By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Plainville USD 270 voters approved a $5.49 million bond and rejected a second $7.05 million bond in Tuesday’s election.

The proposal appeared as a two-question ballot, with each question addressing a separate group of projects at Plainville Elementary School and Plainville Junior-Senior High School.

Approval of question one will fund facility upgrades, such as HVAC and electrical updates, LED lighting installation, and restroom improvements.

The measure passed with 392 yes votes to 263 no votes.

Question two failed and would have funded classroom and entrance renovations at both schools, along with improvements to the Rock Gym and Cardinal Gym. The measure received 209 yes votes and 443 no votes.

USD 270 Superintendent Chris Rinehart said he is pleased with <a href="https://www.rookscountyks.gov/media/2511">the results despite proposal two not passing</a>.

"I understand that this was just the time our community wasn't ready to take on that much of a tax obligation," Rinehart said. "I am happy that we were able to at least get that proposal one through, and we are able to address those needs. I was hoping we would get both, but I'm still happy."

Each ballot question carried a different estimated impact on the mill levy. With only question one approved, the estimated increase will be one mill.

On a $100,000 home, a one mill increase is $11.50 per year. The median home value in Rooks County is $88,200.

Rinehart said restrooms will be updated to meet ADA standards, and the building will receive interior and exterior upgrades to prevent stormwater intrusion. He said work on some of the projects could begin as early as spring.

Proposal two would have also allowed the district to address safe and secure entrances for both schools. In addition to gym renovations, the Cardinal Gym would have included a new room designed as a storm shelter with a capacity of 550 people.

Rinehart said the district will continue to address safety through crisis committees. Security camera and monitoring system improvements have already been made.

"We're not going to be talking about a reconfiguration or remodeling our entries, but we'll definitely be talking about what we can do, whether it's through the enhancement of some technology or whatever it is we need to do," he said.

Rinehart said the district has a five-year facilities plan, from which several bond projects were drawn, and will review it again before deciding how to proceed with future improvements.

"I am happy that our voters are supporting us with proposal one. We'll definitely do our best to address those needs and be good stewards of the funding we will receive. We'll do what's best for the community and district," Rinehart said.

Plainville USD 270 voters approve $5.49 million bond for school upgrades

Hays Police Department activity log: Feb. 15-21, 2026

Hays Police Department arrest log: Feb. 22-28, 2026

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

The Hays Arts Council proudly presents Fields &amp; Forms, a compelling dual exhibition featuring the work of Amy Warfield and Brittany Gorelick, opening Friday, March 6.

This exhibition brings together two distinct artistic perspectives rooted in personal and regional&nbsp;experience.

&nbsp;Brittany Gorelick’s work reflects her lived experience as a queer and&nbsp;neurodivergent artist. 

Through collage, papermaking, and experimental printmaking, she uses&nbsp;recurring visual symbols—such as scribbled lines, structured grids, and waveform imagery—to&nbsp;explore themes of identity, structure, and emotional intensity. Bold color and layered marks&nbsp;create work that is both reflective and expressive.

In contrast, Amy Warfield turns her attention outward to the western Kansas landscape.&nbsp;

As a representational painter working primarily in watercolor, she captures the subtle atmosphere,&nbsp;texture, and character of the High Plains. Her work invites viewers to slow down and reconsider&nbsp;a landscape that is often overlooked, revealing its quiet complexity and sense of place.

The opening reception will be held on Friday, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hays&nbsp;Arts Council Annex, 1010 Main Street, Hays.

&nbsp;The event is free and open to the&nbsp;public.

The exhibition will be open beginning Thursday, March 5, and will remain on view through April&nbsp;11.

&nbsp;Public viewing hours at the Annex Gallery are:

● Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This exhibition also marks an exciting transition period for the Hays Arts Council.&nbsp;

As renovation begins on its primary facility, the organization will continue serving the community through&nbsp;temporary locations.

The Hays Arts Council Gift Shop and Main Office has reopened inside the&nbsp;Hadley Center, located at 205 E. 7th Street, Hays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visitors may enter through the main Hadley entrance on 7th Street and will find HAC directly inside in a convenient retail storefront just beyond the front doors.

● Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Even during renovation, the Hays Arts Council remains committed to presenting exhibitions, arts&nbsp;education programming, Smoky Hill Art, seasonal art walks, and new community initiatives.&nbsp;The&nbsp;organization looks forward to welcoming the public into its temporary spaces while preparing for&nbsp;an exciting new chapter ahead.

For additional information, email arts@haysartscouncil.org or follow the Hays Arts Council on&nbsp;social media or visit during open hours.

New duel exhibition opens at Hays Arts Council Annex; reception Friday evening

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has begun phase two of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/d0838bd0-ef96-482e-981e-3d4a18967684">U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project</a>, which will install advanced highway technology along U.S. 83 from Rexford to Liberal.

This phase will install highway technology in Finney, Scott, Thomas, Haskell, Seward and Logan counties.

Work will take place at 28 sites along this corridor.

 Key improvements include upgrading four signalized intersections with connected vehicle technology and freight signal priority, including Freight Video Detection Systems. The project will also add nine permanent portable dynamic message signs, 14 CCTV cameras, two permanent dynamic message signs, one road weather information system and two wind speed and visibility detector sites. 

These upgrades will provide travelers with real-time updates on roadway conditions, traffic delays and closures through KanDrive and message boards while also supporting improved mobility and efficiency for truck traffic.

Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., of Wichita, is the contractor for this $2.5 million project. Completion is expected in spring 2027, weather permitting.

For more information, contact Yazmin Moreno, KDOT Southwest Public Information Officer, at 620-765-7080.

The map below shows the approximate location of the project in red.

Phase 2 of advanced highway technology along U.S. 83 begins in western Kansas

TOPEKA — The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation have announced the 40 Kansans selected for the 2026 Leadership Kansas class.

As one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs, Leadership Kansas (LK) is dedicated to developing and inspiring leaders from across the state.

“Leadership Kansas plays a critical role in preparing leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities facing our state’s economy, workforce, and communities. Each year’s class brings incredible talent and insight, and we are proud to support their growth and the future of Kansas leadership,” said Eric Stafford, Kansas Chamber president &amp; CEO.

Leadership Kansas received over 500 nominations for the 2026 program. After a thorough selection process, an alumni committee chose 40 individuals, ensuring the class reflects Kansas’ geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.

The 2026 program runs from April to November, with sessions in Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Kansas City, Leavenworth, Lawrence, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita. Over the course of three-day educational sessions, participants will engage with experts and community leaders on topics including business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.

“Leadership Kansas is transformative. Participants gain unparalleled access to statewide leaders and walk away with a deeper understanding of what drives Kansas forward. It is an honor to help guide this year’s class as they strengthen their leadership abilities and their commitment to our state,” said Amy Billquist, interim executive director of Leadership Kansas.

With over 1,600 alumni, Leadership Kansas continues to shape the future of leadership in the state.&nbsp;

Hays resident selected for 2026 Leadership Kansas class

By JAY HARRIS Cottonwood Extension District Director

In a recent presentation to county commissioners, I included a slide that asked a simple but important question: “Why do we need K-State Extension when we have Google?”

It’s a fair question. Today, anyone can search for information in seconds. Answers are immediate. Advice is everywhere. Videos, blogs, podcasts, social media posts; the volume of information available is overwhelming. So where does K-State Extension fit?

The answer is this: Google gives you information. K-State Extension gives you application, context, and trust.

Search engines can provide thousands of answers. But they can’t tell you which recommendation fits western Kansas soil conditions. They can’t evaluate your pasture, your business plan, your parenting challenge, or your local regulation. They don’t know your community, your climate, or your constraints. K-State Extension does.

As part of Kansas State University, K-State Extension translates university research into practical, local solutions. Our agents live and work in the communities they serve. We understand the realities of agriculture, small business development, youth programming, and family life in central and western Kansas.

When a producer has a forage question, we don’t offer a generic answer; we interpret research in the context of local rainfall patterns, soil types, and market conditions. When a parent needs guidance, we rely on evidence-based programs, not internet opinion. When an entrepreneur wants to start a food business, we connect them with research-backed resources, regulatory guidance, and experienced professionals. K-State Extension is not just about answers. It’s about trusted relationships.

