Power Hits 97.5 morning show DJ Rick Thomas (Scott Menzies) passed away Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack. Eagle Radio Operations Director Dan Engle confirmed that Thomas had collapsed while shopping at a Dillon's Store in Manhattan Saturday afternoon. Emergency personnel could not revive him. 

Rick Thomas was the Kansas Association of Broadcasters 2024 Medium Market Air Personality of the Year.&nbsp;

Engle stated, "It was a huge loss for both Eagle and Kansas broadcasting. He was well loved and we will miss him a lot."

Prominent DJ Rick Thomas passes away

A Salina woman is preparing to take on a Ragnar Trail,&nbsp;an overnight, team-based trail running event that comprises of running a 120-mile course.

Kari Fear has zero fears, as the 52-year old Salinan looks to successfully complete the course in <a href="https://runragnar.com/pages/race-trail-zion">May 8-9, 2026 at Zion National Park in Utah.</a>

Fear grew up in Iowa and lived across the Midwest, who is a licensed clinical therapist. She moved to Salina in 2011 and started swimming for the first time recreationally. Four years later she met Amanda Wishaar in Salina, who encouraged her to do a triathlon.

"She (Amanda) was super supportive about trying a triathlon and thought she was kind of crazy," said Fear.

However that did not stop her because in 2021, Fear trained for a full Ironman and successfully completed the event that following year. Fear continued to push herself to the greatest heights, as she completed a half Ironman along with considering to participate in a Ragnar Trial.

Her first Ragnar Trail was the Texas Hill Country in 2024 and competed with a team of 8. This event is where she crossed paths with Wishaar unintentionally.&nbsp;Now she is currently preparing for the 2026 Ragnar Trail in Utah, where she will reunite with Wishaar on the same team.

Fear's team for this year's event is comprised of members from Virginia, Washington state, Arizona and Texas.

Fear decided to participate in Ragnar Trails by taking advantage of every opportunity to test herself and just say she "did it."

"When you just say yes to something, it just naturally leads to the next yes and so you just accomplishing all these things without even intending to."

For example, before she completed the Ironman (a long-distance endurance race comprising a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, totaling 140.6 miles) people had questioned if she really wanted to do it.&nbsp;

She told herself, "she could" and she was right.

Fear told Salina Post she was personally going through a rough patch during the Ironman in 2022.

"Genuinely my goal was for it to beat me. I thought if I can push for something and fail at it, it would actually feel pretty good. You just keep going and you end up getting stronger, so I did it."

When participating in the events, Fear said her favorite part about it is "finding out who you really are."

In her first Ragnar Trail, she enjoyed the team aspect, especially during the overnight hours and "soul searching" when running.

"You really just find out who you are when you are out there in the middle of nowhere, while getting to know people. I am a lone wolf runner, so I only ever run alone and Ragnar really allowed me to be apart of a team of like-minded people. But when you are out there at 2:00 am in the morning and there is nothing but you and the Milky Way, you just do that soul searching."

Mental approach before and during each event

Before each event, Fear is always anticipating finishing the race well for her team. During the event she pushes herself to complete the race, by putting her team first before herself.

"Ninety-five percent of the time I am thinking about my team, so that they are not waiting on you."

Fear still has plans of continuing to participate in more Ragnar events after Utah.

She hopes to assemble a full Salina Ragnar Trail team in the future.

"I would love to be apart of a Salina Ragnar team."

Zero fears: Salina woman preparing for 120 mile course with seven other runners across the country

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

<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 16 - March 18

Salina man threatens to shoot people at bar and restaurant in downtown before arrest.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Friday at around 8:45 pm, Shane Chaca (26) verbally threatened to shoot people that were inside&nbsp;Spicoli's Toasted Subs (117 N. Santa Fe).

After the report was made, officers arrived on the scene and made contact with Chaca. 

Reportedly, he threatened officers as well and kicked a single officer.

Chaca was body wrapped by authorities and booked into the Saline County jail for the requested charges of:&nbsp;

Battery and Interference with Law Enforcement, Criminal threat and Assault.

According to jail records, Chaca has been arrested in past for <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8796c962-ecd6-47a6-8ca9-1f6f39536642">Probation Violation</a>&nbsp;and for <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/95e24f80-25b3-492a-887a-3dd882086181">Stalking, Criminal trespass</a> in a separate incident.

