course.In high jump and pole vault, athletes entering a competition more than 60 minutes after the first jump will now be granted a brief warm-up period—1½ minutes for high jump and two minutes for pole vault—under the supervision of an official. Previously, athletes could only warm up after passing three consecutive heights, a rule that sometimes left competitors inactive for long stretches at large meets.To further promote safety in vertical jumps, language was added to require padding on “items above ground level,” such as raised concrete or wooden surfaces, which pose a greater risk of injury during falls.Other approved changes include:<ul>
 <li>Rule 3-2-3: Games committees now have the authority to determine the distance of takeoff boards in horizontal jumps, similar to their role in setting starting heights for vertical jumps.
</li><li>Indoor Events: The 200-meter dash has been added as an option to replace the 300-meter dash in indoor meets (Rule 9-1-1), and all indoor relay exchange zones will now follow a uniform 20-meter standard (Rule 9-6-1).
</li><li>Rule 4-6-6c: Athletes are prohibited from wearing audio or video devices during races, trials, or in restricted areas—aligning track and field with other NFHS sport rules.
</li><li>Rule 6-2-2 Notes: A new note clarifies that the time limit for consecutive attempts applies both within a height and at height changes in field events.
</li><li>Rule 6-3-2b4(a): Metric measurements for breaking ties have been revised for clarity and consistency in meet management.
</li>
 </ul>A full listing of changes will be available at <a href="http://www.nfhs.org">nfhs.org</a>. Print and digital versions of the 2026 NFHS Track and Field Rules Book will be released in October.

👟 NFHS adds javelin specifications, alters field event guidelines for 2026

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ed-white">ED WHITE</a> Associated Press

This week in Texas, estimates put the number of people still missing from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-worship-ceremony-dead-missing-39afd477993c6220d0ce8c080cea0828">the Hill Country floods</a>&nbsp;at 161, a daunting figure atop at least 120 deaths confirmed by authorities.

But that missing person tally might not be as precise as it seems.

Confusion and uncertainty can take hold after a shocking disaster and, despite best efforts by local authorities, it can be difficult to pin down how many people reported missing are actually unaccounted for. Some people on a list after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paradise-wildfire-california-anniversary-five-years-b4434481c38e6a02e9f2d376ac172b04">California’s Camp Fire wildfire</a>&nbsp;in 2018 were later found to be OK the whole time. The death count in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-fire-atf-report-cause-origin-maui-wildfires-7225240816153b751fde6c5871274636">the 2023 Maui fire</a>&nbsp;was 102, far below the 1,100 people initially feared missing.

In Texas, several hundred people were reported missing to officials in Kerr County after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-july-4-flood-timeline-ddf1090207b67c6ab716aedc8b239fc2">the Fourth of July floods</a>, said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Investigators whittled that number down to 161 by Tuesday after learning that some were counted twice and others were found alive.

“There’s nothing to celebrate about how well we’ve done this far, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” Martin said.

Authorities announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-surveys-flood-damage-provides-update-on-continued-response-to-texas-flooding" target="_blank">phone number and email address</a>&nbsp;for people to report missing friends or family.

“We need to keep an accurate count, as accurate as possible,” Jonathan Lamb of the Kerrville Police Department said in a plea to the public Wednesday. “So if you’ve reported somebody missing and they’ve been recovered safely, please let us know.”

The flooding sent walls of water through Hill Country in the middle of the night, killing at least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/photos-texas-flooding-camp-mystic-5c3109dc79e16bac53526c4db8c8207e">century-old all-girls Christian summer camp</a>&nbsp;along the Guadalupe River. More remain missing from that camp and elsewhere.

The search in 88-degree Fahrenheit heat has been made harder by overturned cars, trees, mud and other debris left in the wake of the ferocious flood.

“We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Know this also: There very likely could be more added to that list.”

In 2017, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/267939967761404587fec2bc2d94d995">20 people died in the Tubbs fire</a>&nbsp;in northern California. Sgt. Juan Valencia of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office recalled that most of the 100 people initially reported missing to his agency were found safe.

Working through a list of names in a disaster is both meticulous and time-consuming work, he said.

