Editor's note: This is the first of a series of articles for Severe Weather Awareness Week.&nbsp;

As Kansas heads into the peak of spring severe weather season, the National Weather Service urges residents to review safety plans and prepare for the possibility of tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds and flash flooding.

Severe Storm Awareness Week serves as an annual reminder that Kansas sits in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” where rapidly changing weather conditions can produce dangerous storms with little warning.

Officials say preparation begins with understanding the risks. In addition to tornadoes, spring storms in Kansas frequently bring large hail capable of damaging homes and vehicles, straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, and heavy rainfall that can quickly lead to flash flooding.

Residents are encouraged to identify a safe shelter location in advance. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or storm cellar. If those are not available, officials recommend moving to a small, interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes, and occupants should seek alternative shelter when severe weather is forecast.

Officials also emphasize the importance of having multiple ways to receive warnings. A NOAA Weather Radio, smartphone weather alerts and local television and radio broadcasts can provide critical information when severe weather develops. Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside and should not be relied upon as the sole source of notification indoors.

Preparedness experts recommend assembling an emergency kit that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications and important documents stored in a waterproof container. Families should also establish a communication plan in case household members are separated when storms strike.

Drivers are reminded never to attempt to outrun a tornado in congested areas and to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Schools, businesses and local governments across Kansas often use Severe Storm Awareness Week to conduct tornado drills and review emergency procedures.

Officials say taking time now to prepare can save lives later.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Preparing for the storm

The Kansas State Fair has announced rising country music star Russell Dickerson as the latest addition to its 2026 grandstand concert lineup.

Dickerson is scheduled to perform Friday, Sept. 18, at the Kansas Star Casino Grandstand in Hutchinson. Fair officials said they are still working to secure an opening act.

Dickerson, known for hits including “Yours,” “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “God Gave Me a Girl,” has emerged as one of country music’s fast-rising performers. He is preparing to launch a European tour this spring, with stops in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz said the booking reflects an effort to blend established favorites with newer artists gaining national and international attention.

Tickets for the Sept. 18 concert range from $35 for general admission grandstand seating to $110 for VIP deck standing room, which includes two beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Reserved VIP tables for six are available for $835. Track seating is priced at $85, and reserved grandstand seats are $55.

Presale access begins Thursday for customers who have signed up for the fair’s email list. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday morning at kansasstatefair.gov or through the fair’s ticket office at 2000 N. Poplar in Hutchinson.

Officials urged buyers to purchase tickets only through the fair’s official website or ticket office to avoid third-party resellers and potential scams. Gate admission is included in the ticket price.

Russell Dickerson to appear at Kansas State Fair

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2-6. The Evergy service area experiences a wide variety of severe weather during the spring and summer seasons including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding.

Evergy’s ongoing work to upgrade and modernize the power grid helps reduce outages, which is especially important during severe weather events. Recent Evergy investments include:

Evergy prioritizes investments where they most effectively improve reliability and reduce long-term costs. In 2025, Evergy performed well during storms, with customers being out of power for shorter durations.

"We've been on a great trend for the last several years, and that trend includes having fewer outages that our customers actually experience, whether it's on a stormy day or a blue-sky day. And then we continue to get better and better at our response to outages when they occur," said Ryan Mulvany, Evergy vice president, power delivery. “People don't think about [it] or they don't notice when they drive by our crews every day, but they certainly experience the outcomes of those [investments] when our system withstands weather or withstands wind and their lights stay on.”

Even with greater resiliency, extreme weather can result in power outages. Evergy encourages customers to be prepared and to prioritize safety during severe weather. Here are a few ways to be ready for spring storm season:

Download Evergy’s mobile app to easily report and track outages. Customers can also report outages at evergy.com/outages, and monitor Evergy’s outage map.

Check your communications preferences in your Evergy online account. Evergy sends emails and text messages to share information about severe weather and outages with customers.

