Hutchinson voters have narrowly approved the proposed city sales tax following Tuesday’s special election.

According to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office, the measure passed with 2,316 votes in favor and 2,166 votes opposed, a margin of 150 votes. Just over 16 percent of the registered voters voted in the election.&nbsp;

The approved 0.75% city sales tax will help fund several city priorities, including street maintenance, parks and recreation improvements, stormwater infrastructure and other city services. City officials have also said the tax will allow the stormwater utility fee currently included on residents’ water bills to be eliminated, shifting that cost to the sales tax instead.

In a statement following the vote, Hutchinson Mayor Scott Meggers thanked residents for participating in the election and engaging in what he called an important community discussion.

“I want to thank the voters of Hutchinson for participating in the election and taking time to engage in an important decision for our community,” Meggers said. “I also want to thank our residents, city staff, the City Manager, and my fellow City Council members who helped provide information and have thoughtful conversations about the issue.”

Meggers said he appreciated those who supported the measure while also acknowledging residents who voted against it.

“This was an important discussion for our community, and I’m grateful to those who spoke up and supported a yes vote for the future of Hutchinson,” he said. “At the same time, we respect the voices of those who voted against the measure.”

Meggers added that city leaders will now focus on implementing the measure responsibly.

“Moving forward, our responsibility is to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and follow through on the commitments made to the community,” he said. “We will continue working together to move Hutchinson in a positive direction.”

The sales tax is set to take effect on Oct. 1. It will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2036.

Voters approve Hutchinson sales tax 

The Kansas Department of Corrections and the Bureau of Land Management have agreed to extend the Wild Horse and Burro Program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, keeping the long-running initiative in operation through May 31, 2026.

The agreement prevents the immediate closure of the program, which has operated at the facility for more than 25 years. State and federal officials said the extension will allow both agencies additional time to negotiate a long-term contract aimed at securing the program’s future.

Under the extension, approximately 300 wild horses and burros will remain at the Hutchinson facility rather than being relocated to long-term holding facilities. The animals will continue to be cared for by trained handlers participating in the program.

Officials said the decision also preserves the specialized roles of resident horse handlers at the correctional facility. Participants gain vocational training in horse care, handling and training, skills that can help support employment opportunities after release.

The program’s continuation also ensures ongoing training for the animals as part of the Bureau of Land Management’s national Wild Horse and Burro adoption efforts. Horses trained at the Hutchinson facility receive halter and saddle training, making them more suitable for adoption by private owners.

Since its launch in 2001 at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, the program has served both animal welfare and rehabilitation goals. In addition to preparing wild horses for adoption, the program provides incarcerated participants with opportunities for personal development, responsibility and job-related skills aimed at supporting successful reentry into society.

Officials from both agencies said the extension provides time to work toward a sustainable funding and operational model that would allow the program to continue long term.

KDOC, BLM extend Wild Horse Program at HCF

Students at Prairie Hills Middle School are gaining early workplace experience through a unique in-school jobs program that has grown rapidly over the past three years.

District leaders recently highlighted the program during a community conversation about activities and initiatives in the Buhler USD 313 school district.

Prairie Hills Principal Abby Thompson said the program, coordinated by teacher Ashley Bunting, allows students to apply for and work in various roles throughout the school building.

“It’s preparing them for their next step as they become teenagers and apply for real jobs,” Thompson said. “They learn that you have to communicate, be on time, and let your supervisor know if you can’t make it because other people are depending on you.”

The program began three years ago with about 30 students participating. This year, it has expanded to more than 200 students — roughly 40 percent of the school’s 550-student population.

Bunting said the idea was originally launched by educator Courtney Clawson and has continued to grow as students and staff embraced the concept.

“It’s a unique opportunity for every kid in the building to get involved, regardless of their athletic ability or skill set,” Bunting said. “They can apply for a variety of jobs in the building, and then we train them to do real jobs.”

Student positions include math tutors, teacher aides, lunchroom cleanup crews, hallway maintenance helpers and teams that prepare the gym for physical education classes and after-school activities. Other students assist with setting up traffic cones for parent pickup or serve as guides who give visitors tours of the building.

Teachers supervise each job group, creating what Bunting described as a school-wide effort involving nearly every staff member.

