Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across central Kansas Friday afternoon and evening, bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of a strong tornado. 

Our weather partners at KSStorm.info say scattered severe storms are likely to form across central Kansas, including Hutchinson, Salina and Wichita. Storms are expected to begin developing after about 4 p.m. as a cold front moves southeast through the region. 

Storms that develop could produce several dangerous conditions, including:

The strongest storms are expected to move across central Kansas between about 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with the potential for severe weather continuing overnight as the storm system tracks southeast. 

Areas farther east in Kansas and into Missouri could see storms arrive later in the evening, possibly after 8 p.m. 

Emergency officials encourage residents to prepare ahead of the storms by:

The severe weather threat could last into the early morning hours Saturday as storms continue pushing southeast across the region.&nbsp;

Severe storms possible across central Kansas

Reno Valley Middle School will host its 30th annual Empty Bowls Supper on Thursday, March 12, continuing a long-standing tradition that raises funds to help fight hunger in Reno County.

The event began three decades ago when former Reno Valley art teacher Jean Regier learned about similar community dinners from her sister, who was teaching art in California. Inspired by the concept, Regier worked with school administrators and fellow teachers to launch the program locally.

“Thirty years ago, my sister was talking about the Empty Bowls suppers they had around her school,” Regier said. “So I looked into it, and here we are 30 years later.”

From its earliest days, the project combined art, music and community service. Students created handmade clay bowls in art class while the school’s music program provided entertainment during the supper.

Today, the tradition continues under the coordination of Betsy Koon, an eighth-grade language arts teacher at Reno Valley Middle School. Koon has led the event for the past 10 years after Regier retired, working alongside a large team of teachers and staff who help organize the evening.

“We kind of have it down to a science after 30 years,” Koon said. “We have different teams that handle different pieces of the project, and everyone works together to make it happen.”

A central part of the event is the creation of hundreds of handmade ceramic bowls. Middle school students craft the bowls using several pottery techniques, including coil building, pinch pots and slab construction. In previous years, high school pottery students also assisted by using potter’s wheels to form bowls that middle school students then decorated.

After the bowls are shaped, they must dry for about a week before being fired in a kiln. The pottery goes through a two-step firing process — first a “bisque firing” at roughly 1,500 degrees, followed by glazing and a second firing at temperatures near 2,100 degrees.

Because each kiln can only hold so many pieces at once, producing a full batch of bowls takes several weeks.

“It’s a long process,” Regier said. “But by the time we’re finished, we have a great variety of bowls made by the students.”

The evening itself centers on a community chili supper. Students help supply ingredients such as beans, tomatoes, crackers and other items through a schoolwide collection effort, allowing nearly all funds raised to go directly to charity.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Christian Soup Ministry in downtown Hutchinson, which provides meals and support for individuals facing food insecurity.

Koon said the cause is especially meaningful for students after learning about hunger challenges in the community.

“In Reno County, nearly 16 percent of residents face some level of food insecurity,” Koon said. “That’s a big number for a county our size, and we’re proud to support a place like the Christian Soup Ministry that helps those families.”

The 30th annual Empty Bowls Supper will take place at Reno Valley Middle School on Thursday, March 12. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with chili served beginning at that time. A student dramatic performance titled Yaron, the Yodeling Cowboy, written by teacher Dan Brinkley, will begin around 6 p.m.

The event is open to the public and operates on a free-will donation. Each family attending will receive a handmade bowl created by students as a keepsake of the evening.

Organizers say the tradition has grown into a meaningful way for students and the broader community to come together in support of neighbors in need.

“It really shows how our county pulls together,” Koon said. “People give what they can from the heart, and it all goes to help someone who needs it.”

Reno Valley Middle School to host 30th Annual Empty Bowl Supper

 New Beginnings has announced the hiring of Carissa Paxton as its new director of housing, a position aimed at strengthening efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in the Hutchinson community.

Paxton brings extensive experience in housing development, community needs assessment and residential real estate to the role. Her background includes work in both public service and nonprofit initiatives focused on housing and community engagement.

