By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

Local Republican legislators discussed several issues regarding education and a bill impacting transgender people.

Kansas Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, spoke to attendees at the Hays Public Library. Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, was absent due to family matters.

Billinger said special education is important, but acknowledged it is not fully funded. He said lawmakers are considering adding between $5 million and $10 million this year, which would push total funding above $611 million.

"I don't want to blame anyone in particular, but the federal government is not putting in their percentage. The state's putting in a larger percentage than the feds are. Our funding is limited," Billinger said.

Billinger said $26.7 million has been budgeted to increase wages for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Proposal to restrict school lunches

Billinger was asked whether he would oppose a proposal to limit food assistance for students based on their parents’ income and how it could affect USD 489, which provides free meals to students, including during the summer.

Billinger said lawmakers do not want children to go hungry and that districts such as USD 489 may continue providing meals if they have the resources available.

Cutting higher education funding and its impact on Fort Hays State University

The panel was asked who benefits from cutting higher education appropriations, referencing a House bill and a Senate bill, given that it disproportionately affects FHSU.

Billinger said deficit reduction is necessary, noting the state spent $705 million more than it collected last year.

"Naturally, the biggest part of our budget is K-12 education, higher education and human services. That's 86% of the budget. When you're looking at reducing things, that's the way it works," he said.

Billinger said two-year community and technical colleges have received an additional $75 million over the past six years. He added that the Senate’s version of the bill does not reduce funding for FHSU, while the House bill does cut funding intended to offset the university’s lower per-student funding.

Rahjes said some House members believe taxpayers benefit from the proposed cuts. He said he does not support underfunding higher education and that it could have negative economic impacts.

"I'm a past chair of higher ED. I was basically told to stay out of the way. If I got in the way, then what I advocated for would be made sure to be cut," Rahjes said.

The panel was asked whether they oppose <a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2428/">House Bill 2428</a>, which would require the Board of Regents to establish curricula so that students are not required to take DEI or critical race theory-related courses at postsecondary institutions.

Billinger said he was not familiar with the bill. Rahjes said, "I'm sure I probably voted for 2428."

An attendee said Rahjes should be fully aware of the measures he votes on and that it is inappropriate to support legislation he does not understand or recall.

Arguments between Rahjes and the attendee followed.&nbsp;

"I think what is happening is it's giving the opportunity for teachers to teach, but also for students to make sure they're not bullied one way or the other. It could be reverse bullying," Rahjes said.

The bill would also require universities to incorporate specific programs for freshmen on free expression and free speech.

Institutions would be required to post materials related to gender identity, DEI and critical race theory on their websites for public access.

The panel was asked why <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/">Senate Bill 244</a>, which invalidates and reissues driver's licenses and birth certificates to reflect a person's biological sex at birth when necessary, took effect immediately&nbsp;without allowing time for individuals to obtain updated identification.

"As far as that taken effect immediately, that may have been a little bit of an oversight because I don't think that was the intent," Billinger said.

Rahjes said enforcement has varied locally and that the bill followed the standard legislative process. The panel was also asked why a driver’s license is required for voting.

Rahjes said if county clerks received proper training, proposed bills such as requiring a driver's license would not be needed.

An attendee responded, saying training county clerks has nothing to do with the Senate Bill 244 and criticized it as unconstitutional.

The bill also requires public buildings to designate public restrooms and locker rooms for use by only one sex. The bill defines gender as biological sex at birth for purposes of state law and establishes criminal and civil penalties for violation.&nbsp;

The panel was asked how they would encourage transgender residents in their districts to stay in Kansas after the passage of Senate Bill 244.

"I think people are going to live where they want to live and I think policy does have something to do with that," Billinger said.

"You're welcome to live where you want," Rahjes said. "We have a transgender legislator. They're in my committee. I treat them with the same respect I do anyone."

Rahjes said the bill followed the legislative process, including debate, veto and override procedures. He acknowledged the issue is divisive and noted a <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/27/trans-men-file-lawsuit-over-kansas-law-that-restricts-bathroom-use-and-invalidates-drivers-licenses/">pending lawsuit filed by two transgender men from Lawrence.</a>

Capping property tax and reinvestment housing incentive districts

The panel was asked for their positions on a proposed 3% cap on property tax increases, with concerns that it represents state overreach and could harm local infrastructure.

Billinger said he voted in favor of the cap because he supports property tax relief. However, he doubts that the cap will achieve its intended purpose.