“We have 15 or 16 teachers who supervise jobs, but even the teachers who don’t supervise play a role by allowing students to go to their jobs during champion time or lunch,” she said. “Every adult in the building has had a part in making it work.”

Thompson said the program has also helped foster school pride among students.

“When you see kids investing in their school — whether it’s cleaning up, helping teachers or greeting visitors — they really take ownership in the building,” she said.

Superintendent Cindy Couchman said the initiative reflects the district’s goal of preparing students with life skills long before they graduate.

“Sometimes we say we all teach seniors,” Couchman said. “Programs like this help build the DNA of a Buhler graduate — respectful, responsible and ready for the workforce.”

District officials say participation levels show the program is resonating with students and giving them valuable lessons in responsibility, teamwork and work ethic before they enter high school and eventually the workforce.

PHMS program gives students real-world job experience

Pride and progress in a community don’t always start with a large, headline-grabbing project. They can also start with what residents see every day — active storefronts, well-kept properties, safe streets and signs of forward movement.

According to the 1,144 residents who responded to the 2025 Love Where You Live Resident Perception Survey, those visible signs of progress matter deeply.

The recent survey results mark the second year of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s three-year Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative, designed by Ohio-based Innovation Economy Partners, to provide communities in Reno County with data and a process for making progress. The initiative centers resident perceptions, dialogue and collaborative action to strengthen community pride and accelerate visible progress.

As with the 2024 survey, residents from seven communities across Reno County — Buhler, Haven/Yoder, Fairfield area, Hutchinson, Nickerson, Pretty Prairie, and South Hutchinson — were asked how they felt about their towns, what they viewed as priorities, and what indicators might signal progress. This year’s survey engagement built on the 1,022 people who took the survey in 2024.

Across both years, residents’ priorities have remained consistent: attracting new businesses, removing blight, improving infrastructure, improving housing and supporting local business growth. Child care access, workforce training, mental health services and revitalized downtown spaces also consistently ranked near the top.

When residents were asked to articulate priority projects in their own words, the most common themes were centered on economic development, housing, infrastructure, community revitalization, and programs and amenities for families and youth.

“Basically, what the people over the last two years are saying, and how we’re framing it, is ‘Grow the economy, fix up the place and make it easier to live here,’” said Jan Steen, Hutchinson Community Foundation senior program officer.

The foundation is encouraging communities to consider incremental improvements to highly visible challenges that can be faster to execute and more financially manageable while also helping improve community perceptions.

“If communities can find that one small, visible project and quickly address it — maybe it’s fixing a sidewalk, sprucing up an abandoned property, adding some lighting — and then find another, and another, those incremental changes add up. Residents will see those improvements as signs of progress, then confidence and pride improve, which can lead to more improvements that spur investments that allow bigger challenges to be addressed. It’s a loop that can eventually lead to growth,” Steen said.

As part of the second phase of the survey cycle, Steen has met with communities to better understand their needs and explore how the community foundation can support their goals.

“As volunteers and community leaders better understand priorities their neighbors want addressed, we don’t want them to wonder what to do with their reports,” he said. “I’m here to sit down and discuss those local needs, then connect people with the resources they’ll find beneficial to moving forward and building their capacity – grant identification and grant writing support, leadership training, coaching, facilitation, past-project evaluation, asset mapping, and the expertise of our network of partners.”

The foundation also supports progress on priorities through its Fund for Reno County grant cycles. Awards for Impact Cycle I grants, focusing on community catalyst and community and economic development projects, will be announced soon, with the fund’s second grant cycle of the year supporting dynamic culture and thriving kids projects opening for proposals this summer.

To review full reports for each community and an interactive data tracker, visit renosurvey.com. For more information, contact Steen at jan@hutchcf.org or 620-663-5293.

Hutchinson Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire philanthropy, leadership and collaboration to strengthen Reno County. Since 1990, the foundation has granted more than $115 million.

Data from 2nd year of Reno County survey shows consistent themes

The City of Lyons has extended paid administrative leave of the city’s police chief pending further review, city officials announced. 

In a statement, the city said the decision to place the police chief on paid administrative leave was made Feb. 17 after “careful deliberation” and in accordance with the authority of the city's chief administrative officer. The statement said the move was based on the needs of the department and the community. 

