Word around Salina has been spread about a Central High School student-led, anti-ICE protest/walkout.

According to a social media account on Instagram "ice.out.3.4.26" on February 14, a post announced that Salina Central High School's local Youth Protection Alliance will be hosting a walkout against ICE at 12:40 pm, March 4.

The most recent post was published on Tuesday, which announce an "alternative" for those who were not able to attend the protest. The post encouraged those who were unable to attend are to "wear the color red to school to show your support in the matter."

Salina Post reached out to USD 305 for a comment and gave a statement issued by the instititution.

Below is the following statement by USD 305:

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

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

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

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

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

Central high school students organize and plan anti-ICE walkout

Hinks Heating and Air is hiring HVAC Service Technicians and Installers and Part Time Office Assistant

Ask about the Sign on bonus to join the team! 

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After 90 days of employment, we invest in your future by discussing advance HVAC training opportunities if needed.

At Hink’s Heating and Air, caring for our employees is just as important as caring for our customers.

Call, stop by or email today to arrange an interview.

785-643-5538 hinkskeepingitkool@gmail.com

Hinks Heating and Air is looking for a reliable, organized, and friendly individual to join our team in a part-time office position!

What We Offer For Office Assistant:

• Flexible Work Schedule, (Opportunity to grow into Full-Time) 

• Supportive, family-oriented work environment 

• Opportunity to grow with a trusted local company

• Answering phones and assisting customers 

• Scheduling appointments and coordinating service calls 

• Help with Basic bookkeeping and invoicing 

• Strong communication and customer service skills 

• Basic computer knowledge (email, Microsoft Office, etc.) 

• Ability to multitask and stay organized 

• Previous office experience preferred but not required

Contact Email or Number above to apply.

At Hinks we treat you like your part of the family, bringin' the heat and keepin' it kool

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 4

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs met with Richard Fisher of Salina, Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Dept. of Kansas on ways the federal government can assist veterans with long-term stability, health and opportunity.

Fisher&nbsp;was in Washington to attend a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, which Senator Moran led as the Chairman.

“It was great to meet with Richard Fisher of Salina, the Kansas Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department Commander, and Carla Robbins of Wichita, DAV Treasurer," said Sen. Moran. "We had a productive conversation about their policy goals for the next year and ways that Congress can better support disabled veterans in Kansas and across the country. I appreciate Richard and Carla for making the trip to Washington, D.C. and taking the time to meet with me about our important shared goals. I commend them for all the work they do for Kansas veterans and military families, and I look forward to continuing working together in the future.”

On February 24, Senator Moran, alongside Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), acting chairwoman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – led a hearing to receive the legislative presentations of the Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Congress of American Indians, Service Women’s Action Network, Gold Star Wives of America, and Black Veterans Project. 

This is the first of three hearings with veteran service organizations (VSOs) over the next two weeks.

“Every day, in every state and district, veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership, experience and values from the military into their communities,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It is our responsibility to make certain that federal programs and policies – at VA and in every other department and agency - help veterans translate those strengths into long-term stability, health and opportunity.”

During the hearing, Sen. Moran also discussed the importance of his legislation, the&nbsp;National Veterans Strategy Act.

Salinan meets with Sen. Moran and attends joint hearing of Veterans’ Affairs Committees

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau

ABILENE -&nbsp;For the eighth consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town, placing this iconic Kansas community among the top historic destinations in the nation once again.

As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”

Americana is defined by wide open skies, historic main streets, railroads, cowboys, faith, freedom, and hometown pride.That definition comes to life in Abilene.

- Walk in the footsteps of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum &amp; Boyhood Home and explore the legacy of the Five-Star General and 34th President of the United States. 

- Ride the rails on the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad. 

- Experience cattle town days and Wild West reenactments at Old Abilene Town. 

- Tour the beautifully preserved Seelye Mansion. 

- Take a spin on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. 

- Discover racing history at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. 

- Enjoy live performances at Great Plains Theatre.

From the end of the Chisholm Trail to the hometown of a President who proudly claimed Abilene as his own, this community offers visitors a hands-on journey through America’s story.

Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote.

Voting begins Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period.

The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

Vote daily at <a href="http://AbileneKansas.org/votenow">AbileneKansas.org/votenow</a> or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/57585/">10Best.com</a>.

In 1945, Eisenhower said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” As we celebrate America 250, we invite friends, residents, alumni, and visitors to show that same pride by voting daily and helping Abilene earn the top spot.

America likes Abilene: USA Today names Abilene finalist for Best Historic Small Town

In its 42nd year, the 2026 Salina Spring Poetry Series features a lineup of accomplished poets who will read in downtown Salina. In-person readings will occur at 7:00 pm on Tuesdays in April at Red Fern Booksellers (106 S Santa Fe Ave).

Since its founding in 1984 by poet Patricia Traxler, the series celebrates National Poetry Month each April and serves as a meeting point for national, regional, and local poets and appreciators of poetry. Celebrating poetic perspectives in the community, each reading entertains and provokes thought on critical issues. The series integrates diverse poetic voices, mirroring social discussions and artistic expressions. Over the years, it has hosted Pulitzer Prize winners and U.S. Poet Laureates, alongside many Kansas Poet Laureates, regionally significant poets, and new voices.

The series this year is sponsored by Salina Arts &amp; Humanities and was curated by Traci Brimhall, Kansas Poet Laureate. 

Admission to each reading will be $5 at the door and free for students with ID.

“Salina Arts &amp; Humanities is honored to produce this series for our community,” said Brad Anderson, Executive Director of Salina Arts &amp; Humanities. “Poets have a wonderful way of reflecting our humanity and give us a glimpse into their perspectives on life.”

“I’m grateful to be working with Salina Arts &amp; Humanities again for the 42nd season of the Salina Spring Poetry Series,” says Brimhall. “Every year I’m astounded by the talented writers living and writing in this state, and I’m always excited to share one of my favorite Kansas communities with them when they come to town to share their poems. This year is another great one!”

The lineup of poets for the 2026 Salina Spring Poetry Series includes:

April 7 - Adam Scheffler grew up in California, received his MFA in poetry from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and his PhD in English from Harvard. He is the author of two books of poetry—A Dog's Life—which won the 2016 Jacar Press Book Contest, and Heartworm—which won the 2021 Moon City Press Prize. His poems have appeared in The American Poetry Review, Yale Review, Poem-a-Day, Verse Daily, Rattle, Narrative, and many other literary journals. He is also the author of a book of literary criticism, So This Is What It Feels Like: Empathy in the Poetry of James Wright (forthcoming from LSU Press in May).

April 14 - Luisa Muradyan is originally from Odesa, Ukraine and is the author of I Make Jokes When I'm Devastated (SMU Project Poetica, 2025) When the World Stopped Touching (YesYes Books, 2027), and American Radiance (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). She holds a Ph.D. in Poetry from the University of Houston and won the 2017 Raz/ Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize. Additionally, Muradyan is a member of the Cheburashka Collective, a group of women and nonbinary writers from the former Soviet Union. Additional work can be found at Best American Poetry, the Threepenny Review, Ploughshares, and Only Poems, among others.

April 21 - Jennifer Maritza McCauley is the author of the cross-genre collection SCAR ON/SCAR OFF (Stalking Horse Press), the short story collections When Trying to Return Home (Counterpoint) and Recognition (U. Wisconsin Press, ‘27), the poetry collections Kinds of Grace (Flower Song), VERSUS (Texas Review Press, ‘27) and Tumbao (Texas Review Press, ‘29) and the speculative collection NEON STEEL (Feb ‘26). She has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, Kimbilio and CantoMundo and her work has been a New York Times Editors’ Choice, Best Fiction Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews and a Must-Read by Elle, Latinx in Publishing, Ms. Magazine and Southern Review of Books. She is seasonal faculty at Yale Writers’ Workshop and an assistant professor of English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

