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 East 2nd on the north side.

The Kansas Lumber Company was organized in 1878 by W.C. Edwards and John McCullough and occupied various locations but, by 1882, the offices were located at 14-16 E. 2nd. The first photo shows those offices in 1911.

In 1928, the 14 E. 2nd property contained the "Ye Janeway Book &amp; Gift Shoppe." The second photo shows that business when having a closeout sale in preparation to move in 1929.

That's when Emery Colson razed the old building to construct a new six-story hotel to be named the Leon Hotel. The third photo shows the Leon under construction during the July 13, 1929, flood.

The Leon Hotel opened for business in September of 1929.

Emery Colcon's wife succeeded his ownership in 1955.

The Leon was a viable hotel for many years. The fourth photo shows the hotel in 1964 when owned by N. Frederick English.

In 1971, L.B. Davis remodeled the Leon into apartments and it became known as Downtown Apartments. Ray Siebert owned this building for many years, calling it the Leon Place Apartments. The fifth photo shows the 14 E. 2nd address today, now known as the Leon Place Apartments &amp; Offices, with the Vintage Wanderer antique store in front. The building is now owned by Leon Place L.L.C. of Kansas City, Kansas.

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: Leon Hotel - Vol. 144

The food trucks will roll in, the boxing ring will be assembled, and music will fill the air as the SW Bricktown Fiesta returns on Saturday, October 18, at SW Bricktown Park in South Hutchinson.

The celebration kicks off at 5 p.m., featuring live performances from Zecreto Norteño and 620 in the Mix. Attendees can enjoy a lineup of food trucks, yard games like Big Connect 4 and cornhole, and an inflatable for families and kids.

Adding to the excitement, the Reno County Boxing Academy will host a series of boxing matches earlier in the day from 3 to 8 p.m., with separate admission required.

This year’s fiesta will also include a kermes, or community bazaar, showcasing local artisans and vendors offering handmade crafts, artwork, and authentic Hispanic foods.

The SW Bricktown Fiesta is organized by Hutch Rec and community partners. Admission to the main event is free, with separate tickets available for the boxing matches.

SW Bricktown Fiesta set to bring food, music, and culture

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Schools (USD 308) leaders joined local radio host Glenn Grunwald this week to share updates on both fall athletics and the proposed bond issue that could reshape the district’s facilities.

Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson and Athletic Director Steve Kappenman highlighted the district’s busy fall season and provided insight into plans for a new middle school site that would be part of the upcoming bond proposal.

Strong fall sports season Kappenman said it’s been an exciting fall across Hutch High and the middle schools.
“Our boys soccer team is finishing up their regular season, volleyball had a fantastic year at 22–13, and football’s sitting at four and two heading into a big game at Newton,” Kappenman said.

He also praised freshman runner Christian Medina for his impressive cross-country season and recognized tennis player Laney Hagley, who qualified for the state tournament after battling through a rain-soaked regional in Salina.

Kappenman added that the district’s unified bowling program—which pairs special-needs students with their peers—earned second place at its first meet and recorded the highest score in school history. “It’s the greatest display of sportsmanship you’ll ever see,” he said.

At the middle school level, both HMS 7 and HMS 8 volleyball teams finished second in league play, and the eighth-grade boys cross country team also brought home a runner-up title. “The future looks really bright for Salthawk athletics,” Kappenman said.

Planning for future facilities Dr. Johnson addressed community questions about the proposed USD 308 bond issue, which includes construction of a new middle school. She explained that finding adequate land within the district’s 14-square-mile boundary has been challenging.

“When we looked for 25 to 40 acres, we found there’s really only one site available within district boundaries—property we already own near 23rd and Severance,” Johnson said. “That land was actually purchased years ago with a middle school in mind.”

Because of surrounding housing, Johnson said expanding the existing HMS 7 and HMS 8 sites wasn’t feasible. The district also explored the former Atrium property but found it too small due to the K-61 corridor cutting through it.

