Geary County Commissioners have signed off on a proposal for a marketing campaign. The County will commit $20,000 in transient guest tax money and JC 1st has committed&nbsp; $10,000 to the effort. The City has talked about giving some money but no final action has occurred at this point there.

Commissioner Trish Giordao brought the proposal to the governing body. "Get the entire community involved, public and private." A board or task force will be needed to work&nbsp; on this campaign.

Goals will need to be established and tactics determined to achieve the goals. Commissioner Keith Ascher suggested that a brand will be needed, while Giordano also supported an all around campaign to talk about visitors, conferences,&nbsp; and bringing in new investment She said, "We need to promote our county as a place to visit, live, work and invest in. She also wants to talk about everything occurring in the community including festivals ."This is the perfect time to have a marketing campaign on steroids."

Sam Adams is the marketing specialist for the CVB, and he agrees with the idea of bringing&nbsp; in an outside entity to help. Giordano feels it's also important to have the name Junction City in any brand&nbsp; along with Geary County and other possible things to identify it.

Adams feels the campaign proposal needs to be created with their ideas.&nbsp;

Adams said in addition to the City, Giordano and Junction City Main Street membership on the planning committee/task force could also extend to community members. He will serve as one of the coordinators.

A more final proposal for the formation of the campaign effort and committee will be developed.&nbsp;

First step is taken to form a marketing campaign

The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) in Manhattan will present the 11th annual Meet the Makers event&nbsp;Monday through Friday,&nbsp;March 16&nbsp;through 20. 

Each day&nbsp;a local creator, crafter, or maker will present live demonstrations of their work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the first-floor atrium of the Discovery Center in Manhattan. Visitors are encouraged&nbsp;to interact with the artists, ask questions, and see their work come to life.

Meet the Makers is free and open to the public. Those wanting to explore the exhibits beyond the atrium at the FHDC must pay the general admission fee. Some artists may have items for sale.

Meet the Makers is set for the Discovery Center

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZbX7_9-zRgmN_Imkif9v9cmOML-gOKmEAgm1-bL9J4asGgsh-KZ-0jUJvGeCv7i2EiSff6qdJQOicKF0d3n2RiZFeDBq_ZI9CvH9yZYQe8cFcBcCu1O35qLOe7p_Gq1hj7M8TpsaTv3UxuUrPVNoUWYJAxbUkWm7v1DjWuit_rGM-W6eEN8TZfSzjjU1hR0C4KcAkdn9BwrS03aWeR_U15jxqX4bYZhF0UEe9_HwU_pQQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> band standouts Keith Thompson, Migyelle Buentipo Ganuelas and Zachary Roberts claimed 2026 All-State accolades by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ksmea?__cft__[0]=AZbX7_9-zRgmN_Imkif9v9cmOML-gOKmEAgm1-bL9J4asGgsh-KZ-0jUJvGeCv7i2EiSff6qdJQOicKF0d3n2RiZFeDBq_ZI9CvH9yZYQe8cFcBcCu1O35qLOe7p_Gq1hj7M8TpsaTv3UxuUrPVNoUWYJAxbUkWm7v1DjWuit_rGM-W6eEN8TZfSzjjU1hR0C4KcAkdn9BwrS03aWeR_U15jxqX4bYZhF0UEe9_HwU_pQQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Kansas Music Educators Association</a>.

Thompson, a sophomore, earned All-State Full Orchestra honors in flute, while Buentipo Ganuelas, a junior, was named to the All-State String Orchestra in violin. Finally, Roberts, a freshman, collected all-state in band as a tuba player.

JCHS band standouts receive 2026 All-State recognition 

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Monday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report,&nbsp;a 2026 Chevy Colorado driven by Lily Dorio, 19, of Manhattan, struck a 2021 Kia Sorento driven by Kaleigh Evans, 30, of Junction City,&nbsp;near Casement Road and Hayes Drive.

Riley County EMS transported Evans to Via Christi Hospital. Dorio was issued a citation for failing to stop at a stop sign.

