Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the unit block of West Avenue B on the south side.

In 1913, John Dillon opened a Dillon Mercantile store at 318 N. Main, one of four already open in Sterling, Nickerson and Lyons.

In 1915, Dillon moved to Hutch and opened another store.

During World War I, his sons, Ray and Clyde, were serving in the military and John sold his interest to partners C.O. Mammel and Dave Theede.

By 1921, after the war, John, Ray and Clyde incorporated under the name of J.S. Dillon and Sons, and opened their first store at 13-15 W. Ave. B. The first photo shows that store right after opening.

The second photo shows the interior of store No. 1 about 1925 with all the staff.

In 1934, a new store No. 1 was built at 200 S. Main and this building was sold to Mammel's Grocery Co. The third photo shows the building when it was subdivided into Mammel's, auto parts and a feed store.

In 1955, Mammel's underwent an extensive remodel, turning it into a much larger supermarket. The fourth photo shows that market at opening.

After the Mammel's era, the stores were all sold off and this address became the Taylor Auction House. The fifth photo shows that era occupancy in 1975.

After that time frame, the building housed the NAPA Auto Parts store. The sixth photo shows that store in 2015.

The seventh photo shows the 13-15 W. Ave. B building today, now housing the Fair Price Clothing store with the property being owned by Wray Properties L.L.C.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/anchorinnhutch">Anchor Inn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anchorawayhutch/">Anchor Away</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Dillons No. 1 - Vol. 160

 The 18th Annual SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction will be held Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7, at the Pleasantview Activity Center in south Hutchinson.

The event begins Friday with dinner served from 4:30 to 8 p.m., featuring a Haitian meal of rice, beans and chicken. Live a cappella singing by multiple groups will begin at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule includes waffles and sausage from 7 to 10 a.m., with the benefit auction starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at 10:30 a.m. and will include burgers, fries, ice cream and more.

Proceeds from the fundraiser support SHARE Haiti’s mission work, including the La Semence School, which provides education and assistance to children and families in Haiti.

The event will be held at the Pleasantview Activity Center, 5015 S. Dean Road, about a quarter mile south of Stutzman Greenhouse. The benefit is sponsored by Prairie Chapel Mennonite Church and Cedar Crest Mennonite Church.

More information is available on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharehaiti">Facebook</a>.

SHARE Haiti Benefit Dinner and Auction this weekend

Hutchinson Noon Lions Club to Host Annual Pancake and Sausage Feed

The Hutchinson Noon Lions Club is inviting the community to enjoy a hearty breakfast while supporting local service projects during its annual Pancake and Sausage Feed.

The fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Eastwood Church of Christ, located at 2500 North Plum. Guests are asked to use the north entrance. The facility is handicapped accessible.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets are available at Bell Credit Union, 1601 North Lorraine, in Hutchinson.

Proceeds from the event will support the Hutchinson Noon Lions Club’s ongoing service efforts in the community. Organizers note the meal is a popular tradition and a chance for residents to enjoy a classic breakfast while backing local projects.

The Lions Club reminds attendees that the cost of the meal is not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.

Noon Lions Club to hold annual pancake and sausage feed

United Way of Reno County has officially reached its $1.35 million annual fundraising goal, securing funding that will support dozens of local programs and thousands of residents across the county in the year ahead.

Carla Stanfield, director of marketing and communications, said the milestone carries extra significance as families and service organizations continue to feel the strain of rising grocery, utility and housing costs.

“People are feeling the pinch right now,” Stanfield said. “But our community still showed up.”

She credited the organization’s flexible giving model for helping donors at every income level participate. While businesses and large contributors play a key role, many gifts come from small payroll deductions — sometimes as little as one dollar per paycheck.

“We offer an opportunity for anyone at any level to be charitable,” Stanfield said. “Not everyone can write a check with a couple zeros at the end, but they still want to give back. Those smaller gifts really add up.”

The funds will be distributed to 37 programs across more than 20 partner agencies, serving nearly 19,000 residents throughout Reno County. Programs address needs across the lifespan, including youth services, health care, crisis support and financial stability.