“Put yourself in a family member’s shoes,” Valencia said. “They’re concerned about their loved one. Are they really the victim of a disaster or did they maybe lose their cellphone? Basically you start calling temporary shelters, check family, friends. You check social media. That’s how we were able to get a lot of those.”

And he acknowledged that searching for victims of a water disaster poses distinct challenges.

“Sometimes you find them miles away,” Valencia said.

The 2018 Camp Fire in California ended up killing nearly 100 people, though the Butte County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-wildfires-05585052057247708a46376c4333eac0">had a list of 1,300 people</a>&nbsp;unaccounted for at one point.

Abbott said Texas authorities were trying to learn more about people who were not registered at a camp or a hotel for the holiday and left no paper or digital trail in the region. He had a firm message for anyone contacting police about a missing person.

“If you make a prank call or provide false information, that’s a crime. ... So you better be correct,” the governor said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752168176576.png" alt="Photo Texas Division of Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Texas Division of Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ed-white">ED WHITE</a> Associated PressThis week in Texas, estimates put the number of people still missing from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-floods-worship-ceremony-dead-missing-39afd477993c6220d0ce8c080cea0828">the Hill Country floods</a>&nbsp;at 161, a daunting figure atop at least 120 deaths confirmed by authorities.But that missing person tally might not be as precise as it seems.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Kerrville, TX Police Community Services Officer Jonathan Lamb: &quot;As of 8:00am this morning, there have been 96 confirmed deaths; 60 adults and 36 children. The number of missing remains at 161. There remain five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic among the missing.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/quifzSA4v1">pic.twitter.com/quifzSA4v1</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1943337762762969534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Confusion and uncertainty can take hold after a shocking disaster and, despite best efforts by local authorities, it can be difficult to pin down how many people reported missing are actually unaccounted for. Some people on a list after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paradise-wildfire-california-anniversary-five-years-b4434481c38e6a02e9f2d376ac172b04">California’s Camp Fire wildfire</a>&nbsp;in 2018 were later found to be OK the whole time. The death count in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-fire-atf-report-cause-origin-maui-wildfires-7225240816153b751fde6c5871274636">the 2023 Maui fire</a>&nbsp;was 102, far below the 1,100 people initially feared missing.In Texas, several hundred people were reported missing to officials in Kerr County after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-july-4-flood-timeline-ddf1090207b67c6ab716aedc8b239fc2">the Fourth of July floods</a>, said Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Investigators whittled that number down to 161 by Tuesday after learning that some were counted twice and others were found alive.“There’s nothing to celebrate about how well we’ve done this far, but there’s a lot of work to be done,” Martin said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752168294140.jpeg" alt="Texas Division of Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Texas Division of Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-surveys-flood-damage-provides-update-on-continued-response-to-texas-flooding" target="_blank">phone number and email address</a>&nbsp;for people to report missing friends or family.“We need to keep an accurate count, as accurate as possible,” Jonathan Lamb of the Kerrville Police Department said in a plea to the public Wednesday. “So if you’ve reported somebody missing and they’ve been recovered safely, please let us know.”The flooding sent walls of water through Hill Country in the middle of the night, killing at least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/photos-texas-flooding-camp-mystic-5c3109dc79e16bac53526c4db8c8207e">century-old all-girls Christian summer camp</a>&nbsp;along the Guadalupe River. More remain missing from that camp and elsewhere.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚫 STAY OUT OF FLOODED WATERS 🚫 Floodwaters can remain hazardous for days. Wait for official clearance from local authorities before entering any affected areas. 🔗Check <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TexasStateParks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TexasStateParks</a> closures at <a href="https://t.co/3qzx0jMeV2">https://t.co/3qzx0jMeV2</a> <a href="https://t.co/FlIGQQnsqI">pic.twitter.com/FlIGQQnsqI</a>&mdash; Texas Parks &amp; Wildlife (@TPWDnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/TPWDnews/status/1943071612120764687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The search in 88-degree Fahrenheit heat has been made harder by overturned cars, trees, mud and other debris left in the wake of the ferocious flood.“We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “Know this also: There very likely could be more added to that list.”In 2017, more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/267939967761404587fec2bc2d94d995">20 people died in the Tubbs fire</a>&nbsp;in northern California. Sgt. Juan Valencia of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office recalled that most of the 100 people initially reported missing to his agency were found safe.Working through a list of names in a disaster is both meticulous and time-consuming work, he said.“Put yourself in a family member’s shoes,” Valencia said. “They’re concerned about their loved one. Are they really the victim of a disaster or did they maybe lose their cellphone? Basically you start calling temporary shelters, check family, friends. You check social media. That’s how we were able to get a lot of those.”And he acknowledged that searching for victims of a water disaster poses distinct challenges.“Sometimes you find them miles away,” Valencia said.The 2018 Camp Fire in California ended up killing nearly 100 people, though the Butte County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fires-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-wildfires-05585052057247708a46376c4333eac0">had a list of 1,300 people</a>&nbsp;unaccounted for at one point.Abbott said Texas authorities were trying to learn more about people who were not registered at a camp or a hotel for the holiday and left no paper or digital trail in the region. He had a firm message for anyone contacting police about a missing person.“If you make a prank call or provide false information, that’s a crime. ... So you better be correct,” the governor said.

