HUTCHINSON, Kan. — More than 1,000 students from Hutchinson, Buhler and Haven school districts helped spread holiday cheer this season through Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System’s annual Holiday Card Project.

The initiative brought together students, community organizations and healthcare workers as children created handwritten holiday cards for local healthcare employees and senior care staff throughout the community.

Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System said the project is designed to strengthen community connections while giving students a chance to express gratitude and empathy toward those who serve others.

“This project allows children to show appreciation for those who care for others, reminding us all of the power of these simple acts,” said Benjamin Anderson, president and CEO of HRHS. “Each card reflects these core values, beautifully expressed by the children, offering a valuable lesson for us all.”

This year’s project included a continued partnership with The Clayworks at Disability Supports, whose clients designed custom artwork for the cards. HRHS said the collaboration added a personal touch while highlighting creativity and inclusion within the community.

For students, the project also served as a learning opportunity.

Krystal Young, deputy superintendent of Hutchinson Public Schools, said the partnership gives students a meaningful way to engage locally while reinforcing district values.

“Partnering with Hutchinson Regional for the Holiday Card Project provides our students with a meaningful opportunity to actively engage with our community,” Young said. “It also allows them to demonstrate compassion and express gratitude to our healthcare workers.”

Completed cards were delivered ahead of the holiday season to healthcare and senior living organizations, including Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, The Wesley, Sunshine Meadows, PrairieStar Health Center and Mennonite Friendship Communities.

Mark Mains, president and CEO of The Wesley, said the cards were well received by staff members during a busy and often stressful time of year.

“The employees of The Wesley were delighted to receive Christmas cards with handwritten messages from area school children,” Mains said. “Receiving extra support and uplifting sentiment from kids helps bring the spirit of the season front and center.”

HRHS officials said the Holiday Card Project continues to highlight the importance of small gestures and community involvement in supporting those who care for others throughout the year.

Hutchinson-area students create holiday cards for healthcare workers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two Hutchinson pastors say Christmas is ultimately about hope, reflection and the belief that God chose to enter a broken world rather than remain distant from it.

During a Christmas Eve conversation on the BW Morning Show, Andy Addis, pastor of CrossPoint Church, and Matt Stafford, pastor of First Congregational Church, reflected on the meaning of Christmas amid political division, global conflict and personal hardship.

Addis said Christmas serves as a reminder of the foundation of the Christian faith.

“For the church, it is a reminder of where we begin,” Addis said. “If Christ never came, so many things we hold central would not exist. It would be a completely different world.”

Stafford said the celebration of Christ’s birth cannot be separated from what Christians believe followed.

“We cannot separate his birth from his work on the cross and his resurrection,” Stafford said. “It represents God intervening in a fallen world.”

Both pastors acknowledged that many people view the current moment as uniquely difficult, but Stafford said history shows humanity has endured far worse.

“This is not the worst it has ever been,” Stafford said, pointing to periods such as the Civil War, World War II and the Great Depression. “We are living in remarkable times, even with our disagreements.”

The pastors said Christmas offers a counterpoint to fear and division by focusing on hope, which Addis said is often misunderstood.

“Biblically, hope is not a wish,” Addis said. “It is certainty. It is knowing the God in whom you believe.”

Stafford added that Christian hope is personal.

“Hope has a name,” he said. “His name is Jesus.”

The discussion also emphasized reflection during the Christmas season. Addis said familiarity with Scripture alone is not enough.

“They knew the prophecies, but they missed Jesus,” Addis said, referring to a passage from the Gospel of John. “It is not about how much you know, but how well you know him.”

Both pastors said the message of “God with us,” often expressed through the word Emmanuel, remains central to Christmas.

“God has never been absent from the world,” Stafford said. “But he has not always been welcomed. Christmas reminds us that we are not alone.”

Addis shared personal stories of marriage struggles and family health crises, saying those experiences shaped his understanding of hope during dark moments.

“Every dark moment feels like the end,” Addis said. “But when you look back, you see how many times God carried you through.”

