MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/giorgio-armani">Giorgio Armani</a>, the Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, has died, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.

Armani died at home, the fashion house said. Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in the global fashion industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-giorgio-armani-7e74a7edf4e9a23b13e05a0c5bbc8c1e">missed Milan Fashion Week</a>&nbsp;in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear to recover from an undisclosed condition. He was planning a major event to celebrate 50 years of his signature Giorgio Armani fashion house during Milan Fashion Week this month.

Starting with an unlined jacket, a simple pair of pants and an urban palette, Armani put Italian ready-to-wear style on the international fashion map in the late 1970s, creating an instantly recognizable relaxed silhouette that has propelled the fashion house for half a century.

From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets.

At the time of his death, Armani had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giorgio-armani-90th-birthday-2b77a70478ff034c8c1baa19c5aa5c38">put together an empire</a>&nbsp;worth over $10 billion, which along with clothing included accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers and even chocolates, ranking him in the world’s top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes.

The designer also owned several bars, clubs, restaurants and his own basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano. Armani opened more than than 20 restaurants from Milan to Tokyo since 1998, and two hotels, one in Dubai in 2009 and another in Milan, in 2010.

Armani himself was the foundation of his style

Armani style began with Giorgio Armani himself, from the penetrating blue eyes framed in a permanent tan and early-age shock of silver hair, to the trademark jeans and t-shirt work clothes and the minimalist decoration of his private homes.

Armani’s fashion vision was that of easygoing elegance where attention to detail made the difference.

“I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical,” he liked to say when asked to identify his clientele.

In conversation, the designer’s disarming smile and exquisitely mild manners belied the tough businessman underneath, who was able to turn creative talent into a fashion empire worth over $10 billion. Never a merger nor a sale, Re Giorgio (King George) as the Italians call him, was always his own boss.

Born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, a small town south of Milan, Armani dreamed of becoming a doctor before a part-time job as a window decorator in a Milan department store opened his eyes to the world of fashion.

In 1975, Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti sold their Volkswagen for $10,000 to start up their own menswear ready-to-wear label. Womenswear followed a year later.

The symbol of his new style was the liningless sports jacket, which was launched in the late 1970s and became an instant success from Hollywood to Wall Street. The designer paired the jacket with a simple t-shirt, an item of clothing he termed “the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet.”

The Armani suit soon became a must in the closet of the well-heeled man. And for women, the introduction of the pantsuit in the executive workroom was all but revolutionary. Dubbed the “power suit” with its shoulder-padded jacket and man-tailored trousers, it became the trademark of the rising class of businesswomen in the 1980s.

Over the years Armani would soften the look with delicate detailing, luxurious fabrics and brighter shades for his basic beige and gray palette. His insistence on pants and jackets led some critics to label his fashion “androgynous.”

The 1980 film classic “American Gigolo” launched both Armani and actor Richard Gere on their Hollywood careers. Dressed in Armani, Gere became America’s new favorite heart throb, and “Geeorgeeo” as they called him, the glam set’s most popular designer.

The Hollywood connection earned him wardrobe film credits in over 200 films, and in 2003 a place on Rodeo Drive’s “Walk of Fame.”

Oscar night always sparkled, with smart suiting for the men, and glittering gowns for the ladies. The 2009 best actor winner Sean Penn picked up his statue in a black-on-black Armani outfit, while best actress nominee Anne Hathaway walked the red carpet in a shimmering white strapless evening gown from Armani’s latest Prive couture collection.

Other longtime devotees included Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Sofia Loren and Brad Pitt. David and Victoria Beckham were the “face” of his 2009 underwear ad campaign.

So significant was the impact of Armani style, not only on how people dressed but how they approached fashion, that in 2000 New York’s Guggenheim museum presented a retrospective of Armani’s first 25 years in fashion.

“I love things that age well, things that don’t date and become living examples of the absolute best,” Armani said of his efforts.

Today, the Armani empire has an army of more than 9,000 employees, with women comprising half of the executive suite, along with seven industrial hubs and over 600 stores worldwide, according to figures released in 2023. Along with clothes and accessories, the company produces perfumes, cosmetics and home furnishings, as well as selling its own candy, flowers and even books. The designer opened his fifth multi-brand store on New York’s fashionable Fifth Avenue in February 2009.

In the realm of fashion hobbies, Armani owned several bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as the basketball team. Recreation time was spent in getaways in Broni in the countryside near Milan, the isle of Pantelleria off Sicily and St. Tropez on the French Riviera. Each home bore the trademark of Armani design: bare walls, important pieces, few knickknacks.

Like many of his colleagues, Armani tried to give back some of the fame and fortune he amassed during the heyday of the “moda Milanese” which put Italian ready-to-wear at the center of the world’s fashion map at the turn of the millennium. Personally involved in several charity organizations devoted to children and a staunch supporter of the battle against AIDS, in 2002 Armani was named a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees.

Galeotti died in 1985. Armani had no children but was very close to his niece Roberta, daughter of his late brother Sergio. She abandoned a budding film career to become his director of public relations, and often represented her uncle, who wasn’t much of a party-goer, at social events. In later years she was a key go-between with the celebrity world.

In 2006, she orchestrated the top-billed wedding of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in a medieval castle outside Rome, while Uncle Giorgio designed the attire for both bride and groom.

Armani had indicated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-gardening-lifestyle-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-e57fffa4edf0ebcded543d379f912236">as he considered succession</a>&nbsp;he was looking toward his longtime head of menswear Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani, who fills the same role for womenswear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756992441041.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILAN (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/giorgio-armani">Giorgio Armani</a>, the Italian designer who turned the concept of understated elegance into a multibillion-dollar fashion empire, has died, his fashion house confirmed. He was 91.Armani died at home, the fashion house said. Armani, one of the most recognizable names and faces in the global fashion industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-giorgio-armani-7e74a7edf4e9a23b13e05a0c5bbc8c1e">missed Milan Fashion Week</a>&nbsp;in June 2025 for the first time during the previews of Spring-Summer 2026 menswear to recover from an undisclosed condition. He was planning a major event to celebrate 50 years of his signature Giorgio Armani fashion house during Milan Fashion Week this month.Starting with an unlined jacket, a simple pair of pants and an urban palette, Armani put Italian ready-to-wear style on the international fashion map in the late 1970s, creating an instantly recognizable relaxed silhouette that has propelled the fashion house for half a century.From the executive office to the Hollywood screen, Armani dressed the rich and famous in classic tailored styles, fashioned in super-soft fabrics and muted tones. His handsome black tie outfits and glittering evening gowns often stole the show on award season red carpets.At the time of his death, Armani had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/giorgio-armani-90th-birthday-2b77a70478ff034c8c1baa19c5aa5c38">put together an empire</a>&nbsp;worth over $10 billion, which along with clothing included accessories, home furnishings, perfumes, cosmetics, books, flowers and even chocolates, ranking him in the world’s top 200 billionaires, according to Forbes.The designer also owned several bars, clubs, restaurants and his own basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, better known as Olympia Milano. Armani opened more than than 20 restaurants from Milan to Tokyo since 1998, and two hotels, one in Dubai in 2009 and another in Milan, in 2010.<h2>Armani himself was the foundation of his style</h2>Armani style began with Giorgio Armani himself, from the penetrating blue eyes framed in a permanent tan and early-age shock of silver hair, to the trademark jeans and t-shirt work clothes and the minimalist decoration of his private homes.Armani’s fashion vision was that of easygoing elegance where attention to detail made the difference.“I design for real people. There is no virtue whatsoever in creating clothes and accessories that are not practical,” he liked to say when asked to identify his clientele.In conversation, the designer’s disarming smile and exquisitely mild manners belied the tough businessman underneath, who was able to turn creative talent into a fashion empire worth over $10 billion. Never a merger nor a sale, Re Giorgio (King George) as the Italians call him, was always his own boss.Born July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, a small town south of Milan, Armani dreamed of becoming a doctor before a part-time job as a window decorator in a Milan department store opened his eyes to the world of fashion.In 1975, Armani and his partner Sergio Galeotti sold their Volkswagen for $10,000 to start up their own menswear ready-to-wear label. Womenswear followed a year later.The symbol of his new style was the liningless sports jacket, which was launched in the late 1970s and became an instant success from Hollywood to Wall Street. The designer paired the jacket with a simple t-shirt, an item of clothing he termed “the alpha and omega of the fashion alphabet.”The Armani suit soon became a must in the closet of the well-heeled man. And for women, the introduction of the pantsuit in the executive workroom was all but revolutionary. Dubbed the “power suit” with its shoulder-padded jacket and man-tailored trousers, it became the trademark of the rising class of businesswomen in the 1980s.Over the years Armani would soften the look with delicate detailing, luxurious fabrics and brighter shades for his basic beige and gray palette. His insistence on pants and jackets led some critics to label his fashion “androgynous.”<h2>Armani hits Hollywood</h2>The 1980 film classic “American Gigolo” launched both Armani and actor Richard Gere on their Hollywood careers. Dressed in Armani, Gere became America’s new favorite heart throb, and “Geeorgeeo” as they called him, the glam set’s most popular designer.The Hollywood connection earned him wardrobe film credits in over 200 films, and in 2003 a place on Rodeo Drive’s “Walk of Fame.”Oscar night always sparkled, with smart suiting for the men, and glittering gowns for the ladies. The 2009 best actor winner Sean Penn picked up his statue in a black-on-black Armani outfit, while best actress nominee Anne Hathaway walked the red carpet in a shimmering white strapless evening gown from Armani’s latest Prive couture collection.Other longtime devotees included Jodie Foster, George Clooney, Sofia Loren and Brad Pitt. David and Victoria Beckham were the “face” of his 2009 underwear ad campaign.So significant was the impact of Armani style, not only on how people dressed but how they approached fashion, that in 2000 New York’s Guggenheim museum presented a retrospective of Armani’s first 25 years in fashion.“I love things that age well, things that don’t date and become living examples of the absolute best,” Armani said of his efforts.<h2>Armani has gone well beyond fashion</h2>Today, the Armani empire has an army of more than 9,000 employees, with women comprising half of the executive suite, along with seven industrial hubs and over 600 stores worldwide, according to figures released in 2023. Along with clothes and accessories, the company produces perfumes, cosmetics and home furnishings, as well as selling its own candy, flowers and even books. The designer opened his fifth multi-brand store on New York’s fashionable Fifth Avenue in February 2009.In the realm of fashion hobbies, Armani owned several bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as the basketball team. Recreation time was spent in getaways in Broni in the countryside near Milan, the isle of Pantelleria off Sicily and St. Tropez on the French Riviera. Each home bore the trademark of Armani design: bare walls, important pieces, few knickknacks.Like many of his colleagues, Armani tried to give back some of the fame and fortune he amassed during the heyday of the “moda Milanese” which put Italian ready-to-wear at the center of the world’s fashion map at the turn of the millennium. Personally involved in several charity organizations devoted to children and a staunch supporter of the battle against AIDS, in 2002 Armani was named a U.N. goodwill ambassador for refugees.Galeotti died in 1985. Armani had no children but was very close to his niece Roberta, daughter of his late brother Sergio. She abandoned a budding film career to become his director of public relations, and often represented her uncle, who wasn’t much of a party-goer, at social events. In later years she was a key go-between with the celebrity world.In 2006, she orchestrated the top-billed wedding of actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in a medieval castle outside Rome, while Uncle Giorgio designed the attire for both bride and groom.Armani had indicated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-gardening-lifestyle-entertainment-arts-and-entertainment-e57fffa4edf0ebcded543d379f912236">as he considered succession</a>&nbsp;he was looking toward his longtime head of menswear Leo Dell’Orco and his niece Silvana Armani, who fills the same role for womenswear.

