A significant fire occured at the <a href="https://www.theridgesalina.com/">Ridge of Salina</a>&nbsp;apartments on Wednesday afternoon, as the investigation is ongoing within first responders to determine the cause of fire.

Salina Fire Department Chief, Shane Pearson stated the fire occurred in the attic of one of the apartment buildings at around 3:00 pm. The interior of the building had significant amounts of smoke and water damage.

Supervisor of the apartments, Edwin Rodriguez said nobody was injured and everyone is safe.&nbsp;

"We followed protocol and the maintenance guys did their job," he said. "Thank God nobody was hurt."

Pearson also confirmed there were no reported injuries.

A resident who lives across from the building that was on fire stated they were simply relaxing inside their room, when they looked out to their window and suddenly saw the fire.&nbsp;

That same resident made the call at around 3:00 pm to let first responders know about the fire.

According to Fire Marshal, Joe Kvacik an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of fire, which could be known by Thursday.

Significant fire at Chapel Ridge apartments, cause of fire unknown

Law enforcement are investigating a stolen vehicle that was taken from a central Salina home.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday at around 6:30 am, a 40-year-old male reported his 2017 white KIA Optima,&nbsp;KS tag:&nbsp;JABOA, had been stolen from his driveway near central Salina.

The only other descriptors for the vehicle were that it had tinted windows, and the wheels are a gun metal gray with black accents.

The vehicle was last seen at about 9:00 pm on Monday. The keys were not in the vehicle when it was stolen.

The vehicle was valued at approximately $9,000.

Law enforcement investigating stolen vehicle taken from central Salina home

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.

NAME:&nbsp;Arneson-Worley,Ashlee Nichole

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin; Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of depressant; Poss of marijuana; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Use/poss drug paraphernalian/human body; Poss of depressant; Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Domestic Battery: rude physical contact&nbsp;

Saline County Jail Bookings, January 14

Two Salina organizations have been awarded state funding through the Governor's office, as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.

Governor Kelly announced on January 7 that over $10.4 million in federal VOCA grant funding will be awarded to 64 community-based organizations and local and state agencies.&nbsp;

The VOCA grant funding comes from the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases.&nbsp;

Those organizations include&nbsp;<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy &amp; Parenting Services </a>(CAPS) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dvack.org/">Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas</a> (DVACK).&nbsp;&nbsp;

DVACK was awarded&nbsp;$369,402 and CAPS&nbsp;$67,677.

"This funding is essential to CAPS being able to provide services to children and families in our community," said Executive Director, Paul Forrester. 

A portion of these funds are used for Chris’s Place Child Advocacy Center and allows the organization to conduct forensic interviews for law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families.&nbsp; 

The other portion will fund their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, providing advocacy and guidance for youth in the Foster Care system.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

"The grant provides just a small portion of the funding necessary to fund both programs, and the funding provided has been continually declining over the past several years resulting in CAPS becoming more and more dependent on private donations and fundraising," said Forrester.

For more info about CAPS, click <a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">here</a>.

For DVACK, the grant will enable the organization to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and elder abuse. The funding supports immediate response services that address both the emotional and physical needs of survivors, as well as ongoing support to help victims stabilize their lives in the aftermath of crime. 

In addition to direct services for primary and secondary victims, DVACK will conduct outreach presentations throughout the service area to identify and connect with crime victims who may need assistance. 

"This funding allows us to continue our mission of providing immediate, compassionate support when victims need it most," said Andrea Quill, CEO of DVACK. "By investing in both our services and our staff, we're ensuring that every person who comes to us receives the comprehensive care they deserve as they work to rebuild their lives." DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.

Moreover, The grant includes a professional development component, providing training opportunities for DVACK personnel who deliver direct services to ensure the highest quality care for survivors.

DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.

For more info about DVACK, click <a href="https://www.dvack.org/">here</a>.