Stanfield emphasized that United Way closely tracks how those dollars are used. Agencies must provide detailed reports outlining the number of people served and the impact of services delivered.

“We ask for a year recap, and this last season we started asking for quarterly reports,” she said. “We want to know what those dollars are really doing in the community.”

With the fundraising campaign complete, the organization now shifts into its allocations phase — a process Stanfield says sets United Way apart.

Rather than staff members deciding how funding is distributed, volunteers from the community help determine where the money goes.

“This isn’t just a couple of us in the office making those decisions,” Stanfield said. “We open it up to the community to put their name in the hat and serve on one of our panels.”

Volunteers choose from four focus areas — youth opportunity, healthy community, community resiliency and financial security. Panelists review applications, examine budgets and interview agency leaders before recommending funding levels.

At the end of the process, each committee determines how dollars are dispersed within its category.

Stanfield described the system as a transparent, hands-on approach that ensures donor dollars are invested wisely and locally.

For more information on serving on an allocations panel or learning more about the process, contact the United Way of Reno County.&nbsp;

United Way of Reno County meets $1.35M goal, community-led allocation process next

The Cosmosphere is sharing an important update regarding its Artemis II Launch Watch Party following NASA’s announcement that the Artemis II mission has shifted to a March launch window between March 6th and March 11th. The new earliest launch opportunity is March 6 at 7:29 PM, pending final mission readiness and weather conditions.

Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis program, sending four astronauts on a journey around the Moon and marking humanity’s return to deep space for the first time in more than 50 years. The Cosmosphere plans to host its Launch Watch Party to align with NASA’s confirmed launch attempt once the final date and time are set.

The Launch Watch Party will feature live NASA coverage, interactive and hands-on activities, concessions, and an engaging, space-filled atmosphere for guests of all ages. The evening will also include a special presentation by John Mulnix, JPL/NASA Solar System Ambassador, titled “Countdown to Artemis II,” offering insight into the mission and its role in the future of lunar exploration.

VIP tickets for this event are currently sold out. Guests interested in joining the VIP waitlist may email <a href="MAITTO:tristyng@cosmo.org">tristyng@cosmo.org</a> for availability updates and additional information.

As with all spaceflight events, launch schedules remain subject to change due to mission readiness, weather, or technical considerations. The Cosmosphere will continue to provide updates as NASA confirms additional details and encourages guests to follow official Cosmosphere communication channels as the March launch window approaches. The Cosmosphere looks forward to welcoming the community to celebrate this historic mission and witness a major milestone in space exploration together.

Artemis II launch pushed back to March, Cosmosphere watch party follows

The American Red Cross urges people to&nbsp;take action&nbsp;now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the&nbsp;blood&nbsp;supply during an ongoing&nbsp;blood&nbsp;shortage. Donors of all&nbsp;blood&nbsp;types are asked to make a&nbsp;blood&nbsp;or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Over&nbsp;500&nbsp;blood&nbsp;drives have been canceled&nbsp;since&nbsp;the beginning of the year,&nbsp;causing&nbsp;more than&nbsp;20,000&nbsp;blood&nbsp;and platelet donations&nbsp;to go uncollected.&nbsp;In addition to the disruption of&nbsp;blood&nbsp;drives,&nbsp;dangerous weather conditions&nbsp;have also made it tougher to transport vital&nbsp;blood&nbsp;products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations.  &nbsp;