Giorgio Armani, legendary Italian fashion designer, dead at 91

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration took the fight over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">tariffs</a>&nbsp;to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to rule quickly that the president has the power to impose sweeping import taxes under federal law.

The government called on the court to reverse an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-appeals-court-b714cfc8dff51289b1d5291f46d71f3f">appeals court ruling</a>&nbsp;that found most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs are an illegal use of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">emergency powers law</a>.

It's the latest in a series of Trump administration appeals to a Supreme Court he helped shape, and one that is expected to put a centerpiece of the president's trade policy before the justices.

<a href="https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf">The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit</a>&nbsp;left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed electronically late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to take up the case and hear arguments in early November.

“That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations,” he wrote. “The stakes in this case could not be higher.”

But the stakes are also high for small businesses battered by tariffs and uncertainty, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center.

“These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients,” he said.

The businesses have twice prevailed, once at a federal court focused on trade and again with the appeals court's 7-4 ruling.

Their lawsuit is one of several challenging the tariffs and erratic rollout that have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before.

Most judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters, though, said the law does allow the president to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations.

The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">the tariffs first announced in April</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-china-mexico-canada-inflation-753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4">ones from February</a>&nbsp;on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.

Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, weren’t covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act.

The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that it’s collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="file&nbsp; President Trump announced this tariff plan -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>file&nbsp; President Trump announced this tariff plan -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration took the fight over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-court-ruling-trade-1c5a02ad38597c3629eff5977490813a">tariffs</a>&nbsp;to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to rule quickly that the president has the power to impose sweeping import taxes under federal law.The government called on the court to reverse an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-appeals-court-b714cfc8dff51289b1d5291f46d71f3f">appeals court ruling</a>&nbsp;that found most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs are an illegal use of an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45618">emergency powers law</a>.It's the latest in a series of Trump administration appeals to a Supreme Court he helped shape, and one that is expected to put a centerpiece of the president's trade policy before the justices.<a href="https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1812.OPINION.8-29-2025_2566151.pdf">The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit</a>&nbsp;left the tariffs in place for now, but the administration nevertheless called on the high court to intervene quickly in a petition filed electronically late Wednesday and provided to The Associated Press. It was expected to be formally docketed on Thursday.Solicitor General D. John Sauer asked the justices to take up the case and hear arguments in early November.“That decision casts a pall of uncertainty upon ongoing foreign negotiations that the President has been pursuing through tariffs over the past five months, jeopardizing both already negotiated framework deals and ongoing negotiations,” he wrote. “The stakes in this case could not be higher.”But the stakes are also high for small businesses battered by tariffs and uncertainty, said Jeffrey Schwab, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center.“These unlawful tariffs are inflicting serious harm on small businesses and jeopardizing their survival. We hope for a prompt resolution of this case for our clients,” he said.The businesses have twice prevailed, once at a federal court focused on trade and again with the appeals court's 7-4 ruling.Their lawsuit is one of several challenging the tariffs and erratic rollout that have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.But Trump has also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting new trade deals. Revenue from tariffs totaled $159 billion by late August, more than double what it was at the same point the year before.Most judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, did not let Trump usurp congressional power to set tariffs. The dissenters, though, said the law does allow the president to regulate importation during emergencies without explicit limitations.The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">the tariffs first announced in April</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-china-mexico-canada-inflation-753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4">ones from February</a>&nbsp;on imports from Canada, China and Mexico.The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.Some Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos, weren’t covered by the appeals court ruling. It also does not include tariffs Trump imposed on China in his first term that were kept by Democratic President Joe Biden.Trump can impose tariffs under other laws, but those have more limitations on the speed and severity with which he could act.The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that it’s collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

Battle over President Trump's tariffs moves to the  Supreme Court 

Feedback from Reno County residents is needed as the second Love Where You Live Resident Perception Survey kicks off.

The survey is the first phase of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative, a three-year effort now entering its second year designed to strengthen Reno County communities by amplifying residents’ voices, encouraging community engagement, and promoting collaborative action. The benchmarking data provided through this process will help inform how residents can make lasting positive change and build stronger community pride. The results will also inform future initiatives and investments of foundation grants and outside resources and to catalyze action.

The foundation continues to contract with Innovation Economy Partners to administer the project. The Ohio-based firm, which also works with McPherson County Community Foundation and Western Kansas Community Foundation on similar initiatives, designed the survey and will collect the data and analyze the results. Data from year one of the initiative can be found online at RenoSurvey.com.

Year one of the initiative sparked signs of progress across the county on residents’ identified priorities, from measures to increase blight removal and tackle housing challenges to civic improvements in rural Reno County. Projects to expand Sylvia’s community garden, improve the Arlington Community Building and launch Haven’s own Love Where You Live Initiative all received Fund for Reno County Impact Cycle 1 grant awards earlier this year.

The Community Foundation hopes to continue that momentum with even more survey participation from all corners of the county, demographics and walks of life.

“We were so pleased with the response to the first year of this effort,” said Director of Strategy Kari Mailloux. “We had 1,022 people who gave their input on the survey, and the turnout at the community workshops that followed was enthusiastic. But this year, we want to reach even more people, especially young adults, renters, communities of color, and rural residents—to get even better data. Broad input makes the priorities and collective perceptions more credible and actionable. Every voice we hear is one more perspective shaping our shared future.”

The collected data will inform this year’s community-level reports that will be available in the winter for Buhler, the Fairfield school area (including Arlington, Turon, Langdon, Partridge, Abbyville, Sylvia and Plevna), the Haven and Yoder area, Hutchinson (including Castleton, The Highlands and Willowbrook), Nickerson, the Pretty Prairie area, South Hutchinson, and Reno County as a whole.

Residents as young as 16 are urged to take the approximately 10-minute survey online at RenoSurvey.com or download a paper copy to complete and return to Hutchinson Community Foundation by Oct. 17, when the survey closes. Those copies should be returned to the foundation office, 1 N. Main St., Ste. 501, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Surveys are available in English and Spanish.

This year as a bonus, for every 50 surveys completed in a Reno County community, Hutch CF will make a $50 donation to the local food pantry.

The second phase of the initiative will begin in early 2026 with community workshops to discuss the survey results, prioritize needs and brainstorm project ideas.

Organizations and groups may then submit grant proposals for Fund for Reno County funding through February 2026.

The process will conclude for a final cycle in 2027.

Residents, clubs, groups, employers and organizations are encouraged to help administer the survey to their constituents. Hutchinson Community Foundation staff are also available for short presentations to standing meetings.

For more information about the initiative, to take or download the survey, access resources, or to request a representative for a presentation at a meeting or gathering, visit RenoSurvey.com.

