HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pastor of a local church took time Monday evening to ask motorists to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses, staff and patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Patrons and others filled up the parking lot flashing their car lights and honking horns in support.

The Rev. David Dubovich of Park Place Christian Church in Hutchinson led a group of his congregation and others to the main parking lot at Hutch Regional in an effort to say "thanks" to Hutch Regional staff and COVID-19 patients under treatment at the hospital.

Dubovich dubbed the event "Lighting Up Our Community."

“The hospital staff has to be working a lot of hours and this has to be stressful for them working in an unknown situation,” Dubovich said. “This is to support the staff and (show) the hospital that we’re thinking of them and praying for them.”

Hospital spokesperson Richard Shank echoed Dubovich’s comments and said this is a positive event during difficult times.

“I think for patients and staff need words of encouragement and this is a great example during a unique situation,” Shank said. “We’re seeing a lot of these unique events throughout the country and I’m glad we’ve got several of them in Hutchinson.”

While in their cars, all who attended also took time to pray for those at the hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586221945835.jpeg" alt="Motorists gather in the parking lot at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to thank doctors, nurses and staff, as well as show support of patients at HRMC in what was called Lighting Up Our Community. The event was spearheaded by The Rev. David Dubovich of Park Place Christian Church." />
 <figcaption>Motorists gather in the parking lot at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to thank doctors, nurses and staff, as well as show support of patients at HRMC in what was called Lighting Up Our Community. The event was spearheaded by The Rev. David Dubovich of Park Place Christian Church.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The pastor of a local church took time Monday evening to ask motorists to pay tribute to the doctors, nurses, staff and patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Patrons and others filled up the parking lot flashing their car lights and honking horns in support.The Rev. David Dubovich of Park Place Christian Church in Hutchinson led a group of his congregation and others to the main parking lot at Hutch Regional in an effort to say "thanks" to Hutch Regional staff and COVID-19 patients under treatment at the hospital.Dubovich dubbed the event "Lighting Up Our Community."“The hospital staff has to be working a lot of hours and this has to be stressful for them working in an unknown situation,” Dubovich said. “This is to support the staff and (show) the hospital that we’re thinking of them and praying for them.”Hospital spokesperson Richard Shank echoed Dubovich’s comments and said this is a positive event during difficult times.“I think for patients and staff need words of encouragement and this is a great example during a unique situation,” Shank said. “We’re seeing a lot of these unique events throughout the country and I’m glad we’ve got several of them in Hutchinson.”While in their cars, all who attended also took time to pray for those at the hospital.

Community gathers to pray for staff at Hutchinson hospital

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year.

"We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."

Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues.

"The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."

Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that.

"The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."

There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="Roger McEowen" />
 <figcaption>Roger McEowen</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
A tax law professor from Washburn University says it's important to 
watch Congress for changes after the filing and payment deadline has 
been moved back to July 15 for this year."We may see more 
developments concerning that," said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm 
Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University
 School of Law. "There was a provision put in some late 2019 
legislation, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, that had a 
provision in it that puts an automatic trigger on the tax code provision
 anytime that the President declares an emergency or a disaster area, 
then there's an automatic shut off of the tax provisions for that 
particular area until 60 days after the emergency or disaster is 
declared over. There is no geographic limitation on that."Since the President has declared a nationwide disaster, that could present some issues."The
 Treasury secretary and the IRS have not fully accepted that yet," 
McEowen said. "They missed the provision in the disaster legislation. 
That's why you saw initially the payment deadline move, but not the 
filing deadline. It was pointed out to them that, look, you can't do 
that. They both automatically move. It's until 60 days after the 
declaration's over. Well, they haven't accepted that fact yet, so that 
could still move."Also, the CARES legislation, which is the 
latest response from Congress to the COVID-19 crisis is still alive and 
working and changes could come through that."The question is, how
 long is it going to take?" McEowen said. "That's the problem I woke up 
to this morning. The other side of the aisle now wants to propose their 
own bill. Once you do that, that really grinds things down pretty slowly
 in the Congress. We'll see. This may take some time. However, they 
really don't have time to get this done. They need to put the politics 
aside and get things done."There are also discussions about 
everything up to a full on tax holiday that remain on the table as long 
as the legislation isn't in its final form, according to McEowen, but 
what comes out in the end remains to be seen.

Professor: Emergency will have impact on tax law, but it's still fuzzy

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — This Sunday we spring forward into Daylight Saving Time, but be vigilant if you need to drive that day or on Monday afterward.

"There could be some increased danger on the road," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "You may not really realize it. Losing that hour of sleep can really create a situation where we have drowsy drivers on the road."

Kansas Department of Transportation data from 2018 revealed that drivers being fatigued or falling asleep was cited as a contributing factor in nearly 1,000 traffic crashes in the state.

"The recommendation is that you get at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road," Steward said. "It's not always possible, but that's what is recommended. If you don't get that sleep, we've found that drivers who miss one or two hours of the recommended seven hours of sleep in a 24 hour period nearly double their risk for a crash."

Drivers who have slept less than 5 hours have a crash risk that is comparable to someone driving drunk.

"Especially as we adjust to the difference in daylight with Daylight Saving Time, your body needs some time to adjust," Steward said. "When that Monday morning commute comes around, it's going to be a lot different than we've been seeing in the mornings. It's going to be a lot darker for longer in the mornings. Drivers, just make sure that you are aware. Be extra careful around school buses, in neighborhoods. Make sure that your headlights and all of the lights on your vehicle and your windows are clean so people can see you."