If you see downed power lines or another hazardous situation, stay at least 30 feet away. Stay in your car or home if you safely can. DO NOT TOUCH THE LINES. First call 911, then call Evergy at 800-544-4852 in the Evergy Kansas Central service area or 888-544-4852 in the Evergy Metro or Missouri West service areas.

Find more preparation and safety tips on our Preparing for Outages page.

The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill by practicing seeking secure, safe shelter from a tornado.

Evergy prepares for severe weather with year round investments

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. ——————————————

David	Wayne	Pederson		3/1/2026 1:56&nbsp;PM	Failure to Appear

Darrian	Michael	Holland		3/1/2026 6:45&nbsp;PM	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction, Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance, Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard

Shanna	Lynn	Henry		3/2/2026 2:15&nbsp;AM	DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher					Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case Execution of Misd Warrant, Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO, Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance,					Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty

Daily Bookings

ELLSWORTH COUNTY— Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend crash and fire.

According to the Ellsworth County Sheriff, the late Saturday evening call about a vehicle on fire in the 2500 Block of Avenue T resulted in the arrest of a Kansas man for leaving the scene and failing to report a motor vehicle accident. Additional charges of illegal tag, no proof of liability insurance and Interference / Obstruction are pending.

As it turned out, the driver of the burning vehicle struck a concrete guardrail on a County bridge.&nbsp; The vehicle went flying for quite some  distance, and then landed on its wheels about 200 feet west of the point of impact and caught fire.

There was  significant damage to both the bridge and vehicle.  The driver was located about 1/2 mile west of the accident scene, watching emergency crews work to extinguish the blaze.

The sheriff office thanked the Marquette Fire and EMS crews, along with the McPherson Fire Department, who were sending additional resources out to the location to help us look for "possible" injured persons from this crash.

The sheriff's office reminded, "The Bottom Line here, if you crash your car....you call the Law.....because that is the law."

Sheriff: Kansas driver arrested after he left a crash and fire

The Hutchinson Community Foundation has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Buhler Public Library to support a community improvement project aimed at enhancing the library’s visibility and appeal.

The funding was provided through the Fund for Reno County under the foundation’s Community and Economic Development grant program as part of the 2025 Impact Cycle 2.

Library officials plan to use the funds to install a fun, interactive wall mural inside the facility and update the building’s exterior appearance with a new awning along Main Street. The improvements are designed to make the library a destination that visitors will want to return to while increasing awareness of the services it offers.

Foundation representatives said the grant reflects an ongoing investment in projects that strengthen communities across Reno County. By supporting enhancements at the Buhler Public Library, the foundation aims to contribute to local economic vitality and community engagement.

Library leaders said their goal is to emphasize that the library is a welcoming and enjoyable place for residents of all ages — both inside and out.

HCF awards $8K grant to Buhler Public Library

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

Three-day Outlook

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.

The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;

EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after car, SUV crash on a bridge

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The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. It is the responsibility of the CMA to serve as a role model for CNAs. Personal care and service to residents is required in a manner that promotes flexibility, safety, comfort and places the resident’s overall well-being at the focal point of each task. Duties are performed in accordance with recognized standards, the laws of Kansas and the Mission Statement of The Wesley.

Summary of Responsibilities for Medication Administration

Summary of Responsibilities for Resident Care

The Wesley is a 50-acre vibrant retirement community nestled in a quiet neighborhood in northwest Hutchinson, Kansas. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled home care.

Insight Kansas: On cell phones, public schools and state exemptions

An officer with the Pratt Police Department has completed state training and is preparing to begin field work with the department.

Officer Austyn Staats recently graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center after completing the center’s 16-week basic training program.

The academy provides instruction in criminal law, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms proficiency and community policing. The program is designed to equip new officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve Kansas communities with professionalism and integrity.

With academy training complete, Staats will return to his department to begin the next phase of preparation. He will work alongside department training officers to complete field training before serving independently.

