<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746019061005.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash; Veteran coach&nbsp;Bill Peterson, who has experience at virtually every level of college and professional basketball coaching, has been named an assistant men's basketball coach at Kansas State in an announcement by head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2541" rel="smarttag" rev="2541">Jerome Tang</a></dfn>&nbsp;on Tuesday afternoon (April 29). Peterson, who started his new job on Tuesday, previously coached alongside Tang while at Baylor from 2017-22 where they helped guide the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Championship. "I am fired up to have Coach Bill Peterson as a part of our staff," said Tang. "He brings a wealth of experience in both college and the NBA. Every coach, player, and person associated with K-State Basketball will be better because of the addition of Coach Bill Peterson." Peterson has a combined 10 years of head coaching experience at the NAIA, Division II and G-League levels in his 47-year coaching career while he has been an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech (1980-83), McNeese State (1987-94), Bosier Parish Community College (1997-99), Colorado State (2000-07) and Denver (2024-25) to go with significant experience in a support staff role at Baylor (2017-24). Peterson has also served in various capacities in the NBA, including as special assistant with the Golden State Warriors (1989), player development/scout with the Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000) and assistant coach/player development with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-13). He has G-League experience with the Texas Legends (2014) and Erie BayHawks (2014-17). Peterson has mentored over 20 NBA players, including Hall of Famers&nbsp;Dirk Nowitzki,&nbsp;Steve Nash&nbsp;and&nbsp;Karl Malone&nbsp;as well as 13-year pro&nbsp;Jason Smith&nbsp;and current Charlotte Hornet&nbsp;Seth Curry. "I am extremely excited to be joining Coach Tang's staff at Kansas State," said Peterson. "I have known&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/2541" rel="smarttag" rev="2541">Jerome Tang</a></dfn>&nbsp;for the past eight years and have great respect and admiration for him and his family. The opportunity to work with him and his staff is a real blessing. The opportunity to work at a storied basketball program like K-State with a rich tradition of excellence is a real honor. "I am excited to again be competing in the Big 12 as it is recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. I will pour my heart and soul into the players, coaching and staff to get 1% better every day." Tang became familiar with Peterson during their 5-year stint on staff at Baylor (2017-22), where they helped the Bears to a 120-42 (.741) overall record, including a 61-26 (.701) mark in Big 12 play, to go with the 2021 NCAA Championship, two Big 12 regular-season titles (2021, 2022) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022). Peterson was Baylor's director of men's basketball operations from 2017-19 before spending the next five seasons (2019-24) as the special assistant to head coach&nbsp;Scott Drew. Overall, he was a part of 167 wins with the Bears to go with five NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024). Prior to joining the staff at Baylor, Peterson spent 10 seasons (2007-17) in the professional ranks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic. He was an assistant and player development coach with the Bucks under head coaches&nbsp;Larry Krystkowiak,&nbsp;Scott Skiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jim Boylan&nbsp;from 2007-13 before spending time with the Mavericks' G-League franchise, the Texas Legends in 2014. He was the head coach of the Erie BayHawks, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, from 2014-17 and was instrumental in the NBA call-ups of&nbsp;Seth Curry,&nbsp;Austin Daye,&nbsp;Keith Appling&nbsp;and&nbsp;Anthony Brown. He led the Orlando Magic Blue Team to the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship. Peterson's pro experience also includes a stint as a player development coach and scout with the Mavericks from 1998-2000 and as a special assistant with the Warriors in the summer of 1989. Peterson served as associate head coach at Colorado State for seven seasons (2000-07) under the direction of head coach&nbsp;Dale Layer. He was a part of 103 wins while in Fort Collins, including the Rams' first NCAA Tournament bid in 13 seasons after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2003. Peterson had the first of two stints as a small college head coach from 1983-87 at NAIA Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he led the Bulldogs to 73 wins. He posted four consecutive winning seasons, including the school's most wins (22) in 16 seasons in 1984-85 while producing the school's first-ever NBA Draft pick in&nbsp;James Anderson&nbsp;(Portland Trail Blazers) in 1985. Peterson was the head coach at Division II Alabama-Huntsville from 1994-97, guiding the Chargers to their first winning season in 10 years in 1994-95 after inheriting a squad that won just one game the previous season. In between his head coaching stints with Union College and UAH, Peterson spent seven seasons (1987-94) on head coach&nbsp;Steve Welch's&nbsp;staff at McNeese State. He was a part of 75 wins with the Cowboys, including a Southland Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1989. Peterson spent the 2024-25 season with the University of Denver under head coach&nbsp;Jeff Wulburn. Peterson began his coaching career as a student assistant at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College before 3 seasons (1980-83) as a graduate assistant for head coach&nbsp;Andy Russo&nbsp;at Louisiana Tech, where he was part of a coaching staff that developed All-American and Hall of Famer&nbsp;Karl Malone. Peterson earned his bachelor's degree in Leisure and Recreation from Eckerd (Fla.) College in 1980 before obtaining a Master's in Physical Education and Human Relations from Louisiana Tech in 1982. Peterson and his wife,&nbsp;Diane, are the parents of three daughters:&nbsp;Kati,&nbsp;Ginny&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hailey&nbsp;(who went to be with The Lord in 2000). Coaching Experience Student Assistant, St. Petersburg Junior College, 1978-79 Graduate Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech, 1980-83 Head Coach, Athletes in Action Russian/European Tour, 1985-86 Head Coach, Union College (Ky.), 1983-87 Special Assistant, Golden State Warriors, Summer 1989 Assistant Coach, McNeese State, 1987-94 Head Coach, Alabama-Huntsville, 1994-97 Assistant Head Coach, Bosier Parish Community College, 1997-99 Player Development Coach/Scout, Dallas Mavericks, 1998-2000 Associate Head Coach, Colorado State, 2000-07 Assistant Coach/Player Development, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007-13 Assistant Coach/Player Development, Texas Legends (NBA G-League), 2014 Head Coach, Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), 2014-17 Director of Men's Basketball Operations, Baylor, 2017-19 Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Baylor, 2019-24 Assistant Coach, Denver, 2024-25 Assistant Coach, Kansas State, 2025-present Education Bachelor's Degree in Leisure and Recreation, Eckerd College, 1980 Master's in Physical Education and Human Relations, Louisiana Tech, 1982 Personal Wife:&nbsp;Diane Children:&nbsp;Kati, Ginny, Hailey&nbsp;(who went to be with The Lord in 2000)</div>

🏀 K-State adds Peterson to men's staff

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two iconic bands from the 1960s will bring a wave of nostalgia to the Fox Theater next week, as The Association and The Cowsills take the stage for a special night of live music on Saturday, May 3.

Josh Davies, executive director of the Fox Theater, announced the upcoming show as part of the venue’s lively spring season, which also includes classic films, a summer kids’ series, and weekend movie events. But it’s the live music, Davies said, that truly brings the historic venue to life.

“This is going to be a nostalgic evening of the greatest music of the 1960s,” Davies said. “We’ve had a number of groups from that era, but these two haven’t performed here before. It just felt like the right time.”

The show pairs The Association, best known for timeless hits such as “Wendy,” “Cherish,” and “Never My Love,” with The Cowsills, the real-life family band that inspired the television series The Partridge Family. The Cowsills will open the evening, followed by a headlining performance from The Association.

Davies said the idea to book both groups came after discovering they shared the same agent. While not part of a prearranged tour, the pairing echoes popular throwback concert events like the “Happy Together Tour,” which regularly features acts from the 1960s and ’70s.

“There are still some original members performing with both bands,” Davies said. “It adds something really special for fans who grew up with their music.”

Tickets are already selling well, and season ticket holders can find their passes to the May 3 show included in their ticket packages.

“If you love music from the ’60s, this is the show for you,” Davies said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Fox Theater website at www.hutchinsonfox.com or call 620-663-5861.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745935242600.png" alt="The Association and The Cowsills will perform on May 3 at the Hutchinson Fox Theatre&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Association and The Cowsills will perform on May 3 at the Hutchinson Fox Theatre&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two iconic bands from the 1960s will bring a wave of nostalgia to the Fox Theater next week, as The Association and The Cowsills take the stage for a special night of live music on Saturday, May 3.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745935444557.png" alt="<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/634e18e5-f9bc-4dd9-944a-071afe735a55">Click here to hear the BW Morning Show interview with Josh Davies&nbsp;</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/634e18e5-f9bc-4dd9-944a-071afe735a55">Click here to hear the BW Morning Show interview with Josh Davies&nbsp;</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Josh Davies, executive director of the Fox Theater, announced the upcoming show as part of the venue’s lively spring season, which also includes classic films, a summer kids’ series, and weekend movie events. But it’s the live music, Davies said, that truly brings the historic venue to life.“This is going to be a nostalgic evening of the greatest music of the 1960s,” Davies said. “We’ve had a number of groups from that era, but these two haven’t performed here before. It just felt like the right time.”The show pairs The Association, best known for timeless hits such as “Wendy,” “Cherish,” and “Never My Love,” with The Cowsills, the real-life family band that inspired the television series The Partridge Family. The Cowsills will open the evening, followed by a headlining performance from The Association.Davies said the idea to book both groups came after discovering they shared the same agent. While not part of a prearranged tour, the pairing echoes popular throwback concert events like the “Happy Together Tour,” which regularly features acts from the 1960s and ’70s.“There are still some original members performing with both bands,” Davies said. “It adds something really special for fans who grew up with their music.”Tickets are already selling well, and season ticket holders can find their passes to the May 3 show included in their ticket packages.“If you love music from the ’60s, this is the show for you,” Davies said.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Fox Theater website at www.hutchinsonfox.com or call 620-663-5861.&nbsp;

Classic pop groups to perform Saturday at the Fox Theatre

SUN Bucks program provides eligible families with $120 per school-aged child for summer groceries

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An estimated 138,776 Kansas school-age children could have received free summer meals last year — their families just didn’t submit the application.