The pastors invited the community to Christmas Eve services, noting that many churches also offer online options.

Stafford’s church will host a candlelight service at 6 p.m. at 3410 N. Plum St. CrossPoint Church will offer services at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. at 1410 E. 30th Ave.

“This season is about hope, peace, love and joy,” Stafford said. “That message matters now as much as ever.”

Hutchinson pastors say Christmas message centers on hope

The Eagle Media Center, home of HutchPost.com, Country 102.9, My 93-1 and KWBW, will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24, for the Christmas holiday. The office will remain closed through the holiday and will reopen on Monday, December 29. 

All employee owners at Eagle Media Center wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Christmas holiday schedule for Eagle Media Center

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson YMCA has launched a brick and paver campaign that allows community members to leave a permanent mark at the organization’s new facility, which remains on track to open in 2026.

The campaign offers personalized bricks for a $500 donation and engraved pavers for a $1,000 donation. The bricks and pavers will be incorporated into outdoor areas surrounding the new YMCA building at 20th and Lorraine streets.

“This is a great way to make your mark and leave a mark at our new facility,” said David Foster, executive director of the Hutchinson YMCA. “A paver is a $1,000 donation, and a brick is a $500 donation. If you’re interested, let us know. We have donor forms for bricks and pavers that you can fill out and be part of our new YMCA facility.”

Pledge cards are available at the current YMCA (716 E 13th Ave.) and can be completed at any time.

Construction on the new YMCA continues to progress, with the exterior of the building nearing completion and interior spaces beginning to take shape. Foster said crews are close to fully enclosing the structure, a milestone that will allow interior work to accelerate.

“Once the building is fully enclosed, you’ll really start to see things move quickly on the inside,” Foster said. “Interior walls, program areas and equipment layouts are becoming more defined.”

After exterior fencing is removed, Foster said the size and design of the building will be more apparent, particularly the extensive use of glass along the exterior. The design is expected to be especially striking at night because of exterior lighting and the glass frontage.

The new YMCA will feature an indoor family pool, lap pool and splash-pad-style water features, along with fitness areas, gymnasiums and flexible program space.

As construction continues, the YMCA is also offering new membership promotions tied to the new year. From Dec. 26 through Jan. 12, new members can join with no $75 joining fee and no prorated monthly dues. A second promotion, running Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, also waives the joining fee. Income-based financial assistance remains available.

Foster said YMCA membership has continued to trend upward, with November recording the second-highest membership total of the year, trailing only midsummer levels. He credited the growth to expanded programming and strong participation in youth sports, gymnastics, swim lessons and fitness classes.

The opening of the new facility will coincide with a milestone year for the organization. In 2026, the YMCA will celebrate 150 years of service in Hutchinson.

Hutchinson YMCA launches brick and paver campaign for new facility

YODER, Kan. — Nitrate levels remain above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area, according to Reno County officials.

The most recent water sample, collected Dec. 10, 2025, showed a nitrate concentration of 12 milligrams per liter. That exceeds the state and federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter for public water supply systems.

Officials say nitrate levels in water sources can fluctuate and may come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources, including septic systems and runoff.

Reno County continues to issue routine public notices for acute nitrate violations as required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The notices provide residents with information about nitrates in drinking water and notify customers that bottled water is available upon request for households with individuals considered at higher risk. Those groups include infants younger than 6 months, nursing mothers, pregnant women and others identified by a health care provider.

Rural Water District 101 will continue quarterly water sampling and public notifications as required by KDHE until the issue is resolved. Officials thanked residents for their patience.