Our staff build long-term partnerships with schools, producers, community leaders, and families. We serve on advisory councils, collaborate with local organizations, and respond when emerging issues affect our counties. That level of engagement cannot be replicated by an algorithm.

Another key difference is accountability. The information we provide is grounded in university research. It is reviewed, evidence-based, and designed to improve outcomes; whether in agriculture, health, youth development, or community vitality. In an age of misinformation, that matters.

Google may provide speed. K-State Extension provides confidence.

Google may give you options. K-State Extension helps you make decisions.

Google can search the world. K-State Extension serves your county.

As district director for the Cottonwood Extension District, I am proud of the work our agents, program assistants, community health worker and office professionals do every day to bring reliable, research-based education directly to the people of our communities. 

Our goal is not to compete with search engines; it is to ensure that when our residents need answers that truly fit their situation, they have a trusted local resource.

Jay Harris is the District Director of the Cottonwood Extension District comprised of Ellis and Barton counties.&nbsp;He may be reached at jayharris@ksu.edu or the Hays office at&nbsp;785-628-9430 or the Great Bend office at&nbsp;620-793-1910.

HARRIS: Why do we need K-State Extension when we have Google?

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

Call All Seasons Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at 785-259-4039 for the following services:

Plumbing Heating Air conditioning Septic installation Water line install Bathroom remodel Lines Under concrete demolition New construction installation 24/7 emergency service Blow in insulation Crawl space spray foam insulation

Call Tommy Coker today at 785 259-4039

🏀🎥 TMP-Marian Monarchs travel to Medicine Lodge

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

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Osborne County Community Foundation

March 11&nbsp;9:30-11 AM Lakeside High School Gym, Downs, KS Osborne County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Public is invited to the Trade Show&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 13&nbsp;11:00-5:00 Osborne Public Library, 325 W. Main St., Osborne, KS Join us for Pi(e) Day! Get a piece of delicious pie or a whole one!&nbsp;&nbsp;

March 25 7-10 a.m. Osborne County Spring Health Fair, 115 N. 1st&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Call 785-346-2412 to schedule an appointment

March 27-28 To Know and Be Known - Soul Infusion Work Shop and Retreat Osborne United Methodist Church, 105 N. 3rd&nbsp;St., Osborne, KS Friday 5:30-8:30 PM Join us in Learning self-defense basics with Stephanie!&nbsp; Saturday 9-3 Brunch Provided. Silvia and Stephanie will share a beautiful message. A soulful day to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the God who is already with you. Take your faith from something you read to something you live!&nbsp;Call Traci at 785-346-4555 or Robin At 785-476-5396. Register by March 16.

March 27-29, West end of Main St. by the river, Osborne, KS South Fork of the Solomon Valley Muzzleloaders Annual Rendevous BB gun shoot, shotgun shoot, flintlock, rifle, pistol, archery, special shoot for kids 10 and under. Traders welcome, primitive dress encouraged, but not required.&nbsp; Bring the family! Dutch oven contest.

March 28 Osborne Easter Egg Hunt, Noon, Osborne Courthouse and City Park Lawns

March events in Osborne County

Ejoy the Spring Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 at&nbsp;Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center, Fort Hays State University Sheridan Hall.&nbsp;

Hear the FHSU Concert Choir sing their program that was sung at the Kansas Music Educators Association music convention on Feb. 26. Also appearing will be the Smoky Hill Chorale and the Fort Hays Singers. 

Free FHSU Spring Choral Concert with special guests on March 10

The City of Hays Fire Department will began its annual citywide fire hydrant inspection and flow testing program on Monday, March 2. This coordinated effort ensures the reliability of the city’s water and fire protection infrastructure.

Annual maintenance is critical for public safety and water quality.

Inspecting the hydrants ensures that all valves operate properly and identifies any damage or obstructions that could interfere with prompt use during an emergency.

Additionally, firefighters conduct flow testing to check the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood, verifying the system is adequately prepared for firefighting operations.

The process also plays a vital role in maintaining the city's water quality.