Of the estimated 148,000 children eligible for SUN Bucks pending application, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, there were applications submitted for 9,961 children. The program, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, gives families a $120 summer grocery card per eligible school-age child.

While most eligible children did not receive the SUN Bucks, 117,263 children automatically received them, according to DCF. The number of families who automatically received benefits were not counted into the 148,000 potential applications. Children in a household that had already submitted paperwork to receive free or reduced-price school lunches or applied for monthly food assistance programs, for example, were auto-enrolled. Families auto-enrolled for this summer received a letter in January.

The majority of states that offer SUN Bucks auto-enroll children in Medicaid. Kansas does not.

Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, says DCF can’t auto-enroll children on Medicaid because of capacity issues with its internal system.

After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usda-grocery-ebt-21-million-children-summer-2024-what-to-know/" target="_blank">federal funding was approved</a>, families had from<a href="https://www.propel.app/summer-ebt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Aug. 12, 2024</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/Weekly-News/Student-Health-and-Nutrition/PID/6197/mcat/6219/acat/2/ArtDateMonth/9-2024" target="_blank">Oct. 15, 2024</a>, to apply. This year, families have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">from Jan. 27 to Aug. 29</a>&nbsp;to apply — enlarging the window from two to seven months.

Kottler identified the small timespan as a reason for the low number of applications. The original application deadline was Sept. 11, 2024, and Kottler fought to change it. But she said that even with the extended window, applications didn’t increase.

“It made it really challenging, because a lot of families just didn’t know they were able to utilize this benefit,” Kottler said.

Erin LaRow, a spokeswoman for DCF, said her department spread the word via social media campaigns, messaging within the DCF phone system and self-service portal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/SUNBucks.aspx" target="_blank">dedicated webpage</a>&nbsp;and a statewide news release.

The department also shared a fact sheet, both in English and Spanish, with the Kansas State Department of Education.

David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, looked at 12 states’ potential number of applications vs applications submitted. He found the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20%.

North Carolina had the highest results, with 19.3% of applications submitted, followed by Missouri, with 18.3%. He said the comparatively robust numbers are because of communication about the SUN Bucks program from school districts.

“It’s all about the school districts getting the word out to their families. And why I emphasize the school districts is because they’re the only ones who have the current contact information for the families,” Rubel said.

Amber Wheeler, the superintendent of Humboldt School District — which has 33% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it has posted a DCF infographic on their social media accounts.

Robin Button, the food and service director for Fort Scott School District — with 56.7% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it plans on posting the infographic and mentioning the program at its town hall.

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s promise to deport more people — and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/irs-share-taxpayer-info-ice-immigrants-rcna200250" target="_blank">use of federal documents to identify them</a>&nbsp;— immigrant families are wary of submitting more documentation. While the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">Kansas DCF website</a>&nbsp;states that receiving SUN Bucks would not affect a family’s immigration status, fear remains.

“There’s a chilling effect when it comes to programs like this,” Kottler said. “It’s absolutely causing them fear and to not apply.”

Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have been pushing spending cuts — a crusade that has trickled down to state-level officials.

At the Kansas State Board of Education’s April meeting, a motion failed to allow KSDE Child and Wellness services to enter an agreement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters to run public service announcements about summer meal programs. This means that stations associated with KAB won’t air promotional materials about the KSDE’s Sun Meals program, which is separate from the SUN Bucks program.

In the 2025-2026 Kansas legislative session, Republicans attempted to insert a provision in the budget that would ban the use of SUN Bucks on candy or soda. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the provision — and while the Senate overturned her veto, the House did not — ultimately upholding her veto.

LaRow with DCF said the department has received 1,294 SUN Bucks applications as of April 11.

Corrections: An earlier version of this story miscalculated the number of children who didn’t receive the SUN Bucks benefit, misstated a decision by the Kansas State Board of Education at its April meeting, and didn’t specify that KSDE’s Sun Meals program is separate from the SUN Bucks program.

Application is open now through Aug. 29, 2025.

Families who did not receive a letter from the Kansas Department for Children and Families in January&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">can check their eligibility</a>.

Families should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcfapp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal" target="_blank">apply through the DCF Self-service portal</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738161277873.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>SUN Bucks program provides eligible families with $120 per school-aged child for summer groceries</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An estimated 138,776 Kansas school-age children could have received free summer meals last year — their families just didn’t submit the application.Of the estimated 148,000 children eligible for SUN Bucks pending application, according to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, there were applications submitted for 9,961 children. The program, also known as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, gives families a $120 summer grocery card per eligible school-age child.While most eligible children did not receive the SUN Bucks, 117,263 children automatically received them, according to DCF. The number of families who automatically received benefits were not counted into the 148,000 potential applications. Children in a household that had already submitted paperwork to receive free or reduced-price school lunches or applied for monthly food assistance programs, for example, were auto-enrolled. Families auto-enrolled for this summer received a letter in January.The majority of states that offer SUN Bucks auto-enroll children in Medicaid. Kansas does not.Haley Kottler, campaign director for food access at Kansas Appleseed, says DCF can’t auto-enroll children on Medicaid because of capacity issues with its internal system.<h2>Why were applications so low?&nbsp;</h2>After&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usda-grocery-ebt-21-million-children-summer-2024-what-to-know/" target="_blank">federal funding was approved</a>, families had from<a href="https://www.propel.app/summer-ebt/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Aug. 12, 2024</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/Weekly-News/Student-Health-and-Nutrition/PID/6197/mcat/6219/acat/2/ArtDateMonth/9-2024" target="_blank">Oct. 15, 2024</a>, to apply. This year, families have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">from Jan. 27 to Aug. 29</a>&nbsp;to apply — enlarging the window from two to seven months.Kottler identified the small timespan as a reason for the low number of applications. The original application deadline was Sept. 11, 2024, and Kottler fought to change it. But she said that even with the extended window, applications didn’t increase.“It made it really challenging, because a lot of families just didn’t know they were able to utilize this benefit,” Kottler said.Erin LaRow, a spokeswoman for DCF, said her department spread the word via social media campaigns, messaging within the DCF phone system and self-service portal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/SUNBucks.aspx" target="_blank">dedicated webpage</a>&nbsp;and a statewide news release.The department also shared a fact sheet, both in English and Spanish, with the Kansas State Department of Education.David Rubel, a New York City-based education consultant, looked at 12 states’ potential number of applications vs applications submitted. He found the percentage of applications submitted in every state was less than 20%.North Carolina had the highest results, with 19.3% of applications submitted, followed by Missouri, with 18.3%. He said the comparatively robust numbers are because of communication about the SUN Bucks program from school districts.“It’s all about the school districts getting the word out to their families. And why I emphasize the school districts is because they’re the only ones who have the current contact information for the families,” Rubel said.Amber Wheeler, the superintendent of Humboldt School District — which has 33% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it has posted a DCF infographic on their social media accounts.Robin Button, the food and service director for Fort Scott School District — with 56.7% of students approved for free and reduced-price lunches — said it plans on posting the infographic and mentioning the program at its town hall.<h2>‘Chilling effect’ of recent politics</h2>In the wake of President Donald Trump’s promise to deport more people — and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/irs-share-taxpayer-info-ice-immigrants-rcna200250" target="_blank">use of federal documents to identify them</a>&nbsp;— immigrant families are wary of submitting more documentation. While the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">Kansas DCF website</a>&nbsp;states that receiving SUN Bucks would not affect a family’s immigration status, fear remains.“There’s a chilling effect when it comes to programs like this,” Kottler said. “It’s absolutely causing them fear and to not apply.”Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have been pushing spending cuts — a crusade that has trickled down to state-level officials.At the Kansas State Board of Education’s April meeting, a motion failed to allow KSDE Child and Wellness services to enter an agreement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters to run public service announcements about summer meal programs. This means that stations associated with KAB won’t air promotional materials about the KSDE’s Sun Meals program, which is separate from the SUN Bucks program.In the 2025-2026 Kansas legislative session, Republicans attempted to insert a provision in the budget that would ban the use of SUN Bucks on candy or soda. Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the provision — and while the Senate overturned her veto, the House did not — ultimately upholding her veto.LaRow with DCF said the department has received 1,294 SUN Bucks applications as of April 11.Corrections: An earlier version of this story miscalculated the number of children who didn’t receive the SUN Bucks benefit, misstated a decision by the Kansas State Board of Education at its April meeting, and didn’t specify that KSDE’s Sun Meals program is separate from the SUN Bucks program.How to apply for SUN BucksApplication is open now through Aug. 29, 2025.Families who did not receive a letter from the Kansas Department for Children and Families in January&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/sunbucks.aspx" target="_blank">can check their eligibility</a>.Families should&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcfapp.kees.ks.gov/apspssp/sspNonMed.portal" target="_blank">apply through the DCF Self-service portal</a>.

Correction: More than 138,000 Kansas children miss out on free summer meals despite eligibility

NEW YORK (AP) — When Random House Publisher Andrew Ward met recently with staff editors to discuss potential book projects, conversation inevitably turned to current events and the Trump administration.

“It seemed obvious that we needed to look back to the country’s core documents,” Ward said. “And that we wanted to get them out quickly.”

