Stacy Goss the Director of Communications for Hutchinson Public Schools stopped by the BW Studios on Tuesday.&nbsp; She visited about summer meals, summer activities and summer improvements.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687354221736.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Stacy Goss-Photo by Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Stacy Goss-Photo by Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure>Stacy Goss the Director of Communications for Hutchinson Public Schools stopped by the BW Studios on Tuesday.&nbsp; She visited about summer meals, summer activities and summer improvements.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Stacy Goss - USD 308" 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=599a6-18dcef7-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: Stacy Goss, USD 308 Director of Communications 

Don’t let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your carefree summer fun. As we spend more time outdoors for activities like camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking and grilling, or even doing yard work, there is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.

“With recent periods of heavy rain, mosquitoes and ticks could be an even bigger problem than usual this summer,” said Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas. “But by following a few simple steps, you can help keep everyone in your home safe from these bothersome and potentially dangerous pests.”

According to the American Mosquito Control Association there are 176 known species of mosquito in the U.S.—putting Americans at risk from coast to coast. And while mosquitoes may be the most obvious detractor from summer fun, ticks are a hazard that’s harder to detect.

Most active during warmer months, it is especially important to be vigilant of American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and Gulf Coast ticks in this region. Each species carries and transmits a variety of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The Lone Star tick’s bite can also trigger an allergic response known as alpha-gal syndrome. Sufferers develop an allergy to red meat and other foods derived from mammals.

Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just itchy and annoying — these pests can pose a major health risk to people. Follow these tips to prevent mosquito and tick bites this summer:

Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots.

Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing.

Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks.

When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.

If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day. Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.

Inspect yourself carefully for insects or ticks after being outdoors or have someone else do it.

If you have pets that go outdoors, spray with repellent made for their breed/type. Apply the repellent according to the label and check your pet for ticks often.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.

Be Prepared for Emergencies. Accidents happen, but you can be ready to help yourself and your loved ones with this FREE Red Cross First Aid app. The First Aid app puts expert advice for common emergencies, including insect and tick bites, at your fingertips. Videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice makes learning easy and engaging. You can access your course certifications, new lifesaving First Aid content, and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658154478904.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossDon’t let mosquitoes and ticks ruin your carefree summer fun. As we spend more time outdoors for activities like camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking and grilling, or even doing yard work, there is a greater chance of getting bitten by mosquitoes and ticks.“With recent periods of heavy rain, mosquitoes and ticks could be an even bigger problem than usual this summer,” said Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Kansas. “But by following a few simple steps, you can help keep everyone in your home safe from these bothersome and potentially dangerous pests.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750122181487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to the American Mosquito Control Association there are 176 known species of mosquito in the U.S.—putting Americans at risk from coast to coast. And while mosquitoes may be the most obvious detractor from summer fun, ticks are a hazard that’s harder to detect.Most active during warmer months, it is especially important to be vigilant of American dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and Gulf Coast ticks in this region. Each species carries and transmits a variety of diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The Lone Star tick’s bite can also trigger an allergic response known as alpha-gal syndrome. Sufferers develop an allergy to red meat and other foods derived from mammals.Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just itchy and annoying — these pests can pose a major health risk to people. Follow these tips to prevent mosquito and tick bites this summer: Use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) when you are outdoors. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots.Use a rubber band or tape to hold pants against socks so that nothing can get under clothing.Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to see tiny insects or ticks.When hiking in woods and fields, stay in the middle of trails. Avoid underbrush and tall grass.If you are outdoors for a long time, check yourself several times during the day. Especially check in hairy areas of the body like the back of the neck and the scalp line.Inspect yourself carefully for insects or ticks after being outdoors or have someone else do it.If you have pets that go outdoors, spray with repellent made for their breed/type. Apply the repellent according to the label and check your pet for ticks often.Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying sources of standing water outside of the home, such as from flowerpots, buckets and barrels.Be Prepared for Emergencies. Accidents happen, but you can be ready to help yourself and your loved ones with this FREE Red Cross First Aid app. The First Aid app puts expert advice for common emergencies, including insect and tick bites, at your fingertips. Videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice makes learning easy and engaging. You can access your course certifications, new lifesaving First Aid content, and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle.