96% of drivers view drowsy driving as a completely unacceptable behavior that is a serious threat to their safety, but nearly 29% admit to driving when they were so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the prior 30 days.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — This Sunday we spring forward into Daylight Saving Time, but be vigilant if you need to drive that day or on Monday afterward."There could be some increased danger on the road," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "You may not really realize it. Losing that hour of sleep can really create a situation where we have drowsy drivers on the road."Kansas Department of Transportation data from 2018 revealed that drivers being fatigued or falling asleep was cited as a contributing factor in nearly 1,000 traffic crashes in the state."The recommendation is that you get at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road," Steward said. "It's not always possible, but that's what is recommended. If you don't get that sleep, we've found that drivers who miss one or two hours of the recommended seven hours of sleep in a 24 hour period nearly double their risk for a crash."Drivers who have slept less than 5 hours have a crash risk that is comparable to someone driving drunk."Especially as we adjust to the difference in daylight with Daylight Saving Time, your body needs some time to adjust," Steward said. "When that Monday morning commute comes around, it's going to be a lot different than we've been seeing in the mornings. It's going to be a lot darker for longer in the mornings. Drivers, just make sure that you are aware. Be extra careful around school buses, in neighborhoods. Make sure that your headlights and all of the lights on your vehicle and your windows are clean so people can see you."96% of drivers view drowsy driving as a completely unacceptable behavior that is a serious threat to their safety, but nearly 29% admit to driving when they were so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the prior 30 days.

Drowsy driving a danger with daylight saving time change

By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — The Kansas Attorney General's office found out some good news from the U.S. Supreme Court this week.

"The United States Supreme Court agreed with our argument that the Kansas Supreme Court got it wrong in a case called Kansas versus Garcia," said Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. "It's an identity theft case. The issue is whether, when a person uses a stolen Social Security number, somebody else's number and uses that to apply for a job, does federal immigration law prevent the state from prosecuting that identity theft?"

The Kansas Supreme Court thought that federal law superseded state law, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed.

"The state may prosecute those identity thefts," Schmidt said. "People don't get a special immunity from state criminal law just because of their employment status or their immigration status. We're very pleased with that outcome."

To be clear, these weren't just paperwork mistakes.

"It's a consolidated group of three different prosecutions from Kansas, all presenting the same legal issue," Schmidt said. "The cases all had real flesh and blood victims. These are not abstract crimes against the government or anything like that, not to downplay those, but there were real people who are innocent, who did nothing wrong, who had their Social Security numbers and identities stolen, used by somebody else. We are now able to say with certainty, when the state of Kansas discovers that, we can hold that somebody else, that identity thief, accountable."

This was the third U.S. Supreme Court case Schmidt has personally argued as Kansas attorney general.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583409290272.jpeg" alt="Kansas AG Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas AG Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — The Kansas Attorney General's office found out some good news from the U.S. Supreme Court this week."The United States Supreme Court agreed with our argument that the Kansas Supreme Court got it wrong in a case called Kansas versus Garcia," said Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. "It's an identity theft case. The issue is whether, when a person uses a stolen Social Security number, somebody else's number and uses that to apply for a job, does federal immigration law prevent the state from prosecuting that identity theft?"The Kansas Supreme Court thought that federal law superseded state law, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed."The state may prosecute those identity thefts," Schmidt said. "People don't get a special immunity from state criminal law just because of their employment status or their immigration status. We're very pleased with that outcome."To be clear, these weren't just paperwork mistakes."It's a consolidated group of three different prosecutions from Kansas, all presenting the same legal issue," Schmidt said. "The cases all had real flesh and blood victims. These are not abstract crimes against the government or anything like that, not to downplay those, but there were real people who are innocent, who did nothing wrong, who had their Social Security numbers and identities stolen, used by somebody else. We are now able to say with certainty, when the state of Kansas discovers that, we can hold that somebody else, that identity thief, accountable."This was the third U.S. Supreme Court case Schmidt has personally argued as Kansas attorney general.

Schmidt happy with U.S. Supreme Court result on ID theft

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Part of the issue in keeping illness out of the United States is 
being sure people aren't sick when they come in to the country. Kansas 
U.S. Senate candidate Kris Kobach praised actions President Trump has 
taken to slow the spread of coronavirus.

"His administration did 
something that some people on the left criticized him for and that is 
shut down travel from China through our ports of entry, our airports and
 seaports in January," Kobach said. "That was a great move. I wrote a 
piece for Breitbart in January, where I sometimes write a column. I 
pointed out that, although that is absolutely what we must do, anytime 
you have a global pandemic, we have to be able to control our ports, we 
control who comes in to this country. There was an 85% increase last 
year in illegal crossings of Chinese nationals across our southern 
border."

It's now estimated that some 12,000 Chinese nationals may be coming in illegally.

"This
 is Congress's fault," Kobach said. "If Congress had given President 
Trump the money to build the sections of wall that are finally getting 
built this year, if that had happened back in 2017, we'd have 500 more 
miles of wall up on the border and it would be much harder for people to
 come into the United States from any country."

Kobach notes that illegal immigration isn't fair to legal immigrants.

"The
 ones who do it legally, they are the ones suffering right now, because 
they are in direct wage competition with people who come in illegally 
and will accept a lower wage," Kobach said. "One of the great things 
President Trump has done has increased wages across the board for 
people, but if we continue to have open borders, which hopefully we will
 not, that will just continue to depress wages further."

Kobach has been an adviser to President Trump on an intermittent basis on immigration issues since his 2016 campaign.