For questions, contact the community foundation at 620-663-5293.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756905866673.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONFeedback from Reno County residents is needed as the second Love Where You Live Resident Perception Survey kicks off.The survey is the first phase of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative, a three-year effort now entering its second year designed to strengthen Reno County communities by amplifying residents’ voices, encouraging community engagement, and promoting collaborative action. The benchmarking data provided through this process will help inform how residents can make lasting positive change and build stronger community pride. The results will also inform future initiatives and investments of foundation grants and outside resources and to catalyze action.The foundation continues to contract with Innovation Economy Partners to administer the project. The Ohio-based firm, which also works with McPherson County Community Foundation and Western Kansas Community Foundation on similar initiatives, designed the survey and will collect the data and analyze the results. Data from year one of the initiative can be found online at RenoSurvey.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756905907448.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Year one of the initiative sparked signs of progress across the county on residents’ identified priorities, from measures to increase blight removal and tackle housing challenges to civic improvements in rural Reno County. Projects to expand Sylvia’s community garden, improve the Arlington Community Building and launch Haven’s own Love Where You Live Initiative all received Fund for Reno County Impact Cycle 1 grant awards earlier this year.The Community Foundation hopes to continue that momentum with even more survey participation from all corners of the county, demographics and walks of life.“We were so pleased with the response to the first year of this effort,” said Director of Strategy Kari Mailloux. “We had 1,022 people who gave their input on the survey, and the turnout at the community workshops that followed was enthusiastic. But this year, we want to reach even more people, especially young adults, renters, communities of color, and rural residents—to get even better data. Broad input makes the priorities and collective perceptions more credible and actionable. Every voice we hear is one more perspective shaping our shared future.”The collected data will inform this year’s community-level reports that will be available in the winter for Buhler, the Fairfield school area (including Arlington, Turon, Langdon, Partridge, Abbyville, Sylvia and Plevna), the Haven and Yoder area, Hutchinson (including Castleton, The Highlands and Willowbrook), Nickerson, the Pretty Prairie area, South Hutchinson, and Reno County as a whole.Residents as young as 16 are urged to take the approximately 10-minute survey online at RenoSurvey.com or download a paper copy to complete and return to Hutchinson Community Foundation by Oct. 17, when the survey closes. Those copies should be returned to the foundation office, 1 N. Main St., Ste. 501, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Surveys are available in English and Spanish.This year as a bonus, for every 50 surveys completed in a Reno County community, Hutch CF will make a $50 donation to the local food pantry.The second phase of the initiative will begin in early 2026 with community workshops to discuss the survey results, prioritize needs and brainstorm project ideas.Organizations and groups may then submit grant proposals for Fund for Reno County funding through February 2026.The process will conclude for a final cycle in 2027.Residents, clubs, groups, employers and organizations are encouraged to help administer the survey to their constituents. Hutchinson Community Foundation staff are also available for short presentations to standing meetings.For more information about the initiative, to take or download the survey, access resources, or to request a representative for a presentation at a meeting or gathering, visit RenoSurvey.com.For questions, contact the community foundation at 620-663-5293.

Reno Co. residents invited to shape year two of Love Where You Live data

Comanche County school board leaders, principal strive to blunt public outrage

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>

COLDWATER — After the father of a small-town, southwest Kansas high school junior reported his daughter was the victim of sexual harassment and unwanted touching by her golf coach, he met with the coach and principal to lay out the teenager’s concerns and disgust.

By the end of that meeting in May, the father said, the three men seemed to have an understanding that the coach violated policy — if not the law — when he made a stunning comment to the girl during golf practice: He told her to grip a club like it was a penis.

At the meeting, the coach signed a document affirming he directed lurid comments at the girl, according to a copy of the document obtained by Kansas Reflector. The student confirmed the accusations in a report with law enforcement and in an interview with Kansas Reflector.

The document said the coach on multiple occasions grabbed the student’s hips, waist and shoulders while standing behind her. She also said that he held the back of her thigh, purportedly to improve her golf posture.

Ty Theurer eventually resigned as the South Central High School golf coach, which was his part-time assignment in the Comanche County School District. He didn’t surrender a much more influential position in the district: Superintendent.

Kansas Reflector interviews with students, parents, educators and elected officials tied to Comanche County schools revealed a concerted effort by insiders to shield the district’s top administrator, despite ongoing law enforcement and Title IX investigations. People with knowledge of Theurer’s past said the golf practice incident wasn’t the only example of inappropriate behavior by the superintendent, who for years personally controlled how the district responded to alleged sexual harassment.

Kansas Reflector reporting shows the Comanche County school board president and vice president along with the high school principal collaborated to minimize disciplinary action against Theurer. It indicated the president sought to tamp down scrutiny of the superintendent as word of the student’s allegation made its way through the sparsely populated district.

In a brief interview with Kansas Reflector, Theurer declined to respond to questions about the complaint.

“I’m not going to answer any of those questions,” he said. “I am under investigation. I’m not allowed to speak about it.”

The student who Theurer made the salacious comments to said she had been standing near him at a the Coldwater golf course during practice this spring, according to a Comanche County Sheriff’s Office report and an interview with Kansas Reflector. The student said Theurer approached her and said, “OK, now I’m going to be a little bold.”

She said he moved closer to her and whispered details of how he expected her to hold golf clubs. She quoted him: “I want you to imagine you have a penis.”

When the student responded with alarm to Theurer’s remark, she said, the superintendent cupped his hands around his groin, saying, “Just like this.”

Her description for law enforcement and Kansas Reflector also said the superintendent “ran his hand against the back of my neck and slowly moved me forward to help me with my putting position.” The summary said Theurer grabbed the back of her thigh as he urged her to bend her knees.

The student’s parents requested anonymity in this story to protect the privacy of their teenage daughter. Kansas Reflector and its parent organization, States Newsroom, do not identify survivors of sexual abuse.

In May, the student’s father reported the behavior to Andy Uhl, the Comanche County school board’s vice president. Uhl apparently passed the dad’s complaint up the chain of command. That resulted in the father’s meeting with Theurer and South Central High School principal Bud Valerius.

But instead of all seven members of the school board assuming a role in a personnel issue involving the person hired by the board to serve as superintendent, Valerius dealt with the student’s complaint as if it were a clash between coach and athlete, emails show. Valerius took that approach despite conflicts of interest, including his job as a direct subordinate of Theurer, his assignment as assistant golf coach and his friendship with Theurer.

School board president Kelly Herd said in an email to other board members that in her opinion, “There was nothing in the complaint that would warrant administrative leave” for superintendent Theurer. Instead, she told board members, coach Theurer had been given a “warning” to not offend again.

The school board replaced the superintendent as the district’s Title IX coordinator with oversight of sexual harassment or sex discrimination complaints because it would be improper for Theurer to investigate himself. Those duties were passed several months ago to the district’s elementary school principal, who would be expected initiate an investigation of the superintendent.

Dean Yoder is another member of the Comanche County school board, which governs the education of the 300 students near the Oklahoma boarder. Besides Coldwater, the district draws students from communities including Protection, Wilmore and Buttermilk. The district extends into Kiowa and Clark counties.

A majority of the school board was excluded at the outset from the process of dealing with the leadership crisis, Yoder said.

The school board president ordered him to “stand down,” Yoder said, and she argued the controversy involving Theurer had to be resolved quietly.

“Nothing has been handled right,” Yoder said.

Bill Faflick, executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, said he wasn’t aware of the controversy in Comanche County schools before being contacted by Kansas Reflector.

He said the student who made the complaint should know she could have done nothing to warrant harassment by a school administrator. Assuming the complaint was proven, he said, the incident would make “every dad shudder.”

“If true, certainly that’s inappropriate. It’s wrong as wrong can be. There’s no place for that in school sports,” said Faflick, who worked for 30 years in administrative roles in Wichita public schools.

Herd, the school board president, appeared to shield information about the case from the full school board. In a video obtained by Kansas Reflector, Herd abruptly adjourned a June board meeting to circumvent discussion of Theurer’s conduct. She ordered her colleagues to stop speaking with community members about the controversy.

Herd resisted pleas, including from the golf athlete’s parents, to convene a special meeting so the board could learn more about the allegations and investigatory process, and weigh potential disciplinary options.

Since May, the board president sent a series of emails about the Theurer controversy to fellow board members. In that correspondence, Herd said she and the board’s vice president, in conjunction with the high school principal, dealt effectively with the sexual harassment complaint. Herd said “normal procedure” was followed.

Herd, who didn’t respond to Kansas Reflector requests for comment, said in an email to the board that the complaint ought to be viewed as a teachable moment for a coach rather than a leadership disaster centered on a district superintendent.

“As with any other HS coach, Bud (Valerius, high school principal) is the one to handle these issues. All coaches are given a warning and this will be considered (Theurer’s),” Herd’s email to board members said. “Bud called me and Andy (Uhl) to update us. We both agreed it has been addressed and handled. I assure you this was not taken lightly and it was not brushed aside.”

In another email, the board president instructed her elected peers to cooperate with her goal of limiting public knowledge of Theurer’s plight.

“This conversation regarding Ty has gotten far out of control in our community. We as board members must be careful to not continue to fuel the fire,” Herd wrote. “He has been written up and it is in his personnel file. He did not deny nor make excuses.”

The student’s parents, frustrated school board leadership hadn’t moved to guarantee student safety, filed a report with local law enforcement. Comanche County authorities referred the case of alleged battery to the Ford County Sheriff’s Office.

The school board’s president and the student’s parents said the sexual harassment complaint presented to the school district was forwarded to the Kansas Association of School Boards, which advises school boards on compliance with federal Title IX law. A representative of KASB has interviewed students and others associated within the school district regarding Theurer.

School board members expect to be briefed in executive session on the report, the school board president said.

Eventually, the school board association’s draft report must be shared with the superintendent and complainant. A “decision-maker,” potentially an independent hearing officer, would examine evidence and make a determination about whether harassment occurred. Both sides could appeal.

In a recent email to board members, Herd recommended board members fend off any reporter asking questions about Theurer by explaining they were unable to comment.

“I am not keeping secrets. Nor am I acting on my own,” the school board president said.