"We'll see what happens. We need to work on reducing property taxes and our local county commissions are doing their best. They had the same type of increases in expenses at the county level as we do at the state level," he said.

Rahjes said he voted no because the Senate refused to bring a tax bill forward for consideration last year. In response, lawmakers voted no to "send a message."

Regarding Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts, Rahjes said he does not yet have a clear answer on how programs like RHIDs would function if property taxes were eliminated.

"There are a couple of plans out there to eliminate property taxes altogether and go with either a luxury tax or a use tax. Programs that are directly tied to property taxes are going to have to be reviewed," he said.

Rahjes and Billinger highlighted a proposal from Sen. Michael Murphy, R-Sylvia, that would eliminate property taxes and replace the estimated $6.6 billion in revenue with a consumption tax.

"You'd still have the regular sales tax, but the way [Murphy] put the bill together, he used AI to come up with figures. I'm not sure if the figures are correct, but I like the concept," Billinger said. "If the numbers could be justified to work, I don't think I would mind paying a little extra on the consumption tax."

The panel was asked whether the state has made commitments it may not be able to fulfill as lawmakers aim to reduce the deficit to about $200 million per year over the next three years. The overall goal was also questioned due to its high amount.

"Our commitment is that about 87% of our budget is between K-12 education, higher education and human services. If we have to have this amount of funding, we have to have it. No debate," Billinger said.

He also highlights revenue losses from eliminating the food sales tax and payments to the Panasonic project, which total around $120 million, as contributing to budget pressure.

Rahjes said waste, fraud and abuse in state spending are being examined.

"Overall, they'll continue to be a tightening, you'll continue to see a reduction, and probably see no new programs unless there's some way to take it somewhere else and pay for it. We'll see where the economy goes," he said.

The final Legislative Coffee is set for 8:30 a.m. on March 28 at the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St.

Local legislators discuss education, transgender bill

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider updating minimum road design and construction standards for roads in platted subdivisions and developments during its Tuesday meeting.

The standards set minimum requirements for roadway and drainage improvements, and outline a process for requesting exceptions to those standards.

The update also addresses past commission discussions regarding community improvement districts.

Development plat process discussion

Commissioner Nathan Leiker will discuss the process for reviewing and approving plats in subdevelopments on future projects. Leiker is considering not approving development plats until the county's subdivision regulations are updated.

Kansas local bridge improvement program agreement

The commission will consider approving a Kansas Department of Transportation agreement to improve three bridges after the county was awarded about $4.36 million.

These include one bridge that goes over the Saline River, one on Saline River Road and one located in the 2100 block of 100th Avenue.

• The commission will hear an update on the High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center project

• The commission will consider reappointing Dylan Bryant to the county library board as his current term expires on April 30. If approved, he would serve a new four-year term

• County appraiser's extension request approved to delay the mailing of real property certified valuation notices from the March 1 deadline to on or before March 16

• Annual examination of revenue and expenses reports from townships

• Request to send Ellis County Health Department staff to attend the 2026 Governor's Public Health Conference

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03032026-733">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to consider updating minimum road design standards

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Feb. 22-28, 2026

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Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

World Water Day is an annual observance focusing on the importance of water. 

To celebrate, the city of Hays and the KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds are once again partnering to host a World Water Day Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 19 at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. 

Get to know and understand the importance of water with fun, hands-on, "water-related" activities and displays for kids of all ages. This free event is open to all, and all are welcome.

Looking for something fun to do during spring break? Help celebrate World Water Day and the importance of water by planning to attend the World Water Day Fun Fest on March 19.

World Water Day Fun Fest set for March 19

Fort Hays State University Online invites prospective students to explore their future during the annual Online Open House on Tuesday, March 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. CDT. This virtual, drop-in event is designed for prospective undergraduate and graduate students interested in either on-campus or online programs.

Participants can customize their experience by joining specific sessions that align with their unique academic and career goals.

• Live Department Presentations: Live sessions with faculty from Nursing, Psychology, Allied Health, Teacher Education, Leadership, History, and more. • Financial Aid Workshop: Expert guidance on applying for and securing aid. • Student Success Resources: Explore tutoring, career services, and health and wellness support. • Admissions Access: Get real-time answers on the application and enrollment process for all FHSU programs.

