A shared history and renewed collaboration are bringing two of Hutchinson’s faith-based schools closer together, as Joe Godina, principal of Trinity Catholic Junior Senior High School, and Dr. John Walker, superintendent of Central Christian School, reflect on their past and present roles in local education.

The connection between the two administrators dates back decades. Before becoming colleagues in leadership, Godina taught English at Hutchinson High School for 22 years, where Walker was once his student. The former teacher-student relationship has since evolved into a professional partnership, with both now serving as leaders at private, faith-based schools in Hutchinson.

“It’s a huge blessing to have a friend just down the street,” Walker said, noting that the two reconnected after Godina was appointed principal at Trinity. Their relationship extends beyond the classroom, including years of playing recreational basketball together and now collaborating as school leaders.

That reconnection has also extended to their schools. Trinity and Central Christian renewed athletic competition this year, reviving a long-standing rivalry that dates back roughly 25 years to their time together in the former Heart of America League. The season-opening basketball matchup at Central Christian drew a large crowd and showcased strong sportsmanship from both student-athletes and fans.

“One of the most fun parts was seeing the two communities come together,” Walker said. “The environment was fantastic, and it really reflected the values both schools try to instill.”

Godina added that the renewed rivalry is about more than wins and losses. “It was a great way to tip off basketball season and hopefully the start of a long-term tradition,” he said.

During their joint appearance on the BW Morning Show, both administrators discussed how leadership roles in faith-based schools differ from those in public education. Godina, who spent more than two decades in public schools, said the key distinction is the ability to integrate faith openly into daily life.

“In a faith-based school, part of our role is spiritual leadership,” Godina said, pointing to daily staff prayer and weekly Mass at Trinity as examples.

Walker echoed that sentiment, describing administrators as “shepherds” who guide students and staff academically and spiritually. “We have the freedom and the expectation to point students back to Christ and to what God’s Word says,” he said.

When asked what they enjoy most about their work, both leaders cited the people they serve. Strong relationships with students, faculty, and families, combined with the opportunity to live out their faith openly, were central themes.

“It makes going to work easy every day,” Godina said.

Both administrators expressed hope that renewed collaboration between Trinity and Central Christian — whether through athletics or shared community connections — will continue to strengthen Hutchinson’s broader school community in the years ahead.

Former teacher and student lead Hutchinson Faith-Based Schools

HUTCHINSON RENO COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the December Small Business Award to Carrie's Beer Garden, owned and ran by Carrie Thatcher.

Carrie’s Beer Garden was born from a lifelong love of entrepreneurship, family, and the Kansas State Fair. Carrie grew up immersed in the energy of the fairgrounds, working a booth from the age of eight alongside her parents, Charles and Janice Griffin, who have been entrepreneurs for over 45 years. That early experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work, creativity, and community.

In 2021, Carrie turned that passion into Carrie’s Beer Garden, now one of the most iconic venues at the Kansas State Fair. But it’s more than just a bar open for ten days a year—it’s a vibrant entertainment and event space that brings people together year-round. With her children, Jacob and Jadyn, actively involved, the business is a true family affair.

Since its grand remodel, Carrie’s Beer Garden has grown from a seasonal fair bar into a dynamic, year-round event venue. The updated space allows her to host everything from class reunions to weddings, while her menu now features fan favorites like burnt end fries, bacon jam sliders, and, of course, the legendary lobster corn dogs—a recipe Carrie perfected in secret at the local bingo hall! And for those looking for something fun and unique? You haven’t truly lived until you’ve tried a Duckin’ Blue cocktail!

Carrie’s creativity doesn’t stop there. She launched the Drunken Duck, a mobile bar that brings the Beer Garden’s signature fun to events across the region. By staying connected with the community through social media, attending the Bar &amp; Restaurant Expo, and continually innovating her offerings, Carrie ensures every visit is a memorable experience.

Carrie’s Beer Garden isn’t just about food and drinks—it’s about community and family. With around 40 employees, many of whom return year after year, Carrie fosters a culture of loyalty, teamwork, and fun. When challenges arise, like torrential rain during the State Fair, her team rallies together, ensuring guests still enjoy a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Giving back is a cornerstone of Carrie’s business. She’s supported local causes from the Hutchinson Zoo to TECH Creative Connections and even took her food truck to feed residents after the Plevna tornado. The Drunken Duck is also available for fundraisers, helping nonprofits raise money while bringing people together.