Nitrate levels remain above limits in Rural Water District 101 serving Yoder area

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. ——————————————

William	Christopher	Ivy Shepherd	12/23/2025 3:12 AM	Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

Kayla	Ora Nicole	Titus	12/23/2025 10:23 AM	Failure to Appear

Kenneth	Don	Pettey	12/23/2025 1:20 PM	Failure to Appear

Ashley	Elizabeth	Werner	12/23/2025 3:38 PM	Failure to Appear

Gary	Edward	Beall Jr	12/23/2025 5:31 PM	Failure to Appear

Micheal	Emerson	Kightlinger	12/23/2025 6:15 PM	Stalking; Conduct after receiving notice of protection order causing fear

Micheal	Emerson	Kightlinger	12/23/2025 6:15 PM	Viol protection order; Abuse order

Bryan	Thomas	Roberts	12/23/2025 7:03 PM	Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578702279331">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SMOKEHOUSE LIQUOR CO.</a>

Burrton, KS — Just off Highway 50, a new hotspot is turning heads and lifting spirits.

In August 2025, after a long career with a large corporation, Luke Faidley’s position was eliminated during restructuring. The day before, he and Sparkle learned that the liquor store in their hometown was for sale. The timing could not have been better. They moved quickly, and before long, Smokehouse Liquor Co. opened its doors — a community-driven store that is already becoming a favorite for locals and travelers.

Luke and Sparkle were both born, raised, and graduated from Burrton schools. In 2020, Sparkle opened her first business in downtown Burrton, Red Shed Salon, which has become a local staple. Now they are expanding their entrepreneurial footprint with Smokehouse Liquor Co., a place built on good products, good people, and local pride.

Open Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., Smokehouse Liquor Co. focuses on Kansas-made goods and community spirit. The shelves include:

• Local beef from Haven, Kansas, processed at Krehbiels Specialty Meats in McPherson
• LMNO Pizza from Mount Hope
• A variety of locally sourced treats
• Tobacco products, including a premium cigar selection through Hutch Humidor in Hutchinson
(Thanks for your patience as the tobacco section continues to expand.)

On select Sundays, food trucks stop by to add even more to the experience. Visitors may also have the chance to sample Kansas-made spirits and talk directly with distillers and brewers.

For weddings or large events, Smokehouse Liquor Co. offers wholesale pricing to help customers stock up affordably.

With a friendly, fun team and a customer base that feels like family, Smokehouse Liquor Co. has become a destination for connection, not just for buying drinks. Whether traveling from McPherson, Newton, Hutchinson, or Wichita, it is worth the short drive to stop in and see what makes this place unique.

Dense Fog Advisory until 11 a.m. Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — 911 Hutchinson–Reno County Emergency Communications marked its third year of adopting a local family for Christmas, continuing a holiday tradition focused on giving back to the community, according to a Facebook post by the City of Hutchinson.&nbsp;

This year, the 911 team partnered with the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson to identify families in need. For Christmas 2025, the group adopted a single mother and her three children, two boys ages 9 and 6 and a 4-year-old daughter.

Members of the 911 staff provided a holiday meal and Christmas gifts for the family. The celebration also included a surprise visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, adding to the festivities and helping make the holiday season brighter.

The effort was shared this week by the City of Hutchinson Government, which praised the continued commitment of emergency communications staff to community service during the holidays.&nbsp;

Hutchinson–Reno County Emergency Communications continues holiday tradition

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gabriel Marcum is used to surprising people.

“A lot of the time, people are shocked that I’m a sophomore,” Marcum said. “I honestly take that as a compliment.”

The Hutchinson High School sophomore was recently named the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson Youth of the Year, an honor he said has not fully sunk in yet but has already given him a platform to share what the Club has meant in his life.

Marcum said he has been a member of the Boys &amp; Girls Club for about five or six years and described it as one of the most transformational experiences he has had.

“Boys and Girls Club is just kind of that pillar of hope in our society today,” he said. “It’s one of those places that kids can go and just feel safe no matter their circumstances.”

Marcum said the Club offers far more than an after-school place to spend time, pointing to academic support, career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities.

“Boys and Girls Club isn’t just an after-school program, it’s a home,” Marcum said. “As soon as you walk through those bright blue doors, you feel at home.”

Among his leadership experiences, Marcum said he helped start the Club’s coffee shop, The Cozy Bean, while he was still in middle school. He said he created applications, interviewed members and trained students who worked there. The Shadduck Park teen site serves students from sixth grade and up, while younger members attend the Avenue A location.