Don’t let mosquitoes and ticks bug you this summer

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747319414311.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RN, LPN, CMA, and CNAFull-Time and Part-TimeDay/Evening/Night<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!</a><div>JOB SUMMARY The licensed nurse is a professional nurse (LPN or RN) responsible for assisting with planning and directing nursing care for a specific number of residents. This position directly supervises charge nurses and assists with teaching and supervision of other team members in the provision of quality care consistent with the mission of Wesley Towers. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS Personnel Responsibilities: Provide positive leadership and supervision of nursing personnel. Assist with the orientation and training of newly hired personnel. Report employee absences, late arrivals, and inappropriate actions to charge nurse and Unit Care Coordinator, and assist in insuring substitute staff is called. Participate in ongoing teaching of staff by modeling professionalism, consistent quality care, initiative, and taking opportunities for informal teaching. Assist with making assignments for team members. Supervise passing of medications by CMA's to residents in assigned area. Evaluate completion of tasks assigned to ancillary personnel. Participate in evaluation and corrective action of personnel in conjunction with the charge nurse, Director of Nursing and Unit Care Coordinator. Notify charge nurse/Unit Care Coordinator of problems that arise during shift. Propose/execute corrective actions as needed. Evaluate care provided to residents by team members. Be able to cope with mental and emotional stress related to this position. Be able to function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and consistency. Coordination of Resident Care: Assist in meeting and maintaining the established standards of nursing care for residents in assigned area. Assist in the ongoing development, updating and execution of the resident plan of care. Assist with resident assessments and documentation as per facility policies. Advocate for the residents and their needs. Provide nursing interventions in a safe and caring manner. Interpret established resident care plan and any changes to members of their team. Coordinate changes in physician's orders with resident's plan of care. Assist physician when making rounds and/or examining residents. Observe, assess and report changes in resident behavior/physical condition as necessary to physician, family, designated contact person and Unit Care Coordinator. Administer medications/treatment per physician's orders. Assist with discharge planning and teaching on admission, ongoing and at discharge. Receive, document, execute and follow-up physician's orders and complete appropriate paper/computer work per policies and procedures. Delegate appropriate tasks to other members of the nursing team consistent with their job descriptions, certification and licensure for this state. Supervise and evaluate quality completion of those tasks. Maintain communication with resident family, legal Health Care representative regarding resident condition, needs and changes in Plan of Care. Communicate these needs and changes to nursing Coordinator and at shift report. Serve as a positive role model to staff, residents and families at all times, communicating positively and effectively to maintain quality atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive focus with the holistic well-being of the resident as the focal point for each day. Assist with planning and implementing appropriate therapeutic individual and small group activities to fulfill resident?s needs/interests. Execute and direct nursing care in accordance with regulations, guidelines, standards and Wesley Towers policy. Perform duties of CNA, CMA, or other nursing staff as needed to fulfill the resident?s individualized plan of care. Provide residents with opportunities for independence and choice consistent with their care plan. The resident is number one at Wesley Towers. Therefore job duties can include anything that helps the resident to attain or maintain the highest possible functioning. These tasks must be within the nurses? scope of practice depending on whether he/she is an LPN or an RN. GENERAL DUTIES include, but are not limited to: Interpret the individualized plan of care for each resident to other members of the team. Supervise CNA's and CMA's in providing quality, personalized care for each resident in assigned area. Together with CMA or another professional nurse, complete count of restricted drugs as necessary. Responsible for admission nursing assessments of residents, transfer sheets and discharge instruction sheets for those leaving the facility. Complete discharge summary upon discharge of a resident. Coordinate with other team members, departments, unit coordinators, and physician to insure successful transfer of residents. Provide a report of the pertinent information regarding happenings to the residents assigned to their team for new team members coming on duty. Together with unit coordinator, assure that the resident's physician is notified of changes in condition and that the physician's plan of care is carried out. Attend Care Planning sessions for assigned residents when possible. Complete documentation on resident's chart as applicable: document resident response and outcomes to the plan of care. Initiate appropriate action as resident needs arise. Work with and cooperate with facility consultants and implement changes as authorized by DON. Ensure all procedures for administration, storage, ordering, disposal, control of medications and supplies are followed by personnel. Demonstrate safety and cost effectiveness in the delivery of care according to standards/policies/procedures/regulations. Practice universal precautions and proper disposal of infectious waste at all times. Perform TB testing as needed for residents. Perform TB testing to team members as directed by Home Health Coordinator. Report incidents/accidents and exposures according to policy. Assist in identifying safety hazards and emergency situations and initiate immediate action as needed. Respond to emergency calls throughout the Wesley Towers? complex as assigned. Assist residents with transfers, promote ambulation and exercises, transport residents as needed and as designated on resident Plan of Care using gait belts, proper transfer techniques and lifts per facility policy and procedure. Use and operate equipment in a safe manner. Report unsafe or defective equipment. Follow all safety precautions. Note safety hazards and report/correct them immediately. Assist in the nursing process as requested by the DON and UCC and according to licensure by the State. Assist in the continuous service improvement process as requested by DON, UCC or CSI committee. Is aware of location/content of all standards/policy/procedure manuals, safety data sheets, and how to use them. Is familiar with all regulations governing nursing and resident care, and is aware of the location of these. Cooperate with all personnel within and between departments, customers and outside contacts in a team-like atmosphere. Qualifications Currently licensed as an (LPN or RN) in the State of Kansas. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Capable of understanding, following and/or issuing oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate with other licensed nurses and to accept counsel from his/her unit coordinator. Ability to develop positive rapport with other staff, residents, families, and other departments. Positive, understanding attitude towards dementia, ill, elderly residents. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, and other departments within the facility. Special Demands: Must be flexible as schedule changes. Willingness to work with the realization that errors or incompetence can cause serious consequences for the resident. Must have patience and tact and be able to communicate effectively with residents, families, and other staff members. Must have good eyesight to observe residents and to give nursing care, read thermometers, and to complete documentation. Can hear normal and soft tones to hear resident calls. Be aware that working with residents with dementia may expose staff to residents who become violent, combative, or aggressive without notice or provocation. It is important for all staff to respond in appropriate manner, remaining calm and non-threatening. Must be able to distinguish smells. Is familiar with and capable of operating all special equipment utilized for the benefit of the residents within health care. WORKING ENVIRONMENT Works in well-lit and ventilated building. May be exposed to residents having communicable diseases and disagreeable odors. Possible exposure to sharp materials and/or instruments. May be subjected to stressful situations and uncomfortable surroundings. Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, and reaching above head. Must be able to crawl in case of fire. Must be able to lift unassisted up to 30 pounds. Must be able to do grasping and fine manipulating with both hands. Must be able to push and pull carts and to push residents in wheelchairs. The Wesley is a 50-acre vibrant retirement community nestled in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. We offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled home care. We currently have multiple positions available. Join our team TODAY! Apply NOW at <a href="thewesleyks.com">TheWesleyKS.com</a>!</div>

🏈 Kansas Shrine Bowl highlights football, philanthropy in Dodge City

By NADIA LATHAN Associated Press/Report for America

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Juneteenth celebrations have been scaled back this year due to funding shortfalls as companies and municipalities across the country reconsider their support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Canceled federal grants and businesses moving away from so-called brand activism have hit the bottom line of parades and other events heading into Thursday's federal holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The shrinking financial support coincides with many companies severing ties with LGBTQ celebrations for Pride this year and President Donald Trump's efforts to squash DEI programs throughout the federal government.

In Denver, for example, more than a dozen companies backed out of supporting the Juneteenth Music Festival, which is one of the city's biggest celebrations of the holiday, according to Norman Harris, executive director of JMF Corporation, which puts on the event.

"There were quite a few sponsors who pulled back their investments or let us know they couldn't or wouldn't be in a position to support this year," said Harris, who has overseen the event for more than a decade.

The festival, which takes place in the historically Black Five Points neighborhood, has been scaled back to one day instead of two because of the budget shortfall. It has only been able to stay afloat thanks to donations from individuals and foundations.

"Thankfully, there was a wide range of support that came when we made the announcement that the celebration is in jeopardy," Harris said.

Juneteenth celebrates the day the last enslaved people in Texas were told they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The day has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations, including in Harris' family, but became more widely celebrated after becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many companies pursued efforts to make their branding more inclusive, but it has slowed down over the past few years after some received blowback from conservatives and because many companies didn't see it as an important part of their revenue stream, said Dionne Nickerson, a professor in marketing at Emory University.

