&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 1:30p.m. February 14,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero passenger vehicle for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver 40-year-old Shane Christopher Garrison, and the passenger 39-year-old Cheyanna Marie Gordon both of Horton were placed under arrest. 

 Garrison was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gordon was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448081084.png" alt="Garrison-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Garrison-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 1:30p.m. February 14,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero passenger vehicle for a traffic infraction in rural Jackson County, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771448137250.png" alt="Gordon photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Gordon photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver 40-year-old Shane Christopher Garrison, and the passenger 39-year-old Cheyanna Marie Gordon both of Horton were placed under arrest. Garrison was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gordon was booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of methampehtamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Traffic stop ruins Valentine's Day for Kansas couple

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Shaun Keller, 47, Augusta, was northbound in the right lane of Interstate 135 near Rock Road. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall.

Keller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Morgue. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Honda motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Shaun Keller, 47, Augusta, was northbound in the right lane of Interstate 135 near Rock Road. The motorcycle traveled off the left side of the road and struck the barrier wall.Keller was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Morgue. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after motorcycle crash into barrier wall

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;and opposing lawyers dueled in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where the Meta CEO answered questions about young people’s use of Instagram, his congressional testimony and internal advice he’s received about being “authentic” and not “robotic.”

Zuckerberg's testimony is part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">unprecedented social media trial</a>&nbsp;that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children.

As of early afternoon, Zuckerberg has not directly answered the central question of the case: whether Instagram is addictive. The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, asked if people tend to use something more if it’s addictive.

“I’m not sure what to say to that,” Zuckerberg said. “I don’t think that applies here.”

Attorneys representing the plaintiff, a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, claim her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">TikTok and Snap have settled.</a>

Beginning his questioning, Lanier laid out three options of what people can do regarding vulnerable people: help them, ignore them, or “prey upon them and use them for our own ends.” Zuckerberg said he agrees the last option is not what a reasonable company should do, saying, “I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”

When he was asked about his compensation, Zuckerberg said he has pledged to give “almost all” of his money to charity, focusing on scientific research. Lanier asked him how much money he has pledged to victims impacted by social media, to which Zuckerberg replied, “I disagree with the characterization of your question.”

Lanier questioned the Meta CEO extensively about a comment he made during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">past congressional hearing</a>, where he said Instagram employees are not given goals to increase amount of time people spent on the platform.

Lanier presented internal documents that seemed to contradict that statement. Zuckerberg replied that they previously had goals associated with time, but said he and the company made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility. He said he believes in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”

Lanier also asked Zuckerberg about what he characterized as extensive media training, including for testimonies like the one he was giving in court. Lanier pointed to an internal document about feedback on Zuckerberg's tone of voice on his own social media, imploring him to come off as “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and instructing him to “not try hard, fake, robotic, corporate or cheesy” in his communication.

Zuckerberg pushed back against the idea that he’s been coached on how to respond to questions or present himself, saying those offering the advice were “just giving feedback.”

Regarding his media appearances and public speaking, Zuckerberg said, “I think I’m actually well known to be sort of bad at this.”

The Meta CEO has long been mocked online for appearing robotic and, when he was younger, nervous when speaking publicly. In 2010, during an interview with renowned tech journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, he was sweating so profusely that Swisher asked him if he wanted to “take off the hoodie” that was his uniform at the time.

Lanier spent a considerable stretch of his limited time with Zuckerberg asking about the company’s age verification policies.

“I don’t see why this is so complicated,” Zuckerberg said after a lengthy back-and-forth, reiterating that the company’s policy restricts users under the age of 13 and that they work to detect users who have lied about their ages to bypass restrictions.

Zuckerberg mostly stuck to his talking points, referencing his goal of building a platform that is valuable to users and, on multiple occasions, saying he disagreed with Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions or of Zuckerberg’s own comments.

Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">Congress about youth safety</a>&nbsp;on Meta's platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through,” he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg stands before a jury. Once again, bereaved parents are sitting in the courtroom audience.

The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are likely to play out.

A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the allegations in the lawsuit and said they are “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

One of Meta's attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather disputing that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.

Zuckerberg's testimony comes a week after that of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-mark-zuckerberg-richard-blumenthal-facebook-c242e1cd4ded5f09a6830eb232f2d8a3">Adam Mosseri</a>, the head of Meta's Instagram, who said in the courtroom that he disagrees with the idea that people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms. Mosseri maintained that Instagram works hard to protect young people using the service, and said it's “not good for the company, over the long run, to make decisions that profit for us but are poor for people’s well-being.”

Much of Mosseri's questioning from the plaintiff's lawyer centered on cosmetic filters on Instagram that changed people’s appearance — a topic that Lanier is sure to revisit with Zuckerberg. He is also expected to face questions about Instagram’s algorithm, the infinite nature of Meta’s feeds and other features the plaintiffs argue are designed to get users hooked.

