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 southwest corner of West Avenue A and South Madison.

As Hutchinson was growing rapidly in the late 1880s, so was its school system.

Allen Grade School at 10th Avenue and Monroe was for children living on the west side of town. Fourth Avenue School at 4th and Pershing was for those on the east side, and Avenue A Grade School at Avenue A and Madison was for those on the southwest side. The first photo shows the Avenue A Grade School at completion in 1889.

This school was closed and razed in 1939. That year, the first units of the modern buildings of Allen and Avenue A were completed for $300,000 each. The second photo shows the Avenue A school when it was being converted away from an all-elementary school format.

The third photo shows the school today at 111 S. Madison, now home to U.S.D. 308's Salthawk Pre-K and Academy with Mrs. Melissa Evans as its principal.

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: Avenue A Grade School - Vol. 164

The Hutchinson High School Booster Club will host its annual “We Are Salthawks” Benefit Auction on Saturday, March 21, raising funds to support athletics at Hutchinson High School.

The event will take place at the Sunflower North Building at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, with doors opening around 5 p.m. Organizers say the evening will feature live and silent auctions, food, live music and a variety of unique items and experiences available for bidding.

Funds raised during the auction go directly to the Hutchinson High School Booster Club, which provides additional support for student-athletes and athletic programs beyond what the school district budget covers. That support can include travel meals, team gear, equipment and other needs that arise during the season.

In recent years, the fundraiser has expanded its scope. What began as a football-focused event known as the Ultimate Tailgate has evolved into a benefit that now supports all Salthawk athletic programs.

“This is really a community night out,” Steve Kappenman the Athletic Director at Hutchinson High School said. “It’s a chance for friends and families to come together, have a good time and support Hutch High athletics and the kids in those programs.”

About 400 people are expected to attend the event this year. Tickets are available for individuals as well as tables for groups, families or sponsors.

Auction items range from sports memorabilia and team gear to gift certificates, home décor and travel experiences. Some featured items include K-State football package, designer purse, and even a hunting trip to South Africa.

Organizers say the uniqueness of the auction items is part of what makes the event special.

Those unable to attend in person can still participate by bidding online through the event’s digital auction platform.

The Hutchinson Clinic is serving as the event’s premier sponsor, and organizers say dozens of additional local businesses and community members have contributed to the auction.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and auction previews are available online at salt-hawks.givesmart.com. Information is also posted on the Hutch High Salthawk Booster Club Facebook page.

Organizers say the fundraiser takes months of planning by volunteers and booster club members, who begin preparing for the next auction almost immediately after the previous year’s event ends.

Community members who wish to donate auction items or get involved with the event are encouraged to contact the booster club through its Facebook page.

The “We Are Salthawks” Benefit Auction runs from about 5 p.m. until around 10 p.m., though attendees may come and go throughout the evening. Proceeds will help continue supporting Hutchinson High School’s athletic programs and student-athletes.

'We are Salthawks' benefit auction coming up

Experience the powerful true story of the Radium Girls, young women who were exposed to dangerous levels of radium in the early 1900s and courageously fought the U.S. Radium Corporation for justice after suffering devastating — and in many cases fatal — injuries. Don’t miss this gripping production, coming Thursday through Saturday at the HHS Performing Arts Center, with all performances starting at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door or online at hutchtheatre.ludus.com. Adult tickets are $12, seniors (65+) $10, high school students and children $6, and HHS students with ID $5. Fees apply at checkout.

“This cast and crew have put in phenomenal work,” said Tobie Henline, Drama Teacher. “Many of our actors are taking on multiple roles, which requires tremendous versatility both physically and vocally. Behind the scenes, our students have worked just as hard, designing everything from costumes and set pieces to lighting. I’m incredibly excited for audiences to see the dedication and talent these students are bringing to the stage.”

HHS Theatre Brings the Powerful Story of the 'Radium Girls' to the Stage

&nbsp;Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54f40-a86e841f-2b6f-40a6-8f39-9ba94fac30a0-000000/CskNMM-zqSZo51FhjItU3PwxqQk8laSRS30gSjU3bt8=447">Kansas' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Restriction Waiver</a>.

