By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Saturday, the Sacred Heart Lady Knights defeated Ellinwood 43-34 to claim the first state girls’ basketball title in the long history of their program.

Of the 66 schools playing basketball in Class 2A, Sacred Heart stands above the rest, and will for at least 365 days.

This was a generational run for the Lady Knights, who took down the best individual player and St. Mary’s Colgan in the first round, dethroned the defending state champs in Moundridge in the semis, and knocked off the 1-seed and winningest 2A program in Ellinwood in the state championship game.

From the season opener against Beloit St. John’s to the season finale against the Lady Eagles, this was a program that beamed with positivity and joy from start to finish, and one that has left its mark on the 2A world.

“These ladies are the queens of the mountain, and it feels awesome,” Sacred Heart head coach Carl Hines said. “Every player dreams of this when they’re little, and every coach has this as a goal. This group realized their goals, and it feels like a dream come true.”

Saturday’s finale was anything but a cakewalk, and the Lady Knights faced adversity from jump to buzzer.

The first quarter was a low-scoring affair, with Ellinwood taking all six free throws and leading 10-8 after one.

In the second, both offenses came to life, but Sacred Heart knocked down a pair of triples, and thanks to eight first-half points from Emmy Lee, held a 22-19 advantage at the intermission.

Midway through the third quarter, Skylar Douglas was blasted to the hardwood while hunting a loose ball, and after being helped to the bench, many wondered if she would be able to return.

The Lady Knights built their biggest lead of the game, but quickly saw a 31-19 advantage shrink to 32-29 behind a frantic 10-1 Ellinwood run.

As the fourth quarter began, the Sacred Heart student section exploded as number four returned to the floor.&nbsp;

The Lady Knights needed a hero, and Skylar Douglas intended to deliver.

“Skylar was never going to be denied that chance,” Hines said. “We’re pretty sure she has a broken nose, but we got her looked at, got her right, and after a few laps up and down the hallway, she came out ready to go.”

Douglas stopped the run with a corner three on a beautiful feed from Addie Lee to restore a six-point lead.

When Mette Maxwell answered back with a triple of her own, Douglas upped the ante, knocking down another from the opposite corner to keep the Lady Eagles at arms length.

Ellinwood did their best to battle back but the damage was done, and the Lady Knights held their ground, allowing just two points over the final four and a half minutes to secure their crown in a 43-34 victory.

Each of Sacred Heart’s stars got their moment to shine, with Emmy Lee scoring eight of the Lady Knights’ 22 first-half points, Addie Lee accounting for eight of ten in the third quarter, and Douglas cashing in for six of eleven down the home stretch.

Sacred Heart’s defense showed out in a vintage performance, forcing eleven turnovers while coughing up the ball just five times.

Addie Lee led the way with 15 points, followed by Douglas (10) and Emmy Lee (9).

Julia Schlessiger, the 6-2 forward, led the Lady Eagles with 12 points in the win, but was held without a bucket for the final four minutes.

Ellinwood’s still-stellar campaign comes to a close at 27-2.

Sacred Heart wraps up its historic season 25-5, queens of Class 2A, and with a bright future and great expectations moving forward.

“Our expectation every year will be to make the state tournament, maybe not to win it, but to be here,” Hines said. “These girls are going to hang a banner in our historic gym, and they’re going to talk about this for the rest of their lives.”

The Lady Knights will lose three key seniors this offseason as Skylar Douglas, Nicole Richards, and Holly Bonilla all prepare to graduate, but the core group of Addie and Emmy Lee, Edyn Sharpton and Brynn Bechard will all return, eager to defend Sacred Heart’s throne in 2026-27.

The full broadcast of this state championship game is available 100% free on-demand and can be accessed any time below.

🏀 Lady Knights capture first-ever state title with 43-34 win over Ellinwood

Speakers for this year’s Women in Leadership: Your Voice Matters conference have been released by the event organizers. The conference will be held on Thursday, March 26. Attendance is free and all are welcome. The donation of feminine hygiene products is encouraged.

The evening will begin in Bieber Hall, the entrance to Sams Chapel on the south side of Pioneer Hall, at 5 p.m. with networking and light snacks, before moving into Sams Chapel shortly before 6 p.m. for the speaker series.