Meta is also facing a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;that began last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771446874527.jpeg" alt="Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)" />
 <figcaption>Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for a landmark trial over whether social media platforms deliberately addict and harm children, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mark-zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a>&nbsp;and opposing lawyers dueled in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, where the Meta CEO answered questions about young people’s use of Instagram, his congressional testimony and internal advice he’s received about being “authentic” and not “robotic.”Zuckerberg's testimony is part of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a">unprecedented social media trial</a>&nbsp;that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addict and harm children.As of early afternoon, Zuckerberg has not directly answered the central question of the case: whether Instagram is addictive. The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, asked if people tend to use something more if it’s addictive.“I’m not sure what to say to that,” Zuckerberg said. “I don’t think that applies here.”Attorneys representing the plaintiff, a now 20-year-old woman identified by the initials KGM, claim her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trial-kids-addiction-meta-tiktok-youtube-d3a6bf617f2d11521675412ffb275031">TikTok and Snap have settled.</a>Beginning his questioning, Lanier laid out three options of what people can do regarding vulnerable people: help them, ignore them, or “prey upon them and use them for our own ends.” Zuckerberg said he agrees the last option is not what a reasonable company should do, saying, “I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”When he was asked about his compensation, Zuckerberg said he has pledged to give “almost all” of his money to charity, focusing on scientific research. Lanier asked him how much money he has pledged to victims impacted by social media, to which Zuckerberg replied, “I disagree with the characterization of your question.”Lanier questioned the Meta CEO extensively about a comment he made during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">past congressional hearing</a>, where he said Instagram employees are not given goals to increase amount of time people spent on the platform.Lanier presented internal documents that seemed to contradict that statement. Zuckerberg replied that they previously had goals associated with time, but said he and the company made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility. He said he believes in the “basic assumption” that “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”Lanier also asked Zuckerberg about what he characterized as extensive media training, including for testimonies like the one he was giving in court. Lanier pointed to an internal document about feedback on Zuckerberg's tone of voice on his own social media, imploring him to come off as “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and instructing him to “not try hard, fake, robotic, corporate or cheesy” in his communication.Zuckerberg pushed back against the idea that he’s been coached on how to respond to questions or present himself, saying those offering the advice were “just giving feedback.”Regarding his media appearances and public speaking, Zuckerberg said, “I think I’m actually well known to be sort of bad at this.”The Meta CEO has long been mocked online for appearing robotic and, when he was younger, nervous when speaking publicly. In 2010, during an interview with renowned tech journalists Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, he was sweating so profusely that Swisher asked him if he wanted to “take off the hoodie” that was his uniform at the time.Lanier spent a considerable stretch of his limited time with Zuckerberg asking about the company’s age verification policies.“I don’t see why this is so complicated,” Zuckerberg said after a lengthy back-and-forth, reiterating that the company’s policy restricts users under the age of 13 and that they work to detect users who have lied about their ages to bypass restrictions.Zuckerberg mostly stuck to his talking points, referencing his goal of building a platform that is valuable to users and, on multiple occasions, saying he disagreed with Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions or of Zuckerberg’s own comments.Zuckerberg has testified in other trials and answered questions from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-tiktok-snap-discord-zuckerberg-testify-senate-00754a6bea92aaad62585ed55f219932">Congress about youth safety</a>&nbsp;on Meta's platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was “sorry for everything you have all been through,” he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg stands before a jury. Once again, bereaved parents are sitting in the courtroom audience.The case, along with two others, has been selected as a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are likely to play out.A Meta spokesperson said the company strongly disagrees with the allegations in the lawsuit and said they are “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”One of Meta's attorneys, Paul Schmidt, said in his opening statement that the company is not disputing that KGM experienced mental health struggles, but rather disputing that Instagram played a substantial factor in those struggles. He pointed to medical records that showed a turbulent home life, and both he and an attorney representing YouTube argue she turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism or a means of escaping her mental health struggles.Zuckerberg's testimony comes a week after that of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-mark-zuckerberg-richard-blumenthal-facebook-c242e1cd4ded5f09a6830eb232f2d8a3">Adam Mosseri</a>, the head of Meta's Instagram, who said in the courtroom that he disagrees with the idea that people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms. Mosseri maintained that Instagram works hard to protect young people using the service, and said it's “not good for the company, over the long run, to make decisions that profit for us but are poor for people’s well-being.”Much of Mosseri's questioning from the plaintiff's lawyer centered on cosmetic filters on Instagram that changed people’s appearance — a topic that Lanier is sure to revisit with Zuckerberg. He is also expected to face questions about Instagram’s algorithm, the infinite nature of Meta’s feeds and other features the plaintiffs argue are designed to get users hooked.Meta is also facing a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">trial in New Mexico</a>&nbsp;that began last week.

Facebook founder quizzed on kids' social media use in landmark trial

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.

The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.

But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.

Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.

“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.

