After more than four decades in the fire service, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer will retire at the end of March, concluding a 41-year career dedicated to public safety and community service.

Beer has served as chief of the Hutchinson Fire Department for the past nine years, overseeing a period of significant growth, modernization and recognition for the department.

During his tenure, the department achieved two major distinctions that place it among the top fire departments in the nation. The Hutchinson Fire Department earned ISO Class 1 status, the highest rating issued by the Insurance Services Office, which evaluates fire protection capabilities across communities. The department also became an Internationally Accredited Fire Department, a rare designation recognizing agencies that meet rigorous standards for professional excellence, planning and service delivery.

Under Beer’s leadership, the department also modernized its apparatus fleet and advanced several key infrastructure projects. That included spearheading development of the city’s new Fire Station 1, a project designed to better serve Hutchinson residents and improve operational efficiency.

Beer also played a major role in expanding the department’s training facility. The site now hosts training for fire departments and emergency responders from across the region, strengthening preparedness and cooperation among agencies.

Beyond Hutchinson, Beer helped strengthen collaboration among fire leaders statewide. He helped establish the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs Roundtable meetings, creating a forum for chiefs across Kansas to share information, best practices and strategies to improve emergency services.

City officials and community members have expressed appreciation for Beer’s leadership and long career of service.

Beer’s retirement at the end of the month will mark the close of a 41-year career devoted to protecting the Hutchinson community and advancing the fire service across Kansas.

Beer to retire on March 27

Community members helped collect thousands of pounds of food during a special food drive Friday at the Dillons Marketplace on East 30th Avenue in support of the Food Bank of Reno County.

During the event, shoppers and volunteers donated 2,418 pounds of food along with $778 in monetary contributions to help stock the shelves at the Food Bank’s newly opened location.

The food drive was held in partnership with Dillons as part of the celebration of the Food Bank’s new facility and its expanded ability to serve Reno County residents experiencing food insecurity.

Dillons also helped launch the effort with a $20,000 donation, providing a significant boost to the Food Bank’s mission of providing meals and essential groceries to individuals and families throughout the community.

Organizers said the food and financial donations will help the Food Bank continue meeting the needs of local residents by supplying pantry staples and other essential grocery items.

Community donates during drive for Food Bank of Reno County 

The Prairie Spirit Trail 100-Mile Run will again provide an opportunity for Central Christian School Superintendent Dr. John Walker to combine endurance, faith, and and generosity in support of students at CCS.

Dr. Walker will compete in the 100-mile ultramarathon, from Ottawa to Iola and then back to Ottawa, to raise awareness and financial support for CCS tuition assistance. His goal is to help make a biblical education more accessible for families who desire it.

This is not the first time Dr. Walker has taken on the challenge. During a previous run, he  completed a challenging 101.5 miles, and through the generosity of donors, nearly $20,000 was raised to help provide tuition assistance for CCS students.

Supporters are invited to make a flat donation or pledge an amount for each mile that Dr. Walker completes. All proceeds will go directly toward tuition assistance at CCS.

Dr. Walker says the challenge is about more than endurance. “Running these miles is how I hope to inspire our students to do hard things for other people,” he said. "It's an opportunity to them that perseverance, faith, and sacrifice can be used to serve others and make a difference. As Scripture says, suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

Community members, alumni, parents, and friends of the school are encouraged to participate and help expand access to biblical education through their support.

To submit a pledge or make a donation, supporters can follow the link provided by Central Christian School.

<a href="https://forms.gle/A4s6dNBpXrs1GD2t6">https://forms.gle/A4s6dNBpXrs1GD2t6</a>

Walker to run 100 miles to support CCS

A Buhler High School graduate has released a new novel set in central Kansas that blends small-town Kansas life with a suspenseful murder mystery.

Author Rock Neelly, now based in Cincinnati, recently published Late Night Radio, a thriller set in 1978 that takes place in Burrton and Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The novel begins when a sheriff’s deputy visits a Burrton farm after a woman fails to pick up her children from school. When authorities investigate, they discover she has vanished—launching what Neelly describes as a tense “cat-and-mouse” mystery involving a farmer who may be hiding a dark secret.

Neelly said he wanted to create a story grounded in Kansas culture.