South Central High School graduate Isabel Hackney said in an interview with Kansas Reflector that Theurer’s objectionable pronouncements to students extended beyond the golf course.

Hackney said she accidentally collided with a male friend at the school in October 2024, and it was caught on security video. She and some other students decided to watch the footage in the high school’s administration office.

While they were watching, she said, the superintendent emerged from his office. Theurer asked to repeatedly watch the clip, Hackney said.

“Then he said, ‘Izzy, you just got teabagged,’ ” Hackney said, repeating slang for putting a scrotum near a face. “From then on, I felt honestly scared to be around Mr. Theurer.”

Emily Hackney, Isabel’s mother, subsequently confronted Theurer outside the high school about his remark. She told the superintendent it was wrong to speak to her daughter that way.

“He was trying to ignore me,” Emily Hackney said. “He tried to deny it.”

Klete Hackney, Isabel’s father, said his daughter feared retaliation if the family complained to anyone involved with the school district. Instead, Isabel refused to shake the superintendent’s hand at graduation this spring.

“She did it for herself and she did it for all the kids,” Klete Hackney said.

An attempt could be made during the school board’s meeting Wednesday evening at South Central High School to compel a vote by the seven-member board on a motion to place Theurer on administrative leave.

“If you don’t know anything about it, it’s because that’s the plan — sweep it under the rug and nobody will ever know,” said Zach Ellis, who has two children at the high school.

Ellis said he signed up to speak at the next school board meeting, but he’s not certain the board would allow him to say what he wanted to say. On social media, Ellis encouraged people with ties to the school district to join him at the meeting.

He said the school board by now should have adopted new policies or procedures designed to deter sexual harassment. It was “absolutely ridiculous” the school board allowed a superintendent under investigation for sexual harassment and battery to run the district, he said.

“I’ve got a daughter who is a junior. I’m all about making sure that her safety is protected,” Ellis said. “She avoids him. Her words not mine: ‘He creeps me out, so I avoid him.’ ”

The father of the former golf team member said that during the May meeting with the principal and superintendent the principal read aloud a one-page document that summarized the daughter’s allegations against the superintendent. Theurer and Valerius agreed the signing confirmed they discussed the memo. The superintendent didn’t challenge the student’s recollections at the time, the father said.

“I said, ‘I’m not leaving this office without some documentation that this conversation happened,'” the father said. “That’s when the principal said, ‘Hey, we can all sign it here. He can sign it to admit his guilt.’ ”

In an interview, the student said that when she joined the high school’s golf team, other girls warned her to “be careful, Ty’s a little weird.”

“My first day we were in a line,” she said. “He came up behind me and placed his hands on my hips. I wasn’t asked if that was OK. Whenever I asked the golf girls … ‘Hey, does he do this a lot?’ And they’re, like, ‘Yeah, you’ll get used to it.’ ”

She quit the team after the superintendent made the penis remark.

In June, the student’s parents attended a regularly scheduled Comanche County school board meeting with the goal of sharing information about what their daughter said she endured while coached by Theurer.

Herd, the board president, called the mother before the meeting in an attempt to dissuade her from making public comments about the superintendent, the mother said.

The mother decided to go to the board meeting. She attempted to read from a written statement. Herd cut her off by adjourning the meeting. A video obtained by Kansas Reflector showed Herd and other board members walking out of the room with the mother still reading from her prepared remarks.

“How could this not be a priority? Not for my family alone, but for the school community?” the mother said in an interview. “The sudden adjournment and insistence that such an issue of import was literally worth walking out on is deeply troubling.”

She said the school board president’s attempt to bury the complaint was “completely unacceptable” and risked the health and safety of students in the district’s three schools. Failure of the school board to address the superintendent’s misconduct ran “the risk of appearing complicit in continuing toxic and dangerous situations,” the mother said.