Marcum said the Club’s programs allow members to explore a wide range of interests, from homework help and cooking classes to esports and woodworking.

“Those bright blue doors have so many programs tailored to make sure kids can find something they’re passionate about,” he said.

Outside the Club, Marcum is a youth leader with RiseUp Reno Prevention Network, where he is involved in substance misuse prevention and mental health advocacy. He said those efforts align closely with his role as Youth of the Year.

“One thing I am extremely passionate about is having access to NARCAN in our community,” Marcum said. “Having that platform where I can talk about it and people will listen is extremely important.”

Marcum said he has traveled to Topeka multiple times to speak with lawmakers and attended a national youth leadership forum in Washington, D.C., experiences he said helped clarify why the work matters to him.

As Youth of the Year, Marcum said he sees his role as sharing what happens “behind those bright blue doors” and encouraging others to support the organization.

“I feel like I have this platform where I can talk freely about my experience,” he said. “Boys and Girls Club has shaped me into the person that I am today.”

Marcum said he plans to continue advocating for youth and community well-being while pursuing his long-term goal of becoming an elementary education teacher.

“Helping people is just one of those things that I want to do with my life,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson High sophomore uses Youth of the Year platform to lift others

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tracey Mann says border security, tax relief and long-term investments in rural health care highlighted a busy legislative year for Kansas’ “Big First” Congressional District.

Speaking on the BW Morning Show, Mann reflected on what he called key accomplishments in Washington during 2025, pointing first to immigration policy following last year’s election.

“The biggest issue in the election was the wide-open southern border,” Mann said. “The Trump administration came in, closed the border, and Congress followed up by passing laws to help finish the border wall and enforce the laws already on the books.”

Mann said illegal crossings are down more than 95 percent, a figure he described as “very significant,” adding that border security was a central concern for Kansans across the district, which includes portions of 63 counties in central and western Kansas and is the seventh-largest congressional district in the nation that does not encompass an entire state.

Mann also emphasized passage of a sweeping tax package often referred to by Republicans as the “big, beautiful bill,” which he said prevents a major tax increase for Kansas families.

“If that bill doesn’t pass, the average Kansan in the Big First sees about a $2,200 tax increase,” Mann said. “We stopped that from happening.”

According to Mann, the legislation includes tax relief for working families, eliminates taxes on overtime pay, limits taxes on tips, and removes taxes on car loan interest for certain American-made vehicles. He said the bill also provides additional relief for seniors by lowering taxes on Social Security income.

Many provisions of the law take effect Jan. 1, meaning much of the economic impact has yet to be felt, Mann said.

The congressman highlighted several agriculture-related measures he said were especially important to western Kansas, including strengthened crop insurance, higher reference prices, and expanded funding to open overseas markets.

“Things are tough on the family farm right now,” Mann said. “Input costs are high, commodity prices are low, and this bill really helps strengthen the farm safety net.”

Mann said the legislation also benefits Kansas’ aviation industry and provides bonus depreciation for farmers purchasing new or used equipment.

Rural health care was another focus of the discussion. Mann pointed to the creation of a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund aimed at stabilizing rural hospitals and reducing long-term costs.

“This is not just a Band-Aid,” Mann said. “It’s about making structural changes and helping rural hospitals make the investments they need to care for people.”

Mann said the Big First District includes roughly 55 hospitals across about 60 counties, making rural health care a critical issue for communities large and small, including Hutchinson, Salina and other regional hubs. He said details on how the funding will be allocated by state are expected later this year.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mann said lawmakers are working to address rising health insurance premiums by increasing competition, transparency and cost controls within the health care system. He also criticized the Affordable Care Act, saying its promises were not fulfilled and that rising costs continue to burden families.

On agriculture, Mann pointed to a $12 billion bridge aid program funded through tariff revenues to help farmers manage high input costs, particularly for commodities important to Kansas such as wheat, corn, soybeans and sorghum.