On Wednesday, Random House announced that it would publish a hardcover book in July combining the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution" target="_blank">U.S. Constitution,</a>&nbsp;followed in November by a hardcover edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text" target="_blank">the Federalist Papers.</a>&nbsp;Both books include introductions by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jon-meacham-garry-wills-sidney-blumenthal-rick-atkinson-3ba9340ab66b4bf47ce1c87181933e93">Jon Meacham</a>, who has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson among others.

The Random House volumes, released through its Modern Library imprint, will join a prolific market that has surged in recent months. According to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print retail market, editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution are selling at their fastest pace since Circana began compiling numbers in 2004.

Around 162,000 combined copies have sold through mid-April, compared to 58,000 during the same time period the year before and around 33,000 in 2023. Sales were around 92,000 in the early months of Trump’s first term, in 2017, more than double the pace of 2016.

Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst for Circana, said the jump “is likely in response to the recent change of administration” and cited increased interest in other books about democracy and government, among them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5efc9984e90841c7991656de8a235874">Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny”</a>&nbsp;and the Michael Lewis-edited “Who Is Government?” a collection of essays about civil servants by Dave Eggers, Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Vowell and others.

“This pursual of political understanding is playing out in a few different areas,” Connor added.

Meacham, during a recent phone interview with The Associated Press, said that the founders had sought to make sense of a revolutionary era — whether breaking with England or debating how to form a federal government with enough power to rule effectively, without giving it the kind of monarchical authority that enraged the colonies.

Reading the Declaration and other texts, he believes, can give today’s public a similar sense of mission and guiding principles.

“It is a tumultuous moment ... to put it kindly,” Meacham said. “One way to address the chaos of the present time, what Saint Paul would call the ‘tribulations’ of the present time, is to re-engage with the essential texts that are about creating a system that is still worth defending.”

The Modern Library books will have many competitors. The 18th century documents all are in the public domain, can be read for free online and anyone can publish them. According to Circana, popular editions have been released by Skyhorse, Penguin, Barnes &amp; Noble and others.

“We generally see increased sales of editions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution every election cycle, but particularly this year,” said Shannon DeVito, Barnes &amp; Noble’s senior director of book strategy. “This could be because next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” she said, “or the fast and furious current political conversations and policy changes.”

By&nbsp;Hillel ItalieNEW YORK (AP) — When Random House Publisher Andrew Ward met recently with staff editors to discuss potential book projects, conversation inevitably turned to current events and the Trump administration.“It seemed obvious that we needed to look back to the country’s core documents,” Ward said. “And that we wanted to get them out quickly.”On Wednesday, Random House announced that it would publish a hardcover book in July combining the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution" target="_blank">U.S. Constitution,</a>&nbsp;followed in November by a hardcover edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text" target="_blank">the Federalist Papers.</a>&nbsp;Both books include introductions by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jon-meacham-garry-wills-sidney-blumenthal-rick-atkinson-3ba9340ab66b4bf47ce1c87181933e93">Jon Meacham</a>, who has written biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson among others.The Random House volumes, released through its Modern Library imprint, will join a prolific market that has surged in recent months. According to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print retail market, editions of the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and the U.S. Constitution are selling at their fastest pace since Circana began compiling numbers in 2004.Around 162,000 combined copies have sold through mid-April, compared to 58,000 during the same time period the year before and around 33,000 in 2023. Sales were around 92,000 in the early months of Trump’s first term, in 2017, more than double the pace of 2016.Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst for Circana, said the jump “is likely in response to the recent change of administration” and cited increased interest in other books about democracy and government, among them&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/5efc9984e90841c7991656de8a235874">Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny”</a>&nbsp;and the Michael Lewis-edited “Who Is Government?” a collection of essays about civil servants by Dave Eggers, Geraldine Brooks, Sarah Vowell and others.“This pursual of political understanding is playing out in a few different areas,” Connor added.Meacham, during a recent phone interview with The Associated Press, said that the founders had sought to make sense of a revolutionary era — whether breaking with England or debating how to form a federal government with enough power to rule effectively, without giving it the kind of monarchical authority that enraged the colonies.Reading the Declaration and other texts, he believes, can give today’s public a similar sense of mission and guiding principles.“It is a tumultuous moment ... to put it kindly,” Meacham said. “One way to address the chaos of the present time, what Saint Paul would call the ‘tribulations’ of the present time, is to re-engage with the essential texts that are about creating a system that is still worth defending.”The Modern Library books will have many competitors. The 18th century documents all are in the public domain, can be read for free online and anyone can publish them. According to Circana, popular editions have been released by Skyhorse, Penguin, Barnes &amp; Noble and others.“We generally see increased sales of editions of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution every election cycle, but particularly this year,” said Shannon DeVito, Barnes &amp; Noble’s senior director of book strategy. “This could be because next year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,” she said, “or the fast and furious current political conversations and policy changes.”<figure>
 <img src="https://choices.trustarc.com/get?name=admarker-full-tl.png" alt="" />
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Publishers see surging interest in the US Constitution and print new editions

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The FBI on Friday arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the Republican president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">sweeping immigration crackdown</a>.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of escorting the man and his lawyer out of her courtroom through the jury door last week after learning that immigration authorities were seeking his arrest. The man was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot.

President Donald Trump's administration has accused state and local officials of interfering with his immigration enforcement priorities. The arrest also comes amid a growing battle between the administration and the federal judiciary over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-enforcement-deportation-public-polling-df7d0d35dfa031e1444bfa9e9e0b13bd">the president’s executive actions over deportations and other matters</a>.

Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI on Friday morning on the courthouse grounds, according to U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. She appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee later Friday before being released from custody. She faces charges of “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest” and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.

“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety," her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said during the hearing. He declined to comment to an Associated Press reporter following her court appearance.

Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement on the arrest, accused the Trump administration of repeatedly using “dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”

“I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law," he said.

Court papers suggest Dugan was alerted to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the courthouse by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.

The FBI affidavit describes Dugan as “visibly angry” over the arrival of immigration agents in the courthouse and says that she pronounced the situation “absurd” before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. It says she and another judge later approached members of the arrest team inside the courthouse, displaying what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.”

After a back-and-forth with officers over the warrant for the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, she demanded that the arrest team speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, the affidavit says.

After directing the arrest team to the chief judge's office, investigators say, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of “wait, come with me” before ushering Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a jury door into a non-public area of the courthouse. The action was unusual, the affidavit says, because “only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door. Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door.”

A sign that remained posted on Dugan’s courtroom door Friday advised that if any attorney or other court official “knows or believes that a person feels unsafe coming to the courthouse to courtroom 615,” they should notify the clerk and request an appearance via Zoom.

Flores-Ruiz, 30, was in Dugan’s court for a hearing after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. Confronted by a roommate for playing loud music on March 12, Flores-Ruiz allegedly fought with him in the kitchen and struck a woman who tried to break them up, according to the police affidavit in the case.

Another woman who tried to break up the fight and called police allegedly got elbowed in the arm by Flores-Ruiz.

Flores-Ruiz faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count if convicted. His public defender, Alexander Kostal, did not immediately return a phone message Friday seeking comment.

A federal judge, the same one Dugan would appear before a day later, had ordered Thursday that Flores-Ruiz remain jailed pending trial. Flores-Ruiz had been in the U.S. since reentering the country after he was deported in 2013, according to court documents.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said victims were sitting in the courtroom with state prosecutors when the judge helped him escape immigration arrest.

The judge “put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase -- it’s absurd that that had to happen,” Bondi said on Fox News Channel.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who represents Wisconsin, called the arrest of a sitting judge a “gravely serious and drastic move” that “threatens to breach” the separation of power between the executive and judicial branches.

Emilio De Torre, executive director of Milwaukee Turners, said during a protest Friday afternoon outside the federal courthouse that Dugan was a former board member for the local civic group who “was certainly trying to make sure that due process is not disrupted and that the sanctity of the courts is upheld.”

“Sending armed FBI and ICE agents into buildings like this will intimidate individuals showing up to court to pay fines, to deal with whatever court proceedings they may have,” De Torre added.

The case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0f3592d82aa14d4d8a0f6a3da59258d3">against a Massachusetts judge</a>, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a back door of a courthouse to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent.

That prosecution sparked outrage from many in the legal community, who slammed the case as politically motivated. Prosecutors dropped the case against Newton District Judge Shelley Joseph in 2022 under the Democratic Biden administration after she agreed to refer herself to a state agency that investigates allegations of misconduct by members of the bench.

The Justice Department had previously signaled that it was going to crack down on local officials who thwart federal immigration efforts.

The department in January ordered prosecutors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-immigration-enforcement-f0e3fc616da9746796378d1cd6385b1b">investigate for potential criminal charges</a>&nbsp;any state and local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions. As potential avenues for prosecution, a memo cited a conspiracy offense as well as a law prohibiting the harboring of people in the country illegally.

Dugan was elected in 2016 to the county court Branch 31. She also has served in the court’s probate and civil divisions, according to her judicial candidate biography.