For Carrie, success means having fun while building a business that honors her family’s legacy and strengthens the Reno County community. She wants everyone to know that behind every cold drink and live performance is a team that truly cares, creating memories and experiences that last long after the last toast.

Congratulations to Carrie’s Beer Garden, a place where tradition, creativity, and community come together. If you haven’t visited yet, stop by at 403 Grandstand Avenue in Hutchinson, follow them on Facebook to see what all the buzz is about. Cheers to Carrie and her incredible team!

Carrie's Beer Garden named Small Business of the Month

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.Info forecast.</a>

Three-day Outlook

JACKIE MUNDT Pratt County farmer and rancher

An interesting fact about me is that I lived with a Jewish family in college. The woman I rented a bedroom from was a single mom in need of a little extra income. I had all the amenities of living with a family and the added bonus of learning about another culture. 

The family was a bit like people who only attend church on Christmas and Easter or Chr-easters as I often call them. They didn’t practice their faith regularly but celebrated holidays and kindly included me in their holidays, which really broadened my worldview.

I never had an opportunity to celebrate Hanukkah with them as I typically returned home for Christmas break before it began. By chance this year, I was visiting a museum that hosts educational activities for kids on the first day of Hanukkah. Museum staff knew our group was unfamiliar with traditions and practices of the holiday. They invited us to join in some of the fun children’s activities and we gladly accepted the chance to learn more about the culture. 

There were several craft stations for the kids where you could decorate a dreidel, miniature menorah or lantern. They also had orange slices as a sweet snack for participants. 

Our adult group decorated thin round disks with markers and stickers, then a helpful little boy showed us how to slobber glue on a dowel to attach the disc so you can create the spinner. The lanterns were glass jars or plastic bottles decorated to be carried by the kids in a parade through the community later that night.

When it was time to light the menorah, all of the families joined in songs similar to Christmas carols. The songs were in Hebrew. I didn’t understand the words but they were sung with great excitement by the children. Plus, they were accompanied by an accordion which makes everything seem more festive.

The event felt just like a Christmas party at a small-town library or community center. Kids creating fun crafts to liven up the celebration, joyful songs sung with more enthusiasm than skill and sweet treats to wrap everything together. 

The origins and significance of Hanukkah is very different from Christmas but at this event it felt so familiar. The children were having fun with each other, parents were visiting and grandmothers were watching lovingly to make sure everyone had what they needed. Kids were sharing, kindness was flowing and the air was filled with an infectious kind of happiness that only holidays can bring. 

This brief window into the traditions of Hanukkah wasn’t in-depth or life-changing, but it was the type of memorable experience l cherish. In a world full of hard days and complex problems, it is nice to be reminded of all the good that comes from celebrating holidays together. I love seeing families spending time together, people sharing faith and communities celebrating the traditions that make them unique.

As you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you and your family peace, love and joy. May your family traditions bring you together for many years to come.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight:  Celebrating holidays and family

The Hutchinson Fire Department responded early Saturday morning to a structure fire in the 800 block of North Plum.

Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 7:10 a.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the attic of the residence. According to the department, firefighters made an aggressive fire attack in the attic and from the roof to bring the blaze under control.

One person was displaced as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Hutch Fire Department fights early morning house fire

 Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) hosted the SkillsUSA District Tournament on Thursday, November 20, welcoming students from Pratt and Ellinwood high schools. The event featured Leadership competitions including Job Interview, Job Demonstration A, and Job Demonstration Open.

SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides students in technical and career training programs, from middle school through postsecondary education, opportunities to develop leadership skills, compete in industry-related events, and connect with local employers.

HCTEA students dominated the district, qualifying nine out of ten positions for the State SkillsUSA Conference, which will be held March 2–3, 2026. Contestants represented HCTEA’s Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, and Machining programs. Judges represented the professional community from around Reno County.

Job Interview – Postsecondary 1st Place: Chyanne Myers, HCTEA (Hutchinson Community College)

Job Interview – High School 1st Place: Weldon Stanley, HCTEA (Haven HS) 2nd Place: Blake Beamont, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS) 3rd Place: Brody Root, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)

Job Demonstration A 1st Place: Jake Wolfe, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS) 2nd Place: Johanna Forssberg, (Pratt HS) 3rd Place: Harlie Terrell, HCTEA (Buhler HS)

Job Demonstration Open 1st Place: Hayden Von Ahnen, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS) 2nd Place: Jared Miller, HCTEA (Buhler HS) 3rd Place: Tanner Loughrie, HCTEA (Haven HS)

Glenna Burden, SkillsUSA Sponsor and HHS Government Teacher, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their outstanding performances at the SkillsUSA district competition. Their dedication and professionalism truly shined, and they represented our school with exceptional skill and character. Watching them grow into confident, capable leaders is the greatest reward of all.”  

