The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report March 6

Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce

Junction City, KS — Turn the discipline, leadership, and determination gained in military service into a successful business venture. The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2nd Annual Vet EPiC (Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge), an educational program and pitch competition explicitly created for veterans, active duty military members, and military spouses to help them achieve their business goals in the civilian world.

Junction City and Geary County are home to a remarkable veteran and military community — making up nearly 20% of the local population, almost three times the national average of 6.1%. This extensive veteran community is a vital part of the local economy. Fort Riley, home to the 1st Infantry Division, generated approximately $2 billion in direct economic impact in fiscal year 2025, with the total regional impact exceeding $4.4 billion. Supporting our heroes as they transition to civilian life and entrepreneurial ventures strengthens the entire community.

Your Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success

Participants will sharpen their business skills through a four-class business education series designed to prepare them for the live pitch competition:

· Intro to Business: May 12, 2026

· Wrap-Up &amp; Pitch Preparation: June 2, 2026

These sessions provide tools and guidance to help participants develop a solid business plan, refine their ideas, and build confidence for the pitch competition.

The program culminates in a public pitch competition on June 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, where participants will present their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000 in total prize funding.

The pitch event is open to the public — whether you’re competing or cheering on the participants, this is an opportunity to support local veterans, network with entrepreneurs, and celebrate the innovation of our military-connected community.

Entrepreneurs in any stage — from concept to early growth — are encouraged to participate. 

The 2nd Annual Vet EPiC is made possible through the support of Network Kansas, Junction City First, and the C.L. Hoover Opera House, whose partnership helps empower military-connected entrepreneurs in the Flint Hills region.

Learn more and submit an application at: <a href="https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html">https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html</a>.

Space is limited, so early application is encouraged.

“This program is designed to help military-connected entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses,” said Mickey Fornaro-Dean, Director of Economic Development. “The 2nd Annual Vet EPiC provides the tools, mentorship, and visibility needed to move from concept to launch.” 

Contact the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce with questions. 785-762-2632.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772730545035.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Area Chamber of CommerceJunction City, KS — Turn the discipline, leadership, and determination gained in military service into a successful business venture. The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2nd Annual Vet EPiC (Entrepreneur Pitch Challenge), an educational program and pitch competition explicitly created for veterans, active duty military members, and military spouses to help them achieve their business goals in the civilian world.Junction City and Geary County are home to a remarkable veteran and military community — making up nearly 20% of the local population, almost three times the national average of 6.1%. This extensive veteran community is a vital part of the local economy. Fort Riley, home to the 1st Infantry Division, generated approximately $2 billion in direct economic impact in fiscal year 2025, with the total regional impact exceeding $4.4 billion. Supporting our heroes as they transition to civilian life and entrepreneurial ventures strengthens the entire community.Your Pathway to Entrepreneurial SuccessParticipants will sharpen their business skills through a four-class business education series designed to prepare them for the live pitch competition:· Intro to Business: May 12, 2026· Marketing: May 19, 2026· Finance/HR: May 26, 2026· Wrap-Up &amp; Pitch Preparation: June 2, 2026These sessions provide tools and guidance to help participants develop a solid business plan, refine their ideas, and build confidence for the pitch competition.Pitch CompetitionThe program culminates in a public pitch competition on June 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, where participants will present their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000 in total prize funding.The pitch event is open to the public — whether you’re competing or cheering on the participants, this is an opportunity to support local veterans, network with entrepreneurs, and celebrate the innovation of our military-connected community.Who Should ApplyApplications are open to:· Military veterans· Active duty service members· Military spousesEntrepreneurs in any stage — from concept to early growth — are encouraged to participate. Proud Sponsors and PartnersThe 2nd Annual Vet EPiC is made possible through the support of Network Kansas, Junction City First, and the C.L. Hoover Opera House, whose partnership helps empower military-connected entrepreneurs in the Flint Hills region.How to Apply Learn more and submit an application at: <a href="https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html">https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/vet-epic.html</a>.Space is limited, so early application is encouraged.“This program is designed to help military-connected entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses,” said Mickey Fornaro-Dean, Director of Economic Development. “The 2nd Annual Vet EPiC provides the tools, mentorship, and visibility needed to move from concept to launch.” Contact the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce with questions. 785-762-2632.

Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Spouses Invited to Apply for the 2nd Annual Vet EPiC

Marshall-Nemaha-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-
Shawnee-Lyon-Osage-Coffey

 This Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service is for east central Kansas and
northeast Kansas.

.

DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Strong to severe storms are possible Thursday night, mainly after
midnight into early Friday morning. Hail up to one inch in diameter
is the main hazard.

.

DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

There is a greater risk for severe storms Friday afternoon into the
evening. These storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail,
and potentially a few tornadoes.

Marshall-Nemaha-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-
Shawnee-Lyon-Osage-Coffey This Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service is for east central Kansas and
northeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Strong to severe storms are possible Thursday night, mainly after
midnight into early Friday morning. Hail up to one inch in diameter
is the main hazard.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

There is a greater risk for severe storms Friday afternoon into the
evening. These storms could produce damaging wind gusts, large hail,
and potentially a few tornadoes.

Hazardous weather outlook

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansans receiving food assistance can’t buy soda or candy with those dollars beginning in 2027, Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54047-08a03f0a-e32d-46c2-9b36-524fa331e2bb-000000/0T9ZyQ1ireBQHHUS257jy1tmZiFh3-HIbXcpR_BLOjY=447" target="_blank">approved a waiver</a>&nbsp;for the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars, Kelly said in a news release. The Legislature passed a law last year requiring the administration to seek the waiver. Kelly vetoed the law but was overridden by GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.

While the governor said she supports policies that incentivize healthy eating, Kelly encouraged the USDA to develop a strategy to implement such waivers that reduce “confusion and uncertainty” for retailers and recipients.

Kelly referred to confusion across the country about which products are considered candy and soda. Products people think of as candy may not meet the definition under the law, which has caused problems for retailers and recipients in other states. In Louisiana, for instance, soda made with&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2026/02/26/what-foods-are-forbidden-under-louisianas-new-snap-rules-take-our-quiz/" target="_blank">cane sugar is OK to purchase</a>, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.

The Kansas waiver goes into effect Feb. 15, 2027. Kelly’s news release said the state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in the state’s food and sales tax laws:

Instituting the waiver requires four elements, including communication to retailers and recipients, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring and compliance. The Kansas Department for Families and Children is seeking a contractor to help with implementation.

“Kansas is now a part of the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) movement,” said Senate President Ty Masterson in a news release.

MAHA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html" target="_blank">a movement</a>&nbsp;led by U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease epidemic and healthy eating habits.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the waiver approval was a “significant step toward ensuring taxpayer-funded food assistance programs prioritize nutrition and align with the original intent of the program.”