Before being elected to public office, Dugan practiced at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981 with a bachelor of arts degree and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745621926702.png" alt="This 2016 photo shows Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee. (Lee Matz/Milwaukee Independent via AP)" />
 <figcaption>This 2016 photo shows Judge Hannah Dugan in Milwaukee. (Lee Matz/Milwaukee Independent via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — The FBI on Friday arrested a Milwaukee judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and local authorities over the Republican president’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-deportation-poll-el-salvador-81f8040599b9c585554678371e12ed5a">sweeping immigration crackdown</a>.Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan is accused of escorting the man and his lawyer out of her courtroom through the jury door last week after learning that immigration authorities were seeking his arrest. The man was taken into custody outside the courthouse after agents chased him on foot.President Donald Trump's administration has accused state and local officials of interfering with his immigration enforcement priorities. The arrest also comes amid a growing battle between the administration and the federal judiciary over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-immigration-enforcement-deportation-public-polling-df7d0d35dfa031e1444bfa9e9e0b13bd">the president’s executive actions over deportations and other matters</a>.Dugan was taken into custody by the FBI on Friday morning on the courthouse grounds, according to U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. She appeared briefly in federal court in Milwaukee later Friday before being released from custody. She faces charges of “concealing an individual to prevent his discovery and arrest” and obstructing or impeding a proceeding.“Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety," her attorney, Craig Mastantuono, said during the hearing. He declined to comment to an Associated Press reporter following her court appearance.Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement on the arrest, accused the Trump administration of repeatedly using “dangerous rhetoric to attack and attempt to undermine our judiciary at every level.”“I will continue to put my faith in our justice system as this situation plays out in the court of law," he said.Court papers suggest Dugan was alerted to the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the courthouse by her clerk, who was informed by an attorney that they appeared to be in the hallway.The FBI affidavit describes Dugan as “visibly angry” over the arrival of immigration agents in the courthouse and says that she pronounced the situation “absurd” before leaving the bench and retreating to her chambers. It says she and another judge later approached members of the arrest team inside the courthouse, displaying what witnesses described as a “confrontational, angry demeanor.”After a back-and-forth with officers over the warrant for the man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, she demanded that the arrest team speak with the chief judge and led them away from the courtroom, the affidavit says.After directing the arrest team to the chief judge's office, investigators say, Dugan returned to the courtroom and was heard saying words to the effect of “wait, come with me” before ushering Flores-Ruiz and his lawyer through a jury door into a non-public area of the courthouse. The action was unusual, the affidavit says, because “only deputies, juries, court staff, and in-custody defendants being escorted by deputies used the back jury door. Defense attorneys and defendants who were not in custody never used the jury door.”A sign that remained posted on Dugan’s courtroom door Friday advised that if any attorney or other court official “knows or believes that a person feels unsafe coming to the courthouse to courtroom 615,” they should notify the clerk and request an appearance via Zoom.Flores-Ruiz, 30, was in Dugan’s court for a hearing after being charged with three counts of misdemeanor domestic battery. Confronted by a roommate for playing loud music on March 12, Flores-Ruiz allegedly fought with him in the kitchen and struck a woman who tried to break them up, according to the police affidavit in the case.Another woman who tried to break up the fight and called police allegedly got elbowed in the arm by Flores-Ruiz.Flores-Ruiz faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine on each count if convicted. His public defender, Alexander Kostal, did not immediately return a phone message Friday seeking comment.A federal judge, the same one Dugan would appear before a day later, had ordered Thursday that Flores-Ruiz remain jailed pending trial. Flores-Ruiz had been in the U.S. since reentering the country after he was deported in 2013, according to court documents.Attorney General Pam Bondi said victims were sitting in the courtroom with state prosecutors when the judge helped him escape immigration arrest.The judge “put the lives of our law enforcement officers at risk. She put the lives of citizens at risk. A street chase -- it’s absurd that that had to happen,” Bondi said on Fox News Channel.Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who represents Wisconsin, called the arrest of a sitting judge a “gravely serious and drastic move” that “threatens to breach” the separation of power between the executive and judicial branches.Emilio De Torre, executive director of Milwaukee Turners, said during a protest Friday afternoon outside the federal courthouse that Dugan was a former board member for the local civic group who “was certainly trying to make sure that due process is not disrupted and that the sanctity of the courts is upheld.”“Sending armed FBI and ICE agents into buildings like this will intimidate individuals showing up to court to pay fines, to deal with whatever court proceedings they may have,” De Torre added.The case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0f3592d82aa14d4d8a0f6a3da59258d3">against a Massachusetts judge</a>, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a back door of a courthouse to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent.That prosecution sparked outrage from many in the legal community, who slammed the case as politically motivated. Prosecutors dropped the case against Newton District Judge Shelley Joseph in 2022 under the Democratic Biden administration after she agreed to refer herself to a state agency that investigates allegations of misconduct by members of the bench.The Justice Department had previously signaled that it was going to crack down on local officials who thwart federal immigration efforts.The department in January ordered prosecutors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-immigration-enforcement-f0e3fc616da9746796378d1cd6385b1b">investigate for potential criminal charges</a>&nbsp;any state and local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions. As potential avenues for prosecution, a memo cited a conspiracy offense as well as a law prohibiting the harboring of people in the country illegally.Dugan was elected in 2016 to the county court Branch 31. She also has served in the court’s probate and civil divisions, according to her judicial candidate biography.Before being elected to public office, Dugan practiced at Legal Action of Wisconsin and the Legal Aid Society. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981 with a bachelor of arts degree and earned her Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the school.___

FBI arrests  judge accused of helping a man evade immigration authorities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583537421044.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div>KSHSAA Covered
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TOPEKA, Kan. &ndash; The state volleyball and basketball formats will look different starting next school year, and the shot clock is officially in the postseason. Those items were approved during the KSHSAA Executive Board and Board of Director Meetings on Thursday. &nbsp; Volleyball&nbsp;- The traditional two-day format for state volleyball will now be played across three days for classes 6A, 5A, 4 A, 3A, 2A and 1A DI. There will still be two days of competition for each classification, but of the three sites with two classifications, the teams there will alternate days of pool play, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to all play the semifinals, consolation and finals on Saturday. The 1A DII state volleyball format will remain the same. &nbsp; &ldquo;This decision is really centered around what is best for the student-athlete,&rdquo; said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Sarah Smith. &ldquo;The traditional two-day format put students in a situation where we were competing well into the night, sometimes at midnight. This allows for teams to be well rested before their most important match of the year.&rdquo; &nbsp; Thursday &amp; Friday Schedule/Format Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play on Thursday during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will play on Thursday during odd-numbered years. Whoever does not play Thursday will play the same time schedule/format on Friday. &nbsp; 10:00 am: 4 vs 5; 3 vs 6 11:00 am: 1 vs 8; 2 vs 7 12:00 pm: 4 vs 8; 3 vs 7 1:00 pm: 1 vs 5; 2 vs 6 2:00 pm: 5 vs 8; 6 vs 7 3:00 pm: 1 vs 4; 2 vs 3 &nbsp; Saturday Schedule/Format Even-numbered classifications (6A, 4A, 2A) will play bracket play in the morning during even-numbered years; odd numbered classifications (5A, 3A, 1A Div I) will bracket play in the morning during odd-numbered years. 1A Div II will keep their current schedule/format. &nbsp; Even Numbered Classes (assuming this is an even-numbered year) 9:00 am: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1 10:30 am: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match &nbsp; Odd Numbered Classes (assuming this is an odd-numbered year) 1:00 pm: 1st Place Pool 1 vs 2nd Place Pool 2; 1st Place Pool 2 vs 2nd Place Pool 1 2:30 pm: 3rd Place Match; Championship Match &nbsp; Basketball&nbsp;&ndash; In June of 2024 the KSHSAA Executive Board approved the plan to move state basketball to four sites to align with the membership&rsquo;s desire to combine championship venues as the association did with football and soccer this school year.&nbsp;On Thursday, the board approved the next step of the plan to move the quarterfinal round to a select group of neutral sites. While sites are not fully finalized, the general premise will be to place the higher seeds playing their opening round game closer to home so far as possible. There will be cases when the travel distance for the opponent is too great so a neutral site in the middle of the two schools will be selected. This could include multiple classes playing at the same site.&nbsp; There will be a total of four sites around the state for semifinals and finals.&nbsp;The quarterfinal sites and the semifinal and final sites have not been selected at this time. More information will be available soon. &nbsp; Also approved Thursday was the next step for the shot clock. The KSHSAA Executive Board approved the following for mandatory adoption during the postseason: &nbsp; Class 6A, 5A and 4A - 2025-26 Class 3A and 2A &ndash; 2026-27 Class 1A DI and Class 1ADII &ndash; 2027-28 &nbsp; The KSHSAA collected data throughout the year from those schools who chose to use the shot clock and sent a survey after the basketball season to every school asking for their opinion on the future of the shot clock.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Basketball/pdf/ShotClockData.pdf">Results of the data from the season and the survey are linked here.</a> &nbsp; Football&nbsp;&ndash; The KSHSAA Board of Directors made an adjustment to the classification limits for teams eligible to compete in 8-player and 6-player football. KSHSAA Handbook Rule 35 now reads: For 8-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 110 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. For 6-Player district football participation, assignments shall be limited to those schools with a maximum enrollment of 65 students in grades 9, 10 and 11. The change will go into effect for the next football districting cycle. &nbsp; Meeting minutes reflecting these actions and others will be posted when completed:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/General/BoardMeetingsAndAgendas.cfm">Meetings and Agendas</a></div>

KSHSAA legislative boards approve several changes

The Reno County Coaches Show &amp; More airs every Thursday from 6-6:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5). On this week's show, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC Sports Information Director, Steve Carpenter, while Glen Grunwald visits with Hutchinson High School girls soccer coach, Jordan Proffitt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726138917283.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County Coaches Show &amp; More airs every Thursday from 6-6:30 p.m. on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5). On this week's show, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC Sports Information Director, Steve Carpenter, while Glen Grunwald visits with Hutchinson High School girls soccer coach, Jordan Proffitt.<div><iframe title="Reno County Coaches Show & More (April 24, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=pc67y-188dac8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Reno County Coaches Show & More (Steve Carpenter, Jordan Proffitt)

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</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>

TOPEKA — Surrounded by the shouts and chatter of children playing, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed legislation consolidating the state’s early childhood services under one department and supporting creation of more child care openings.

