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 1900 block of East 4th on the north side.

As Hutchinson's population kept extending farther east in 1910, the city was in need of an eastside elementary school.

In 1910, the city bought property next to the Grandview Evangelical Church at 2200 E. 4th Ave. and decided to build a three-room frame-school there and name it Grandview Elementary. The first photo shows this school after it was moved to Careyville in 1924.

In 1921, they decided to rebuild a better structure to accommodate the 245 pupils then attending there. The second photo shows the building — which cost $117,576 — at opening at 1900 E. 4th.

The third photo shows Grandview Elementary in 1953 at its highest-use period.

The building was used for 75 years and razed in 1998. The fourth photo shows the current education facility left from the previous annex to the old building, named Grandview Alternative Learning Program, still addressed as 1900 E. 4th Ave.

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: Grandview Elementary - Vol. 150

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the holiday season approaches, mental health professionals are reminding the public that the weeks ahead can be among the most emotionally difficult of the year for many people.

Beth Akins, LSCSW, LCAC, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor, joined the BW Morning Show this week to discuss why anxiety, depression and grief often intensify during November and December. 

Akins spent 25 years at Horizons Mental Health Center as Department Head of Community Support Services, working primarily with adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She now provides behavioral health consultations at the Hutchinson Clinic and teaches Mental Health First Aid, ASIST suicide intervention training and QPR suicide-prevention courses.

She said one of the biggest challenges people face is the pressure to feel happy simply because it is the holiday season.

“People will just make some assumptions that it’s the holidays and I should be happy,” she said. “There are some people, for a variety of reasons, who just aren’t experiencing those feelings, and that can make depression even harder.”

She said stress, over-committing, financial strain and the first holiday season after losing a loved one can all intensify emotional struggles. Seasonal affective disorder also plays a role when colder weather, shorter days and limited sunlight contribute to depressed mood.

“Sometimes people aren’t able to get out and do the normal things, so their social networking might be limited,” she said. “The lack of sunlight definitely can impact that.”

Akins emphasized the importance of coping strategies such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep and staying connected with supportive friends or family — even if that connection happens through FaceTime or online platforms.

“Everybody has different coping strategies, so it’s very individualized,” she said. “Exercise really can increase endorphins. Hanging out with friends, meditation, mindfulness — everybody’s self-care plan can look very different.”

Setting boundaries is especially important during the busy holiday season, she said, encouraging people to give themselves permission to say no to social events, gift exchanges or commitments that feel overwhelming.

“There’s real value in understanding what your limits are,” she said. “Giving yourself that freedom to say no can go a long way.”

For those grieving a recent loss, Akins said the holidays can bring a flood of memories — both joyful and painful. She urged people to let themselves experience the full range of emotions without judgment.

“Feel all the feels,” she said. “It’s okay if you’re sad. It’s okay if you’re not sad. It’s okay if a memory triggers something intense. Allow yourself that space.”

Supporters also play a critical role. Akins said the best approach is to ask grieving loved ones what they need — whether it is a break, a conversation, help with tasks or simply someone to sit with them.

One of the most common misconceptions, she said, is that a person experiencing depression can “snap out of it.”

“With clinical depression, it’s not something somebody can just snap out of,” she said.

Akins will continue offering mental-health education and suicide-prevention training throughout the community as the holidays draw near.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mental health expert says holiday season can intensify depression, stress and grief

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Beth Akins, Horizons Mental Health Center

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. today in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse, where commissioners are expected to work through a consent agenda filled with routine end-of-year financial transfers.

Commissioners will consider a series of resolutions authorizing fund transfers into reserve accounts, including the Economic Development Reserve Fund, Equipment Reserve Fund, Multi-Year Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, Special Highway Improvement Fund, Special Bridge Fund, Road and Bridge Special Machinery Fund, Noxious Weeds Capital Outlay Fund, and reserve funds for water and sewer districts.

The consent agenda also includes appointments or reappointments to the Reno County Public Building Commission and an appointment of one citizen to the Planning Commission.