“The&nbsp;services&nbsp;these 64&nbsp;organizations&nbsp;provide&nbsp;are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kansans impacted by crime,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“This&nbsp;crucial&nbsp;funding&nbsp;is vital to these organizations’&nbsp;ability to continue providing the&nbsp;assistance&nbsp;crime victims and survivors&nbsp;need&nbsp;as they&nbsp;rebuild&nbsp;their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of&nbsp;normality.”&nbsp;

The grant funds are made available through the&nbsp;Office for Victims of Crime,&nbsp;a key&nbsp;component&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Office of Justice Programs at the U.S.&nbsp;Department&nbsp;of Justice.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of $10,484,525 was awarded to 64 organizations across the state.

Two Salina organizations awarded state grants to further services and mission

Salina South High School has released the names of all the students who earned Honor Roll for the 2025-2026 fall semester.

The requirements for students to earn Honor Roll is to finish the semester with a 3.0 GPA and no failing grades.

Below you will find a lengthy list of students in alphabetical order by last name, from 9th-12th grades.

Salina South releases lengthy list of students earning Honor Roll for 2025-2026 Fall semester

City-wide celebrations will occur in Salina to observe the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

On Sunday, January 18 at Theatre Salina (303 E Iron Ave)&nbsp;starting at 3:00 pm, there will be a Musical presentation featuring the Salina Symphony Youth Choir, Coro Juvenil Sagrado Corazón and Xcel Ensemble&nbsp;

The theme of the program is "Passing of the torch to the younger generation of civil leaders, as we commemorate the resilience and principles for which Dr. King lived and died."

On Monday, January 19 at&nbsp;St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church&nbsp;(215 S. Chicago St.) starting at 12:00 pm, the annual youth - centered celebration will occur.

Music will include Salina South and Salina Central choirs. Guest speakers are Minister Rodney Garrett, Jr. and Tamia Cheeks, who serves as the State Youth and College President for NAACP Kansas. Cheeks is also the KWU NAACP College Chapter President.

City-wide celebrations for MLK, Jr. Holiday to occur in Salina Jan. 18-19

<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.

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 14 - January 16

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 obituary policy (subject to change)

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.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and 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

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<a href="https://capsofsalina.org/">Child Advocacy and Parenting Services </a>(CAPS) of Salina has shared a PSA following recent community tragedies.

"Our community is grieving the recent tragic deaths of multiple children. These tragedies are heartbreaking, and we hold these children and all who loved them in our thoughts.

Moments like this remind us how important it is to speak openly and compassionately about support. Parenting, and loss, can be overwhelming. Stress, exhaustion, isolation, and fear can build quietly, and sometimes people need help long before a crisis occurs.

CAPS of Salina wants our community to know: you are not alone, and help is available.

CAPS offers programs and resources focused on prevention, education, and family support, as well as Grief Recovery. CAPS is ready to listen and help without judgment, and at no cost.

If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to contact CAPS of Salina or another trusted local resource."

CAPS of Salina releases PSA in light of recent child related tragedies

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2026. 

The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;

Bottom-feeding fish:&nbsp;buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers

Shellfish:&nbsp;mussels, clams and crayfish

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. 

Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger)&nbsp;should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.&nbsp;

&nbsp; White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

&nbsp; Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 or 2 per week&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp; Buffalo (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)

&nbsp; Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; 1 or 2 per month&nbsp;

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep&nbsp;fish larger than 20 inches&nbsp;to:

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/b31b4c16/3pC5m_nydUKmHnVwCZa7ow?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.epa.gov%252Ffish-tech%252Fepa-fda-advice-about-eating-fish-and-shellfish%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery%2523:%7E:text=EPA-FDA%252520Advice%252520about%252520Eating%252520Fish%252520and%252520Shellfish%2525201%2Cfish%252520can%252520provide%252520other%252520health%252520benefits%252520too./1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/7C2fROf_J7rSQtrnXYgHpHsS7OiQ_EuCE66PIwke6Dk=440">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Waterbody-Specific Advisories for All Consumers

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;2 servings per month&nbsp;from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following locations because of PCBs:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following location because of arsenic:

Kansas recommends&nbsp;not eating&nbsp;specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

Waterbodies Affected by Harmful Algae Blooms:

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions:

General Advice for Reducing Exposure to Chemicals in Fish:

Other information from KDHE, KDWP, EPA and the American Heart Association

To view the advisories online – and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6f07c43c/507JP3DMEE6VbtdClBGNSA?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%252F1268%252FFish-Tissue-Contaminant-Monitoring-Progr%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/tJiPkhElR9ODdT-IMAT7Ir-KP1qkchI4szaj0fuvI-U=440">Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program | KDHE, KS</a>.