Patient care is at risk&nbsp;—&nbsp;donors in unaffected areas are asked to&nbsp;book an appointment to give&nbsp;blood&nbsp;now by using the&nbsp;Blood&nbsp;Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwszcFu6yAQheGngR0WDBiGBYts8hoRMOPYuvZ1CrSR-vSVq26_o6OfEmB12ktOJgRtgtMR5ZqoLjEY1rZiIQ8BqzPRZO80so28yC35iFA8WizG5ocxOmeDzkddWDjdN-J_24c68rZz62qefXEzUlnU-H79b9M1yD2tY7y6sDcBdwH39_s9Nabazt7Lfp40ne0p4C4Ppi2rxjvnzmqj9AuPPxD2BmA1aNnS-jnq-jr7EE4_r8hUz0P20ZiP61gRQwxLUQGJlAsIKleLysBSyVim2bL8SvATAAD__18sVsA">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).&nbsp;Those in areas facing extreme winter weather are asked to give when it’s safe to do so.&nbsp;All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will&nbsp;receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwszkuO6yAQheHVwAwLChvKAwaZeBsRj3KwLg6-QCdSr76VVk-_oyP9yQHGWRpOTlkrlZ3lijy7oMnItAezwC6jQiOTtrhbi0qRXpAfzqwIwaDGoLS_KyW9VzibVQZis-xHon_Hf3H6o1DrYllMmBdMYRfj-3q26TPw4vIYV2f6xmBjsL3f76lRiq32HkqtaartwWArNfoicj3p8g9isNGLnqMz2DL5NqY8zsJPSocXjQr5TuJI7hfuf8D0DUBLkLy5_DVivmofbJaPT8gU68n7aETn5xgR7Wr3ICymJGaLIHzUKBTsMSlNadHEXw5-AgAA___mfWOf">RedCrossBlood.org/Heart</a>&nbsp;for details.&nbsp;

Shortfalls in&nbsp;blood&nbsp;and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are putting further strain on the national&nbsp;blood&nbsp;supply, forcing some hospitals to cancel elective procedures due to&nbsp;blood&nbsp;product shortages.&nbsp;When supplies are critically low, trauma surgeons and other doctors face the real possibility that&nbsp;blood&nbsp;could run out when it’s needed most. Now is&nbsp;the time to&nbsp;give&nbsp;blood&nbsp;before doctors&nbsp;have&nbsp;to&nbsp;face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will&nbsp;need to wait.&nbsp;

Reno County Hutchinson 2/11/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Clayworks, 1125 N Main Street 2/10/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hutchinson Community College Student Union, 1300 N Plum St 2/20/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, 1701 East 23rd 2/25/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Prairieland Partners, 1800 S. Lorraine

Harvey County Halstead 2/9/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Halstead Baptist Church, 525 Harvey St 2/18/2026: 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gardenview Mennonite Church, 11626 NW 36th Street

Newton 2/25/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street 2/26/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Salem United Methodist Church, 115 Old Main Street

Sedgwick 3/5/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sedgwick High School, 400 W. 4th

McPherson County Inman 2/13/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., St Peters United Church of Christ, 111 N Pine

Lindsborg 3/3/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bethany College - Wallerstedt Library, 235 E Swensson Ave

Mc Pherson 2/11/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., McPherson College, 1600 Euclid 2/19/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., McPherson High School, 801 E. 1st

Moundridge 2/26/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave

Pratt County Pratt 2/20/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Pratt First United Methodist Church, 100 N Jackson St

Rice County Lyons 3/3/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Faith Bible Church, 102 S Coronado St

Sterling 2/23/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 137 N. Broadway

Stafford County St John 2/20/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stafford County Annex, 210 E 3rd Ave

Red Cross: 20K donations uncollected due to winter storms, give blood now 

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Michael	Don	Appel		2/4/2026 4:09&nbsp;PM	Worthless Checks; Less than $1,000,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Worthless Checks; $1,000 to $24,999

Marjorie	Arbell	Kite		2/4/2026 6:11&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

Residents will have two opportunities to learn more and ask questions about the upcoming city sales tax ballot measure as the City of Hutchinson prepares for the March 3, 2026 election.

City officials are hosting public information meetings at Memorial Hall on:

Both sessions will feature the same presentation and will be held at the same location.

According to the city, staff will walk attendees through what will appear on the ballot, why a city sales tax is being considered, and how the proposal was developed. The goal is to provide residents with clear, factual information ahead of the vote.

Community members will also be able to submit questions during the meetings, with answers provided by city staff and elected officials.

The meetings are open to the public, and residents can attend either date to learn more before casting their ballots in March.

Hutchinson to host public meetings on March 3 city sales tax question

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

BUHLER, Kan. — A small-town flower shop with a big heart is helping residents celebrate life’s moments one bouquet at a time.