🎥Texas officials trying to figure out who's really missing from the floods

INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations.

"While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."

Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has been changed from “heather gray” to “charcoal gray” in response to manufacturing trends.

“Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available,” Searcy said.

In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.

A full list of rule changes will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfhs.org">www.nfhs.org</a> under the “Sports” section for softball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715731471839.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>INDIANAPOLIS — High school softball players will no longer be allowed to transmit or record audio or video from the playing surface under a new rule change approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations.The addition of Rule 1-8-6 to the NFHS Softball Rules Book further clarifies the use of electronic devices after a 2024 update permitted electronic communication for coaching purposes. The change takes effect for the 2026 season and was the primary revision adopted during the NFHS Softball Rules Committee’s annual meeting, held June 15-17 in Indianapolis. The NFHS Board of Directors approved the committee’s recommendations."While increased media exposure has positively influenced the growth and visibility of softball, the committee determined that the potential risks associated with players transmitting or recording audio or video through devices during live play outweighed the benefits,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “As wearable technology continues to evolve, the committee believed it was essential to establish clear guidelines regarding the permissible use of such devices to ensure the safety and integrity of the game."Other notable changes include an update to umpire uniform guidelines. Under Rule 10-4-2, the acceptable color for umpire slacks has been changed from “heather gray” to “charcoal gray” in response to manufacturing trends.“Manufacturers have ceased production of heather gray umpire pants, and this update will help guide umpires toward selecting pant options that are actively being produced and readily available,” Searcy said.In addition, Rule 8 in the 2026 Softball Rules Book will be reformatted for improved clarity. Longer sections will be broken into smaller parts, and article references will be added to associated penalties and effects to enhance comprehension.A full list of rule changes will be posted at <a href="https://www.nfhs.org">www.nfhs.org</a> under the “Sports” section for softball.

🥎 NFHS unveils 2026 softball rule modifications

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has unveiled a new format and finalized sites for the 2026 and 2027 state basketball tournaments, bringing sweeping changes aimed at consolidating classes and enhancing the championship experience.

Beginning in 2026, multiple classes will share championship venues, a first since 1953. KSHSAA officials say the updated format reflects input from school administrators who favored grouping classes for semifinal and final rounds to create a more unified and high-energy environment.

In 2026, the semifinal and final sites are as follows:

“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level.”

All state tournaments will begin with quarterfinal games played March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027. The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.

Quarterfinals will be held at seven venues across five cities:

Quarterfinal matchups will be determined by the proximity to the higher seed, not by classification. Games involving schools more than 250 miles apart may be moved to centrally located venues. State brackets will remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.

“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski. “This new format is a win for teams and school communities.”

The new approach mirrors recent changes in championship soccer and football formats, which consolidate title games to increase visibility and fan engagement. KSHSAA says combining semifinal and final rounds for multiple classes will reduce travel burdens and make it easier for fans, coaches, and media to follow the action.