HCTEA is proud of the students’ accomplishments and looks forward to cheering them on at the State SkillsUSA Conference in March 2026. Their success reflects the dedication of both the students and instructors in preparing for these competitive leadership and technical events.

 HCTEA shines at SkillsUSA District Tournament, qualifies nine students for state competition

&nbsp;Food, Toys, Clothing, Blankets, and Stocking Stuffers have all been given, however The Salvation Army still needs our help. Their Annual Christmas campaign goes until January 31, but a big part of their $300,000 goal comes from their red kettles in front of retail stores.

“There have been so many generous donors”, said Major James. However, The Salvation Army is running about $15,000 behind on its red kettle goal. After Thursday’s windstorm and the chaos of the grass fire, The Salvation Army has slipped further behind this season’s red kettle goal of $85,000. As of Friday morning, they were still needing $30,449.

A few ways you can help is to go to RegisterToRing.com and volunteer to ring bells. It's for this reason that Westphal Jewelers is also encouraging people to volunteer to help The Salvation Army. Monday, Westphal Jewelers is giving out a diamond ring to a lucky volunteer who will ring the bell for The Salvation army. There will be a drawing the week of Christmas on Monday Dec. 22 on KWBW at 7:15am. However, you must get registered by this Sunday to qualify.

The other ways to help are to give. Give into the red kettle, donate online at GiveWithJoyHutch.com, through the mail, or drop off a donation at their office at 700 N Walnut. Today is also the last $20 Bill Match Day! Let’s help The Salvation Army cross the finish line as they help so many in need throughout the year.

Salvation Army: A Christmas SOS

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. ——————————————

Keeon	Patrick	Roberts	12/19/2025 1:33&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Austin	Tyler	Webb	12/19/2025 3:20&nbsp;PM	Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misdemeanor case, Execution of Misdemeanor Warrant,				Ignition Interlock Device; Tamper with,				Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage,				DUI; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving

Andrew	Ray	Gutierez	12/19/2025 4:23&nbsp;PM	Criminal Restraint,&nbsp;Violation of conditions of release, on parole, conditional release or post-release supervision

Troy	Lee	Harlin	12/19/2025 4:33&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Christopher	Lee	Craig	12/19/2025 5:27&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction), Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm

Candido	Jose	Hernandez	12/19/2025 5:37&nbsp;PM	DUI; 3rd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Logan	William	Ayers	12/20/2025 12:41&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Daily Bookings

Agricultural education at Buhler High School has grown into one of the school’s largest and most diverse career and technical programs, serving students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.

John Clark, one of four agriculture teachers and an FFA advisor at Buhler High School, recently discussed the scope and impact of the program during an appearance on the BW Morning Show. Clark is in his 34th year of teaching agriculture in the district, having joined the program in the fall of 1992.

Clark said the appeal of the job has never faded.

“I get to work with kids, and I get to work with agriculture,” Clark said. “Those are two of the best things I could imagine turning into a career.”

The agriculture program has expanded significantly since Clark began teaching. What was once a department with a single instructor has grown to four teachers offering multiple career pathways. Those pathways include animal systems, plant systems, and power, structural, and technical systems, commonly known as agricultural mechanics.

Clark currently teaches advanced animal science, advanced plant science with an emphasis on agronomy and crop production, food science, agricultural business management, and advanced agricultural mechanics. Other offerings include introductory agriculture science, horticulture, floral design, greenhouse management, and agricultural fabrication, where students design and build metal projects.

Agriculture education at Buhler has evolved far beyond traditional production farming. Clark noted that while some students pursue agricultural careers, many enroll to develop leadership, communication, and career-readiness skills.

“Agriculture today includes animals, plants, mechanics, food science, business, communications, and technology,” Clark said. “If it deals with food or fiber, it fits somewhere under the agriculture umbrella.”

FFA plays a central role in that development. Through the organization, students participate in competitions, community service, fundraising, and leadership events at the local, district, state, and national levels. Clark estimates the program offers nearly 150 different activities, allowing students to choose opportunities that align with their interests.