During the business portion of the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to hear the annual reports from the County Clerk and County Treasurer, along with a joint memorandum of understanding involving the City of Hutchinson, City of South Hutchinson, Reno County, and Evergy Kansas Central.

Reno County Commission to review year-end fund transfers, annual reports

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Family Community Theatre is bringing a holiday favorite to the Flag Theatre stage as “A Christmas Story: The Musical” opens Nov. 28 in downtown Hutchinson. Performances run Nov. 28 through 30 and Dec. 4 through 7, with tickets available at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29. A 3 p.m. matinee will be held Nov. 30. The second weekend features shows at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, and a 3 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6.

Director Aaron Parker said the show carries personal significance.


“Well, being a Parker, it's kind of integrated into you, since the main characters are Parkers,” he said. “And my dad loved the show, and we kind of just grew up on it. So when I first joined FCT, I got pushed into being manager, a backstage manager, and this was actually my first show to backstage manage, about over 10 years ago, so it's kind of ironic now I'm directing that same play.”

Parker said he wants to give audiences something visually fresh.


“I'm trying to put a different spin on this one,” he said. “I mean, I'm not changing the original story or anything, but I'm trying to make it interesting for the audience, because different views. There's one view where you go from being outside, and then automatically, the way the set moves and the way people move, you're inside the store, looking out, and the people are looking at you, the actors. So that's just one of many scenes that I've got planned.”

The production is based on the long-running stage musical and includes fast-paced songs and the familiar storyline of Ralphie Parker’s quest for his prized Christmas gift.


“The songs are really catchy. They're really fast,” Parker said. “You get to cheer Ralphie on, and he, you know, he has his own little buddies that, you know, that they have to get in trouble too. So it's just kind of one of those things.”

Narrator Matt Christian plays Gene Shepard, the adult version of Ralphie.


“The character's name is actually Gene Shepard. He was an actual person. He was a radio personality,” Christian said. “Some people think that the stories that he wrote were semi-autobiographical, and I think we're kind of going with that in this show where he's reminiscing, even though his name is Gene Shepard and the little boy's name is Ralphie Parker, they are one in the same, or pretty darn close.”

One of the biggest challenges this year, Parker said, is the music.
“The music is really tough, and when it's hitting, it's great,” he said. “Truth is, the main character, Ralphie, has hardly any lines, because all his lines are in music.”

Maisie, who plays Schwartz, described the role simply: “Schwartz is like Ralphie's best friend, along with Flick.”

The cast totals 24 performers, ranging from age 7 to senior adults. Several families are performing together.
“We have several families that are acting,” Parker said. “What's so funny is we have people that are brand new to this stage, and they're older, while the younger people have been on the stage a lot.”

Assistant Director Sam Wilk encouraged the public to secure tickets early.
“They go to familycommunitytheatre.org, and you can purchase tickets directly from there,” Wilk said. “But don't wait to get them at the box office right before the show. Get them early. They are selling fast.”

Wilk said the cast has overcome early hurdles.
“You know, we had right off the cuff, our original music director couldn't continue with the rest of the show, so we were set back a couple weeks,” he said. “But I'll tell you what, we have an amazing cast, and they have handled it beautifully.”

Parker said the musical is a tradition that helps usher in the holiday season.
“One thing about us always doing FCT, doing something like this right after Thanksgiving, it's to get us in the Christmas spirit,” he said. “And I think ‘Christmas Story’ is one of the classics that can get everybody in the Christmas spirit and to cheer Ralphie on to getting his, what he used to, his prize, the Red Rider BB gun with the compass in the stock.”

Parker closed with a challenge in true “A Christmas Story” fashion:
“I think you should come. In fact, I triple dog dare you.”

Tickets are available at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>, Busy Bee Laundry, or at the box office prior to each show.

Family Community Theatre to present “A Christmas Story: The Musical”

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County District Attorney’s Office will launch its 25th annual Toys for Tots Drive on Monday, Dec. 1, continuing a tradition that began with a single toy box in the courthouse and has grown into a countywide effort supporting local children during the holiday season. The drive runs through noon on Dec. 12.