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Part of the issue in keeping illness out of the United States is 
being sure people aren't sick when they come in to the country. Kansas 
U.S. Senate candidate Kris Kobach praised actions President Trump has 
taken to slow the spread of coronavirus."His administration did 
something that some people on the left criticized him for and that is 
shut down travel from China through our ports of entry, our airports and
 seaports in January," Kobach said. "That was a great move. I wrote a 
piece for Breitbart in January, where I sometimes write a column. I 
pointed out that, although that is absolutely what we must do, anytime 
you have a global pandemic, we have to be able to control our ports, we 
control who comes in to this country. There was an 85% increase last 
year in illegal crossings of Chinese nationals across our southern 
border."It's now estimated that some 12,000 Chinese nationals may be coming in illegally."This
 is Congress's fault," Kobach said. "If Congress had given President 
Trump the money to build the sections of wall that are finally getting 
built this year, if that had happened back in 2017, we'd have 500 more 
miles of wall up on the border and it would be much harder for people to
 come into the United States from any country."Kobach notes that illegal immigration isn't fair to legal immigrants."The
 ones who do it legally, they are the ones suffering right now, because 
they are in direct wage competition with people who come in illegally 
and will accept a lower wage," Kobach said. "One of the great things 
President Trump has done has increased wages across the board for 
people, but if we continue to have open borders, which hopefully we will
 not, that will just continue to depress wages further."Kobach has been an adviser to President Trump on an intermittent basis on immigration issues since his 2016 campaign.

Kobach praises Trump for actions on coronavirus, wants more border security

The TMP girls and boys basketball teams closed out the
Mid-Continent League portion of their schedule Tuesday night with a doubleheader
sweep of the Plainville Cardinals in Plainville.

Girls: TMP 67, Plainville 55 The TMP girls used a 12-0 run to end the first quarter and
outscored Plainville 11-4 in the second quarter as they rallied from a
nine-point first quarter deficit to beat the Cardinals 67-55.

Coach Rose McFarland postgame interview

The two teams traded field goals back and forth in a
high-scoring first quarter and Plainville’s Aubrey Dewey scored 16 of her game-high
43 points to give the Cardinals a 20-11 lead. Down nine TMP answered with a 12-0
run to end the first quarter, capped off with five straight points from Jaci
VonLintel that gave TMP a 23-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.

TMP carried that run into the second quarter and extended it
to a 23-4 run giving the Monarchs a 34-24 lead at the break.

The Monarchs held an eight point on several occasions in the
third quarter and Plainville could get no closer as the Monarchs claimed the
67-55 win.

Megan Hamel scored a team-high for TMP with 15 points.&nbsp;

TMP improved to 8-12 overall and 4-5 in the MCL.

Boys: TMP 65, Plainville 47 After falling behind by one in the first quarter the TMP
boys ended the first quarter and closed out the second quarter on a 17-7 run
and never trailed again on their way to the 65-47 win and their first
Mid-Continent League regular season title since 2017.

Jared Casey gave Plainville at 14-13 lead in the first
quarter but a fastbreak layup for TMP’s Lucas Lang gave the Monarchs the lead
back and sparked the 17-7 first half run that put TMP up 30-21 at the break.

In the third quarter Plainville was able to cut the deficit
back to two points but TMP turned to their senior post player Carson Jacobs to
lead them to the win. Jacobs scored 24 of his game and career-high 29 points in
the second half helping TMP build a double-digit lead in the second half as
they earned the 65-47 win.

Plainville's Jared Casey finished with 24.&nbsp;

TMP improved to 15-4 and finished 8-1 in the MCL.

TMP will close out the regular season Thursday at Hutch Trinity.

The TMP girls and boys basketball teams closed out the
Mid-Continent League portion of their schedule Tuesday night with a doubleheader
sweep of the Plainville Cardinals in Plainville.Girls: TMP 67, Plainville 55 The TMP girls used a 12-0 run to end the first quarter and
outscored Plainville 11-4 in the second quarter as they rallied from a
nine-point first quarter deficit to beat the Cardinals 67-55.Coach Rose McFarland postgame interview<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/766671349&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>The two teams traded field goals back and forth in a
high-scoring first quarter and Plainville’s Aubrey Dewey scored 16 of her game-high
43 points to give the Cardinals a 20-11 lead. Down nine TMP answered with a 12-0
run to end the first quarter, capped off with five straight points from Jaci
VonLintel that gave TMP a 23-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.TMP carried that run into the second quarter and extended it
to a 23-4 run giving the Monarchs a 34-24 lead at the break.The Monarchs held an eight point on several occasions in the
third quarter and Plainville could get no closer as the Monarchs claimed the
67-55 win.Game highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/766628083&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Megan Hamel scored a team-high for TMP with 15 points.&nbsp; TMP improved to 8-12 overall and 4-5 in the MCL.Boys: TMP 65, Plainville 47 After falling behind by one in the first quarter the TMP
boys ended the first quarter and closed out the second quarter on a 17-7 run
and never trailed again on their way to the 65-47 win and their first
Mid-Continent League regular season title since 2017. Bill Meagher postgame interview<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/766671532&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Jared Casey gave Plainville at 14-13 lead in the first
quarter but a fastbreak layup for TMP’s Lucas Lang gave the Monarchs the lead
back and sparked the 17-7 first half run that put TMP up 30-21 at the break.In the third quarter Plainville was able to cut the deficit
back to two points but TMP turned to their senior post player Carson Jacobs to
lead them to the win. Jacobs scored 24 of his game and career-high 29 points in
the second half helping TMP build a double-digit lead in the second half as
they earned the 65-47 win.Game highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/766673290&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Plainville's Jared Casey finished with 24.&nbsp;TMP improved to 15-4 and finished 8-1 in the MCL.TMP will close out the regular season Thursday at Hutch Trinity.

TMP boys claim MCL title in sweep of Plainville

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson police were able to resolve an incident with an armed subject near 2nd and Taylor shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. It started around 2:30 p.m.

"We originally got a call of a suicidal subject, then as officers were responding to the call, we had a second report of shots fired inside the home," Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. "When the original officers came on scene, they made entry. The subject had retreated into a bedroom. As officers were attempting to work their way into that part of the house, they heard a second gunshot and so they backed out of the house and secured the area and called in our Emergency Response Team."

Approximately a four-block radius was blocked off during the incident.