The changes come in response to a 2022 survey of member schools, in which each class expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752161602657.jpeg" alt="The Hutchinson Sports Arena will play host to the KSHSAA Class 3A and Class 4A state basketball semifinals and finals in 2026. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>The Hutchinson Sports Arena will play host to the KSHSAA Class 3A and Class 4A state basketball semifinals and finals in 2026. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has unveiled a new format and finalized sites for the 2026 and 2027 state basketball tournaments, bringing sweeping changes aimed at consolidating classes and enhancing the championship experience.Beginning in 2026, multiple classes will share championship venues, a first since 1953. KSHSAA officials say the updated format reflects input from school administrators who favored grouping classes for semifinal and final rounds to create a more unified and high-energy environment.In 2026, the semifinal and final sites are as follows:<ul>
 <li>1A Division I: United Wireless Arena, Dodge City
</li><li>2A and 1A Division II: White Auditorium, Emporia
</li><li>3A and 4A: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson
</li><li>5A and 6A: Koch Arena, Wichita
</li>
 </ul>In 2027, the tournament realigns again:<ul>
 <li>1A Divisions I and II: Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Salina
</li><li>2A and 4A: Bramlage Coliseum, Manhattan
</li><li>3A: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson
</li><li>5A and 6A: White Auditorium, Emporia
</li>
 </ul>“The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships,” said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. “This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level.”All state tournaments will begin with quarterfinal games played March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027. The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.Quarterfinals will be held at seven venues across five cities:<ul>
 <li>United Wireless Arena, Dodge City
</li><li>Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Salina
</li><li>Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina
</li><li>Koch Arena, Wichita
</li><li>Garvey Center at Friends University, Wichita
</li><li>White Auditorium, Emporia
</li><li>KCKCC Fieldhouse, Kansas City
</li>
 </ul>Quarterfinal matchups will be determined by the proximity to the higher seed, not by classification. Games involving schools more than 250 miles apart may be moved to centrally located venues. State brackets will remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.“With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend,” said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski. “This new format is a win for teams and school communities.”The new approach mirrors recent changes in championship soccer and football formats, which consolidate title games to increase visibility and fan engagement. KSHSAA says combining semifinal and final rounds for multiple classes will reduce travel burdens and make it easier for fans, coaches, and media to follow the action.The changes come in response to a 2022 survey of member schools, in which each class expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.

🏀 Sports Arena to host 3A, 4A state semifinals and finals under new KSHSAA tournament format

Reno County 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger and Kora Zongker stopped by the Reno County Commission meeting this week to invite both the board and the community to the upcoming Reno County Fair, which runs July 23–28 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

The ambassadors extended a special invitation to commissioners for the fair’s awards luncheon on July 28 at noon. Fair Board President Clint Lanning also provided commissioners with tickets for the Blue Ribbon BBQ, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, and shared a schedule of events.

In other business, Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair, requested the Commission consider helping fund a proposed $4.2 million Emergency Command Center. The facility would be built on the site of the former fire station at Main and 20th Street and would serve as a year-round hub for law enforcement, emergency responders and event security. Schulz said the project is critical to protect the more than 330,000 visitors who attend the fair each year.

However, some commissioners expressed hesitation about committing county tax dollars to a state-owned facility. Commissioner Bogner called the request “pretty darn steep,” and others questioned why the original fire station was demolished instead of being renovated. Some members showed interest but indicated that any contribution would likely require a formal agreement ensuring shared access during emergencies.

Also during the meeting, the board approved updated design plans for the $600,000 remodel of EMS Station 2. Facilities Director Kyle Stewart noted that $63,000 of that cost is due to a new fire suppression system now required by the City of Hutchinson. Commissioners acknowledged frustration with rising costs but agreed the project should move forward and voted unanimously to put it out for bids.

Finally, the board approved an interlocal agreement with Kingman County, allowing property owners in the Kingman portion of a shared fire district to receive tax rebates through Kingman County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Reno County will have no financial obligation but needed to sign off on the arrangement to make it official.