“Today, Kansas joins 21 other states in implementing restrictions on candy and soda purchases with&nbsp;SNAP&nbsp;dollars,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I have always supported policies that incentivize healthy eating, including axing the state sales tax on food to put more money back in Kansans’ pockets. Going forward, I would encourage the USDA to develop a nationwide eligibility strategy to reduce confusion and uncertainty for retailers and recipients alike.”

The approved waiver, which will go into effect February 15, 2027, will exclude all candy and soda beverages (also known as soft drinks) from the definition of eligible foods under 7 CFR 271.2 for purchase with SNAP benefits.&nbsp; Candy and soda are defined by the state's food and sales tax laws withing the state retailer tax:&nbsp;

During the approval process USDA recommended an implementation date of Feb. 15, 2027. USDA provided this recommendation based on feedback from retailers in other states that have similar approved waivers and avoids concerns with implementing restrictions over and through the 2026 holiday season.

The Kansas&nbsp;SNAP&nbsp;Food Restriction Waiver is made up of four plans that focus on communicating information to&nbsp;SNAP&nbsp;Food Assistance recipients and authorized retailers, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring, and compliance plans.

DCF released a request for proposals (RFP) which closed on Feb. 17. This RFP is to bring on a contracting partner to help DCF manage the implementation plans and process. The proposals received are under review and a contract is expected to be in place by April 2026.

Gov. Kelly Announces USDA approval of SNAP soda and candy waiver

The Reno County Department of Aging will host a Community Collaboration Series event next week highlighting the benefits of pet therapy.

The program is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 12 at 120 W. Ave. B in Hutchinson.

The presentation, titled “The Benefits of Pet Therapy,” will feature guest speaker Tara Willard of the VitalCaring Group, who serves as a care transition coordinator. Willard will be joined by Baxter, a therapy dog who helps demonstrate how animal-assisted interactions can support emotional and physical well-being.

Organizers say pet therapy has been shown to help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide comfort to individuals in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, senior living communities and rehabilitation programs.

The event is part of Reno County’s ongoing Community Collaboration Series, which brings together local organizations, professionals and residents to share information and strengthen community connections.

The program is coordinated by Cara Conaway, information and outreach program coordinator for the Reno County Department of Aging.

For more information about the event, contact Conaway at 620-694-2911 or by email at <a>cara.conaway@renocountyks.gov</a>.

Department of Aging to host pet therapy event

ingman Begins Major Stormwater Culvert Replacement Project

KINGMAN, Kan. — The City of Kingman has begun a major infrastructure project to replace an aging underground stormwater culvert running through the central part of the city.

According to city officials, the B Avenue Culvert Project will replace the existing stormwater system that begins along Avenue A near the courthouse, runs north along Spruce Street to Avenue B, and then continues west along Avenue B to Broadway.

The project is designed to improve stormwater drainage and replace aging infrastructure beneath the roadway.

City leaders say the construction will require periodic street closures along the project route while work is underway. Drivers and residents in the area should expect temporary traffic disruptions as crews replace sections of the underground culvert.

Construction is expected to continue through July, although officials note that the timeline could be extended if weather conditions delay work.

The city encourages residents to plan for possible detours and remain aware of construction activity in the affected areas during the duration of the project.

City of Kingman begins major stormwater culvert replacement project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Cooler, wetter weather this week has provided a welcome break for the Hutchinson Fire Department after crews responded to two grass fires that threatened property in the area.

In a statement released Wednesday, Battalion Chief Justin Holzrichter said firefighters were busy last week battling two separate fires that could have caused significant damage.

The first fire occurred near 56th Avenue and Halstead Road. Holzrichter said the fire had the potential to spread due to numerous downed cedar trees in the area, which made it more difficult for crews to operate.

Hutchinson Public Works assisted firefighters during the incident by providing equipment and expertise to help crews manage the situation and contain the blaze.