The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593022262288.png" alt="Post photo" />
 <figcaption>Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Agrochemical maker Bayer and attorneys for cancer patients announced a proposed $7.25 billion settlement Tuesday to resolve thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its popular weedkiller Roundup could cause cancer.The proposed settlement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-bayer-roundup-glyphosate-cancer-2e8e03708f125a84999259e624fb695c">preparing to hear arguments</a>&nbsp;on Bayer's assertion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should invalidate claims filed in state courts. That case would not be affected by the proposed settlement.But the settlement would eliminate some of the risk from an eventual and uncertain Supreme Court ruling — both for Bayer and for patients seeking damages.Germany-based Bayer, which acquired Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018, disputes the assertion that the weedkiller's key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. But the company has warned that mounting legal costs are threatening its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. agricultural markets.“Litigation uncertainly has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure,” Bayer CEO Bill Anderson said Tuesday.The proposed settlement was filed in St. Louis Circuit Court in Missouri, home to Bayer's North America crop science division and the state where many of the lawsuits have been brought. The settlement still needs the court's approval.

Bayer agrees to $7 billion settlement in Roundup cancer lawsuits

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 will soon be required to use the bathroom of their biological sex at birth in all government buildings after the House joined the Senate Wednesday to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 244</a>&nbsp;will go into effect immediately after paperwork is filed at the Secretary of State’s office. Along with the public facilities regulations, the bill requires Kansans to use the gender marker of their biological sex at birth on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. It invalidates documents that were issued to transgender people previously.&nbsp;

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260218120124_975402/" target="_blank">vote was 87 to 37</a>, with Republican Rep. Mark Schreiber joining all Democrats present in opposing the bill. It passed the Senate on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Kelly said in a statement after her veto was overridden that the bill was poorly drafted and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars to comply.&nbsp;

“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem,” she said. “Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”

Just four Democratic opponents were able to debate the bill before Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, made a motion of the previous question, which means all debate stops and a vote is immediately taken.

Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the legislation was discriminatory and “paints a bullseye” on the backs of legislative colleagues who are trans women, including Rep. Abi Boatman, D-Wichita, and former representative Stephanie Byers, a Democrat from Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I feel safer in a restroom with those representatives than I do or would with some people here, including women, and I’m not even joking about that,” she said.&nbsp;

Rep. Alexis Simmons, D-Topeka, said she took issue with a statement that the bill codifies societal norms.&nbsp;

“We used to also have a law that women were subjugated to pregnancy and marriage because that was considered the societal norm,” she said. “Societal norms also would have included slavery and Jim Crow and other horrific stains on our nation’s history.”

Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said evidence shows that bills like SB 244 negatively impact the mental health of trans people and cause “hateful stereotypes.”&nbsp;

“Attempting to legislate away the rights of people who are different from you has played out in history time and again,” she said. “So I want to ask which side of history does this body want to be on today?”

After debate was shut down, many Democratic opponents used the one-minute opportunity to explain their vote to show support for trans people and their frustration with the bill.&nbsp;

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, R-Edwardsville, supported the bill and voted to overturn the veto.&nbsp;

“Our young women deserve to have restrooms and locker rooms where they can undress without men in the room. This bill protects girls and women, the ones feminists used to claim to stand for,” she said.&nbsp;

Along with opposing the bill, several Democrats talked about the fact that debate was cut short Wednesday, and that the process allowed no public input on the bathroom restrictions.&nbsp;

“Statesmanship requires the willingness to listen to those you disagree with, to care when you are exhausted, and to respect when you are not willing to,” said Rep. Kirk Haskins, D-Topeka. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. They deserve our protection, even if we don’t want to listen to them.”

Rep. Lynn Melton, D-Kansas City, said lawmakers were silenced during the debate on SB 244.&nbsp;

“Kansans want tax relief and affordability,” she said. “Fourteen voices were silenced today that represent thousands of people who deserve to be heard. Shame on this chamber.”

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in a statement that SB 244 protects privacy and safety.&nbsp;

“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” he said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion.”

Advocacy groups joined in a written statement criticizing the passage of SB 244 and raising concerns about its effects.&nbsp;

“This discriminatory bill undermines our state’s strong constitutional protections against government overreach and persecution,” said Micah&nbsp; Kubic, executive director of ACLU of Kansas.

Michael Poppa, executive director of Mainstream Coalition, said the legislativesupermajority was targeting an already marginalized community.&nbsp;

“Kansas families are being crushed by rising housing and healthcare costs. Small businesses face workforce shortages,” he said. “Rural communities are losing hospitals and struggling with failing infrastructure. These are the issues that demand action.”