City officials emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and noted the risks law enforcement officers face in serving their communities. 

At the City Council meeting on Monday, council members requested a two-week extension of the suspension to allow for additional administrative review. Because the matter involves personnel issues, the city said it will not comment further while the review is ongoing. 

To maintain continuity in operations, Sgt. Cory Ryan has been appointed temporary acting chief of the Lyons Police Department. 

The city also entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Rice County Sheriff’s Office under Kansas statute K.S.A. 12-2909 to ensure adequate law enforcement coverage continues for the community. 

City officials said Lyons remains committed to supporting its officers, strengthening public safety and maintaining public trust. Additional updates will be provided as the administrative review progresses. 

City of Lyon's extends administrative leave of police chief

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Three-day Outlook

The Hutchinson City Council has scheduled a public hearing to consider the status of five residential properties identified as unsafe and dangerous structures within the city.

During Tuesday evening’s meeting, the council approved a resolution setting a hearing for 5:30 p.m. April 21, 2026, to review the condition of the properties and determine next steps.

City Building Official Jason Ladely told council members that inspections determined the structures meet the definition of unsafe or dangerous buildings under Chapter 21, Article 7 of the city code.

The properties included in the resolution are located at:

Lady said the city has issued notices to the property owners and opened property maintenance cases for each location beginning in 2025. One of the properties, at 913 E. Fifth Ave., was the site of a structure fire that prompted an investigation in June 2025.

City officials said the upcoming hearing will allow property owners the opportunity to address the conditions of the buildings before the city determines whether demolition or other action is required.

According to Lady, funding for potential demolitions is already included in the city’s fiscal year 2026 demolition budget, meaning the action is not expected to create additional financial obligations for the city.

Based on the size and type of the structures, Lady estimated demolition costs would likely range from $5,000 to $8,000 per property.

Council members also discussed whether nonprofit housing partners, including Interfaith Housing and Community Services, had attempted to contact owners about acquiring or rehabilitating the properties. Lady said the city provides its list of problem properties to nonprofit partners, though he could not confirm whether those specific addresses had been contacted.

The five properties are in addition to five other residential structures the council began the unsafe structure process on earlier this year. Those properties are:

A public hearing for these properties is set for 5:30 p.m. on April 7.

City officials said addressing abandoned and unsafe housing aligns with Hutchinson’s strategic objective of investing in neighborhoods and improving housing conditions, particularly in areas south of 17th Avenue, identified in the Reno County Housing Needs Assessment as priority areas.

Council sets hearing for dangerous and unsafe structures

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Pleasure	Marie Uluwehi	Torres		3/3/2026 8:30&nbsp;AM	Violation of Offender Registration Act; 1st Conv; Non Person

Michael		Aleman		3/3/2026 1:02&nbsp;PM	DUI; Alcohol or drugs; Felony

Jacob	Lee	Stapleton		3/3/2026 3:56&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Crystal	Jessica	Acosta		3/3/2026 5:24&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Cody	James	Looney		3/3/2026 8:36&nbsp;PM	Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation,					Agg intimidation of witness/victim; Threat,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant,					Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO

Daily Bookings

 Voters in the McPherson school district approved both questions in a two-part bond proposal aimed at funding facility upgrades and long-term improvements across the district.

According to unofficial results Tuesday night, Question 1 passed with 2,290 votes in favor and 1,313 opposed, while Question 2 was approved by a vote of 2,172 to 1,435.

District officials said the proposal represents a significant step toward implementing the district’s Long Range Facility Plan, which the McPherson Board of Education adopted in December 2025.

The first bond question authorizes $62.5 million to renovate and renew McPherson High School, install secure entrances at Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools, and pay off existing leases for HVAC and energy improvements as well as the high school turf field and track facility.

District leaders previously noted the first bond question would not increase the current property tax rate, because it relies on a mill levy already being collected for an existing bond.

The second bond question, totaling about $27 million, includes a 4.75 mill property tax increase. For the owner of a $200,000 home, the district estimated the increase would cost about $9.10 per month.

Projects included in the second question call for additions and renovations at Eisenhower Elementary School so it can be converted into a new middle school, along with improvements at Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools. The proposal also includes plans to add restrooms, concessions and additional bleachers at the athletic field at McPherson High School.