“I’m glad to see this waiver finally moving forward,” he said. “I’m all for helping someone who’s down on their luck but if taxpayer dollars are going toward food assistance, it only makes sense they should support real nutrition, not pop and candy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772720795184.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansans receiving food assistance can’t buy soda or candy with those dollars beginning in 2027, Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday.The U.S. Department of Agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.fns.usda.gov%2Fsnap%2Fwaivers%2Ffoodrestriction/1/0101019cbab54047-08a03f0a-e32d-46c2-9b36-524fa331e2bb-000000/0T9ZyQ1ireBQHHUS257jy1tmZiFh3-HIbXcpR_BLOjY=447" target="_blank">approved a waiver</a>&nbsp;for the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.The state joins 21 other states in restricting candy and soda purchases with SNAP dollars, Kelly said in a news release. The Legislature passed a law last year requiring the administration to seek the waiver. Kelly vetoed the law but was overridden by GOP supermajorities in the House and Senate.While the governor said she supports policies that incentivize healthy eating, Kelly encouraged the USDA to develop a strategy to implement such waivers that reduce “confusion and uncertainty” for retailers and recipients.Kelly referred to confusion across the country about which products are considered candy and soda. Products people think of as candy may not meet the definition under the law, which has caused problems for retailers and recipients in other states. In Louisiana, for instance, soda made with&nbsp;<a href="https://lailluminator.com/2026/02/26/what-foods-are-forbidden-under-louisianas-new-snap-rules-take-our-quiz/" target="_blank">cane sugar is OK to purchase</a>, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.The Kansas waiver goes into effect Feb. 15, 2027. Kelly’s news release said the state will use candy and soda definitions that are already set in the state’s food and sales tax laws:<ul>
 <li>“Candy is defined as a preparation of sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. Candy does not include any preparation containing flour and shall require no refrigeration.</li><li>“Soft drink beverages are defined as nonalcoholic beverages that contain natural or artificial sweeteners. Soft drinks do not include beverages that contain milk or milk products, soy, rice, or similar milk substitutes or beverages that are greater than 50% vegetable or fruit juice by volume.”</li>
 </ul>Instituting the waiver requires four elements, including communication to retailers and recipients, as well as detailed evaluation, monitoring and compliance. The Kansas Department for Families and Children is seeking a contractor to help with implementation.“Kansas is now a part of the MAHA (Make American Healthy Again) movement,” said Senate President Ty Masterson in a news release.MAHA is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html" target="_blank">a movement</a>&nbsp;led by U.S. Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address the chronic disease epidemic and healthy eating habits.House Speaker Dan Hawkins said the waiver approval was a “significant step toward ensuring taxpayer-funded food assistance programs prioritize nutrition and align with the original intent of the program.”“I’m glad to see this waiver finally moving forward,” he said. “I’m all for helping someone who’s down on their luck but if taxpayer dollars are going toward food assistance, it only makes sense they should support real nutrition, not pop and candy.”

Kansans on food assistance can’t buy candy, soda beginning in February 2027

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772723227557.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report March 5

The Kansas Department of Transportation has begun the next phase of interchange improvements at the K-18/I-70 interchange.

Due to this progression of work, traffic has been reduced to one lane from exit 301 at Henry Drive (Marshall Field) to exit 303 at K-18 to continue construction and install safety barrier.

The lane reduction is being extended throughout this portion of the project and is expected to last through August, conditions permitting. Motorists should be aware that additional traffic changes will take place as work continues to progress.

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor for this $27.5 million interchange project and has scheduled the entire project to be completed in fall 2027.

KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has begun the next phase of interchange improvements at the K-18/I-70 interchange.Due to this progression of work, traffic has been reduced to one lane from exit 301 at Henry Drive (Marshall Field) to exit 303 at K-18 to continue construction and install safety barrier.The lane reduction is being extended throughout this portion of the project and is expected to last through August, conditions permitting. Motorists should be aware that additional traffic changes will take place as work continues to progress.King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor for this $27.5 million interchange project and has scheduled the entire project to be completed in fall 2027.

Lane reduction extended at K-18/I-70 in Geary County

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a alleged scam in Manhattan.

Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 400 block of E. Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Deparatment activity report.

 Goodwill reported an unknown suspect scammed an employee into using store funds to pay for a fraudulent business debt. 

The total estimated loss associated with this case is $1,191.80.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772642925462.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a alleged scam in Manhattan.Just after 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 400 block of E. Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Deparatment activity report. Goodwill reported an unknown suspect scammed an employee into using store funds to pay for a fraudulent business debt. The total estimated loss associated with this case is $1,191.80.