Junction City woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

Pawnee Mental Health has announced the promotion of Diane “Di” Hinrichs-Toburen to the position of Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer.

Hinrichs-Toburen has been an integral part of Pawnee’s leadership since 2016, when she was appointed to the Governing Board representing Pottawatomie County. In 2018, she joined the organization’s staff as Development Manager and, in 2019, was promoted to Director of Marketing and Development.

Before joining Pawnee Mental Health, Hinrichs-Toburen served as Director of Highland Community College – Wamego, business analyst at Washburn University, and held roles as Functional Reporting Analyst and Director of Donor Relations at the Kansas State University Foundation.

Since joining Pawnee Mental Health, Hinrichs-Toburen has overseen the growth of private and grant funding by millions of dollars, led the development of successful annual fundraising events, strengthened donor communications, and implemented standardized marketing strategies that have expanded the organization’s reach and impact.

In her new role, Hinrichs-Toburen will lead strategies to increase visibility, strengthen partnerships and drive sustainable philanthropic growth. She will oversee philanthropy, marketing and communications, grant and business development, donor relations, and internal process improvements to enhance Pawnee’s impact and client experience.

Pawnee Mental Health promotes Diane “Di” Hinrichs-Toburen to Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and crash.

Just before 11p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of a stolen vehicle at in the 900 block of Moro, according to the Riley County Police Department Activity report.

 A 25-year-old man reported an unknown 22-year-old suspect, identified as Mateo Hyman, stole his 2007 Ford Focus and ran into other parked vehicles, before ultimately crashing and abandoning the vehicle. The total estimated loss associated with this is case is greater than $1,000.

Hyman is being held on a $20,000 in the Riley County Jail, according to the county arrest report.

RCPD: Suspect jailed after car theft and crash

Geary County rural firefighters responded to fire calls over the course of Sunday and Monday.

According to Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges the first on Sunday involved an approximate 10-acre grass fire in the Otter Creek area. There were no injuries.

The second involved a semi-truck involving the vehicle's frame and tires. There wre no injuries or damage to the equipment being hauled.

Rural firefighters respond to fire calls

Sunday at approximately 5:44 p.m. the Junction City Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire at the West Ridge Apartments located at 1537 W. Ash St.

According to the Fire Chief, Jason Lankas, upon arrival, crews observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the rear of the building. The fire had extended into the attic space and was primarily isolated to the third-floor attic area.

Due to the size and complexity of the incident, mutual aid was requested from Fort Riley Fire Department for a ladder truck. Geary County Fire Department also responded with an additional engine to assist. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior fire attack while additional crews conducted a primary search of the structure.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:19 p.m.

The building at 1537 W. Ash St. consists of six apartment units. All six units were affected by the fire, with four units determined to be a total loss. Thirteen occupants were displaced as a result of the incident. EMS personnel evaluated individuals on scene, and no serious injuries were reported.

The fire has been ruled accidental following an investigation conducted by the Junction City Fire Department.

Initial damage estimates are approximately $100,000 in fire and smoke damage. The estimated total value of the building is approximately $275,000.

The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents with temporary housing and essential needs

Apartment Structure Fire with No Serious Injuries

RILEY COUNTY–&nbsp; &nbsp;Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan man for alleged child sex crimes.

Just after 5:30p.m. March 6. police arrested 48-year-old Joshua G. Taylor, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

He was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for five counts of sexual exploitation of a child and possessing media of a child under the age of 18.&nbsp;

Taylor is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp;

Manhattan man accused of multiple child sex crimes

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.

A 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by Cory Wrolson, 22, of Manhattan struck a 2015 Ford Fusion driven by Adelle Francis, 21, of Manhattan,&nbsp;in the 2200 block of Claflin Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Riley County EMS transported a&nbsp;passenger from the Ford Fusion to Via Christi Hospital. Wrolson was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

1 hospitalized, driver cited after 2-vehicle crash

Geary County Emergency Management said above normal temperatures are forecast on Monday with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s! Warm and dry conditions will create elevated fire danger Monday afternoon. Storms become likely by Tuesday evening. Some may be severe. It will be cooler behind the front on Wednesday.