For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – &nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/99b4a2f0/c9EFK9vtZ0uiMUaA3eHVJA?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fksoutdoors.com%252FFishing%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/2UGJfZ169tEC342j2OEn9zMG_LFzsqO13i_VIWIpc3Y=440">Fishing in Kansas | KDWP</a>.

For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/296a6126/kWO560xU5Uqm1q3e91J3Sg?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.heart.org%252Fen%252Fnews%252F2018%252F05%252F25%252Feating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/BbEYr85phu2X2JIIT5CiDnYXmaNE7toQEKyjEydR5F0=440">Eating fish twice a week reduces heart, stroke risk | American Heart Association</a>.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8e7031db/nlylaavDPEWLyyX9kDdo1Q?u=https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%252F%252Fwww.epa.gov%252Ffish-tech%252Fepa-guidance-developing-fish-advisories%253Futm_medium=email%2526utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019bb81a4d1e-d2cca19b-78e3-4378-b8e0-31abfea2cd3e-000000/h7LS64-DI81zz8Mo2KYHi78s-2xjd7dj15BtCkDnUi4=440">EPA Guidance for Developing Fish Advisories | US EPA</a>.

KDHE & KDWP release Kansas fish consumption advisories for 2026

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, January 12 - January 14

A chance of light rain Friday afternoon is expected to gradually transition into light snow towards the evening.

According to the US National Weather Service, a chance of rain is expected after 1:00 pm with a 50% chance to mix with snow after 4:00 pm.

Portions of central and south-central Kansas could see light snow accumulations up to 1 inch, and slick spots on bridges and overpasses are possible tonight.&nbsp;

A little after 7:00 pm, the mix will likely become all snow.

Higher accumulations are expected across southwest Kansas.

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

Light snow up to 1 inch expected late Friday afternoon and into the evening in central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 9 - January 11

After an activity of showers and thunderstorms to occur late Wednesday night through Thursday, a storm system is expected follow that with light to modest snow accumulations across the region Friday afternoon through night.

The greatest potential for at least a half inch of rain is primarily along and east of I-135.

This is according to the US National Weather Service, but there remains some uncertainty as the weather agency will refine forecast details the next few days.

Chance of snow to occur Friday after upcoming showers and thunderstorms 

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 7 - January 9

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 5 - January 7

Three day weather forecast Salina, January 2 - January 4

Three day weather forecast Salina: New Years Eve & Day, Jan 2.

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 29 - New Years Eve

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Wednesday it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose nationals the Trump administration has deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.

The State Department, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cabinet-marco-rubio-secretary-of-state-nominee-39c378e19d0327a7f091f302daf8ca3e">Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>, said it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-public-charge-trump-benefits-visas-0929b2c8f635479173929300cb683a27">a broader order</a>&nbsp;issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the U.S.

The step builds on earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-travel-ban-countries-immigration-visas-border-9dde0aecb3ffe418266700d9eefef937">immigration and travel bans</a>&nbsp;by the administration on nearly 40 countries and is part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to tighten U.S. entry standards for foreigners.

“The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

The suspension, which will begin Jan. 21, will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, or temporary tourist or business visas, who make up the vast majority of visa seekers. Demand for non-immigrant visas is expected to rise dramatically in the coming months and years due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics both of which the U.S. will host or co-host.

Cable calls for screening of non-immigrant visa applicants

A separate notice sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates said that non-immigrant visa applicants should be screened for the possibility that they might seek public benefits in the United States.

“With the uncovering of massive public benefits fraud across the United States, the Trump administration is laser-focused on eliminating and preventing fraud in public benefits programs,” said the cable that referred specifically to most non-immigrant visa applications and was sent on Monday.

The cable, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, urged consular officers to ensure that foreigners wanting to travel to the U.S. “have been fully vetted and screened” for whether they may rely on public services before they are issued a visa.