RCPD investigating alleged fraud at business in Manhattan

<a target="_blank" href="https://click.give.ksufoundation.org/?qs=eyJkZWtJZCI6IjY3YjMwZDE4LWM1MWEtNGZhZC05NDRmLWYxYTQ3MzUxZTFmMiIsImRla1ZlcnNpb24iOjEsIml2IjoieW1ZdHpSakh1K0FLUmtrUUZHT1Yxdz09IiwiY2lwaGVyVGV4dCI6IjhmNS9jbkdVZVViZm1ob3V3NFkzcnlJZy9SYVpXSDIxV2ovbXVKRHhUdHlZOS9UR0JhckFQczlSUjYvMXp3bVhxaEFKTlF2aVd3ODhuMWprekQ4dkF6NFltdjJCTTBobXltWXR6UmpIdStBS1Jra1FGR09WMXc9PSIsImF1dGhUYWciOiJQSjlZNU13L0x3TStHSnI5Z1ROSVpnPT0ifQ%3D%3D">K-State Day of Giving is back</a>! Get ready for 24 hours of opportunities to support the K-State causes you care about most. &nbsp;Last year, 1,614 Wildcats came together to make a difference — and the results were inspiring. More than $3 million was raised to boost 275 funds spanning academic excellence, groundbreaking research, student success and more.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Help out&nbsp;Learn more about becoming a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.give.ksufoundation.org/?qs=eyJkZWtJZCI6ImQ0YTYwZDRiLTRlY2ItNGJlOS04OTA1LWFjZDk1OGNlNDk1YSIsImRla1ZlcnNpb24iOjEsIml2IjoiVDQ1ZENRU0djYlg5Y0xNcDRiejEydz09IiwiY2lwaGVyVGV4dCI6Ii9aMlVXMmY0SmVhSW5tYmM0Vm5GbDFGNDlmMWFGSGFhTTlmZ01QdVBxR3V3L1pBdTVoVGJUaVptQXZMS1lkRVUya0hkNXE5TlhRSU8rVFRzMnJTN3RNaVM3S0JSN3VjZFQ0NWRDUVNHY2JYOWNMTXA0YnoxMnc9PSIsImF1dGhUYWciOiJEdmswN05xMHU3VElrdXlnVWU3bkhRPT0ifQ%3D%3D">K-State Day of Giving Ambassador</a>.

KSU Foundation<a target="_blank" href="https://click.give.ksufoundation.org/?qs=eyJkZWtJZCI6IjY3YjMwZDE4LWM1MWEtNGZhZC05NDRmLWYxYTQ3MzUxZTFmMiIsImRla1ZlcnNpb24iOjEsIml2IjoieW1ZdHpSakh1K0FLUmtrUUZHT1Yxdz09IiwiY2lwaGVyVGV4dCI6IjhmNS9jbkdVZVViZm1ob3V3NFkzcnlJZy9SYVpXSDIxV2ovbXVKRHhUdHlZOS9UR0JhckFQczlSUjYvMXp3bVhxaEFKTlF2aVd3ODhuMWprekQ4dkF6NFltdjJCTTBobXltWXR6UmpIdStBS1Jra1FGR09WMXc9PSIsImF1dGhUYWciOiJQSjlZNU13L0x3TStHSnI5Z1ROSVpnPT0ifQ%3D%3D">K-State Day of Giving is back</a>! Get ready for 24 hours of opportunities to support the K-State causes you care about most. &nbsp;Last year, 1,614 Wildcats came together to make a difference — and the results were inspiring. More than $3 million was raised to boost 275 funds spanning academic excellence, groundbreaking research, student success and more.&nbsp; &nbsp;Help out&nbsp;Learn more about becoming a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.give.ksufoundation.org/?qs=eyJkZWtJZCI6ImQ0YTYwZDRiLTRlY2ItNGJlOS04OTA1LWFjZDk1OGNlNDk1YSIsImRla1ZlcnNpb24iOjEsIml2IjoiVDQ1ZENRU0djYlg5Y0xNcDRiejEydz09IiwiY2lwaGVyVGV4dCI6Ii9aMlVXMmY0SmVhSW5tYmM0Vm5GbDFGNDlmMWFGSGFhTTlmZ01QdVBxR3V3L1pBdTVoVGJUaVptQXZMS1lkRVUya0hkNXE5TlhRSU8rVFRzMnJTN3RNaVM3S0JSN3VjZFQ0NWRDUVNHY2JYOWNMTXA0YnoxMnc9PSIsImF1dGhUYWciOiJEdmswN05xMHU3VElrdXlnVWU3bkhRPT0ifQ%3D%3D">K-State Day of Giving Ambassador</a>.