“When I ran for governor in 2018, I often said that, should I leave a legacy, I wanted to leave behind the most comprehensive early childhood system in the nation, so that our children, their families, our businesses and our communities could thrive,” Kelly told a crowd gathered at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.

Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/HB2045/" target="_blank">House Bill 2045</a>, which creates the Office of Early Childhood, effectively consolidating more than 20 Kansas programs having to do with children, child care and other issues under one banner. In addition, the bill is expected to increase availability of much-needed child care slots, although critics have voiced concerns that it softened licensure requirements.&nbsp;

The bill allows fewer education requirements for some workers in a child care facility and changes ratios of the number of adults to children. It also matches vaccination requirements to those currently in place for children attending school.

Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said he worked on the bill for three years and that the final product, while not without its costs, was effective and good.&nbsp;

“We do have a day care gap that we have to address,” he said. “But we have to be careful to make sure we’re not changing so much that it harms our children.”

Kelly said some concerns raised about the bill were misguided because people didn’t understand that much of the language included in HB 2045 was already in statute elsewhere.&nbsp;

“Some of the concerns, like the wording on certain provisions within that, those are things that were already in statute,” she said. “They were just sort of put into the child care conversation, but were already existing. But I felt very comfortable that what we ended up with addressed a lot of concerns.”

Kelly said objections to the vaccination language in HB 2045 was one of those misunderstood issues.&nbsp;

“That language already exists in state law, and we just put it into child care regulations,” she said.&nbsp;

Sen. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, spoke to the crowd while holding her 11-month-old daughter, Brynn. She said she and her husband put their names on a child care wait list in 2020, and then it took them longer than expected to have a child. A spot didn’t come open until just after their daughter was born in May 2024, she said.&nbsp;

“Many folks are not working because either they can’t afford it or they don’t have access to it,” Blew said. “The thing about child care is it’s an issue across every state. Hopefully more states will look to Kansas on what we’re doing here.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, equated the legislation to a promise to Kansas families.&nbsp;

“By establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, this bill takes a transformative step toward making child care in Kansas more accessible, more affordable and more effective,” she said.

“Kansas will now have a centralized, accountable agency with an executive director focused entirely on those early childhood services,” Sykes added. “This means more coordination, less confusion and better results.”

Kelly said it had been clear for some time that the current system in Kansas wasn’t meeting the needs of providers, communities and businesses. This legislation ensures a stronger, more comprehensive and flexible system for providers, she said.&nbsp;

“We know the earliest years of childhood are crucial in determining the trajectory of one’s entire life, including economic health and social outcomes,” Kelly said. “A robust, flourishing early childhood system not only benefits our children, but it’s also critical to our state’s economic growth and well-being.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745529889675.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly called the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood through House Bill 2045 one of the legacies will she leave behind. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly called the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood through House Bill 2045 one of the legacies will she leave behind. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</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>TOPEKA — Surrounded by the shouts and chatter of children playing, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed legislation consolidating the state’s early childhood services under one department and supporting creation of more child care openings.“When I ran for governor in 2018, I often said that, should I leave a legacy, I wanted to leave behind the most comprehensive early childhood system in the nation, so that our children, their families, our businesses and our communities could thrive,” Kelly told a crowd gathered at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.Kelly signed&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/HB2045/" target="_blank">House Bill 2045</a>, which creates the Office of Early Childhood, effectively consolidating more than 20 Kansas programs having to do with children, child care and other issues under one banner. In addition, the bill is expected to increase availability of much-needed child care slots, although critics have voiced concerns that it softened licensure requirements.&nbsp;The bill allows fewer education requirements for some workers in a child care facility and changes ratios of the number of adults to children. It also matches vaccination requirements to those currently in place for children attending school.Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said he worked on the bill for three years and that the final product, while not without its costs, was effective and good.&nbsp;“We do have a day care gap that we have to address,” he said. “But we have to be careful to make sure we’re not changing so much that it harms our children.”Kelly said some concerns raised about the bill were misguided because people didn’t understand that much of the language included in HB 2045 was already in statute elsewhere.&nbsp;“Some of the concerns, like the wording on certain provisions within that, those are things that were already in statute,” she said. “They were just sort of put into the child care conversation, but were already existing. But I felt very comfortable that what we ended up with addressed a lot of concerns.”Kelly said objections to the vaccination language in HB 2045 was one of those misunderstood issues.&nbsp;“That language already exists in state law, and we just put it into child care regulations,” she said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745529889675.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly called the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood through House Bill 2045 one of the legacies will she leave behind. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly called the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood through House Bill 2045 one of the legacies will she leave behind. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, spoke to the crowd while holding her 11-month-old daughter, Brynn. She said she and her husband put their names on a child care wait list in 2020, and then it took them longer than expected to have a child. A spot didn’t come open until just after their daughter was born in May 2024, she said.&nbsp;“Many folks are not working because either they can’t afford it or they don’t have access to it,” Blew said. “The thing about child care is it’s an issue across every state. Hopefully more states will look to Kansas on what we’re doing here.”Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, equated the legislation to a promise to Kansas families.&nbsp;“By establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, this bill takes a transformative step toward making child care in Kansas more accessible, more affordable and more effective,” she said.“Kansas will now have a centralized, accountable agency with an executive director focused entirely on those early childhood services,” Sykes added. “This means more coordination, less confusion and better results.”Kelly said it had been clear for some time that the current system in Kansas wasn’t meeting the needs of providers, communities and businesses. This legislation ensures a stronger, more comprehensive and flexible system for providers, she said.&nbsp;“We know the earliest years of childhood are crucial in determining the trajectory of one’s entire life, including economic health and social outcomes,” Kelly said. “A robust, flourishing early childhood system not only benefits our children, but it’s also critical to our state’s economic growth and well-being.”

Kansas governor signs legislation to expand child care access, create Office of Early Childhood

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded more than $1.5 million in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) funding to support 19 projects revitalizing downtown buildings across the state. When matched with more than $6.4 million in local contributions, this round of HEAL funding brings the total investment to approximately $7.9 million.&nbsp;

“Our rural communities are some of the best places to be in Kansas — and it’s because we are intentional with how we invest in them and how we want them to grow,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing our historic buildings, we can create spaces that drive community growth and bring in new economic opportunities for the entire state.”

By providing matching grants through a competitive process, HEAL helps communities transform vacant spaces into thriving hubs for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities and entrepreneurship. These awards are designed to breathe new life into rural downtown districts. In doing so, HEAL fosters reinvestment, encourages community engagement and boosts the overall economic health of Kansas communities.&nbsp;

“Since 2021, the HEAL program has helped transform 96 buildings in rural Kansas, generating economic opportunity, creating new jobs and strengthening the vitality of our downtown areas,”&nbsp;Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said.&nbsp;“This group of projects will save buildings in some of the smallest communities in Kansas.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736780975891.png" alt=" Lt. Gov. David Toland, secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Lt. Gov. David Toland, secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA&nbsp;– Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded more than $1.5 million in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) funding to support 19 projects revitalizing downtown buildings across the state. When matched with more than $6.4 million in local contributions, this round of HEAL funding brings the total investment to approximately $7.9 million.&nbsp;“Our rural communities are some of the best places to be in Kansas — and it’s because we are intentional with how we invest in them and how we want them to grow,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing our historic buildings, we can create spaces that drive community growth and bring in new economic opportunities for the entire state.”By providing matching grants through a competitive process, HEAL helps communities transform vacant spaces into thriving hubs for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities and entrepreneurship. These awards are designed to breathe new life into rural downtown districts. In doing so, HEAL fosters reinvestment, encourages community engagement and boosts the overall economic health of Kansas communities.&nbsp;“Since 2021, the HEAL program has helped transform 96 buildings in rural Kansas, generating economic opportunity, creating new jobs and strengthening the vitality of our downtown areas,”&nbsp;Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said.&nbsp;“This group of projects will save buildings in some of the smallest communities in Kansas.”<h2>Hutch Post Area HEAL awardees</h2><ul>
 <li>Halstead: 204 Main St., $64,300 - Round 3.0</li><li>Hutchinson: 14 N. Main St., $75,000 - Round 3.0</li><li>Kingman: First National Bank Building, $100,000 - Round 5.0</li><li>Lindsborg: Lindsborg Mercantile Co., 131 N. Main, $57,750 - Round 4.0</li><li>Lyons: Lyons Hogans Building, $30,000 - Round 4.0</li><li>Newton: HL Hart Building Coworking &amp; Apartment, $65,000 - Round 1.0</li><li>Sterling: 105 E. Main, $75,000 - Round 3.0</li>
 </ul>

Commerce awards over $1.5 million to help fund downtown revitalization projects

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2045%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/9ISwdF7PxGJMfE9b6L394_InVJOVFaA2C6GD5p5sSMU=402">House&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;2045</a>, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. House Bill 2045 received widespread bipartisan support, passing the Kansas House of Representatives 99-23 and the Kansas Senate 30-10. This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“House Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.”&nbsp;

Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office, which will officially open in mid-2026, will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Office of Early Childhood will be staffed by current state employees who will be retained in their existing roles and funded through existing state resources, as the office’s functions already exist across state government. The governor will appoint a transition director and interagency transition team to oversee the process of consolidating programs into the office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Kansas has a very urgent need for more, affordable child care and this legislation hits directly at bottlenecks in the system that, quite frankly, suppress availability and drive up cost,”&nbsp;said Speaker of the House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “These are real solutions that will immediately increase slots by reducing overly burdensome regulations, streamlining support services for providers and families, and addressing underserved and rural shortages by increasing flexibility for home-based providers. I especially want to thank House Commerce Chair Sean Tarwater, Vice Chair Adam Turk, and Representative Laura Williams for their tireless work to solve these issues without growing government in the process.”&nbsp;