If the bond is approved, the athletic fields now at 23rd and Severance would be relocated. Kappenman said plans call for new baseball and softball fields at Stremel Park, just north of Hobart-Detter Field, and a reconfigured soccer layout near Don Michael Field, keeping practices close to existing locker rooms and lighting.

“This would actually make logistics easier for our students and visiting teams,” Kappenman noted. “Right now, we bus kids all over town for practices and games. Consolidating facilities makes a lot of sense.”

Johnson clarified that athletic facilities account for less than 2% of the proposed bond amount. “The vast majority—98%—goes directly to educational improvements,” she said, noting that additional funding for field work would come from the district’s capital outlay budget.

USD 308 leaders Discuss fall sports success and potential new middle school site

Dr. Dawn Johnson the Superintendent of Schools and Lisa Yantes, Curriculum Coordinator for USD 308 stopped by to talk about the upcoming bond issue and educational opportunities.&nbsp;

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview:  Dr. Dawn Johnson and Lisa Yantes, USD 308

A new community tradition is set to debut this Friday as Wisdom In Motion hosts its First Annual Spooktacular, a free family-friendly Halloween celebration focused on community, creativity, and connection.

The event will take place Friday, Oct. 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Homebuilder’s Shelter in Carey Park and promises an evening of fun for all ages. Activities will include games, a bounce house, a Trunk or Treat, and a Crockpot Cook-Off, where locals can compete for the coveted Golden Spatula Award.

Those looking to make a difference can also sign up as mentors during the event—each new mentor registration will be entered into a drawing for Kansas City Chiefs tickets, with parking included.

“This event is about more than Halloween fun,” said Michael Jobe, Executive Director of Wisdom In Motion. “It’s about bringing families together, celebrating our youth, and connecting our community with the positive programs and mentorship opportunities we offer year-round.”

Organizers encourage community members to come in costume and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, local flavor, and a spirit of togetherness.

To sign up for the Crockpot Cook-Off, visit this <a href="https://forms.gle/MgZXD9rYRC5P7u498">link</a>.&nbsp;

Wisdom in Motion to host Spooktacular Fall Fest

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with city officials, is exploring the potential to attract a next-generation nuclear power facility to Hutchinson — a move that could bring major economic and infrastructure growth to the region.

The interest follows a September 23 announcement from TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates, which signed a memorandum of understanding with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to build a new Natrium nuclear reactor somewhere within Evergy’s Kansas service area.

Upon learning of that partnership, Hutchinson City Manager Enrico Villegas contacted Chamber President and CEO Debra Teufel to see whether Hutchinson might be a viable candidate. The two began early discussions about how to position the city as an attractive option for such a high-tech energy project.

Teufel said the inquiry is part of the city’s ongoing effort to identify forward-looking economic development opportunities. The Chamber and city have now set a target date of December 1 to identify potential industrial sites near existing 345-kilovolt power transmission lines — a key factor in energy infrastructure development.

While no site has been selected, Teufel said Hutchinson already has several advantages, including land zoned for heavy industry, available water capacity, and highway and rail access capable of supporting large-scale construction and supply needs. She also cited USD 308’s Career &amp; Technical Education Academy as a resource that could help train local students for both construction and long-term technical jobs.

City Councilmember Jon Richardson said the council is open to learning more about the opportunity, noting Hutchinson’s strong fire protection rating and existing utility systems as selling points. Richardson added that the council wants to better understand both the technology and community perspectives before any decisions are made.

The Natrium reactor represents a new generation of nuclear technology, using liquid sodium instead of water as a coolant — a design aimed at increasing safety and efficiency. A prototype of the reactor is currently under construction in Wyoming.

Teufel emphasized that projects like this, along with Evergy’s planned natural gas power plant south of South Hutchinson, could serve as catalysts for significant growth along the K-96 corridor.

“Industry follows power, water, and land,” she said. “We have all those ingredients right here.”