Some companies can no longer afford to support Juneteenth celebrations because they just don't have the money given the economic uncertainty, according to Sonya Grier, a marketing professor at American University.

"It's a whole confluence of issues," Grier said.

Many state and local governments hold or help fund celebrations, but some decided not to this year.

The governor's office in West Virginia stated that the state won't be hosting any Juneteenth events this year for the first time since 2017 due to a budget deficit. Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey last month signed a bill to end all diversity programs.

"Due to the continued fiscal challenges facing West Virginia, state government will not be sponsoring any formal activities," deputy press secretary Drew Galang said in an email.

City Council members in Scottsdale, Arizona, dissolved their DEI office in February, which led to the cancellation of the city's annual Juneteenth festival.

Event organizers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, had to move locations due to fewer sponsors and cuts in city funding, said Jennifer Smith, a planner for the Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival.

Around five companies sponsored the event this year, compared to dozens in years prior, Smith said.

"They have said their budgets have been cut because of DEI," and that they can no longer afford it, she said.

Some groups have also mentioned safety concerns. Planners in Bend, Oregon, cited "an increasingly volatile political climate" in a statement about why they canceled this year's celebration.

Many local organizations have also had their budgets slashed after the National Endowment for the Arts pulled funding for numerous grants in May.

The Cooper Family Foundation throws one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in San Diego each year. It was one of dozens of groups told by the NEA in May that its $25,000 grant was being rescinded.

The email said the event no longer aligned with the agency's priorities, said Maliya Jones, who works for the foundation.

The grant money went toward paying for arts and dance performers. The event will still take place this year, but members of the Cooper family will have to divide up covering the costs, said Marla Cooper, who leads the foundation.

"That's $25,000 we have to figure out how we're going to pay for," Cooper said.

"We will always have Juneteenth. And we will work it out," she said.

Lathan is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685725545610.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By NADIA LATHAN Associated Press/Report for AmericaAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Juneteenth celebrations have been scaled back this year due to funding shortfalls as companies and municipalities across the country reconsider their support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.Canceled federal grants and businesses moving away from so-called brand activism have hit the bottom line of parades and other events heading into Thursday's federal holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The shrinking financial support coincides with many companies severing ties with LGBTQ celebrations for Pride this year and President Donald Trump's efforts to squash DEI programs throughout the federal government.In Denver, for example, more than a dozen companies backed out of supporting the Juneteenth Music Festival, which is one of the city's biggest celebrations of the holiday, according to Norman Harris, executive director of JMF Corporation, which puts on the event."There were quite a few sponsors who pulled back their investments or let us know they couldn't or wouldn't be in a position to support this year," said Harris, who has overseen the event for more than a decade.The festival, which takes place in the historically Black Five Points neighborhood, has been scaled back to one day instead of two because of the budget shortfall. It has only been able to stay afloat thanks to donations from individuals and foundations."Thankfully, there was a wide range of support that came when we made the announcement that the celebration is in jeopardy," Harris said.Juneteenth celebrates the day the last enslaved people in Texas were told they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. The day has been celebrated by Black Americans for generations, including in Harris' family, but became more widely celebrated after becoming a federal holiday in 2021.After the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many companies pursued efforts to make their branding more inclusive, but it has slowed down over the past few years after some received blowback from conservatives and because many companies didn't see it as an important part of their revenue stream, said Dionne Nickerson, a professor in marketing at Emory University.Some companies can no longer afford to support Juneteenth celebrations because they just don't have the money given the economic uncertainty, according to Sonya Grier, a marketing professor at American University."It's a whole confluence of issues," Grier said.Rollback of local supportMany state and local governments hold or help fund celebrations, but some decided not to this year.The governor's office in West Virginia stated that the state won't be hosting any Juneteenth events this year for the first time since 2017 due to a budget deficit. Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey last month signed a bill to end all diversity programs."Due to the continued fiscal challenges facing West Virginia, state government will not be sponsoring any formal activities," deputy press secretary Drew Galang said in an email.City Council members in Scottsdale, Arizona, dissolved their DEI office in February, which led to the cancellation of the city's annual Juneteenth festival.Event organizers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, had to move locations due to fewer sponsors and cuts in city funding, said Jennifer Smith, a planner for the Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival.Around five companies sponsored the event this year, compared to dozens in years prior, Smith said."They have said their budgets have been cut because of DEI," and that they can no longer afford it, she said.Some groups have also mentioned safety concerns. Planners in Bend, Oregon, cited "an increasingly volatile political climate" in a statement about why they canceled this year's celebration.Slashes in federal fundingMany local organizations have also had their budgets slashed after the National Endowment for the Arts pulled funding for numerous grants in May.The Cooper Family Foundation throws one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in San Diego each year. It was one of dozens of groups told by the NEA in May that its $25,000 grant was being rescinded.The email said the event no longer aligned with the agency's priorities, said Maliya Jones, who works for the foundation.The grant money went toward paying for arts and dance performers. The event will still take place this year, but members of the Cooper family will have to divide up covering the costs, said Marla Cooper, who leads the foundation."That's $25,000 we have to figure out how we're going to pay for," Cooper said."We will always have Juneteenth. And we will work it out," she said.___Lathan is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Juneteenth celebrations adapt after corporate sponsors pull support

Clif Riggs, director of the Family Community Theatre's production of M*A*S*H was in to visit about this week's performances.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750080050368.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Clif Riggs, director of the Family Community Theatre's production of M*A*S*H was in to visit about this week's performances.&nbsp; <div><iframe title="Clif Riggs, Family Community Theatre" 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=upf54-18da754-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: Clif Riggs, Family Community Theatre 

Brice Kesler the Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine bowl visited with Glen about this year's game which you can hear on Country 102.9

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750079718324.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Brice Kesler, Kansas Shrine Bowl" 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=m6ucr-18da70b-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>Brice Kesler the Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine bowl visited with Glen about this year's game which you can hear on Country 102.9

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl 

The Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. to consider an agenda that includes a proposed $915,000 bond ordinance, a resolution targeting unsafe structures, and an investment in the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball team.