“My working title was something like Mile Marker 133,” Neelly said. “I wanted it to feel very Kansas. Since I write mysteries, I thought—what could be more Kansas than a farmer? That’s where the premise began.”

A Reno County native, Neelly graduated from Buhler High School before attending Hutchinson Community College. He later earned an English degree from Fort Hays State University and completed graduate school at the University of Denver.

Neelly spent much of his career in sales before turning to writing. About 11 years ago, he was mentored by Wichita author Robert Beattie, who wrote The Hunt for BTK. Since then, Neelly has written eight books.

His earlier work includes the popular “Purple Heart Detective Agency” series, which follows two wounded veterans who operate a private detective agency. The series gained traction with readers and eventually led to multiple publishing contracts.

Late Night Radio marks a return to Neelly’s Kansas roots.

The author said extensive research went into recreating the late-1970s setting. He studied music charts from Casey Kasem’s “American Top 40,” along with television programming and films from the era, to ensure the story accurately reflects the time period.

“Because the story takes place in the fall of 1978, I wanted everything—from the songs on the radio to the movies in theaters—to match that time,” Neelly said.

The novel also references historical events from the period, including the BTK serial killer investigation in Wichita and other well-known Kansas crime stories.

Neelly said setting a mystery in a small rural town creates a different tone than stories set in larger cities.

“In a small town, everybody knows everybody,” he said. “That makes it more shocking when something terrible happens. It’s not anonymous city life—it’s your neighbor.”

Several scenes in the book take place in real Kansas locations, including Burrton, Hutchinson and nearby communities.

Neelly describes himself as a regional author who writes stories tied closely to places he knows. While he now lives in Cincinnati and sets some of his books there, he continues to draw inspiration from Kansas.

Late Night Radio has already generated enough interest that a sequel is in development. The next installment will follow a character introduced in the book—a fictional KBI agent who becomes the central figure in the series.

Neelly is visiting Reno County this week for several book-signing events:

For readers unable to attend a signing, copies of Late Night Radio are also available locally at Permanent Records, 122 W. Fourth Ave. in Hutchinson, as well as through online retailers.

Neelly said returning to Kansas to promote the book has been especially meaningful because the story is rooted in the communities where he grew up.

“It was fun to revisit those places,” he said. “The music, the towns and the memories all came back while writing it.”

Buhler, HutchCC grad releases mystery set in Burrton

PrairieStar Dental invites the community to trade “Smiles for Smiles” with its upcoming live-clean-comedy fundraiser April 30th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Fox Theater, featuring nationally known comedian Rik Roberts.

Known for his energetic delivery and relatable humor, Rik Roberts is a Nashville, TN based comedian and speaker who focuses on providing 100% clean comedy. As a married man, and father of two young kids, Rik has found there are enough real-life situations that we can all laugh at without going “below the belt”. He has been featured on DryBar Comedy, PureFlix Comedy All-Stars and SiriusXM radio. He also shares the Guinness Book World Record for Longest Stand-Up Comedy Show – which lasted over 7 days.

“Smiles for Smiles” fundraiser is designed not only to entertain but to support PrairieStar Dental’s “Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care” project. PrairieStar plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art dental clinic that will better serve patients and the community. Set to break ground this summer, PrairieStar will build the new dental clinic just to the west of the current clinic. Ticket sales from the fundraiser will go towards the construction of the new dental clinic and will help unlock a $600,000 Mabee Foundations Challenge Grant.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. To purchase tickets prior to the event, <a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/prairiestar-health-center-presents-smiles-for-smiles">click here</a>.

“We are excited to bring the community together for a night of laughter while supporting a meaningful goal,” said PrairieStar Marketing Director, Kyran Losew. “This new building will allow us to expand services and continue providing high-quality dental care to the families we serve. Bring the family out for a night that will leave everyone with a smile.”

Event Details Event: Smiles for Smiles – Live Clean Comedy Fundraiser Featuring: Rik Roberts Date: April 30 Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. Show Begins: 6:30 p.m. Location: Hutchinson Fox Theater

For more information about the event or ticket availability, please visit <a href="http://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/prairiestar-health-center-presents-smiles-for-smiles">http://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/prairiestar-health-center-presents-smiles-for-smiles</a>

For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about the Bridging the Gap in Access to Rural Dental Care, visit pshcks.org/bridgingthegap or email bridgingthegap@prairiestarhealth.org .