Before joining New Beginnings, Paxton served as the youth leadership program coordinator for Rise Up Reno Prevention Network. She also previously worked as housing coordinator for the City of Hutchinson, where she was involved in local housing initiatives and community development efforts.

In addition to her nonprofit and municipal experience, Paxton continues to work as a residential real estate specialist, giving her additional insight into the local housing market.

Officials with New Beginnings said Paxton’s experience in housing policy, development and community collaboration will help support the organization’s work in addressing housing needs and expanding affordable housing options in the area.

The director of housing position was created through funding provided by the Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Housing Initiative. The grant supports efforts to strengthen housing resources and increase access to affordable housing in Hutchinson and Reno County.

New Beginnings hires Carissa Paxton as director of housing

Students from the International Baccalaureate Visual Arts program at Hutchinson High School will showcase their work during a special public reception Friday evening at the Hutchinson Art Center.

The event will take place Friday, March 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the art center and will highlight artwork created by students enrolled in the IB Visual Arts program at Hutchinson High School.

Organizers say the evening is designed to celebrate the creativity and dedication of local student artists while giving the community an opportunity to view their work in a professional gallery setting.

Guests attending the reception will be able to explore a variety of student-created pieces while enjoying light refreshments and live music performed by students from the Hutchinson High School Orchestra.

The event is free and open to the public.

Hutchinson Art Center to showcase Hutch High artists

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 27 cents since last week to $3.25. The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher to the mid $70/barrel range. 

The recent increase puts the national average at the same price as it was in early April of 2025. Springtime typically sees higher gas prices as gasoline demand rises and summer-blend gasoline production begins. 

The last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was back in March of 2022 during the start of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. 

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/" target="_blank">new data from the Energy Information Administration</a>&nbsp;(EIA), gasoline&nbsp;demand&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;last week from 8.73 million barrels per day to 8.29 million. Total domestic&nbsp;gasoline&nbsp;supply&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;from&nbsp;254.8 million&nbsp;barrels&nbsp;to&nbsp;253.1 million.&nbsp;

Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp;

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI&nbsp;rose 10 cents to settle at $74.66&nbsp;a barrel.&nbsp;The EIA&nbsp;reports&nbsp;crude oil inventories&nbsp;increased by 3.5 million barrels from the previous week. 

At 439.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the&nbsp;five-year&nbsp;average for this time of year.&nbsp;

Jump at the pump as gas average goes up nearly 27 cents

A bridge replacement project in rural McPherson County will require the temporary closure of a section of Comanche Road beginning next week.

According to McPherson County Public Works, crews will replace a bridge located just west of K-61 Highway along Comanche Road. To allow for construction, Comanche Road will be closed to through traffic between K-61 and 9th Avenue.

Officials said the area immediately surrounding the bridge will be closed to all traffic during the project.

The closure is expected to begin Monday, March 9, with construction anticipated to last about seven months, weather permitting.

Bridge Replacement to close portion of Comanche Road

The Kansas Legislature has officially passed HCR5022, a resolution calling for a convention to propose congressional term limits.

Following the measure’s earlier approval in the Kansas House, the Kansas Senate finalized passage today with a bipartisan 30–8 vote, marking a significant step in a growing national movement aimed at advancing term limits for members of Congress.

The resolution was led by Sen. Mike Thompson and Rep. Bill Sutton and is supported by the nonpartisan nonprofit U.S. Term Limits, which has been working with states across the country to encourage congressional action on the issue.

By approving HCR5022, Kansas joins other states urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment establishing term limits. Advocates say the effort is designed to demonstrate that states are prepared to take action if Congress does not act first.

Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, a convention to propose amendments can be called if 34 states pass similar resolutions. Historically, when the number of states calling for a convention has grown, Congress has often acted on the issue before a convention is held.

“This achievement reflects the growing demand from Americans for reform in Washington,” said Philip Blumel, president of U.S. Term Limits. “Eighty-seven percent of Americans support term limits on Congress, with strong majorities across party lines. By passing this resolution, Kansas is helping remind Congress that the American people expect action — and that expectation is only growing stronger.”