The 2026 Women in Leadership speakers are:

Jessica Caselman – risk management coordinator at Salina Regional Health Center.

Tamia Cheeks – student at Kansas Wesleyan.

Meagan Contreras – assistant athletic director at Kansas Wesleyan.&nbsp;

Valarie Davenport – director of pathfinder services at CKF Addiction Treatment.

Genell Heimer – registered nurse and entrepreneur.

Jenna Rivers – assistant director of admissions services at Kansas Wesleyan.

Kay Quinn – licensed CNA and public relations consultant.

Please note that this year’s conference will contain sensitive subjects relating to mental health, suicide, unexpected loss and other challenging topics. Counselors will be on site for the duration of the event.

For questions relating to this year's Women in Leadership conference, please reach out to Bridget Weiser at bridget@kwu.edu.

Speakers announced for KWU’s annual women in leadership conference

Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent, Central Kansas District Kansas State University

Central Kansas Extension District is excited to announce a partnership with the Salina Family YMCA, creating expanded opportunities for participants to engage in physical activity and build healthier lifestyles. Through this collaboration, Walk Kansas participants registered in Saline and Ottawa counties will have access to special day pass opportunities at the Salina Family YMCA, allowing them to take advantage of the facility’s indoor pool, exercise equipment, group fitness classes, and indoor walking track.

Important Access Information: To utilize the Salina Family YMCA day pass, Walk Kansas participants must present proof of their Walk Kansas registration and a valid photo ID upon their first check-in. Access will be granted pending the successful completion of a standard YMCA background check. Walk Kansas, a health initiative through K-State Extension, encourages individuals and teams to commit to regular physical activity over an eight-week period. The program promotes walking, strength training, and overall well-being. The Salina Family YMCA, a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering health and wellness, offers a variety of resources to support fitness goals. Together, these two programs align in their mission to empower individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.

"I am so excited for this partnership with the Salina Family YMCA," said Lisa Newman, family and community wellness extension agent. "This collaboration strengthens our shared vision of promoting health, wellness, and active lifestyles for all. Together, we’re creating opportunities for individuals and families to build healthier habits, stay motivated, and support one another on their wellness journeys!"

"According to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. This can also be 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. In addition, adults need at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week. Walk Kansas and the Y can be that bridge to help participants reach those recommendations."

This partnership not only enhances the Walk Kansas experience but also encourages long-term engagement in healthy behaviors. Whether participants prefer walking outdoors,

taking a group fitness class, or using strength training equipment, the Salina Family YMCA provides a welcoming space to stay active and motivated.

For more information on Walk Kansas and how to register, visit <a href="https://www.walkkansasonline.org">https://www.walkkansasonline.org</a>.&nbsp;

Central Kansas Extension District partners with YMCA to promote active lifestyles through Walk Kansas

All games are LIVE and FREE to watch.

High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

Following is recent booking activity for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinecountyks.gov/Sheriff-Office/Online-search/Booking-Activities">Saline County Jail</a>, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of substance in KSA 65-4105(h); prior conv

NAME:&nbsp;Barrera-Reyes,Angel Francisco

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; License carried/exhibited

NAME:&nbsp;Chaca,Shane Christopher

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Interf w/LEO; obstr/resist/oppose felony warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana; Transporting an open container

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Failure to appear; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of marijuana

NAME:&nbsp;Stallworth,Jonathan Wedey

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Felony

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Defective tail lamps; Display of license plate; Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Transporting an open container

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 14

City Manager Jacob Wood has appointed Jason Maxwell as the new Municipal Judge. 

Maxwell will bring 30 years of law experience to Salina. He is currently the Municipal Court Judge and Treatment Court Judge in Liberal. He has also served as a Municipal Judge on a parttime basis for the cities of Sublette and Satanta, Kansas, and Hooker,&nbsp; Oklahoma.

 Other experience includes being the County Counselor for Haskell County, Kansas, along with managing a private practice serving Kansas and Oklahoma clients. He received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Oklahoma State University prior to earning a Juris Doctor from University of Oklahoma College of Law. 

Maxwell is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and Seward-Haskell County Bar Association. He has been an active member and has held leadership roles in the Kansas Municipal Judges Association and has served on numerous professional committees. 

His wife, Lara, will be joining him in the relocation to Salina.