A second grass fire was reported near 43rd Avenue and Lucille Road. Firefighters responded quickly and were able to stop the fire before it could threaten nearby homes and other property.

Holzrichter noted that neither of the days when the fires occurred was classified as a high fire danger day, underscoring the importance of caution when burning outdoors.

The department is reminding residents to obtain a burn permit and to closely monitor weather conditions before, during and after conducting any open burning.

Fire officials also urge residents to contact the fire department immediately if a burn gets out of control.

Cooler, wetter weather brings relief after HFD battles grass fires

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. ——————————————

Alexander	Milton	Gilkey		3/4/2026 2:45&nbsp;PM	Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Person,					Direct Contempt

Joshua	Dale	McCurdy		3/4/2026 2:52&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Marty	Lew	Debold		3/4/2026 4:46&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Irene	Anita	DeBold		3/4/2026 7:45&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Richard	Andrew	Petty		3/4/2026 7:18&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowing or Reckless Bodily Harm (1st conviction)

Tyler	James	Trostle		3/4/2026 8:48&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of marijuana,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Trenton	Daniel	Holzrichter		3/5/2026 1:19&nbsp;AM	Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction,					Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Daily Bookings

Uptown Hutch Mall is asking visitors to use specific entrances and follow updated walking guidelines as construction continues in the mall’s food court area.

Mall management announced that due to heavy construction activity in the food court, customers should enter the mall through the south entrance near ESSDACK or through the entrances located at TJ Maxx and Dunham’s Sports.

The change is intended to maintain safe access for shoppers while work is underway in the central portion of the mall.

In addition, mall officials are reminding residents who use the mall for walking exercise that walking will only be allowed during regular mall business hours. Those hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Management is also encouraging walkers to consider other free indoor walking options in the community while construction continues. Suggested locations include the walking paths at the Hutchinson Sports Arena and the underground tunnel at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Uptown Hutch Mall asks for walkers to avoid food court area

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

KIOWA COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office detention officer Monday afternoon for child sex crimes.

On Monday, March 2, at 2:00 p.m., KBI agents arrested Dustin Dean Chartier, 36, of Greensburg, at the Kiowa County Courthouse, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Chartier was arrested on requested charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior, and two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

In December 2025, the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate allegations of sex abuse of a minor by a detention officer in 2021. Chartier was placed on administrative leave during the KBI investigation. While investigating the initial allegation, a second victim disclosed another sex abuse incident, prompting the KBI to open an additional investigation. The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office was fully cooperative with the investigation.

Following his arrest Chartier was booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Two child victims report sex abuse involving Kan. jail deputy 

&nbsp;Senate Republicans voted down an effort Wednesday to halt President Trump’s war against Iran, demonstrating early support for a conflict that has rapidly spread across the Middle East.

The legislation, known as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-war-powers-trump-iran-constitution-37ec6685d9ded1d467a719f91e537487">war powers resolution</a>, failed on a 47-53 vote tally. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the resolution.

On social media, Kansas senior U.S. Senator Jerry Moran explained his vote against the resolution. "The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American service members at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardizes as this resolution would do, the men &amp; women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people

On his social media account, Senator Marshall explained his no vote against the resolution. "I voted against the Democrats’ War Powers Resolution—a political ploy to undermine our military operations." 

"Our military’s strike against the Iranian regime was bold, necessary, and long overdue. Iran has spent decades killing Americans and pursuing a nuclear weapon. Praying for our troops and their families—and for a swift end to this conflict."

The vote on Thursday afternoon gave lawmakers an opportunity to demand congressional approval before any further attacks are carried out. The vote forced them to take a stand on a war shaping the fate of U.S. military members, countless other lives and the future of the region.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kansas U.S. Senators explain their vote on War Powers Resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his embattled Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kristi-noem">Kristi Noem</a>, after mounting criticism over her leadership of the department, including the handling of the administration’s immigration crackdown and disaster response.