“There is no result that can serve justice other than immediate termination,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756845981827.png" alt="Comanche County School District Superintendent Ty Theurer, photographed with the 2019 graduating class at South Central High School in Coldwater, is under investigation for alleged sexual harassment of a student. He was serving as golf coach this spring, according to the student’s complaint, when he told her to hold golf clubs as if she was grasping a penis. (Comanche County School District)" />
 <figcaption>Comanche County School District Superintendent Ty Theurer, photographed with the 2019 graduating class at South Central High School in Coldwater, is under investigation for alleged sexual harassment of a student. He was serving as golf coach this spring, according to the student’s complaint, when he told her to hold golf clubs as if she was grasping a penis. (Comanche County School District)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Comanche County school board leaders, principal strive to blunt public outrage</h2>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>COLDWATER — After the father of a small-town, southwest Kansas high school junior reported his daughter was the victim of sexual harassment and unwanted touching by her golf coach, he met with the coach and principal to lay out the teenager’s concerns and disgust.By the end of that meeting in May, the father said, the three men seemed to have an understanding that the coach violated policy — if not the law — when he made a stunning comment to the girl during golf practice: He told her to grip a club like it was a penis.At the meeting, the coach signed a document affirming he directed lurid comments at the girl, according to a copy of the document obtained by Kansas Reflector. The student confirmed the accusations in a report with law enforcement and in an interview with Kansas Reflector.The document said the coach on multiple occasions grabbed the student’s hips, waist and shoulders while standing behind her. She also said that he held the back of her thigh, purportedly to improve her golf posture.Ty Theurer eventually resigned as the South Central High School golf coach, which was his part-time assignment in the Comanche County School District. He didn’t surrender a much more influential position in the district: Superintendent.Kansas Reflector interviews with students, parents, educators and elected officials tied to Comanche County schools revealed a concerted effort by insiders to shield the district’s top administrator, despite ongoing law enforcement and Title IX investigations. People with knowledge of Theurer’s past said the golf practice incident wasn’t the only example of inappropriate behavior by the superintendent, who for years personally controlled how the district responded to alleged sexual harassment.Kansas Reflector reporting shows the Comanche County school board president and vice president along with the high school principal collaborated to minimize disciplinary action against Theurer. It indicated the president sought to tamp down scrutiny of the superintendent as word of the student’s allegation made its way through the sparsely populated district.In a brief interview with Kansas Reflector, Theurer declined to respond to questions about the complaint.“I’m not going to answer any of those questions,” he said. “I am under investigation. I’m not allowed to speak about it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756845927495.png" alt="The board of education for the Comanche County School District in Coldwater has retained Superintendent Ty Theurer in the district’s top administrative job despite ongoing investigation of Theurer for sexual harassment and battery. The board members, from left: Hanna McCleary, Jody Leeper, Kelly Herd, Dean Yoder, Andy Uhl, Steve Prusa and Hayden Fletcher. (Comanche County School District)" />
 <figcaption>The board of education for the Comanche County School District in Coldwater has retained Superintendent Ty Theurer in the district’s top administrative job despite ongoing investigation of Theurer for sexual harassment and battery. The board members, from left: Hanna McCleary, Jody Leeper, Kelly Herd, Dean Yoder, Andy Uhl, Steve Prusa and Hayden Fletcher. (Comanche County School District)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘A little bold’</h2>The student who Theurer made the salacious comments to said she had been standing near him at a the Coldwater golf course during practice this spring, according to a Comanche County Sheriff’s Office report and an interview with Kansas Reflector. The student said Theurer approached her and said, “OK, now I’m going to be a little bold.”She said he moved closer to her and whispered details of how he expected her to hold golf clubs. She quoted him: “I want you to imagine you have a penis.”When the student responded with alarm to Theurer’s remark, she said, the superintendent cupped his hands around his groin, saying, “Just like this.”Her description for law enforcement and Kansas Reflector also said the superintendent “ran his hand against the back of my neck and slowly moved me forward to help me with my putting position.” The summary said Theurer grabbed the back of her thigh as he urged her to bend her knees.The student’s parents requested anonymity in this story to protect the privacy of their teenage daughter. Kansas Reflector and its parent organization, States Newsroom, do not identify survivors of sexual abuse.In May, the student’s father reported the behavior to Andy Uhl, the Comanche County school board’s vice president. Uhl apparently passed the dad’s complaint up the chain of command. That resulted in the father’s meeting with Theurer and South Central High School principal Bud Valerius.But instead of all seven members of the school board assuming a role in a personnel issue involving the person hired by the board to serve as superintendent, Valerius dealt with the student’s complaint as if it were a clash between coach and athlete, emails show. Valerius took that approach despite conflicts of interest, including his job as a direct subordinate of Theurer, his assignment as assistant golf coach and his friendship with Theurer.School board president Kelly Herd said in an email to other board members that in her opinion, “There was nothing in the complaint that would warrant administrative leave” for superintendent Theurer. Instead, she told board members, coach Theurer had been given a “warning” to not offend again.The school board replaced the superintendent as the district’s Title IX coordinator with oversight of sexual harassment or sex discrimination complaints because it would be improper for Theurer to investigate himself. Those duties were passed several months ago to the district’s elementary school principal, who would be expected initiate an investigation of the superintendent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756845882730.png" alt="Parents of a student in the Comanche County School District reported to law enforcement and district officials that superintendent Ty Theurer advised her during a high school golf team practice to hold a club in the same way she would grasp a penis. Theurer leads the 300-student district in southwest Kansas despite ongoing investigation of the incident. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Parents of a student in the Comanche County School District reported to law enforcement and district officials that superintendent Ty Theurer advised her during a high school golf team practice to hold a club in the same way she would grasp a penis. Theurer leads the 300-student district in southwest Kansas despite ongoing investigation of the incident. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Nothing has been handled right’</h2>Dean Yoder is another member of the Comanche County school board, which governs the education of the 300 students near the Oklahoma boarder. Besides Coldwater, the district draws students from communities including Protection, Wilmore and Buttermilk. The district extends into Kiowa and Clark counties.A majority of the school board was excluded at the outset from the process of dealing with the leadership crisis, Yoder said.The school board president ordered him to “stand down,” Yoder said, and she argued the controversy involving Theurer had to be resolved quietly.“Nothing has been handled right,” Yoder said.Bill Faflick, executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, said he wasn’t aware of the controversy in Comanche County schools before being contacted by Kansas Reflector.He said the student who made the complaint should know she could have done nothing to warrant harassment by a school administrator. Assuming the complaint was proven, he said, the incident would make “every dad shudder.”“If true, certainly that’s inappropriate. It’s wrong as wrong can be. There’s no place for that in school sports,” said Faflick, who worked for 30 years in administrative roles in Wichita public schools.Herd, the school board president, appeared to shield information about the case from the full school board. In a video obtained by Kansas Reflector, Herd abruptly adjourned a June board meeting to circumvent discussion of Theurer’s conduct. She ordered her colleagues to stop speaking with community members about the controversy.Herd resisted pleas, including from the golf athlete’s parents, to convene a special meeting so the board could learn more about the allegations and investigatory process, and weigh potential disciplinary options.Since May, the board president sent a series of emails about the Theurer controversy to fellow board members. In that correspondence, Herd said she and the board’s vice president, in conjunction with the high school principal, dealt effectively with the sexual harassment complaint. Herd said “normal procedure” was followed.Herd, who didn’t respond to Kansas Reflector requests for comment, said in an email to the board that the complaint ought to be viewed as a teachable moment for a coach rather than a leadership disaster centered on a district superintendent.“As with any other HS coach, Bud (Valerius, high school principal) is the one to handle these issues. All coaches are given a warning and this will be considered (Theurer’s),” Herd’s email to board members said. “Bud called me and Andy (Uhl) to update us. We both agreed it has been addressed and handled. I assure you this was not taken lightly and it was not brushed aside.”In another email, the board president instructed her elected peers to cooperate with her goal of limiting public knowledge of Theurer’s plight.“This conversation regarding Ty has gotten far out of control in our community. We as board members must be careful to not continue to fuel the fire,” Herd wrote. “He has been written up and it is in his personnel file. He did not deny nor make excuses.”<h2>Ongoing investigations</h2>The student’s parents, frustrated school board leadership hadn’t moved to guarantee student safety, filed a report with local law enforcement. Comanche County authorities referred the case of alleged battery to the Ford County Sheriff’s Office.The school board’s president and the student’s parents said the sexual harassment complaint presented to the school district was forwarded to the Kansas Association of School Boards, which advises school boards on compliance with federal Title IX law. A representative of KASB has interviewed students and others associated within the school district regarding Theurer.School board members expect to be briefed in executive session on the report, the school board president said.Eventually, the school board association’s draft report must be shared with the superintendent and complainant. A “decision-maker,” potentially an independent hearing officer, would examine evidence and make a determination about whether harassment occurred. Both sides could appeal.In a recent email to board members, Herd recommended board members fend off any reporter asking questions about Theurer by explaining they were unable to comment.“I am not keeping secrets. Nor am I acting on my own,” the school board president said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756845824979.png" alt="Ty Theurer, superintendent of Comanche County schools, resigned as golf coach after a student accused him of sexual harassment. Members of the USD 300 community plan to attend a school board meeting Wednesday to raise concerns about Theurer remaining in that job despite investigations of the case. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Ty Theurer, superintendent of Comanche County schools, resigned as golf coach after a student accused him of sexual harassment. Members of the USD 300 community plan to attend a school board meeting Wednesday to raise concerns about Theurer remaining in that job despite investigations of the case. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Creeps me out’</h2>South Central High School graduate Isabel Hackney said in an interview with Kansas Reflector that Theurer’s objectionable pronouncements to students extended beyond the golf course.Hackney said she accidentally collided with a male friend at the school in October 2024, and it was caught on security video. She and some other students decided to watch the footage in the high school’s administration office.While they were watching, she said, the superintendent emerged from his office. Theurer asked to repeatedly watch the clip, Hackney said.“Then he said, ‘Izzy, you just got teabagged,’ ” Hackney said, repeating slang for putting a scrotum near a face. “From then on, I felt honestly scared to be around Mr. Theurer.”Emily Hackney, Isabel’s mother, subsequently confronted Theurer outside the high school about his remark. She told the superintendent it was wrong to speak to her daughter that way.“He was trying to ignore me,” Emily Hackney said. “He tried to deny it.”Klete Hackney, Isabel’s father, said his daughter feared retaliation if the family complained to anyone involved with the school district. Instead, Isabel refused to shake the superintendent’s hand at graduation this spring.“She did it for herself and she did it for all the kids,” Klete Hackney said.<h2>Upcoming board meeting</h2>An attempt could be made during the school board’s meeting Wednesday evening at South Central High School to compel a vote by the seven-member board on a motion to place Theurer on administrative leave.“If you don’t know anything about it, it’s because that’s the plan — sweep it under the rug and nobody will ever know,” said Zach Ellis, who has two children at the high school.Ellis said he signed up to speak at the next school board meeting, but he’s not certain the board would allow him to say what he wanted to say. On social media, Ellis encouraged people with ties to the school district to join him at the meeting.He said the school board by now should have adopted new policies or procedures designed to deter sexual harassment. It was “absolutely ridiculous” the school board allowed a superintendent under investigation for sexual harassment and battery to run the district, he said.“I’ve got a daughter who is a junior. I’m all about making sure that her safety is protected,” Ellis said. “She avoids him. Her words not mine: ‘He creeps me out, so I avoid him.’ ”<h2>‘Admit his guilt’</h2>The father of the former golf team member said that during the May meeting with the principal and superintendent the principal read aloud a one-page document that summarized the daughter’s allegations against the superintendent. Theurer and Valerius agreed the signing confirmed they discussed the memo. The superintendent didn’t challenge the student’s recollections at the time, the father said.“I said, ‘I’m not leaving this office without some documentation that this conversation happened,'” the father said. “That’s when the principal said, ‘Hey, we can all sign it here. He can sign it to admit his guilt.’ ”In an interview, the student said that when she joined the high school’s golf team, other girls warned her to “be careful, Ty’s a little weird.”“My first day we were in a line,” she said. “He came up behind me and placed his hands on my hips. I wasn’t asked if that was OK. Whenever I asked the golf girls … ‘Hey, does he do this a lot?’ And they’re, like, ‘Yeah, you’ll get used to it.’ ”She quit the team after the superintendent made the penis remark.<h2>‘How could this not be a priority?’</h2>In June, the student’s parents attended a regularly scheduled Comanche County school board meeting with the goal of sharing information about what their daughter said she endured while coached by Theurer.Herd, the board president, called the mother before the meeting in an attempt to dissuade her from making public comments about the superintendent, the mother said.The mother decided to go to the board meeting. She attempted to read from a written statement. Herd cut her off by adjourning the meeting. A video obtained by Kansas Reflector showed Herd and other board members walking out of the room with the mother still reading from her prepared remarks.“How could this not be a priority? Not for my family alone, but for the school community?” the mother said in an interview. “The sudden adjournment and insistence that such an issue of import was literally worth walking out on is deeply troubling.”She said the school board president’s attempt to bury the complaint was “completely unacceptable” and risked the health and safety of students in the district’s three schools. Failure of the school board to address the superintendent’s misconduct ran “the risk of appearing complicit in continuing toxic and dangerous situations,” the mother said.“There is no result that can serve justice other than immediate termination,” she said.

A Kan. student reported her coach for harassment, touching. School leaders kept it quiet.

By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced Tuesday she is officially not running for another term in the U.S. Senate, leaving the seat open heading into the 2026 election cycle.

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb9FWd-0Y08" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;address, Ernst said it was “no easy decision” to decide not to seek reelection for a third term as senator.

“It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country, having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support,” Ernst said. “Now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026.”

Ernst, who was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020, is the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate, having served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard. Before her time in Congress, she had served in public office as a state senator and Montgomery County auditor.

The Republican said Iowans sent her to Washington “with a mission in mind — to make Washington squeal,” referencing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BgLwe8bFNg" target="_blank">her 2014 campaign ad</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/make-em-squeal" target="_blank">efforts in office</a>&nbsp;to address federal government waste, fraud and abuse. Ernst said she was “proud to say we have delivered” on her “squeal” promises. She also highlighted her work in the U.S. Senate on anti-abortion measures, preventing violence against women and supporting farmers and veterans.

“As a proud Harley rider, you can rest assured, I’m not slowing down anytime soon,” Ernst said. “There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term, and I’ll keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans’ voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress.”

Reports&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/08/29/new-report-says-ernst-plans-to-not-seek-reelection-in-2026/">were published Friday</a>&nbsp;from multiple outlets saying that sources close to Ernst expected she would announce her plans for 2026 this week. Though&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/10/joni-ernst-retirement-watch-iowa-senate-seat-00447670" target="_blank">Senate GOP leadership</a>&nbsp;had reportedly encouraged Ernst to run for another term, the senator faced criticism from Republicans for expressing concerns about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during the nomination process. She also gained national attention for saying “<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/05/30/well-were-all-going-to-die-u-s-sen-joni-ernst-defends-medicaid-cuts-at-heated-town-hall/">well, we all are going to die,”</a>&nbsp;at a May town hall when responding to a person who said GOP-backed Medicaid cuts would cause people to die.

Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election, responded that Ernst’s decision not to run was a signal that Republicans’ hold of Iowa’s congressional seats could be at risk. Currently, Iowa’s federal delegation is all Republican, but Iowa’s 1st and 3rd Districts have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings" target="_blank">brought up by political forecasters</a>&nbsp;as pivotal battlegrounds for control of the U.S. House in the upcoming midterms.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings" target="_blank">Cook Political Report</a>&nbsp;rated the race for Iowa’s Senate seat as “likely Republican” — but the race could be more contentious without an incumbent Republican candidate.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement responding to Ernst’s announcement, and said her decision shows that “Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy.”

“Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters,” Schumer and Gillibrand said in the statement. “Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families.”

State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris and former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage are currently running to become Iowa’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott said in a statement the Senate GOP campaign arm “is confident Iowans will elect a Republican to continue fighting for them and championing President Trump’s agenda in 2026.” He also thanked Ernst for her service in Washington and in the military.

“Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Iowans,” Scott said. “Traveling across the Hawkeye State with Joni, I know she loves Iowa, and Iowa loves her. We are grateful for all she has accomplished in helping Iowa families keep more of their hard-earned money and make Washington squeal.”

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Ernst “dropped out of this race because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter” — and said whoever becomes the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate will have to contend with “the same toxic Republican agenda that’s harming Iowa families.”

“The energy is on our side heading into the midterms as Iowans are fed up with Washington Republicans spiking costs for working people to deliver tax cuts for billionaires,” Hart said. “In 2026, Iowans will elect a Democrat to the U.S. Senate who will prioritize making Iowa economically prosperous and a healthier state.”

Hinson expected to make a bid for U.S. Senate

There are two Republicans currently running for the nomination: former state lawmaker&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/06/06/republican-jim-carlin-launches-primary-bid-against-u-s-sen-joni-ernst-in-week-of-campaign-kickoffs/">Jim Carlin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/30/joshua-smith-republican-iowa-senate-joni-ernst/83347040007/" target="_blank">Joshua Smith</a>, a former Libertarian candidate for the state Senate.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District is also expected to join the race. In a social media post Monday, Hinson thanked Ernst for her service and added that she and her husband will share an announcement soon.

“As we look forward, President Trump needs a fighter in the Senate who will always have his back to continue to cut spending, deport illegal aliens, and put working families first,” Hinson wrote. “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass this America First agenda in the House and I would be his strongest ally in the Senate. Matt and I will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again.”

Hinson has been working on reelection efforts in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in recent months. There are currently three Democrats running for the seat in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/08/19/democrat-lindsay-james-announces-2nd-congressional-district-bid/">state Rep. Lindsay James</a>, D-Dubuque, &nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/07/22/clint-twedt-ball-founder-of-matthew-25-nonprofit-launches-2nd-district-campaign/">Clint Twedt-Ball</a>, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25 and&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/07/15/democrat-kathy-dolter-launches-bid-for-2nd-congressional-district-rep-lindsay-james-mulls-a-run/">Kathy Dolter</a>, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College.

Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Hinson’s expected move to the U.S. Senate race in 2026 shows Democrats have a strong chance in the 2nd District race.

“Ashley Hinson is clearly eager to jump off the sinking ship that is her re-election in Iowa’s 2nd district,” Smith said. “Hinson is terrified to face her voters, who’ve had a front row seat as she’s prioritized Washington and billionaires while voting to raise Iowans’ costs. There’s change coming in Iowa: voters are ready for new leadership and no matter what Hinson decides, she will lose her seat.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756840672871.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/author/ropshal/">Robin Opsahl</a> <a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a> U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced Tuesday she is officially not running for another term in the U.S. Senate, leaving the seat open heading into the 2026 election cycle.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My message to Iowans: <a href="https://t.co/K6mHG6bSuE">pic.twitter.com/K6mHG6bSuE</a>&mdash; Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJoniErnst/status/1962923952193282085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb9FWd-0Y08" target="_blank">video</a>&nbsp;address, Ernst said it was “no easy decision” to decide not to seek reelection for a third term as senator.“It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country, having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support,” Ernst said. “Now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026.”Ernst, who was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020, is the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate, having served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard. Before her time in Congress, she had served in public office as a state senator and Montgomery County auditor.The Republican said Iowans sent her to Washington “with a mission in mind — to make Washington squeal,” referencing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BgLwe8bFNg" target="_blank">her 2014 campaign ad</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ernst.senate.gov/make-em-squeal" target="_blank">efforts in office</a>&nbsp;to address federal government waste, fraud and abuse. Ernst said she was “proud to say we have delivered” on her “squeal” promises. She also highlighted her work in the U.S. Senate on anti-abortion measures, preventing violence against women and supporting farmers and veterans.“As a proud Harley rider, you can rest assured, I’m not slowing down anytime soon,” Ernst said. “There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term, and I’ll keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans’ voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress.”Reports&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/08/29/new-report-says-ernst-plans-to-not-seek-reelection-in-2026/">were published Friday</a>&nbsp;from multiple outlets saying that sources close to Ernst expected she would announce her plans for 2026 this week. Though&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/10/joni-ernst-retirement-watch-iowa-senate-seat-00447670" target="_blank">Senate GOP leadership</a>&nbsp;had reportedly encouraged Ernst to run for another term, the senator faced criticism from Republicans for expressing concerns about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during the nomination process. She also gained national attention for saying “<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/05/30/well-were-all-going-to-die-u-s-sen-joni-ernst-defends-medicaid-cuts-at-heated-town-hall/">well, we all are going to die,”</a>&nbsp;at a May town hall when responding to a person who said GOP-backed Medicaid cuts would cause people to die.Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election, responded that Ernst’s decision not to run was a signal that Republicans’ hold of Iowa’s congressional seats could be at risk. Currently, Iowa’s federal delegation is all Republican, but Iowa’s 1st and 3rd Districts have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratings" target="_blank">brought up by political forecasters</a>&nbsp;as pivotal battlegrounds for control of the U.S. House in the upcoming midterms.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings" target="_blank">Cook Political Report</a>&nbsp;rated the race for Iowa’s Senate seat as “likely Republican” — but the race could be more contentious without an incumbent Republican candidate.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Kirsten Gillibrand released a statement responding to Ernst’s announcement, and said her decision shows that “Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy.”“Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters,” Schumer and Gillibrand said in the statement. “Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families.”State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris and former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage are currently running to become Iowa’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in 2026.National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott said in a statement the Senate GOP campaign arm “is confident Iowans will elect a Republican to continue fighting for them and championing President Trump’s agenda in 2026.” He also thanked Ernst for her service in Washington and in the military.“Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Iowans,” Scott said. “Traveling across the Hawkeye State with Joni, I know she loves Iowa, and Iowa loves her. We are grateful for all she has accomplished in helping Iowa families keep more of their hard-earned money and make Washington squeal.”Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Ernst “dropped out of this race because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter” — and said whoever becomes the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate will have to contend with “the same toxic Republican agenda that’s harming Iowa families.”“The energy is on our side heading into the midterms as Iowans are fed up with Washington Republicans spiking costs for working people to deliver tax cuts for billionaires,” Hart said. “In 2026, Iowans will elect a Democrat to the U.S. Senate who will prioritize making Iowa economically prosperous and a healthier state.”<h2>Hinson expected to make a bid for U.S. Senate</h2>There are two Republicans currently running for the nomination: former state lawmaker&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/06/06/republican-jim-carlin-launches-primary-bid-against-u-s-sen-joni-ernst-in-week-of-campaign-kickoffs/">Jim Carlin</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/30/joshua-smith-republican-iowa-senate-joni-ernst/83347040007/" target="_blank">Joshua Smith</a>, a former Libertarian candidate for the state Senate.U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District is also expected to join the race. In a social media post Monday, Hinson thanked Ernst for her service and added that she and her husband will share an announcement soon.“As we look forward, President Trump needs a fighter in the Senate who will always have his back to continue to cut spending, deport illegal aliens, and put working families first,” Hinson wrote. “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass this America First agenda in the House and I would be his strongest ally in the Senate. Matt and I will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again.”Hinson has been working on reelection efforts in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in recent months. There are currently three Democrats running for the seat in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/08/19/democrat-lindsay-james-announces-2nd-congressional-district-bid/">state Rep. Lindsay James</a>, D-Dubuque, &nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/07/22/clint-twedt-ball-founder-of-matthew-25-nonprofit-launches-2nd-district-campaign/">Clint Twedt-Ball</a>, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25 and&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/07/15/democrat-kathy-dolter-launches-bid-for-2nd-congressional-district-rep-lindsay-james-mulls-a-run/">Kathy Dolter</a>, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College.Katie Smith, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Hinson’s expected move to the U.S. Senate race in 2026 shows Democrats have a strong chance in the 2nd District race.“Ashley Hinson is clearly eager to jump off the sinking ship that is her re-election in Iowa’s 2nd district,” Smith said. “Hinson is terrified to face her voters, who’ve had a front row seat as she’s prioritized Washington and billionaires while voting to raise Iowans’ costs. There’s change coming in Iowa: voters are ready for new leadership and no matter what Hinson decides, she will lose her seat.”

🎥U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst explains why she will not seek reelection

A new nonprofit is now up and running to address the critical challenges facing Reno County’s childcare system. Kids Collective Child Care Network, born out of the work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force, will provide long-term, sustainable solutions to issues such as workforce shortages, low wages, and limited access to quality care for families. 