HCR5022 received bipartisan support in both chambers of the Kansas Legislature. With the Senate’s approval today and the House’s earlier passage this session, the resolution is now officially enrolled.

Kansas legislature passes resolution supporting congressional term limits convention

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. ——————————————

Christian	Armando	Contreras Munoz		3/5/2026 1:18&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Jerome	Jason	Smith		3/5/2026 1:30&nbsp;PM	DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+,					Registration Violation; Fail to keep records on Vehicle registered for less than 6000 miles,					Insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle

Travis	Ray	Boyd		3/5/2026 10:58&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Honain	Steven	Culy		3/5/2026 2:48&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Erik	Dale	Pettay		3/5/2026 4:04&nbsp;PM	Poss of marijuana; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

Rhyen	James	Naab		3/5/2026 6:13&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Charles	Joseph Bryant	Adams		3/5/2026 6:40&nbsp;PM	DWS; 1st conviction

Ashlynn	Nicole	Hamby Raya		3/5/2026 7:06&nbsp;PM	Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Probation Violation,					In Transit From-To Other Agency

Christopher	Burdette	Stowell		3/5/2026 7:28&nbsp;PM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

Mark	David	Benewiat		3/5/2026 9:51&nbsp;PM	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv,					Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); 3.5g to &lt; 100g,					Drugs; Arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility

Jessica	Hanna	Ramey		3/6/2026 12:49&nbsp;AM	Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Indirect Contempt

Jeffrey	Allen	McCrory		3/6/2026 4:36&nbsp;AM	Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction),					Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, dv, sex,					Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,					Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,					Criminal Deprivation of Property; Other than Motor Vehicle or Firearm

Daily Bookings

Reno County officials are working to clarify questions surrounding nearly $900,000 in state health grants after the topic generated discussion during a recent county commission meeting and on social media.

During last week’s Reno County Commission meeting, Commissioner Randy Parks requested additional information on several health department grants that had appeared on the consent agenda. The request removed the items from the consent agenda so commissioners could review the details before approval.

Hirst said the decision was intended to ensure commissioners fully understood how taxpayer-funded grants would be used.

“We need to have as much information as we can about the use of the grants,” Hirst said. “Grants are funded by taxpayers, and we want to make sure those funds are being used properly and that services aren’t being duplicated.”

The grants, which total roughly $889,000 from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Aid to Local program, support a variety of public health services provided by the Reno County Health Department.

County Administrator Randy Partington said the grants fund programs that often serve residents who may not have access to care through private healthcare providers.

“There are quite a few line items,” Partington said. “Some include chronic disease risk reduction, education about vaping, smoking and substance misuse, and women’s health services. There are also programs that reach populations who may not be able to access private medical providers.”

Other grant-funded programs include maternal and child health initiatives, family planning services, immunizations and nutrition education.

Health officials say immunization programs help ensure vaccines are available for children who are uninsured or underinsured, while maternal and child health programs provide support for expectant mothers and young families.

“These programs fit directly into the county’s responsibility for the health and welfare of its citizens,” Hirst said.

Partington said grants represent a significant portion of the health department’s overall funding. The department operates on a budget of roughly $3 million, with funding coming from grants, property taxes and service fees.

“Grants are a big part of the health department’s budget,” Partington said. “Property taxes make up another portion, and the department also collects fees for certain services and reimbursements.”

One program funded through state support is childcare licensing, which Reno County administers for both Reno and Harvey counties. Partington said the arrangement was created several years ago as part of a regionalization effort encouraged by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Under the agreement, Reno County oversees inspections, education and licensing for childcare providers in both counties.

“The important thing to note is that the childcare licensing program is funded 100 percent by the state,” Partington said. “No Reno County property tax dollars are used to provide those services in Harvey County.”

Grant funding also supports public health emergency preparedness efforts. County officials said those resources help coordinate responses with local emergency management agencies and community organizations during disasters or other health emergencies.

Commissioners are expected to continue reviewing the grant details before final approval.

Reno County Commission meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.

Reno County officials clarify health department grants

The Food Bank of Reno County has officially begun serving clients at its new location and is expanding access by eliminating the need for appointments.