Bonds for traffic signal upgrades and street improvements&nbsp;

City officials are seeking approval for the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund traffic signal upgrades and street improvements under the 2025 Arterial Street Maintenance program. The ordinance allocates $175,000 for traffic signals, $650,000 for street improvements, and $90,000 for bonding costs.

Finance Director Angela Richard said the measure is needed to comply with IRS regulations for recovering capital costs, including engineering and consulting fees, incurred before the bonds are issued. The bond would exclude airport-related work—such as a $112,908 parking lot resurfacing project—to prevent potential tax liability and instead fund that portion with general fund cash.

“This ordinance must be adopted before issuing any tax-exempt obligations,” Richard wrote in a memo to the council and City Manager Enrico Villegas. City staff are recommending approval.

Unsafe and dangerous Buildings&nbsp;

The council will also weigh a resolution to set a public hearing for several properties deemed unsafe and dangerous by Building Official Jason Lady. Inspections showed significant structural hazards such as sagging roofs, unstable foundations, and deteriorated flooring.

Properties cited in the resolution include:

The resolution would establish a formal hearing for owners, lienholders, and other parties to contest potential condemnation or repair orders. City officials say the effort aims to improve neighborhood safety and encourage reinvestment.

Support for Hutchinson Monarchs&nbsp;

Another item up for discussion is a proposal to invest $4,500 in the Hutchinson Monarchs, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. City Manager Villegas submitted a memo outlining how the Monarchs contribute to civic pride, local economic activity, and Hutchinson’s regional identity.

With an average of 300 fans across 16 to 24 home games each season, annual spending could reach $120,000, generating an estimated $6,600 in city sales tax revenue. The team’s presence also drives activity in local businesses and supports city-owned park operations.

“While the direct tax revenue may be modest, the broader economic and social benefits are significant,” the memo states, recommending approval of the investment to support stadium maintenance, marketing, and utilities at Hobart-Detter Field.

Council members are expected to review all proposals and recommendations during Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742298181704.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. to consider an agenda that includes a proposed $915,000 bond ordinance, a resolution targeting unsafe structures, and an investment in the Hutchinson Monarchs baseball team.Bonds for traffic signal upgrades and street improvements&nbsp;City officials are seeking approval for the issuance of General Obligation (GO) bonds to fund traffic signal upgrades and street improvements under the 2025 Arterial Street Maintenance program. The ordinance allocates $175,000 for traffic signals, $650,000 for street improvements, and $90,000 for bonding costs.Finance Director Angela Richard said the measure is needed to comply with IRS regulations for recovering capital costs, including engineering and consulting fees, incurred before the bonds are issued. The bond would exclude airport-related work—such as a $112,908 parking lot resurfacing project—to prevent potential tax liability and instead fund that portion with general fund cash.“This ordinance must be adopted before issuing any tax-exempt obligations,” Richard wrote in a memo to the council and City Manager Enrico Villegas. City staff are recommending approval.Unsafe and dangerous Buildings&nbsp;The council will also weigh a resolution to set a public hearing for several properties deemed unsafe and dangerous by Building Official Jason Lady. Inspections showed significant structural hazards such as sagging roofs, unstable foundations, and deteriorated flooring.Properties cited in the resolution include:<ul>
 <li>806 North Plum Avenue
</li><li>22 West 5th Avenue
</li><li>2100 North Jackson Street
</li><li>211 East 4th Avenue
</li><li>3001 East 4th Avenue
</li><li>1321 East 4th Avenue
</li><li>1221 East 4th Avenue
</li><li>411, 401, and 405 South Main Street
</li>
 </ul>The resolution would establish a formal hearing for owners, lienholders, and other parties to contest potential condemnation or repair orders. City officials say the effort aims to improve neighborhood safety and encourage reinvestment.Support for Hutchinson Monarchs&nbsp;Another item up for discussion is a proposal to invest $4,500 in the Hutchinson Monarchs, a collegiate summer baseball team in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. City Manager Villegas submitted a memo outlining how the Monarchs contribute to civic pride, local economic activity, and Hutchinson’s regional identity.With an average of 300 fans across 16 to 24 home games each season, annual spending could reach $120,000, generating an estimated $6,600 in city sales tax revenue. The team’s presence also drives activity in local businesses and supports city-owned park operations.“While the direct tax revenue may be modest, the broader economic and social benefits are significant,” the memo states, recommending approval of the investment to support stadium maintenance, marketing, and utilities at Hobart-Detter Field.Council members are expected to review all proposals and recommendations during Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall.

City council to meet Tuesday evening 

The city will begin the process of removing traffic signals at two downtown intersections starting June 16, according to Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible. 

Signals at Fourth Avenue and Washington Street, and at Avenue A and Washington Street are set for deactivation and eventual removal. The City has determined the lights are no longer warranted, and their removal will bring both safety and financial benefits. 

The removal process began in May with 30 days of advance notice signage, then the signals will be bagged for a 60–90-day trial period. This will allow the city to reverse the changes if problems arise during the trial period.  

In addressing the Hutchinson City Council on February 18, Weible said, “We have 74 active intersections year-round, with two more during the State Fair. Removing signals that are no longer needed will help reduce the chance of accidents by about 24 percent.” 

In addition to improved safety, the city expects to save approximately $2,900.05 annually by eliminating the lights—$1,384.92 in electrical costs and $1,515.13 in maintenance expenses.

In addition to the annual costs, the city disclosed that the two intersections need upgrades.&nbsp; The cost per intersection to update the signals is&nbsp;$56,478.25 per intersection.&nbsp; The cost breakdown is:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Camera Detection Cost: $18,465 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Battery Backup Cost: $5,078.57 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Traffic Cabinet Cost: $10,037.65 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Traffic Signal Controller Cost: $5,000.00 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Traffic Signal Lights, Backplates, Brackets, Pedestrian Signals, Etc.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cost: $10,345.91 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Lids &amp; Manhole Rings Cost: $2,551.12 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Traffic Signal Wiring Cost: $5,000.00