The program began when District Attorney Tom Stanton attended an AMBUCS meeting in his first year with the office. After hearing a presentation on Toys for Tots, he brought one collection box back to the courthouse. It filled quickly, and each year the effort expanded. The office later added multiple collection sites and even held departmental competitions to boost donations during years when foot traffic at the courthouse slowed.

“Throughout the 25 years that we’ve been doing this, we’ve had several challenges, but the community has always stepped up,” said Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson. “Last year we collected 819 toys, plus cash donations and winter accessories for children.”

This year’s drive is already off to a fast start. A UTV ride through South Hutchinson held this past weekend brought in 396 toys. The event was organized by City of South Hutchinson Superintendent Matt Mock and his wife, Deana, who serves as office manager at the district attorney’s office.

“Since this is our 25th year, we’d like to collect 25 boxes of toys,” Mock said. “We collected 15 boxes during the UTV ride, so we are well on our way.”

The drive accepts new, unwrapped toys of all types, as well as cash donations that volunteers use to purchase additional items. Winter hats, gloves and scarves are also welcomed. Toys can be dropped off at multiple locations across the county, including the courthouse, Public Works, the Health Department, the Annex, the City of South Hutchinson and most Reno County departments.

Any toys collected will remain in Reno County. After the drive ends on Dec. 12, volunteers will sort the items and deliver them to local Toys for Tots coordinator Sandy Reger, who distributes them based on applications submitted by families.

“She looks at what children are needing or hoping for and makes sure they get something special for Christmas,” Mock said.

Davidson said the drive provides a bright spot for staff members who often work with people at difficult points in their lives.

“We deal with crime victims who have lost everything and people struggling with substance abuse,” he said. “When we get to serve our community this way, it brings some light into our office.”

The office is also handing out commemorative challenge coins this year. Anyone who donates a toy can receive a coin while supplies last, along with the traditional decorated sugar cookies made by staff.

Mock said the office sees enthusiasm from employees and the community every December.

“We get everything from Hot Wheels to bicycles to stuffed animals,” she said. “We need toys for all ages, from babies to teenagers, and the community always comes through.”

The District Attorney’s Office is already planning ahead. South Hutchinson has scheduled next year’s UTV ride for Nov. 21, 2026.

Although the official drive runs Dec. 1 through Dec. 12, Mock said donations are welcome year-round.

“If people collect toys throughout the year and want to drop them off, we’ll take them anytime,” she said.

For more information, residents can contact the Reno County District Attorney’s Office or visit any participating drop-off location.

Reno County’s Toys for Tots Drive begins Dec. 1 as 25th year kicks off with strong start

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the year winds down, Beyond Barriers is encouraging community members to make year-end contributions to support Kansans with disabilities and aging residents across the 60 counties it serves.

In 2025, the organization empowered 770 consumers, which is 45 more than in 2024, to overcome obstacles and live more independent lives. Donor support played a key role in helping clients increase their self-sufficiency.

Among those assisted was Steve, who is visually impaired and recently gained internet access at his rural home. He now uses an OrCam device, a voice-activated tool that helps him identify objects and navigate more safely. Trisha is learning to manage her medical appointments, budget and daily meals, giving her more control over her routines. Another consumer, Anna, said Beyond Barriers became her “second family.”

“There’s no judgment,” Anna said. “I was struggling to apply for Social Security and got rejected. I wanted to give up. They were patient, held my hand, and helped me appeal it. I would recommend them to anyone.”

Beyond Barriers provides free services to people with all types of disabilities regardless of diagnosis or status. The organization serves 15 Kansas counties and operates offices in Pratt, Dodge City and Hutchinson. Its programs include employment assistance, independent living support, blind and low vision services, and ADA compliance and community education.

“State funding covers only part of our costs,” said Executive Director Erica Rivera. “Community gifts ensure that anyone who needs our help can receive it, free of charge. Every dollar truly makes a difference.”

According to consumer surveys, nearly all respondents rate their experience with Beyond Barriers positively. More than 80 percent say their lives have improved because of its services, and nearly 100 percent would recommend the organization to others.

Donations support efforts to secure safe and accessible housing, expand employment and community engagement opportunities, and increase disability awareness and inclusion across the region.