District officials said the two questions were linked, meaning Question 1 had to pass for Question 2 to move forward.

With both questions approved, the district is expected to begin planning and implementing the projects outlined in the long-range facilities plan. School officials have said the upgrades are designed to address aging infrastructure, improve security and expand space to meet the district’s future needs.

McPherson School bond questions pass

Voters in Newton USD 373 have approved a $50 million school bond aimed at addressing aging infrastructure and safety improvements across the district.

Unofficial results show the bond passed with 2,197 votes in favor and 1,219 votes opposed.

District officials said the bond focuses primarily on what they describe as “end-of-life issues,” including replacing aging roofing systems and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment in several school buildings.

The measure also includes safety and security upgrades throughout the district. Plans call for strengthening existing storm shelters at elementary schools and constructing new multi-use spaces designed to serve as storm shelters during severe weather.

Those new spaces are planned for Cooper Early Education Center, Chisholm Middle School and Newton High School.

District officials said the new facilities will be used for school activities and programs but will also function as storm shelters during severe weather events.

Newton voters pass USD 373 bond issue

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rebounded Wednesday from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-iran-energy-oil-trump-75edbda5b8fa3038b47f143cc16855f0">two days</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">punishing swings</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-oil-gas-gallon-aaa-e2daee318b8e3e6a1124713909a410e4">oil prices</a>&nbsp;stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the economy.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.8% and made back most of its losses since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-04-2026-e1c316da4ce809407122590a6872aa85">war with Iran</a>&nbsp;began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%.

The strength followed a scary start to Wednesday, when South Korea’s Kospi stock index plunged 12.1% for its worst loss in history. Uncertainty about the war has sent prices in financial markets careening up and down this week, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing.

Oil prices moderated as trading moved westward from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic. After briefly topping $84 per barrel, the price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, settled at $81.40, back to where it was a day earlier. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 0.1% to $74.66.

Stocks also got a boost from signs of strength for the U.S. economy.

One report said growth for U.S. businesses in the real estate, finance and other services industries accelerated last month at the fastest pace since the summer of 2022. Encouragingly for inflation, it also said prices for such businesses are increasing at a slower rate, at least before the war with Iran began.

A second report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government picked up their hiring last month. That could be a hopeful signal for the more comprehensive report coming Friday from the U.S. government about the overall job market.

In financial markets, worries are centered on how long the war with Iran could last, how high inflation will go because of more expensive oil and how much corporate profits will sink because of it.

The U.S. stock market has a history of shaking off military conflicts in the Middle East relatively quickly, though that comes with the caveat that oil prices don’t jump too high. That has some professional investors suggesting patience through the volatility, at least when it comes to financial markets.

“I think the Iran situation is getting out of hand, and I think that U.S. President Donald Trump miscalculated enormously,” said Francis Lun, CEO of Venturesmart Asia. “The situation is very grim.”

On Wall Street, a mix of companies helped drive Wednesday’s rise.

Stocks enmeshed in the crypto industry climbed as bitcoin’s price rebounded back above $73,000. Coinbase Global jumped 14.6%, and Robinhood Markets rallied 8.1%.

Retailers and travel companies strengthened with hopes that a solid economy and an easing for jumps in gasoline prices will mean their customers may have more to spend.

Ross Stores climbed 8% after reporting better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected and saying it’s entering 2026 with “solid momentum.” Expedia Group rose 3.1%.

Big Tech stocks, meanwhile, were the strongest forces lifting the market. Amazon rose 3.9%, and Nvidia added 1.7%. Because they’re among the biggest stocks in the U.S. market in terms of total value, their movements carry more weight on the S&amp;P 500.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 rose 52.87 points to 6,869.50. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 238.14 to 48,739.41, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 290.79 to 22,807.48.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in Europe following sharp drops in Asia. France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.8%, and Germany’s DAX returned 1.7%. That came after losses of 2% for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and 3.6% for Japan’s Nikkei 225, along with Seoul’s historic plunge.

In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher after jumping early in the week with worries about worsening inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.09% from 4.06% late Tuesday.