“Even with good yields, a lot of farmers lost money this year because of how high input costs have become,” Mann said. “This bridge payment helps farmers get through a very difficult period.”

Mann said he expects agriculture, rural health care and continued economic relief for families to remain top priorities as Congress heads into the new year.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rep. Mann touts border security, tax relief and rural health care gains in year-end review

WICHITA, KAN. –&nbsp;Alex Emillano Jaramillo, 45, a minimum-custody resident of the Wichita Work Release Facility (WWRF) has been apprehended.

Jaramillo was taken into custody Wednesday morning, December 24, after surrendering to authorities at a local hospital, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was arrested without incident.

Jaramillo was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility Wednesday, December 24, 2025, from his night job.

Jaramillo is listed a violent Kansas offender and has previous convictions for aggravated assault; use of a deadly weapon, burglary, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, violation of the offender registration act and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Violent Kan. offender captured after Christmas Eve escape

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 9a.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino, a white Mack concrete truck entered the on-ramp for southbound U.S. 71 Highway from eastbound MO 150 Highway at a high rate of speed. 

The driver was unable to maintain the curvature of the entrance ramp and due its height and weight, the truck rolled over. The truck then slid into the concrete retaining wall located along the east side of the ramp before coming to rest. The driver and sole occupant of the truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. This is fatality #67 compared to #92 at this time last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; The name of the driver has not been released.

KCPD: Driver killed after concrete truck rollover crash

A Christmas Eve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/powerball-lottery-players-dream-big-as-jackpot-reaches-1-6-billion-6ff5647e15794b4c890f1fd5d3e111a5">Powerball drawing</a>&nbsp;could add new meaning to holiday cheer as millions of players hope to cash in on the $1.7 billion prize, which comes after months without a jackpot winner.

The United States'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec46e188305c9425cb555eef00a89d37">4th-largest jackpot</a>&nbsp;on record comes after 46 consecutive draws without someone claiming to have all six numbers. The last contest with a jackpot winner was on Sept. 6. The game’s long odds have people decking the halls and doling out $2 — and sometimes more — for tickets ahead of Wednesday night's live drawing at 10:59 p.m. EST.

It's a sign the game is operating as intended. Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">made the odds tougher</a>&nbsp;in 2015 as a mechanism for snowballing jackpots, all the while making it easier to win smaller prizes.

The Christmas holiday is not expected to impact the drawing process should there be a winning ticket, a Powerball spokesperson said.

Here is what to know about Wednesday’s drawing:

That ticket placed in a stocking or under the tree could be worth a billion bucks — but with some caveats.

Powerball is played in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most of those areas require players to be 18 or older, though some states have steeper requirements. In Nebraska, players have to be at least 19 years old, and in Louisiana and Arizona, people can't buy tickets until they are 21.

Winning tickets also must be cashed in the states where they were bought. And players can't buy tickets in Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada or Utah.

Other than that, lottery officials argue there is a chance a lucky Powerball ticket could be a gift that keeps on giving.

Charlie McIntyre, the New Hampshire Lottery's executive director, said Tuesday: “Just think of the stories you can tell for generations to come about the year you woke up a billionaire on Christmas.”

Wednesday's $1.7 billion jackpot has a cash value of $781.3 million.

A winner can choose to be paid the whole amount&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, with an immediate payment and then annual payments over 29 years that increase by 5% each time. Most winners, however, usually choose the cash value for a lump sum.

The odds are high for the top prize, but there are smaller prizes players can reap.

At the last drawing, players in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin each won $1 million. There are also prizes outside the jackpot, ranging from a few dollars to $2 million.

One woman told Powerball officials that she already made plans for her $1 million win: “We’re going to pay off our cars and credit cards and get a bigger house!”

And Thomas Anderson of Burlington, North Carolina, said he intended to use his $100,000 Powerball win from earlier this month to go back to school, according to Powerball.