Department officials congratulated Staats on his accomplishment and welcomed him back as he begins the field training process.

Pratt Police officer graduates from KLETC

U.S. embassies in the Middle East updated security advisories for Americans traveling and residing in these regions to exercise caution amid the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the&nbsp;Department of State Consular Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides detailed destination-specific travel and risk information to allow U.S. citizens to make informed international travel decisions. U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe provide services that support the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad.

<a href="https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html">Click here</a> to get the latest updates and enroll to receive alerts directly at <a href="https://t.co/tn90vcSWRE" target="_blank">http://step.state.gov</a>. Americans who need consular help can reach help 24/7 by phone: +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).

3 countries designated with a ‘Do Not Travel For Any Reason’ warning

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday spoke to widening concerns that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-02-2026-cb42936de1d8c261be8f30f11c6665fa">the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran</a>&nbsp;could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”

Hegseth, along with Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held the Trump administration's first news briefing since Saturday's strikes. President Donald Trump, while he’s conducted a few phone interviews with individual reporters, has not taken questions on camera and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-trump-address-f662a4f3378535d81197be699fb35a3e">only released two videos</a>&nbsp;since the operation began.

Hegseth said the operation had a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” to “destroy the missile threat” from Iran, destroy its navy and “no nukes.”

“No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don’t waste time or lives,” Hegseth said.

He also suggested the U.S. was not seeking to change the Iraninan regime with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>,

“This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it,” Hegseth said.

The briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

Four American troops have been killed in action. Trump on Sunday predicted there would be more U.S. casualties.

Caine on Monday said the U.S. expected to have additional losses.

“We grieve with you, and we will never forget you," he said of the family members of those killed.

The latest sign of the escalating upheaval came when U.S. ally Kuwait “mistakenly shot down”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">three American fighter jets</a>&nbsp;during a combat mission as Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones were attacking. U.S. Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely from the American F-15E Strike Eagles and were in stable condition.

U.S. officials have not offered any exit plan or offered signs that the conflict would end anytime soon, and the Khamenei cast doubt on the future of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">the Islamic Republic</a>&nbsp;and hurtled the region into broader instability.

In laying out a case for the strikes, Hegseth pointed to the Iranian regime as having started the conflict from its inception, declaring that for 47 years it has "waged a savage, one-sided war against America.”

“Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their Ayatolloah and his death cult,” he said.

He did not point to any threat of an imminent nuclear threat from Iran, and he said again that last summer’s strikes by the U.S. and Israel “obliterated their nuclear program to rubble.”

Instead, Hegseth pointed to threats from other weaponry such as ballistic missiles and drones that justified the operation.

“Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions,” Hegseth said.

He said that during negotiations with U.S. officials leading up to the attack, Iranian officials were “stalling."

“The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal. But Tehran was not negotiating," Hegseth said.

Trump, in an interview Sunday with The New York Times, said the assault could last “four to five weeks.”

Hegseth dismissed questions about the time frame and said, “President Trump has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take. Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks. It could move up. It could move back.”

The Republican president said the U.S. and Israel had struck hundreds of targets already. That included Israel and the U.S. bombing Iranian missile sites and targeted its navy, claiming to have destroyed its headquarters and multiple warships.

Caine said that, as with the operation that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-war-nuclear-trump-bomber-news-06-22-2025-c2baca52babe915e033ae175ce8b2687">dropped massive bunker-buster bombs</a>&nbsp;on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, Epic Fury also utilized B-2 stealth bombers, which the chairman said made a 37-hour round trip.

Caine several times referenced the use of cyber technologies in the strikes, which he said had “effectively disrupted communications and sensor networks,” leaving “the adversary without the ability to coordinate or respond effectively.”

Without giving specifics, Caine said the U.S. military “delivered synchronized and layered effects designed to disrupt, degrade, deny and destroy Iran’s ability to conduct and sustained combat operations on the U.S. side.”