Trump, who said he would nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-noem-immigration-trump-ice-b6cb7b575b01cd5325f1a3bd658b605a">a grilling on Capitol Hill</a>&nbsp;from GOP members as well as Democrats.

Trump says he’ll make Noem a "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere.

Noem, took the stage to address a Department of Homeland Security event moments after Trump’s announcement but made no immediate mention of her ouster. Instead, she read from prepared remarks, including reinforcing Trump’s message from the State of the Union last month.

Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trump’s second term. Noem’s departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing immigration enforcement tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits.

Noem’s tenure looked increasingly short-lived after hearings in Congress this week where she faced rare but blistering criticism from Republican lawmakers. One particular point of scrutiny was a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem that encouraged people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily.

Noem told lawmakers that Trump was aware of the campaign in advance, but Trump disputed that in an interview Thursday with Reuters, saying he did not sign off on the ad campaign.

Her department, DHS, has also been shut down for 20 days, although many of the employees are continuing to work, often without pay.

Noem has faced waves of criticism as she’s overseen Trump’s immigration crackdown, especially since the shooting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-enforcement-minnesota-4d1499fc5962ab880f3816259e04bdbf">deaths of two protesters</a>&nbsp;in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. The former South Dakota governor was also criticized over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress.

Frustrations over Noem’s execution of the Republican president’s hard-line immigration agenda — particularly her leadership after the shooting deaths — as well as her handling of disaster response, paved the way for her downfall. She faced blistering criticism from Democrats, and some Republicans, in the Congress hearings this week.

Aside from immigration, Noem also faced criticism — including from Republicans — over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the Trump administration’s response to disasters.

Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate, but under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies, he would be allowed to serve as an acting Homeland Security secretary as long as his nomination is formally pending.

Who President Trump named to replace fired DHS Secretary Noem

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon wounded by police following a domestic violence call to a home in Wichita will return to court Thursday.

Daniel James Gabor, 31, will attend a sentencing hearing in Judge Kevin Smith's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; In June, Gabor&nbsp;pleaded no contest to aggravated robbery, aggravated domestic battery and violating a protection order, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before 4:30 a.m., June 20, the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call with a woman screaming in the background. The open-line call was traced to a moving location, and Wichita police officers were dispatched to what sounded like an active disturbance without a specific location.

By 4:30 a.m., the phone’s signal stopped in the 4600 block of West 37th Street South, where officers responded.

Officers found a vehicle stopped along the side of the street and saw a man later identified as 31-year-old Daniel James Gabor assaulting a woman in the front seat. During the encounter, an officer fired two rounds, striking&nbsp; Gabor in the upper arm. Gabor then drove off with the woman still inside the vehicle.

He later crashed in a construction area near K-42 highway and West Street. Officers responded, provided medical aid, and Sedgwick County EMS transported Gaabor to a Wichita hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers also assisted the woman, who sustained minor injuries but declined transport to a medical facility by EMS.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division investigated both the officer-involved shooting and the original disturbance. Investigators are treating the two incidents as separate but related cases.

Detectives confirmed that Gabor and the woman were in a domestic relationship. Gabor has a 2024 conviction for two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal restraint through Harvey County District Court.

Following his release from the hospital, detectives booked Gabor into the Sedgwick County Jail where he is being held on a $300,000 in bonds, according to online jail records.

Sentencing day for Kan. felon injured in officer involved shooting

<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>

KANSAS CITY—-EPR Properties announced Thursday that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a portfolio of seven regional parks from Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for a gross transactional value of $342 million, of which the Company provided approximately $315 million and our operating tenants provided the balance, including funds for working capital and capital improvements. This transaction significantly expands the Company's attractions portfolio and represents its largest acquisition since 2017.