April 28 - Allison Blevins (she/her) is the queer disabled author of Where Will We Live if the House Burns Down?, Cataloguing Pain, Handbook for the Newly Disabled: A Lyric Memoir, Slowly/Suddenly, and six chapbooks. Winner of the 2024 Barthelme Prize, the 2023 Lexi Rudnitsky Editor’s Choice Award, and the 2022 Laux/Millar Poetry Prize, Allison serves as the Publisher of Small Harbor Publishing and lives in Minnesota with her spouse and three children. <a href="http://allisonblevins.com">allisonblevins.com</a>

Salina Spring poetry series featuring several accomplished poets to read at Red Fern Booksellers

The Salina Family YMCA is excited to welcome teens from across the community to its next Teen Night, taking place this Saturday, March 7, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

This free, safe, and high-energy evening is open to all youth ages 13 to 18, offering teens a fun way to connect, be active, and enjoy time with friends.

This Teen Night features a special twist: Glow Night.

 The YMCA will transform part of the facility into a neon-lit Glow Zone, complete with glowing cornhole, dodgeball, and ping pong. In addition to the themed activities, teens can enjoy the Y’s usual lineup of Teen Night favorites, including open weightlifting (for ages 14+), basketball, video games, and more.

Food will be provided at no cost, ensuring every teen can enjoy a full evening of fun, energy, and community connection.

“We love hosting Teen Night because it gives young people a positive place to go, be themselves, and enjoy a safe environment with friends,” said the Salina Family YMCA.

To help the YMCA prepare food and activities, teens need to register online at <a href="https://salinaymca.org">https://salinaymca.org</a>.

Registration is quick, free, and helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone attending.

The YMCA remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for local youth to gather, grow, and build lasting connections. With each successful Teen Night, the organization continues strengthening community support for teens in Salina.

For more information or to register, visit <a href="http://salinaymca.org">salinaymca.org</a>.

Salina YMCA hosting Teen Night with a glow

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit&nbsp;the&nbsp;National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 4 - March 6

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

You can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

Salina man with outstanding warrants rides bike on wrong side of road and gives false name before arrest

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 2 - March 4

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 27 - March 1

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 25 - February 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 23 - February 25

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow will impact much of the central Kansas area Friday evening.&nbsp;Between 1-2 inches of snow is expected across central Kansas, with locally higher amounts possible.&nbsp;

Salina is in the area where it could receive 1 - 2 inches of snow. 

Use extra caution if traveling tonight as slick spots are possible, especially on elevated surfaces.

Additionally, wind chills are are expected to be in the single digits across central Kansas. 

Salina's chills could get as low as 5, with a 23 degree low temperature.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Single digit wind chills, light snow across central Kansas Friday evening 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 20 - February 22

Thursday's cold front is expected to cause flurries and wintry mix for Friday across Kansas.

According to the US National Weather Service, light snow or flurries will impact central Kansas Friday night with a rain/snow mix further south. 

Snow accumulations up to a dusting are possible as well.

Furthermore, the cold front that moved across the region Thursday will lead to much cooler temperatures and even a chance for some light snow. Friday's highs will generally be in the 40s and lows in the upper teens and 20s.

Weather: Cold front expected to cause flurries and wintry mix across Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, February 18 - February 20

Gusty winds and dry conditions throughout central Kansas resulting in extreme grassland fire danger on Tuesday

According to the US National Weather Service, these gusty southwest winds will result in extreme grassland fire danger in the afternoon and evening throughout central Kansas.

Salina is in the area of the extreme grassland fire danger.

West winds are expected to increase late in the day gusting to around 45 mph at times in the region. 

However, clouds may limit fire weather concerns further east in south central and southeast Kansas although a very high grassland fire danger is still expected.

Gusty winds and dry conditions causing extreme grassland fire danger in central Kansas

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

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. He did not name the ship, but earlier an Iranian warship sank off the coast of Sri Lanka.

In a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said that the Tuesday night strike on an Iranian warship was the first such attack on an enemy since World War II.

“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.”

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the Iranian ship and that others died.

Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran's Basij, the all-volunteer force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard that conducted a bloody crackdown on protesters in January that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained in the country.

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