"We were really lucky, obviously we resolved it with a peaceful resolution," Hooper said. "Our hostage negotiators got on scene. We had contact with the subject off and on. We were able to also work with his family members to kind of get him to calm down. He walked out of the house peacefully and gave up."

Hooper said police are familiar with the man, but offered no other specifics on his identity.

"We don't know for sure if he shot directly at our officers or he fired into the ceiling," Hooper said. "Our officers retreated. We'll ascertain the situation. First and foremost, we're concerned for his safety and his wellbeing. They'll check his mental state out and then we'll determine if we have any criminal charges."

A search warrant was executed Friday on the residence to determine exactly what happened.

HUTCHINSON — Police asked the public to avoid the area near 2nd and Taylor Streets in Hutchinson Friday afternoon as an armed subject has barricaded himself in a house there.

A text went out advising the public of the situation shortly after 3 p.m. Police blocked off the area between 1st and 3rd from Scott to Taylor.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582320432009.jpeg" alt="Police on the scene Friday afternoon in Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene Friday afternoon in Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson police were able to resolve an incident with an armed subject near 2nd and Taylor shortly before 5 p.m. Friday. It started around 2:30 p.m."We originally got a call of a suicidal subject, then as officers were responding to the call, we had a second report of shots fired inside the home," Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper said. "When the original officers came on scene, they made entry. The subject had retreated into a bedroom. As officers were attempting to work their way into that part of the house, they heard a second gunshot and so they backed out of the house and secured the area and called in our Emergency Response Team."Approximately a four-block radius was blocked off during the incident."We were really lucky, obviously we resolved it with a peaceful resolution," Hooper said. "Our hostage negotiators got on scene. We had contact with the subject off and on. We were able to also work with his family members to kind of get him to calm down. He walked out of the house peacefully and gave up."Hooper said police are familiar with the man, but offered no other specifics on his identity."We don't know for sure if he shot directly at our officers or he fired into the ceiling," Hooper said. "Our officers retreated. We'll ascertain the situation. First and foremost, we're concerned for his safety and his wellbeing. They'll check his mental state out and then we'll determine if we have any criminal charges."A search warrant was executed Friday on the residence to determine exactly what happened.---------HUTCHINSON — Police asked the public to avoid the area near 2nd and Taylor Streets in Hutchinson Friday afternoon as an armed subject has barricaded himself in a house there.A text went out advising the public of the situation shortly after 3 p.m. Police blocked off the area between 1st and 3rd from Scott to Taylor.&nbsp;There are no injuries reportd.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police: Standoff with armed suspect in Hutchinson ends peacefully

By NICK GOSNELL,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — As Congress looks for ways to reduce prescription drug prices, it's important for voters in Kansas to ask those running to represent them what they will do to help.

"The problem with government stepping in and sort of arbitrarily imposing lower prices is, it feels good in the near term for products that already exist," said Phil Kerpen with American Commitment. "They become less expensive, but it completely destroys the economics of developing new cures."

It's not the cost of the second pill and beyond, it's the cost of the first pill that is the issue.

"That first pill, the first legally sold pill after you get all the FDA approvals, all the research has been done and all the regulatory compliance and so forth, the first pill costs $2.5 billion," Kerpen said. "The second pill costs $1. You can't say, we're going to set prices to what it costs you to make that second pill or tenth pill or millionth pill, because if you do that, you're not going to get another first pill."

As candidates come through running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pat Roberts, or to replace First District Congressman Roger Marshall, Kerpen believes Kansans should ask them some important questions.

"I think we need to ask them what the strategy is to get something meaningful done to lower drug prices that does not undermine the incentive for research and development in bringing new cures to market," Kerpen said. "If you guys don't deliver something, as Republicans, we're going to end up with the worst possible outcome here, which is the Nancy Pelosi bill, because people are not going to tolerate prices being where they are."

Prescription drug prices have been a big issue in many Congressional races across the country and it's one of the areas where there is consensus between both parties that a solution is needed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346070421.png" alt="Phil Kerpen is with American Commitment" />
 <figcaption>Phil Kerpen is with American Commitment</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL,&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — As Congress looks for ways to reduce prescription drug prices, it's important for voters in Kansas to ask those running to represent them what they will do to help."The problem with government stepping in and sort of arbitrarily imposing lower prices is, it feels good in the near term for products that already exist," said Phil Kerpen with American Commitment. "They become less expensive, but it completely destroys the economics of developing new cures."It's not the cost of the second pill and beyond, it's the cost of the first pill that is the issue."That first pill, the first legally sold pill after you get all the FDA approvals, all the research has been done and all the regulatory compliance and so forth, the first pill costs $2.5 billion," Kerpen said. "The second pill costs $1. You can't say, we're going to set prices to what it costs you to make that second pill or tenth pill or millionth pill, because if you do that, you're not going to get another first pill."As candidates come through running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Pat Roberts, or to replace First District Congressman Roger Marshall, Kerpen believes Kansans should ask them some important questions."I think we need to ask them what the strategy is to get something meaningful done to lower drug prices that does not undermine the incentive for research and development in bringing new cures to market," Kerpen said. "If you guys don't deliver something, as Republicans, we're going to end up with the worst possible outcome here, which is the Nancy Pelosi bill, because people are not going to tolerate prices being where they are."Prescription drug prices have been a big issue in many Congressional races across the country and it's one of the areas where there is consensus between both parties that a solution is needed.

Kerpen: Prescription drug policy is election issue

By NICK GOSNELL, <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — 
Ultimately, the Vice President for Advocacy with the Kansas Association 
of School Boards believes the renewal of high-density at-risk funding 
for K-12 education will pass, but the devil is in the details.

"Will
 the legislature put some additional restrictions or limitations or 
requirements on how those dollars are used?" asked Mark Tallman. "From 
our members, as local school boards, we certainly have no problem with 
those dollars being directed and look at good ways, effective ways to 
spend those dollars. We're always a little concerned, if the legislature
 gets too restrictive and may limit the ability of local districts to 
try to figure out new or innovative ways or better ways locally to spend
 those dollars."