Severe storms are possible Tuesday evening. Storms could form as early as the late afternoon. Storms will move out from west to east Wednesday morning.

Emergency Management provides a weather outlook

Sen. Caryn Tyson apologizes for misrepresenting amendment, opposes repeal

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">Tim Carpenter</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 — Sen. Caryn Tyson, who labels herself “Tax Cutting Tyson,” successfully pitched to fellow senators a budget amendment creating a state revenue lockbox dedicated to reducing the property tax mill levy supporting K-12 public schools.

No one in the Kansas Senate inquired about details of her amendment, which was quickly approved last week amid debate on two dozen ideas for tweaking&nbsp;<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb315_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 315</a>. The special account would allow the Legislature to chip away at the 20-mill annual property tax for schools, she said.

“We’re going to establish a property tax relief fund,” said Tyson, a Parker Republican who chairs the Senate’s tax committee. “There’s no money in it. So, there’s no fiscal cost.”

The Senate agreed without objection to drop her proposal into the bill.

That’s the way things stood for 2½ hours until Sen. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, surprised senators with his discovery that Tyson’s amendment earmarked millions of dollars in online state lottery revenue for the new property tax fund. Tyson’s amendment actually reappropriated lottery revenue that was promised for care of mentally ill adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the frail and elderly population.

“We often hear in here there’s no such thing as a simple bill,” Owens said. “Well, it turns out there is no such thing as a simple amendment.”

Owens said he regretted not pressing Tyson for details of the amendment embedding a property tax relief fund in the state budget. He blamed his passivity on an inherent trust in a legislative process obligating lawmakers to present accurate information about proposed amendments.

Unbeknownst to senators when they voted to pass Tyson’s amendment, the measure required all state iLottery proceeds above $80 million per year to be deposited in the special fund to replace property taxes collected to fund schools.

“I do think we need to have an open and transparent discussion about where those funds are coming from and where they’re being redirected,” Owens said.

Throughout Owens’ remarks, Tyson stood at her desk on the Senate floor waiting to speak. She apologized in her speech for failing to accurately describe the amendment that had won Senate approval.

“I would never try to mislead this body — ever,” Tyson said. “I grabbed the wrong amendment. I thought that I had the amendment that was only going to establish the property tax relief fund.”

Tyson said she inadvertently presented the Senate with a more ambitious amendment that withdrew millions of dollars from safety net programs. She said her intent was to merely create an account for property tax buydowns. She planned to propose later in the legislative session a series of amendments that transferred state dollars, including iLottery revenue, to the fund for property tax relief.

She said another idea for generating cash for property tax relief would be a new state tax on production of renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

“We’re actually going to have a tax trailer bill, if you will, that would compel the buydown,” Tyson said.

Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said he opposed Tyson’s proposal to alter appropriations of iLottery revenue.

He said the first $8 million above the $80 million iLottery baseline would support a voluntary network of support for adults with serious mental illness. He said the Senate bill would free up $10 million to reserve 240 beds at six hospitals for patients with mental disorders.

In addition, Billinger said, the bill depended on iLottery dollars to help people with disabilities land jobs. The bill set aside cash to provide in-home care for frail or elderly people so they had a greater chance of avoiding placement in a nursing home, he said.

“What we were trying to do here was use the excess lottery (for) good intentions,” Billinger said.

Tyson responded to Billinger by arguing against Owens’ bid to repeal the amendment she had submitted in error. Tyson said the Legislature should take the unexpected opportunity to begin building the property tax fund. She said every $45 million set aside in the account could eliminate 1 mill of the state property tax for schools.

“It’s these feel-good funds that were just talked about versus actual property tax relief to buy down the 20 mill. This is real relief for your constituents,” Tyson said.

The Senate passed Owens’ motion to strike Tyson’s amendment from the bill. He said taking iLottery revenue from Kansans reliant on safety net programs wasn’t the way to address property taxes.

“From my perspective, I would not balance the budget or reduce property taxes on their backs,” Owens said.