Although the traffic signals at Fourth Avenue and Walnut Street were also under consideration for removal, they will remain in place due to visibility concerns. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749734170630.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The city will begin the process of removing traffic signals at two downtown intersections starting June 16, according to Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible. Signals at Fourth Avenue and Washington Street, and at Avenue A and Washington Street are set for deactivation and eventual removal. The City has determined the lights are no longer warranted, and their removal will bring both safety and financial benefits. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749734197084.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The removal process began in May with 30 days of advance notice signage, then the signals will be bagged for a 60–90-day trial period. This will allow the city to reverse the changes if problems arise during the trial period. In addressing the Hutchinson City Council on February 18, Weible said, “We have 74 active intersections year-round, with two more during the State Fair. Removing signals that are no longer needed will help reduce the chance of accidents by about 24 percent.” <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749734238939.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to improved safety, the city expects to save approximately $2,900.05 annually by eliminating the lights—$1,384.92 in electrical costs and $1,515.13 in maintenance expenses.In addition to the annual costs, the city disclosed that the two intersections need upgrades.&nbsp; The cost per intersection to update the signals is&nbsp;$56,478.25 per intersection.&nbsp; The cost breakdown is:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Camera Detection Cost: $18,465 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Battery Backup Cost: $5,078.57 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Traffic Cabinet Cost: $10,037.65 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Traffic Signal Controller Cost: $5,000.00 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Traffic Signal Lights, Backplates, Brackets, Pedestrian Signals, Etc.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cost: $10,345.91 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Lids &amp; Manhole Rings Cost: $2,551.12 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Traffic Signal Wiring Cost: $5,000.00Although the traffic signals at Fourth Avenue and Walnut Street were also under consideration for removal, they will remain in place due to visibility concerns.

City to remove two traffic signals 

Windom – Patricia “Patty” Sue (Jones) Arnold, 85, passed away on June 7, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS. She was born February 12, 1940, in Abilene, KS, the daughter of Wayne and Esther (Coulson) Jones.

On February 20, 1959, she married Jim Arnold in Abilene, KS. Jim and Patty resided in Abilene until moving to McPherson, KS in 1984, followed by Hutchinson, KS in 1987. In her youth, Patty and her sister, Carolyn, worked at the Abilene swimming pool as lifeguards. She also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics for many years, worked at the Abilene Rec. Commission, sold real estate in McPherson, and worked as an Activity Director for Good Samaritan Home, and The Dillon Living Center in Hutchinson. Patty’s true calling was that of a care-giver, both in her professions, and in her roles as Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Neighbor, and Friend. Patty made it her life’s mission to spread love, joy, and comfort to all she met.

Patty enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including swimming, diving, music, bowling, playing cards, gardening, cooking, and homemaking. She was proud to call herself a “tomboy” who loved to climb trees and hike the fields for miles in her youth. She adored her swimming pool and took great pride in keeping it nice and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. She was the perfect combination of warm, fun, feisty, and determined. It was impossible not to love her.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; brother, Kenton Jones; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Chuck Gordon; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Benny Weaver; and many cherished relatives.

Survivors include daughters, Tricia Arnold of Windom, KS, Julie Arnold (Kim) of Nokomis, FL, and Susie Arnold (Jim Lawrence) of Hutchinson, KS., sister, Gail Shafer; grandchildren, Cory Edwards (Dawn Livaudais), Tony Edwards, Kate Bigler, Laramie Gasper (Dalton), Kylee Sheire (Jacob), Mauryn Kennedy (Aaron Fugate), and Kevin Newton; great grandchildren, Sadie Gasper, Allie Gasper, and Mara Sheire. Abundant beloved family members.

Correspondence to the Arnold family may be sent in care of&nbsp; Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750040986493.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Windom – Patricia “Patty” Sue (Jones) Arnold, 85, passed away on June 7, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS. She was born February 12, 1940, in Abilene, KS, the daughter of Wayne and Esther (Coulson) Jones.On February 20, 1959, she married Jim Arnold in Abilene, KS. Jim and Patty resided in Abilene until moving to McPherson, KS in 1984, followed by Hutchinson, KS in 1987. In her youth, Patty and her sister, Carolyn, worked at the Abilene swimming pool as lifeguards. She also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics for many years, worked at the Abilene Rec. Commission, sold real estate in McPherson, and worked as an Activity Director for Good Samaritan Home, and The Dillon Living Center in Hutchinson. Patty’s true calling was that of a care-giver, both in her professions, and in her roles as Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Neighbor, and Friend. Patty made it her life’s mission to spread love, joy, and comfort to all she met.Patty enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including swimming, diving, music, bowling, playing cards, gardening, cooking, and homemaking. She was proud to call herself a “tomboy” who loved to climb trees and hike the fields for miles in her youth. She adored her swimming pool and took great pride in keeping it nice and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. She was the perfect combination of warm, fun, feisty, and determined. It was impossible not to love her.Patty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; brother, Kenton Jones; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Chuck Gordon; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Benny Weaver; and many cherished relatives.Survivors include daughters, Tricia Arnold of Windom, KS, Julie Arnold (Kim) of Nokomis, FL, and Susie Arnold (Jim Lawrence) of Hutchinson, KS., sister, Gail Shafer; grandchildren, Cory Edwards (Dawn Livaudais), Tony Edwards, Kate Bigler, Laramie Gasper (Dalton), Kylee Sheire (Jacob), Mauryn Kennedy (Aaron Fugate), and Kevin Newton; great grandchildren, Sadie Gasper, Allie Gasper, and Mara Sheire. Abundant beloved family members.Correspondence to the Arnold family may be sent in care of&nbsp; Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502.&nbsp;

Patricia “Patty” Sue (Jones) Arnold |1940-2025|

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The search for the man wanted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">shootings of two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers</a>&nbsp;led to the discovery Sunday of a vehicle authorities believed he was using in a rural area outside Minneapolis as residents on edge struggled to make sense of the brazen political violence.

Former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">House Speaker Melissa Hortman</a>&nbsp;and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin home, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.

Authorities named 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a suspect, saying he wore a mask as he posed as a police officer, even allegedly altering a vehicle to make it look like a police car. The FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. They circulated a photo taken Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat and asked the public to report sightings after he fled the area on foot.

&nbsp; (Click below to watch Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz statement.)

Near where they located the vehicle, investigators found a cowboy hat and were working to definitively determine whether it belongs to Boelter. Law enforcement officers were searching the area, including nearby homes, the officials said. The officials could not discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

“We believe he’s somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said Sunday NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “But right now, everyone’s on edge here, because we know that this man will kill at a second.”