The cable noted several times that it is up to the applicant to prove that they would not apply for public benefits while in the U.S. and said consular officers who suspect the applicant might apply should require them to fill out a form proving their financial bona fides.

President Donald Trump's administration has already severely restricted immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of them in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Consular officials must consider a range of personal details

The November guidance on which Wednesday's decision is based directed U.S. Embassy and consulate officials to comprehensively and thoroughly vet visa applicants to demonstrate that they will not need to rely on public benefits from the government any time after their admission in the U.S.

While federal law already required those seeking permanent residency or legal status to prove they wouldn’t be a public charge, Trump in his first term widened the range of benefit programs that could disqualify applicants, and the guidelines in the cable appear to go further in scope.

Immigrants seeking entry into the U.S. already undergo a medical exam by a physician who’s been approved by a U.S. Embassy. They are screened for communicable diseases, like tuberculosis, and asked to disclose any history of drug or alcohol use, mental health conditions or violence. They’re also required to have a number of vaccinations.

The new directive expanded those with more specific requirements. It said consular officials must consider a range of specific details about people seeking visas, including their age, health, family status, finances, education, skills and any past use of public assistance regardless of the country. It also said they should assess applicants’ English proficiency and can do so by conducting interviews in English.

Experts said at the time it could further limit who gets to enter the country at a time when the Republican administration is already&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/refugees-admissions-cap-immigration-trump-administration-197a8ef1c9c219ce6167da4aba3f5a6e">tightening those rules</a>.

The countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

See the list: US suspends immigrant visa processing for these countries

RENO COUNTY —Due to a significant rise in student and staff illness, Fairfield USD 310 will be closed on Thursday, January 15th and Friday, January 16th and all after school activities have been cancelled for Wednesday, according to an online message from Richard Spencer, Superintendent of Schools

The basketball games scheduled for this Thursday and Friday at Skyline have been postponed to a later date as well and there will be no practices held on either of these days.

"The decision was made out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families."

"Our night custodian will be fogging the buildings to help disinfect any germs still hanging around and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Thank you for your understanding and continued support."

Kansas school district cancels classes due to illness

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation Wednesday due to critical fire weather conditions and Red Flag warnings in Western Kansas beginning Thursday, Jan. 15 and continuing through the weekend. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

“Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires in the coming days,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning. Follow your local burn bans and regulations. We all need to do our part to protect our neighbors and communities.”

High winds exceeding 40 mph and humidity levels below 20 percent are expected across the state from Friday through Saturday. These conditions are conducive to rapid fire growth. Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with strong winds will further dry vegetation, creating fire behavior that is not typical for this time of year. Areas of particular concern include northwest Kansas, where no significant precipitation has occurred in more than 50 days.

“The Kansas Forest Service is working closely with our partners to ensure resources are available to support local responders,” Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service said. “In some areas that recently received rainfall, responding vehicles may encounter difficult ground conditions and could become stuck. Wet soils, combined with receptive fuels, may also present challenges for ground resources during suppression efforts.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners starting tomorrow to coordinate state assistance to support counties and local responders if requested

Kan. governor issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, in his final year in the Legislature, centers his rebuttal speech on budget, policy wins

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins underscored the force of the Republican supermajority and its 2025 policy wins in his response to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final State of the State address.

Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, also promised solutions to cost of living issues, health care woes and academic outcomes in K-12 schools during the 2026 legislative session, where Republicans maintained an 88-37 advantage in the House and a 31-9 margin in the Senate.

Kelly’s State of the State speech was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/kansas-governor-revels-in-triumphs-warns-against-succumbing-to-uncivilized-d-c-politics/">part victory lap, part warning</a>. Kelly, who will leave office at the end of 2026, celebrated enticing the Kansas City Chiefs, who will move from Missouri to play in a new stadium in five years, and her seven years in office. And she cautioned against accepting uncivil political discourse as the norm.