Before the Senate completed work on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/04/kansas-senate-budget-seeks-to-pry-state-funding-from-wine-and-cheese-crowd/">the budget bill</a>, Tyson proposed and the Senate accepted an amendment that merely established the property tax fund.

Kansas Senate reverses self to kill budget proviso using safety net funds for property tax cuts

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement in Salina are investigating a shooting have made an arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, police responded to the 1100 block of W. Republic in Salina after reports of 10-20 shots had been fired, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Lt. Andrew Ziegler.

Witnesses saw a gray Dodge Charger fleeing the scene. A tag for that vehicle was developed, and the FLOCK System was utilized. It was determined the vehicle was near 9th Street and Interstate 70.

Saline County Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle at the Pilot Gas Station, 1944 N 9th. Street.

The driver of that vehicle, 26-year-old Alex Ramos-Guebara of Salina, was taken into custody without incident.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, who was an occupant of a residence in the 1100 block of W. Republic was transported to the Salina Regional Health Center by private vehicle for treatment of two non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his lower body.

Police with the assistance of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were able to determine through the course of the investigation that Ramos-Guebara arrived at the residence, where he kicked in the door.

The victim, who does not live at the residence, along with other occupants pushed Ramos-Guebara out of the residence.&nbsp; Ramos-Guebara then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and approached the victim.

Ramos-Guebara began to aim the gun at the victim, who grabbed the gun as Ramos-Guebara began firing. The victim was shot twice in the lower body, as most of the shots went into the ground. Police recovered the&nbsp;gun at the scene.

Ramos-Guebara is being in the Saline County Jail on requested charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and Aggravated Burglary.

The case is still under investigation. More arrests are possible, according to Ziegler.

Police: Suspect kicked in door of Kansas home, shot victim

Charges have been filed in connection with a fatal rollover crash north of Hutchinson that left a 19-year-old man dead last year.

According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, deputies, along with the Hutchinson Fire Department, Reno County EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol, were dispatched at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Aug. 27 to the 6100 block of North Plum Street for a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash with entrapment.

First responders located a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette in the east ditch after it had struck a tree and overturned. The driver, identified as Kaden J. Marcum, 19, of Hutchinson, was trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency crews extricated Marcum and began life-saving measures before transporting him to a Wichita hospital in critical condition. Marcum later died from his injuries.

Investigators determined a second vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger driven by 20-year-old Ethan Kellen Goble of Plevna, was also involved in the crash. Goble sustained minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

Authorities said both vehicles were traveling north on Plum Street when the Charger attempted to overtake the Corvette. The vehicles collided, causing the Corvette to leave the roadway, strike a tree and overturn. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the crash.

On Jan. 2, 2026, the Reno County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Goble, including involuntary manslaughter, a level 5 felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

Kansas man charged in fatal crash that killed teen

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s attacks on regional oil infrastructure and pledges to choke off maritime traffic left markets on edge Tuesday as the United States promised blistering new strikes. The war entered its 11th day with no end in sight as its effects were felt across the region and beyond.

Both sides sharpened their rhetoric as they dug in, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth again promising the most intense strikes yet, while Iran's leaders ruled out talks and directly threatened U.S. President Donald Trump.

Iran launched new attacks Israel and Gulf Arab countries, and Israel — America’s key ally in the fight — launched more airstrikes on Tehran and in Lebanon, where it is battling the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

At the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that Tuesday “will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran: The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes, intelligence more refined and better than ever.” He said “the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest amount of missiles they have fired yet.”

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces hit more than 5,000 targets, and that their objectives included striking “deeper into Iran's military and industrial base.”

Witnesses reported hearing several explosions in Tehran in the afternoon as Israel commenced a new wave of airstrikes. Many shops were shuttered.

Iran's leaders have remained defiant after days of heavy strikes targeting the country's leadership, military, ballistic missiles and disputed nuclear program. Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said on X that Iran was “definitely not looking for a ceasefire.”

“We believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again,” he said.

A top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, appeared to threaten Trump himself, writing on X that “Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.” Iran has been accused of plotting attempts to kill Trump in the past.