Tallman notes that test scores alone do not measure whether money is being spent correctly.

"Some
 of what we do with at-risk dollars might not be focused on getting our 
math scores up," Tallman said. "They might be focused on dealing with 
student mental health issues or emotional stability or behavioral issues
 or study skills that you have to tackle first before kids will be ready
 to get to higher level academic achievement."

With that said, there are some measures where Kansas is showing success.

"Every
 year we see that the percent of Kansans who have completed high school,
 who have any type of college such as technical degrees, have four-year 
degrees and more. Those numbers have increased every year and their pay 
has increased every year, the additional compensation you get. We can't 
bring that back to individual districts, but what we do know is that, in
 general, our system is producing a better educated population than in 
the past."

At-risk funding has been one of the points of emphasis in the recent Kansas Supreme Court cases regarding school funding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581348968201.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman with KASB" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman with KASB</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL, <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — 
Ultimately, the Vice President for Advocacy with the Kansas Association 
of School Boards believes the renewal of high-density at-risk funding 
for K-12 education will pass, but the devil is in the details."Will
 the legislature put some additional restrictions or limitations or 
requirements on how those dollars are used?" asked Mark Tallman. "From 
our members, as local school boards, we certainly have no problem with 
those dollars being directed and look at good ways, effective ways to 
spend those dollars. We're always a little concerned, if the legislature
 gets too restrictive and may limit the ability of local districts to 
try to figure out new or innovative ways or better ways locally to spend
 those dollars."Tallman notes that test scores alone do not measure whether money is being spent correctly."Some
 of what we do with at-risk dollars might not be focused on getting our 
math scores up," Tallman said. "They might be focused on dealing with 
student mental health issues or emotional stability or behavioral issues
 or study skills that you have to tackle first before kids will be ready
 to get to higher level academic achievement."With that said, there are some measures where Kansas is showing success."Every
 year we see that the percent of Kansans who have completed high school,
 who have any type of college such as technical degrees, have four-year 
degrees and more. Those numbers have increased every year and their pay 
has increased every year, the additional compensation you get. We can't 
bring that back to individual districts, but what we do know is that, in
 general, our system is producing a better educated population than in 
the past."At-risk funding has been one of the points of emphasis in the recent Kansas Supreme Court cases regarding school funding.

Tallman: At-risk funding will pass, but restrictions still unknown


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — It's time to start getting your paperwork together for your 2019 tax return.

"Especially
 if you go see a tax professional, they don't really want you to come in
 before you have all your documents, because then you'll have to come 
back," IRS spokesperson Michael Devine said. "They can't do it 
accurately. If you're doing it yourself using tax software, one of the 
things the IRS recommends is using Free File. Go to IRS.gov, click on 
the link to Free File."

You can file for free if your AGI was 
$69,000 or less and you were between the ages of 17 and 51 or you were 
active-duty military or you qualify for the Earned Income Credit. There 
are also simpler forms for older taxpayers, regardless of income.

"If
 you're a senior citizen, born before January 2, 1955, there's a new 
form that you can use, the 1040SR," Devine said. "It's designed 
specifically for senior citizens. It's much simpler than the 1040. You 
put your information in and you're done. It's really simple. If you 
don't want to worry about tax forms and all the tax changes, use E-file.
 Let the tax software do the work."

Even if English isn't your first language, you can still get help with your taxes, for free.

"There
 are ten companies that partnered with us this year," Devine said. "Two 
of them are offering help in Spanish. If English isn't your first 
language, doing it in Spanish might be a big help. You pick the company 
you want. Go to irs.gov. Click on the link to Free File and then there's
 actually a tool. It will help you figure out which one of the companies
 is the best fit for you."

Filing early can also help protect you 
against identity theft, because the IRS will accept the first return 
from your Social Security number, but kick back any subsequent returns. 
The IRS begins accepting returns next week. 

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — It's time to start getting your paperwork together for your 2019 tax return."Especially
 if you go see a tax professional, they don't really want you to come in
 before you have all your documents, because then you'll have to come 
back," IRS spokesperson Michael Devine said. "They can't do it 
accurately. If you're doing it yourself using tax software, one of the 
things the IRS recommends is using Free File. Go to IRS.gov, click on 
the link to Free File."You can file for free if your AGI was 
$69,000 or less and you were between the ages of 17 and 51 or you were 
active-duty military or you qualify for the Earned Income Credit. There 
are also simpler forms for older taxpayers, regardless of income."If
 you're a senior citizen, born before January 2, 1955, there's a new 
form that you can use, the 1040SR," Devine said. "It's designed 
specifically for senior citizens. It's much simpler than the 1040. You 
put your information in and you're done. It's really simple. If you 
don't want to worry about tax forms and all the tax changes, use E-file.
 Let the tax software do the work."Even if English isn't your first language, you can still get help with your taxes, for free."There
 are ten companies that partnered with us this year," Devine said. "Two 
of them are offering help in Spanish. If English isn't your first 
language, doing it in Spanish might be a big help. You pick the company 
you want. Go to irs.gov. Click on the link to Free File and then there's
 actually a tool. It will help you figure out which one of the companies
 is the best fit for you."Filing early can also help protect you 
against identity theft, because the IRS will accept the first return 
from your Social Security number, but kick back any subsequent returns. 
The IRS begins accepting returns next week.

IRS spokesman: Start getting paperwork together for taxes


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are doing what they typically do in January in Kansas. They're going down.

"This week, we're at $2.27 on average per gallon," Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said. "That's down two cents in the past week. We're 27 cents less than the national average, which is $2.54 today. That puts us at sixth cheapest in the nation."

You can see both sides of that average nearby.