Wednesday’s strong reports on the economy were welcome news for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-trump-powell-inflation-c13913c9e007981f075fb3b22d4a4cec">the Federal Reserve</a>, whose job it is to keep the U.S. job market healthy and inflation low. The Fed’s job has become more difficult because of the jump in oil prices, which is pushing upward on already high inflation.

The Fed could keep interest rates high to keep a lid on inflation. But high interest rates would also keep it more expensive for U.S. households and companies to borrow money, grinding down on the economy.

The central bank had indicated it planned to resume its cuts to interest rates later this year, in hopes of giving a boost to the job market and economy. Because of the war and higher oil prices, traders have pushed their forecasts further into the summer for when the Fed could begin cutting rates again.

US stocks rebound as oil prices stop spiking

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">killed in the Iran war</a>&nbsp;were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">responded by launching missiles</a>&nbsp;and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you," Joey Amor said. "She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

Coady's LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.

He said he had learned how to "interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.

There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.

Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed from Boise, Idaho.

US soldiers who died in Iran war remembered as devoted parents and reservists

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

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

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert will retire later this month, an announcement from the court said.

Luckert&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/physicians-link-kansas-supreme-court-chief-justices-vehicle-accident-to-likely-stroke/">suffered a stroke</a>&nbsp;in October that led to a car accident. She relinquished public-facing duties before deciding in December to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/19/kansas-supreme-court-chief-justice-to-retire-by-early-february/">step down from her position as chief justice</a>. She will abdicate her seat on the court on March 28.

“It has been my profound honor to serve the people of Kansas as a district court judge and Supreme Court justice the last 34 years,” Luckert said in a Tuesday press release. “Growing up in Goodland, I did not imagine I would one day serve on our state’s highest court, and I hope the blessings in my life inspire young women to reach for goals that may seem unattainable.”

Luckert spent 23 years on the Kansas Supreme Court. She previously was a Shawnee County district judge and the first woman in Kansas to be a chief district judge. Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Luckert to the Supreme Court in 2003, and she became chief justice in 2019.

Under her guidance, the court prioritized collaboration among the three branches of government in addressing statewide issues such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/13/leaders-of-kansas-three-government-branches-coalesce-behind-quest-to-fix-mental-health-crisis/">mental health crises</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/22/kansas-supreme-court-plans-child-welfare-summit-to-forge-better-paths-forward/">child welfare</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/01/kansas-supreme-court-justice-tackles-states-severe-shortage-of-rural-attorneys/">rural attorney shortages</a>.

She saw the court through a pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/computer-network-woes-force-kansas-courts-to-rely-on-old-school-methods-of-operation/">technology</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/10/kansas-chief-justice-blames-russian-ransomware-hackers-for-disabling-courts-electronic-systems/">woes</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">cyber attack</a>, and her court issued landmark decisions on&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/06/kansas-supreme-court-ends-five-year-hold-on-jurisdiction-of-public-school-funding-case/">education funding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kill-an-ant-with-an-atom-bomb-kansas-supreme-court-talks-election-case/">voting rights</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/05/kansas-supreme-court-strikes-down-state-law-banning-second-trimester-abortion-procedure/">abortion</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/19/kansas-supreme-court-affirms-death-penalty-conviction-in-quadruple-murder-case/">death penalty</a>.

Justice Eric Rosen&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/08/kansas-supreme-court-justice-eric-rosen-sworn-in-as-chief-of-states-highest-court/">took her place as chief</a>&nbsp;in January.

Luckert is the second justice in the past year to leave the bench, following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-supreme-court-justice-to-step-down-citing-lou-gehrigs-disease/">Justice Evelyn Wilson’s retirement</a>&nbsp;in July because of a Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. Justice Larkin Walsh took her place ahead in September and was&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/11/21/newest-addition-to-kansas-supreme-court-promises-to-be-the-justice-all-kansans-deserve/">formally sworn in</a>&nbsp;two months later.

Luckert’s replacement could be outgoing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s final appointment to the court before Kelly leaves office in early 2027. The governor has appointed four others to the court during her two terms.

The replacement process likely will precede&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/07/rivals-launch-fight-over-kansas-constitutional-amendment-to-elect-supreme-court-justices/">an August ballot question</a>&nbsp;that will ask voters if they want to change the Kansas Supreme Court justice selection process from&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/03/18/plan-to-elect-kansas-supreme-court-justices-scrutinized-by-critics-including-courts-former-chief/">a merit-based application, nomination and appointment method</a>&nbsp;to a campaign-driven popular vote approach.