The organization announced it is now operating at 921 E. 4th Ave., Suite A, in Hutchinson, where individuals and families can visit during designated hours to receive food assistance.

Officials say the new location allows the Food Bank to streamline services and make it easier for residents in need to access groceries without scheduling ahead of time.

Clients can now stop by during regular operating hours to shop for food and household essentials.

The Food Bank is closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Staff encourage residents with questions to call the Food Bank of Reno County at 620-665-4076.

The move and updated service model are aimed at improving accessibility for Reno County residents facing food insecurity, allowing clients to receive assistance more easily during the week.

Food Bank of Reno County now open at new location

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/pages/weather">Click here for the KSStorm.info 7-day forecast.&nbsp;</a>

Three-day Outlook

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico —One person died after a small plane traveling from Kansas crashed on a golf course Friday in New Mexico.

Just after 11:30a.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Los Altos Golf Course for a reported small plane that crash landed, according to a the department's social media page.

 Engine 9 arrived within five minutes of dispatch and found a&nbsp;the single-engine Cessna 400 Corvalis TT with two people stuck inside. The aircraft was not on fire but had significant damage. 

The two people were extricated from the plane and transported to&nbsp;The University of New Mexico Hospital where one was pronounced deceased.

The aircraft was registered out of Wichita, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight radar indicated the plane took off from Wichita Friday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;The NTSB and FAA will continue to investigate.

One dead after small plane from Kansas crashed in New Mexico

CHICAGO (AP) — From former presidents to an NBA Hall of Famer to prominent pastors, stories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-dies-43abb84d2ffc76d967f9a5596ebd0be1">the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s</a>&nbsp;influence on politics, corporate boardrooms and picket lines loomed large Friday at a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader.

The public tribute — with appearances by Grammy-winning gospel singers and Jennifer Hudson — felt at times like a church service and others like a political rally. Many, from former President Bill Clinton to the Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader and founder of the National Action Network, likened Jackson’s death to a call to action, from speaking out against justice to voting in the midterms.

Former President Barack Obama said Jackson's presidential runs in the 1980s set the stage for other Black leaders, including his own successful 2009 presidency and reelection.

“The message he sent to a 22-year-old child of a single mother with a funny name, an outsider, was that maybe there wasn’t any place or any room where we didn’t belong,” Obama said to the boisterous crowd of thousands. “He paved the road for so many others to follow."

The event drew a slew of elected U.S. leaders. Other notable attendees included actor and producer Tyler Perry, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, and political activist and theologian Cornel West. Detroit Pistons great and Chicago native Isiah Thomas also spoke at the event that lasted five hours.

The crowd gave an especially warm welcome to Obama, who launched his political career in Chicago, and credited Jackson with keeping him on his toes. He said he was grateful to Jackson for providing a “legacy of hope" in contrast with the current Republican leadership in Washington.

“We are living in a time when it can be hard to hope,” Obama said. “Each day we wake up to some new assault to our democratic institutions. Another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency. Every day you wake up to things you just didn’t think were possible.”

Clinton said Jackson made him a better president, while former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris talked about Jackson's inspiring 1980s presidential runs and showed off campaign memorabilia she had kept from them.

President Donald Trump, who praised Jackson on social media after he died and also shared photos of the two of them, did not attend.

Thousands attend Jackson memorial service

The event honoring the protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate followed memorial services&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-memorial-services-chicago-649518382cd9f37a49fe393a6c9ec09b">that drew large crowds in Chicago</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-lie-state-south-carolina-5e8200205d0b30ae55f7583984ae46c1">South Carolina,</a>&nbsp;where Jackson was born. Friday’s celebration — at an influential Black church with a 10,000-seat arena — was the largest.

Attendees waited in long lines outside the church as television screens played excerpts of some of Jackson’s most famous speeches. Inside, vendors sold pins with his 1984 presidential slogan and hoodies with his “I Am Somebody” mantra.

Marketing professional Chelsia Bryan said Friday that she decided to attend for the "chance to be part of something historic.”

“As a Black woman, knowing that someone pretty much gave their life, dedicated their life to make sure I can do the things that I can do now, he’s worth honoring,” Bryan said.