"Wichita actually has the 37th cheapest metro area in the country today at $2.22 a gallon," Steward said. "Reno County's average is $2.34. In the Hutchinson area, we're looking at a $2.31 to $2.34 per gallon range."

The fundamentals underlying those prices are strong.

"Stable gas prices are in play right now," Steward said. "We have a healthy stock of gasoline on hand. It's low demand season, and the geopolitical tensions that we were concerned about a couple of weeks ago seem to have eased a bit for now."

As long as crude oil supply remains strong, gas prices should continue to trickle down between now and the beginning of the spring driving season.

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Gas prices are doing what they typically do in January in Kansas. They're going down."This week, we're at $2.27 on average per gallon," Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said. "That's down two cents in the past week. We're 27 cents less than the national average, which is $2.54 today. That puts us at sixth cheapest in the nation."You can see both sides of that average nearby."Wichita actually has the 37th cheapest metro area in the country today at $2.22 a gallon," Steward said. "Reno County's average is $2.34. In the Hutchinson area, we're looking at a $2.31 to $2.34 per gallon range."The fundamentals underlying those prices are strong."Stable gas prices are in play right now," Steward said. "We have a healthy stock of gasoline on hand. It's low demand season, and the geopolitical tensions that we were concerned about a couple of weeks ago seem to have eased a bit for now."As long as crude oil supply remains strong, gas prices should continue to trickle down between now and the beginning of the spring driving season.

Gas prices trickling down as stability is shown in supply and demand

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A political science professor from Emporia State University sees the 
Democratic Presidential contest as staying with its structure of a 
front-runner and a challenger even after Tuesday's debate in Des Moines,
 Iowa ahead of the Iowa Caucuses next month.

"One of the dynamics 
at the debate last night was a lot of exchange between Elizabeth Warren 
and Bernie Sanders," Michael Smith with Emporia State said. "This would 
fit that idea that we've got the standard bearer versus the progressive.
 Warren and Sanders are vying for that progressive. At times they spar, 
at times they seem friendly, but they're kind of dueling."

Amy 
Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden are holding down the moderate 
wing. Staying off of the stage and out of the fray thus far is Michael 
Bloomberg, who is funding his own campaign.

"Bloomberg is working 
hard on the outsider angle," Smith said. "He and Tom Steyer, of course, 
are billionaires. They're spending an enormous amount of money on TV 
advertising. I've seen both of their commercials. I bet a lot of people 
have."

Iowa is much more important to those trying to stay alive in the campaign than it is to those that have built support thus far.

"We've
 had a number of candidates withdraw just this week, citing polling 
numbers and running out of money," Smith said. "We are in that narrowing
 phase. We'll probably see a few more candidates withdraw. The 
conventional wisdom says that Joe Biden is going to do better on Super 
Tuesday than he will in Iowa and New Hampshire. If your name is not Joe 
Biden and you want to stay in the race, you need to do really, really, 
really well in Iowa and New Hampshire."

The Iowa Caucuses are Monday, February 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579108824567.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University" />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A political science professor from Emporia State University sees the 
Democratic Presidential contest as staying with its structure of a 
front-runner and a challenger even after Tuesday's debate in Des Moines,
 Iowa ahead of the Iowa Caucuses next month."One of the dynamics 
at the debate last night was a lot of exchange between Elizabeth Warren 
and Bernie Sanders," Michael Smith with Emporia State said. "This would 
fit that idea that we've got the standard bearer versus the progressive.
 Warren and Sanders are vying for that progressive. At times they spar, 
at times they seem friendly, but they're kind of dueling."Amy 
Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden are holding down the moderate 
wing. Staying off of the stage and out of the fray thus far is Michael 
Bloomberg, who is funding his own campaign."Bloomberg is working 
hard on the outsider angle," Smith said. "He and Tom Steyer, of course, 
are billionaires. They're spending an enormous amount of money on TV 
advertising. I've seen both of their commercials. I bet a lot of people 
have."Iowa is much more important to those trying to stay alive in the campaign than it is to those that have built support thus far."We've
 had a number of candidates withdraw just this week, citing polling 
numbers and running out of money," Smith said. "We are in that narrowing
 phase. We'll probably see a few more candidates withdraw. The 
conventional wisdom says that Joe Biden is going to do better on Super 
Tuesday than he will in Iowa and New Hampshire. If your name is not Joe 
Biden and you want to stay in the race, you need to do really, really, 
really well in Iowa and New Hampshire."The Iowa Caucuses are Monday, February 3.

Emporia State political scientist sees Democratic race stable after Iowa debate


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A political science professor at the University of Kansas notes that it 
will be hard to tell what impact Bob Dole's endorsement of Roger 
Marshall in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in 2020 really has.

"With
 this particular endorsement, it's useful to think about how much it can
 move voters, versus what else does it bring in terms of resources or 
symbolic support," Patrick Miller said. "In terms of how much Bob Dole 
actually moves voters, it's very hard to say and it's particularly going
 to be hard to say in this race, because there's very limited polling. 
It's not like you can look at a string of polls before and after the 
endorsement and say Bob Dole is worth five points. We're not going to be
 able to do that."

Dole's previous endorsements in Kansas political races have been hit and miss in terms of picking winners.

"Bob
 Dole, when he endorses, is viewed as kind of the blessing of the 
Republican establishment on a certain candidate," Miller said. "Bob Dole
 is very much seen as  an establishment Republican and close to 
Republicans in the 'establishment', whatever that means. That would be a
 big thing for Marshall right now. With Mike Pompeo out of the race, 
Marshall certainly does want to be seen as the leading candidate against
 Kris Kobach."

It will also be interesting to see if that blessing may help other Republicans reconsider their candidacies at this point.