Enrollment numbers reflect the program’s reach. Buhler High School has approximately 650 to 700 students, with about 200 enrolled in agriculture classes this year. Clark said that over half of graduating seniors typically take at least one agriculture class during their high school career.

The program’s growth traces back to the late 1980s, when non-traditional courses such as veterinary science and horticulture were added. Enrollment quickly increased, reversing what had been a decline in participation.

Career pathways supported by the program extend well beyond farming. Students pursue careers in welding, mechanics, veterinary services, wildlife conservation, golf course management, landscaping, irrigation, food science, agribusiness, and emerging technologies such as drone applications in agriculture. Some graduates enter the workforce directly, while others continue on to community colleges, technical programs, or four-year universities.

Clark emphasized that his goal goes beyond graduation.

“If my job is just to get a kid to the graduation stage, I’m failing them and their families,” he said. “My job is to help them become productive citizens, lifelong learners, and contributors to their community.”

Clark said the continued success of the program reflects both student interest and community support, making agricultural education a cornerstone of career and technical learning at Buhler High School.

Buhler Ag and FFA program prepares students for diverse careers

<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/nBuk37uY0h0eQM88ZJV6EIUlvXLO-nDqaJVpbF9yXoc">Chief Justice Marla&nbsp;Luckert</a>&nbsp;will resign from the office of chief justice on January 2, but she will remain as a justice on the Supreme Court until she retires on a date to be announced.&nbsp;

The Kansas Constitution includes a provision that allows&nbsp;Luckert&nbsp;to step back from her duties as chief justice while she continues to serve as justice. She said it is her intent to finish work on cases she heard before mid-October, when she took medical leave following a stroke.

Luckert&nbsp;said her decision to step back as chief justice and ultimately retire from the Supreme Court was made through careful deliberation, both individually and with her family, and it was not without hesitation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NGjIp0AL_U">LINK: Video message from Chief Justice Marla Lukert</a>

“When I left Goodland to attend college and law school, I never imagined I would serve on the Supreme Court or as chief justice,” she said. “I achieved far more than I imagined I would as a young woman from rural Kansas, and it has been my great honor to serve Kansans as a judge, justice, and chief justice.”

Luckert&nbsp;was the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the second to serve as chief justice. She said the privilege to engage in work she loves made her decision to step back and ultimately retire more difficult. She added that knowing she leaves the court in good hands made her decision easier.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/nBuk37uY0h0eQM88ZJV6EMU36wiUgY-051o53UGjt1Y">Justice Eric Rosen</a>, who has served recently as acting chief justice, &nbsp;will formally step into the chief justice role on January 2. The role is reserved for the justice who has the most continuous years of service on the court. &nbsp; &nbsp;

“Justice Rosen and I have served side by side for more than 20 years, and I appreciate his leadership serving as acting chief justice these last few months,”&nbsp;Luckert&nbsp;said. “It reassures me to know I will transfer responsibility to his very capable hands.”&nbsp;

Luckert&nbsp;and Rosen both served as district judges in the 3rd Judicial District, a one-county district composed of Shawnee County, before they were appointed to the Supreme Court in 2002 and 2005.&nbsp;

Rosen said he’s grateful for his years working with&nbsp;Luckert&nbsp;and for her guiding influence as chief justice. He noted her efforts to build and strengthen relationships within state government and for ushering the court system through adversity.&nbsp;

“Her tenure as chief justice was fraught with challenge, but she managed it all with unflappable grace,” he said. “Not only did she help us overcome major obstacles, but she also made our court system stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future. I will greatly miss her as a colleague and confidant, but she will always remain both a professional and close personal friend.”

Luckert&nbsp;said she will also resign from her roles on national committees. She currently is chair of the Civil Justice Committee and a member of the Access and Fairness Committees, both of which are joint ventures involving the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators.&nbsp;

She will also resign her position on the Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction, which is part of the Judicial Conference of the United States, and her service is on the invitation of Chief Justice John Roberts.&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/nBuk37uY0h0eQM88ZJV6EBVULmhm_1s9J4xrbUYrgK0">Luckert&nbsp;is a fourth-generation native of Sherman County.</a>&nbsp;She has been a Shawnee County resident since enrolling at Washburn University for her undergraduate studies. She earned a bachelor's degree in history and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law.