While discussions remain in the early stages, Chamber and city officials agree that the collaboration itself reflects Hutchinson’s readiness to pursue innovative industries and energy-driven development opportunities.

Chamber, city exploring potential nuclear power facility site

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) announced that the Cheney Shooting Range in Reno County will reopen later this month after state and independent testing confirmed no threat to the public or wildlife from potential lead contamination.

The range had remained closed beyond its usual winter shutdown while the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) conducted an investigation into lead levels in soil, groundwater, and nearby streams. The review, prompted by a user’s concern earlier this year, confirmed the site is safe for public use.

“We took every necessary step to ensure there is no threat to the public or wildlife,” said KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy. “I understand the delayed reopening was frustrating for some users, but given our commitment to protecting both people and wildlife, we prioritized a thorough investigation before resuming operations.”

Located near Cheney Reservoir — a primary water source for Wichita — the range is operated by KDWP on land owned by the federal Bureau of Reclamation. Testing began in April 2025 and included soil and groundwater sampling, followed by expanded groundwater testing in July. All results were reviewed by KDHE.

Findings confirm no contamination risks The investigation found: •&nbsp;&nbsp;Elevated lead levels in surface soil near shooting backstops, consistent with normal range activity. •&nbsp;&nbsp;No evidence of lead migration underground in subsurface soil •&nbsp;&nbsp;Groundwater tests showing no dissolved lead at concerning levels. •&nbsp;&nbsp;Stream surveys along the North Fork Ninnescah River showing healthy aquatic life, including an increase in fish populations compared to 2002 and the presence of the Arkansas Darter — a species in need of conservation — not previously recorded.

“The investigation … has shown that there has been no migration of lead contamination from the backstop/impact area and lead has not impacted the shallow groundwater aquifer, which flows into the North Fork Ninnescah River,” said KDHE Deputy Secretary and Director of Environment Kate Gleeson. “The operation of the Cheney Shooting Range is in compliance with applicable regulations.”

Reopening set before hunting season With the findings in hand, KDWP plans to reopen the range by October 25, 2025, giving hunters time to sight in before the December deer firearms season.

“Now that we can safely say that lead remnants at the Cheney Shooting Range are not posing a threat to the public or wildlife, I have charged our staff with reopening the range no later than October 25,” Kennedy said.

Upgrades coming in 2026 KDWP also confirmed that previously planned renovations will begin next year. The upgrades will include improvements to accommodate more shooters and sound attenuation features to enhance safety and user experience.

Reopening updates and range information will be posted on the KDWP website as they become available.

Cheney shooting range to reopen 

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. ——————————————

Todd	Alan	Sutton	10/15/2025 8:44&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Christy	Michelle	Miller	10/15/2025 10:50&nbsp;AM	Worthless Checks; Less than $1,000

Kip	Elijah	Mason	10/15/2025 10:53&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Kaylee	Dawn	Smith	10/15/2025 11:21&nbsp;AM	Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant

Devon	James William	Nelson	10/15/2025 12:46&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear,				Possession of THC; 2 or more convictions,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Caitlynn	Marie	Pulliam	10/15/2025 2:56&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Edward	Matthew	Trammell	10/15/2025 3:06&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Jamie	Michael	Keedy	10/15/2025 3:37&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Drugs; Arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility,				Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO,				Interference with Law Enforcement; Falsely report a Misdemeanor crime intending to obstruct,&nbsp; &nbsp; Possession of THC,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Collin	Shane	Mullins	10/15/2025 4:05&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500,				Probation Violation

Erica	Marie	Bruning	10/15/2025 4:24&nbsp;PM	Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Jessica	Alyce	Foster	10/15/2025 4:56&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant

Misty	May	Neuman	10/15/2025 5:11&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Brooke	Marie	Palmatier	10/15/2025 6:02&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Lewis	Jade	Reed	10/15/2025 8:51&nbsp;PM	Distribute heroin/certain stim/fentanyl; &lt; 1 gram,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Possession of hallucinogenic drug,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,				Possession of marijuana