Jackson Jr.: Everyone has a Jackson story

Jackson died last month at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak. His final public appearances included the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

"Every single person in here has a Jesse Jackson story,” his eldest son,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/primary-illinois-chicago-jesse-jackson-election-ca6fd203e953a9c6352026542309572f">Jesse Jackson Jr.,</a>&nbsp;said to the crowd. “The time he shook your hand, the time he prayed for you, the time he held you up, the time he prayed the funeral for somebody you know ... and he prayed you to a new course of existence.”

Sitting in the crowd was 90-year-old Mary Lovett. She said Jackson’s advocacy inspired her many times, from when she moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1960s, taught elementary school and became a mom. She voted for Jackson during his presidential runs and appreciated how he always spoke up for underrepresented people.

“He’s gone, but I hope his legacy lives,” she said. “I hope we can remember what he tried to teach us.”

Jackson's service was to the poor, underrepresented

Jackson's pursuits were countless, taking him to all corners of the globe: Advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, health care, job opportunities and education. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

Sharpton, who considered the late reverend a lifelong mentor, said he hoped attendees would take home some of the “Jackson fire.”

“Don’t sit here so holy and sanctified and act like you have no assignment yourself,” he said to the increasingly boisterous crowd. “We didn’t come this far to turn around now.”

Another son, Yusef Jackson, who runs the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, recalled how his father carried a well-worn Bible but also showed his faith by showing up to picket lines.

“He lived a revolutionary Christian faith rooted in justice, nonviolence and the moral righteousness,” he said. “He was deeply involved in the political struggles of his time, but his gift was that he could rise above them. It’s not about the left wing or the right wing. It takes two wings to fly. For him, the goal was always the moral center.”

A final homegoing service was scheduled for Saturday at Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Services in Washington, D.C., were tabled after a request to allow Jackson to lie in honor in the United States Capitol rotunda&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jesse-jackson-funeral-plans-capitol-rotunda-2910a8ff9df4531f9fa4ed76404a9887">was denied by</a>&nbsp;House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said the space is typically reserved for select officials, including former presidents.

🎥Biden, Obama, Harris remember the late Rev. Jesse Jackson 

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil shot to its highest price since 2023 after surging again Friday because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-6-2026-6108249f19c4bc162eacd7847976c174">the Iran war</a>, and a weak update on the U.S. job market knocked stocks lower to cap Wall Street’s worst week since October.

The S&amp;P 500 dropped 1.3% after a report showed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jobs-unemployment-economy-inflation-trump-tariffs-075a0d33e0794b7c93b9b8a7302dab98">U.S. employers cut more jobs</a>&nbsp;last month than they created and after oil prices spiked above $90 per barrel. The combination of a weak economy and high inflation is a worst-case scenario for investors because the Federal Reserve has no good tool to fix both problems at the same time.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged as many as 945 points before finishing with a loss of 453, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.6%.

“You can’t sugarcoat this report,” according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economic strategist at Annex Wealth Management. “A negative payrolls number combined with a big jump in oil prices will have traders worrying about stagflation risks.”

Stagflation is what economists call the miserable mix of a stagnating economy with high inflation, and a separate report released Friday added to the sourness after showing that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-spending-economy-75bf2d9c96a7650274bdb47fe97f9ac7">U.S. retailers made less money</a>&nbsp;in January than economists expected. It raised the disconcerting possibility that spending by U.S. households, the main engine of the economy, may be stretched near its maximum.

Usually when the economy is unsteady and the job market is weakening, the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to give things a boost. Lower rates can make it easier for households to get mortgages and for companies to raise money to expand, while also lifting prices for stocks and other investments. The Fed cut its main interest rate several times last year and had indicated more were to come this year.

But lower interest rates can also make inflation worse. And the Fed’s hands may be increasingly tied because spiking oil prices are pushing inflation higher due to disruptions for the energy industry.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, leaped another 8.5% to settle at $92.69. It briefly rose above $94 to touch its highest level since September 2023.

A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude breached the $90 level for the first time since 2023 and jumped 12.2% to $90.90.