Long odds for the billion-dollar jackpots

Lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">set the odds</a>&nbsp;at 1 in 292.2 million in hopes that jackpots will roll over with each of the three weekly drawings until the pool balloons so much that more people take notice and play.

The odds used to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-f3d841745b774492a03983e8f4bdc719">notably better</a>, at 1 in 175 million. But the game was made tougher in 2015 to create the out-of-this-world bounties. The tougher odds partly helped set the stage for back-to-back record-breaking sweepstakes this year.

The last time someone won the Powerball pot was on Sept. 6, when players in Missouri and Texas won&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-drawing-winner-4261a3909c9e01dacc0869c50030e198">$1.787 billion</a>, which was the second-highest top prize in U.S. history.

The U.S. has seen more than a dozen lottery jackpot prizes exceed $1 billion since 2016. The biggest U.S. jackpot ever was $2.04 billion back in 2022.

It’s hard to explain what odds of 1 in 292.2 million mean. Even if halved, they remain difficult to digest.

In the past, one&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-lottery-jackpot-b2471a4d796af84fc8628b2c3fa4f4e2">math professor</a>&nbsp;described the odds of flipping a coin and getting heads 28 straight times.

Tim Chartier, a Davidson College math professor in North Carolina, on Monday compared the odds of a winning lottery ticket to selecting one marked dollar bill from a stack 19 miles (31 kilometers) high.

“It’s true that if you buy 100 tickets, you are 100 times more likely to win. But in this case, ‘100 times more likely’ barely moves the probability needle,” Chartier said. “Using the time analogy, buying 100 tickets is like getting 100 guesses to name that one chosen second over nine years. Possible — but wildly improbable.”

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reportforamerica.org/">Report for America</a>&nbsp;is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Powerball’s jackpot could make Christmas Eve unforgettable for a winner

RILEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by John Franklin&nbsp;Harris, 68, St. George, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard crossing the intersection of Bluemont Street. The car struck a pedestrian identified as Thalonda Marie&nbsp;Lashley, 45, Junction City,&nbsp;who was wearing dark clothing and walking north in the driving lane of Tuttle Creek Boulevard.

Lashley was transported to&nbsp;Via Christi-Manhattan where she was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; Harris was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY —The Kansas HIghway Patrol is investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

The Patrol reported a vehicle was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard crossing the intersection of Bluemont Street. The vehicle struck a pedestrian who was wearing dark clothing and walking north in the driving lane of Tuttle Creek Boulevard.

The Patrol released no additional details early Wednesday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP: Kansas woman killed after struck by a car

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips">WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS</a><br>Associated Press

This&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/holidays">holiday season</a>, many U.S. drivers are getting the gift of lower gas prices.

According to data from motor club AAA, December has been the cheapest month for prices at the pump this year. The national average for unleaded gasoline has stayed below the $3 mark since Dec. 2, falling to its lowest level of about $2.85 a gallon on Monday.

That figure has inched up slightly since, sitting at closer to $2.86 a gallon Tuesday — but overall, consumers hitting the road ahead of the Christmas holiday will likely continue to see mild prices.

As always, some states have cheaper averages than others, due to factors ranging from nearby refinery supply to local fuel requirements. Hawaii had the highest average of about $4.44 a gallon on Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/" target="_blank">per AAA</a>&nbsp;— followed by $4.30 in California and $3.92 in Washington. Meanwhile, Oklahoma had the lowest average at about $2.30 per gallon, followed by nearly $2.42 in both Arkansas and Iowa.

Still, nationwide, unleaded gasoline is down more than 18 cents than it was at this time last year, and 21 cents from a month ago. So far, AAA says that prices seen this month mark the cheapest December for gas prices since 2020, when the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/covid-19-pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</a>&nbsp;roiled the economy.

The travel organization notes that this month’s cheaper prices arrive as supply remains strong. Crude oil, the main ingredient in gasoline, has also been at a relatively mild level — with West Texas Intermediate remaining below the $60 per barrel mark for most of December.