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 555 people have been killed in Iran so far by the U.S.-Israeli campaign. Eleven people have been killed in Israel and 31 in Lebanon, according to authorities there.

Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Charleston, S.C., David Klepper and Ben Finley in Washington and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.

🎥Pentagon officials answer questions on Iran strikes

WASHINGTON (AP) —A U.S. soldier has died during the war with Iran, the U.S. Central Command announced on Monday, bringing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-us-military-troops-casualties-793c3ea29a399c9a405e70b14c548595">official tota</a>&nbsp;l to four.

The soldier was wounded during the initial stage of Operation Epic Fury and died on Monday, it said.

A total of four U.S. soldiers have been killed since Israel and the U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/trump-says-there-will-likely-be-more-us-service-members-killed-in-iran-conflict-before-it-ends-a1dccc590afc4892b8c1becca337cbeb">said</a>&nbsp;in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday that “sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

Fourth US soldier dies in Operation Epic Fury

WASHINGTON —U.S. military officials are investigating a reported friendly fire incident in Operation Epic Fury.

At 11:03 p.m. ET, Sunday, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.

All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation.The cause of the incident is under investigation.&nbsp;

The U.S. Central Command released no additional details early Monday.

US fighter jets shot down in friendly fire Incident in Kuwait

KANSAS CiTY—Law enforcement are investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 1300 block of E 76th street in Kansas City, Missouri on a sound of shots call, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they located two adult male victims inside a vehicle at the intersection of 76th and Lydia. One man was suffering from gunshot wounds and officers immediately began performing life saving measures while ordering EMS. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The other male victim sustained non life threatening gun shot wounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the course of the initial investigation officers located a possible subject of interest in a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the house and an Operation 100, a police stand off, was initiated. Trained negotiators and tactical officers were called in to the scene to bring the situation to a peaceful resolution.&nbsp; Police ultimately determined the house was empty.

This is being investigated as a homicide, and no one is in custody at this point. Detectives are still working to determine what led to shots being fired and the victims being struck.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the victim.

Homicide: Police end standoff in search for KC shooting suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-explosion-tehran-c2f11247d8a66e36929266f2c557a54c">U.S. attacks on Iran</a>, the military announced Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that President Donald Trump said could likely lead to more losses in the coming weeks.

The three who were killed were U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Kuwait as part of a unit that oversees supplies and logistics, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The development was reported earlier by NBC News and The Washington Post.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when and where they occurred as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-01-2026-693bc30bbbc98660d81f4a13f65ca10f">the Islamic Republic retaliates</a>&nbsp;over the joint strikes by the U.S. and Israel. The post said “several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions” and were going to return to duty.

“We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen,” Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social platform on Sunday afternoon. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is. Likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

In the roughly six-minute video, Trump called those killed “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.” He said the U.S. will avenge their deaths.

Trump earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15604385/donald-trump-daily-mail-interview-iran.html" target="_blank">told the Daily Mail</a>&nbsp;in a phone interview Sunday that the U.S. troops who were killed were “great people.”

“You know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately,” Trump told the newspaper. “Could happen continuous — it could happen again.”

He also told the Daily Mail that he believes the conflict could last for “four weeks or so.”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-ayatollah-khamenei-ad853dc1d5606fd9202b65a75bdbfc2f">He had previously warned</a>&nbsp;that American troops could be killed or injured in the operation.

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” the Republican president said in a video address released early Saturday. “That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future.”

Central Command, meanwhile, described the situation “as fluid” and said it would withhold the identities of the service members who were killed for 24 hours after their families were notified.

Following the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-dead-5b13b69b708c4ed38e8f95f5fb41a597">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>&nbsp;and other leaders, Iran’s counterattacks have struck U.S. bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. military denied Iranian claims that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aircraft-carrier-iran-protests-us-military-58e6da912f9167df94f913d7dafe5af4">the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier</a>&nbsp;was struck with ballistic missiles, saying on X that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever targeting Israeli and American military installations.