PrairieStar announces "Smiles for Smiles" comedy fundraiser

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas basketball fans will have an opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories about one of college basketball’s most storied programs when author Chelan David visits Hutchinson this week.

David, a lifelong University of Kansas basketball fan and Lawrence native, recently appeared on the BW Morning Show to discuss his newest book, "Stories from the Fog", which highlights decades of KU basketball history centered around Allen Fieldhouse.

The book, released last fall, is David’s second publication. His first book, Beautiful States of Mind, chronicled his travels across all 50 states with his two daughters.

David said his love for KU basketball began during childhood.

“My first KU basketball game was when I was a fourth grader in 1982,” David said. “I just fell in love with the fieldhouse, the atmosphere, the pep band and everything that went along with it.”

Although Kansas finished that season with a losing record, the experience sparked a lifelong passion. David now lives in Overland Park and holds season tickets to Jayhawks games.

Stories from the Fog focuses largely on the last 40 years of Kansas basketball. The book blends David’s perspective as a fan with interviews and stories from people closely connected to the program.

The project, which David described as a two-year labor of love, expanded significantly as more individuals agreed to share their memories.

“I started writing it from my perspective, but once I began reaching out, I was surprised how many people were willing to talk,” David said. “I was able to interview all four living KU coaches, along with players, boosters, super fans and even family members connected to the early history of the program.”

The book also touches on the origins of KU basketball, including the program’s beginnings under James Naismith, who invented the sport and served as Kansas’ first coach, as well as legendary coach Phog Allen, whose name now graces Allen Fieldhouse.

David revisits several memorable games and rivalries throughout the book. Among them is the intense rivalry between Kansas and Missouri, which he said remains one of the most emotional matchups in college basketball history.

One story highlights the final Big 12 meeting between the two teams in Allen Fieldhouse in 2012, when Kansas rallied from a 19-point deficit to force overtime and win a dramatic game shortly before Missouri departed for the Southeastern Conference.

David also reflects on other iconic moments, including a 1993 victory over Indiana when KU freshman Rex Walters hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat a team coached by Bobby Knight.

Another standout contest came in 2016 when Kansas defeated Oklahoma in triple overtime in a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup. Oklahoma star Buddy Hield scored 46 points in the game, earning a standing ovation from KU fans as he left the court.

David said that appreciation for great basketball—regardless of which team delivers it—is part of the tradition at Allen Fieldhouse.

David will speak about the book during an author talk at the Hutchinson Public Library, where he will discuss the stories behind the project and share insights about KU basketball history.

Copies of Stories from the Fog are available through David’s <a href="https://cdavidbooks.com/">website</a>, Amazon and select bookstores, including Watermark Books in Wichita.

Library's 'Author Talk' to feature Chelan David

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has canceled its Legislative Forum that had been scheduled for Saturday, March 14.

In a statement released Thursday, the Chamber said the event was canceled due to scheduling conflicts among state legislators, which limited the number of participants available for the discussion.

“We value the opportunity to facilitate meaningful dialogue between our community and elected officials,” the Chamber said in its announcement. “However, we were unable to secure the level of participation needed for a productive discussion.”

The Legislative Forum series is designed to give community members an opportunity to hear updates from lawmakers and ask questions about issues affecting Reno County and the state.

The next Legislative Forum is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at The Wesley, 3709 Asbury Place.

Chamber cancels legislative forum

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. ——————————————

Malik		Helire	Jr	3/11/2026 9:21&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case,					Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Unauthorized Possession; Firearm, Ammo, Explosive, Controlled Subst.

Justin	Louis	Hull		3/12/2026 10:56&nbsp;AM	Failure to Appear

Dustin	Morris	Bright		3/12/2026 4:30&nbsp;PM	In Transit From-To Other Agency

Nancy		Martinez		3/12/2026 4:49&nbsp;PM	DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

Hailey	Dawn	Koehn		3/12/2026 8:27&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Daily Bookings

 United Way of Reno County is inviting community members to nominate family, friends, coworkers or neighbors who could use help with outdoor home projects for the&nbsp; planned Residential Community Work Day, taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to&nbsp; 12 p.m.