It’s Hawkins’ final State of the State response, too, which he prerecorded ahead of Kelly’s address Tuesday. He is running for state insurance commissioner. His&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/13/full-transcript-of-house-speaker-dan-hawkins-response-to-governors-state-of-the-state-address/">rebuttal</a>&nbsp;touted tax relief legislation, and he spoke of prioritizing quality K-12 schools, housing and roads.

Three things, he said, have made a difference in the state budget.

One: A focus on efficiency inspired by the Trump administration’s DOGE, or department of government efficiency. Two: Investing in government functions such as schools, roads, public safety and water. And three: Reducing state spending.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/full-transcript-of-kansas-house-speaker-dan-hawkins-response-to-the-state-of-the-state-speech/">His 2024 speech</a>&nbsp;was laden with critiques of Kelly and the Biden administration, and he vowed at the time to focus on shrinking government, reining in energy costs, improving civil services and cracking down on communist China.

Two years later, he threw fewer jabs. He criticized Kelly for “covering up waste, fraud and abuse” in the state budget and “massive” spending proposals. However, the Republican majority was, by its own authority, responsible in 2025 for proposing, negotiating and passing the state budget.

“The bottom line is we are focusing on the core services of government and doing those things right,” he said. “We’re putting people first, and it’s working. This past year alone, we reduced state spending by over $200 million.”

That figure is in contrast to the 2024-2025 state budget.

Republicans actually reduced spending by $38 million last year compared to the governor’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/25/kansas-house-speaker-wants-to-slash-200-million-from-state-budget-target-medicaid-for-cuts/#:~:text=Despite%20Republicans%20in%20the%20House,Hawkins%20told%20his%20ALEC%20audience.">numbers confirmed in August by his staff</a>.

Hawkins said schools were the Legislature’s No. 1 budget priority. Republicans historically have not always put forth proposals that fully fund public schools, however. He voiced support for a proposed bipartisan cellphone ban in K-12 schools, hypothesizing it could improve test scores.

Health care, he said, is another priority.

“It’s beyond frustrating to see enormous federal and state government funding pumped into the system, and yet costs keep skyrocketing, and middle class families are forced to keep paying more,” he said.

Hawkins has opposed Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has shown in some states to lower state and consumer costs.

The solutions Hawkins sees include improving hospital reimbursements, enhancing telemedicine, improving hospital pricing transparency, lowering prescription costs and creating oversight for the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a $50 billion program established in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to offset the bill’s cuts to rural health providers. He said the fund, if used wisely, has the ability to rightsize health care for rural Kansas communities.”

“Payouts to big hospital systems and programs based on buzzwords instead of actual care, as some have suggested, are not going to cut it,” he said.

He said the 2026 Legislature, “as part of our people-first agenda,” will concentrate on cost of living concerns, including housing, insurance and utility costs.

Hawkins promised to modify tort law to lower insurance costs and deregulate single-family home building to lower housing costs. Quality and affordable housing was identified as a major need, especially in rural communities, in the state’s 2021 Housing Needs Assessment. A growing population and the compounded effects of the 2008 recession have created a housing shortage in Kansas. The Legislature last year passed legislation that will whittle down the state’s low-income housing tax credit program, which helped fund the construction and rehabilitation of low-income rental housing, until it is discontinued in 2028.

Hawkins, who has served 13 years in the Legislature, ended his response by committing Republicans to having Kansans’ backs.

“When I look out on our great state, I see the challenges we face,” he said. “But we’ve faced challenges before.”

Bleeding Kansas, grasshopper plagues, ice storms, prairie fires, tornadoes and the dust bowl, to name a few, he said.

“But Kansas remains undefeated,” he said. “We dust ourselves off, and we confront our problems head on, and we carry on.”

Kansas House Speaker touts Republican supermajority’s ‘people-first agenda’

Women in nearby states with abortion bans might not have to travel so far for the procedure.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/author/khardy/">Kevin Hardy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/"></a><a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The outcome of a trial over Missouri’s abortion regulations could ripple far beyond the state, potentially creating new availability for women in the Midwest and South who can’t access abortion close to home.