Scholarship Opportunities: All attendees will be entered into a scholarship drawing and may participate in the FHSU Discovery Quest Challenge for additional opportunities to earn scholarships toward their FHSU education.

Register today to reserve your spot: <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WVLClchqhJLUqQ6ybWXU0wg82py6NDKQIJ5hKhkFDVH4Pj-2FzMBsOmmTK7oROoJqyA-3D-3DBieP_ai5o7a2ztpywqx-2FSZEU1mC0k3plQ2hEmdQsqZCH-2FtSbSauz5CcYpHe7spQkrAj9oonHh7oZcNejpOknRccnjIjZMGdEhGHfAV483rKzz8fnp4deE4QqIJyNQYFQ-2FHopn-2F0pTN4PYUWJbjrfB2K0rl9sYs2ikk7ghQ8m0kzjVj0xzgKtevcDGjwHcuKlmBtX51e8m1bxlrEZMZQUzXAVXQ7w7lkyplYdav5Z8GZnUjDHOgYzekB75moiCOtyEacqu8I9IglkOhiQirn0H5FeL74zYjwyoXHVZWCGlhydaZLu-2FxZuBXHACrkoPGgib9XghY8j6Z0PdzKwI-2BDiF3mj7ELLa6pk9z027kwsnZF82TpTFUNN7wB38AFxkua605QO2">https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/</a>

Fort Hays State University Online open house event

By&nbsp;TAMARA ROBERTSON Cottonwood Extension District

The Ellis County 4-H Food Challenge held on Sunday, February 15, gave 41 local youth a chance to showcase their culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork in a fast-paced cooking contest. Given just an hour to prepare and present a dish using predetermined ingredients, participants demonstrated their knowledge of food preparation, nutrition, and food safety.

Teams of three to four members competed in beginner, junior, and senior divisions. Each team developed a recipe, prepared a dish, and presented it to a panel of judges, explaining preparation steps, nutritional facts, and food safety practices.

Each team received a tray with “key” ingredients specific to their division, which had to be incorporated into the final dish. Additionally, the teams had access to a “pantry” stocked with common household staples like produce, dry goods, spices, oils, and sauces to enhance their creations. 

Beginners worked with quinoa, yogurt, and grapefruit, all while being restricted from using sharp utensils. Juniors received brown rice, beans, red pepper, and arugula to work with. Seniors, who had access to hot plates, were given lentils, eggs, mushrooms, and feta cheese as their key ingredients.

Beyond cooking, the 4-H Food Challenge helped participants strengthen their communication and leadership skills. Each team had to collaborate to divide responsibilities efficiently, articulate their process clearly, and confidently present their dish to the judges. Explaining ingredient choices, nutritional benefits, and food safety measures required participants to practice public speaking, active listening, and teamwork under pressure. By working together to answer judges’ questions, members learned how to support one another and present information in an engaging and professional manner, valuable skills that extend beyond the kitchen.

Champion teams were recognized in each division for their creativity, teamwork, and culinary skills by receiving engraved wooden spatulas. Beginner Champion honors went to the Buckeye Junior Farmers team of Melanie Kruse, Karson Lang, and Emery Knight. The Junior Champion team was also from the Buckeye Junior Farmers, with members Emma Wichert, Jessa Fuertges, and Sutton Seib. The Senior Division Champions went to the Gemini Juniors team of Sophia Mills, Serena Ross, Emily Ross, and Janae Ross.

The 4-H Food Challenge is a fun and educational experience, helping youth build confidence while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of healthy living, food safety, and nutrition. Events like this highlight the importance of experiential learning and community support in preparing young people for future success.

Tamara Robertson is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with Kansas State Extension, in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Tamara at tarobertson@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Ellis County Office at 785-628-9430.

ROBERTSON: Ellis County 4-H Food Challenge goes beyond cooking

<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

Kansas woman hospitalized after 3-vehicle I-70 crash

Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Doug Williams of Grow Hays about two local contractors who won awards for recent Hays projects.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays: Local contractors earn awards

&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

By ALICIA BOOR Cottonwood Extension District

Dr. Cassandra Olds, professor of entomology at Kansas State University, is presenting a program on insect control for livestock in March. 

The program will be held at the Barton County Extension office at 3007 10th Street, Great Bend, on Thursday, March 12. The program will start at 9 a.m. with doughnuts and run about an hour.

Dr. Olds is an expert in control of common livestock pests including flies, and ticks among others.

