Kansas

Three Chiefs Storylines to Watch Throughout the 2024 Season

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2024

Three Chiefs Storylines to Watch Throughout the 2024 Season

The Kansas City Chiefs’ season kicks off on Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

As the Chiefs begin their quest to three-peat, there are a few storylines to follow throughout the season that impact not only this year but also future ones for Kansas City. Let’s take a look at them.

The Chiefs traded up for Kingsley Suamataia in the second round in the most recent NFL Draft. There was a thought that he was the long-term option to develop into a starting left tackle, but he would have to compete for the job in 2024. Early in training camp, however, it was evident that Suamataia had earned the gig and his coaches’ trust in the earlier offseason programs. He is in an excellent position to succeed early, with Joe Thuney next to him and Patrick Mahomes being one of the best quarterbacks at avoiding sacks.

Suamataia will be Kansas City’s third different starting left tackle in the last three years, but they hope he can be at the spot for years to come. Every offseason since Eric Fisher was released, the Chiefs’ left tackle question has been at the top of the offseason priority list and the front office has spent many resources trying to find an answer. If Suamataia can show that he is or has the potential to become a franchise left tackle, it would be great for Kansas City’s roster building moving forward as they would have him on a rookie deal for years to come.

Steve Spagnuolo has continued to state that the second cornerback spot is still up for grabs and no one has separated from the pack. The Chiefs have brought a Moneyball approach to the cornerback role(s) for years. In Brett Veach’s tenure as general manager, they have only spent one top-100 pick there (Trent McDuffie) and have not paid a corner more than $3 million per year. They have instead trusted Spagnuolo and Dave Merritt to develop and mold players to thrive in the system.

The two years the Chiefs had the best defense during Veach’s time were when they had McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed. Sure, Sneed was a Day 3 selection, but that’s not something a team can consistently rely on to find All-Pro-level players. You are likely to find Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Rashad Fenton types, players who have had moments in a Chiefs uniform but are probably not consistent starting-caliber options. If the corners continue to be a question or even hurt the team throughout the season, does that force Kansas City to change its approach?

Charles Omenihu may miss more than half the season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Typically, it takes players some time to get their feet wet and look completely comfortable when they return from a major injury. Currently, the Chiefs have George Karlaftis and Mike Danna as the only proven defensive ends on the roster. Kansas City traded for Cameron Thomas before cutdown day to bolster the depth a bit. The Chiefs should manage until Omenihu’s return, but his impact down the stretch and in the playoffs could be pivotal.

Omenihu is also entering the final year of his contract. If he isn’t re-signed, defensive end shoots to the top of the offseason priority list for the Chiefs to address. If he is re-signed, Kansas City can take a more patient and value-based approach as they would have a solid rotation of Karlaftis, Omenihu and Danna again. His play and the Chiefs’ feelings about his recovery could play a significant role in that decision coming up.

Published

5 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Kansas ag officials take comment on proposed water rules

by: Wil Day

Posted: Jan 8, 2026 / 07:19 PM CST

Updated: Jan 8, 2026 / 07:19 PM CST

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Agriculture held a meeting on Thursday to discuss proposed rules regarding the Kansas Water Appropriation Act.

The Division of Water Resources is proposing new regulations and changes to current regulations under the law.

The division is looking at amending or revoking regulations related to flowmeters tracking water usage.

It is also proposing changes to groundwater usage rules on how far you can move a well from its original location to prevent harming the water rights of other landowners.

Another regulation would create voluntary Water Conservation Areas, where landowners work with the division to establish water conservation plans on their properties.

Some of the concerns raised at Thursday’s meeting dealt with property rights and the transfer of land to new owners. Some expressed concern about the sale of water rights to other landowners in the area.

There is no listed timeline for when the changes could be made.

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Kansas

Rural Kansas fire department reports record number of calls in 2025

Published

17 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Rural Kansas fire department reports record number of calls in 2025

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A rural Kansas fire department says it saw yet another increase in calls in 2025.

On Tuesday, Butler County Fire District #3 posted data about last year on social media.

It responded to 782 alarms in 2025, which is a new record.

The majority of the calls were for rescue and emergency medical services, followed by service calls.

Courtesy: Butler County Fire District #3

The department’s data show the number of calls has been trending upward over the last 20 years.

From 2006 to 2010, the department handled an an average of 550 calls a year. From 2021 through 2025, that average was 720, a 31% increase.

Courtesy: Butler County Fire District #3

Officials said continued growth in the community has increased the demand for emergency services.

“These numbers reinforce the importance of ongoing training, staffing, equipment planning, and community support to ensure we can continue to provide timely and effective service,” the department said on Facebook.

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Kansas

Clay County Commissioner says he’s ‘done’ negotiating with Kansas City Royals

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Clay County Commissioner says he’s ‘done’ negotiating with Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Clay County Commissioner Jason Withington said Wednesday that he still loves baseball, but is “done” negotiating with the Royals on a new stadium for the team in the county.

According to Withington, Thursday, Jan. 8, was the deadline for the Royals to appear on the April 2026 ballot in the county.

Withington said the Royals told the county that they were not ready to meet that deadline.

Withington took to Facebook to explain that “the joy has been drained” out of him over the last few years and expressed his dislike towards the business of baseball.

He called negotiations with the team “a closed chapter” and said that the county is shifting its focus elsewhere.

“It’s time for the Commission to focus fully on priorities we control—either upgrading our existing county jail or building a new one,” Withington wrote.

The Royals’ lease at Kauffman Stadium in the Truman Sports Complex in Jackson County expires in January 2031.

KSHB 41’s political reporter Charlie Keegan reported in May 2025 on efforts by Missouri to keep both the Royals and Chiefs in Missouri.

While the Chiefs announced that they will move to a new stadium site in 2031 in Wyandotte County, the Royals have not announced their next steps to get a new ballpark built.

A stadium site near 119th Street and Nall Avenue in Overland Park has emerged as a possibility for a stadium site for the ball club.

Some residents in that area are not happy about that possibility.

KSHB 41 News reached out to the Royals for comment, but has not heard back.