Before the strikes, Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-iran-buildup-nuclear-program-5663a8b0d81c8439adfaa010c59a36f5">built up the largest U.S. military presence</a>&nbsp;in the Middle East in decades. The arrival of the Lincoln and three accompanying guided-missile destroyers at the end of January bolstered the number of warships in the region.

The world’s largest aircraft carrier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greece-us-iran-protest-gerald-r-ford-trump-3aec7d2753dc33a5c2693b4a273e491f">the USS Gerald R. Ford</a>, and four accompanying destroyers later were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-iran-aircraft-carrier-military-8db3fab10476949acda8b973be416204">dispatched from the Caribbean Sea</a>&nbsp;to head to the Middle East.

The Ford was part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-maduro-what-to-know-a57528ff315a7f70ed51a1721f5e0bc2">the U.S. raid in Venezuela</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-explosions-caracas-ca712a67aaefc30b1831f5bf0b50665e">captured leader Nicolás Maduro</a>, who was brought to New York to face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maduro-venezuela-trump-criminal-case-131f59e517cc8314a53c8dace230d328">drug trafficking charges</a>. The operation in January claimed no American lives but left seven U.S. troops with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

One of those injured&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-maduro-venezuela-wounded-pilot-69c70a7385ec14f58a84a4a7e4557c08">received the Medal of Honor</a>&nbsp;during Trump’s State of the Union address last week. Trump said Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was staying.

Trump has launched several military operations during his second term, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-islamic-state-hegseth-trump-61dcee09576ce806de3a04aaec152495">strikes on members of the Islamic State group</a>&nbsp;in Syria in retaliation for an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-us-military-attack-palmyra-is-22f67e54c1a15fcc643de2672b83aacb">ambush attack that killed two U.S. troops</a>&nbsp;and an American civilian interpreter in December.

New details on Army soldiers killed in Iran operation 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Traffic Division reported a vehicle traveling west on Quindaro Blvd. in the westbound lane was struck at 10th Street by an eastbound vehicle that was also traveling in the westbound lane. 

One adult was pronounced deceased on the scene. Five additional adults were transported to an area hospital with injuries ranging from serious to critical. One of those individuals has also died from their injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Traffic Division. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Police: 2 dead, 4 injured in wrong-way crash on Kansas road 

BANGKOK (AP) — The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran rattled world markets on Monday, with U.S. futures falling more than 1% and oil prices soaring, though gains for defense contractors and oil companies helped limit losses in Asian trading.

The futures for the S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 1.7%.

The price of a barrel of U.S. benchmark jumped 9% to $73 per barrel. Brent crude jumped nearly 10% to nearly $80 per barrel.

European markets opened sharply lower. Germany’s DAX dropped 2.2% to 24,737.47, while in Paris the CAC 40 lost 1.9% to 8,413.91. Britain’s FTSE 100 slipped 1% to 10,800.63.

Shares fell in most Asian markets but they rose in Shanghai, where higher oil prices lifted some oil company stocks such as CNOOC, China Petroleum &amp; Chemical and PetroChina to the 10% limit.

The Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.5% to 4,182.59, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 2.1% to 26,059.85.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index initially fell more than 2%. It closed 1.4% lower at 58,057.24. Offsetting other losses, shares in defense-related stocks including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI Corp. advanced.

Australia’s S&amp;P/ASX 200 ended flat, at 9,200.90.

In India, which could face disruptions to its access to oil due to the hostilities, the Sensex fell 2.1%.

Taiwan’s benchmark lost 0.9% and Singapore’s dropped 2.3%. In Bangkok, a major tourism destination for the Middle East, the SET fell 3.1%.

Markets were closed in South Korea for a holiday.