Oil prices have surged, with Brent up from near $70 late last week, as the war has expanded and included areas critical to the production and movement of oil and gas in the Middle East. Much will depend on what happens with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-hormuz-iran-energy-war-5b60e82ef2fc68e2b43aa570a32404dd">Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;off Iran’s coast, where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil typically sails.

The U.S. government gave details Friday about a plan President Donald Trump announced earlier to offer insurance to ships crossing the strait, but it had little effect on the market.

If oil prices spike further, like to $100 per barrel, and stay there, some analysts and investors say it could be too much for the global economy to withstand.

To be sure, the U.S. stock market has a history of bouncing back relatively quickly following conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, as long as oil prices don’t jump too high for too long. Uncertainty about just how high oil prices will go this time around and for how long caused&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-trump-c9a42448cbc7afc35e959dd444614aa0">frenetic</a>&nbsp;swings across&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-iran-oil-trump-c9a42448cbc7afc35e959dd444614aa0">financial markets</a>&nbsp;this past week, sometimes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-oil-gold-iran-trump-25fd9bfa1b20549a6cbbdee61b2ea05f">hour by hour</a>.

On Monday, the S&amp;P 500 tumbled to an immediate 1.2% loss at the start of trading but made it all back and ended the day with a tiny gain.

Trump’s most recent signal on the war was that he wants an “unconditional surrender” of Iran, apparently ruling out negotiations.

In the bond market, Treasury yields wavered, with higher oil prices pushing upward on them and the discouraging updates on the U.S. economy pulling downward.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury initially rose toward 4.19% before pulling back to 4.14%. That’s up from 4.13% late Thursday and just 3.97% a week earlier.

Smaller companies often feel the bite of high borrowing costs more because many need to borrow to grow. Smaller companies can also be more dependent on the strength of the U.S. economy for their profits than big multinational rivals, and the smallest stocks on Wall Street took Friday’s sharpest dives.

The Russell 2000 index of small stocks fell a market-leading 2.3%.

Among the big companies in the S&amp;P 500, companies with high fuel bills helped lead the way lower. Old Dominion Freight Line sank 7.9%, cruise line Carnival fell 5% and Southwest Airlines lost 5.3%.

All told, the S&amp;P 500 fell 90.69 points to 6,740.02. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 453.19 to 47,501.55, and the Nasdaq composite sank 361.31 to 22,387.68.

In stock markets abroad, indexes slumped in Europe following a better finish in Asia. London's FTSE 100 fell 1.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.7%.

South Korea’s Kospi was nearly unchanged after plunging 12.1% Wednesday for its worst loss in history and then rebounding 9.6% Thursday.

AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Matt Ott contributed.

Oil surges to its highest price in almost three years

MORRIS COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found in rural Morris County, Kansas.&nbsp;

On Thursday, March 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Morris County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance after skeletal remains were located in field near K-4 and S 2800 Road. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

The Morris County Sheriff's Office and the KBI are aware of recent missing persons cases in the area. At this time, the identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.

If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

KBI: Skeletal remains found in rural Kansas field

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

TOPEKA — Southwest Kansas rancher Cole Gardiner is in recovery mode after a wildfire tore through 35,000 acres and kicked around 200 cattle.&nbsp;

Gardiner Angus Ranch, located near Ashland, has been in his family for 150 years. In his lifetime, Gardiner remembers only one other fire that was as devastating, the Starbuck Fire that occurred about nine years ago.&nbsp;

The Ranger Road fire, which started in Oklahoma on Feb. 17 and spread into southwest Kansas counties, burned more than 300,000 acres in both states. Winds gusted up to 68 miles per hour, Gardiner said, which allowed&nbsp;the fire to spread rapidly.

The fire burned through “quite a bit” of the Gardiner ranch and consumed pasture grass, destroyed fencing and killed&nbsp;cattle, Gardiner said.&nbsp;

“Grass will take awhile to replenish itself, I suppose, but hopefully when spring rains come, we’ll get along fine,” Gardiner said. “We’ll need to repair fence. We were fortunate enough to not lose much of our seed and hay, but a lot of folks did lose most of their seed and hay and lost all of their fencing.”