Contributions can be made at BeyondBarriersKS.com/donate or mailed to 115 E. 4th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67501.

“Together, we’re breaking barriers and building independence,” Rivera said. “A gift to Beyond Barriers helps Kansans live with greater freedom, dignity and connection.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Beyond Barriers encourages year-end giving to support independence for Kansans with disabilities

<a href="https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=148261&amp;clientkey=550D13AF2DEF9723836028F8FFDCA8CF">CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!</a>

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
Salary: $24.50 to $36.50 per hour
Status: Full Time
Shift: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Position Overview
The Licensed Nurse is responsible for assisting with planning and directing nursing care for an assigned group of residents. This position supervises charge nurses and supports the teaching and oversight of other team members to ensure quality care aligned with the mission of The Wesley.

Nearly 80 Reno Co. students take part in Disability Mentoring Day in Hutchinson

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch Post

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler High School senior Hannah Khan has spent the past few days adjusting to life in a city that looks and feels nothing like home. The wide open skies of Reno County have been replaced by towering buildings and crowded sidewalks.

For Khan, it is all part of the whirlwind that comes with being selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She arrived in New York on Saturday and has spent the early part of the week in long rehearsals, uniform fittings and group activities with hundreds of student musicians from across the country. The moment still feels surreal.

“I think it is all finally sinking in now that I am here,” Khan said before she left for the trip. “I think it will be surreal to be a part of something so much larger than myself.”

Khan learned she had been selected in August after submitting an audition video on July 30. She filmed a YouTube performance that covered all required musical elements and sent it in without expecting much. 

She found out on the first day of school for freshmen, as she was helping new students find their classrooms.

“I just threw my phone across the room. I was so shocked,” she said. “I told Mr. Yates right away. I never expected to get in.”

Buhler Director of Bands Nathan Biggs said only about two students from each state are chosen each year. He called it one of the most significant accomplishments a high school musician can achieve. 

Khan is the second Buhler student to march in the parade, following tuba player Bryan Regier in 2022.

“We are very proud of her,” Biggs said. “She is well rounded, well spoken and involved in many activities. It is an awesome opportunity and she has earned it. I hope she absorbs everything she can from this experience.”

Khan and the rest of the selected musicians were fitted for their official Macy’s uniforms shortly after arriving Saturday. The red jackets and white pants will replace the traditional Buhler maroon on Thursday morning when the parade begins along Central Park West and makes its way toward Herald Square.

Rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are long and detailed, designed to prepare the group for both the parade route and their performance in front of the cameras. The group had a sightseeing day on Sunday, giving Khan her first real taste of New York. Her mother and aunt are scheduled to join her later this week.

The parade itself is what she has been looking forward to most.

“I have watched it on TV my whole life,” Khan said. “Being in it is just crazy. I think being around the floats and all the other bands will be amazing.”

Khan has played mellophone since seventh grade, which grew out of her love for French horn. She began band in fifth grade on trumpet but planned from the start to switch.

“I picked trumpet because I knew I wanted to switch to French horn,” she said. “Playing mellophone for marching has been really cool. I have marched every year.”

Her classmates and friends at Buhler have been excited for her, though she admits she does not broadcast the news widely.

“I try to be humble about it,” she said. “The band knows, and a lot of people have told me they are going to watch and try to point me out on the screen.”

Representing Buhler at a national event is a responsibility she takes seriously.

“We get to show the small school spirit. We still have a lot to offer and can be successful,” she said. “There are misconceptions about small towns, so it is important to show that places like Buhler can produce successful musicians.”

Khan is also looking forward to meeting students from across the country. Her experience at ALA Girls Nation in Washington D.C. last summer sparked an interest in connecting with people from different backgrounds.

“Different towns are so different,” she said. “A lot of people come from big cities and I do not know what that is like. It is interesting to hear other people’s perspectives.”

She expects to spend part of this week describing Buhler to students from large metro areas who have never seen a field of crops or walked a dirt road at sunset.

“I love telling people about Buhler,” she said. “I talk about the dirt roads and the open sky and how everybody cares about each other. It is safe, and you are supported, and everybody knows everybody. That is what makes it special.”