Wood states, "Jason’s demonstrated leadership and law experience will be an asset for Salina’s Municipal Court. We were fortunate to have several strong applicants for this role, but his background and approach made him a great fit for this position. We’re excited to have him join our community.”

Maxwell succeeds Brenda Stoss, who is retiring after 22 years of service. He will begin the role within the next month.

City of Salina appoints new Municipal Judge

Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery

LINDSBORG -&nbsp;The Jansen-Colle-Hernandez Trio, comprised of Madeleine Jansen on violin, Syneva Colle Hernández on cello; and Alfonso Hernández on piano, will perform works by Astor Piazzolla, Mel Bonis, and&nbsp;Dmitri Shostakovich&nbsp;at the Sandzén Gallery on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Dr.&nbsp;Madeleine Jansen&nbsp;is a dynamic violinist, educator, and arts advocate, praised by the&nbsp;San Francisco Classical Voice&nbsp;for her expressive interpretations across a wide repertoire. She is currently Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Kansas State University. As a soloist and chamber musician, Jansen has performed throughout the U.S., Brazil, and Europe, and is a dedicated champion of contemporary music. Jansen studied at Boston University, the Royal College of Music, the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and earned a doctorate from the University of Maryland, where her research focused on audience engagement.

Dr.&nbsp;Syneva Colle Hernández&nbsp;is a performer, educator, and arts advocate who currently serves as the Teaching Assistant Professor of Cello and String Education at Kansas State University. She is Assistant Principal Cellist for the Topeka Symphony, and is a featured soloist on over twenty commercial albums. Syneva is an Artistic Director for the performance series Chamber Music Kansas, and directs the String Academy at K-State, a community music school and teacher training program.

Dr. Alfonso Hernandez is a passionate musician and arts advocate, praised by&nbsp;Prensa Libre&nbsp;as “one&nbsp;of the best Guatemalan pianists today, thanks to his energy, precision, and delicacy.” He earned a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Maryland and an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute in Washington, D.C. Hernandez also earned degrees from the University of Houston, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. He has participated in many renowned music festivals, including Chautauqua in New York, Aspen in Colorado, and Zeister Muziekdagen in the Netherlands.

The Sandzen Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg. 

There is no charge for the concert, however, donations are appreciated. 

For further information, please call the Gallery at 785-227-2220 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sandzengallery@gmail.com">sandzengallery@gmail.com</a>.

Chamber music concert at the Sandzen Gallery on March 22

A Salina store unlawfully selling alcoholic beverages had their products seized by the state of Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC) announced the results of a multi‑county enforcement operation targeting the unlawful sale of alcoholic products disguised as kratom extract “shots” in retail stores across the state. The action underscores ABC’s commitment to protecting public health and safety, educating consumers, and ensuring businesses comply with Kansas law.

The investigation began in September 2025 following a formal complaint alleging that O.P.M.S. Kratom Extract liquid products—commonly marketed as “shots”—contained alcohol and were being sold without proper licensing. These products were available in small bottles, intended for human consumption, and sold in stores not authorized to sell alcoholic beverages.

The ingredients of Kratom is found to have&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e0c7aa11-53de-4dd5-a5a3-a95a91ccd48a">7-hydroxymytragynine (7-OH)</a>. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) 7-OH is more addictive, and using it in combination with alcohol or other sedatives can cause severe respiratory depression, and in some cases, even death.

7-OH is unregulated, the potency and quality of products can vary widely, making it difficult to safely gauge dosage.

VIP Smoke Shop in Salina was reportedly involved from the search by the ABC.

ABC enforcement agents initiated a comprehensive investigation, locating the products in multiple Kansas retail locations and purchasing samples of O.P.M.S Black Kratom Extract liquid and O.P.M.S. 

Gold Kratom Extract liquid. The products underwent field testing and were submitted to a federal forensic laboratory for chemical analysis. Laboratory results confirmed that the products contained between 15.7% and 16.1% ethanol alcohol, classifying them as alcoholic beverages under Kansas law.

The investigation determined that these unlicensed alcoholic products were being sold primarily in vape shops and similar businesses lacking the required alcoholic beverage licenses.

Working in coordination with county attorneys, ABC agents obtained search warrants for 12 business locations across Kansas, including:

At 11:00 am on March 11, ABC agents simultaneously executed the search warrants. 