After working 12 years in private practice, she was appointed a district judge for the 3rd Judicial District in 1992. She later served as the district’s chief judge, a role she held for three years. She was the first woman in Kansas appointed to a chief judge role.&nbsp;

Chief Justice Marla Luckert to step back from role

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just after 3:30a.m. Saturday in Kansas City.

According to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a silver Chevrolet Malibu crossed the double yellow line and was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Independence Avenue. In the area of Independence Avenue and Jackson Street, the Chevrolet struck an eastbound Ford Taurus head-on.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver of the Chevrolet to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and they were pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

EMS transported the driver of the Ford and a front seat passenger of the Chevrolet to local hospitals. Both had life-threatening injuries and were listed in critical condition. This is fatality #65 compared to #89 at this time last year, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the driver who died or additional details.

Driver dies, 2 critically injured after head-on crash in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) —Four moderate House Republicans — from swing districts Democrats are already eyeing for next year’s midterms — have broken ranks with Speaker Mike Johnson, signing on to Democrats’ petition to force a vote on extending health care subsidies that expire at the end of this year.

From battleground districts in Pennsylvania and New York, the members on Wednesday sided against their party on the Democratic-led measure to force a vote on subsidy extensions related to Affordable Care Act — a move that came after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies-208b30670d0486c8d27ceb59c59003e0">GOP health care bill</a>&nbsp;that does not address impending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">soaring monthly premiums</a>.

Acknowledging “these are not normal times,” Johnson said his party’s razor-thin majority allows a small number of GOP members to have an outsize influence in some of the chamber’s mechanics.

Meet the four Republicans bucking their party’s leadership over health care:

Fitzpatrick, who has been part of several bipartisan pushes this year, represents a perennial swing district in the presidential battleground state. Amassing bipartisan signatures for his own discharge petition related to ACA subsidy extension, earlier this year he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-trading-ban-congress-7467604e26652de32687442bcb277774">part of a coalition</a>&nbsp;that spanned the political spectrum to rally support for a bill that would prohibit members of Congress and their families from owning and trading individual stocks.

“It’s not every day you see this cast of characters up here,” Fitzpatrick said. “You’re all smirking out there. That’s a good thing. It speaks to the power of this cause.”

Mackenzie drew an opponent barely 48 hours after voting for the House budget bill earlier this year.

Part of a bipartisan group pressing for an eleventh-hour compromise over the ACA subsidies, Mackenzie&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-tax-credits-congress-trump-swing-districts-e030d7a0dd61ca8815fe4722ddbe94b7">told The Associated Press</a>&nbsp;earlier this month that lawmakers needed to understand that, “even if you have a broken system, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t provide or offer relief to individuals who are dealing with those high costs right now.”

Bresnahan and Mackenzie, both freshmen, won in November by some of the smallest margins in all of Congress. Already a top target for Democrats in next year’s midterms, Bresnahan and his district have already had high-level political attention.

Last week, President Donald Trump was in his district for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-affordability-pennsylvania-speech-6a7884b814f448ab6b17b9d924a356ba">an official White House event</a>&nbsp;that seemed more like one of his signature campaign rallies that officials said he would hold regularly ahead of next year’s midterms.

Lawler’s district has been considered a crucial swing seat in recent elections, and Democrats are expected to again dedicate heavy resources to flip it next year. A moderate who last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-long-island-election-2024-d9971985ba0440117d41b1fd0d921e56">won a second term</a>, he openly expressed interest in running for governor but backed off those plans, saying he wanted to defend his battleground district.

Earlier this year, while many House Republicans shunned holding town halls in their districts as the Trump administration’s aggressive actions roiled constituents, Lawler instead sought to put himself in front of voters, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-congress-lawler-trump-dc074f165919c3d5305b3fa0e382c2b0">peppered him with questions</a>&nbsp;and devolved into a chaotic chorus of boos.

Meet the 4 Republicans who defied House Speaker on ACA subsidies

INDIANAPOLIS — Austin Ryan Lauless, 31, of Colorado, has been sentenced to 84 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. In September 2025, Lauless pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual exploitation of a child, five counts of sex trafficking of a minor, two counts of advertising child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the United State's Attorney.