On April 8, ’Cats everywhere will come together for one day to celebrate K-State 

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772637254893.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report March 4

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

As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.

“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”

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

Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote. Voting began Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period. The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. Vote daily at AbileneKansas.org/votenow or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/57585/">10Best.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772630460396.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>For the eighth consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town, placing this Kansas community among the top historic destinations in the nation once again.As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”Visitors can:<ul>
 <li>Walk in the footsteps of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum &amp; Boyhood Home and explore the legacy of the Five-Star General and 34th President of the United States</li><li>Ride the rails on the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad, Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad</li><li>Experience cattle town days and Wild West reenactments at Old Abilene Town</li><li>Tour the beautifully preserved Seelye Mansion</li><li>Take a spin on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center</li><li>Discover racing history at the Greyhound Hall of Fame</li><li>Enjoy live performances at Great Plains Theatre</li>
 </ul>From the end of the Chisholm Trail to the hometown of a President who proudly claimed Abilene as his own, this community offers visitors a hands-on journey through America’s story.Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote. Voting began Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period. The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT. Vote daily at AbileneKansas.org/votenow or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/qr/57585/">10Best.com</a>.

America likes Abilene

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

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

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a> <figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750094737253.jpeg" alt="Office" />
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 </figure>

Statewide Tornado Drill

TOPEKA—Cindy MacDonald said she hoped to finish her final year as court clerk for Dickinson County District Court without fanfare.

“I just wanted to retire quietly after 24 years,” she said.

But Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton, 8th Judicial District, wanted MacDonald to experience a rare honor before she retired. He nominated her to be honorary bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court special session in Abilene on March 10.

As bailiff, MacDonald will call the audience to order at 6:30 p.m. as the Supreme Court enters for its special session.

“Cindy is so deserving of this honor,” Sexton said. “She is a tremendous leader whose work ethic is an example for our trial court clerks.”

MacDonald said legal careers run in her family. Her father was one of the first court administrators in Kansas, and her mother was an administrative secretary for judges in Salina.

“I started working part-time at a law firm while I was in high school,” she said. “Both of my sisters also worked for firms, and at one time all three of us were at the same one, but I was the only one who stayed in the field.”

MacDonald began as a legal secretary and later became a certified legal assistant working at various law firms. After 18 years, she was ready for a new challenge.

“When I saw the district court clerk position, I knew it was the right opportunity for me,” she said.

She said it appealed to her because it would allow her to learn more about legal processes beyond the specialized areas of practice in the law firms where she had worked.

“In district court, we handle all case types, so clerks have to know how to process every one of them and also be flexible about change,” she said. “Whether it’s updates to state statutes, changes to court rules, or new processes, being a clerk means you’re always learning something new every day.”

Having worked at both law firms and in the courts, MacDonald said she prefers her current role in the courthouse.

“I love the administrative side of the courts,” she said. “I get to work with the judges, train new trial court clerks, and connect the public with court resources.”

MacDonald said she also enjoys the planning and organizing that go into keeping the court running smoothly, skills she used during the Dickinson County Courthouse renovation in 2021.

The Supreme Court visit to Abilene is part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.

The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the&nbsp;Library Building Indoor Courtyard at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.

After the special session ends, justices will greet the public in an informal reception.