A total of 1,006 bottles of the illegal alcoholic products were seized and all 12 businesses were found to be in possession of the unlawful beverages.

Criminal charges will be submitted to the respective county attorney’s offices for review and prosecution.

“Sales of unlawful alcoholic beverages by unlicensed businesses pose a clear risk to consumers and undermine the integrity of Kansas’ regulated marketplace,” said ABC Director Debbi Beavers. “This operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the public and ensuring that all businesses follow state law.”

ABC encourages consumers to report suspected violations to help protect Kansas communities from unsafe or unlawfully sold products.

Potential violations can be reported at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksrevenue.gov%2Fabcindex.html/1/0101019ce810fdb4-112e0dca-5e76-43b1-940f-c0425d56b406-000000/sIURXLVdwlF0RwPX-J-C7D8sOKRnlw_s1mSSr1tnmJY=448">www.ksrevenue.gov/abcindex.html</a>

Salina store caught with unlawfully selling kratom alcoholic beverages

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kathleen Cook, Fort Hays State University Director of Academic Success about the Schmidt Foundation Scholarships.

🎥  Forward Ever: FHSU director of Academic Success

Saline County Sheriff's are seeking tips for a suspect(s) who allegedly threw an ignited Molotov into a field.

According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office on February 26 between the hours of 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm, an unknown suspect(s)&nbsp;ignited a Molotov cocktail and threw it in a field in the 2300 block of S. Simpson Road. 

As a result, this ignited a fire approximately 30 yards long and wide in the field.

If you have any information concerning who attempted to commit this crime, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS, text SATIPS to CRIMES (274637).

Visit <a href="http://www.pd.salina.org">www.pd.salina.org</a> and follow Crimestoppers link to submit a web tip. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1000, and you are not required to give your name

Crimestoppers: Tips sought for suspect throwing ignited Molotov into field

Efforts to clean up contamination on the Salina airport, which was left over when the former Schilling Air Force Base was established is progressing

According to the airport, the Salina Public Entities is working in coordination with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), is making progress on environmental remediation efforts associated with the former Schilling Air Force Base. 

The cleanup effort is a long-term project that includes multiple phases and a variety of remediation methods designed to address historical contamination in soil and groundwater.

A significant milestone has recently been reached with the completion of remediation work in the Plume B Soil Source Area. 

The cleanup process involved excavating impacted soil from the source area and conducting confirmatory sampling throughout the excavation to ensure that contaminated material had been fully removed. Soil testing continued until sampling confirmed that no remaining contamination was present at the source location.

The excavated soil was disposed at the Salina Landfill under authorization from KDHE.&nbsp;The excavation was backfilled with clean fill from an off-site source. The site was then graded and reseeded to restore the area.

In addition to this completed work, environmental monitoring remains ongoing. Groundwater and indoor air quality continue to be regularly monitored to confirm that people living and working near the site are not being exposed to harmful levels of contaminants. 

These monitoring efforts provide important data that helps guide the cleanup process and ensure that public health and safety remain the top priority.

The Salina Public Entities are also continuing to work closely with KDHE on the planning and implementation of additional remedial actions outlined in KDHE’s Corrective Action Decision (CAD). 

These actions will address remaining soil and groundwater impacts and will be implemented in phases using a range of remediation methods appropriate for the conditions at each location.

The environmental remediation work is part of an ongoing effort to responsibly address legacy environmental conditions associated with the former military installation while supporting the continued use and development of the property for the benefit of the Salina community.

Additional updates will be shared as progress continues on future phases of the project.

Clean up of contamination associated with former Air Force Base on airport grounds progressing 

<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 13 - March 15

Saline County Emergency Management is warning the public of grassland fire dangers across central Kansas due to windy conditions.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service in Wichita, a combination of strong southwest winds and above-normal temperatures will create elevated grassland fire danger across central Kansas on Thursday. 

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for portions of central and south-central Kansas as conditions develop that could support rapid fire growth.

Dry vegetation combined with gusty winds can allow&nbsp;fires to spread quickly&nbsp;across open areas, fields, and ditches.&nbsp;Even small sparks can start fires under these conditions.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/a19d484a-4727-48f1-ba8c-ff0cf81d4269.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for more information about safety tips and helpful information.&nbsp;</a>

Weather: Elevated grassland fire danger expected throughout central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 11 - March 13

Saline County Emergency Management

Saline County Emergency Management has notified the public of potential severe weather on Tuesday.