The first centers to join the Kids Collective network include Crusader Corner (Buhler USD 313), Buhler Beginnings (Buhler USD 313), and Abundant Life Community Childcare. These locations will now operate under the Kids Collective name and management—employing 50 childcare professionals and serving 200 children aged 6 weeks through elementary (including after school care). Kids Collective has plans for expansion—including other centers and opportunities for home-based providers—beginning in early 2026. 

Made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Hutchinson and Reno County, Kids Collective will: •&nbsp; Provide back-office and operational support to centers •&nbsp; Create consistent, high-quality environments for children •&nbsp; Reduce the burden on providers and improve workforce retention •&nbsp; Expand access to reliable, nurturing childcare for families

Kids Collective’s Executive Director, Heather Faulkner, brings over 20 years of experience and a deep personal mission for supporting providers and families. 

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

While the Reno County Child Care Task Force will continue serving all Reno County providers through resources, training, and grant opportunities, Kids Collective will focus on operating a network of centers and building out scalable solutions to strengthen the overall system. 

Why Kids Collective Matters: •&nbsp; Families find peace of mind with consistent, high-quality care they can count on. •&nbsp; Providers gain strength and support through shared systems, coaching, and resources that make their work sustainable. •&nbsp; Children thrive in joyful, nurturing environments that spark curiosity and growth. •&nbsp; Communities benefit from a stronger childcare network that fuels workforce stability and local economic vitality.

For more information about Kids Collective, visit <a href="http://KidsCollectiveKS.com">KidsCollectiveKS.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1756828435626.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A new nonprofit is now up and running to address the critical challenges facing Reno County’s childcare system. Kids Collective Child Care Network, born out of the work of the Reno County Child Care Task Force, will provide long-term, sustainable solutions to issues such as workforce shortages, low wages, and limited access to quality care for families. The first centers to join the Kids Collective network include Crusader Corner (Buhler USD 313), Buhler Beginnings (Buhler USD 313), and Abundant Life Community Childcare. These locations will now operate under the Kids Collective name and management—employing 50 childcare professionals and serving 200 children aged 6 weeks through elementary (including after school care). Kids Collective has plans for expansion—including other centers and opportunities for home-based providers—beginning in early 2026. Made possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the City of Hutchinson and Reno County, Kids Collective will: •&nbsp; Provide back-office and operational support to centers •&nbsp; Create consistent, high-quality environments for children •&nbsp; Reduce the burden on providers and improve workforce retention •&nbsp; Expand access to reliable, nurturing childcare for families Kids Collective’s Executive Director, Heather Faulkner, brings over 20 years of experience and a deep personal mission for supporting providers and families. “Heather brings unmatched passion and experience to this role,” said Kari Mailloux, Kids Collective Board President. “She’s been in the trenches, understands the challenges providers face, and is the ideal leader to guide Kids Collective through its start-up phase and beyond.” While the Reno County Child Care Task Force will continue serving all Reno County providers through resources, training, and grant opportunities, Kids Collective will focus on operating a network of centers and building out scalable solutions to strengthen the overall system. Why Kids Collective Matters: •&nbsp; Families find peace of mind with consistent, high-quality care they can count on. •&nbsp; Providers gain strength and support through shared systems, coaching, and resources that make their work sustainable. •&nbsp; Children thrive in joyful, nurturing environments that spark curiosity and growth. •&nbsp; Communities benefit from a stronger childcare network that fuels workforce stability and local economic vitality. For more information about Kids Collective, visit <a href="http://KidsCollectiveKS.com">KidsCollectiveKS.com</a>.

Kids Collective launches

Note:&nbsp; September is National Recovery Month. This is the first of several articles to bring awareness to the struggles of addiction and recovery.

Addiction continues to be one of the most pressing health challenges across the nation, touching families in every community, regardless of background. But alongside the statistics are powerful stories of recovery—testimonies of resilience, community support, and second chances.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 46 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with substance use disorder in 2023. Addiction does not discriminate—it affects individuals from all walks of life, from students and professionals to parents and retirees.

Experts note that addiction is a disease of both the brain and behavior. What often begins as recreational use or a means of coping with stress can quickly evolve into dependency. Left untreated, it can lead to strained relationships, job loss, health complications, and, in the worst cases, death.

Local recovery advocates stress the importance of treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a moral failing. “When people see addiction as a weakness instead of an illness, it creates barriers to seeking help,” said one counselor at a Hutchinson recovery center. “Breaking that stigma is just as important as providing treatment.”

Programs such as peer mentoring, group therapy, and faith-based initiatives are helping to shift perceptions. Communities are also embracing awareness campaigns to remind those struggling that recovery is possible—and that help is within reach.

<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/hutch/posts/2a1b6110-99af-44ba-a1be-19a7d7f611af">LINK:&nbsp;Valley Hope leader highlights addiction awareness during recovery month</a>

Recovery looks different for each person. For some, it begins with residential treatment or detox programs. Others find success through outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or 12-step programs. In every case, ongoing support plays a vital role.

Local organizations like Rise Up Reno and Wisdom in Motion have worked to provide prevention, mentoring, and recovery tools tailored to both youth and adults. “We focus not just on sobriety, but on rebuilding lives,” one program director said. “It’s about finding purpose again.”

One of the most powerful forces in recovery is community. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous offer spaces where individuals can share struggles and victories without judgment. Meanwhile, local nonprofits and churches often step in with housing assistance, job training, and mentorship.

Stories from those in recovery highlight the impact of connection. “I thought I was alone in this,” said one recovering individual. “But when I found people who understood what I was going through, I realized I wasn’t broken beyond repair.”

September is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the millions of Americans who are in recovery and raising awareness about the resources available. The message is clear: recovery is possible, and no one has to walk that journey alone.

For those in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 to connect with the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756215283128.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;Note:&nbsp; September is National Recovery Month. This is the first of several articles to bring awareness to the struggles of addiction and recovery.Addiction continues to be one of the most pressing health challenges across the nation, touching families in every community, regardless of background. But alongside the statistics are powerful stories of recovery—testimonies of resilience, community support, and second chances.The reality of addictionAccording to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than 46 million Americans over the age of 12 struggled with substance use disorder in 2023. Addiction does not discriminate—it affects individuals from all walks of life, from students and professionals to parents and retirees.Experts note that addiction is a disease of both the brain and behavior. What often begins as recreational use or a means of coping with stress can quickly evolve into dependency. Left untreated, it can lead to strained relationships, job loss, health complications, and, in the worst cases, death.Breaking the stigmaLocal recovery advocates stress the importance of treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a moral failing. “When people see addiction as a weakness instead of an illness, it creates barriers to seeking help,” said one counselor at a Hutchinson recovery center. “Breaking that stigma is just as important as providing treatment.”Programs such as peer mentoring, group therapy, and faith-based initiatives are helping to shift perceptions. Communities are also embracing awareness campaigns to remind those struggling that recovery is possible—and that help is within reach.<a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.app/dashboard/hutch/posts/2a1b6110-99af-44ba-a1be-19a7d7f611af">LINK:&nbsp;Valley Hope leader highlights addiction awareness during recovery month</a>The journey to recoveryRecovery looks different for each person. For some, it begins with residential treatment or detox programs. Others find success through outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or 12-step programs. In every case, ongoing support plays a vital role.Local organizations like Rise Up Reno and Wisdom in Motion have worked to provide prevention, mentoring, and recovery tools tailored to both youth and adults. “We focus not just on sobriety, but on rebuilding lives,” one program director said. “It’s about finding purpose again.”Community and connectionOne of the most powerful forces in recovery is community. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous offer spaces where individuals can share struggles and victories without judgment. Meanwhile, local nonprofits and churches often step in with housing assistance, job training, and mentorship.Stories from those in recovery highlight the impact of connection. “I thought I was alone in this,” said one recovering individual. “But when I found people who understood what I was going through, I realized I wasn’t broken beyond repair.”A message of hopeSeptember is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the millions of Americans who are in recovery and raising awareness about the resources available. The message is clear: recovery is possible, and no one has to walk that journey alone.For those in crisis, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 to connect with the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline.

Finding hope: The pathway to recovery

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, KEVIN FREKING and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press1

Congressional Republicans scored a massive victory this summer when they passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” of tax and spending cuts</a>&nbsp;without a single Democratic vote. But as they return to Washington this fall after a monthlong August recess, they will have to find a way to work with Democrats — or around them — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-spending-trump-government-shutdown-democrats-republicans-a282c46016d64c5f4ffb8c3c99c9077e">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;looms.

The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda, along with a possible effort by Senate Republicans to change their chamber's rules to thwart Democratic stalling tactics on nominations. The Senate is also debating whether to move forward on legislation that would slap steep tariffs on some of Russia’s trading partners as the U.S. pressures Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine.

In the House, Republicans will continue their investigations of former President Joe Biden while Speaker Mike Johnson navigates a split in his conference over whether the Trump administration should release more files in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;investigation.

A look at what Congress will be doing as lawmakers return from the August break:

The most urgent task for Congress is to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30, when federal funding runs out. And it’s so far unclear if Republicans and Democrats will be able to agree on how to do that.

Congress will have to pass a short-term spending measure to keep the government funded for a few weeks or months while they try to finish the full-year package. But Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass an extension, and Democrats will want significant concessions. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s vote with Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-gop-chuck-schumer-86385e644239a3dc1558b37d13094234">avoid a shutdown in March</a>&nbsp;prompted furious backlash within his party.