House Bill 2045 also streamlines early childhood licensure processes and regulatory structures to eliminate barriers to becoming a licensed child care provider and support the early childhood workforce. The bill sets standards for various career pathways and qualification requirements for various early childhood educator positions. The bill also authorizes the creation of pilot programs for developing new licensure categories and eliminates certain licensure fees currently charged to providers, allowing for more child care businesses to open and slots to be created.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With over half of Kansas families struggling to find affordable child care, the child care crisis impacts children, stresses parents, and slows our economy,”&nbsp;said Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes.&nbsp;“Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood will help parents and children by eliminating the red tape that makes it difficult for families to access services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

This legislation implements the recommendations of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force, which Governor Kelly established in January 2023 via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F142%2F57%3Ffsiteid=1%26arch=1%23!%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/XegYpa6HqXApXFg0b0bYRV3qIWD-nVKLR_S1nvXM2RA=402">Executive Order 23-01</a>, the first of her second term. The task force, comprised of bipartisan leaders and experts, spent a year reviewing Kansas’ current early childhood system and developed this consolidation structure. Through collaboration between the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders, similar legislation was consideration during the 2024 Legislative Session but was not enacted.&nbsp;

Through partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly has previously signed legislation to cut child care costs for working families through $18 million in expanded tax credits, allow for more businesses to access tax credits for providing child care to their employees, and expand the Imagination Library of Kansas to all children between 0-5 years of age. Today, Kansas has more licensed child care slots than ever before, including 7,700 new licensed child care slots since Governor Kelly took office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745519320930.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Governor's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Governor's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Governor's OfficeTOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2045%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/9ISwdF7PxGJMfE9b6L394_InVJOVFaA2C6GD5p5sSMU=402">House&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;2045</a>, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. House Bill 2045 received widespread bipartisan support, passing the Kansas House of Representatives 99-23 and the Kansas Senate 30-10. This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;“House Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.”&nbsp;Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office, which will officially open in mid-2026, will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Office of Early Childhood will be staffed by current state employees who will be retained in their existing roles and funded through existing state resources, as the office’s functions already exist across state government. The governor will appoint a transition director and interagency transition team to oversee the process of consolidating programs into the office.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kansas has a very urgent need for more, affordable child care and this legislation hits directly at bottlenecks in the system that, quite frankly, suppress availability and drive up cost,”&nbsp;said Speaker of the House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “These are real solutions that will immediately increase slots by reducing overly burdensome regulations, streamlining support services for providers and families, and addressing underserved and rural shortages by increasing flexibility for home-based providers. I especially want to thank House Commerce Chair Sean Tarwater, Vice Chair Adam Turk, and Representative Laura Williams for their tireless work to solve these issues without growing government in the process.”&nbsp;House Bill 2045 also streamlines early childhood licensure processes and regulatory structures to eliminate barriers to becoming a licensed child care provider and support the early childhood workforce. The bill sets standards for various career pathways and qualification requirements for various early childhood educator positions. The bill also authorizes the creation of pilot programs for developing new licensure categories and eliminates certain licensure fees currently charged to providers, allowing for more child care businesses to open and slots to be created.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With over half of Kansas families struggling to find affordable child care, the child care crisis impacts children, stresses parents, and slows our economy,”&nbsp;said Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes.&nbsp;“Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood will help parents and children by eliminating the red tape that makes it difficult for families to access services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;This legislation implements the recommendations of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force, which Governor Kelly established in January 2023 via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F142%2F57%3Ffsiteid=1%26arch=1%23!%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/XegYpa6HqXApXFg0b0bYRV3qIWD-nVKLR_S1nvXM2RA=402">Executive Order 23-01</a>, the first of her second term. The task force, comprised of bipartisan leaders and experts, spent a year reviewing Kansas’ current early childhood system and developed this consolidation structure. Through collaboration between the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders, similar legislation was consideration during the 2024 Legislative Session but was not enacted.&nbsp;Through partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly has previously signed legislation to cut child care costs for working families through $18 million in expanded tax credits, allow for more businesses to access tax credits for providing child care to their employees, and expand the Imagination Library of Kansas to all children between 0-5 years of age. Today, Kansas has more licensed child care slots than ever before, including 7,700 new licensed child care slots since Governor Kelly took office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly signs landmark bipartisan early childhood legislation 

Antonio “Tony” Flores, Jr., lovingly known as “Boss” to his family, employees, and many patrons, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on February 18, 1938, in Meade, Kansas, to Antonio and Lus (Perez) Flores, Sr.

Tony began his career working for the railroad before serving in the United States Army. After returning to Hutchinson, he held positions at Hartmann Manufacturing and Krause Plow. An entrepreneur at heart, Tony acquired the Anchor Inn on September 10, 1976. Tony continued to pursue many different business ventures including Anchor Away. He had a gift for connecting with people and built lasting friendships with restaurant patrons. Tony was always welcoming and was a familiar face at his restaurant, greeting guests daily.

Tony was an avid businessman and actively served his community as a catalyst for the redevelopment of downtown Hutchinson and in the establishment of antique dealers in the south Hutchinson business area. He was a cofounder of the Cinco De Mayo Charitable Trust, a member of the Community Improvement Commission, served as a member of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, a cofounder of the Old Towne Merchants Association, a past president of the American G I Forum and a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Kansas. Tony was also a recipient of various business awards, including Buena Gente “El Patron” Community Service, Sam Walton Business Leader, the Greater Hutchinson Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Award as business of the year and a special recognition at the Kansas State Capital. However, his devotion to his family always came first, and he instilled in them the values of faith, unconditional love, and a strong work ethic.&nbsp;

On April 8, 1961, Tony married the love of his life (secretary), Raquel “Rachel” Ramirez, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where he was a faithful member. Together they dedicated their time, talents, and love to their business, community and family. They also shared many years together traveling and creating lifelong memories.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rachel; his children: Helen Flores, Carmen Hill (Claude), Angie Raya, Antonio Flores (Audry), Gregory Flores (Letitia), and Esther Acosta (Filiberto), all of Hutchinson; his daughter by heart, Vicki Loyd; and sisters: Jane Amaya (Santos), Dolores “Lola” Flores, Cindy Flores, and Rosie Landron. He is also survived by his brothers: Daniel Flores (Carol), Larry Flores (Connie Johnson), and Gregory Flores, Sr. (Susan); 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous current and past employees, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cruz Marquez, Celsa Flores, and Linda Vieyra; brother, Gary Allen Flores; his beloved grandson, Tanner Anthony Flores; and son-in-law, Gabriel Raya.

A Parish Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson. To accommodate the expected large attendance, the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Father Eric M. Weldon will officiate both services. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

Friends may visit Elliott Mortuary from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. The family will receive visitors on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745518624321.jpeg" alt="Antonio "Tony" Flores, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Antonio "Tony" Flores, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>Antonio “Tony” Flores, Jr., lovingly known as “Boss” to his family, employees, and many patrons, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on February 18, 1938, in Meade, Kansas, to Antonio and Lus (Perez) Flores, Sr.Tony began his career working for the railroad before serving in the United States Army. After returning to Hutchinson, he held positions at Hartmann Manufacturing and Krause Plow. An entrepreneur at heart, Tony acquired the Anchor Inn on September 10, 1976. Tony continued to pursue many different business ventures including Anchor Away. He had a gift for connecting with people and built lasting friendships with restaurant patrons. Tony was always welcoming and was a familiar face at his restaurant, greeting guests daily.Tony was an avid businessman and actively served his community as a catalyst for the redevelopment of downtown Hutchinson and in the establishment of antique dealers in the south Hutchinson business area. He was a cofounder of the Cinco De Mayo Charitable Trust, a member of the Community Improvement Commission, served as a member of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, a cofounder of the Old Towne Merchants Association, a past president of the American G I Forum and a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Kansas. Tony was also a recipient of various business awards, including Buena Gente “El Patron” Community Service, Sam Walton Business Leader, the Greater Hutchinson Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Award as business of the year and a special recognition at the Kansas State Capital. However, his devotion to his family always came first, and he instilled in them the values of faith, unconditional love, and a strong work ethic.&nbsp;On April 8, 1961, Tony married the love of his life (secretary), Raquel “Rachel” Ramirez, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where he was a faithful member. Together they dedicated their time, talents, and love to their business, community and family. They also shared many years together traveling and creating lifelong memories.Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rachel; his children: Helen Flores, Carmen Hill (Claude), Angie Raya, Antonio Flores (Audry), Gregory Flores (Letitia), and Esther Acosta (Filiberto), all of Hutchinson; his daughter by heart, Vicki Loyd; and sisters: Jane Amaya (Santos), Dolores “Lola” Flores, Cindy Flores, and Rosie Landron. He is also survived by his brothers: Daniel Flores (Carol), Larry Flores (Connie Johnson), and Gregory Flores, Sr. (Susan); 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous current and past employees, and extended family.He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cruz Marquez, Celsa Flores, and Linda Vieyra; brother, Gary Allen Flores; his beloved grandson, Tanner Anthony Flores; and son-in-law, Gabriel Raya.A Parish Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson. To accommodate the expected large attendance, the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Father Eric M. Weldon will officiate both services. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.Friends may visit Elliott Mortuary from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. The family will receive visitors on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Antonio "Tony" Flores, Jr. |1938-2025|

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A federal judge rejected a former Kansas foster care leader’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/04/federal-prosecutor-tells-court-ex-saint-francis-leader-is-a-flight-risk-if-he-travels-to-el-salvador/">request to leave the country</a>, even though a Chicago faith leader vouched for him.