According to the US National Weather Service in Wichita, they are monitoring the potential for severe storms across central Kansas Tuesday afternoon and evening. 

Storms may begin developing after 4:00 pm, with more widespread activity possible after 7:00 pm and continuing overnight.&nbsp;

Storms may become strong, bringing up to golf ball-sized hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/0b463edf-523b-41ba-8837-207de1fd27db.pdf?rdr=true">Click here for more information about safety tips and helpful information.&nbsp;</a>

Weather: Severe storms expected throughout central Kansas Tuesday 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 9 - March 11

The National Weather Service in Wichita reports that multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to move through Kansas today, with a higher risk of severe weather developing later this afternoon and evening.

A few storms may develop during the morning and early afternoon hours. 

These storms could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph, dime-size hail, and periods of heavy rainfall.

The main concern for Saline County arrives later today. 

Forecasters expect a second round of storms to redevelop across central Kansas during the afternoon and evening before moving southeast through the night. These storms could bring damaging winds up to 70 mph, hail as large as golf balls, heavy rainfall, and the possibility of a strong tornado.

Storms may begin impacting the area after 4 p.m. and could continue into the overnight hours.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions throughout the day and make preparations now in case warnings are issued.

- Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if storms occur overnight.

- Review your shelter plan. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

- Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture and trash cans that could blow away in strong winds.

- Charge phones and devices so you can receive warnings and updates.

- Avoid travel during severe storms if possible.

<a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/55d47694801/09190bda-a7e3-40e0-b04b-c5f2b3aa3999.pdf?rdr=true">Click here to see the severe weather packet for more details on this weather report.</a>

Multiple rounds of t-storms expected in central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 6 - March 8

Three day weather forecast Salina, March 4 - March 6

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

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian early Sunday morning near the Sedgwick County Zoo.

At about 12:06 a.m., deputies along with Sedgwick County EMS and the Wichita Fire Department responded to a report of a pickup truck striking a pedestrian in the 5800 block of West Windmill Road, according to Sheriff's Department spokesman Branden Stitt. Witnesses stopped to assist and called 911 after the pickup truck left the scene.

Despite life-saving measures, the pedestrian, a 29-year-old Wichita man, died at the scene.

Based on preliminary findings and debris recovered at the scene, the suspect vehicle is believed to be a black Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, model years 2013 through 2022. The truck was last seen traveling westbound on Windmill Road toward 13th Street North and Ridge Road and is expected to have noticeable damage to the front driver’s side, including a broken grille.

The Sheriff’s Office Major Crash Team and detectives are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Major Crash Team at 316-660-3760 or Sheriff’s Investigations at 316-660-5300. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County by calling 316-267-2111 or by using the P3 Tips app.

Police looking for pickup in deadly Kan. hit-and-run

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — High winds fueled multiple wildfires across a broad swath of Nebraska’s range and grassland, causing one death in Arthur County, officials said. The victim was not immediately identified, and the sheriff’s office did not disclose other details about the death.

What state officials have dubbed the Morrill County fire has burned at least 735 square miles (about 1,880 square kilometers) so far across four counties. At least 12 structures have been destroyed, according to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Chelle Ladely of Sidney said her home was currently safe, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of the nearest fire. But she worries for other friends and family in the area.

“Smoke is filling the air, and at night I can see the burn of the fires on the horizon,” Ladely said. “My father is a crop agronomist, and his company as well as other local farmers are all gathering their water trucks to help aid with the fires, and truckloads of bottled water and food is being supplied by our good patrons for our volunteer firemen trying to extinguish the blazes.”

Several other wildfires pushed by winds of up to 65 mph (105 kph) burned another 225 square miles (about 580 square kilometers) for a total of nearly 938 square miles (about 2,430 square kilometers) by midday Saturday. The strong winds have kept firefighters from containing any of the fires, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency said. Gov. Jim Pillen toured areas burned by the Morrill County fire.

Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power Saturday after high winds raked eastward from the Great Lakes region, leaving trees down and substantial property damage in their wake. Farther west, at least one person died in a massive wind-driven wildfire in Nebraska.

About 346,00 customers were still without electricity as of the late afternoon in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.