US and Iranian leaders trade new threats

The NBA has canceled the Atlanta Hawks' plans for a celebration of the city's Magic City adult entertainment club, saying Monday that it was responding to concerns from many across the league.

The event was supposed to happen next Monday during a game against the Orlando Magic.

Atlanta announced the plan last month, calling it a tribute to an “iconic cultural institution” with food — including the club’s lemon pepper wings, a version of which is named for former Hawks guard Lou Williams — along with music and exclusive merchandise.

“While we are very disappointed in the NBA’s decision to cancel our Magic City Night promotion, we fully respect its decision,” the Hawks said Monday. “As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together.”

Some elements of the plans for the night will remain, the Hawks said, including a halftime performance from rapper T.I. — and there are plans for lemon pepper wings to be sold.

But some plans for merchandise have been scrapped, as has a live recording of a podcast that was to feature Hawks primary owner Jami Gertz, T.I. and Magic City founder Michael Barney.

Plans for the celebration were met with mixed reactions — some for, some against. One NBA player, Luke Kornet of the San Antonio Spurs,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawks-magic-city-club-night-luke-kornet-spurs-e422f9344fc122168bd0ebafb3fe1e98">spoke out about the idea of promoting a strip club</a>&nbsp;and urged the parties involved to reconsider.

And the league evidently heard the same message from others.

“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.

“I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

The Hawks have ties to the club. Gertz was a producer for a five-part docuseries that explored the club's history, its place in Black and hip-hop culture and what it means to the city.

“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ’Magic City: An American Fantasy,’” Gertz, who is also a filmmaker and actor, said when the promotion was announced. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”

Why the NBA canceled a team's controversial promotion

ALLEN COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Humboldt Police Department, and the Allen County Sheriff's Office are investigating a homicide that occurred in Humboldt, Kansas.

Just after 5p.m. on Sunday, Humboldt officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Sycamore Street, in Humboldt, according to a media release from the KBI.

Preliminary information indicates that a woman fled a residence during a domestic dispute with her boyfriend, Malachi I. Davis, 25, of Humboldt, and sought help at a neighbor’s house. The neighbor contacted a male subject, who arrived at the scene. The man, John P. Kent, 43, of Humboldt, became involved in a verbal altercation with Davis.

During the incident, Davis fired a single shot from his vehicle window, striking Kent, who was transported to Allen County Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Davis fled the scene following the shooting. The KBI identified Davis as the suspect and multiple law enforcement agencies began searching for him. At approximately 8:40 p.m., the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted Davis and conducted a traffic stop in Allen County near La Harpe. Davis was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Allen County Jail for second-degree murder.&nbsp; He has a previous conviction for theft in 2022, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.

KBI: Good Samaritan killed in domestic incident 

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

One school closure in a small Kansas school district is a big decision. Two closures is almost unheard of. Yet that’s the position in which the USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education found itself over the past three years. In January 2023, the board voted to close Wilson High School. At a special meeting on Feb. 23, the board voted 5-1 to close Wilson Elementary at the close of the 2025-26 school year. During a special meeting at Central Plains Elementary School on Jan. 21, Superintendent Bobby Murphy laid the groundwork for the decision.

“In 2022-23, there were 87 K-6 students,” Murphy said of the school. “In 2023-24, there were 75 students K-6. In 2024-25, there were 69 students. And at the beginning of this year, there were 66 students K-6. When we came after Christmas break on Jan. 12, we had 58 students K-6. We’re anticipating being close to the 50 number next year for our school enrollment at Wilson Elementary. If we do drop to that 50 mark for K-6 enrollment, that will mean our K-6 population dropped by 37 students over this span. That is a 42 percent drop in K-6 students, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of over $200,000 in funding.”

Murphy said superintendents from surrounding districts have reported they are transporting 28-35 students from Wilson and Dorrance to their schools. That figure does not include families who transport their own students out of the district. Even after absorbing two positions at the school, Wilson Elementary is spending $250,000-300,000 more than it receives in state-aid revenue. Last year, Wilson Elementary spent just over $28,000 per student, while the state average is just under $18,000 per student.