The Reno County Board of County Commissioners will meet next Wednesday at 9 a.m. for a budget meeting.&nbsp; At the meeting commissioners will set a maximum mill levy for the next fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749473059370.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post Reno County 4-H Ambassadors Tagan Metzger and Kora Zongker stopped by the Reno County Commission meeting this week to invite both the board and the community to the upcoming Reno County Fair, which runs July 23–28 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.The ambassadors extended a special invitation to commissioners for the fair’s awards luncheon on July 28 at noon. Fair Board President Clint Lanning also provided commissioners with tickets for the Blue Ribbon BBQ, scheduled for Sunday, July 27, and shared a schedule of events.In other business, Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair, requested the Commission consider helping fund a proposed $4.2 million Emergency Command Center. The facility would be built on the site of the former fire station at Main and 20th Street and would serve as a year-round hub for law enforcement, emergency responders and event security. Schulz said the project is critical to protect the more than 330,000 visitors who attend the fair each year.However, some commissioners expressed hesitation about committing county tax dollars to a state-owned facility. Commissioner Bogner called the request “pretty darn steep,” and others questioned why the original fire station was demolished instead of being renovated. Some members showed interest but indicated that any contribution would likely require a formal agreement ensuring shared access during emergencies.Also during the meeting, the board approved updated design plans for the $600,000 remodel of EMS Station 2. Facilities Director Kyle Stewart noted that $63,000 of that cost is due to a new fire suppression system now required by the City of Hutchinson. Commissioners acknowledged frustration with rising costs but agreed the project should move forward and voted unanimously to put it out for bids.Finally, the board approved an interlocal agreement with Kingman County, allowing property owners in the Kingman portion of a shared fire district to receive tax rebates through Kingman County’s Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Reno County will have no financial obligation but needed to sign off on the arrangement to make it official.The Reno County Board of County Commissioners will meet next Wednesday at 9 a.m. for a budget meeting.&nbsp; At the meeting commissioners will set a maximum mill levy for the next fiscal year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

County commission approves EMS station plans, agreement with Kingman County 

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

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — More than a year after voters approved a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4b2217c-1505-4be9-af68-2c573664b88b">$7.7 million bond issue</a>, Pretty Prairie USD 311 is nearing the finish line on a district-wide construction and renovation project that includes long-overdue upgrades to safety, infrastructure and athletic facilities.

Approved in May 2023, the bond has funded improvements at all three district buildings. The elementary school received a new secure entrance, windows, and roof. Similar upgrades were made at the middle and high school campus, including an updated science lab, a renovated shop area, and repairs to the auditorium ceiling. The most dramatic change is the construction of a new gymnasium, an expansion that transforms Pretty Prairie’s athletic footprint.

Construction on the new gym began in September 2024, adding approximately 6,300 square feet to the shared middle/high school campus. While slightly behind schedule, the gym is now close to completion and expected to be ready in time for the upcoming volleyball season.

For the first time in school history, Pretty Prairie will have a fully climate-controlled gymnasium, complete with both heating and air conditioning, an amenity long missing in the old facility.

“This is night and day compared to what we had before,” said Matt Goering, newly named principal and boys basketball coach. “That old gym had character, but it also had 110-degree practices in August and zero chance of hosting major events. Now we have something the whole community can be proud of.”

The previous gym, known for its tight quarters and use of a restraining line on the court during throw-ins, will remain in place and be used as an auxiliary gym. The restraining line, a temporary boundary used to ensure adequate space for inbound plays, was a necessity due to the gym’s limited dimensions. That setup meant Pretty Prairie was ineligible to host KSHSAA postseason play in sports like basketball and volleyball.

With a new gym capacity just shy of 1,000 and full-sized courts, Pretty Prairie can finally host KSHSAA sub-state tournaments and larger events. District officials say they’ve already submitted a bid to host sub-state this winter, and a new January basketball tournament co-hosted with Fairfield will take full advantage of the upgraded facilities.

“When the Burrton Invitational went away, we knew there was an opportunity,” said Ryan Anderson, the district’s athletic director. “This gives us the chance to start our own tournament tradition, and now we have the facilities to back it up.”

The gym includes modern technology, electronically operated basketball goals and divider curtains, all controlled via tablet, and will allow multiple teams to practice simultaneously, easing scheduling challenges that plagued previous seasons.

“It’s much different than the old days when we had to hand-crank everything up,” said Jon Mead, the district’s director of facilities and transportation. “Now, just a press of the iPad button and the goals come up and go down. So it’s much nicer.”

“Last year, we only had one gym,” Goering added. “Practices would start at 5:30 a.m. and go late into the night. With three usable spaces now, including the old gym as an auxiliary, that all changes. Kids can practice right after school and go home to their families.”