This service opportunity brings community volunteers together to assist households with minor outdoor maintenance projects for homeowners across Reno County. Volunteers will lend a hand with&nbsp; tasks such as yard clean-up, small tree or limb removal, exterior painting, flower bed care, minor fence&nbsp;repair, and other non-structural outdoor work.

Community members are encouraged to nominate someone they know who may need assistance. 

Self-nominations are also accepted. Preference will be given to households that include:

“By coming together to lend a hand, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in our community,” said Lacey Mills, UWRC CEO. “It’s a powerful way to show what it truly means to be UNITED FOR ALL.”

Nominations can be made by filling out the form found here: <a href="https://www.uwrenocounty.org/community-work-day">https://www.uwrenocounty.org/community-work-day</a>, or by calling the UWRC office at: 620-669-9329.

UWRC seeks projects for upcoming work day

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info forecast.</a>

Three-day Outlook

By TISA MASON FHSU president

In the spring of 2020, the world went quiet. For Ryan Funai, then a high school freshman, the silence of the pandemic was loud with the frustrations of a disrupted education. Like millions of other students, Ryan found himself staring at a screen, relegated to an online modality that felt more like a barrier than a bridge to learning.

Many students waited for the world to return to "normal." Ryan Funai, however, decided to build a new one.

His journey from a 16-year-old GED student to a 2025 FHSU Homecoming King nominee and future PhD candidate is a story of unconventional paths. But more importantly, it is a story that illustrates the soul of Fort Hays State University: the belief that with a bit of grit and a community that cares, there is no limit to how far a student can go.

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back, but for Ryan, it was about pivoting. Recognizing that the traditional high school structure was no longer serving his growth during the pandemic, Ryan approached his mother, Angela, with a bold proposal: he wanted to leave high school, pursue his GED as a homeschool student, and accelerate his path to adulthood.

It was a risk, but it was grounded in a clear-eyed understanding of his own needs. With a comprehensive study guide and a state-mandated prep course, Ryan didn't just pass; he aced all four GED modules on his first attempt. By the time his peers were starting their sophomore year, Ryan had already completed his secondary education.

However, ambition requires as much patience as it does speed. Knowing he wasn't quite ready for the social landscape of a university at 16, Ryan spent what would have been his junior year working full-time. He saved his earnings, gained experience, and by the age of 17, he arrived at Fort Hays State University not just as a freshman, but as a young man with a plan.

Ryan’s connection to FHSU began even before his first official class. The summer before his freshman year, he took a job at the Tebo Library. It was here that the "small school" advantage of FHSU first changed his life.

While shelving books and assisting patrons, Ryan began meeting faculty members who treated him not as a temporary summer hire, but as a future colleague. Among them was Dr. Todd Moore, the Department of Geosciences chairman, whose encouragement left a lasting impression. Ryan’s 'calling' wasn't just found in books, but in the mentorship of those who saw his potential before he even declared a major.

"Meeting so many people early on encouraged me to get involved," Ryan recalls. "It made college less intimidating."

This early immersion enabled Ryan to shape his college experience. He didn't just join the campus; he became deeply rooted in the university. Now a senior majoring in Geology with a minor in Biology and a Leadership certificate, Ryan has maintained a trajectory of excellence, placing him on track to graduate with academic honors. He is already enrolled in an accelerated master’s program at FHSU, eyeing a PhD and a future career as a university professor.

When asked about his academic success, Ryan quickly pivots to the people he serves. This “ethic of care” is a hallmark of the FHSU community, and Ryan brings it to life through his dedicated leadership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.

Serving as the president, Ryan has led his brothers in supporting the WeKan Center, a program of Hays USD 489. The center serves students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have finished high school but still require support before age 21. For Ryan, this isn't just a "philanthropy project"—it’s a manifestation of the SAE creed: being a "true gentleman."

"I think of my fraternity’s creed...putting other people before yourself and being honest and being the best person you can be," Ryan says. "That aligns with a lot of the principles of Fort Hays. Putting other people before yourself is a big aspect of what I strive to do."

This semester, his commitment to the Hays community continues through his LDRS 310 (Field Work in Leadership) course, where he and his team are organizing a 5K Run for First Call for Help, a local organization providing vital social services.