Although he takes as many steps as possible to fight off fire danger, Gardiner said doing so is difficult in an area known for its low humidity and lack of moisture.&nbsp;

“We get told lots about needing to do controlled burns, but A, they’re illegal, and B, once it gets to a certain level of aridity, dryness, when the humidity out here is 10% or less, it’s just anything that is there will catch pretty easily, especially with really high winds,” he said.&nbsp;

Ranchers&nbsp;mow frequently and some engage in controlled burns whenever possible, aided by the local volunteer fire department whenever possible.

“On days like (the Ranger Road Fire), we had breaks and guards and everything in place, but the wind was blowing 68 miles an hour,” Gardiner said. “They found embers in Wichita.”&nbsp;

Wichita is more than 150 miles away from Ashland.&nbsp;

Jason Hartman, state forester with the Kansas Forest Service, said fire danger is still high in the state.&nbsp;

“We won’t really, truly give kind of a sigh of relief until we get the green up,” he said. “That’s really when we can really put fire in the rear view mirror for the year.”

The Ranger Road fire was a challenge due to high winds in addition to lack of winter moisture and low humidity, Hartman said.&nbsp;

“It’s rarely any one factor by itself,” he said. “We had a pretty good growing season. In 2025, late summer and early fall, good moisture grew a lot of fuel for the fires. Then stack that on top of being really dry since then.”

Abrupt wind shifts make conditions “very challenging and very dangerous” for firefighters, most of whom are volunteers.&nbsp;

Gardiner said he and two others who work on the ranch are part of the fire department.&nbsp;

“It’s not a safe environment, but we try to follow a buddy system and do everything as safely as we can, given the circumstances,” he said. During the Ranger Road Fire, they fought for three days, with four or five-hour breaks for a shower and nap.&nbsp;

The Ranger Road Fire forced the evacuation of Ashland, Englewood, Herndon and Liberal for short periods of time.&nbsp;

Since then, a few smaller fires have broken out, Gardiner said, but they’ve been easily controlled.

The state remains on high alert, Hartman said. The Forest Service Division of Emergency Management and the fire marshal’s office coordinates and watches for areas of concern and whether state resources should be pre-positioned to speed the response.&nbsp;

Coordination includes considering needs for aviation assets, water trucks from the Kansas Department of Transportation, additional fire trucks from across the state and more, Hartman said.&nbsp;

Hartman and Gardiner said a lot of the preparation is trying to get the word out about volatile fire conditions.&nbsp;

Gardiner said he understood the Ranger Road fire started from a city burn pit and was the result of&nbsp;escaped&nbsp;embers.&nbsp;

“We’re getting more of these scenarios of the dry humidity, the high winds, the wind shifts, coupled with available fuels,” Hartman said. “Definitely the fire environment is becoming more volatile.”

Hartman said he&nbsp;hears from fire departments frequently that fires were never as big or intense as they are now.

Gov. Laura Kelly issued a state<a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/kansas-executive-order-26-01-wildfire-relief" target="_blank">&nbsp;disaster declaration</a>&nbsp;in February, which makes emergency services available. The Legislature then ratified the emergency declaration and extended it through March 25.&nbsp;

People have been making donations of hay and other items to farmers and ranchers who were affected.&nbsp;

Cash donations can be made to the Ashland Community Foundation or to the Stockgrowers State Bank, where 100% of donations will be distributed. Hay and feed can be delivered to Ashland Feed &amp; Seed, (620) 635-2856, or Shaw Feedyard, (620) 805-4682.&nbsp;

Southwest Kansas remains alert for wildfires amidst extreme weather conditions

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating another homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 23-year-old&nbsp;Brandon Williams.

Just before 1p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 70th and Cleveland on a shooting call, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina. On arrival officers located a vehicle stopped in the road at that location. Officers were directed inside the vehicle where they located an adult male shooting victim later identified as Williams.

Officers rendered aid to Williams and called for EMS. EMS transported Williams to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation along side of crime scene investigators.

Local

Region

Sports