Robert “Father Bobby” Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He asked the court last month to travel from his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, to El Salvador so he could visit his ex-wife and attend their daughter’s high school graduation.

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse sided with a prosecutor who warned that Smith was a flight risk, based on family connections and the federal government’s inability to apprehend him if he stayed in El Salvador.

Pastor Corey Brooks, of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcchurchchi.org/" target="_blank">New Beginnings Church of Chicago</a>, wrote a letter dated April 10 to the judge in support of Smith’s request to travel.

“I have every confidence that his intent is to attend the graduation, celebrate his daughter’s success, and return to Tennessee,” Brooks wrote.

Brooks said he believes so much in Smith that he was willing to travel with him to the graduation.

But court records show Crouse denied Smith’s request at an April 16 hearing.

The judge also set a status conference for April 30. Past court filings showed Smith and co-defendant William Whymark, the former IT director for Saint Francis, are&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">negotiating a plea deal</a>.

The two are accused of defrauding Saint Francis, the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, of at least $4.7 million.

Saint Francis hired Smith, who had been ordained as an Episcopal priest by the Diocese of Chicago, as president and CEO in 2014. Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">first reported</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/15/kansas-based-foster-care-providers-financial-turmoil-cubs-tickets-amplify-concerns-in-nebraska/">allegations of misconduct</a>&nbsp;by Smith and Whymark shortly after they left Saint Francis in November 2020.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">Internal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">external</a>&nbsp;audits revealed excessive billing for IT services and charges by Smith for lavish personal expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235188905.png" alt="&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries in November 2020 severed ties with CEO Robert "Father Bobby" Smith and other leaders following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries in November 2020 severed ties with CEO Robert "Father Bobby" Smith and other leaders following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A federal judge rejected a former Kansas foster care leader’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/04/04/federal-prosecutor-tells-court-ex-saint-francis-leader-is-a-flight-risk-if-he-travels-to-el-salvador/">request to leave the country</a>, even though a Chicago faith leader vouched for him.Robert “Father Bobby” Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He asked the court last month to travel from his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, to El Salvador so he could visit his ex-wife and attend their daughter’s high school graduation.U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse sided with a prosecutor who warned that Smith was a flight risk, based on family connections and the federal government’s inability to apprehend him if he stayed in El Salvador.Pastor Corey Brooks, of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcchurchchi.org/" target="_blank">New Beginnings Church of Chicago</a>, wrote a letter dated April 10 to the judge in support of Smith’s request to travel.“I have every confidence that his intent is to attend the graduation, celebrate his daughter’s success, and return to Tennessee,” Brooks wrote.Brooks said he believes so much in Smith that he was willing to travel with him to the graduation.But court records show Crouse denied Smith’s request at an April 16 hearing.The judge also set a status conference for April 30. Past court filings showed Smith and co-defendant William Whymark, the former IT director for Saint Francis, are&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/27/former-leaders-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-negotiating-plea-deal-in-federal-fraud-case/">negotiating a plea deal</a>.The two are accused of defrauding Saint Francis, the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, of at least $4.7 million.Saint Francis hired Smith, who had been ordained as an Episcopal priest by the Diocese of Chicago, as president and CEO in 2014. Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/04/kansas-agency-serving-3100-foster-children-accused-of-rampant-financial-mismanagement/">first reported</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/15/kansas-based-foster-care-providers-financial-turmoil-cubs-tickets-amplify-concerns-in-nebraska/">allegations of misconduct</a>&nbsp;by Smith and Whymark shortly after they left Saint Francis in November 2020.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">Internal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">external</a>&nbsp;audits revealed excessive billing for IT services and charges by Smith for lavish personal expenses.

Federal judge denies former foster care leader’s request to travel to El Salvador

NEWTON, Kan. - Harvey County has selected Kevin Frymire as its next administrator. He will begin in that capacity May 27.

The Harvey County Commission approved Frymire’s hiring at a special meeting on Wednesday.

“The administrator role carries many challenges in county government. We were excited to have several qualified candidates for the position,” said Commission Chairman Don Schroeder. “Kevin stood out for his professionalism, budgeting experience and leadership. As a board, we feel extremely confident in Kevin as he leads our organization for many years to come.”

Frymire brings to Harvey County executive-level experience from the private sector.

A licensed nursing home administrator, Frymire currently serves as the executive director of Dove Estates, an assisted living community in Goddard. He was named to that role in 2018. Previously, he was the executive director for Villa Maria.

Frymire’s leadership positions combined experiences in project management, human resources and financial management, key traits he is eager to follow through on with Harvey County.

“I’m looking forward to working with our department heads as we continue to develop a common goal for Harvey County,” Frymire said. “We’re beholden to the taxpayers, and I want to make sure they’re getting value added for what they’re putting into the county. I want to do right by them.”

Frymire holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University. He is a graduate of Newton High School, and has resided in Newton for more than 30 years.

“This is my home. I have a vested interest in making sure all of the cities in Harvey County do well,” Frymire said. “I’m enthusiastic to start this role as we continue to establish Harvey County as a leader in our region and across the heartland.”

Frymire will fill the administrator position that became open with the resignation of Anthony Swartzendruber at the end of 2024. Shannon Kingsley has served as the interim administrator in that time. She will continue in her role as assistant administrator and director of finance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY COMMUNICATIONSNEWTON, Kan. - Harvey County has selected Kevin Frymire as its next administrator. He will begin in that capacity May 27.The Harvey County Commission approved Frymire’s hiring at a special meeting on Wednesday.“The administrator role carries many challenges in county government. We were excited to have several qualified candidates for the position,” said Commission Chairman Don Schroeder. “Kevin stood out for his professionalism, budgeting experience and leadership. As a board, we feel extremely confident in Kevin as he leads our organization for many years to come.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745499600435.jpeg" alt="Kevin Frymire - Photo courtesy Harvey County.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Frymire - Photo courtesy Harvey County.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Frymire brings to Harvey County executive-level experience from the private sector.A licensed nursing home administrator, Frymire currently serves as the executive director of Dove Estates, an assisted living community in Goddard. He was named to that role in 2018. Previously, he was the executive director for Villa Maria.Frymire’s leadership positions combined experiences in project management, human resources and financial management, key traits he is eager to follow through on with Harvey County.“I’m looking forward to working with our department heads as we continue to develop a common goal for Harvey County,” Frymire said. “We’re beholden to the taxpayers, and I want to make sure they’re getting value added for what they’re putting into the county. I want to do right by them.”Frymire holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wichita State University. He is a graduate of Newton High School, and has resided in Newton for more than 30 years.“This is my home. I have a vested interest in making sure all of the cities in Harvey County do well,” Frymire said. “I’m enthusiastic to start this role as we continue to establish Harvey County as a leader in our region and across the heartland.”Frymire will fill the administrator position that became open with the resignation of Anthony Swartzendruber at the end of 2024. Shannon Kingsley has served as the interim administrator in that time. She will continue in her role as assistant administrator and director of finance.

Frymire named Harvey County Administrator

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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>

USDA urged reform after Kansas’ payment error rate on SNAP hit 12% in 2023

TOPEKA — The payment error rate for Kansas’ determination of eligibility for food assistance grew to more than 12% in 2023 to exceed the national average and surpass levels in four states neighboring Kansas.

The U.S. average that year was 11.6% and the border states ranged from 7% in Nebraska, 8.6% in Colorado, 10.5% in Missouri and 10.6% in Oklahoma.

Kansas’ problem with processing applications from low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was brought to the attention of Gov. Laura Kelly in a February 2024 letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Kelly administration received another letter in early April from the USDA pointing to SNAP processing deficiencies in Kansas.

The notices took issue with the state’s SNAP payment error rate as well as the timeliness of application processing and procedural error rates that failed to comply with basic federal requirements.

State officials told the House Select Committee on Government Oversight the error rate in terms of eligibility and benefit determinations for SNAP ranged from 3.8% to 7.1% from 2017 to 2019. In each of those three years the state outperformed the national average.

USDA didn’t track state-by-state performance in 2020 and 2021 due to distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, officials with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP statewide, said the payment error rate climbed to 12% in 2023 before improving to 10.1% in 2024 and slumping to 11.6% in 2025.

“I know government is different from business, but typically a payment error is pretty critical,” said Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican. “Most businesses, as far accounts payable, your error rate you kind of want it to be around zero. This is a $400 million-plus program looking at an 11% error rate. From my perspective, that is a high percentage.”

Carla Whiteside-Hicks, director of economic and employment services for DCF, said the rate was most frequently tied to DCF personnel making data entry mistakes when handling applications for SNAP. For example, she said, mistakes were made in calculation of an applicant’s income or rent. Another area in which inaccuracies surfaced was in the interpretation of self-employment income by an applicant, she said.

“Those are the three that are the most common,” said Whiteside-Hicks, who would prefer the error rate stabilized at 3%.

“As they enter this data — this is an application form where I’m asking questions and entering data — we’re making errors on some of the most basic elements of the application such as income, rent and self-employment,” Awerkamp said. “How would you approach correcting these errors?”

Whiteside-Hicks said DCF’s effort to minimize mistakes centered on improving training of staff and upgrading training materials used by about 200 state workers responsible for processing SNAP applications. She said regional offices involved in the application process had historically struggled to hire staff.

“It takes at least a year to become proficient as an eligibility worker,” Whiteside-Hicks said.

Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, said the status report on processing SNAP applications should prompt the Legislature to examine how other states dealt with processing requests for food aid.