Jennifer	Nicole	Reed	10/15/2025 9:03&nbsp;PM	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Possession of marijuana,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/af5adedd-7152-43af-b41c-302a04cdd485">Empty Bowls fundraiser for Reno County Food Bank</a> - 5 to 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 403 North Washington&nbsp;

BOOseum and Ghost Stories After Dark - 5:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reno County Museum 100 South Walnut

October Third Thursday - 6 to 9 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Downtown Hutchinson

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5f097231-b1a6-4a6c-b8ef-f626ffe90f6f">Seussical the Musical</a> - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Hutch School Performing Arts Center

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/863014872567828/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Past, Present and Future Festival</a> - 2 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Meadowlark Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/106d30ba-7f69-423d-8de3-bcbb2e8baeb3">Spooktacular Fall Fest sponsored by Wisdom in Motion</a> - 5 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Home Builder’s Shelter – Carey Park

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/863014872567828/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Spookwalk</a> 2025 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dillon Nature Center - 3002 East 30th

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5f097231-b1a6-4a6c-b8ef-f626ffe90f6f">Seussical the Musical</a>&nbsp;- 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Hutch School Performing Arts Center

Salthawk Football at Newton - 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fischer Field, Athletic Park, Newton

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a3285dda-97a2-4aee-8a36-d289c9a3968e">Bye, Bye, Birdie</a> - 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Culbertson Auditorium in Spencer Hall - Sterling College

<a href="https://www.rcfmks.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKBmQRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdkdJUGtVbEdjY3V1Y3VTAR7lGJ1kAckMgUcnSI756UiNOiYC1K0-RHoYZK0mtlkb0zLN-LBjMwKVCH4OYQ_aem_Om5fLM_EfizOIqFnwNunyg">Reno County Farmer's Market</a> - 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Farmers Market Pavillion - 2nd Ave. and Washington&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/7af1a59c-50d8-43ff-8435-db8e7a039023">Hutchinson Art Center 2025 Autumn Consignment Art Auction</a> - 9 a.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Art Center - 405 North Washington&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/863014872567828/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Past, Present and Future Festival </a>- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Meadowlark Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds

Blue Dragon Football vs Independence - 1 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Gowans Stadium

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2531661093879913/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">SW Bricktown Fiesta '25</a> - 5 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;SW Bricktown Park 301 West First Ave

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/e-main-st-arlington-ks-67514-united-states/autumn-in-arlington/1886342205630362/">Autumn in Arlington</a> - 5 to 9 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; East Main Street, Arlington

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/863014872567828/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Spookwalk</a>&nbsp;2025 - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dillon Nature Center - 3002 East 30th&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/668188473008254/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Hutchinson Show and Shine’s Trunk-or-Treat</a> - 6 to 8 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;800 Block of South Main&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5f097231-b1a6-4a6c-b8ef-f626ffe90f6f">Seussical the Musical</a>&nbsp;- 7 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Hutchinson Hutch School Performing Arts Center&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a3285dda-97a2-4aee-8a36-d289c9a3968e">Bye, Bye, Birdie</a>&nbsp;- 7:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Culbertson Auditorium in Spencer Hall - Sterling College&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/863014872567828/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_top_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Past, Present and Future Festival&nbsp;</a>- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Meadowlark Building, Kansas State Fairgrounds&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a3285dda-97a2-4aee-8a36-d289c9a3968e">Bye, Bye, Birdie</a>&nbsp;- 2 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Culbertson Auditorium in Spencer Hall - Sterling College&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/home-free-the-jukebox-tour">Fox Live Series – Home Free: The Juke Box Tour</a> - 7:30 p.m &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Fox Theatre - 18 East First&nbsp;

Happenings Around Hutch • Oct. 16-19

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Three-day weather outlook

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SALINE COUNTY—Police arrested a Salina FedEx employee for allegedly making a threat to 'shoot up the business.'&nbsp;

Just after 2p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to FedEx, 3450 Centennial Road in Salina about an employee who made allegedly made threat a coworker, according to a media release from Salina Police.