Other organizations included in the statement were&nbsp;Equality Kansas, Kansas Interfaith Action, Loud Light Civic Action and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771449237283.png" alt=" Rep. Heather Meyer debates the “bathroom bill” that passed the House Feb. 18, 2026. She says it paints a “bullseye” on trans people. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Heather Meyer debates the “bathroom bill” that passed the House Feb. 18, 2026. She says it paints a “bullseye” on trans people. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</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 will soon be required to use the bathroom of their biological sex at birth in all government buildings after the House joined the Senate Wednesday to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 244</a>&nbsp;will go into effect immediately after paperwork is filed at the Secretary of State’s office. Along with the public facilities regulations, the bill requires Kansans to use the gender marker of their biological sex at birth on their driver’s licenses and birth certificates. It invalidates documents that were issued to transgender people previously.&nbsp;The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260218120124_975402/" target="_blank">vote was 87 to 37</a>, with Republican Rep. Mark Schreiber joining all Democrats present in opposing the bill. It passed the Senate on Tuesday.&nbsp;Kelly said in a statement after her veto was overridden that the bill was poorly drafted and will cost taxpayers millions of dollars to comply.&nbsp;“It is nothing short of ridiculous that the Legislature is forcing the entire state, every city and town, every school district, every public university to spend taxpayer money on a manufactured problem,” she said. “Kansans elected them to focus on education, job creation, housing, and grocery costs.”Just four Democratic opponents were able to debate the bill before Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, made a motion of the previous question, which means all debate stops and a vote is immediately taken.Rep. Heather Meyer, an Overland Park Democrat, said the legislation was discriminatory and “paints a bullseye” on the backs of legislative colleagues who are trans women, including Rep. Abi Boatman, D-Wichita, and former representative Stephanie Byers, a Democrat from Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I feel safer in a restroom with those representatives than I do or would with some people here, including women, and I’m not even joking about that,” she said.&nbsp;Rep. Alexis Simmons, D-Topeka, said she took issue with a statement that the bill codifies societal norms.&nbsp;“We used to also have a law that women were subjugated to pregnancy and marriage because that was considered the societal norm,” she said. “Societal norms also would have included slavery and Jim Crow and other horrific stains on our nation’s history.”Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said evidence shows that bills like SB 244 negatively impact the mental health of trans people and cause “hateful stereotypes.”&nbsp;“Attempting to legislate away the rights of people who are different from you has played out in history time and again,” she said. “So I want to ask which side of history does this body want to be on today?”After debate was shut down, many Democratic opponents used the one-minute opportunity to explain their vote to show support for trans people and their frustration with the bill.&nbsp;Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, R-Edwardsville, supported the bill and voted to overturn the veto.&nbsp;“Our young women deserve to have restrooms and locker rooms where they can undress without men in the room. This bill protects girls and women, the ones feminists used to claim to stand for,” she said.&nbsp;Along with opposing the bill, several Democrats talked about the fact that debate was cut short Wednesday, and that the process allowed no public input on the bathroom restrictions.&nbsp;“Statesmanship requires the willingness to listen to those you disagree with, to care when you are exhausted, and to respect when you are not willing to,” said Rep. Kirk Haskins, D-Topeka. “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. They deserve our protection, even if we don’t want to listen to them.”Rep. Lynn Melton, D-Kansas City, said lawmakers were silenced during the debate on SB 244.&nbsp;“Kansans want tax relief and affordability,” she said. “Fourteen voices were silenced today that represent thousands of people who deserve to be heard. Shame on this chamber.”Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in a statement that SB 244 protects privacy and safety.&nbsp;“While the Governor fearmongers and muddies the water with her misleading veto message, our position remains steady: This isn’t about scoring political points, but doing what’s right for women and girls across our communities,” he said. “Kansans expect clarity, not confusion.”Advocacy groups joined in a written statement criticizing the passage of SB 244 and raising concerns about its effects.&nbsp;“This discriminatory bill undermines our state’s strong constitutional protections against government overreach and persecution,” said Micah&nbsp; Kubic, executive director of ACLU of Kansas.Michael Poppa, executive director of Mainstream Coalition, said the legislativesupermajority was targeting an already marginalized community.&nbsp;“Kansas families are being crushed by rising housing and healthcare costs. Small businesses face workforce shortages,” he said. “Rural communities are losing hospitals and struggling with failing infrastructure. These are the issues that demand action.”Other organizations included in the statement were&nbsp;Equality Kansas, Kansas Interfaith Action, Loud Light Civic Action and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes.

Kan. House overrides veto; ‘bathroom bill’ limiting access to facilities will become law 

COMANCHE COUNTY—A grass fire in Comanche County is moving to the north with localized evacuations occurring, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp;

Multiple fire agencies from Barber County are responding to assist The fire was at Comanche County Hwy 160 just 7 miles East of Coldwater, according to Comanche County Emergency Management. There are no reports of injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450592716.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Comanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Comanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>COMANCHE COUNTY—A grass fire in Comanche County is moving to the north with localized evacuations occurring, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450573183.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771450745700.png" alt="Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Photos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.brosius.79?__cft__[0]=AZZ0x5kebWoA70WswpH37GaRt4l1zYOjfmPNPCLmyhlxOZvTz2K4EBQRY4UF5Dp6qboVp0EA6CuuVHgX1ROA88Wym67ObWEA5MzUqfZ4RQ6rVmMrldxKxyqB1fr37ZsAeg7ibV1YdtCR_9flaGrFivQ-CemyIRjlh163FC54DrH4ULEDzOh_nrE4HHo2vYvN9V8&amp;__tn__=R-R">Emily Brosius</a>, Commanche County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple fire agencies from Barber County are responding to assist The fire was at Comanche County Hwy 160 just 7 miles East of Coldwater, according to Comanche County Emergency Management. There are no reports of injuries.

Evacuations underway: Grass fire in south central Kansas

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. 

Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771446345811.png" alt="Image from KC Scout camera" />
 <figcaption>Image from KC Scout camera</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KCPD: One dead after 4-vehicle I-70 crash

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></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 — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.

Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.

She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.

Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.

Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.

Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.

“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”

Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.

Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.

The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.

Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.

Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.

Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.

“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771439449816.jpeg" alt=" Republican Reps. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, and Sean Tarwater, of Stilwell, are on opposing sides of a bill to ban cellphones in all public and accredited nonpublic schools. They appear here on the House floor on April 6, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican Reps. Kristey Williams, of Augusta, and Sean Tarwater, of Stilwell, are on opposing sides of a bill to ban cellphones in all public and accredited nonpublic schools. They appear here on the House floor on April 6, 2023, in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/"></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 — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

Kansas cellphone ban applying to both public and private schools clears House 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771350885552.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH " />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation in 2023-courtesy KWCH </figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690507120194.png" alt="Ramirez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Ramirez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson."We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."--------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.

Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771434448501.png" alt="Clark County google map" />
 <figcaption>Clark County google map</figcaption>
 </figure>CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Last night, my team and I traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock. This fire is serious and causing significant damage. If you’re in the area, stay alert and follow the guidance of local authorities. <a href="https://t.co/Sbl0yMHUFj">pic.twitter.com/Sbl0yMHUFj</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/2024122310869885273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

2 firefighters injured fighting southwest Kansas wildfire 

SEWARD COUNTY —Liberal, Kansas, took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race

&nbsp;McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page.

This year’s competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney’s top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn’t enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory.

With this latest win, Liberal continues to dominate the long-standing international rivalry:

SEWARD COUNTY —Liberal, Kansas, took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race&nbsp;McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid01MpAiTEPsJTmLauWQAfF7i5BnQuAUMEUJfJmyz6jyLzHs9wxWXRhAAz1HVLagkvel%26id%3D100064734424000&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="474" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>This year’s competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney’s top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn’t enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory.2026 International Race Results<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771428133091.png" alt="&nbsp;Image courtesy International Pancake Day" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Image courtesy International Pancake Day</figcaption>
 </figure>The StandingsWith this latest win, Liberal continues to dominate the long-standing international rivalry:Liberal, Kansas: 43 WinsOlney, England: 31 WinsNo Contest: 3

🎥Kansas wins 77th International Pancake Day race

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a series of homicides over the past week in Kansas City, Missouri

Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the VA hospital in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim, later identified as 46-year-old Richard Ennis was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located Ennis lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.

Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.&nbsp;

Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.&nbsp; The women who died have been identified as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim was reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.

Just after 5:30p.m. Feb 12, police were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe.

On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located a male shooting victim later identified as 25-year-old Terrion M. Johnson. unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and Johnson ran to the south where he was located.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just after 8p.m. Feb. 11, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;

On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.

The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;

Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.

At 9:30p.m. Feb. 10, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with shooting victims identified as 26-year-old Brittnee McMillon and and 28-year-old Jerrell Westmoreland.unresponsive inside.&nbsp;

Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators processed the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police have not released details on possible suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770981892242.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation near&nbsp;20th and Monroe on Thursday-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation near&nbsp;20th and Monroe on Thursday-photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a series of homicides over the past week in Kansas City, Missouri<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">As our community grieves the loss of Eboni Silas and Tishauna Ballard and prays for the recovery of other victims, the City’s multidisciplinary public safety task force will work to investigate any violations that evening that could have helped prevent what happened. I also ask… <a href="https://t.co/8dapWNDcip">pic.twitter.com/8dapWNDcip</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/2023871889882419646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Just before 2p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to the VA hospital in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.Upon officers arrival, they contacted several individuals who had stated the shooting occurred in the 2900 block of Brighton Avenue. The victim, later identified as 46-year-old Richard Ennis was transported by private conveyance to the VA hospital for medical treatment. VA hospital staff advised officers he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary information provided by a witness stated that she was inside of her residence when she heard several sounds of shots outside of her home. She exited the residence and located Ennis lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. An adult male suspect was seen entering an unknown vehicle and left the area in an unknown direction.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest.Just after 2a.m. Sunday Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were in the area of 28th and Southwest Boulevard working off duty for a nightclub/bar business there when they heard the sound of gunfire inside the bar, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.At the same time 911 received calls for a shooting inside the business.&nbsp;On arrival officers were led inside the business where they located 3 adult female shooting victims.&nbsp;Officers began rendering aid and called for EMS to come in.&nbsp;EMS declared one shooting victim deceased at the scene. EMS&nbsp; then transported the other two victims to the hospital for treatment. At the hospital one of the two victims was declared deceased, and the other victim has what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries, according to Becchina.&nbsp; The women who died have been identified as 29-year-old Eboni Silas and 24-year-old Tishauna Ballard, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.While officers were at the scene they were notified of a 4th shooting victim, an adult male, who arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. That victim was reported to be in critical condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary information indicates the victims were inside the business when there was an interaction with one or more suspects that escalated and led to shots being fired which struck the victims.&nbsp; Police have not released any details on a possible suspect.Just after 5:30p.m. Feb 12, police were dispatched to 20th and Monroe on a sound of shots call in the area. 911 received multiple additional calls of sound of shots and eventually one call reporting a shooting victim down in a wooded area of a series of vacant lots in the 2000 block of Monroe.On arrival officers made their way into the vacant lots and located a male shooting victim later identified as 25-year-old Terrion M. Johnson. unresponsive there. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS responded and took over aid. They eventually declared the victim deceased here at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary indication indicates the shooting occurred on 20th street between Askew and Monroe and Johnson ran to the south where he was located.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just after 8p.m. Feb. 11, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting in 1500 block of E 59th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.&nbsp; The caller advised there was a person outside that appeared to be injured and needed help.&nbsp;On arrival officers located a victim later identified as 28-year-old&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet in front of a residence there. Norfleet told officers he had been shot at a nearby location near an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road.The victim was unable to provide any additional information regarding suspects.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who transported the victim to the hospital with life threatening injuries.&nbsp;Additional officers responded to the area described by the victim in the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road and located evidence of a crime scene at that location.&nbsp;Detectives and Crime Scene investigators began conducing investigation and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp;Later in the evening detectives were notified from the hospital that&nbsp;Jamon Norfleet had died.At 9:30p.m. Feb. 10, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. Armour Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri, on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.Multiple callers reported the sound of gunfire from behind an apartment building there. On arrival officers were directed to a parking lot in the back of an apartment building where they located a vehicle with shooting victims identified as 26-year-old Brittnee McMillon and and 28-year-old Jerrell Westmoreland.unresponsive inside.&nbsp;Officers called for EMS who declared both victims deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives responded to the scene to conduct their investigation along with crime scene investigators processed the scene for available evidence.&nbsp; Police have not released details on possible suspects.