As Thursday approaches, Biggs said he hopes Khan will come home with memories that last far beyond high school.

“I want her to enjoy the city, enjoy the parade and enjoy meeting new people,” he said. “Mostly, I want her to come back with stories she will remember forever.”

Khan will join more than 700 student musicians on Thursday morning as they step onto one of the nation’s most watched holiday stages. For the senior from Buhler, it will be a moment years in the making, one she once only pictured watching on television.

This year, she will be right there in the middle of it.

Buhler senior Hannah Khan set to march in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Improvements to the City of Sylvia’s water treatment plant have begun. The financing package from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will provide funding for new wells for blending, chlorination facility, waterline replacement and tower rehabilitation. The drinking water system serves a population of approximately 135.

Completion of this project will ensure the drinking water system remains in good operation for the long-term future.

Financing for the improvements to the City of Sylvia’s water system was made possible through a loan provided by KDHE with joint funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund (KPWSLF), KDHE has provided a $1,821,742 loan, of which $910,871 in principal will be forgiven.

The KPWSLF provides financing for municipal drinking water infrastructure at interest rates that are below market. Since 1997, the KPWSLF has provided more than $1.5 billion to 318 municipalities to finance drinking water infrastructure in Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KDHE provides financing for Sylvia's water system improvements

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Afghan national who worked for the CIA in his native country and arrived in the U.S. in 2021 drove across the country from Washington state to shoot two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;just blocks from the White House, U.S. officials said Thursday.

Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, declined to provide a motive for Wednesday afternoon's brazen act of violence, which comes as the presence of troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint.

Pirro identified the guard members at a news conference as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both remained hospitalized in critical condition.

Pirro said that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, launched an “ambush-style” attack with a .357 Smith &amp; Wesson revolver. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that “it's too soon to say” what the suspect's motives were.

The charges could be upgraded, Pirro said, adding, “We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge.”

The rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil, on the day before Thanksgiving, comes amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-dc-deployment-c1c2b13a7102632632267bf1262506ff">court fights</a>&nbsp;and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration’s use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem.

The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington.

The suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

Attack being investigated as terrorist act

FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Agents have served a series of search warrants, with Patel calling it a “coast-to-coast investigation.”

Pirro said: “We have been in constant contact with their families and have provided them with every resource needed during this difficult time.”

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser interpreted the shooting as a direct assault on America itself, rather than specifically on Trump's policies.

“Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington, D.C., to attack America,” Bower said. “That person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Suspect worked with CIA during Afghanistan War

The 29-year-old suspect, an Afghan national, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said.

The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over allegations of gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals.

Lakamal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman.

Prior to his 2021 arrival in the United States, the suspect worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, “as a member of a partner force in Kandahar,” John Ratcliffe, the spy agency’s director, said in a statement. He did not specify what work Lakamal did, but said the relationship “ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation” of U.S. servicemembers from Afghanistan.

Kandahar in southern Afghanistan is in the Taliban heartland of the country. It saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 following the al-Qaida attacks on Sept. 11. The CIA relied on Afghan staff for translation, administrative and front-line fighting with their own paramilitary officers in the war.

Wednesday night, in a video message released on social media, President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration.

“If they can’t love our country, we don’t want them,” he said, adding that the shooting was “a crime against our entire nation.”

Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said on Wednesday that investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.

The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. Hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said.

“It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard,” Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect.

“At this point, we have no other suspects,” Carroll said at a news conference.

At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a sidewalk covered in broken glass.

Associated Press journalists Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker, Jesse Bedayn, Josh Boak, Evan Vucci, Nathan Ellgren, John Raby, Hallie Golden, Michael R. Sisak and John Seewer contributed.

🎥DOJ releases names of National Guard soldiers shot near White House

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Police are investigating a shooting that left two dead in Topeka.&nbsp;

Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at McDonalds restaurant in the 1200 block of SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka, according to Topeka Police&nbsp; LT Jayme Green.