Prior to the report, the suspect identified as 19-year -old Trenton Fears made a threat on Monday, October 13 to a coworker when they were on the jobsite. Allegedly the coworker said something to Fears, which prompted him to make the threat.

That same day, Fears went to another coworker and told them to 'not show up to work the following day.'&nbsp;

The next day, October 14, Fears told the coworker he threatened, that he would 'shoot the facility up.'

Management then called Salina Police on Wednesday regarding the threat. Fears was not at FedEx initially, but showed up at a later time and officers immediately arrived to the scene.&nbsp;

Fears was then arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail for the requested charge of Criminal Threat.

Kansas man accused of threat of violence to work place

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a double murder at a mobile home park in 2021.

On October 10, Judge Sean Hatfield sentenced 35-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Steven Fessenden to 188 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In Augus, Fessenden pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp;

On April 24,&nbsp; 2021 sheriff's deputies were sent to a check shots call at the Englewood mobile home park located at 3201 E MacArthur in Wichita, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

While responding, deputies received information that a man and woman were inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.

When deputies arrived, they had to force entry to the home. Inside the home, they located 42-year-old Nathan Brock and 41-year-old Trisha Benjamin deceased, according to Blick.

On April 26,&nbsp;Sedgwick County Sheriff’s detectives arrested and booked&nbsp; Fessenden of Wichita for the murder. He was not charged in the crime.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Fessenden a second time in connection to the deaths.

Man going to prison for Kansas double-murder

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kiss-band-history-2770bdbbf2f1f39049baf412864818c3">glam rock band Kiss</a>, who captivated audiences with his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.

Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.

Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

Kiss, whose hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You," was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fire and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members dressed in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.

Kiss' original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members.

Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and “The Spaceman.” The New York-born entertainer and Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow, emit smoke and shoot rockets from the headstock.

“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Simmons and Stanley&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ace-frehley-tributes-321626f046ed5c5e557f9c2aad28ada2">said in a joint statement.</a>&nbsp;“He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”

Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 13. Before joining Kiss, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.

Kiss was especially popular in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to become a marketing marvel. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.

As the Kennedy Center’s new chairman, President Donald Trump named Kiss as one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-kennedy-center-honorees-6c553c800ba334ad1ea47858b3dc271c">this year’s honorees</a>.

In 2024, the band sold their catalog, brand name and intellectual property to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over $300 million.

Frehley frequently feuded with Stanley and Simmons through the years. He left the band in 1982, missing the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success. Stanley later said they nearly replaced Frehley with Eddie Van Halen, but Vinnie Vincent assumed the lead guitar role.

Frehley performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.

But he rejoined Kiss in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed affection for the band and paid them musical tributes.

He would leave again in 2002. When the original four entered the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a dispute scrapped plans for them to perform. Simmons and Stanley objected to Criss and Frehley being inducted instead of then-guitarist Tommy Thayer and then-drummer Eric Singer.

Simmons told Rolling Stone magazine that year that Frehley and Criss “no longer deserve to wear the paint.” “The makeup is earned,” he added. “Just being there at the beginning is not enough.”

Frehley and Kiss also had a huge influence on the glammy style of 1980s so-called hair metal bands including Mötley Crüe and Poison.

“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,” Poison front man&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP4zYL-EpAq/?hl=en">Bret Michaels</a>&nbsp;said on Instagram.

Harder-edged bands like Metallica and Pantera were also fans, and even country superstar Garth Brooks joined the band members for a recording of their “Hard Luck Woman” on a 1994 compilation.

Frehley would appear occasionally with Kiss for shows in later years. A 2023 concert at Madison Square Garden was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kiss-digital-avatars-end-of-road-finale-37a8ae9905099343c7b41654b2344d0c">billed as the band’s last.</a>&nbsp;While Stanley and Simmons said they would not tour again, they’ve been open to the possibility of more concerts, and they’ve stayed active promoting the group’s music and memorabilia.