The final bond-funded items, completion of the gym, interior paint work, and the construction of a breezeway connecting the middle and high school buildings, are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Superintendent Ashley Anderson said seeing the vision come to life has been deeply rewarding.

“We’ve gone from a gym with a restraining line to a facility that’s state-tournament ready,” she said. “It’s more beautiful and more exciting than I could have imagined, and it’s going to serve our kids and our community for generations.”

With structural improvements complete, safety measures in place, and the gym nearly finished, district leaders say Pretty Prairie is entering a new chapter, one built on pride, accessibility, and opportunity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752005382463.jpeg" alt="A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostPRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — More than a year after voters approved a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f4b2217c-1505-4be9-af68-2c573664b88b">$7.7 million bond issue</a>, Pretty Prairie USD 311 is nearing the finish line on a district-wide construction and renovation project that includes long-overdue upgrades to safety, infrastructure and athletic facilities.Approved in May 2023, the bond has funded improvements at all three district buildings. The elementary school received a new secure entrance, windows, and roof. Similar upgrades were made at the middle and high school campus, including an updated science lab, a renovated shop area, and repairs to the auditorium ceiling. The most dramatic change is the construction of a new gymnasium, an expansion that transforms Pretty Prairie’s athletic footprint.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752005420830.jpeg" alt="A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>Construction on the new gym began in September 2024, adding approximately 6,300 square feet to the shared middle/high school campus. While slightly behind schedule, the gym is now close to completion and expected to be ready in time for the upcoming volleyball season.For the first time in school history, Pretty Prairie will have a fully climate-controlled gymnasium, complete with both heating and air conditioning, an amenity long missing in the old facility.“This is night and day compared to what we had before,” said Matt Goering, newly named principal and boys basketball coach. “That old gym had character, but it also had 110-degree practices in August and zero chance of hosting major events. Now we have something the whole community can be proud of.”The previous gym, known for its tight quarters and use of a restraining line on the court during throw-ins, will remain in place and be used as an auxiliary gym. The restraining line, a temporary boundary used to ensure adequate space for inbound plays, was a necessity due to the gym’s limited dimensions. That setup meant Pretty Prairie was ineligible to host KSHSAA postseason play in sports like basketball and volleyball.That will now change.With a new gym capacity just shy of 1,000 and full-sized courts, Pretty Prairie can finally host KSHSAA sub-state tournaments and larger events. District officials say they’ve already submitted a bid to host sub-state this winter, and a new January basketball tournament co-hosted with Fairfield will take full advantage of the upgraded facilities.“When the Burrton Invitational went away, we knew there was an opportunity,” said Ryan Anderson, the district’s athletic director. “This gives us the chance to start our own tournament tradition, and now we have the facilities to back it up.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752005439326.jpeg" alt="A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>A look inside the new gymnasium at Pretty Prairie Middle School on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The new gym is part of a $7.7 million bond issue, that is nearing completion. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>The gym includes modern technology, electronically operated basketball goals and divider curtains, all controlled via tablet, and will allow multiple teams to practice simultaneously, easing scheduling challenges that plagued previous seasons.“It’s much different than the old days when we had to hand-crank everything up,” said Jon Mead, the district’s director of facilities and transportation. “Now, just a press of the iPad button and the goals come up and go down. So it’s much nicer.”“Last year, we only had one gym,” Goering added. “Practices would start at 5:30 a.m. and go late into the night. With three usable spaces now, including the old gym as an auxiliary, that all changes. Kids can practice right after school and go home to their families.”The final bond-funded items, completion of the gym, interior paint work, and the construction of a breezeway connecting the middle and high school buildings, are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.Superintendent Ashley Anderson said seeing the vision come to life has been deeply rewarding.“We’ve gone from a gym with a restraining line to a facility that’s state-tournament ready,” she said. “It’s more beautiful and more exciting than I could have imagined, and it’s going to serve our kids and our community for generations.”With structural improvements complete, safety measures in place, and the gym nearly finished, district leaders say Pretty Prairie is entering a new chapter, one built on pride, accessibility, and opportunity.“This isn’t just a gym,” Goering said. “It’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going.”