Ryan’s academic pursuits in geology are not merely clinical; they are humanitarian. His research focuses on water, specifically within the complex cave systems of southern Kansas.

"I want to be able to help people as much as I can, and water is an essential part of everyday life," he explains. "The desire to help people spreads into all the other areas of my studies and my involvement on campus."

Supported by an Undergraduate Scholarly Experience Grant, Ryan will return to the caves of southern Kansas this spring to conduct advanced research. For Ryan, the dark, damp passages of a cave are a laboratory for the greater good, ensuring that the most essential resource for life is understood and protected for the community.

The FHSU community recognized Ryan’s impact by nominating him for Homecoming King in 2025. While the title was an honor, for Ryan, the "unique experience" was the opportunity to meet people from across the university—many of whom he remains in close contact with today.

But perhaps the most personal symbol of Ryan’s ethic of care is something many might have missed. In 2020, as he began his unconventional journey through the GED, Ryan started growing out his hair. It became a four-year project that recently concluded at the Hays Academy of Hair Design. Ryan didn't just get a haircut; he donated his hair to organizations that provide hairpieces for children experiencing hair loss. It was a quiet, years-long commitment to a stranger’s well-being—a physical representation of his "others-first" philosophy.

As Ryan prepares to transition from an undergraduate leader to a graduate researcher, his goal remains clear. He wants to teach at a university like Fort Hays State.

"I would choose a smaller school so I can make connections with students, considering how impactful that has been for my own education," he says.

Ryan Funai’s story is not just about a student who beat the odds of a pandemic. It is about a student who found a university that matched his values. At FHSU, Ryan didn't just find a degree; he found a platform for his resilience, a laboratory for his innovation, and a community that shared his heart for service.

As he heads back into the caves of Kansas this spring, he does so not just as a geologist, but as a Tiger—grounded in the earth, but reaching for the stars.

KC man allegedly killed teen during marijuana sale

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp;

Just after 3a.m.&nbsp;March 9, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop of a Chevy Malibu for a traffic violation near U.S. Highway 75 and 150th Road, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The passenger of the vehicle was identified as Toni Jo Messenger, 48, of Keokuk, Iowa. 

During the course of the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff K-9 detected the odor of illegal drugs or narcotics inside the vehicle. A probable cause search resulted in the discovery of illegal drugs or narcotics.

Messenger was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for requested charge that include Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic, or certain stimulant (methamphetamine),&nbsp;Possession of controlled substance and&nbsp;Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Passenger in Kansas traffic stop caught with meth

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating after a body was found at a car dealership in Wichita have positively identified the victim as 44-year-old Justin M. White of Wichita, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

Just after 2p.m. Wednesday, police responded to make a welfare check on a body found in the parking lot of the dealership in the 400 Block of N. West Street.

&nbsp;The medical examiner has yet to determine White's cause of death. Police released no additional details in the case on Friday

Police ID body found in parking lot of Kan. car dealership

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell">JON GAMBRELL</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/david-rising">DAVID RISING</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/mike-corder">MIKE CORDER</a>

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The American military has ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, a U.S. official said Friday, in a major addition of forces in the region after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">nearly two weeks of war with Iran</a>.

Meanwhile in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands were gathered for an annual state-organized rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israel’s demise. Israel had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-13-2026">warned that it would target the area</a>&nbsp;in central Tehran.

There were no reports of casualties. But the decision to proceed with the mass demonstration attended by some senior government officials, and Israel’s threat to target the area, underscored the fierce determination on both sides in a war that has rattled the global economy and shows no sign of letting up.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/what-to-know-about-strategic-straight-of-hormuz-ap-explains-b7883bdeeea8497b8d239e967510e24d">Strait of Hormuz</a>, through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon deepened, with nearly 800 people killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/lebanon-shelter-hezbollah-israel-war-487792d7f62cfc2c5d9d20a2fd62fea1">and 850,000 displaced</a>&nbsp;as Israel launched waves of strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants and warned there would be no let up.

In an interview with Fox News, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war would end “when I feel it in my bones.” He was also more measured about the prospect of opponents toppling the Islamic government.

“So I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons,” Trump said, citing Iran’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-577c596775fb9a78d78107004d29d0f9">paramilitary Basij</a>&nbsp;force, which has played a central role in crushing recent nationwide protests.