Former Kansas Supreme Court chief justice to retire March 28

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department and The&nbsp;Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Tuesday on&nbsp;a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated adult, according to a statement from the department. There&nbsp;has&nbsp;not&nbsp;been a case of measles in&nbsp;a&nbsp;Kansas City&nbsp;resident&nbsp;since 2018.&nbsp;

“Measles&nbsp;remains&nbsp;one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles.”&nbsp;said Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department.&nbsp;“We are working swiftly to&nbsp;identify&nbsp;the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever,&nbsp;cough&nbsp;or rash.”&nbsp;

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:&nbsp;

People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.&nbsp;

If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure,&nbsp;call&nbsp;your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.&nbsp;

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days&nbsp;after contact with the virus.&nbsp;Common symptoms include:&nbsp;

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.&nbsp;

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash typically appears. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline, and then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.&nbsp;Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Residents can receive Measles vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The measles vaccines are free for children under 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community members unsure of their vaccination status or in need of vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Health Department at 816-513-6008.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on measles, please visit:&nbsp;

Measles reported in Kansas City

By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY&nbsp;

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. sank an Iranian warship in international waters, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, as it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">intensified its bombardment</a>&nbsp;with Israel of Iran's security forces and other symbols of power. Tehran vowed to completely destroy the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure — signaling the war was nowhere near over and could expand further.

The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, who was killed in the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

In addition to striking Tehran on the fifth day of the conflict, Israel hit the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, while Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel</a>. As the conflict spiraled, Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkey’s airspace.

The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran and dozens in Lebanon, while disrupting the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarling international shipping, and stranding hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.

Both sides are unrelenting in their attacks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. He did not name the ship, but earlier an Iranian warship sank off the coast of Sri Lanka.

In a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said that the Tuesday night strike on an Iranian warship was the first such attack on an enemy since World War II.

“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.”

Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the Iranian ship and that others died.

Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran's Basij, the all-volunteer force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard that conducted a bloody crackdown on protesters in January that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained in the country.

The Israeli military also said it hit buildings associated with Iran’s internal security command, which also has suppressed demonstrations in the past. It also pounded towns near Beirut.

Israel and the U.S. have said they want to see the Iranian public overthrow the country's theocracy, and strikes against counterprotest forces are likely part of that effort.

Iranian state television showed the ruins of buildings in the center of the capital of Tehran, with interviewees saying the attacks damaged their homes. Strikes have also been reported in the holy Shiite seminary city of Qom, targeting a building associated with a clerical panel set to pick Iran’s next supreme leader. Iranian media said it was empty at the time.

State TV has begun calling the conflict the “Ramadan war,” a reference to the holy Muslim fasting month currently taking place. But that term also suggested leaders are trying to prepare the public for a protracted conflict.

Adm. Brad Cooper, the top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, echoed that sentiment, saying: “We’ve just begun.”

Cooper said American forces have damaged Iran’s air defenses and taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that such damage has led to a decline in launches from Iran.

Still, explosions echoed in the skies over Jerusalem on Wednesday, and Israel’s military said Iran had launched missiles toward the country, while Hezbollah sent rockets.

Iran has also struck around the region, and air sirens sounded Wednesday morning across Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.

At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the country's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday. Eleven people in Israel have been killed. More than 50 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-soldiers-who-died-iran-war-46f54df716fe1c5290363da0a15f99f3">Six U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;have been killed.

A resident of Tehran, who runs a clothing shop, said he didn’t know how to protect himself from the bombing.

“It’s very difficult to decide what to do. If I leave the city, how am I supposed to earn money and survive?” said the man, who spoke on condition of anonymity for the fear of reprisals.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued its most-intense threat yet.

“The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” it said in a statement issued via Iranian state television.

With Iranian attacks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-supply-chain-disruption-8f262bb210710b7509221a3dccf787c9">disrupting tanker movement</a>&nbsp;through the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>, the narrow mouth of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/persian-gulf">Persian Gulf</a>&nbsp;through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped, Brent crude prices hit $84 a barrel, up more than 15% since the start of the conflict and at its highest price since July 2024.

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