Kiss' original lead guitarist and founding member dies at 74

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Former Trump administration national security adviser&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/john-bolton">John Bolton</a>&nbsp;was charged Thursday with storing top secret records at home and sharing with relatives diary-like notes about his time in government that contained classified information.

The 18-count indictment also suggests classified information was exposed when operatives believed linked to the Iranian regime hacked Bolton's email account in 2021 and gained access to sensitive material he had shared. A Bolton representative told the FBI that his emails had been hacked, prosecutors say, but did not reveal that he had shared classified information through the account or that the hackers now had possession of government secrets.

<a href="https://assets.bwbx.io/documents/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/roPlLz7HNn8w/v0">Click here to the full indictiment</a>

The investigation into Bolton, who served for more than a year in President Donald Trump's administration before being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-john-bolton-afghanistan-politics-788d664afbfd4565805dc1c0de8d4ffb">fired in 2019</a>, burst into public view in August when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fbi-bolton-patel-records-home-search-d02cca9e51360115262727ce45be3d65">the FBI searched</a>&nbsp;his home in Maryland and his office in Washington for classified records he may have held onto from his years in government.

The indictment sets the stage for a closely watched court case centering on a longtime fixture in Republican foreign policy circles who became known for his hawkish views on American power and later emerged as a prominent and vocal critic of Trump. Though the investigation that produced the indictment was well underway during the Biden administration, the case will play out against the backdrop of broader concerns that Trump is weaponizing his Justice Department to go after perceived enemies of the president while sparing his allies from scrutiny.

“The underlying facts in this case were investigated and resolved years ago. These charges stem from portions of Amb. Bolton’s personal diaries over his 45-year career — records that are unclassified, shared only with his immediate family, and known to the FBI as far back as 2021," Bolton lawyer Abbe Lowell said in a statement. "Like many public officials throughout history, Amb. Bolton kept diaries — that is not a crime. We look forward to proving once again that Amb. Bolton did not unlawfully share or store any information.”

The case follows separate indictments over the last month accusing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/james-comey-charged-lying-congress-a2c72e1a5bb73d588f3af7fdb56caa82">former FBI Director James Comey</a>&nbsp;of lying to Congress and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/letitia-james-fraud-justice-department-donald-trump-41d8746d4674f2be42d667647089b213">New York Attorney General Letitia James</a>&nbsp;of committing bank fraud and making a false statement, charges they both deny. Both those cases were filed in federal court in Virginia by a prosecutor Trump hastily installed in the position after growing frustrated that investigations into high-profile enemies had not resulted in prosecution.

The Bolton case, by contrast, was filed in Maryland by a U.S. attorney who before being elevated to the job had been a career prosecutor in the office.

The indictmen is significantly more detailed than the Comey or James cases. It alleges, for instance, that Bolton shared more than 1,000 pages of information about day-to-day activities with two unnamed family members and stored and shared sensitive information about foreign adversaries that in some cases revealed details about sources and methods used by the government to collect intelligence.

One document related to a foreign adversary’s plans for a missile launch, while another detailed U.S. government plans for covert action and included intelligence blaming an adversary for an attack, court papers say.

“There is one tier of justice for all Americans,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “Anyone who abuses a position of power and jeopardizes our national security will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”

Questions about Bolton's handling of classified information date back years. He faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-lawsuits-entertainment-government-and-politics-0bc0171d2dc3392623ab18278a1a94ef">a lawsuit and a Justice Department investigation</a>&nbsp;after leaving office related to information in his 2020 book “The Room Where it Happened,” which portrayed Trump as grossly uninformed about foreign policy.

The Trump administration asserted that Bolton’s manuscript included classified information that could harm national security if exposed. Bolton’s lawyers have said he moved forward with the book after a White House National Security Council official, with whom Bolton had worked for months, said the manuscript no longer contained classified information.