"If
 it matters behind the scenes, it's really going to be impossible for us
 to know out here in the public," Miller said. "I can't think of a race 
recently where Bob Dole's endorsement has encouraged anyone to drop out.
 It might impact at the margins in this race. If we think back to the 
2018 primary, Kobach, arguably, did get through that primary, very 
narrowly, because the opposition to him was very divided."

The 
limited polling there has been shows Kobach as the front-runner, but a 
lot of Republicans still need to make up their minds and they have 
plenty of time to do so, as the primary isn't until August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575644168170.png" alt="Patrick Miller" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Miller</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
A political science professor at the University of Kansas notes that it 
will be hard to tell what impact Bob Dole's endorsement of Roger 
Marshall in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in 2020 really has."With
 this particular endorsement, it's useful to think about how much it can
 move voters, versus what else does it bring in terms of resources or 
symbolic support," Patrick Miller said. "In terms of how much Bob Dole 
actually moves voters, it's very hard to say and it's particularly going
 to be hard to say in this race, because there's very limited polling. 
It's not like you can look at a string of polls before and after the 
endorsement and say Bob Dole is worth five points. We're not going to be
 able to do that."Dole's previous endorsements in Kansas political races have been hit and miss in terms of picking winners."Bob
 Dole, when he endorses, is viewed as kind of the blessing of the 
Republican establishment on a certain candidate," Miller said. "Bob Dole
 is very much seen as an establishment Republican and close to 
Republicans in the 'establishment', whatever that means. That would be a
 big thing for Marshall right now. With Mike Pompeo out of the race, 
Marshall certainly does want to be seen as the leading candidate against
 Kris Kobach."It will also be interesting to see if that blessing may help other Republicans reconsider their candidacies at this point."If
 it matters behind the scenes, it's really going to be impossible for us
 to know out here in the public," Miller said. "I can't think of a race 
recently where Bob Dole's endorsement has encouraged anyone to drop out.
 It might impact at the margins in this race. If we think back to the 
2018 primary, Kobach, arguably, did get through that primary, very 
narrowly, because the opposition to him was very divided."The 
limited polling there has been shows Kobach as the front-runner, but a 
lot of Republicans still need to make up their minds and they have 
plenty of time to do so, as the primary isn't until August.

KU professor: Too early to tell the impact of Dole endorsement

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — The pastor of a Hutchinson church vandalized by two juveniles just before Christmas says cleanup continues.

"We
 had to rely on Phoenix Restoration for the bulk of the cleaning," First
 Congregational Church Pastor Matt Stafford said. "They are still in the
 process with a few things. I imagine it will be another month before 
we're back to normal."

The process of getting an opportunity to teach the young men, ages 9 and 10, who committed the acts is underway.

"Both
 of the adults where the juveniles live have contacted us and have made 
an effort to meet with us and see what can be done as far as community 
service with these young men," Stafford said.

It's important to go forward with grace, as well.

"We're
 concentrating on what God has done for us," Stafford said. "We try to 
behave in a way that would be honoring to Christ. Even when there are 
major mistakes made, we've got to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves 
off and go forward from here. God is a gracious God and Scripture says, 
by grace you have been saved. We feel like we should grant that same 
grace to those who offend us or who are in the situation where they need
 not only forgiveness, but reconciliation."

Stafford notes that 
they don't equate forgiveness with approval. He said he heard once that 
to not forgive somebody is like drinking poison and waiting for the 
other person to die.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578931810547.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — The pastor of a Hutchinson church vandalized by two juveniles just before Christmas says cleanup continues."We
 had to rely on Phoenix Restoration for the bulk of the cleaning," First
 Congregational Church Pastor Matt Stafford said. "They are still in the
 process with a few things. I imagine it will be another month before 
we're back to normal."The process of getting an opportunity to teach the young men, ages 9 and 10, who committed the acts is underway."Both
 of the adults where the juveniles live have contacted us and have made 
an effort to meet with us and see what can be done as far as community 
service with these young men," Stafford said.It's important to go forward with grace, as well."We're
 concentrating on what God has done for us," Stafford said. "We try to 
behave in a way that would be honoring to Christ. Even when there are 
major mistakes made, we've got to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves 
off and go forward from here. God is a gracious God and Scripture says, 
by grace you have been saved. We feel like we should grant that same 
grace to those who offend us or who are in the situation where they need
 not only forgiveness, but reconciliation."Stafford notes that 
they don't equate forgiveness with approval. He said he heard once that 
to not forgive somebody is like drinking poison and waiting for the 
other person to die.

Cleanup of building and hearts continues at vandalized Hutch church

<a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON — It was called a successful failure. The mission of
 Apollo 13 in April of 1970 saw three astronauts and a group of mission 
control personnel work for three frantic days to bring them back home 
after an explosion crippled their spacecraft. The Cosmosphere will 
continue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon missions
 when they celebrate the Apollo 13 mission on April 4th with two events.
 

Guests slated to appear include astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred 
Haise, along with Flight Controller Gene Kranz, and many mission control
 personnel including Gerry Griffin, Milt Windler, John Aaron, Jerry 
Bostick, Ed Fendell, and Jack Lousma.

The first event will be a 
panel discussion with the astronauts and members of mission control. The
 event will be at the Fox Theatre at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 for 
Cosmosphere members and $45 for non-members.

That evening will be a
 special black tie event with a pre-gala reception with the Apollo 13 
guests which includes a limited photo op in front of the Apollo 13 
spacecraft and dinner. A limited number of tickets are available for 
this event. Tickets are $700 for Cosmosphere members and $800 for 
non-members. 

