Kansas Klips

Anonymous donor pays off a Kansas district's school lunch debt

WINFIELD—USD 465 celebrated an extraordinary act of generosity that made a meaningful difference for students and families across the District. During the January 12th Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Tricia Reiser shared the exciting news that the District received an unexpected donation totaling $15,432.00, which eliminated outstanding debt for unpaid student lunches. According to Elizabeth Smith, USD 465 Business Manager and Board of Education Treasurer, families will see negative balances removed from their school meal accounts. Every student in the District started the spring semester with a clean slate for their lunch accounts. (Hays Post)

Former director accused of theft from kids

HUTCHINSON—Court records show Rachel M. Perkins, the former director of the Hutchinson Kids Wrestling Club, has been charged with one count of theft by deception involving an alleged loss of between $1,500.00 and $25,000.00. According to Reno County booking records, Perkins was booked into the Reno County Detention Center on January 2nd. She made her first appearance in the Reno County District Court on January 9th. As of now, no additional court date has been announced. The charging documents allege Perkins stole approximately $10,000.00 from the wrestling club. Further details surrounding the allegations were not immediately available in the court filing. She met the requirement for bond and is no longer in custody, according to online jail records. (Hays Post)

Driver hospitalized after wind blows semi over on I-70

SHERMAN COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon on Friday, January 16th, in Sherman County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2025 Freightline semi, driven by Mistrie L. Duarte, 49, Cedar City, Utah, was westbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of the Kansas 267 exit. The driver lost control of the vehicle due to the high winds, and the vehicle rolled into the median. EMS transported Duarte to the hospital in Goodland. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP. (Hays Post)

Police ID teen who died in shooting outside bar near KU campus

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Police investigating a deadly shooting in Lawrence released the name of the teen who died as 18-year-old Aidan Knowles, according to a social media report from Lawrence police and the victim's father. Just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17th, police were called to a reported shooting at The Hawk, 1340 Ohio Street in Lawrence, according to an online report from Lawrence police. First responders found two victims with gunshot wounds and several witnesses who told officers the suspects took off. While officers on scene tended the victims, others flooded the surrounding area. Soon after, officers found a group of people matching the suspects' descriptions walking just blocks away. They were taken to the Lawrence Police Department and questioned by detectives. Throughout the investigation, probable cause was developed to suggest requesting charges on one suspect for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and requesting charges on a second suspect for felony murder and aggravated assault. Both were booked into the Douglas County Correctional Facility. Aidan Knowles, 18, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to an area trauma center for treatment of critical injuries. (Hays Post)