Police: Threat at bar and restaurant in downtown Salina prompts arrest

Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad&nbsp;

ABILENE - Murder mysteries, USO Shows and even a game show will return to the A&amp;SV’s&nbsp;Smoky Valley Limited&nbsp;dinner train this season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad has contracted with Incahoots Entertainment of Lawrence for a total of nine productions this season. 

Erin Fox and John Robison are returning to the A&amp;SV rails with six murder mysteries, two USO shows, and a special “Family Feud” game show train in August.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The A&amp;SV’s Chicago car will be the home of all on-train entertainment this season. The open performance area in the 1940s passenger coach makes it a natural venue for music and murder mysteries, both of which depend on audience participation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Seating for the performances is limited, since the Chicago car seats 56 diners, the maximum audience size for any on-train production. Tickets for dinner and special productions are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the railroad’s website, <a href="http://asvrr.org">asvrr.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Last season, we staged entertainment in the Eveland Creek car,” said Ross Boelling. A&amp;SV General Manager. “Eveland a beautiful, classic passenger coach, but there’s an etched glass divider in that car that makes it difficult to stage the interactive kinds of entertainment our dinner train guests enjoy. The Chicago car has no obstructions and has more room, giving Erin and John a better performance area.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The murder mystery series is being called “Murder in Chicago” to remind potential passengers of the need to reserve their tickets in the Chicago car. Passengers in the Eveland Creek or Enterprise cars will not feature live entertainment, but dinner will be served in all three coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

&nbsp;“Murder mysteries were popular with our diners last year, and we’re looking forward to this year’s series,” Boelling said. “People who plan on being on the train to catch a mystery need to book ahead so they can be assured of getting one of the 56 available Chicago car seats.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Performer Erin Fox said she and Robison will be performing four scripts from last year and will add two shows that are new to A&amp;SV audiences.

The performance series begins on March 28, with a murder mystery, “Tommy Guns and Cigarettes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other Murder in Chicago shows and dates are:&nbsp;&nbsp;

- July 11, “Who Killed the Gnat”

- August 8, “Love in the Ozarks”

- August 29, “Bootleggers Paradise”

- October 3, “The Haunting of Betsy Von Bulow”

- November 21, “Tragedy at the North Pole.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Fox and Robison, along with their accompanist Mike Schurtz, will perform two USO variety shows. 

The first will be staged as a salute to General Dwight Eisenhower and America’s role in World War II on June 6 in honor of D-Day.

The second USO performance show will be produced in honor of Veterans Day on the November 14 train.

Game shows, murder mysteries & USO shows return to Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad 

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;Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor; Domestic battery: Knowing/reckless bodily harm; Outside warrant/NCIC hit (2)

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 16

JRI Hospitality has announced Bobby Stein as the recipient of its 2026 JRI Hall of Fame Award. 

This award was developed to honor those who have made a significant contribution to youth sports and the entire Salina community. Recipients demonstrate a high level of leadership, teamwork, organization, and accomplishment in inspiring the lives they touch.

Stein will be officially presented with the award at a reception held on Thursday, March 26 in the main dining room of the Salina Country Club, located at 2101 E. Country Club Road.

“Bobby has made a significant contribution to youth sports and the Salina community as a whole through his 50-plus years coaching youth wrestlers,” said Jason Ingermanson, founder and CEO of JRI Hospitality. “He has provided great leadership, organization and modeled effective teamwork through the sport of wrestling.”

Stein’s longtime wrestling career began when he was a freshman at Salina High School and by senior year, he placed 2nd in state. Coaching was a natural segue. In high school, he began guiding his young nephews through the sport.

In 1984, he took over the Salina Kids Club Wrestling Program and grew it substantially. 

Eventually, he also coached multiple sports for his own children (wrestling, football and baseball for son Cody, and volleyball, soccer and softball for daughter Michelle). He also coached women’s softball for years.

In his more than 50-year career of coaching, Stein has guided students from five years old to 18 years old and has held roles from parent volunteer to head coach and everything in between. He draws motivation from his children and his nephews and loves watching kids evolve from knowing very little about a sport to having great success in it.

Of the thousands of kids and multiple generations he has coached, Stein said the impact he hopes to have on athletes he has worked with is to make them better people in life. He does so by instilling life lessons of good sportsmanship and conduct, and the Golden Rule of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

The reception begins at 6:00 p.m.; the award ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. To RSVP, call 785-827-0388 or email cassie@jriusa.com.