Details about the special session, including the case that will be heard, an explanation of oral argument, and tips for attending in person are at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/324QLG27zYNmrWCecS1zZJFfF4iYRRqzn7AzcYKJMmcoXHZs_Zo1ZQSgGXGG8CH5ZyvCL3gA0MjDqWD_u_FCUkPDIkClk0RWlnATLL-UqRZ_EruvyhfV9f9aGJ1DN61h">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>

TOPEKA—Cindy MacDonald said she hoped to finish her final year as court clerk for Dickinson County District Court without fanfare.“I just wanted to retire quietly after 24 years,” she said.But Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton, 8th Judicial District, wanted MacDonald to experience a rare honor before she retired. He nominated her to be honorary bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court special session in Abilene on March 10.As bailiff, MacDonald will call the audience to order at 6:30 p.m. as the Supreme Court enters for its special session.“Cindy is so deserving of this honor,” Sexton said. “She is a tremendous leader whose work ethic is an example for our trial court clerks.”MacDonald’s career in legal fieldMacDonald said legal careers run in her family. Her father was one of the first court administrators in Kansas, and her mother was an administrative secretary for judges in Salina.“I started working part-time at a law firm while I was in high school,” she said. “Both of my sisters also worked for firms, and at one time all three of us were at the same one, but I was the only one who stayed in the field.”MacDonald began as a legal secretary and later became a certified legal assistant working at various law firms. After 18 years, she was ready for a new challenge.“When I saw the district court clerk position, I knew it was the right opportunity for me,” she said.She said it appealed to her because it would allow her to learn more about legal processes beyond the specialized areas of practice in the law firms where she had worked.“In district court, we handle all case types, so clerks have to know how to process every one of them and also be flexible about change,” she said. “Whether it’s updates to state statutes, changes to court rules, or new processes, being a clerk means you’re always learning something new every day.”Having worked at both law firms and in the courts, MacDonald said she prefers her current role in the courthouse.“I love the administrative side of the courts,” she said. “I get to work with the judges, train new trial court clerks, and connect the public with court resources.”MacDonald said she also enjoys the planning and organizing that go into keeping the court running smoothly, skills she used during the Dickinson County Courthouse renovation in 2021.Supreme Court special session in AbileneThe Supreme Court visit to Abilene is part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the&nbsp;Library Building Indoor Courtyard at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.After the special session ends, justices will greet the public in an informal reception.Attending the special sessionDetails about the special session, including the case that will be heard, an explanation of oral argument, and tips for attending in person are at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/324QLG27zYNmrWCecS1zZJFfF4iYRRqzn7AzcYKJMmcoXHZs_Zo1ZQSgGXGG8CH5ZyvCL3gA0MjDqWD_u_FCUkPDIkClk0RWlnATLL-UqRZ_EruvyhfV9f9aGJ1DN61h">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>

District court clerk to serve as honorary bailiff for Supreme Court visit to Abilene

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553222639.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.</h2>By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.<h2>What history suggests about pump prices</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.<h2>Gas prices could climb even higher</h2>Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report March 3

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.

Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.

“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.

Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.

In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.

“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.

Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.

Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.

“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.

“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.

In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.

Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.

“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”

In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.

Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.

“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”

Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;

“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.

Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.

“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”

Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.

At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.

“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.

“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.

Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.

“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”

Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.

Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.

“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”

This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.

In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.

To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.

Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.

Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.

She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.

Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.

This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.

“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.

Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;

“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.

That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.

“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”

However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”

Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”

Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.

“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”

This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.

Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.

“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772216134151.jpeg" alt="Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.<h2>How did we get here?</h2>Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772215924958.jpeg" alt="From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What caused the flip?</h2>Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.<h2>What about the future?</h2>“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”<h2>Narrowing the gap</h2>Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.<h2>What about lower property taxes for all?</h2>Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.But she agreed with Smith overall.“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

Kansas homeowners carry bigger tax burden than commercial property owners

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.

Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump presents the Medal of Honor to Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson: <a href="https://t.co/VIepwESCPK">pic.twitter.com/VIepwESCPK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028523414508507291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

🎥Fort Riley’s 39th Medal of Honor recipient recognized at White House

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623900641496.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman. He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772471506167.png" alt="Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

MILFORD, KS&nbsp;— The City of Milford, KS and Acorns Resort, in coordination with official data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City, MO, are excited to announce a landmark year for North Central Kansas tourism. In 2025, Milford Lake welcomed&nbsp;1,374,209 visitors, officially cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Sunflower State.