Residents of rural Sibley County, roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Minneapolis, received an emergency alert via text message about the located vehicle Sunday.

“Keep your doors locked and vehicles secured,” the alert read. “Law enforcement will be going to area residences to ask to search properties.”

The shootings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">come</a>&nbsp;as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arson-pennsylvania-governor-political-violence-388da01e84661fb12ac79c626b0004eb">political leaders nationwide</a>&nbsp;have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.&nbsp;<a href="https://lawmakers%20on%20sunday%20continued%20to%20reel%20from%20the%20shooting%20of%20two%20democratic%20minnesota%20state%20legislators%20in%20their%20homes%20that%20led%20to%20the%20death%20of%20one%20and%20her%20husband,%20contemplating%20a%20previously%20unthinkable%20world%20where%20democratically-elected%20representatives%20need%20full-time%20security%20details%20to%20protect%20them%20from%20the%20public./">Lawmakers said they were disturbed</a>&nbsp;by the attacks as Twin Cities residents mourned.

Brightly colored flowers and small American flags were placed Sunday on the gray marbled stone of the Minnesota State Capitol along with a photo of the Hortmans. People scrawled messages on small notes including, “You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in Power.”

The Hoffmans were recovering from surgery, according to their nephew, Mat Ollig.

“It’s just a long road to healing," he said Sunday.

Authorities have not yet given details on a motive.

A list of about 70 or so names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle that was left at the crime scene, the officials said. The writings and list of names included prominent state and federal lawmakers and community leaders, along with abortion rights advocates and information about healthcare facilities, according to the officials.

A Minnesota official told the AP that lawmakers who had been outspoken in favor of abortion rights were on the list. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-trump-philadelphia-los-angeles-immigration-raids-a3b67d23733cd060f8d01aef1e391dbf">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway, including one that drew tens of thousands to the State Capitol in St. Paul. Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car.

Law enforcement agents recovered several AK-style firearms from the suspect’s vehicle, and he was believed to still be armed with a pistol, a person familiar with the matter told AP. The person could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman, records show, though it was not clear if or how well they knew each other.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds.

After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to proactively check on Hortman’s home. There they encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer leaving the house. Officers confronted him, and the suspect fired on them before retreating back into the home and fleeing on foot, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.

Around 6 a.m. Saturday, Boelter texted friends to apologize for his actions, though he didn't say what he had done.

“I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused," he wrote in messages viewed by the AP.

On social media, Gov. Tim Walz remembered Hortman Sunday as, “The most consequential Speaker in state history.”

Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led Democrats in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-power-struggle-republicans-democrats-7db12f51ad0e47d49f4c50f56cb1e5c4">three-week walkout</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of this year’s session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power-sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth and assumed the title speaker emerita.

Hortman used her position as speaker in 2023 to champion expanded protections for abortion rights, including legislation to solidify Minnesota’s status as a refuge for patients from restrictive states who travel to the state to seek abortions — and to protect providers who serve them.

Melissa Hortman died at the scene while her husband was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012 and was chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, which oversees one of the biggest parts of the state budget. He and his wife have one daughter.

Klobuchar condemned online threats and urged people Sunday to think twice before posting accusations or motives.

“This is a person that did everything for the right reasons. And regardless of political parties, look at her face before you send out your next post,” Klobuchar said of Hortman on CNN's ”State of the Union."

The shootings are the latest in a series of attacks against lawmakers across parties.

In April a suspect set fire to the home of Democratic Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-fire-pennsylvania-governor-passover-ae70cd73ccddd6f49a1d017ab7d07784">Gov. Josh Shapiro</a>, forcing him and his family to flee during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

In July 2024, Trump was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-shooting-history-1636c4cfc7d8a239bf83b9f64817eab0">grazed on the ear</a>&nbsp;by one of a hail of bullets that killed a Trump supporter. Two months later a man with a rifle was discovered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-assassination-attempt-fee81d8bcf737bfcde2ee8e5cea88465">near the president's Florida golf course</a>&nbsp;and arrested.

Other incidents include a 2022 hammer attack on the husband of then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-nancy-hammer-attack-depape-sentence-b41b6c776fb27f62913e3754afa1ceac">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;in their San Francisco home and a 2020 plot by anti-government extremists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-convictions-042227f68a3fcc49ea91126388cd91de">to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer</a>.

Balsamo and Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell'Orto in Champlin, Minnesota; Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York; Michael Biesecker in Washington; Jim Mustian in New York; Sophia Tareen in Chicago and Obed Lamy in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A massive search was stretching into its second day for a man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-lawmakers-shot-197b8073b66449297986f8276e6dcfc9">a Democratic state lawmaker</a>&nbsp;in her suburban Minneapolis home, an act Gov. Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.” Authorities said the suspect also shot and wounded a second lawmaker and was trying to flee the area.

Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) away.

Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. They shared a photo taken Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat and asked the public to report sightings. Hundreds of law enforcement officers fanned out in the search for the suspect.

Authorities had not given any details on a possible motive as of Saturday night.

The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protest-trump-philadelphia-los-angeles-immigration-raids-a3b67d23733cd060f8d01aef1e391dbf">“No Kings” demonstrations</a>&nbsp;against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway. Authorities said the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets.

A Minnesota official told AP the suspect’s writings also contained information targeting prominent lawmakers who have been outspoken in favor of abortion rights. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.

The shootings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/political-violence-assassination-minnesota-trump-3c750cff0749633872ab6101bfa23b23">happened at a time</a>&nbsp;when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arson-pennsylvania-governor-political-violence-388da01e84661fb12ac79c626b0004eb">political leaders nationwide</a>&nbsp;have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” said Walz, a Democrat. He also ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor.

“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!” President Donald Trump said in a statement.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans' home shortly after 2 a.m., Champlin police said, and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds.

After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to proactively check on Hortman's home. There they encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer at the door, leaving the house.

“When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home” and escaped on foot, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.

Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the front door of Hoffman’s home.

John and Yvette Hoffman each underwent surgery, according to Walz.

Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led Democrats in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-power-struggle-republicans-democrats-7db12f51ad0e47d49f4c50f56cb1e5c4">three-week walkout</a>&nbsp;at the beginning of this year’s session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth and assumed the title speaker emerita.

Walz called her a “formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota."

Hortman and her husband had two adult children.