For more about JRI Hospitality, visit <a href="http://jriusa.com">jriusa.com</a>.

Renowned coach to be honored with 2026 JRI Hall of Fame award  

The highly anticipated Mid America Farm Expo is returning to Salina, March 25–27, 2026, bringing together farmers, agribusiness professionals, and agricultural enthusiasts for three days of innovation, education, and industry connection.&nbsp;

Now in its 61st year, the Mid America Farm Expo has become one of the premier spring agricultural events in&nbsp; the Midwest. 

The Expo will feature over 200 exhibits showcasing the latest agricultural technologies, equipment, machinery, and services designed to help today’s farmers operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:&nbsp;

• Explore Innovations: Discover the newest products, services, and technologies transforming modern&nbsp; agriculture.&nbsp;

• Engage with Experts: Attend informative sessions featuring respected agricultural economists, extension&nbsp; specialists, and industry leaders.&nbsp;

• Network with Peers: Connect with fellow producers, suppliers, and agricultural professionals to share ideas&nbsp; and build relationships.&nbsp;

• See Equipment Up Close: Visit with exhibitors and view the latest equipment and technology being used&nbsp; across the industry.&nbsp;

The 2026 speaker lineup will feature leading voices from across the agricultural industry.

Programming begins Wednesday, March 25, with the Kansas Forage &amp; Grassland Council Talks at 9 a.m. on the second floor of Tony’s Pizza Events Center, covering topics including selecting solar livestock watering equipment, armyworm outlook and control, and woody encroachment updates.&nbsp;

Later that afternoon at 1 p.m., Dr. Kelsey Bentley, K-State Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist, will present a session on Small Ruminant Internal Parasite Control, sharing management strategies to help producers&nbsp; maintain herd health and productivity.&nbsp;

On Thursday, March 26, the focus turns to agricultural markets. At 9 a.m., Dr. Brian Coffey, K-State Professor of&nbsp; Livestock Economics and Risk Management, will present the Livestock Market Outlook, providing insight into current trends and future expectations for livestock producers.

At 1:30 p.m., Guy Allen, Senior Agricultural Economist with the IGP Institute, will present the Grain Market&nbsp; Outlook, offering analysis of grain market conditions and factors influencing prices and producer decision making.&nbsp;

The Expo will conclude on Friday, March 27, with a Women in Agriculture session at 9 a.m. titled “Women in&nbsp; Ag: Exploring Value-Added Opportunities.” The session will be presented by Melissa Hildebrand Reed, Dairy&nbsp; Operations Manager at Hildebrand Farms, and will highlight innovative ways producers can diversify and add&nbsp; value to their operations.&nbsp;

The Expo began more than six decades ago as a project of the Agriculture Committee of the Salina Area&nbsp; Chamber of Commerce. Originally called the Salina Materials Handling Show, the event featured just 44 exhibits at the Saline County Fairgrounds, now known as the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center. With the addition of the Tony’s Pizza Events Center across the street, the show expanded and has grown into one of the largest&nbsp; spring farm shows in the Midwest, attracting thousands of attendees each year.&nbsp;

“The Mid America Farm Expo is a great example of how strong and innovative the agricultural community is in our region,” said Ashley Finan, Membership Development Director for the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Representative on the Ag Committee. “Each year we bring together producers, ag businesses, and industry experts to share ideas, explore new technology, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today.”&nbsp;

Finan added that the Expo continues to serve as an important gathering place for the agricultural community. 

“For more than 60 years, the Farm Expo has connected farmers with the resources and knowledge they need to&nbsp; move their operations forward,” Finan said. “We’re excited to welcome producers from across the Midwest to Salina and showcase the innovation, expertise, and collaboration that make agriculture such a vital industry.”&nbsp;

The Expo is headquartered in the Tony’s Pizza Events Center, with additional exhibits located in the Agricultural&nbsp; Hall at the Saline County Livestock &amp; Expo Center. Outdoor exhibits will also be located in front of Ag Hall and in&nbsp; the Events Center west parking lot.&nbsp;

Expo hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26; and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, March 27.&nbsp;

Annual Mid America Farm Expo returns to Salina 

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+Circumvention of Ignition Interlock device; No Proof Of Insurance; Speeding; maximum limits; Transporting an open container

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

NAME:&nbsp;Juhl,Elizabeth Paige Marie

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Traf contra in corr/care fac;unauth poss of gun

NAME:&nbsp;Laskou,Dimitrios William

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Purcella,Dee Dee Louise

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, March 15

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

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

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mark-scolforo">MARK SCOLFORO</a>

A woman raising two children was among the six U.S. service members killed last week when a refueling plane involved in the war with Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-tanker-aircraft-crash-iraq-kc135-c337359a58be6280dc96fdbf1cb48a5b">crashed</a>&nbsp;in western Iraq.

Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, hailed from a large family in Bardstown, Kentucky, and was “very, very” proud of her military career, her husband Gregory Pruitt said Sunday.

“I’ll give you something brief -– in a word, radiant,” he said on a phone interview, trying to hold back tears. “If there was a light in the room, she was it.”

Survivors include the couple’s 3-year-old daughter and Sgt. Pruitt’s stepson.

Most recently, she had served with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron from Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. She was an assistant flight chief of operations and was an instructor in operating the boom of a KC-135.

Pruitt joined the military nine years ago and had previously deployed overseas three times. She had nearly 900 combat flight hours and two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

The U.S. military late Saturday identified Pruitt and the other five crash victims, three connected to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and Sumpter Smith; the other three were out of an Ohio Air National Guard base in Columbus.

“To lose a member of the Air Force family is excruciatingly painful, especially to those who know them as son, daughter, brother, sister, spouse, mom, or dad,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, in a news release. “To lose them at the same time is unimaginable.”

Maj. Gen. Matthew S. Woodruff, the Ohio adjutant general, called the three from Columbus “remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard. Their impact on their teammates and our mission will not be forgotten.”

The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-tanker-aircraft-crash-iraq-kc135-c337359a58be6280dc96fdbf1cb48a5b">operations</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran</a>, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred on Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command. The other plane landed safety, U.S. military officials said. The crash is being investigated.

The KC-135 aircraft refuels other planes in midair, allowing them to fly longer distances and sustain operations without landing. The plane also can be used to transport wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.

The Congressional Research Service says the Air Force last year had 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. It has been in service for more than 60 years.

Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the crash occurred, his brother-in-law said.

The pilot left behind three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, according to his brother-in-law, James Harrill.

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

He was the chief of squadron standards and evaluations at the Birmingham air base.

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.”

He deployed four times since 2019 and had put in 362 combat hours and 181 combat support hours.

Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, served with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 166th Air Refueling Squadron as 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, who lived in Columbus.

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.

Simmons joined the Air Force in 2017 and earned an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force. He became a refueling specialist in 2022 and was made a technical sergeant in 2023. He deployed three times in the past decade and had 230 combat hours.

Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, was a pilot with the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, serving as its chief of current operations. She was responsible for the flying hour program and managing daily flight scheduling, among other duties.

Savino, from Covington, Washington, was a product of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University, earning an active duty commission in 2017.

She served at bases in Georgia and Mississippi and had more than 300 combat hours. She was made captain in 2021.

A captain with more than 2,000 flight hours

Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, was an instructor pilot for the KC135R Stratotanker with 19 years of service, according to the Ohio National Guard.

A resident of Stoutsville, Ohio, Koval was an aircraft commander with the 121st Air Refueling Wing out of Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus. The military said he had trained pilots in air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.

A statement from the U.S. government said Koval was from Mooresville, Indiana.

Koval had a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations from Purdue University and deployed five times in the past 12 years. His assignments included stops in Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Texas an Oklahoma.

Koval had more than 2,000 flight hours, including 443 in combat, the Ohio Guard said. He was promoted to captain in 2022.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, was in the military for a decade after getting a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He enlisted in the Ohio Air National Guard in 2015, with deployments in 2015 and this year.

Angst was a KC-135R pilot with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron and lived in Columbus. A statement about his death from the federal government indicated he was from Wilmington, Ohio.

He had 880 flight hours, including 67 combat hours. Angst was promoted to captain in November.

'Radiant' mother among US service members who died in air crash in Iraq

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Wichita.

On Sunday night, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1100 Block of South Webb Road in Wichita, according to an online statement from Officer Kris Gupilan.

At the scene, first responders found a man inside a car who had been shot. EMS transported the man to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

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