Taisha “Tai” Epp, owner of Flowers by Tai, has operated her homegrown floral business in Buhler since 2020, delivering arrangements for everything from birthdays and proms to weddings and funerals.

What started during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a steady, community-focused service that Epp said fills a need for a local florist.

“I would always see people say, ‘I wish we had a flower shop in Buhler,’” Epp said. “Flowers are such an easy way to connect with someone and brighten their day.”

Located at 109 E. Third Ave., just off Main Street behind the Methodist Church, Flowers by Tai currently operates primarily by call or text order, with delivery available. Epp plans to open the shop for walk-in customers around major holidays such as Valentine’s Day and hopes to eventually offer a self-checkout, grab-and-go setup.

Unlike larger online florists, Epp said she focuses on personal service and unique products. She sources many of her flowers directly from farms in Ecuador and often carries specialty roses in colors like blue and lavender that are not commonly found in grocery stores.

“I like to bring in things you don’t see every day,” she said. “People already ask me to save the different colors for them each year.”

For Valentine’s Day, Epp is offering arrangements at a wide range of price points, including budget-friendly options for students. She said she plans to offer small bouquets starting around $15 and discounted delivery for local students to make flowers more accessible for young couples.

“There’s always young love,” she said. “Not everybody has a big budget, but they still want to do something special.”

Epp, who previously worked in a doctor’s office, said flexibility sets her shop apart. Customers can text her directly, even after hours, to place or plan orders.

“If you think of it late at night and don’t send the message, you might forget,” she said. “I want it to be easy.”

Flowers by Tai also provides flowers for school events, church services, banquets and community fundraisers, including arrangements for Sunshine Meadows’ annual gala.

Orders can be placed by calling or texting 316-295-7744 or by messaging the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/LuvBlossoms-Flowers-by-Tai-100064158608127/">Flowers by Tai Facebook page</a>, where customers can view past designs and request custom arrangements.

Insight: Rooted in strength

SEDGWICK COUNTY —On Thursday morning, the Sedgwick County Zoo reported a&nbsp;wild bird showing potential signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had been found on zoo grounds, according to the a social media report from the zoo.

The zoo sent samples out for conclusive testing.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of their birds, the zoo is increasing their HPAI biosecurity protocols while awaiting the final results.

What this means for your visit: The Australia/South America walk-through habitat is temporarily closed

 Flamingos, storks, cranes, and penguins will not be visible as often. 

"The health and safety of our animals is always our top priority. We'll keep you updated as we learn more. We appreciate your understanding and support as we prioritize animal welfare."

Signs of bird flu reported at zoo in Kansas 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Investigators believe the missing mother of “Today” show host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/savannah-guthrie">Savannah Guthrie</a>&nbsp;is “still out there,” but they have not identified any suspects, a sheriff in Arizona said Thursday.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said DNA tests showed blood found on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-nancy-042abd04a6d87e14eecb22f0bc2893d1">Nancy Guthrie</a>&nbsp;’s porch came back a match to her. Authorities think she was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">taken from her home</a>&nbsp;in Tucson against her will over the weekend.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said at a news conference five days after she was reported missing. The sheriff, however, acknowledged that authorities have no proof she is still alive.

A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-nancy-guthrie-mom-missing-88e8731270d05e6e667730d2ed8633d3">message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper</a>, but there has been no public sign of a response.

Savannah Guthrie said her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is still alive. In the heart-wrenching video posted on social media Wednesday, she acknowledged hearing media reports about a ransom letter.

“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie said while reading from a prepared statement. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”

She was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-74d845b070fefe2d94cb92d655308e91">She was reported missing</a>&nbsp;about 14 hours later on Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.

Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials don’t believe she left on her own. A sheriff’s dispatcher said during the search Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.broadcastify.com/">broadcastify.com</a>.

The neighborhood’s desert terrain can make looking for people difficult, said Jim Mason, longtime commander of a search-and-rescue team in Maricopa County that isn’t involved in the search. He said it can be hard to see into areas dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and desert brush.

“Some of it is so thick you can’t drive through it,” Mason said.

At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department has said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

A note emailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. It also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said.

“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said in an interview aired Wednesday.