Marines and assault ship will add to US forces

Elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East, according to the U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

Marine Expeditionary Units are able to conduct amphibious landings, but they also specialize in bolstering security at embassies, evacuating civilians and disaster relief. The deployment does not necessarily indicate that a ground operation is imminent or will take place.

The new Marine deployment was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, as well the Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships carrying the Marines, are based in Japan and have been in the Pacific Ocean for several days, according to images released by the military. The Tripoli was spotted by commercial satellites sailing alone near Taiwan, putting it more than a week away from the waters off Iran.

Earlier in the week, the Navy had 12 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and eight destroyers, operating in the Arabian Sea. Should the Tripoli join this flotilla, it would be the second-largest ship behind the Lincoln in the region.

While the total number of U.S. service members on the ground in the Middle East is not clear, Al-Udeid Air Base alone, one of the largest in the region, typically houses some 8,000 U.S. troops.

Explosion rocks area of mass demonstration

The explosion in Tehran rocked the Ferdowsi Square area midday, where thousands had gathered for an annual Quds Day rally, chanting “death to Israel” and “death to America.”

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language X account for people to clear the area shortly before the blast. But few Iranians would have seen it, as authorities have almost completely shut down the internet. Footage showed people chanting “God is greatest,” as smoke rose in the area.

The Israeli military later posted a second message in Farsi, noting the head of Iran’s judiciary was at the rally and criticizing Iran for blocking many from seeing their warning.

The hard-liner who leads Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, was giving an interview on state television at the demonstration when the strike happened. His bodyguards encircled him, as he raised his fist and said Iran “under this rain and missiles will never withdraw.”

US says 15,000 targets struck in Iran since the start of the war

Israel earlier announced another wave of strikes in Iran targeting infrastructure, and said its air force had hit more than 200 targets in the last 24 hours, including missile launchers, defense systems and weapons production sites.

In Washington, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck — more than 1,000 a day since the war began.

He also sought to address concerns about the bottling of the Strait of Hormuz, telling reporters: “We have been dealing with it and don’t need to worry about it.”

All six crew of US refueling plane confirmed dead after crash

The U.S. military confirmed on Friday that all six crew members of an American&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-tanker-aircraft-crash-iraq-kc135-c337359a58be6280dc96fdbf1cb48a5b">KC-135 refueling plane</a>&nbsp;were killed when it crashed in Iraq, bringing the U.S. death toll to at least 13 service members.

U.S. Central Command said the crash wasn’t related to friendly or hostile fire, and that two aircraft were involved, including one that landed safely.

The KC-135 is the fourth publicly acknowledged aircraft to crash as part of the U.S. military’s operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">mistakenly downed</a>&nbsp;by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Iran continued its daily attacks on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-gas-infrastructure-iran-war-persian-gulf-24c4b439d2c6a5b571fea90e4d1227d8">oil and other infrastructure</a>&nbsp;across the Gulf. In Oman, two people were killed when two drones crashed in the Sohar region, the Oman News Agency reported.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Oscar Austin shot down an Iranian ballistic missile over Turkey on Friday, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing military operations. It was the third such interception over the NATO member in the last two weeks.

Residents in the southern Turkish city of Adana reported hearing a loud explosion and sirens sounding at Incirlik Air Base, which is used by U.S. forces.

Fighting escalates between Israel and Hezbollah

At least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanon’s southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Friday. The toll could rise as rescuers search the rubble.

The ministry said 773 people — including more than 100 children and 62 women — have been killed since fighting erupted between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants 10 days ago. More than 1,900 have been wounded, it said.

Some 850,000 have been internally displaced in Lebanon, according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal during a surprise visit to the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to halt strikes on his country and criticized Hezbollah for firing rockets at Israeli targets.

“There is no justification in holding an entire nation hostage,” he said.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier that the strikes were “just the beginning.”

Rising reported from Bangkok. Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb and Bassem Mroue in Beirut; Sam Mednick in Tel Aviv, Israel; and Konstantin Toropin and Tia Goldenberg in Washington contributed to this story.

US orders Marines and an amphibious assault ship to Mideast

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 — Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill enabling homeless veterans to be eligible for a non-driver identification card by the state of Kansas without charge and designating Aug. 7 of each year as Purple Heart Day in Kansas.