Topics covered during the program include:

1. Determining which flies your livestock have a problem with

2.       Why flies develop resistance to insecticides

3.       What can you do to slow the spread of resistance within fly populations

4.       Developing an integrated pest management program

An RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary for the refreshments. Please email or call Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-9430 to RSVP.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Program on insect control for livestock coming up in March

Starting Tuesday, March 3, until further notice, Fort Street from 27th to 22nd in Hays will be undergoing roadwork improvements. 

South bound single lane traffic will continue with periods of temporary closure during the rehabilitation process. 

Please be cautious when traveling Fort Street between 27th &amp; 22nd as there will be construction traffic and activities in this area. 

The City of Hays regrets any inconvenience this may cause to the public. If there are any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 785-628-7350.

Portion of Fort Street in Hays narrowed to one lane for reconstruction 

The Fort Hays State University Criminal Justice Program will host its 8th annual Criminal Justice Career Fair on Monday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Fort Hays Ballroom, Memorial Union.

The event brings together a wide range of agencies and organizations representing law enforcement, court administration and court services, corrections, community corrections, mental health services, advocacy organizations, family services, and related professional fields.

The Career Fair is designed to connect students and community members with employers seeking qualified candidates for internships, part-time employment, and full-time career opportunities. 

While rooted in criminal justice, the event highlights the interdisciplinary nature of today’s workforce. 

Agencies will be recruiting individuals pursuing degrees not only in criminal justice, but also in psychology, social work, leadership, political science, sociology, business and accounting, nursing, natural sciences, human resources, and other career fields.

“This event reflects the broad scope of careers that intersect with the justice system,” said Tamara Lynn, chair and professor of criminal justice. “It is an opportunity for students to explore meaningful career pathways while engaging directly with professionals serving our communities.”

The Criminal Justice Career Fair is free and open to FHSU students and alumni. Professional dress and copies of résumés are encouraged.

Fort Hays State University to host Criminal Justice Career Fair on Monday

The last two K-State Extension Crop Talk webinars will be held each Tuesday at 12 noon to 1 p.m. on March 3 and 10.

You register for them only once, and then you will receive an email with the zoom and YouTube link. If you happen to miss it, you can go back and listen to the recording and view the presenters' slides as well.

These Crop Talk webinars are for growers in northcentral and northwest areas and counties of Kansas and are brought to you by the Extension agents of those areas.

On March 3, Rodrigo Onofre, Extension row crop pathologist, will discuss "Fungicide Applications in Corn and Sorghum." The last crop talk webinar will be March 10 with Anthony Zukoff, Extension entomologist, highlighting "Insects to Watch for in the Field this Growing Season."

To register do an internet search for KSU Crop Talk webinar and the <a href="https://www.wkrec.org/events/croptalk/">link</a> should pull up. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the zoom and YouTube link to join us each Tuesday at 12 noon to 1 pm. on March 3 and 10.

If you have questions contact Stacy Campbell, at the Cottonwood Extension Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.

Fungicide applications, insects are topics of March 'Crop Talk' Extension webinars

DODGE CITY — United Wireless Arena, managed by&nbsp;VenuWorks, is excited to announce&nbsp;Flatland Cavalry as the official&nbsp;2026 Dodge City Days Concert on&nbsp;Saturday, July 25. Doors will open at&nbsp;6:30 p.m. on July 25 and the show will start at 7:30 p.m.

The pre-sale for FLATLAND CAVALRY begins Thursday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m.,&nbsp;ending at 10:00 p.m., while the public on sale starts Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m.

For the past decade, Flatland Cavalry has built a reputation as “one of the most dynamic&nbsp;presences in country music” (Rolling Stone) with their signature “easy on the ears, heavy on&nbsp;the heart” sound. In 2024, the sextet celebrated 10 years together with Flatland Forever, an&nbsp;acclaimed album that pays tribute to their journey, revisiting fan favorites while introducing&nbsp;new songs that showcase how far they’ve come. 

The past year has been full of milestones for&nbsp;the Nashville and Texas-based band. 

They earned their first ACM Award nomination for Group&nbsp;of the Year, achieved their first RIAA Gold certification for their breakout single “A Life&nbsp;Where We Work Out,” and made their mark in film and television with contributions to the&nbsp;Twisters and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds &amp; Snakes soundtracks, as well as&nbsp;featured placements on Yellowstone and Landman. 

