Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced a settlement with Menards, a home improvement retail chain. Kansas, along with nine other states, investigated Menards for its business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and for its merchandise credit check program, also known as Menards’ “11% Rebate.” In addition to paying Kansas $81,570.75, Menards agreed to clearly disclose limitations relating to its 11% Rebate, allow 12 months for consumers to submit an 11% Rebate claim and investigate the ability to redeem the 11% Rebate online.

The City of Winfield will host a reception honoring outgoing City Commissioner Ron Hutto for his years of dedicated public service on the Winfield City Commission. The public is invited to attend the reception on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 E. 9th, Downtown Winfield . Commissioner Hutto has served on the Winfield City Commission from 2016 to 2025, including terms as Mayor in 2019, 2022, and 2025 . During his tenure, the City advanced numerous major projects and community improvements, including the implementation of a new city-wide software system, automated metering infrastructure, electric transmission improvements, construction of the Public Safety Center, and significant parks and facilities enhancements.

There is still time to register of rhte city of Artesia winter splash camps at the Aquatic Center. These are full-day, week-long camps with water activities, games, and crafts to keep the kids active and engaged. You can register now at the Aquatic Center’s website. Or call 575-746-8525 for more information.

The recent Oilfield Theft Stakeholder Collaboration was held, bringing together nearly 50 key stakeholders, including law enrocement, legislators, and members of the oil and gas industry. The goal is to discuss oilfield theft mitigation in New Mexico. The group says oilfield theft is a growing problem in the state and likely costs New Mexicans tens of millions of dsollats on tax revenue annually, that would otherwise go to critical initiatives like education, infratsructure, public safety, healthcare and more.

A Lincoln County man suspected in a shooting was arrested late Saturday night in Charleston. West Virginia State Police say the suspect was pulled over near Oakwood Road on U.S. 119 with help from the Charleston Police Department. Investigators say the man shot his girlfriend’s children, though they were not seriously injured. Police say the girlfriend was inside the vehicle and was not allowed to exit during the stop. The suspect is now in custody, and charges will be filed in Lincoln County, according to Eyewitness News.

An elderly West Virginia man is dead following a lengthy standoff and a house fire in Hampshire County. Deputies say the incident began December 16, when an elderly woman called 911, reporting she was being held at gunpoint inside a home near Levels. After hours of negotiations, the woman was able to escape unharmed. Authorities believed the 91-year-old man was mentally unstable and delayed entry to avoid deadly force. The next morning, deputies returned to serve arrest warrants and found the home on fire. Fire crews later found the man dead inside. Investigators say he likely died from smoke inhalation.

Two West Virginia Little League fields are dealing with storm damage. In Boone County, strong winds tossed bleachers onto the field at Boone Northern Little League and destroyed a dugout, leaving thousands of dollars in damage. League leaders estimate losses near ten thousand dollars. Just across the river in Kanawha County, Kanawha Central Little League lost its electronic scoreboard after it was ripped from the ground. Officials there say replacing it could cost around 7-thousand dollars, putting the upcoming season at risk. Both leagues say they’re grateful no one was hurt and are now turning to the community for support.

Paramedics, EMTs and dispatchers with the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority will see hourly pay raises after a board vote Friday. Paramedics and critical care transport medics will receive a nearly three-dollar raise, while EMTs will see about a dollar-fifty increase. Leaders say the move is aimed at retaining staff amid competition from other ambulance services, even as the authority faces a significant budget deficit.

West Virginia State Police are investigating after a man’s body was found in Putnam County. Troopers say a well worker discovered the body Thursday morning about two miles up Plymouth Hollow, off Route 62. The man has been identified as 61-year-old Alfred Hedrick of Bancroft. Police say it’s too early to determine if foul play is involved, and an autopsy has been ordered as the investigation continues.

Preliminary testing has confirmed a positive case of H5 avian influenza, or commonly known as the “bird flu,” in a commercial broiler farm in Queen Anne’s County, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced Saturday. ABC 7 News reports this marks the second case of the highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County this year and the 10th case in Maryland in 2025, according to officials.