The legislation was part of a bundled bill about veterans affairs that was put together during the 2025 legislative session but not approved until the 2026 session.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_hb2274_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2274</a>&nbsp;was unanimously passed by the House and Senate.

By expanding veterans’ access to ID cards, HB 2274 could help remove barriers to services, treatments or employment opportunities requiring a form of identification. The new law affirmed the state couldn’t charge a fee to homeless veterans eligible for the identification cards if the individual could verify military service with the Kansas Office of Veterans Service.

&nbsp;“This commonsense legislation is one way we can show our respect and appreciation for those who have served, while also making life a bit easier for veterans who are finding their footing upon return to civilian life,” Kelly said.

The ID portion of the bill was introduced by Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, D-Wichita.

Under the Purple Heart provisions, Kansas would formally recognize individuals who earned the military decoration by being wounded or killed by enemy action in service of the U.S. armed forces.

Rep. Nate Butler, a Junction City Republican and retired U.S. Army major, said the annual Aug. 7 observance would reinforce the state’s reputation as a military-friendly state. The date reflects the Aug. 7, 1782, creation of the “Badge of Military Merit” by George Washington, who was commander in chief of the Continental Army.

“Kansas has always taken pride in the men and women who were either drafted or volunteered to defend our nation,” Butler said.

Kelly also signed a bill articulating the scope of practice for optometry under House Bill 2223, which was adopted 98-23 by the House and 34-6 by the Senate.

The governor put her signature to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/fisc_note_sb348_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 348</a>&nbsp;to exempt not-for-profit, wholly owned subsidiaries of an public electric cooperative utility from jurisdiction of the Kansas Corporation Commission. The legislation was approved unanimously by the Legislature.

She signed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/supp_note_sb335_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Senate Bill 335</a>, which would require that public construction contracts in Kansas include a waiver for claims of “consequential” damages, but not direct damages. The bill approved&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260218110624_918711/" target="_blank">37-2 by the Senate</a>&nbsp;and by a margin of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/vote_view/je_20260305120354_804505/" target="_blank">84-34 in the House</a>&nbsp;didn’t apply to private construction contracts.

Rep. Mike King, R-Hesston, said the objective was to have contractors and public entities sign a mutual waiver to block legal claims of indirect damages related to loss of future revenue, business, staff time, goodwill or reputation.

“These damages are difficult to predict and impossible to quantify,” said King, who was secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation under former Gov. Sam Brownback.

Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Overland Park, said the bill should have been rejected by the Legislature because its provisions didn’t put interests of taxpayers at the forefront.

“It removes an important legal tool that’s used to basically recover indirect costs incurred as a result of this contractor breach that costs taxpayers’ money. My duty lies with protecting the taxpayer,” Sawyer Clayton said.

The bill was endorsed by the Associated General Contractors of Kansas, Crossland Construction and the Kansas Department of Commerce, but opposed by the League of Kansas Municipalities and the cities of Olathe, Overland Park and Wichita.

Kan. gov. signs bills about homeless veterans, utility regulation and construction lawsuits

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of fire in a rural Kansas City home.

Just after 1:30a.m. Thursday, crews&nbsp;were dispatched to a reported fire in the 13000 block of Rickey Road in Kansas City, Missouri, according to Battalion Chief Riley Nolan.

On arrival, crews reported fire showing from a 1-story residence. An offensive fire attack was initiated. Crews did change tactics, going to a defensive attack, due to the challenges of establishing a water source in the remote location. 

Relay pumping from a hydrant from a long distance and shuttling water with the rigs were utilized to get water. All occupants of the residence were able to get out on their own. The fire was brought under control at 3:08 a.m.

City Planning and Dangerous Building were requested to the scene. There were no injuries reported.

Crews shuttle water to fight fire at remote KC area home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pro-Iranian hackers are targeting sites in the Middle East and starting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stryker-cyberattack-iran-medical-equipment-products-8dd418618a3bd4fa4c97caf7978c11ee">stretch into the United States</a>&nbsp;during the war, raising the risk of American defense contractors, power stations and water plants being swept into a wave of digital chaos that could expand if Tehran’s allies join the fray.

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