As of Dec. 17, 84 victims have been identified from nearly every state in the United States and at least five foreign countries. Investigators believe additional victims may still be unidentified. If you or someone you know has been a victim of Lauless, also known online as Cason Fredrickson or APOPHIS, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

According to court documents, between late 2019 and May 19, 2023, Lauless used social media applications such as Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Yubo, Purp, and others to coerce, exploit, and threaten at least 84 minor victims into producing thousands of sexually explicit images and videos. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 at the time of the offenses.

Using these social media platforms, Lauless misrepresented his identity, posing as “Cason Fredrickson,” a teenager from New York or other cities. In reality, Lauless was in his late 20s, unemployed, and living in hotels and motels in Texas and Colorado. To conceal his identity, he accessed the public Instagram page of Individual A and, without their knowledge or consent, saved images and videos to impersonate Individual A while posing as “Cason Fredrickson.”

Lauless’ criminal methods included misrepresenting his age, identity, background, and likeness to groom minors and create a false sense of safety in online communications. He also used voice modulators and third-party image and video applications to edit content, making it appear as though it was recorded live through social media platforms such as Snapchat.

He feigned romantic interest in victims, told them they were attractive, and pretended to be in online relationships. He purchased items for many victims through Amazon — including fishnet stockings, sexual devices, and customized t-shirts — which he instructed them to wear while producing sexually explicit material. These items were shipped either directly to victims or to designated Amazon lockers for pickup.

To prolong his exploitation and avoid detection, Lauless threatened victims with dissemination of their images and videos if they failed to comply with his demands or sought help from parents or law enforcement. At least one victim reported to Lauless that she was contemplating suicide.

Lauless also sex trafficked at least five minor victims by forcing them to engage in oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse with adult males, producing numerous videos of these commercial sex acts. Some victims were forced to endure sadomasochistic abuse at his direction.

Once he obtained images and videos, Lauless advertised and sold the sexually explicit material on platforms such as Discord, Instagram, Telegram, and MEGA. He engaged in at least 141 transactions, receiving payment through Venmo, PayPal, Bitcoin, and CashApp. He admitted that his collection of child sexual abuse material included thousands of images and videos depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as children subjected to bestiality and sadomasochistic abuse.

“The sheer scale of this investigation and prosecution underscores the relentless commitment of federal law enforcement to dismantle networks of exploitation that prey on our children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Childress &nbsp;for the Southern District of Indiana. “Austin Lauless orchestrated a campaign of abuse that spanned nearly every state and multiple countries, leaving behind profound harm. While no punishment can erase the trauma these young survivors endured, today’s sentence sends a clear message: we will pursue predators across every platform, every jurisdiction, and every border until justice is served.”

“This case represents one of the most egregious forms of exploitation the FBI investigates,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This was not an isolated crime - it was a nationwide and international campaign of exploitation that victimized at least 84 people, including children, and involved the trafficking of human beings. The FBI is committed to identifying offenders who use technology to abuse, manipulate, and control others, and to ensuring they are held fully accountable. Today’s sentence delivers justice for the victims and reinforces that these crimes will not go unanswered.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Preston and Carolyn Haney for the Southern District of Indiana prosecuted this case with invaluable assistance from Victim Witness Coordinators Stephanie Lloyd and Johnna Preidt.

The FBI conducted the investigation, with additional support from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker for the Southern District of Indiana.

Additionally, 13 U.S. Attorney’s Offices provided cooperation during the investigation. Without their assistance, bringing Lauless to justice and legally resolving the harm he imposed on the victims would have been delayed. They include: Southern District of Iowa, Eastern District of Missouri, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Texas, Western District of Kentucky, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of New York, District of South Carolina, Southern District of Texas, District of Colorado, Central District of California, District of Arizona, and Eastern District of Tennessee.

This case was brought as part of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.justice.gov%2Fusao-sdin%2Fproject-safe-childhood%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b3255de7f-81fd8676-bf36-42a7-83e8-c9dd44707b6f-000000/WGKNo-oy2wVyroINc20x1rCDx4ka1avklk2VRvhddBw=436">Project Safe Childhood</a>, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state,&nbsp;and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Predator coerced 84 minors to send him explicit videos, sold them online

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas teen who admitted her role in an acid attack on another girl is going to prison.

On Friday Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced Tayronnia West, who was 18 at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post release supervision,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The judge followed the state’s recommendations and denied a motion for a departure to probation.