A search warrant affidavit that was previously unsealed said a National Security Council official had reviewed the book manuscript and told Bolton in 2020 that it appeared to contain “significant amounts” of classified information, some at a top-secret level.

Lowell has said that many of the documents seized in August had been approved as part of a pre-publication review for Bolton’s book. He said many were decades old, from Bolton’s long career in the State Department, as an assistant attorney general and as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Bolton also served in the Justice Department during President Ronald Reagan's administration and was the State Department's point man on arms control during George W. Bush's presidency. Bolton was nominated by Bush to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, but the strong supporter of the Iraq war was unable to win Senate confirmation and resigned after serving 17 months as a Bush recess appointment. That allowed him to hold the job on a temporary basis without Senate confirmation.

In 2018, Bolton was appointed to serve as Trump's third national security adviser. But his brief tenure was characterized by disputes with the president over North Korea, Iran and Ukraine.

Those rifts ultimately led to Bolton’s departure, with Trump announcing on social media in September 2019 that he had accepted Bolton’s resignation. Bolton subsequently criticized Trump’s approach to foreign policy and government in his 2020 book, including by alleging that Trump directly tied providing military aid to Ukraine to that country’s willingness to conduct investigations into Joe Biden, who was soon to be Trump’s Democratic 2020 election rival, and members of his family.

Trump responded by slamming Bolton as a “washed-up guy” and a “crazy” warmonger who would have led the country into “World War Six.” Trump also said at the time that the book contained “highly classified information” and that Bolton “did not have approval” for publishing it.

Read the indictment: Ex-Trump adviser accused of sharing gov't documents

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert likely suffered a stroke, doctors determined after she was involved in a minor traffic accident.

Luckert, 70, was elevated to chief justice in 2019 and has been on the state’s highest court since appointed by Republican Gov. Bill Graves and sworn into office in 2003.

In a statement, Luckert said the accident occurred Oct. 9 while driving home from work.

“Fortunately, I did not hit any other vehicle or hurt anyone,” she said. “Doctors believe I had a stroke, which caused the accident.”

Luckert was hospitalized for several days and is recuperating at home while on medical leave from the Supreme Court.

“It does not appear that I will need speech or physical therapy, but I have been ordered to rest for at least the next few weeks,” her statement said. “I’m resting comfortably at home.”

Luckert expressed gratitude for prayers, expressions of concern and warm thoughts about her situation. She said she would release public updates in the future.

Luckert was born in Goodland and earned a law degree at Washburn University in Topeka. She worked in private practice for more than a decade. Democratic Gov. Joan Finney appointed her to the Shawnee County District Court in 1992. She was made chief judge of that district court in 2000.

Physicians link Kansas Supreme Court chief justice’s vehicle accident to likely stroke

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Buc-ee's broke ground on the first Kansas location on Thursday. The location in western Wyandotte County is at The Legends near the Kansas Speedway at Interstate 70 and Village West Parkway, according to a statement from the company.

&nbsp;The 74,000-square-foot travel center will feature 120 gas pumps and 12 EV charging stations and creat at least 225 full-time jobs.

The center is expected to open in the summer of 2027 or possibly sooner.

Buc-ee's breaks ground on first location in Kansas

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/aamer-madhani">AAMER MADHANI</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/seung-min-kim">SEUNG MIN KIM</a>&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;said Thursday he will meet again with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in an effort to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">the war in Ukraine</a>. A date has not been set, but Trump wrote on social media that the meeting would take place in Budapest, Hungary.

“I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation,” Trump wrote after talking to Putin. They previously met in Alaska in August, which did not produce a diplomatic breakthrough.

Before Trump and Putin meet, U.S. officials led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio will sit down with Russian representatives next week. It’s unclear where that meeting will take place.