At the scene, first responders located two victims who were&nbsp;deceased. EMS transported a third victim to a hospital with life-threatening injuries

On Wednesday, Topeka Police reported they are now investigating this incident as a murder-suicide. At the scene, officers located a deceased 76-year-old man who suffered an apparent gunshot wound. A 22-year-old man with life-threatening gunshot injuries was also found at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

 Officers additionally discovered a man who died from what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Police update details on deadly shooting near Kan. fast-food restaurant

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday released a new statement regarding the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the unjust war in Ukraine:

He spoke last month on the Senate Floor, reaffirming support for Ukraine.

“As negotiations move forward, the administration must make certain Ukraine is equipped with the tools needed to defend its people and territory against ongoing aggression and demand meaningful, enduring security guarantees for Kyiv. Lasting peace will be achieved when the costs of continuing the war in Ukraine are unsustainable for Russia, not by acceding to Vladimir Putin’s demands. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place.”

Sen. Moran has consistently emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Kan. U.S. Senator on Ukraine, Russia peace negotiations

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two West Virginia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-ruling-dc-washington-national-guard-1be5c3744e35f8dd68a6a12fa4583186">National Guard members</a>&nbsp;just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence at a time when the presence of troops in the nation’s capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/muriel-bowser-washington-dc-trump-0e9f3cfc668fd70faa9820c8bfb4e7a3">Mayor Muriel Bowser</a>&nbsp;said the guard members were hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon's shooting. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey had walked back his statement Wednesday announcing the troops had died, saying he received “conflicting reports” about their condition.

The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals.

The suspect, who has been living in Washington state, has been identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, but authorities were still working to fully confirm his background, two law enforcement officials and a person familiar with the matter said. The people could not discuss details of an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Lakamal arrived in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord Kristina Widman.

Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant “came around the corner” and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators.

“This was a targeted shooting,” Bowser said.

“At this point we have no other suspects,” Carroll said at a news conference.

Michael Ryan was just across the street when he heard loud bangs and started running with others. When he later came back, he told AP he saw a person pinned to the ground as people shouted “stay down,” and, nearby, National Guard troops hugged each other.

“It’s just a terrible situation to see,” Ryan said.

Emma McDonald, who exited a metro station just after the shots were fired, said she and a friend sought safety with others in a cafe. McDonald told AP that minutes later she saw first responders rolling a stretcher carrying a National Guard member whose head was covered in blood.

Police tape cordoned off the scene, and fire and police vehicle lights flashed and helicopter blades thudded overhead. Agents from the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were there, and National Guard troops stood sentry nearby. At least one helicopter landed on the National Mall.

“I think it’s a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they’re active duty, reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” Vice President JD Vance said in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he delivered a Thanksgiving message to troops.

Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, scrapped plans to spend the holiday with troops at Guantanamo Bay in order to travel to D.C. and be with guard members there instead.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said on social media that he visited the wounded National Guard members in the hospital and that his “heart breaks for them.”

Troops deployed to DC under emergency order

Trump issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">emergency order</a>&nbsp;in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops from eight states and the District of Columbia. The order expired a month later, but the troops remained.

Nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update.

Last week a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment, but she also put her order on hold for 21 days to allow the administration time to either remove the troops or appeal.

The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events.

More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. About 160 of them volunteered last week to extend their deployment until the end of the year, while the others returned home just over a week ago.

Associated Press journalists Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim, Safiyah Riddle, Matt Brown, Mike Balsamo, Eric Tucker, Jesse Bedayn, Evan Vucci, Nathan Ellgren, John Raby, Hallie Golden, Michael R. Sisak and John Seewer contributed.

Afghan national in custody after shooting  National Guard soldiers near White House

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A basketball player at a junior college in Oklahoma who was injured during a game has died, school officials said.

Connors State College sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during the second half of a game Saturday in Texas, the school said in a statement posted to its Facebook page. A spokesperson for the college, Shannon Rigsby, said initial reports indicate Dietz suffered some kind of head injury, but that she didn’t have any more information.

“Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” according to the statement from the school. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and men’s basketball coach.

Several of the college’s men’s and women’s basketball games were canceled following Dietz’s death.

Local

Region

Sports