This visitation surge places the state’s largest lake among the elite tier of Kansas outdoor attractions. Outpacing many of the state’s metropolitan cultural icons, Milford Lake’s 1.37 million visitors highlight a growing national trend of travelers seeking high-quality outdoor recreation and "lake life" experiences."

Welcoming 1.37 million people is a massive achievement that underscores the importance of Milford Lake to the local, regional, and state economy," said&nbsp;Mike Harris, Owner of Acorns Resort. "Whether they are here for our fishing, boating, hunting, or hiking the Flint Hills, it is clear that Milford Lake is the heavyweight champion of the Kansas outdoors."

The growth is translating into more than just weekend tourism; it is driving a shift in the regional housing market.

"The impact of Milford Lake’s growth is visible everywhere, even in our housing market," stated&nbsp;Brad Roether, Mayor of the City of Milford. "We are seeing growth across&nbsp;Geary and Clay County&nbsp;because our natural resources, especially the fishing—have turned us into a multi-state regional attraction. People are buying homes here just to be closer to our outdoors; I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it is certainly taking place."

The economic impact of this visitation level is a vital engine for the region, supporting local businesses, infrastructure, and job creation through a massive influx of tourism dollars into North Central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772475057203.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILFORD, KS&nbsp;— The City of Milford, KS and Acorns Resort, in coordination with official data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City, MO, are excited to announce a landmark year for North Central Kansas tourism. In 2025, Milford Lake welcomed&nbsp;1,374,209 visitors, officially cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Sunflower State.This visitation surge places the state’s largest lake among the elite tier of Kansas outdoor attractions. Outpacing many of the state’s metropolitan cultural icons, Milford Lake’s 1.37 million visitors highlight a growing national trend of travelers seeking high-quality outdoor recreation and "lake life" experiences."Welcoming 1.37 million people is a massive achievement that underscores the importance of Milford Lake to the local, regional, and state economy," said&nbsp;Mike Harris, Owner of Acorns Resort. "Whether they are here for our fishing, boating, hunting, or hiking the Flint Hills, it is clear that Milford Lake is the heavyweight champion of the Kansas outdoors."The growth is translating into more than just weekend tourism; it is driving a shift in the regional housing market."The impact of Milford Lake’s growth is visible everywhere, even in our housing market," stated&nbsp;Brad Roether, Mayor of the City of Milford. "We are seeing growth across&nbsp;Geary and Clay County&nbsp;because our natural resources, especially the fishing—have turned us into a multi-state regional attraction. People are buying homes here just to be closer to our outdoors; I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it is certainly taking place."The economic impact of this visitation level is a vital engine for the region, supporting local businesses, infrastructure, and job creation through a massive influx of tourism dollars into North Central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Milford Lake Achieves "Heavyweight" Status with Over 1.3 Million Visitors in 2025

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Sunday in Riley County.

A 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Pamela Martin, 59, of Blue Rapids, slid on ice and crashed on a bridge&nbsp;on Tuttle Creek Blvd near Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Martin to Via Christi Hospital. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Sunday in Riley County.A 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Pamela Martin, 59, of Blue Rapids, slid on ice and crashed on a bridge&nbsp;on Tuttle Creek Blvd near Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Martin to Via Christi Hospital. The RCPD released no additional details.

Kansas woman injured after car crash on icy bridge

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772463873049.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report March 2

The Geary County Sheriff's Office said that on Saturday afternoon Deputies responded to I70 W/B MM 308 for a single vehicle injury accident. Maricris M. Solano of Junction City was traveling westbound in a 2014 Infiniti Q Series when it went off the road, striking a tree. 

Solano was transported to Irwin Army Community Hospital due to her injuries.

The Geary County Sheriff's Office said that on Saturday afternoon Deputies responded to I70 W/B MM 308 for a single vehicle injury accident. Maricris M. Solano of Junction City was traveling westbound in a 2014 Infiniti Q Series when it went off the road, striking a tree. Solano was transported to Irwin Army Community Hospital due to her injuries.

Sheriff's authorities respond to injury accident

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.

The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;

EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

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