The call came ahead of Trump’s meeting on Friday at the White House with Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>, who has been pressing Trump to sell Kyiv Tomahawk missiles that would allow Ukrainian forces to strike deeper into Russian territory. Zelenskyy has argued such strikes would help compel Putin to take Trump’s calls for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to end the war more seriously.

Trump had told reporters traveling with him to Israel on Sunday that he had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tomahawk-missiles-russia-ukraine-war-522fb8bb8fe8ce87107e1eb320abae0e">planned to discuss the Tomahawks</a>&nbsp;with Putin as a way to pressure him to end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>. “Do they want to have Tomahawks going in that direction? I don’t think so,” Trump said on Sunday. “I think I might speak to Russia about that.”

With a fragile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-latest-10-15-2025-6ce9818c8d0474a2986ac6544a49a2b0">Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal</a>&nbsp;holding, Trump has said he’s now turning his attention to bringing the war in Ukraine to an end and is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tomahawk-missiles-russia-ukraine-war-522fb8bb8fe8ce87107e1eb320abae0e">weighing providing Kyiv long-range weaponry</a>&nbsp;as he looks to prod Moscow to the negotiating table.

Ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza was central to Trump’s 2024 reelection pitch, in which he persistently pilloried President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;for his handling of the conflicts. Yet, like his predecessor, Trump also has been stymied by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Putin</a>&nbsp;as he’s unsuccessfully pressed the Russian leader to hold direct talks with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy">Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;to end the war, which is nearing its fourth year.

But fresh off the Gaza ceasefire, Trump is showing new confidence that he can finally make headway on ending the Russian invasion. He’s also signaling that he’s ready to step up pressure on Putin if he doesn’t come to the table soon.

“Interestingly we made progress today, because of what’s happened in the Middle East,” Trump said of the Russia-Ukraine war on Wednesday evening as he welcomed supporters of his White House ballroom project to a glitzy dinner.

Earlier this week in Jerusalem,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-israel-hamas-war-ceasefire-hostages-egypt-6347e7da64f6c97b95109558096c0b6c">in a speech to the Knesset</a>, Trump predicted the truce in Gaza would lay the groundwork for the U.S. to help Israel and many of its Middle East neighbors normalize relations. But Trump also made clear his top foreign policy priority now is ending the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

“First we have to get Russia done,” Trump said, turning to his special envoy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-witkoff-special-envoy-russia-ukraine-mideast-d26c80c87a57fd3a811e4b0aa0eda58e">Steve Witkoff</a>, who has also served as his administration’s chief interlocutor with Putin. “We gotta get that one done. If you don’t mind, Steve, let’s focus on Russia first. All right?”

Trump is set to host Zelenskyy for talks Friday, their fourth face-to-face meeting this year.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump has said he’s weighing selling Kyiv long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. Putin has made clear that providing Ukraine with Tomahawks would cross a red line and further damage relations between Moscow and Washington.

“He’d like to have Tomahawks,” Trump said of Zelenskyy on Tuesday. “We have a lot of Tomahawks.”

Agreeing to sell Ukraine Tomahawks would be a splashy move, said Mark Montgomery, an analyst at the conservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington. But it could take years to supply and train Kyiv on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-weapons-31e8d494c92300524a0f50cebff28f7d">Tomahawk system</a>.

Montgomery said Ukraine could be better served in the near term with a surge of Extended Range Attack Munition, or ERAM, missiles and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-biden-what-are-atacms-missiles-8d8621321af8c673bd42a5693c2ad1f4">Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS</a>. The U.S. already approved the sale of up to 3,350 ERAMs to Kyiv earlier this year.

The Tomahawk, with a range of about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers), would allow Ukraine to strike far deeper in Russian territory than either the ERAM (about 285 miles, or 460 km) or ATACMS (about 186 miles, or 300 kilometers).

“To provide Tomahawks is as much a political decision as it is a military decision,” Montgomery said. “The ERAM is shorter range, but this can help them put pressure on Russia operationally, on their logistics, the command and control, and its force disbursement within several hundred kilometers of the front line. It can be very effective.”

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