The family posted their plea after police searched in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home for several hours Wednesday.

Investigators returned for the follow-up investigation after being at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days, said Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. He said the sheriff’s department was not commenting on the family's video message.

The Guthrie siblings' message to their mother

Savannah Guthrie was emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter,” she said.

Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” and said she was funny, spunky and clever.

“Talk to her and you’ll see,” she said.

Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron.

“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.

President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can, after the White House said he spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.

A couple hundred people prayed and placed lit candles on an altar during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/vigil-held-at-tucson-church-for-kidnapped-mother-of-nbc-today-show-host-savannah-guthrie-7139ba07fe7b4c1c978b70d24a9e9e0a">a vigil at a Tucson church</a>.

Jeremy Thacker had tears in his eyes as he described the heartbreak and helplessness. He worked with Savannah Guthrie at an Arizona news station. They shared losing their fathers at a young age, and his own sister was kidnapped when he was young.

Thacker said he knew Nancy Guthrie to be sharp, grounded and earnest.

“We’re all holding our breath,” Thacker said.

Sheriff: No suspects, 'Today' show host missing mother 'is still out there'

RILEY COUNTY —The Riley County Police Department has received multiple calls regarding possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Manhattan area on Thursday morning, according to a social media statement from police.

The Riley County Police Department confirms there were operations that were conducted. RCPD was not involved in these operations. 

The RCPD advised the public to refer all questions to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police issue statement on ICE operations underway in Manhattan

DAMASCUS – U.S. forces conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 – Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft.

“Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer.”

U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter.

After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack.

U.S. forces strike more ISIS targets in Syria

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A suspect charged in connection with a violent abduction shown on a doorbell video in Wichita was back in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Daniel T. Espitia Guevara, 22., was sentenced to a year of probation, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated domestic battery and misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and  criminal restraint.

Espita Guevara is also on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold.

On October 12, the Wichita Police Department asked for the community’s help in identifying and locating a woman in a doorbell video who was seen being taken by force on October 12, at approximately 2 AM., in the 1400 block of North Volutsia in Wichita.

Just after 3p.m. October 14, Wichita Police Investigators received a phone call, from a woman claiming to be the individual investigators were attempting to identify. Investigators immediately responded to her location, made contact, and transported her to City Hall so detectives could conduct a victim interview. Police confirmed the identity of the woman as a 35-year-old who lives in the area where the video was captured. Police determined the incident is a case of domestic violence where the woman was victimized by her boyfriend. The woman did not have any significant injuries.

Just after 7 p.m. October 14, officers with the Wichita Police Domestic Intervention and Violence Reduction team (DIVRT) located and arrested Guevara and booked him into jail.

Espita Guevara faces a separate trial for the immigration accusations, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. doorbell camera abduction video suspect learns his fate

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://statesnewsroom.com/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — A federal judge this week closed the lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed last summer after Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law blocked Medicaid patients from visiting its clinics for any health care appointments for one year.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood filed notice with the court Friday that it had dismissed “without prejudice all claims against” the Trump administration in the case. Massachusetts District Court Judge Indira Talwani issued an electronic order Monday closing the case “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ Notice of Voluntary Dismissal without Prejudice.”

The law prevents people on Medicaid from being seen at Planned Parenthood facilities through early July, when the one-year period would expire.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson wrote in a statement released last week that President Donald Trump “and his allies in Congress have weaponized the federal government to target Planned Parenthood at the expense of patients —&nbsp; stripping people of the care they rely on.&nbsp;

“Through every attack, Planned Parenthood has never lost sight of its focus: ensuring patients can get the care they need from the provider they trust. That will never change. Care continues, as does our commitment to fighting for everyone’s freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures.”

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from States Newsroom.&nbsp;

Talwani&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/one-big-beautiful-law-provision-planned-parenthood-funding-partly-blocked-judge" target="_blank">originally ruled for Planned Parenthood</a>&nbsp;in the case, temporarily blocking the defunding provision from taking effect. But an appeals court&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/appeals-court-allows-provision-freezing-medicaid-funding-planned-parenthood" target="_blank">later overturned that decision</a>, allowing the Trump administration to legally withhold Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

Talwani was nominated by former President Barack Obama.