The initial autopsy reports from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office gave their cause of death as “multiple gunshot wounds.”

The reports said Melissa Hortman died at the scene while her husband was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Boelter was appointed to the workforce development board in 2016 and then reappointed in 2019 to a four-year term that expired in 2023, state records show.

Corporate records show Boelter’s wife filed to create a company called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC with the same Green Isle mailing address listed for the couple. Boelter’s wife is listed as president and CEO and he is listed as director of security patrols on the company's website.

The website says the company provides armed security for property and events and features a photo of an SUV painted in a two-tone black and silver pattern similar to a police vehicle. Another photo shows a man in black tactical gear with a military-style helmet and a ballistic vest.

An online resume says Boelter is a security contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Africa, in addition to past managerial roles at companies in Minnesota.

Around 6 a.m., Boelter texted friends to say he had “made some choices,” the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-park-police-searching-for-suspect-in-multiple-targeted-shootings/601372993">Minnesota Star Tribune reported</a>.

In the messages, read to reporters by David Carlson, Boelter did not specify what he had done but said: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack “evil” and said she was “heartbroken beyond words” by the killings.

In April a suspect set fire to the home of Democratic Pennsylvania&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/josh-shapiro-arson-fire-pennsylvania-governor-passover-ae70cd73ccddd6f49a1d017ab7d07784">Gov. Josh Shapiro</a>, forcing him and his family to flee during the Jewish holiday of Passover. The suspect said he planned to beat Shapiro with a small sledgehammer if he found him, according to court documents.

Other incidents include a 2022 hammer attack on the husband of then-House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paul-pelosi-nancy-hammer-attack-depape-sentence-b41b6c776fb27f62913e3754afa1ceac">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;in their San Francisco home and a 2020 plot by anti-government extremists&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-convictions-042227f68a3fcc49ea91126388cd91de">to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer</a>&nbsp;and start a civil war.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he asked Capitol Police to “immediately increase security” for Minnesota Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. He also asked Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, to hold a briefing on member security.

Karnowski reported from Minneapolis, and Durkin Richer from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna Dell'Orto in Champlin, Minnesota, Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York, and Michael Biesecker in Washington contributed.

Search for suspect in shooting of 2 MN lawmakers leads to one of his vehicles

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration this week provided deportation officials with personal data -- including the immigration status -- on millions of Medicaid enrollees, a move that could make it easier to locate people as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">his sweeping immigration crackdown</a>.

An internal memo and emails obtained by The Associated Press show that Medicaid officials unsuccessfully sought to block the data transfer, citing legal and ethical concerns.

Nevertheless, two top advisers to Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;ordered the dataset handed over to the Department of Homeland Security, the emails show. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were given just 54 minutes on Tuesday to comply with the directive.

The dataset includes the information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state and Washington, D.C., all of which allow non-U. S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars. CMS transferred the information just as the Trump administration was ramping up its enforcement efforts in Southern California.

Besides helping authorities locate migrants, experts said, the government could also use the information to scuttle the hopes of migrants seeking green cards, permanent residency or citizenship if they had ever obtained Medicaid benefits funded by the federal government.

California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gavin-newsom">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;’s office said in a statement that it was concerned about how deportation officials might utilize the data, especially as federal authorities conduct&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-protests-ice-national-guard-1009eac191a8f6248463a5028cbe0f68">immigration raids</a>&nbsp;with the assistance of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles.

“We deeply value the privacy of all Californians,” the statement said. “This potential data transfer brought to our attention by the AP is extremely concerning, and if true, potentially unlawful, particularly given numerous headlines highlighting potential improper federal use of personal information and federal actions to target the personal information of Americans.”

Some California lawmakers on Friday also expressed alarm. U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, a Democrat, wrote on X that “we should never use a person’s need to go to the doctor against them. This will only lead to more chaos and pain in our communities.”

U.S. Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the data sharing was legal. He declined to answer questions about why the data was shared with DHS and how it would be used.

“With respect to the recent data sharing between CMS and DHS, HHS acted entirely within its legal authority — and in full compliance with all applicable laws — to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them,” Nixon said.

An official with DHS, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, said in a statement that Trump “promised to protect Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. To keep that promise after Joe Biden flooded our country with tens of millions of illegal aliens CMS and DHS are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.”

The initiative appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to provide DHS with more data on migrants. In May, for example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-ice-tax-data-deportations-federal-judge-fd696d215843bdc16260dfad471f500d">a federal judge</a>&nbsp;refused to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/internal-revenue-service">Internal Revenue Service</a>&nbsp;from sharing immigrants' tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help agents locate and detain people living without legal status in the U.S.

A targeted review of millions of immigrant Medicaid enrollees

CMS announced late last month that it was reviewing some state's Medicaid enrollees to ensure federal funds have not been used to pay for coverage for people with “unsatisfactory immigration status.” In a letter sent to state Medicaid officials, CMS said that the effort was part of Trump's Feb. 19 executive order titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”

As part of the review, California, Washington and Illinois shared details about non-U. S. citizens who have enrolled in their state's Medicaid program, according to a June 6 memo signed by Medicaid Deputy Director Sara Vitolo that was obtained by the AP. The memo was written by several CMS officials under Vitolo's supervision, according to sources familiar with the process.

The data includes addresses, names, social security numbers and claims data for enrollees in those states, according to the memo and two people familiar with what the states sent to CMS. Both individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share details about the data exchange.

CMS officials attempted to fight the data sharing request from Homeland Security, saying that to do so would violate federal laws, including the Social Security Act and the Privacy Act of 1974, according to Vitolo's memo.

“Multiple federal statutory and regulatory authorities do not permit CMS to share this information with entities outside of CMS,” Vitolo wrote, further explaining that the sharing of such personal data is only allowed for directly administering the Medicaid program.

Sharing information about Medicaid applicants or enrollees with DHS officials would violate a “long-standing policy,” wrote Vitolo, a career employee, to Trump appointee Kim Brandt, deputy administrator and chief operating officer of CMS.

Vitolo and Brandt could not be reached for comment.