Tickets to the event will go on sale starting March 4th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578941688772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON — It was called a successful failure. The mission of
 Apollo 13 in April of 1970 saw three astronauts and a group of mission 
control personnel work for three frantic days to bring them back home 
after an explosion crippled their spacecraft. The Cosmosphere will 
continue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon missions
 when they celebrate the Apollo 13 mission on April 4th with two events.
 Guests slated to appear include astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred 
Haise, along with Flight Controller Gene Kranz, and many mission control
 personnel including Gerry Griffin, Milt Windler, John Aaron, Jerry 
Bostick, Ed Fendell, and Jack Lousma.The first event will be a 
panel discussion with the astronauts and members of mission control. The
 event will be at the Fox Theatre at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 for 
Cosmosphere members and $45 for non-members.That evening will be a
 special black tie event with a pre-gala reception with the Apollo 13 
guests which includes a limited photo op in front of the Apollo 13 
spacecraft and dinner. A limited number of tickets are available for 
this event. Tickets are $700 for Cosmosphere members and $800 for 
non-members. Tickets to the event will go on sale starting March 4th.

Hutch's Cosmosphere announces Apollo 13 celebration

HUTCHINSON - Two juveniles were detained by police after causing significant damage to areas of the First Congregational Church, at 3410 N. Plum Street in Hutchinson. 

Police report that the two entered the church through an unlocked door and started the fire along with additional criminal damage.

The pair who are just nine and ten-years-old set some paper on fire then discharged fire extinguishers in classrooms, hallways, offices the small chapel and the kitchen. The pair also urinated on floors, threw pop cans against walls and floors causing them to burst open and took various items.

The suspects were located by an officer who was responding to a report of two missing juveniles. After being questioned the pair admitted to the crimes. The 10-year-old is charged with arson, criminal damage to property, burglary and theft. A child in need of care case was filed against the nine-year-old.

No word on the cost of the damage that was done.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576855856945.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON - Two juveniles were detained by police after causing significant damage to areas of the First Congregational Church, at 3410 N. Plum Street in Hutchinson. Police report that the two entered the church through an unlocked door and started the fire along with additional criminal damage.The pair who are just nine and ten-years-old set some paper on fire then discharged fire extinguishers in classrooms, hallways, offices the small chapel and the kitchen. The pair also urinated on floors, threw pop cans against walls and floors causing them to burst open and took various items.The suspects were located by an officer who was responding to a report of two missing juveniles. After being questioned the pair admitted to the crimes. The 10-year-old is charged with arson, criminal damage to property, burglary and theft. A child in need of care case was filed against the nine-year-old.No word on the cost of the damage that was done.

Police: 9, 10-year-old accused of vandalizing Kansas church

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574351682207.jpeg"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574720719856.jpeg">Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo FHSU Sports Information Fort Hays State Men's Basketball will meet Southwest Baptist in a neutral site contest on Tuesday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Game time is set for 1:30 pm. With Southwest Baptist leaving the MIAA following the 2018-19 season, the teams will meet in non-conference play for the first time since 2005-06. FHSU enters at 3-1 overall and SBU is 4-1 overall. The game cam be heard on <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">KJLS (103.3-FM)</a>.&nbsp;This will be the final game of five away from home for Fort Hays State to open the 2019-20 season. The Tigers have played two games in Arkansas and two in Colorado, heads just over the state border into Missouri. FHSU vs. SBU will be the first of four games played throughout Tuesday at Municipal Auditorium, which also features Northeastern State, Central Missouri, and Emporia State from the MIAA. See the following for the schedule and information on tickets. There will be no webstream of this game, but live radio and live stats will be available for following the contest if you cannot make it to the game in Kansas City.&nbsp;Schedule of GamesFort Hays State vs. Southwest Baptist - 1:30 p.m.Northeastern State vs. Rockhurst - 3:45 p.m.Central Missouri vs. Midwestern State - 6 p.m.Emporia State vs William Jewell - 8:15 p.m. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574687479366.jpeg">&nbsp;MIAA Basketball Challenge Ticket InfoAll tickets are general admission and are good for all four contests.&nbsp;Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $7 for students (with valid student ID) and children 6 &amp; under are admitted free. Tickets are on sale now at the Municipal Auditorium Box Office or through&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.ticketmaster.com/2019-miaa-mens-basketball-challenge/event/06005757B51A8D35" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ticketmaster.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The Tigers are coming off a 75-68 win over UC-Colorado Springs back on November 17. FHSU will have a week and a day of rest going into this contest. The starting five has produced a balanced scoring effort so far this year with all five averaging double figures in scoring.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;leads the team in scoring at 13.3 points per game, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;at 11.5.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5311" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Devin Davis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5317" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Jake Hutchings</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Aaron Nicholson</a>&nbsp;are also among the five averaging double figures. Hutchings and Vitztum lead the way in rebounds at 6.3 and 6.0 per game respectively.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5318" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Perry Carroll</a>&nbsp;is the top scorer off the bench at 6.0 points per game so far this year.&nbsp;The Bearcats are similar to the Tigers in that their top five scorers are all starters. Senior post player Damian Prgomet leads the way with 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. The top four Bearcat scorers average double figures and the fifth-leading scorer averages 9.8 per game. SBU has just two games played against NCAA Division II opponents so far, going 1-1 in those contests. The Bearcats enter on a three-game win streak, but all three were over NAIA and ACCA opponents.

FHSU men’s basketball faces Southwest Baptist in MIAA Thanksgiving Challenge

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574363940844.png">Zales / photo Reno County <a href="http://www.hutchpost.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hutch Post</a> HUTCHINSON — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged criminal threat in Hutchinson and have made an arrests. Thursday morning, police responded to report of a threatening or armed person at the offices of the Hutchinson News in the 300 Block of 2nd Avenue, according to 911 dispatch. Law enforcement agencies assisted in evacuating the building and a search for a person who was never found. A temporary employee, Dominic Zales, called in the report and stated he thought a female employee was going to let this armed person into the building. Zales said he was fearful for his safety. After an investigation, police arrested Zales for alleged criminal threat. He’s jailed on a $2,500 bond. One officer did report there was no concern for public safety and that the issue was resolved.