As a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2026/01/12/missouri-abortion-rights-trial-focuses-on-two-decades-of-state-restrictions/" target="_blank">weighs the constitutionality</a>&nbsp;of a litany of state restrictions on abortion, the stakes are clear for Missouri women: The decision could hamper access for nearly everyone in the state — or greatly broaden it in ways not seen in decades. That would allow women in a dozen nearby states with abortion bans to travel a shorter distance to access the procedure.

“Opening and reestablishing rights in the state of Missouri would help to alleviate some of the pressure that other states have since so many Southern states have banned abortion,” said Julie Burkhart, the co-owner of Hope Clinic in Granite City, Illinois. “It just seems logical that we would see a shift in migration patterns of patients in the country.”

At her clinic, about a 15-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, Missourians account for about half of all patients, Burkhart said. Though Missouri voters in 2024 enshrined a right to abortion in the state constitution, access has remained&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/12/05/missouri-abortion-legal-access-hinges-courts-rebuilding/" target="_blank">highly limited because of restrictive state laws</a>. Only procedural abortions are available on a limited basis across three Planned Parenthood clinics in the state.

Many of those state laws face legal scrutiny this week as a Missouri judge weighs the constitutionality of regulations targeting abortion providers. Those include a 72-hour waiting period between initial appointments and procedures, mandatory pelvic exams for medication abortions and a ban on telemedicine appointments for medication abortions.

Planned Parenthood affiliates in Missouri argue state restrictions are unconstitutional under 2024’s voter-approved constitutional amendment. Over decades, state restrictions have gutted Missouri’s provider networks, limited appointment availability and ultimately forced abortions to a halt in 2022, before a limited number resumed after the 2024 vote.

Experts and advocates are closely monitoring the Missouri case, which is expected to be appealed regardless of the outcome, because of its practical implications on access in the region. While many women now rely on abortion medication, procedural abortion is still crucial for those seeking later-term abortions or who prefer an in-clinic procedure.

But the two-week bench trial in downtown Kansas City also tests lawmakers’ ability to put in place rules so restrictive that they effectively ban abortion — a practice used by anti-abortion lawmakers in other states looking to limit access to the procedure.

“Judges do not operate in a vacuum,” Burkhart said, “ … and we know for a fact that judges look outside the borders of their state for information and for guidance. I do see this as having national importance.”

That’s especially true in other states also litigating abortion access, including Arizona, Michigan and Ohio, said Rebecca Reingold, an associate director at Georgetown University’s O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law.

While state judges are not bound by the decisions of judges in other states, their deliberations can be informed by court rulings, particularly involving novel legal questions or areas of the law that are evolving.

“There is little doubt that advocates and decision-makers in other states navigating similar legal challenges are closely monitoring the litigation over Missouri’s abortion regulations,” Reingold said.

In the first days of the trial, Planned Parenthood leaders argued that ever-changing state laws and agency regulations have drastically limited access, caused needless red tape and posed privacy risk for their patients.

Dr. Margaret Baum, chief medical officer with St. Louis-based Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, said the Missouri requirements specifically target abortion rather than all other kinds of medical care.

“I provide vasectomies routinely. … And I am not required to have a complication plan, contact a primary care physician, even ask the patient how many miles they live from the health center.”

Baum said state-mandated reporting rules unique to abortion require clinicians to ask the race, education level, marital status and specific location of each patient — none of which is relevant to their care.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers would like to offer abortion services in Springfield, Baum testified. Access in that region would provide an option for rural Missourians, and also could help serve residents in nearby Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, where abortion is almost universally banned.

But the organization’s facilities there do not meet state abortion regulations for physical attributes, including hallway size, doorway size and the number of recliners in recovery rooms, Baum testified.

Lawyers for the state defended Missouri’s restrictions as commonsense safeguards aimed at protecting vulnerable women. The attorney general’s office argued that complication risks of abortion justify additional state regulation — despite professional medical associations saying it’s generally safe. The AG’s office also maintained that Planned Parenthood faced a conflict of interest because of its financial motivations.

“Abortion is a business,” Deputy Solicitor General Peter Donohue said during a procedural argument on Monday. “Your Honor, the plaintiffs are asking to deregulate their profession in order to make more money.”

The state was expected to call as witnesses anti-abortion doctors and activists later in the trial.

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