Another issue at play is the state funding formula regarding education. In 2018 and 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court issued rulings in the&nbsp;Gannon v. Kansas&nbsp;case, which found the state’s education funding to be equitable but inadequate. That oversight ended in 2024, which will change how schools are funded in future years.

At the Jan. 16 meeting, Murphy reported that approximately 70 percent of participating residents in Wilson and Dorrance agreed to close Wilson Elementary so the district could begin the process of a land transfer with several other area districts. Wilson resident Michelle Brokes asked if the closure could be delayed until the end of the 2026-27 school year. Denise Schmidt said the closure of a school should not define a community.

“Let’s remember that a school does not define your community,” she said. “The people in your community define your community. If you want to look at the very best example of that, we should look at the community of Bushton. When the teachers, staff members, and students left in May 2019, they had no idea they wouldn’t be coming back in August 2019. That community didn’t fold up. They took initiative, they were resilient, as Kansas people are, and they have developed a strong, thriving community, even with a school closing.”

No direct action was taken on the closure during the Jan. 16 meeting, but the board reconvened for another special meeting on Feb. 23 inside the Central Plains High School gymnasium. Murphy outlined the state statute at play to close a school building.

“The board of education of any unified school district, by adoption of a resolution, may close any school building at any time the board determines the building should be closed for the improvement of a school system of a unified school district,” he told the board. “The board of education may close more than one school building in one resolution. A resolution adopted pursuant to this section shall require a majority vote of the members of the board of education, and shall require no other approval.”

KSA 72-1431 also outlines the appeal process for a closing resolution. The State Board of Education will hold an administrative review if five percent of the district’s registered voters express dissatisfaction with the resolution. The appeal must be made within 45 days of the approval of the resolution, and the State Board will have 45 days to issue a non-binding opinion advising the local board to modify or rescind the resolution.

&nbsp;“I would anticipate, with the administrative review and finding the declining enrollment numbers, factored with the amount of residents who are choosing to transport their elementary school students to other students, coupled with the state-provoked public school funding challenges that are coming up, I don’t see any way an administrative review team would deem a closing resolution in this situation as anything but reasonable,” Murphy said. “But that’s just my opinion.”

The board voted 5-1 that evening to close Wilson Elementary at the close of the 2025-26 school year. Board Member Kayla Cullens was the lone dissenting vote.

“When you lose a school, you’re not just losing a building,” Cullens said. “You lose families, you lose jobs, you lose the economic impacts it has on your community. By closing the elementary, that’s going to be two schools in three years on that community. That’s a tough hit.”

Board Member Allison Gonzalez was part of the majority that voted in favor of the closure.

“It’s not easy to sit here and make decisions like this, and talk about things like this,” she said. “I think we all recognize the choices carry weight and affect the families, students, and staff of our entire community. Most of the feedback I have received tells me the residents of the community, from Wilson and Dorrance both, support pursuing the land transfer. I’ve been hearing that since I got on the board.

“At the same time, the potential receiving districts have made it clear that before we can have any meaningful discussions about a land transfer, the elementary school has to first be closed. If we’re serious about moving forward and working toward a land transfer, we have to take the necessary first step. For that reason, I believe it’s appropriate to close the building, effective at the end of this school year, so the discussions can begin, and we can move forward with planning.”

The USD 112 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Monday night. While no action was taken on the closure, the board did hear from a handful of concerned residents.

The late Donley Bristow coached and taught in Wilson for several years before retiring in 2001. His wife, Linda, spoke of the impact Wilson schools have had on many generations.

“This building is in good shape, and you want to close it,” she said. “It’s something to think about, putting kids on a bus in the early morning –they have no time to play in the evenings if they are on a bus. This school has taught a lot of kids, and they’ve done very well.”

Roberta Meier was a vocal opponent against the closure of Wilson High School in 2023. She cited many volunteer and youth-based organizations in Wilson that impact surrounding communities.