The associated flushing of the water mains allows chlorine to be distributed thoroughly throughout the system, which eliminates bio-filming and prevents sediment buildup in the pipes.

"Regular hydrant flushing is a necessary component of our community's fire readiness and public health," said Fire Chief Ryan Hagans. "By flow testing and inspecting these hydrants annually, we can guarantee our crews have the pressure and volume they need when responding to emergencies, while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of our water delivery system."

While the visual of water discharging onto streets may raise conservation concerns, the actual volume used during this maintenance is minimal.

During the short flushing periods, residents may encounter a slight discoloration of their water supply.

This is a normal result of the process and poses no health risk to consumers.

The Hays Fire Department will take all reasonable efforts to minimize inconvenience to the public.

Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from fire hydrants to maintain safety and prevent property damage.

Specific flushing areas will be updated daily and posted to the City of Hays website and official social media channels. For more information, please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330, or visit <a href="https://www.haysusa.com/">HaysUSA.com</a>.

Hays' annual fire hydrant inspection, flow testing started Monday

ELLIS — Ellis Knights of Columbus is having a Fish Fry on Friday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the&nbsp;Knights of Columbus Hall in Ellis.

The manu includes fried and baked fish, scalloped potatoes, noodles, beans, coleslaw and bread. 

Cost is $15 for adults, children 12 to 6 is $8, and ages 6 and under are free.

Fish Fry Friday at Ellis Knights of Columbus 

March events and activities in Hays 

The Thursday, March 5, 2026 Hays City Commission work session has been canceled.

No Hays City Commission work session this week

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

While the weather can’t quite make up it’s mind about winter or spring, I’m excited about an annual program that is kicking off in a few weeks. 

Walk Kansas is an 8-week initiative designed to help participants build healthier habits through physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellness.

The program runs March 22 through May 16 and registration opens on March 1 for individuals and teams. Ideal team size is 4 and it can be a fun internal competition for offices to have several teams.

Participants track minutes of activity or steps through the program’s online portal. The system automatically converts activity to miles by counting each 15 minutes of activity as one mile or each 2,000 steps as one mile.

Walk Kansas is built on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Moderate activity is described as working at a pace where a person can carry on a conversation, but not sing.

“It’s not just a leisurely stroll,” Sharolyn Jackson, Walk Kansas state leader of K-State Extension, said. “It’s picking up the pace a bit to get the heart rate going.”

The program also encourages participants to incorporate strengthening activities at least two days per week, such as resistance bands, light weights or body-weight exercises.

Participants can also track their fruit and vegetable intake which can lead to the realization that we are eating fewer servings than we think.

Each week, Walk Kansas Wednesdays will be featured on the Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page and will include top placing teams across the District as well as features from the Walk Kansas newsletters. Theses posts will include tips for increasing activity, managing stress, and improving sleep. Be on the lookout for some fun ways to interact!

A standard registration fee of $10 covers access to the online tracking system and program materials. Youth through high school may participate at no cost. More information is available at <a href="https://walkkansas.org/">walkkansas.org</a> or by calling one of our Cottonwood Extension District offices.

Gather up a group of friends, family, or co-workers and lace up your shoes to Walk Kansas!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Walk Kansas kicks off March 22; register now

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">killed in the Iran war</a>&nbsp;were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">responded by launching missiles</a>&nbsp;and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you," Joey Amor said. "She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

Coady's LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.

He said he had learned how to "interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.

There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.

Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed from Boise, Idaho.

US soldiers who died in Iran war remembered as devoted parents and reservists

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.

Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.

“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”

Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.

Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.

She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.

Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.

Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.

Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.

The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire March 28

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;

“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;

People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;

Measles reported in Kansas City

By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY&nbsp;

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. sank an Iranian warship in international waters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, as it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">intensified its bombardment</a>&nbsp;with Israel of Iran's security forces and other symbols of power. Tehran vowed to completely destroy the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure — signaling the war was nowhere near over and could expand further.

The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, who was killed in the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

In addition to striking Tehran on the fifth day of the conflict, Israel hit the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, while Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel</a>. As the conflict spiraled, Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace.

The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and dozens in Lebanon, while disrupting the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarling international shipping, and stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Both sides are unrelenting in their attacks

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