<a href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/looking-forward-a-new-chapter-for-six-flags?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWihBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsYzZtakF3WTVuRkxQZXZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkaAETJ4zMV0das0yoP6MkXkVMOgW3h5bzqF6ejIleo_FtIJzLiF41qZtpNt_aem_so5pEBI0IvQUgjNyUMGUwA">Click here for more detail</a>s on what the sale means for park guests

The seven parks comprise over 1,600 acres, featuring 418 attractions across five states and Canada, and drawing approximately 4.5 million annual attendees. The six regional parks that are located throughout the U.S. will be leased to and operated by Enchanted Parks (formerly Innovative Attraction Management) pursuant to a long-term master lease, and the one park located in Canada will be leased to and operated by La Ronde Operations, Inc. following the completion of the transaction. Both entities are proven operators with which the Company has an existing relationship.

"This strategic acquisition represents a compelling opportunity to expand our attractions portfolio with high-quality experiential real estate assets in established regional markets," said Gregory K. Silvers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EPR Properties. "These properties embody the essential characteristics we seek: delivering stable, long-term cash flows, strong drive-to accessibility, multi-generational appeal, and significant underlying land value. This transaction aligns with our disciplined investment criteria and accelerates our strategic expansion into experiential properties that create enduring value for our shareholders.”

Properties Included In Transaction

The company has acquired the non-Six Flags branded property names as part of the transaction and acquired rights to the Six Flags brand through 2026. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of the first quarter or beginning of the second quarter, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions and third-party approvals. No significant impact on guests is expected during this transition. The parks will continue their regular operating schedules, and all season passes sold will be recognized through the 2026 operating season.

Worlds of Fun sold as part of $342 million deal

SHAWNEE COUNTY– The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office recently assisted authorities in Trinity County, California, after receiving information related to a possible homicide involving two family members in Weaverville, California.

On Tuesday, a Shawnee County resident contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office to report information regarding a possible homicide involving relatives who were reportedly living in Weaverville, California. Investigators with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division met with the reporting party and gathered information regarding the report.

Investigators relayed the information to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, which then initiated its investigation.

Based in part on the information received, investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3100 block of Bear Creek Road in Weaverville. During the search, investigators located the deceased body of Darren Jackson, 58, in a compost pile on the property. Multiple deceased puppies were also located.

Kevin Jackson, 54, the victim’s brother, was taken into custody in connection with the investigation and arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;First degree murder, Felon in possession of a firearm,&nbsp;Felon in possession of ammunition and animal cruelty.

Tip to Kan. sheriff helps in arrest of Calif. man for killing his brother

By:&nbsp;NICOLAS FIERRO Salina Post

Students of Central High School conducted and participated in an anti-ICE walkout during school hours on Wednesday.

This walkout was organized by the&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">local&nbsp;Youth Protection Alliance</a>&nbsp;(YPA), which is the Salina chapter of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/youthprotectionalliance/">Global Youth Protection Alliance</a>.&nbsp;

The head organizer was a male Central student and told Salina Post, he and others students put this together because they are wanting to spread the message that what "ICE is doing is wrong."

"They are not on the right side of things," he said. "We hope to gain the attention from the school and those who are pro-ICE, by showing them we are not afraid in fighting for justice and against racism and discrimination."

According to the student, YPA protects the youth of Kansas by informing them of their rights.&nbsp;

"We inform them to fight for what they can have and what they do not have at the moment," he said."

He said the group received pushback from the community after word spread about the walkout and his response to those people is "they are on the wrong side of history."

A mother of one of the students participating was present during the walkout.&nbsp;

"I am here supporting my child and I want them to exercise their constitutional rights," she said.&nbsp;

She added she does not agree with how ICE is managing immigration, by saying they are "too violent."

"I know countries need to protect borders, but not in this way."

Other parents and adults were protesting alongside the students as well.

Jerry Hinrikus, host of&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=553a2d35-1eff-4d36-a710-8060bc8d8a0f&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p60579132=true&amp;relocateURL=true">KINA Coffee Talk</a>&nbsp;on 910 AM/107.5 FM was across the street during the walkout. He said the students should be in school and if they wanted to protest, that they should have done it after school hours.

"We pay taxpayer dollars and student's grades are not that high," he said. "They should be in class studying."