The legal arguments outlined in the memo were not persuasive to Trump appointees at HHS, which oversees the Medicaid agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749865291658.png" alt="&nbsp;Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;ordered the dataset handed over to the Department of Homeland Security-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;ordered the dataset handed over to the Department of Homeland Security-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration this week provided deportation officials with personal data -- including the immigration status -- on millions of Medicaid enrollees, a move that could make it easier to locate people as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-california-immigration-customs-enforcement-newsom-0482a8935419d88986b890b18db5cc03">his sweeping immigration crackdown</a>.An internal memo and emails obtained by The Associated Press show that Medicaid officials unsuccessfully sought to block the data transfer, citing legal and ethical concerns.Nevertheless, two top advisers to Health Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;ordered the dataset handed over to the Department of Homeland Security, the emails show. Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were given just 54 minutes on Tuesday to comply with the directive.The dataset includes the information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state and Washington, D.C., all of which allow non-U. S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars. CMS transferred the information just as the Trump administration was ramping up its enforcement efforts in Southern California.Besides helping authorities locate migrants, experts said, the government could also use the information to scuttle the hopes of migrants seeking green cards, permanent residency or citizenship if they had ever obtained Medicaid benefits funded by the federal government.California Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gavin-newsom">Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;’s office said in a statement that it was concerned about how deportation officials might utilize the data, especially as federal authorities conduct&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-protests-ice-national-guard-1009eac191a8f6248463a5028cbe0f68">immigration raids</a>&nbsp;with the assistance of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles.“We deeply value the privacy of all Californians,” the statement said. “This potential data transfer brought to our attention by the AP is extremely concerning, and if true, potentially unlawful, particularly given numerous headlines highlighting potential improper federal use of personal information and federal actions to target the personal information of Americans.”Some California lawmakers on Friday also expressed alarm. U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, a Democrat, wrote on X that “we should never use a person’s need to go to the doctor against them. This will only lead to more chaos and pain in our communities.”U.S. Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the data sharing was legal. He declined to answer questions about why the data was shared with DHS and how it would be used.“With respect to the recent data sharing between CMS and DHS, HHS acted entirely within its legal authority — and in full compliance with all applicable laws — to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them,” Nixon said.An official with DHS, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, said in a statement that Trump “promised to protect Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries. To keep that promise after Joe Biden flooded our country with tens of millions of illegal aliens CMS and DHS are exploring an initiative to ensure that illegal aliens are not receiving Medicaid benefits that are meant for law-abiding Americans.”The initiative appears to be part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to provide DHS with more data on migrants. In May, for example,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-ice-tax-data-deportations-federal-judge-fd696d215843bdc16260dfad471f500d">a federal judge</a>&nbsp;refused to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/internal-revenue-service">Internal Revenue Service</a>&nbsp;from sharing immigrants' tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help agents locate and detain people living without legal status in the U.S.<h2>A targeted review of millions of immigrant Medicaid enrollees</h2>CMS announced late last month that it was reviewing some state's Medicaid enrollees to ensure federal funds have not been used to pay for coverage for people with “unsatisfactory immigration status.” In a letter sent to state Medicaid officials, CMS said that the effort was part of Trump's Feb. 19 executive order titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”As part of the review, California, Washington and Illinois shared details about non-U. S. citizens who have enrolled in their state's Medicaid program, according to a June 6 memo signed by Medicaid Deputy Director Sara Vitolo that was obtained by the AP. The memo was written by several CMS officials under Vitolo's supervision, according to sources familiar with the process.The data includes addresses, names, social security numbers and claims data for enrollees in those states, according to the memo and two people familiar with what the states sent to CMS. Both individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share details about the data exchange.CMS officials attempted to fight the data sharing request from Homeland Security, saying that to do so would violate federal laws, including the Social Security Act and the Privacy Act of 1974, according to Vitolo's memo.“Multiple federal statutory and regulatory authorities do not permit CMS to share this information with entities outside of CMS,” Vitolo wrote, further explaining that the sharing of such personal data is only allowed for directly administering the Medicaid program.Sharing information about Medicaid applicants or enrollees with DHS officials would violate a “long-standing policy,” wrote Vitolo, a career employee, to Trump appointee Kim Brandt, deputy administrator and chief operating officer of CMS.Vitolo and Brandt could not be reached for comment.The legal arguments outlined in the memo were not persuasive to Trump appointees at HHS, which oversees the Medicaid agency.Four days after the memo was sent, on June 10, HHS officials directed the transfer of “the data to DHS by 5:30 ET today,” according to email exchanges obtained by AP.Former government officials said the move was unusual because CMS, which has access to personal health data for nearly half the country, does not typically share such sensitive information with other departments.“DHS has no role in anything related to Medicaid,” said Jeffrey Grant, a former career employee at CMS.Beyond her legal arguments, Vitolo said sharing the information with DHS could have a chilling effect on states, perhaps prompting them to withhold information. States, she added needed to guard against the “legal risk” they were taking by giving federal officials data that could be shared with deportation officials.<h2>A ‘concerning’ development</h2>All states must legally provide emergency Medicaid services to non-U. S. citizens, including to those who are lawfully present but have not yet met a five-year wait to apply for Medicaid.Seven states, along with the District, allow immigrants who are not living legally in the country to enroll — with full benefits — in their state's Medicaid program. The states launched these programs during the Biden administration and said they would not bill the federal government to cover those immigrants' health care costs.The Trump administration has raised doubts about that pledge.Nixon, the HHS spokesperson, said that the state's Medicaid programs for immigrants “opened the floodgates for illegal immigrants to exploit Medicaid — and forced hardworking Americans to foot the bill.”All of the states — California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Minnesota and Colorado — have Democratic governors. Due to his state's budget woes, Newsom announced earlier this year he would freeze enrollment into the program; Illinois will also shut down its program for roughly 30,000 non-U. S. citizens in July.The remaining states — New York, Oregon, Minnesota and Colorado — have not yet submitted the identifiable data to CMS as part of the review, according to a public health official who has reviewed CMS' requests to the states.Illinois health officials also said they were “deeply concerned” by the AP’s findings that revealed their state’s Medicaid customer information was shared with federal agencies outside of CMS, given that their “understanding (is) that the data is protected under the federal Privacy Act of 1974 and other federal regulations — which protects the rights of Americans’ sensitive health and personal data.”In a statement issued after publication of AP's story, California's Newsom said the decision to share the data “will jeopardize the safety, health, and security of those who will undoubtedly be targeted by this abuse.”State health officials from the District and Washington did not respond to requests for comment.