In September, West pled guilty to Reckless Aggravated Battery, severity level 5, person felony, according to the District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. A&nbsp;jury found Hollins guilty of aggravated battery. She is being held in the Topeka Correctional facility and has been disciplined five times since June, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In May of 2024, police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of N Dodge in Wichita, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses. The victim in this case, an 18-year-old girl later arrived at an area hospital with second degree burns to the face and neck believed to be caused by a suspect throwing an acidic liquid on her during a fight.&nbsp;

In June Judge Tyler Rousch sentenced West's accomplice Ye'Kira Acoya Hollins, who was 18, at the time of the crime, to 34 months in prison and 24 months of post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Immediately following the acid attack incident, investigators with the Wichita Police Felony Assault unit along with patrol officers began looking for the suspects. On June 5, officers with the Patrol North Community Response Team located and arrested Hollins and accomplice Tayronnia Jontashia West. In March of 2025, police also arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the case.

Prison for throwing acid on Kansas teen's face during a fight

SEWARD COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Saturday in Seward County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Ford F350 driven by Stanley Wayne&nbsp; De Weerd, 73, Rock Valley, Iowa, was westbound on U.S. 54 just east of U.S. 183.&nbsp; The pickup struck the drivers side of a 2022 Kenworth semi driven by Emmanuel Terrell Lee&nbsp;Jimmerson, 41, North Las Vegas, Nevada, who was exiting from the Love's Travel Stop Western entrance, initiating a left turn to travel east on U.S 54.&nbsp;

A passenger in the pickup identified as Arlis Kay&nbsp;De Weerd, 72, Rock Valley, Iowa was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Hornung Mortuary. EMS transported&nbsp;Stanley De Weerd to Wesley Medical Center and&nbsp;Jimmerson to Southwest Medical Center. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the K HP.

Woman killed in pickup, semi crash on Kansas highway

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/ali-swenson">ALI SWENSON</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/release-epstein-files-justice-department-trump-f919d9dc9c3957cb2bd2c9c1a14b533c">published thousands of files</a>&nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.

<a href="https://www.justice.gov/epstein">Click here to see</a>&nbsp;the files and do a search

But it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.

The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.

President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.

On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department-4872c23a3ed03bf3d4c526581d3aed59">he signed a bill</a>&nbsp;mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”

Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:

It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected

The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.

Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-maxwell-justice-department-interview-transcripts-1d38a010e72b5b58cca944cb3bbb0e6a">Todd Blanche</a>&nbsp;told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.

But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.

Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.

Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.

Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton

Many of the most discussed photos from the files&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-clinton-justice-department-jeffrey-epstein-4a55e83b62b5a037c431e36cfa87f0dc">show the former Democratic president</a>. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clinton-congress-comer-epstein-a33b35e4882a471b4fc29c51f806c8d2">he had no knowledge</a>&nbsp;of the late financier’s crimes.

Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman seated next to him with her arm around him. Her face is redacted from the photo.

Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ghislaine-maxwell">Ghislaine Maxwell</a>, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.

And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.

Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.

Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in an X post that “this isn’t about Bill Clinton” and accused the White House of trying to protect others.

“There are two types of people here,” he wrote. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first.”

Clinton has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/at-trumps-urging-bondi-says-us-will-investigate-epsteins-ties-to-clinton-and-other-political-foes-e7cafcf6e6c44656a0d0b38637042d5f">never been accused of wrongdoing</a>&nbsp;in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.

To some exploring the records released Friday, the most interesting parts were which high-profile figures appeared scarcely — or not at all.

For example, Trump is minimally referenced in the files, and the small number of photos that do show him appear to have been in the public domain for decades.

The release does include at least one photo of the former Prince Andrew, who appears in a tuxedo lying on the laps of what appear to be several women who are seated, dressed in formalwear. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with men, including the prince.

Marina Lacerda, one of the women who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-survivors-react-a7cceac935feda8d94b8fa59e13b01fa">says she survived sexual assault</a>&nbsp;by Epstein, beginning when she was 14 years old, said Friday she wanted to see greater transparency from the Justice Department and expressed frustration over redactions and the incomplete release.

“Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”

Several lawmakers blasted the Trump administration for failing to produce all the documents required under the law.

Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had introduced what is known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-house-sex-trafficking-investigation-c46716743f6f65f2f3b74906365da58b">a discharge petition,</a>&nbsp;which eventually led to the congressional vote that forced the release of the Epstein files. On Friday, both took to social media to criticize the partial release.

Massie wrote that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law.” Khanna called the release so far “disappointing.”