“Are there states that contract their eligibility out as a piece versus having in-house employees?” he said.

Tanya Keys, deputy secretary at DCF, told legislators SNAP provided a monthly benefit that averaged $189 per person or $392 per family in Kansas. As of last year, Kansas provided SNAP benefits to 97,000 households.

In terms of eligibility for SNAP, she said, Kansas had placed in law a part-time work requirement or training participation requirement for adults 18 to 54 without children. That criteria could be waived for an adult caring for children, a person with a disability or an individual at least 60 years of age.

Keys said one-third of SNAP participants in Kansas were enrolled in the program for less than six months and two-thirds were in the program less than one year.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, authorized the House Select Committee on Government Oversight to monitor the functioning, transparency and accountability of government agencies. He granted the 13-member committee subpoena power to investigate potential misconduct.

“This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas,” Hawkins said.

During the first meeting of the committee on Wednesday at the Capitol, Augusta GOP Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of the bipartisan panel, said topics of inquiry weren’t set in stone.

“We are not here to create drafts of bills, but we are here to really shine a light on any issues that are of high importance,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498061532.png" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, and Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, take part in the first meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight on Wednesday at the Capitol. The inaugural meeting of the 13-member committee focused on financial issues tied to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, serving nearly 100,000 households in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, and Rep. Bob Lewis, R-Garden City, take part in the first meeting of the House Select Committee on Government Oversight on Wednesday at the Capitol. The inaugural meeting of the 13-member committee focused on financial issues tied to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, serving nearly 100,000 households in Kansas. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</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><h2>USDA urged reform after Kansas’ payment error rate on SNAP hit 12% in 2023</h2>TOPEKA — The payment error rate for Kansas’ determination of eligibility for food assistance grew to more than 12% in 2023 to exceed the national average and surpass levels in four states neighboring Kansas.The U.S. average that year was 11.6% and the border states ranged from 7% in Nebraska, 8.6% in Colorado, 10.5% in Missouri and 10.6% in Oklahoma.Kansas’ problem with processing applications from low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was brought to the attention of Gov. Laura Kelly in a February 2024 letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Kelly administration received another letter in early April from the USDA pointing to SNAP processing deficiencies in Kansas.The notices took issue with the state’s SNAP payment error rate as well as the timeliness of application processing and procedural error rates that failed to comply with basic federal requirements.State officials told the House Select Committee on Government Oversight the error rate in terms of eligibility and benefit determinations for SNAP ranged from 3.8% to 7.1% from 2017 to 2019. In each of those three years the state outperformed the national average.USDA didn’t track state-by-state performance in 2020 and 2021 due to distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.However, officials with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, which administers SNAP statewide, said the payment error rate climbed to 12% in 2023 before improving to 10.1% in 2024 and slumping to 11.6% in 2025.“I know government is different from business, but typically a payment error is pretty critical,” said Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican. “Most businesses, as far accounts payable, your error rate you kind of want it to be around zero. This is a $400 million-plus program looking at an 11% error rate. From my perspective, that is a high percentage.”Carla Whiteside-Hicks, director of economic and employment services for DCF, said the rate was most frequently tied to DCF personnel making data entry mistakes when handling applications for SNAP. For example, she said, mistakes were made in calculation of an applicant’s income or rent. Another area in which inaccuracies surfaced was in the interpretation of self-employment income by an applicant, she said.“Those are the three that are the most common,” said Whiteside-Hicks, who would prefer the error rate stabilized at 3%.“As they enter this data — this is an application form where I’m asking questions and entering data — we’re making errors on some of the most basic elements of the application such as income, rent and self-employment,” Awerkamp said. “How would you approach correcting these errors?”Whiteside-Hicks said DCF’s effort to minimize mistakes centered on improving training of staff and upgrading training materials used by about 200 state workers responsible for processing SNAP applications. She said regional offices involved in the application process had historically struggled to hire staff.“It takes at least a year to become proficient as an eligibility worker,” Whiteside-Hicks said.Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, said the status report on processing SNAP applications should prompt the Legislature to examine how other states dealt with processing requests for food aid.“Are there states that contract their eligibility out as a piece versus having in-house employees?” he said.Tanya Keys, deputy secretary at DCF, told legislators SNAP provided a monthly benefit that averaged $189 per person or $392 per family in Kansas. As of last year, Kansas provided SNAP benefits to 97,000 households.In terms of eligibility for SNAP, she said, Kansas had placed in law a part-time work requirement or training participation requirement for adults 18 to 54 without children. That criteria could be waived for an adult caring for children, a person with a disability or an individual at least 60 years of age.Keys said one-third of SNAP participants in Kansas were enrolled in the program for less than six months and two-thirds were in the program less than one year.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, authorized the House Select Committee on Government Oversight to monitor the functioning, transparency and accountability of government agencies. He granted the 13-member committee subpoena power to investigate potential misconduct.“This committee’s work will help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that government actions align with the best interests of the citizens of Kansas,” Hawkins said.During the first meeting of the committee on Wednesday at the Capitol, Augusta GOP Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of the bipartisan panel, said topics of inquiry weren’t set in stone.“We are not here to create drafts of bills, but we are here to really shine a light on any issues that are of high importance,” she said.

Kan. House committee examines state’s elevated error rate in processing food aid applications

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April.

Harmon was surprised with the award Monday afternoon and honored with a gift basket, as well as a pizza and ice cream party. The award was presented by Don Glaspie and Cris Schul from Allen Samuels and Ashley Weve with EAGLE Media.

He was nominated by substitute teacher Michele Hansen, who praised the environment Harmon has created in his classroom.

“As a sub, I appreciate a class that has high expectations and love from the teacher,” Hansen said. “The students treat me with so much respect, kindness and appreciation I just have to sub in his class. I do not have to monitor, discipline or deal with any negative behaviors because Mr. Harmon has modeled to the students how one should behave, perform and follow through.”

Harmon credited his students for the honor.

“This isn’t a me, this is a we,” Harmon said. “All I did was create an opportunity for them to impress somebody, and they did. It was a substitute who noticed their behavior and put in for the award. That says a lot about them.”

Harmon’s welding class operates with a strong emphasis on career readiness. Students work at their own pace with individual assignment sheets and receive immediate, hands-on feedback in the lab.

“I treat it like we’re at work,” Harmon said. “Class starts at 8, so I’m ready at 8. The students are expected to be, too. It’s about preparing them for the real world.”

Originally from West Virginia, Harmon said he learned welding out of necessity. After serving in the Army as a machinist, he moved to California and worked in the welding trade. A shortage of skilled labor on a major bridge project in the Bay Area made a lasting impression.

“When I saw a major bridge project needing Canadian welders because we didn’t have enough here, it hit me: if we’re short on skilled workers, we need teachers,” Harmon said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to teach.”

Now in his 15th year of teaching, Harmon said he continues to be inspired by his students’ potential.

“One of you could be welding in outer space,” Harmon told his class. “And who says it can’t be you?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745331395054.jpeg" alt="Jeremiah Harmon (second from right), welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, stands with his students after being named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month." />
 <figcaption>Jeremiah Harmon (second from right), welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, stands with his students after being named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April.Harmon was surprised with the award Monday afternoon and honored with a gift basket, as well as a pizza and ice cream party. The award was presented by Don Glaspie and Cris Schul from Allen Samuels and Ashley Weve with EAGLE Media.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745331499860.jpeg" alt="Jeremiah Harmon (third from right), welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy is presented his award after winning the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April." />
 <figcaption>Jeremiah Harmon (third from right), welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy is presented his award after winning the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April.</figcaption>
 </figure>He was nominated by substitute teacher Michele Hansen, who praised the environment Harmon has created in his classroom.“As a sub, I appreciate a class that has high expectations and love from the teacher,” Hansen said. “The students treat me with so much respect, kindness and appreciation I just have to sub in his class. I do not have to monitor, discipline or deal with any negative behaviors because Mr. Harmon has modeled to the students how one should behave, perform and follow through.”Harmon credited his students for the honor.“This isn’t a me, this is a we,” Harmon said. “All I did was create an opportunity for them to impress somebody, and they did. It was a substitute who noticed their behavior and put in for the award. That says a lot about them.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745331638331.jpeg" alt="(L to R) Travis Riebel, director of career and technical education with Hutchinson Public Schools, Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, Ryan Ewy, principal of Hutchinson High School." />
 <figcaption>(L to R) Travis Riebel, director of career and technical education with Hutchinson Public Schools, Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, Ryan Ewy, principal of Hutchinson High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>Harmon’s welding class operates with a strong emphasis on career readiness. Students work at their own pace with individual assignment sheets and receive immediate, hands-on feedback in the lab.“I treat it like we’re at work,” Harmon said. “Class starts at 8, so I’m ready at 8. The students are expected to be, too. It’s about preparing them for the real world.”Originally from West Virginia, Harmon said he learned welding out of necessity. After serving in the Army as a machinist, he moved to California and worked in the welding trade. A shortage of skilled labor on a major bridge project in the Bay Area made a lasting impression.“When I saw a major bridge project needing Canadian welders because we didn’t have enough here, it hit me: if we’re short on skilled workers, we need teachers,” Harmon said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to teach.”Now in his 15th year of teaching, Harmon said he continues to be inspired by his students’ potential.“One of you could be welding in outer space,” Harmon told his class. “And who says it can’t be you?”<div><iframe title="Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month - Jeremiah Harmon - HCTEA" 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=m8n3b-1889fb9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745331660698.jpeg" alt="Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, is the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April.." />
 <figcaption>Jeremiah Harmon, welding instructor at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy, is the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Teacher of the Month for April..</figcaption>
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