Many students during the protest were holding up signs that stated "defund, abolish and prosecute ICE."

"You need to ask them, how many illegals have killed and sexually assaulted people? The numbers are staggering and these students don't even know that, which is the sad part."

Johnnie Keller who ran for City Commission during the 2025 general election, watched from across the street as well.

"To hear people say get rid of their organization, because they are enforcing the rule of law and then we have adults in this holding up the American flag upside down really frustrates me," said Keller. "We have kids waving a Mexican flag, so which country are you loyal to?"

Keller stated he is a retired teacher and thinks students are not being taught well, with teachers "indoctrinating" them.

"I think teaching should be about civics, math, english, history and even showing kids how to read and write in cursive," he said. "I would have never allowed my kids to participate in this."

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1cad3a04-b1e7-47af-a682-06ef517b2333">Salina USD 305 released a statement before the walkout happened:</a>

Salina Public Schools is aware of recent social media posts and emails circulating regarding a potential student walkout.

These messages did not originate from official district communications channels and were not approved by the district. Salina Public Schools is not sponsoring, organizing or endorsing any walkout activities.

Salina Public Schools values and respects student perspectives and recognizes students’ constitutional right to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. However, walkouts are not sponsored, organized or endorsed by any member of the staff, school or district. Our staff’s role remains neutral, with a focus on supporting student safety and maintaining a quality educational environment.

Salina Public Schools will continue to abide by all state and federal laws and Board of Education policies. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as we maintain a safe, quality learning environment and protect instructional time. The school day will proceed as usual and SPS expects all students to attend class, adhering to our attendance policy.

We encourage families to have thoughtful, open conversations with their students about civic engagement and expectations surrounding school attendance. We thank our parents, guardians and community for their partnership in maintaining a safe, conducive learning environment that supports student success.

Salina high school students hold walkout to protest ICE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Israel, American bases and countries around the region Thursday, while warning the U.S. would “bitterly regret”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">torpedoing an Iranian warship</a>&nbsp;and calling for “Trump’s blood.” Tehran’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-war-israel-strait-or-hormuz-deaths-f1619c6bfbbd5fe10857ff0af073aa0e">expanding retaliatory strikes</a>&nbsp;and increasing shows of defiance came even as Israel hammered it for a sixth day.

The war has escalated each day, expanding well beyond the Gulf. On Thursday, Azerbaijan accused Iran of attacking it with drones — though Tehran denied launching them. A day earlier, the U.S. said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-iran-middle-east-ship-sinking-69191dde43154c5176a8aeacc9128748">it sank an Iranian frigate</a>&nbsp;in the waters off Sri Lanka.

All the while, Israel and the U.S. have battered Iran with nationwide strikes,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">targeting their military capabilities and security forces</a>. Iran’s attacks have targeted their Arab neighbors, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel.

In launching the war Saturday, the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program. Leaders have also suggested that toppling the government is a goal — and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of strikes. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, and the conflict increasingly appeared to be open-ended.

The war has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Israel announced multiple incoming missile attacks and air sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and Gulf countries also reported coming under fire.

In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a drone was shot down near the Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces, and shrapnel fell to the ground, authorities said. Six people were wounded.

Qatar evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution and later reported a missile attack on the city. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its province bordering Jordan.

The Israeli military said it launched attacks in Lebanon on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group — which attacked Israel in the opening days of the war — and that a wave of strikes on Iran had hit long-range ballistic missile launch sites and other targets.

A drone crashed Thursday near the airport in Nakhchivan, a region of Azerbaijan bordering the north of Iran that is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia. Another drone fell near a school and two civilians were injured, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Azerbaijan called it an attack, but Iran’s general staff of the armed forces denied it had launched a drone toward the country. The denial comes as Iran has repeatedly denied targeting oil infrastructure and other civilian targets during the war, despite its drone and missile fire hitting those sites.

A tanker apparently came under attack off the coast of Kuwait early Thursday, expanding the area where commercial shipping was in danger, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center run by the British military. It said there was an explosion but did not offer a cause.