KCPD: 7 dead after violent week in Kansas City

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate overrode Gov Laura Kelly’s veto on Tuesday, putting the state one step closer to forcing people to use bathrooms in government buildings that match their biological sex at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 244</a>&nbsp;was overturned by the Senate, with votes falling along party lines.&nbsp;

As the vote was finalized in the Senate, Rabbi Moti Rieber shouted in anger from the gallery.&nbsp;

“First they came for the trans people, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t trans,” he yelled.&nbsp;

Rieber was referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://hmd.org.uk/resource/first-they-came-by-pastor-martin-niemoller/" target="_blank">well-known writing</a>&nbsp;by a German minister after the Holocaust.&nbsp;

As he was escorted out, Rieber continued to shout, telling the Senate, “Shame on you.”&nbsp;

Sen. Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said the bill is the result of a “culture war” and does not serve Kansans well.&nbsp;

“Issues like this bill make us a less attractive place for businesses to relocate and start,” she said. “We are poised to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in just over 100 days. The World Cup is supposed to bring millions of dollars to our region, and we should not be putting that economic impact at risk by playing political games in fighting culture wars.”

Sykes yielded to Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overand Park, taking away the chance for Republicans to “call the question,” a term that would stop debate and put the bill directly to a vote.&nbsp;

Someone from the Republican side of the Senate called the question after Sykes began talking, but Senate President Ty Masterson said she could continue.&nbsp;

Holscher challenged the Republican-led majority to show evidence that sexual assaults occur in bathrooms by trans people. She quoted various studies to back up her calculations that Kansans have a .00083% chance of being assaulted by a trans person in a restroom.&nbsp;

“You are eight times more likely to get struck by lightning,” Holscher said. “You’re 50 times more likely to die in a car crash, you’re 100 times more likely to be killed by gun violence, and you are 3,500 times more likely to be sexually assaulted by a man.”

Sens. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, and David Haley, D-Kansas City, both Democrats from Wyandotte County that will host the World Cup, said they are concerned about economic development impacts.&nbsp;

“This body continues to debate and pass legislation that places a heavy financial burden on our communities without providing them with additional resources,” Pettey said. “We are hosting the World Cup this summer. We are being put in a global spotlight. The Kansas Legislature should be focused on job creation, strengthening our workforce and attracting and retaining top talent. Where one goes to the bathroom does not grow our economy.”

Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, closed the short debate expressing concerns about children seeing someone of the opposite sex in the bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;

“That’s what this bill is about. It’s not about economic impact,” she said.

In a statement, Senate President Ty Masterson said the Senate “restored sanity” in overturning Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

“Kansas Democrats are for They/Them,” he said.&nbsp;

After the veto was overturned, Rieber expressed his frustration at the danger he believes the bill creates for trans people. He referred to a section of the bill that requires all gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates to match a person’s biological sex at birth.