“We’re going to push for the actual documents,” he said.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said that by disregarding the deadline, the administration was denying justice to Epstein’s victims. He added he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.”

If Democratic lawmakers so choose, they could go to court to force the Justice Department to comply with the law, but that would almost certainly be a lengthy process that plays out while the department releases more files.

Separately, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the Epstein files. That could give Congress another avenue to force the release of more information to the committee, but it would require Republicans to join them in contempt-of-Congress proceedings against a Republican administration.

Takeaways from the DOJ's initial release of Epstein files, mandated by Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces on Saturday stopped an oil tanker off the coast of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/venezuela">Venezuela</a>&nbsp;for the second time in less than two weeks as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;continues to ramp up pressure on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nicolas-maduro">Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.</a>

The pre-dawn operation comes days after Trump announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-sanctioned-oil-blockade-fd8fd9aa3da41f826fbabd8752dc9a17">“blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers</a>&nbsp;coming in and out of the South American country and follows the Dec. 10&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tanker-seized-venezuela-maduro-0a148ba01684fc6ce1a228dd276732c0">seizure by American forces</a>&nbsp;of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard with help from the Defense Department stopped the oil tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. She also posted on social media an unclassified video of a U.S helicopter landing personnel on a vessel called Centuries.

A crude oil tanker flying under the flag of Panama operates under the name and was recently spotted near the Venezuelan coast, according to MarineTraffic, a project that tracks the movement of vessels around the globe using publicly available data. It was not immediately clear if the vessel was under U.S. sanctions.

“The United States will continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” Noem wrote on X. “We will find you, and we will stop you.”

The action was a “consented boarding,” with the tanker stopping voluntarily and allowing U.S. forces to board it, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Pentagon and White House officials did not immediately respond to a requests for comment.

Trump following the first tanker seizure, of a vessel named the Skipper, this month vowed that the U.S. would carry out a blockade of Venezuela. It all comes as Trump has ratcheted up his rhetoric toward Maduro and warned that the longtime Venezuelan leader’s days in power are numbered.

And the president this week demanded that Venezuela return assets that it seized from U.S. oil companies years ago, justifying anew his announcement of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-maduro-oil-tankers-625a7c9a3106e316c97ceb68a42a1cb5">“blockade” against oil tankers traveling</a>&nbsp;to or from the South American country that face American sanctions.

Trump cited the lost U.S. investments in Venezuela when asked about his newest tactic in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-maduro-venezuela-drug-cartels-military-timeline-91e242e5c56eec39b6b7d72bf55dbd2d">pressure campaign</a>&nbsp;against Maduro, suggesting the Republican administration’s moves are at least somewhat motivated by disputes over oil investments, along with accusations of drug trafficking. Some sanctioned tankers already are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-oil-tankers-maduro-trump-blockade-2460e98e4c504cd2a1c86b951e825013">diverting away from Venezuela</a>.

"We’re not going to be letting anybody going through who shouldn’t be going through,” Trump told reporters earlier this week. “You remember they took all of our energy rights. They took all of our oil not that long ago. And we want it back. They took it — they illegally took it.”

U.S. oil companies dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-oil-trump-blockade-food-shortages-de504343d2118840f41bcc0cf6788ef4">Venezuela’s petroleum industry</a>&nbsp;until the country’s leaders moved to nationalize the sector, first in the 1970s and again in the 21st century under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Compensation offered by Venezuela was deemed insufficient, and in 2014 an international arbitration panel ordered the country’s socialist government to pay $1.6 billion to ExxonMobil.

The targeting of tankers comes as Trump has ordered the Defense Department to carry out a series of attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that his administration alleges are smuggling fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States and beyond.

At least 104 people have been killed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-petro-colombia-drugs-us-aid-c3955b2ce351737119920741178e0567">28 known strikes</a>&nbsp;since early September.

The strikes have faced scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists, who say the administration has offered scant evidence that its targets are indeed drug smugglers and that the fatal strikes amount to extrajudicial killings.

The Coast Guard, sometimes with help from the Navy, had typically interdicted boats suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea, searched for illicit cargo, and arrested the people aboard for prosecution.

The administration has justified the strikes as necessary, asserting it is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cartels-armed-conflict-cb57804807e55a00ace60ad5f4d4f24d">“armed conflict” with drug cartels</a>&nbsp;aimed at halting the flow of narcotics into the United States. Maduro faces federal charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S.

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