A 66 mph (106 kph) gust at Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday was deemed its fourth-strongest on record that was not caused by a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service. Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport saw winds hit 85 mph (137 km) that afternoon.

Winds took down a gas station canopy in New Franklin, Ohio, and an auto parts store sign in Baldwin, Pennsylvania. Trees and tree limbs fell into or onto homes and cars from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The roof of a school building in the Chicago suburb of Niles, Illinois, was severely damaged by wind.

In Chicago, thousands of revelers turned out to see the city's namesake river dyed bright green and a downtown parade celebrating the St. Patrick's Day holiday, despite the threat of snow and stiff winds that drove the feels-like temperature well below freezing.

Dangerous winds were but one piece of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-dome-snow-blizzard-cold-polar-flooding-55e3baf6877e81ee1961aade3cb361c3">wild weather mosaic</a>&nbsp;that included heavy rains in Hawaii, triple-digit heat coming next week in Phoenix and a return of winter cold to the Midwest and Northeast. Chicago was forecast to approach the single digits Fahrenheit by Tuesday, with Minneapolis seeing lows around zero (minus 18 C).

Several Minnesota cities have already declared snow emergencies starting Sunday, when what could be the season’s largest snowfall is expected to hit. Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula are also in the crosshairs.

AccuWeather warned of a “potent triple-threat March megastorm” from Sunday into Monday.

“It’s definitely a very active weather weekend, that’s for sure,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist John Feerick said. “It’s a highly amplified pattern, which means you get a lot of extremes. Also, not just the Lower 48, but Hawaii’s getting hit hard right now with some very heavy rain.”

Feerick said people along the Wisconsin-Iowa border might see some ice as travel conditions become dangerous in large parts of the Upper Midwest.

1 dead as high winds fuel wildfires across Nebraska grassland

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-a-lieb">DAVID A. LIEB</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-scolforo">MARK SCOLFORO</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/julie-walker">JULIE WALKER</a>

A pilot from Alabama had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-tanker-aircraft-crash-iraq-kc135-c337359a58be6280dc96fdbf1cb48a5b">crashed in Iraq</a>&nbsp;this week, killing him and five others, his brother-in-law said Saturday.

Alex Klinner, 33, leaves behind three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday while confirming his death.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill said.

Klinner was one of three people killed in the Thursday crash who the U.S. government said were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and who Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said were stationed in Birmingham. On Saturday, the U.S. government identified the other two as Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.

Three additional deceased service members on the aircraft were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. They were identified by federal and state officials as Capt. Seth Koval, 38, Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.

The U.S. government listed Koval from Mooresville, Indiana, while the Ohio National Guard listed his home Stoutsville, Ohio. The Ohio National Guard listed both Angst and Simmons from Columbus, Ohio, while the U.S. government listed Angst as from Wilmington, Ohio.

The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting operations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran</a>, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred, according to U.S. Central Command. The other plane landed safety, U.S. military officials said.

Klinner, a graduate of Auburn University and an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, had just moved with his family into a new home, his wife, Libby Klinner, said in an Instagram post mourning his death.

An outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, Klinner was also ready to help others. When Harrill last saw him in January, Klinner had shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of the snow during a family wedding.

“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” said Harrill, of Atlanta, who helped set up a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”

Libby Klinner said in a post that her heart is broken for their children, who will grow up not knowing their father.

“They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she wrote. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them.”

Simmons was a boom operator responsible for transferring fuel from the tanker to the receiving aircraft, according to his Air Force biography.

His mother, Cheryl Simmons, said Saturday that she was making funeral plans for her son.

In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ family said it was saddened beyond measure to hear of the fatal crash.

“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” they said.

The Ohio National Guard said Koval was an aircraft commander with 19 years of service. A graduate of Purdue University, he served in the Indiana National Guard before transferring to an Ohio unit in 2017, according to his Air Force biography.

Angst was a pilot with 10 years of service who graduated from the University of Cincinnati, according to his Air Force biography provided by the Ohio National Guard.

The refueling aircraft is a mainstay in the US military

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has said the crash occurred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-tanker-aircraft-crash-iraq-kc135-c337359a58be6280dc96fdbf1cb48a5b">on a combat mission</a>&nbsp;but was over “friendly” territory in western Iraq. Military officials said it is being investigated and was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”

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