“This bill is gratuitous. This bill is absolutely unnecessary,” he said. “Think about when you take out your driver’s license — at the liquor store, when you’re cashing a check, voting, if a cop pulls you over. You’re outing yourself every time somebody sees your driver’s license. It’s very dangerous for trans people to be outed, and we’re putting them at risk.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771422834835.png" alt=" Sen. Cindy Holscher gave the Kansas Senate a rough estimate of how likely they were to be assaulted in a bathroom by a trans person, determining their risk was .00083%. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Cindy Holscher gave the Kansas Senate a rough estimate of how likely they were to be assaulted in a bathroom by a trans person, determining their risk was .00083%. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector</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 — The Kansas Senate overrode Gov Laura Kelly’s veto on Tuesday, putting the state one step closer to forcing people to use bathrooms in government buildings that match their biological sex at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 244</a>&nbsp;was overturned by the Senate, with votes falling along party lines.&nbsp;As the vote was finalized in the Senate, Rabbi Moti Rieber shouted in anger from the gallery.&nbsp;“First they came for the trans people, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t trans,” he yelled.&nbsp;Rieber was referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://hmd.org.uk/resource/first-they-came-by-pastor-martin-niemoller/" target="_blank">well-known writing</a>&nbsp;by a German minister after the Holocaust.&nbsp;As he was escorted out, Rieber continued to shout, telling the Senate, “Shame on you.”&nbsp;Sen. Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said the bill is the result of a “culture war” and does not serve Kansans well.&nbsp;“Issues like this bill make us a less attractive place for businesses to relocate and start,” she said. “We are poised to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in just over 100 days. The World Cup is supposed to bring millions of dollars to our region, and we should not be putting that economic impact at risk by playing political games in fighting culture wars.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771422794802.png" alt="Kansas Senate security personnel remove Rabbi Moti Rieber from a Senate hearing after. he shouted, “Shame on you” when the Senate overturned the veto of a “bathroom bill.” (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate security personnel remove Rabbi Moti Rieber from a Senate hearing after. he shouted, “Shame on you” when the Senate overturned the veto of a “bathroom bill.” (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sykes yielded to Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overand Park, taking away the chance for Republicans to “call the question,” a term that would stop debate and put the bill directly to a vote.&nbsp;Someone from the Republican side of the Senate called the question after Sykes began talking, but Senate President Ty Masterson said she could continue.&nbsp;Holscher challenged the Republican-led majority to show evidence that sexual assaults occur in bathrooms by trans people. She quoted various studies to back up her calculations that Kansans have a .00083% chance of being assaulted by a trans person in a restroom.&nbsp;“You are eight times more likely to get struck by lightning,” Holscher said. “You’re 50 times more likely to die in a car crash, you’re 100 times more likely to be killed by gun violence, and you are 3,500 times more likely to be sexually assaulted by a man.”Sens. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, and David Haley, D-Kansas City, both Democrats from Wyandotte County that will host the World Cup, said they are concerned about economic development impacts.&nbsp;“This body continues to debate and pass legislation that places a heavy financial burden on our communities without providing them with additional resources,” Pettey said. “We are hosting the World Cup this summer. We are being put in a global spotlight. The Kansas Legislature should be focused on job creation, strengthening our workforce and attracting and retaining top talent. Where one goes to the bathroom does not grow our economy.”Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, closed the short debate expressing concerns about children seeing someone of the opposite sex in the bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;“That’s what this bill is about. It’s not about economic impact,” she said.In a statement, Senate President Ty Masterson said the Senate “restored sanity” in overturning Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;“Kansas Democrats are for They/Them,” he said.&nbsp;After the veto was overturned, Rieber expressed his frustration at the danger he believes the bill creates for trans people. He referred to a section of the bill that requires all gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates to match a person’s biological sex at birth.“This bill is gratuitous. This bill is absolutely unnecessary,” he said. “Think about when you take out your driver’s license — at the liquor store, when you’re cashing a check, voting, if a cop pulls you over. You’re outing yourself every time somebody sees your driver’s license. It’s very dangerous for trans people to be outed, and we’re putting them at risk.”

Kansas Senate overrides governor’s veto of anti-trans ‘bathroom bill’

Firefighters across Kansas were very busy Tuesday. Many fires were suppressed without state assistance. Kansas Forest Service and partners assisted with the following fires. 

Burned from Texas Co Ok into Seward Co. Located southwest of Liberal, forward progress is stopped for now and crews are actively working to extinguish hot spots. 

Located southeast Liberal is actively burning. Johnson County Task Force and KFS DFMO Williams is engaged with the local fire departments. The head fire is approaching Meade Co. 

This fire continues to burn actively and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi and other state resources are working with local responders on this fire.

Continues to burn actively moving east and is located south of Protection, KS. 

The Sedgwick Co Task Force is engaged on this fire along with KFS Assistant Fire Management Officer Dennis Carlson. 

Aviation and additional Kansas Task Forces will be available Wednesday to assist the local fire departments. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1771375217006.png" alt="Image from video from Sublette Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Image from video from Sublette Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Forest ServiceFirefighters across Kansas were very busy Tuesday. Many fires were suppressed without state assistance. Kansas Forest Service and partners assisted with the following fires. &nbsp;Stevens Fire (Seward CO Fire)Burned from Texas Co Ok into Seward Co. Located southwest of Liberal, forward progress is stopped for now and crews are actively working to extinguish hot spots. <div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F756755310498118%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Seward CoFire #2Located southeast Liberal is actively burning. Johnson County Task Force and KFS DFMO Williams is engaged with the local fire departments. The head fire is approaching Meade Co. Garden City FireThis fire continues to burn actively and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi and other state resources are working with local responders on this fire.Ranger Road Fire - (fromBeaver Co. OK) Continues to burn actively moving east and is located south of Protection, KS. The Sedgwick Co Task Force is engaged on this fire along with KFS Assistant Fire Management Officer Dennis Carlson. Aviation and additional Kansas Task Forces will be available Wednesday to assist the local fire departments.