Relief at the pump is welcome for consumers who have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-economy-inflation-groceries-costs-trump-affordability-d27635d279b27e5e2c19700c006ebb1d">feeling higher prices</a>&nbsp;in other parts of their budgets — as worries about the costs of goods ranging from groceries to holiday gifts rise amid ongoing inflation and U.S. President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tariffs">tariffs</a>&nbsp;on foreign imports.

Government data actually showed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-consumer-prices-economy-trump-tariffs-e26c4b6ee05533fd6686555e125b2e53">consumer prices cooled</a>&nbsp;in November, rising at just 2.7% from a year earlier. But year-over-year inflation still remains well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target — and economists quickly warned that last month’s numbers were suspect because of delays and possible distortions from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">43-day federal shutdown</a>.

Most Americans have continued to express anger and frustration about the high cost of living — as well as an uncertain job market. On Tuesday, the Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-confidence-conference-board-economy-spending-55a603a497c5885745b87de8fc5f7821">fell in December</a>&nbsp;to its lowest level since April.

US drivers getting gift of lower gas prices this holiday season

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating after two adults were found deceased inside a home in the 1600 block of North Glendale Monday morning.

Just before 9:30a.m. EMS responded to the residence for a medical call involving a 46-year-old man reporting chest pain. He was transported to Wesley Medical Center in stable condition, according to a media release.

A short time later, a neighbor became concerned after realizing the man taken to the hospital did not live at the residence. The neighbor entered the home and discovered an adult man and an adult woman unresponsive in the basement. The neighbor called 911 at 9:53 a.m.

Officers arrived and located the two individuals. EMS pronounced both deceased at 10:04 a.m. The deceased have been identified as 45-year-old Eric Taylor,&nbsp;who lived in the home, and 38-year-old Regina Reynolds.

The case is currently being treated as an overdose investigation. Detectives are continuing to gather information.

Police ID two found dead at Kansas home

FINNEY COUNTY—With just a day before Christmas, a crash involving an alleged DUI ensured one "driver’s spot on the naughty list," according to a social media report from Garden City Police.

Just before 11p.m. Dec. 18, Police, Fire, and EMS responded to an injury accident in the 1300 block of N. 13th Street in Garden City. First responders found that a garage and a parked pickup truck in the driveway had been struck. The suspected vehicle, a Toyota Camry, was located across the street with extensive front‑end damage.

The driver, identified as Nickolas Asebedo, 23, ran from the crash as Officers arrived, jumping several fences to escape the area. 

Officers located Asebedo at his home, and further investigation determined he was driving under the influence and registered a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit. 

Asebedo was arrested and booking into the Finney County Jail on requested charges of DUI, Interference LEO, Tampering with an Ignition Interlock Device, and Duty Upon Striking an Unattended Vehicle. There were no injuries reported from the incident.

"We’ve said it before, and we'll keep saying it - please do not drink and drive and risk lives unnecessarily, not just during the holidays, but at any time of the year.

Police: SW Kansas driver sure to make 'the naughty list'

LYON COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire in Emporia.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, crews were dispatched to fire at 801 Clark Street Lot 5 in Emporia, according to Battalion Chief Ryan Conley.

Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the west side of the home. On entry into the structure, heavy fire was found throughout. A vehicle nearby was also involved. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by fire crews utilizing two hand lines. On the primary search of the structure, one fatality victim was found.

Heavy fire damage was found throughout the home. Officials did not release the name of the victim.

One dead in Kansas house fire

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela’s</a>&nbsp;parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that criminalizes a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/noem-venezuela-tanker-drugs-33c28cded78df44207602668be768838">the seizure of oil tankers</a>.

The bill — introduced, debated and approved within two days in the National Assembly — follows this month’s seizures by U.S. forces of two tankers carrying Venezuelan oil in international waters. The seizures are the latest strategy in U.S. President Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">four-month pressure campaign</a>&nbsp;on Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro.

The tankers are part of what the Trump administration has said is a fleet Venezuela uses to evade U.S. economic sanctions.

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