The provision in Republicans’ “big, beautiful” law that blocks all Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood was originally slated to last for a decade, but the final version covered one year.&nbsp;

Federal law for decades has barred spending from covering abortions with limited exceptions for rape, incest, or the woman’s life.&nbsp;

So the new language prevented Medicaid patients from scheduling appointments at Planned Parenthood for other types of health care, like annual physicals, cancer screenings, or birth control appointments.&nbsp;

Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/planned-parenthood-sues-trump-administration-officials-over-defunding-provision-budget-bill" target="_blank">filed the lawsuit</a>&nbsp;along with Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that its health care providers would “continue to see patients and deliver on our mission to provide high-quality care and education to everyone who needs it, no matter where they live or how much money they make.”&nbsp;

A Planned Parenthood spokesperson, who did not want to comment on the record, said that certain clinics may choose to cover the cost of treating Medicaid patients, even though the clinic will not receive reimbursement from the federal government under the law.&nbsp;

Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, wrote in a statement that the organization’s “health centers initially shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who rely on Medicaid from the harm of this cruel law. Unfortunately, the consequences for patients will worsen considerably over time as health centers close, costs rise, and access to their trusted provider is pushed further out of reach.”

Planned Parenthood ends suit against Trump admin. over serving Medicaid patients

KANSAS CITY —A woman was rescued from a storm drain Wednesday near the Ameristar Casino in Kansas City.

Just before 7:30p.m., Kansas City Fire Department crews&nbsp;responded to a reported confined space rescue at 3250 N. Ameristar Drive, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 On arrival crews reported a woman, in her forties, was stuck in a storm drain. She was trapped several hundred feet in the pipe. 

KCFD's rescue division secured the scene and sent a team into the pipe to free and retrieve the victim. 

After 90 minutes, at 9:30p.m. fire department crews were able to finally rescue the victim. The woman had been stuck for several hours and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. She was listed in stable condition, according to Hopkins. No other injuries were reported. There is no word on just how she became stuck in the drain.

Woman trapped for hours inside storm drain in Kansas City

MARION COUNTY—A third Kansas school district in less than a month is canceling classes and other activities due to illness.

On Wednesday, Centre School District USD 397 announced they will not have class the rest of the week due to illness, according to the school district social media page.&nbsp;The district includes students in pre-k through 12th grade.&nbsp;

On Monday, USD 511 Attica reported there would be no school or other activities due to sickness. The district expects to hold classes and participate other activities starting Thursday, according to the district's social media page.

On January 14, Fairfield USD 310 canceled classes and participation in activities due to illness.

Another Kan. school district cancels classes due to illness

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie sent a public message to her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapper on Wednesday saying that her family is ready to talk but wants proof that she is alive.

Guthrie said in a recorded video posted on social media that her family has heard media reports about a ransom letter for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-arizona-tucson-0d6b55fd24f54b2526fd5f8894a52ff2">Nancy Guthrie</a>, who authorities believe was taken from her home in Arizona against her will.

She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, when she was dropped off at home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said. She was reported missing midday Sunday after she didn’t appear at a church.

The family posted the message after police conducted a search in and around Nancy Guthrie’s home for several hours Wednesday.

Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, said investigators had been at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days and then turned it back over to the family with the understanding they could go back if they needed to.

“This is a follow up investigation,” he said in reference to officials returning Wednesday.

Adger said the sheriff’s department was not commenting on the video released by the family.

Multiple media organizations reported receiving purported ransom notes Tuesday that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department had said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

Savannah Guthrie was at times emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She smiled and looked into the camera when addressing her mother directly, saying that the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.

Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron who both also spoke. Annie called their mother their beacon and said they need her.

Authorities on Wednesday offered no detailed update on their search. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' office said detectives still were speaking with anyone who had contact with Nancy Guthrie last weekend but that no suspect or person of interest had been identified.

Nanos suggested there was video from some cameras, though he didn’t elaborate, adding: “That’s all been submitted and we’re doing our best with the companies that own those cameras or built those cameras.”

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