“This is going hurt not only the Wilson community, but the surrounding ones, as these volunteers, with their generous, helping hands, possibly have to go somewhere else.”

USD 112 board returns to normal schedule after vote to close Wilson school

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) — Vice President JD Vance joined the grieving family of a Kentucky man who was the seventh U.S. service member to die in combat during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-khamenei-03-09-2026">Iran war</a>&nbsp;as his remains were brought back to the U.S. Monday evening.

The dignified transfer, a solemn event that honors U.S. service members killed in action, took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky. He died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said.

Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saluted alongside high ranking military officials as the transfer case draped with the American flag was carried from the military aircraft and into an awaiting vehicle.

Mike Bell, retired pastor of Glendale Christian Church, said he’d known Pennington since he was a toddler and got a call from Pennington's father when the soldier was hurt.

“I talked to Tim Saturday morning, and he was doing a little better, and they were talking about maybe moving him to Germany,” Bell said. Tim Pennington called again that evening, Bell said, to ask for prayers as his son's condition was worsening, and then later told him the soldier had succumbed to his injuries.

“He was just a quiet person,” said Bell, noting that Pennington attended the church’s after-school program. “I mean, he never attracted attention because he was just steady doing what he needed to do to do it.”

Pennington was assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command based at Fort Carson, Colorado.

The unit’s mission focused on “missile warning, GPS, and long-haul satellite communications,” according to their website.

“This just breaks my heart,” Keith Taul, judge-executive of Hardin County, where Pennington was from, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. “I have known the family for at least 30 years. I can’t imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing.”

Glendale is an unincorporated town of about 300 residents south of the Hardin County seat of Elizabethtown.

In a statement posted on social media, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called Pennington “a hero who sacrificed everything serving our country.”

The other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-military-deaths-0a3f1532ec1953d51898e5b5e2b625d6">six service members killed</a>&nbsp;since the conflict began on Feb. 28 were Army reservists killed in Kuwait when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Saturday joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base at the dignified transfer for those six U.S. soldiers.

The dignified transfer is considered one of the most somber duties of any commander in chief. During his first term, Trump said bearing witness to the transfer was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-ae37de2f1c6b450ab60ce236c8f04450">“the toughest thing I have to do”</a>&nbsp;as president.

Pennington graduated in 2017 from Central Hardin High School, where he was enrolled in the automotive technology pathway, district spokesman John Wright told the AP. Former automotive tech instructor Tom Pitt, who taught Pennington in 2017 at Hardin County Early College and Career Center, called him “an American hero.”

“A lot of times as a teacher, you have students who are smart, you have students who are charismatic, who are likable, dare I say, enchanting,” said Pitt, who called Pennington Nate. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those. And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”

Photos on his and family members' Facebook pages show that Pennington achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in August 2017. His Eagle project was the demolition of some old baseball dugouts in Glendale, said Darin Life, former committee chairman for Troop 221.

“If you look up Eagle Scout, his picture’s probably there,” said Life, who knew Pennington throughout his scouting career. “He loved his country. I would have expected nothing less of him than to lose his life protecting his country.”

A month after his Eagle ceremony, Pennington posted a photo of himself taking the oath of enlistment. He entered the service as a unit supply specialist and was assigned to the Space and Missile Command on June 10, 2025, the Army said in a release.

Among his awards and decorations were the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Pennington,” said Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, USASMDC commanding general. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice for the country he loved.”

Col. Michael F. Dyer, 1st Space Brigade commander, described Pennington as “a dedicated and experienced noncommissioned officer who led with strength, professionalism and sense of duty.”

Pennington will be posthumously promoted to staff sergeant, the Pentagon said.

Associated Press reporters Konstantin Toropin in Washington, Hallie Golden in Seattle and Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

🎥Dignified transfer for 7th US service member to die in Iran conflict

WILSON COUNTY&nbsp;– Just a couple of hours after asking for help to located&nbsp; a missing teen on Monday, The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) canceled&nbsp; an endangered persons advisory for 17-year-old&nbsp; Alexandra R. Smith of Wichita who had been seen in Coyville.&nbsp;

Alexandra went missing from Wichita on July 6, 2025 when she was 16. She was last seen Sunday, March 8, at a residence in Wilson County community of Coyville.

