News

Chief Justice Marla Luckert to Step Back From Role

Friday, December 19

TOPEKA, Kan. — Chief Justice Marla Luckert will resign from the office of chief justice on January 2, but she will remain as a justice on the Supreme Court until she retires on a date to be announced. The Kansas Constitution includes a provision that... Read More.

HCTEA Shines at SkillsUSA District Tournament, Qualifies Nine Students for State Competition

Friday, December 19

HUTCHINSON, KS – Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) hosted the SkillsUSA District Tournament on Thursday, November 20, welcoming students from Pratt and Ellinwood high schools. The event featured Leadership competitions including Job Interview, Job Demonstration A, and Job Demonstration Open. SkillsUSA is a... Read More.

December 2025 Graduate and Future Teacher Haylee Hafenstein and the Power of Faith, Mentorship, and a Commitment to Service

Friday, December 19

HAYS, Kan. — When you ask a group of teachers why they chose this as their profession, there tends to be one consistent response. Nearly all will say they felt a calling to serve and were drawn to teaching because they wanted to create... Read More.

Central Christian School Issues Release About Friday Morning Incident

Friday, December 19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Early this morning, a bomb threat was made to Central Christian School. Out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately evacuated students from the premises upon becoming aware of the threat and promptly contacted local authorities. While we did not... Read More.

Union Valley In Soft Lockdown Out of Abundance of Caution

Friday, December 19

UPDATE: The Soft Lockdown has been lifted at Union Valley Elementary. The nearby threat has been resolved. BUHLER, Kan. - December 19, 2025 - 8:08 a.m. - Union Valley has been informed of a nearby threat. In an abundance of caution, Union Valley is in... Read More.

USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman Summarizes Evacuation, Gives Thanks, Shares Next Steps

Thursday, December 18

Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman has provided a summary , thank You , and next steps following the Plum Creek Elementary School evacuation Thursday afternoon. In her summary of the evacuation, Couchman said she was notified at 1:15 p.m. that there was... Read More.

KBI Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Leavenworth

Thursday, December 18

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in Leavenworth, Kansas. On Dec. 18, at approximately 4:10 p.m., the Leavenworth Police Department requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to investigate. At around... Read More.

North Hutchinson Wildfire Update

Thursday, December 18

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — At this hour, all mutual aid, in county and out of county task forces have been released from the scene on North Plum. HFD is still on scene working a few hot spots and hay bale fires. Hutchinson crews will remain... Read More.

Evacuation Area Change

Thursday, December 18

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (December 18, 2025 6 p.m.) — At 5:45 P.M., the evacuation order area will change. Evacuation area will be from 82nd to the 6600 Blk of North Plum and 69th East of Plum to Lorraine. Residents South of the 6600 Plum will have... Read More.

Division Chief of Operations, Hutchinson Fire Department Provides Update on Reno Co. Grass Fire

Thursday, December 18

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - December 18, 2025 - In a press conference at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, Jeremy Unruh -Division Chief of Operations- said that the Hutchinson Fire Department was considering the fire contained at this time. At 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, the Hutchinson Fire Department... Read More.

Aerial Fire Attack Grounded Thursday, December 18

Thursday, December 18

The high winds are also hampering part of the wildfire response. The Kansas Forest Service said their firefighting aircraft are grounded today due to the high winds, which can make flying unsafe for pilots and reduce effectiveness of water drops. Because of this, firefighters... Read More.

Plum Street Fire Evacuation Order Issued, Press Conference to be Held at 4 PM at Hutchinson Fire Dept. Training Center

Thursday, December 18

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (December 18, 2025) — An evacuation order is currently in place from Plum Street east to Halstead, north of 56th Street, out of an abundance of caution. The fire is located near 82nd Street, extending east of Blue Spruce Road toward Rolling Hills... Read More.

Chief Justice Marla Luckert to Step Back From Role

HCTEA Shines at SkillsUSA District Tournament, Qualifies Nine Students for State Competition

December 2025 Graduate and Future Teacher Haylee Hafenstein and the Power of Faith, Mentorship, and a Commitment to Service

Central Christian School Issues Release About Friday Morning Incident

Union Valley In Soft Lockdown Out of Abundance of Caution

USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman Summarizes Evacuation, Gives Thanks, Shares Next Steps

KBI Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting in Leavenworth

North Hutchinson Wildfire Update

Evacuation Area Change

Division Chief of Operations, Hutchinson Fire Department Provides Update on Reno Co. Grass Fire

Aerial Fire Attack Grounded Thursday, December 18

Plum Street Fire Evacuation Order Issued, Press Conference to be Held at 4 PM at Hutchinson Fire Dept. Training Center

CURRENT WEATHER

CURRENT OBITUARIES

Wallace J. Tiede

Virginia Lea Jonas

Kevan Rai Hodges

Paul B. Sims