The Trump administration's efforts to claw back previously approved spending could also complicate the negotiations. Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pbs-npr-budget-cuts-trump-republicans-7d29c97c85d0b450549af657e115f0f8">passed legislation this summer that rescinded about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds</a>&nbsp;and Trump notified Congress again on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-aid-pocket-rescission-374c63e6b4004e819a657e33b76f502e">that he will block</a>&nbsp;$4.9 billion in congressionally approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/foreign-aid">foreign aid</a>.

Democrats have warned that such efforts could tank the broader negotiations. “Trump is rooting for a shutdown,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., posted on social media Friday.

Senators are expected to return to Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-confirmations-nominations-trump-schumer-thune-905a63d0046319eeb7c266d5e24e70b6">right where they left off in early August</a>&nbsp;— fighting over Trump’s nominees.

Exasperated Republicans fled Washington for the month after making little headway with Senate Democrats over their nominations blockade, which has forced delays in confirmations and angered Trump as many of his administration’s positions remain unfilled. Republican leaders called it quits after a rare Saturday session that ended with a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations and Trump posting on social media that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;could “GO TO HELL!”

Republicans now say they’re ready to try and change Senate rules to get around the Democratic delays, and they are expected to spend the next several weeks discussing how that might work.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, has pushed the president for months to support his sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-us-ukraine-russia-sanctions-graham-blumenthal-d1ec6840d4452a0209403e4c4c3ef861">bipartisan sanctions bill</a>&nbsp;that would impose steep tariffs on countries that are fueling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by buying its oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. The legislation has the backing of 85 senators, but Trump has yet to endorse it, and Republican leaders have so far said they won’t move without him.

Graham has stepped up his calls after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-summit-alaska-russia-ukraine-a7b167f17a3e06fbce2f583c93f8bae1">met with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy last month in hopes of a peace deal. Since then, Russia has continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-attack-23e051f1b7e93308f99b6fdfdd8949f2">step up attacks on Ukraine</a>.

“If we don’t have this thing moving in the right direction by the time we get back, then I think that plan B needs to kick in,” Graham said of his bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-ukraine-trump-zelenskyy-war-negotiations-d94711651ab5b96f7b771c1fb3af1179">in an interview with The Associated Press last month.</a>

Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy will appear before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss his health care agenda on Thursday, less than a week after he ousted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-susan-monarez-50dfbec849b53b4593755d2e6e616687">Susan Monarez</a>&nbsp;as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several other top officials also resigned in protest.

Kennedy has tried to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">anti-vaccine policies</a>&nbsp;that are contradicted by decades of scientific research. Monarez’s lawyers said she refused “to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts.”

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Republican chairman of the HELP panel that oversees the CDC and a member of the Finance Committee, has called on the CDC to delay a meeting of outside experts who make recommendations on the use of vaccines until Congress can look into the issue.

By MARY CLARE JALONICK, KEVIN FREKING and STEPHEN GROVES Associated Press1Congressional Republicans scored a massive victory this summer when they passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-republican-trump-tax-bill-f65be44e1050431a601320197322551b">President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill” of tax and spending cuts</a>&nbsp;without a single Democratic vote. But as they return to Washington this fall after a monthlong August recess, they will have to find a way to work with Democrats — or around them — as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-spending-trump-government-shutdown-democrats-republicans-a282c46016d64c5f4ffb8c3c99c9077e">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;looms.The annual spending battle will dominate the September agenda, along with a possible effort by Senate Republicans to change their chamber's rules to thwart Democratic stalling tactics on nominations. The Senate is also debating whether to move forward on legislation that would slap steep tariffs on some of Russia’s trading partners as the U.S. pressures Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine.In the House, Republicans will continue their investigations of former President Joe Biden while Speaker Mike Johnson navigates a split in his conference over whether the Trump administration should release more files in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;investigation.A look at what Congress will be doing as lawmakers return from the August break:<h2>Keeping the Government Open</h2>The most urgent task for Congress is to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30, when federal funding runs out. And it’s so far unclear if Republicans and Democrats will be able to agree on how to do that.Congress will have to pass a short-term spending measure to keep the government funded for a few weeks or months while they try to finish the full-year package. But Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass an extension, and Democrats will want significant concessions. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer’s vote with Republicans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-gop-chuck-schumer-86385e644239a3dc1558b37d13094234">avoid a shutdown in March</a>&nbsp;prompted furious backlash within his party.The Trump administration's efforts to claw back previously approved spending could also complicate the negotiations. Republicans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pbs-npr-budget-cuts-trump-republicans-7d29c97c85d0b450549af657e115f0f8">passed legislation this summer that rescinded about $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds</a>&nbsp;and Trump notified Congress again on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-aid-pocket-rescission-374c63e6b4004e819a657e33b76f502e">that he will block</a>&nbsp;$4.9 billion in congressionally approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/foreign-aid">foreign aid</a>.Democrats have warned that such efforts could tank the broader negotiations. “Trump is rooting for a shutdown,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., posted on social media Friday.<h2>Senate Nominations Fight</h2>Senators are expected to return to Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-confirmations-nominations-trump-schumer-thune-905a63d0046319eeb7c266d5e24e70b6">right where they left off in early August</a>&nbsp;— fighting over Trump’s nominees.Exasperated Republicans fled Washington for the month after making little headway with Senate Democrats over their nominations blockade, which has forced delays in confirmations and angered Trump as many of his administration’s positions remain unfilled. Republican leaders called it quits after a rare Saturday session that ended with a breakdown in bipartisan negotiations and Trump posting on social media that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;could “GO TO HELL!”Republicans now say they’re ready to try and change Senate rules to get around the Democratic delays, and they are expected to spend the next several weeks discussing how that might work.<h2>Russian Sanctions</h2>Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, one of Trump’s closest congressional allies, has pushed the president for months to support his sweeping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-us-ukraine-russia-sanctions-graham-blumenthal-d1ec6840d4452a0209403e4c4c3ef861">bipartisan sanctions bill</a>&nbsp;that would impose steep tariffs on countries that are fueling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by buying its oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. The legislation has the backing of 85 senators, but Trump has yet to endorse it, and Republican leaders have so far said they won’t move without him.Graham has stepped up his calls after Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-summit-alaska-russia-ukraine-a7b167f17a3e06fbce2f583c93f8bae1">met with Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;and Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy last month in hopes of a peace deal. Since then, Russia has continued to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-attack-23e051f1b7e93308f99b6fdfdd8949f2">step up attacks on Ukraine</a>.“If we don’t have this thing moving in the right direction by the time we get back, then I think that plan B needs to kick in,” Graham said of his bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-ukraine-trump-zelenskyy-war-negotiations-d94711651ab5b96f7b771c1fb3af1179">in an interview with The Associated Press last month.</a><h2>Oversight of the CDC</h2>Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy will appear before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss his health care agenda on Thursday, less than a week after he ousted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cdc-director-susan-monarez-50dfbec849b53b4593755d2e6e616687">Susan Monarez</a>&nbsp;as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several other top officials also resigned in protest.Kennedy has tried to advance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/robert-f-kennedy-vaccines-trump-rfkjr-7f8dcb25de76a5a70710d22bbc63f6fa">anti-vaccine policies</a>&nbsp;that are contradicted by decades of scientific research. Monarez’s lawyers said she refused “to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts.”Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, the Republican chairman of the HELP panel that oversees the CDC and a member of the Finance Committee, has called on the CDC to delay a meeting of outside experts who make recommendations on the use of vaccines until Congress can look into the issue.<h2>Divisions over Epstein</h2>The House left Washington in July amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-jeffrey-epstein-trump-f2a03eca247268b14a9e38858338eded">disagreements among Republicans</a>&nbsp;about whether they should force President Donald Trump’s administration to release more information on the sex trafficking investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein. The pressure for more disclosure could only get more intense when lawmakers return.Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky are pushing the House to take up their bill to force the Department of Justice to publicly release its investigation. They are planning a news conference this week joined by Epstein victims. The House Oversight Committee is also investigating the issue.Democrats are eager to keep pressing on the Epstein files, especially after the Trump administration reneged on pledges for transparency. The case for years has been the subject of online conspiracy theories and speculation about who may have been involved or aware of the wealthy financier’s abuse.<h2>Investigating Biden</h2>The House Oversight Committee will return from August recess with a slate of interviews lined up as part of its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-biden-election-democrat-midterm-78b6e3998772b987625abbbc9bebf3d0">investigation into former President Joe Biden’s mental state while in office</a>. The committee has already conducted interviews and depositions with nearly a dozen former top Biden aides and members of the president’s inner circle.The Republican-led committee will hear from former top Biden staffers in September like Jeff Zients, Biden’s final White House chief of staff, Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House press secretary, and Andrew Bates, a top press aide.Oversight Chair James Comer, R-Ky., has said public hearings and a full report can be expected sometime in the fall.<h2>Stock Trading Ban</h2>Congress has discussed proposals for years to keep lawmakers from engaging in trading individual stocks, nodding to the idea that there’s a potential conflict of interest when they are often privy to information and decisions that can dramatically move markets.That push is now gaining momentum. A Senate committee has approved legislation from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hawley-pelosi-stocks-insider-trading-ban-cf6200d0ec71fe012bb3b9a916696b37">GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri</a>&nbsp;that would also extend the prohibition on stock trading to future presidents and vice presidents — while notably exempting Trump. In the House, several members are putting forward proposals and even threatening to maneuver around GOP leadership to force a vote.Still, there is plenty of resistance to the idea, including from many wealthy lawmakers who reap dividends from their portfolios.___Associated Press writers Matt Brown and Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.