Kansas Forest Service update on wildfires in Kansas

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in a multi-vehicle accident during a dust storm just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volvo semi driven by Ihor Batiuk, 53, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles west of the U.S. 83 exit in the right lane. The driver entered a blowing dust storm crossing the interstate from south to north. This storm caused little to zero visibility across the roadway. Due to the low visibility, the driver slowed his speed down.

A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, Ness City rear-ended the semi. After impact, the semi continued to the J&amp;J Truck Stop. The Toyota stopped in the right lane of travel.&nbsp; An eastsbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Dennis E. Graham, 65,&nbsp; Henryetta, Oklahoma, was behind the Toyota. The Freightliner's on-board forward crash detection sensor stopped the semi&nbsp; prior to impacting the vehicles in front involved in a separate collision and disabled in the roadway.

A eastbound 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Gary L&nbsp;Stoll, 75, Oakley, rear-ended the Freightliner. After impact the Explorer traveled to the left and stopped in the median facing south.

The Freightliner's rear end protection was damaged in the crash. An eastbound 2026 Acura MDX driven by Bradley A. Stout, 65, Wichita, struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer. The Acura under-rode the trailer. An eastbound 2022 Subaru Ascent driven by William J.&nbsp;Burt, 66, Springdale, Arkansas, struck the Acura.

EMS transported Stoll to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Batiuk, Goodman, a passenger in the Toyota and Graham were not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stout and a passenger in the Acura Catherine W. Stout, 63, Wichita, were transported to Wesley Medical Center.

THOMAS COUNTY —One person died in a multi-vehicle accident during a dust storm just after 1p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Volvo semi driven by Ihor Batiuk, 53, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles west of the U.S. 83 exit in the right lane. The driver entered a blowing dust storm crossing the interstate from south to north. This storm caused little to zero visibility across the roadway. Due to the low visibility, the driver slowed his speed down.A 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Craig I. Goodman, 70, Ness City rear-ended the semi. After impact, the semi continued to the J&amp;J Truck Stop. The Toyota stopped in the right lane of travel.&nbsp; An eastsbound 2024 Freightliner semi driven by Dennis E. Graham, 65,&nbsp; Henryetta, Oklahoma, was behind the Toyota. The Freightliner's on-board forward crash detection sensor stopped the semi&nbsp; prior to impacting the vehicles in front involved in a separate collision and disabled in the roadway.A eastbound 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Gary L&nbsp;Stoll, 75, Oakley, rear-ended the Freightliner. After impact the Explorer traveled to the left and stopped in the median facing south.The Freightliner's rear end protection was damaged in the crash. An eastbound 2026 Acura MDX driven by Bradley A. Stout, 65, Wichita, struck the rear of the Freightliner's trailer. The Acura under-rode the trailer. An eastbound 2022 Subaru Ascent driven by William J.&nbsp;Burt, 66, Springdale, Arkansas, struck the Acura.EMS transported Stoll to Citizen's Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.Batiuk, Goodman, a passenger in the Toyota and Graham were not injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stout and a passenger in the Acura Catherine W. Stout, 63, Wichita, were transported to Wesley Medical Center.

Kansas man dies in chain-reaction I-70 crash in a dust storm

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY —Due to a high number of student and staff illnesses across the district, USD 286 Sedan canceled classes for Wednesday, February 18, according to a statement from the school district social media page.

"This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to allow students and staff time to recover and to help prevent further spread of illness. During this time, our custodial team will complete a deep cleaning and sanitization of all district buildings."

All school activities and practices scheduled for this date are also canceled and&nbsp;The Chautauqua County Spelling Bee scheduled for Wednesday will not take place due to illness.

On February 4, Centre School District USD 397 announced they would not have class the rest of the week due to illness.

On Feb. 2, USD 511 Attica reported there would be no school or other activities for two days due to sickness.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 14, Fairfield USD 310 canceled classes and participation in activities due to illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770075788368.png" alt="Image USD 501" />
 <figcaption>Image USD 501</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY —Due to a high number of student and staff illnesses across the district, USD 286 Sedan canceled classes for Wednesday, February 18, according to a statement from the school district social media page."This decision was made out of an abundance of caution to allow students and staff time to recover and to help prevent further spread of illness. During this time, our custodial team will complete a deep cleaning and sanitization of all district buildings."All school activities and practices scheduled for this date are also canceled and&nbsp;The Chautauqua County Spelling Bee scheduled for Wednesday will not take place due to illness.On February 4, Centre School District USD 397 announced they would not have class the rest of the week due to illness.On Feb. 2, USD 511 Attica reported there would be no school or other activities for two days due to sickness.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 14, Fairfield USD 310 canceled classes and participation in activities due to illness.