Their relentless touring schedule reached&nbsp;new heights, including sold-out headline performances at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena and the&nbsp;legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. 

Since first emerging in 2014, Flatland Cavalry has racked&nbsp;up seven #1 singles on Texas Country Radio and amassed more than 500 million streams.&nbsp;Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson,&nbsp;Jordan Davis, Midland, and more — proving that their brand of storytelling and musicianship&nbsp;resonates far beyond their roots. 

Flatland Cavalry is Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar),&nbsp;Jason Albers (drums, percussion), Jonathan Saenz (bass), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley&nbsp;Hall (fiddle), and Adam Gallegos (piano, organ, keys, mandolin, banjo).

Tickets for Flatland Cavalry will go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Tickets can&nbsp;be purchased at the United Wireless Arena box office or online through Ticketmaster.com.

Ticket prices are $84 or $64 for reserved seating depending on location, plus applicable fees&nbsp;and taxes. The floor will be general admission, standing only. 

United Wireless Arena is an&nbsp;exclusive Ticketmaster facility and cannot guarantee tickets purchased as resale or through a&nbsp;third-party vendor. 

Doors will open one hour before showtime. 

Handicapped accessible seating&nbsp;must be arranged directly through the United Wireless Arena Ticket Office. 

United Wireless&nbsp;Arena has a clear bag policy in place. Please check our <a href="https://www.unitedwirelessarena.com/">website</a> for more details.

'Flatland Cavalary' brings signature sound as official Dodge City Days concert

By JORDAN EDWARDS Fort Hays Tech | Northwest

GOODLAND — Fort Hays Tech | Northwest will host a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony on Friday, February 27, at 1 p.m. (MT) to celebrate the official opening of the Schears Family Center for Innovation and Design and the Tiny Tigers Child Care Facility.

The event will take place at 1407 Eustis Avenue in Goodland and is open to the public. Community members, donors, partners, and supporters are invited to attend and help mark this important milestone for the college.

The ceremony will honor the Schears Family for their generosity and lasting impact on Fort Hays Tech | Northwest. 

The Schears Family Center for Innovation and Design represents a significant investment in hands-on learning, creativity, and workforce preparation, providing students with modern spaces designed to support collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Ben Schears, FHSU Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development and former president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, said the college has played a foundational role in his family.

“With all five of our kids having graduated from Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, Rachel teaching math, and as a former employee myself, the college has had a fundamental impact on each of our lives,” Schears said. “Our entire family is humbled by the honor. We love the Tech and are thrilled to see the new childcare center making a difference.”

The opening of the Tiny Tigers Child Care Facility further strengthens the college’s commitment to student success and community support. The facility will serve as a learning environment for students in the Child Care Specialist program while also providing high-quality childcare services for families in the region.

“This project reflects our commitment to remove barriers, expand opportunity, and create spaces that support both education and community needs,” said President Dr. Corey Isbell. “We are grateful to the Schears family and all who helped make this vision a reality.”

The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony will include remarks, a formal ribbon cutting, and opportunities for attendees to tour the new facilities.

For more information about the event or Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqugsOgS21wCFwNLUBKgCqkA-3DGhUA_1ix3pnygukYWZfKiCJpm8BsHsayWXlw0ucteiDEo46fRc0p9DVWJmv2prlqkbHR6S2dsrJiXPEopagJAn55fgrGOya21Ubchf288oY8AFP4iYaBJwhylwdd5l9F7UOfOqvt2CQH4kxOaFChik5xVfsLl5bIW1g-2FXg8-2FYNmd4Wyn1VzaGMb03kI0kRxQYzQQKHS6Kp77y4YvC-2BuPEg4VtkJJarJ9kPDCs5R5sTTnDYWgl7NUq2K-2F3tLU3aV-2Bb32CtCazaaFMFcGSLrfZHfR0XRKHTYBOE2QlMaWj1tbneYF-2FbwMyEfE98y8s1LYmswtUTyM-2F1Lde3K2yaFafhrUr59KYFieUoosDySFQXlkPAxj82yC1EHP-2BXu2rzhbyC3Y1A">www.fhnw.edu</a>

Fort Hays Tech|NW to host ribbon cutting, ceremony honoring Schears family

Kansas Scholastic Chess Association tourney in Hays on Feb. 28

Informational meeting set for Tuesday for 100 Who Care

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Cowley County have released the name of the victim as Kasey Joe Barclay, 32, formerly of Ponca City, Oklahoma, according to Cowley County Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian on US 77 Highway at 242nd Road, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