Since the war began Saturday, ships have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped. That&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">has caused oil prices to soar</a>&nbsp;— though they briefly came down Wednesday, before resuming their climb Thursday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an “an atrocity at sea” for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 Iranian sailors.

“Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set,” he said on social media.

Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and “Trump’s blood.”

The statement represented a rare call for violence by an ayatollah, which is one of the highest ranks within the clergy of Shiite Islam. There are dozens in Iran.

Iranian warship was sunk on way home from multinational exercises

The Iranian ship sunk by the U.S. Navy was returning from participating in an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also participated in.

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while its navy recovered at least 87 bodies.

Araghchi said it had been carrying “almost 130” crew.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that an American submarine had sunk the ship with a torpedo.

Sri Lanka’s media minister and government spokesman, Nalinda Jayatissa, told parliament Thursday that another Iranian ship had arrived in its waters. Jayatissa did not provide further details about the ship or the number of people on board.

Israel says it hits more Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Among the 80 targets in Lebanon that the Israel military said it hit over the past 24 hours were “several command centers” used by Hezbollah in Beirut. It showed video footage of a building being hit, but provided no further details.

Another eight people were killed in Lebanon, including two in a building struck by the Israeli military in the Beddawi refugee camp in the coastal city of Tripoli on Thursday and three on a coastal highway, authorities said. The Israeli military did not immediately say who it targeted in the strikes.

U.S. and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as their attacks have taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israel’s Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces nationwide, which could reopen Thursday if there is a shelter nearby. Schools would remain closed.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, the country’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Thursday. Eleven people have died in Israel.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed, including a major whose identity was released Wednesday.

Rising reported from Bangkok, Becatoros from Athens, Greece, and Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut, Lebanon, Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem, Aida Sultanova in Baku, Azerbaijan, Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia, and Giovanna Dell’Orto in Miami contributed to this report.

Iran launches new attacks and calls for ‘Trump's blood’

SHAWNEE COUNTY– One person died in an apartment fire in&nbsp; Topeka.

Just after 9p.m. Wednesday, crews&nbsp;responded to an apartment fire located at 715 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release.&nbsp;

 Crews reported on arrival that there was heavy smoke coming from the multi-family apartment complex. Firefighters began an aggressive interior attack on the fire from within the structure. Firefighters rescued several residents from the structure. Four people were transported to the hospital, one with life-threatening injuries.

One individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. 9 apartment units are displaced by the fire.

&nbsp;The preliminary cause of the fire was determined to be an accidental electrical fire.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details early Thursday.

One dead, 4 hospitalized after Kansas apartment fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Textron Aviation team is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russell W. “Russ” Meyer Jr., the longtime chairman and CEO, and Chairman Emeritus, of Cessna Aircraft Company.

Mr. Meyer was an aviation legend, leading Cessna for nearly 30 years and overseeing the development and launch of Citation business jets. He played a key role in stabilizing the industry through the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, and earned top aviation awards including two Collier Trophies, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

He believed in using aviation to help others, founding the&nbsp;<a href="https://airlift.txtav.com/">Special Olympics Airlift</a>&nbsp;— which has transported athletes to the Games for forty years — and supporting workforce development by starting Wichita's 21st Street Training Program to create career opportunities for underserved residents. His passion for youth development extended to many important charitable organizations and causes.

“Russ was a remarkable human being and one of the most respected leaders I have ever known. I held Russ in the highest regard, not only for his extraordinary business acumen, but for the integrity, humility and genuine care he showed for people at every stage of his life. He led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief that leadership carries a responsibility to serve something greater than oneself,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “On behalf of the entire Textron Aviation team, I extend my deepest condolences to Russ’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. I was truly privileged to know Russ as a colleague, a mentor and a friend.”

Russ leaves an enduring legacy of innovation, advocacy and service. He shaped our company, our industry and the Wichita, Kansas, community in ways that will be felt for generations to come.&nbsp; For more on the li

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