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

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;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

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

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 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

<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

TOPEKA, KAN. – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced to 137 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while he was on supervised release for similar crimes, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Michael Pinkerton, 48, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography.

In September 2010, a U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of Missouri sentenced Pinkerton to 120 months in prison followed by 60 months of supervised release after convictions for attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted possession of child of pornography.&nbsp;

In April 2024, while Pinkerton was living in Kansas on supervised release, two U.S Probation Office officers went to his home in Topeka. They observed Pinkerton attempting to hide something and asked him what it was. Pinkerton admitted to having an unauthorized smartphone that contained saved images of CSAM. Investigators later confirmed the phone contained CSAM.

“After child sex offenders complete their prison sentences, tools like supervised release and registries are used to monitor them and try to keep our communities safe from deviant behavior. &nbsp;These mechanisms worked in this case thanks to the proactive work of our probation officers.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.

Kan. sex offender caught with child porn on his cell phone

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Johnson County, Kansas.

Just after 4:30a.m. Sunday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to a burglary in progress at Target, 6100 Broadmoor in the city of Mission, Kansas, according to a media release. Officers responded to both the front and rear of the store to establish a perimeter. 

Soon after arrival an officer witnessed a person at the rear of the store carrying duffle bags. The officer confronted the suspect who fled on foot. The officer gave chase. The suspect then fired a handgun at the officer, discharging multiple rounds toward the officer.

 The officer returned fire, striking the suspect. First aid was rendered by officers on scene, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital. The suspect’s injuries are non-life threatening. No officers were hurt during this incident. 

The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Team will be handling the investigation and all media inquiries should be directed to that team.

The Target store is one of multiple crime scenes in this incident. Police released no additional details.

Kan. burglary suspect injured in exchange of gunfire with police

HARVEY COUNTY —A Newton woman died in a house fire late Sunday morning in the 500 block of West Fourth Street , according to a statement from Newton Fire and EMS.

Just after 11:30 a.m.&nbsp; crews responded to the call and found the home engulfed in fire and smoke. An active power line was on the ground. Crews pushed through the fire and found the woman inside. She has been identified as Susan Taylor, 74. Two dogs also died in the fire. 

The fire was extinguished but caused heavy damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kansas woman, her two dogs killed in house fire

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Jeep Wrangler driven by Danny R. Miller, 59, Alma, was westbound on Pavillion Road between 11p.m. Friday and 9a.m. Saturday. The Jeep traveled off the roadway to the south, became air born for approximately 27 feet, struck the south roadside ditch and a tree.&nbsp;

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man died in violent jeep accident

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-stobbe">MIKE STOBBE</a>

NEW YORK (AP) — As the U.S. flu season winds down, health officials say the flu vaccine didn’t work very well, with one of its worst effectiveness rates in more than a decade.

A new strain that dominated the early winter was not well matched to the vaccine, leading to an intense early onslaught of flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-09.html" target="_blank">data</a>&nbsp;that showed a continued decline in doctor’s office and hospital visits for flu symptoms through last week. The number of states reporting high flu activity dropped to 16, many of them in a belt stretching from Colorado to Virginia.

“The winter respiratory virus season is slowly coming to a close, and we’re all very grateful for that,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University vaccine expert.

This season’s vaccines were around 25% to 30% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7509a2.htm?s_cid=OS_mm7509a2_w" target="_blank">CDC report</a>&nbsp;this week. Children who were vaccinated were about 40% less likely to get treatment at a doctor’s office or hospital.

Officials generally are pleased if a flu vaccine is 40% to 60% effective. Judging from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu-vaccines-work/php/effectiveness-studies/index.html" target="_blank">past CDC research</a>, this season saw one of the lowest effectiveness rates in the last two decades.

Flu infections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-flu-cases-cdc-subclade-k-29cc5a68eb100585c8e0dbd2ec47b3eb">surged in late December</a>&nbsp;and were especially intense in some parts of the country. New York City health officials called it the most intense season in 20 years.

Relatively low flu vaccination rates did not help, but experts also blamed the new flu strain that was causing most infections.

The new strain belonged to a category of flu virus, called A H3N2. This new version, subclade K, seemed to spread more easily — though it did not necessarily cause more severe illness.

The vaccine available for this season was built to address a different version of H3N2, and the new strain’s explosion is a likely explanation for why the vaccine was less effective, Schaffner said.

CDC scientists estimate there have been at least 27 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths from flu so far this season. At the same point last year, the estimates were at least 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, but about the same number of deaths.

At least 101 children have died so far this season. For those whose vaccination status is known, about 85% were not fully vaccinated against flu.

The flu vaccine may not protect everyone from getting sick, but it can prevent people from becoming severely ill and dying. That’s why getting a flu shot remains worthwhile, Schaffner said.

CDC data suggests&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/adult-coverage.html" target="_blank">adult vaccination rates</a>&nbsp;are up slightly this season, to 46.5%, following an unusually bad season last year that set a record for the most child deaths this century.

An estimated 48% of U.S. kids were vaccinated against flu around the end of last month. That’s about the same as last year, but down from the 52% vaccinated at this point in 2024, according to CDC data.

Starting in 2010, the government recommended annual flu vaccinations for Americans 6 months and older. In January, however, the Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/childhood-vaccine-schedule-trump-rfk-hhs-9b8df9e2767c1261aaac4e2331e77fa3">stopped broadly recommending</a>&nbsp;flu shots for all children, saying instead that it’s up to parents and family doctors to decide.

Meanwhile, work is already underway for next winter’s flu season. Last month, the World Health Organization announced its recommendations for which virus strains to address in the vaccines for the 2026-27 northern hemisphere flu season. The vaccines should be built to handle subclade K, the organization said. This week, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee endorsed the WHO recommendations.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Officials found flu vaccines didn't work that well in the US

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.

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