&nbsp;Deputies determined that a silver Nissan Rogue driven by&nbsp;Stacy Gisick, 62, of Wichita, was&nbsp;northbound on US 77 and struck Barclay who was walking in the roadway. Barclay sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Gisick remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff IDs woman who died after struck by SUV in Kansas

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The war in the Middle East spiraled further Monday as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-us-israel-hezbollah-strikes-03-02-2026">Israel and the United States pounded</a>&nbsp;Iran in a campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump said would likely take&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-israel-war-where-things-stand-e3c003aef4479cd179967a63bb1236f4">several weeks</a>. Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, Gulf states and targets critical to the world’s energy production.

The intensity of the attacks, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-dubai-emirates-tourism-attack-b256f514b290c987b3004cc87744f038">Safe havens in the Mideast</a>&nbsp;like Dubai have seen incoming fire; hundreds of thousands of airline passengers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">are stranded around the globe</a>; oil prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-prices-iran-us-hormuz-tanker-8a6d6fb35c89d9b0db4c4846f290c2c3">shot up</a>; and U.S. allies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-reactions-03-01-2026-961f288c645f6cbc7fa9d63e0502df36">pledged to help</a>&nbsp;stop Iranian missiles and drones.

With no sign of the conflict abating anytime soon, Trump said operations are likely to last four to five weeks but that he was prepared “to go far longer than that.”

He said U.S. forces were determined to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, wipe out its naval capacity, stop the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon and ensure that Iran cannot continue to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-proxies-us-israel-hezbollah-war-b0f919b657bb33c464f6d943d7142464">support allied groups</a>&nbsp;like Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fired missiles at Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes.

"This was our last, best chance to strike -- what we’re doing right now -- and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Trump said.

The chaos of the conflict became apparent when the U.S. military said Kuwait had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">“mistakenly shot down”</a>&nbsp;three American F-15E Strike Eagles while Iran was attacking with aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely and are in stable condition.

As several airstrikes hit Iran’s capital of Tehran, the top security official Ali Larijani vowed on X: “We will not negotiate with the United States.”

The death toll grew on all sides. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that the U.S.-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group also targeted Israel, which responded with strikes on Lebanon, killing more than two dozen people. Meanwhile, four American troops have been killed, and three people were reported killed in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran expands attacks to regional oil infrastructure

With world markets already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">rattled by the fighting</a>, QatarEnergy said it would stop its production of liquefied natural gas, taking one of the world’s top suppliers off the market. It offered no timeline for restoring its production. European natural gas prices surged by 40% in response.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack from drones, with defenses downing the incoming aircraft, a military spokesman told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The refinery has a capacity of over half a million barrels of crude oil a day.

Several ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strait-hormuz-us-protests-persian-gulf-db7159d715453977279ab9cfd918e6e4">a fifth of all oil trade passes</a>&nbsp;and where Iran has threatened attacks.

The Gulf state of Qatar said its air force had shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 bombers.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, an analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. “An extended period of uncertainty lies ahead.”

The region is also a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-travel-airlines-mideast-flights-93f2559eb57f05989fb1de8fda7f21ec">hub for air travel</a>, and passengers have been stranded around the world as carriers based in the Gulf grounded flights. Long-haul carriers Etihad and Emirates restarted limited flights Monday.

Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters that airstrikes targeted the Natanz nuclear enrichment site on Sunday.

“Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,” he said.

Israel and the U.S. have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which the U.S. bombed in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. Israel has said that it is targeting the “leadership and nuclear infrastructure.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-enrichment-c0079c38746a896e2967a9a9cc2799d5">Iran has said it has not enriched uranium since June</a>, though it has maintained its right to do so while saying its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

Hezbollah fires on Israel, prompting massive response

Hezbollah said it fired missiles on Israel early Monday in response to Khamenei’s killing and “repeated Israeli aggressions.” It was the first time in more than a year that the militant group has claimed an attack.

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon, killing at least 31 people and wounding 149 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Associated Press journalists in Beirut were jolted awake by loud explosions that shook buildings and shattered windows.

Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief of staff, said the military would not end its offensive against Hezbollah “before the threat from Lebanon is eliminated.”

An Israeli airstrike in the Lebanese capital heavily damaged a building, as the military said it targeted a senior Hezbollah official.

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