Alexandra was a witness to a homicide, and authorities were concerned for her safety.&nbsp; The KBI did not release details on where they located the teen.

They did report that just after 7p.m. on Sunday, deputies from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 2105 2nd&nbsp;Street in Coyville, after gunfire was reported.

Upon arrival deputies located Lucas R. Pickell, 37, of Fredonia, just outside a fifth-wheel RV on the property. Pickell had suffered a gunshot wound and died at the scene.

Witnesses were interviewed and evidence was examined and collected. Preliminary information indicates Pickell had been using drugs in the RV with a male subject and two female subjects. During the incident, 52-year-old William “Bud” Wescott, of Coyville, is suspected to have shot Pickell.

Wescott was arrested on requested of second-degree murder at the scene and booked into the Wilson County Jail.

Police found Kansas teen, a witness in a deadly shooting

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/cara-anna">CARA ANNA</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/sam-mednick">SAM MEDNICK</a>

EL AVIV, Israel (AP) — How long will the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran war</a>&nbsp;last? What do all sides want to achieve? And how high will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/markets-oil-iran-trump-war-brent-72e8c9a29c2ba1fd761ee968f3d4e553">oil prices</a>&nbsp;go? Big questions remain as fighting enters week two.

Israel and the United States keep pounding Iran. And Iran keeps carrying out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">retaliatory attacks</a>&nbsp;against Israel, U.S. military assets in the Middle East and its Arab neighbors.

Here’s what we know about the war, and don’t.

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, and there is no sign of the fighting ending soon. Iran’s president has said mediation was underway, although he didn’t give details.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-united-states-israel-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-209cec036068b40fcfcba2be7ac7e2b0">Iran’s new supreme leader</a>&nbsp;is the son of the previous one and seen as more hard-line, with close ties to the Revolutionary Guard, the nation’s most powerful armed force. Mojtaba Khamenei worked closely with his father, who was killed in the war’s opening strikes along with the younger Khamenei’s wife. He has not been seen or heard publicly in his new role, making it difficult to know whether he has interest in talks or in defiance.

Iran’s war strategy of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-strategy-israel-drones-us-war-gulf-36a51df550a4bd766f8c83b8d8c0f701">causing regional chaos</a>&nbsp;shows no change. Persian Gulf countries still report areas being attacked, including oil facilities and airports, that are well away from U.S. military assets.

The war’s length depends in part on Iran’s stockpile of missiles and drones and countries’ capability to deflect them. Israel’s military on Monday said Iran was firing barrages with dozens of missiles in the early days, but now there are less than 10 or 20 at a time.

Israeli army spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Iran still has “a significant amount” of missiles. Experts say Iran could be holding missiles in reserve, perhaps hoping that interceptors run low.

Iran has not provided information about military losses. Israel says it is focused on destroying long-range missiles while the U.S. focuses on short-range ones threatening the Gulf. Israel estimates that 60% of both types of launchers have been destroyed.

Israel’s military is bulking up. It said about 50 cargo aircraft carrying over 1,000 tons of weaponry, military equipment and munitions have landed in the past 10 days, and cited the U.S. and Germany as partners in an effort that is “expected to scale up.”

Ahead of the attacks, the U.S. military built up its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-iran-buildup-nuclear-program-5663a8b0d81c8439adfaa010c59a36f5">largest force of warships and aircraft</a>&nbsp;in the Middle East in decades. The Central Command on Monday said “there is no shortage of American military will.”

The Trump administration and Israel have said the war will go as long as needed, but public frustration over oil prices and other economic pain could intensify pressure to wind down the conflict.

Iran has said it wants an end to the war, not a ceasefire.

An official with knowledge of the war’s operations said Israel is not in charge of the postwar plan, but the goal is to remove the regime and let Iranians “grasp their fate.” The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Israel is also attacking Iranian-backed proxies like Hezbollah.

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