The price of gold, which usually is viewed as a safe haven for investment in times of uncertainty, rose 3.4% to about $5,426 per ounce.

The U.S. dollar also gained, rising to 157.20 Japanese yen from 156.27 yen late Friday. The euro slipped to $1.1708 from $1.1762.

Traders are betting the war will disrupt oil supplies from Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East. Attacks throughout the region, including on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/us-israel-strikes-iran-khamenei-03-01-2026#0000019c-a994-dfc5-adbd-ad9fd8300000">two vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz</a>, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, have constrained oil exports to the rest of the world.

“Roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) flows squeeze through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not an obscure canal. It is the aorta of the global energy system,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

A prolonged war would likely result in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-iran-strikes-oil-prices-4a4a800739e53a30ff63b5e89e84ad71">higher prices</a>&nbsp;for other fuels and gasoline and could cascade throughout the global economy, adding to production costs overall.

Prolonged interruptions to oil flows through the Middle East would have “huge implications for oil and LNG and every market everywhere if it occurs. Energy is an input to ALL production,” RaboResearch Global Economics &amp; Markets said in a report.

Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, mostly to China. It may need to look elsewhere for supply if Iran’s exports are disrupted, another factor that could increase energy prices.

The size of China’s strategic oil reserves is a state secret. But a recent report by John Kemp of Base Research estimated them at 1.1 billion to 1.2 billion barrels –- equivalent to around 100 days or just over three months of imports.

The war’s impact on markets was muted somewhat because the attacks were anticipated, with a massive buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East. So traders had adjusted their positions to take that risk into account.

The conflict has shifted attention, for now, away from issues surrounding artificial intelligence that have dominated markets in recent months.

On Friday, the S&amp;P 500 fell 0.4% to finish just its second losing month in the last 10. The Dow industrials dropped 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.9%.

Treasury yields fell in the bond market as investors sought safer places for their money.

“When markets are fragile, they do not need a knockout blow. They just need another weight on the bar,” Innes said.

Also hurting the broad market was a report Friday showing that inflation at the U.S. wholesale level was at 2.9% last month, much higher than the 1.6% that economists expected.

Oil prices soar after attacks in Middle East disrupt global energy supply

KANSAS CITY — Kansas City man who allegedly stole a bus and led police on a chase is facing multiple charges.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2816/ReiffPreston---Complaint-and-Warrant-Packet-1">Preston R. Reiff, 21,&nbsp;</a>faces one count of Stealing, one count of 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, and one count of 1st Degree Property Damage, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

According to court records, Kansas City police responded to a bus station on Feb. 24 after a bus was reported stolen. Witness accounts and surveillance footage captured Reiff driving the bus out of the lot, striking a wall, an automatic gate, and two signs, causing an estimated $55,000 in total damage to the facility, and further damage to the bus that has yet to be calculated.&nbsp;

Officers tracked the bus via GPS and attempted a traffic stop but Reiff refused to pull over. Officers successfully deployed stop sticks and Reiff pulled to the shoulder. He was taken into custody without further incident.&nbsp;

A Jackson County judge set Reiff's bond at $30,000 cash only.&nbsp;

KC man caused thousands of dollars in damage after he stole a bus

COWLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident in Cowley County.

Just before 7:30p.m. Saturday, the Cowley County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to an injury accident involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian on US 77 Highway at 242nd Road, according to Undersheriff Christina McDonald.

&nbsp;Deputies determined that a silver Nissan Rogue traveling northbound on US 77 had struck a pedestrian who was walking in the roadway. The pedestrian sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.&nbsp; The sheriff's office did not release the name of the victim.

Sheriff investigating fatal Kansas pedestrian accident

The Kansas City Chiefs have told right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the NFL’s new league year begins March 11 unless a trade materializes, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Parting ways with Taylor will clear $20 million in salary cap space, allowing Kansas City to move under the cap ahead of the new league year. The decision is the latest in a series of financial moves by the Chiefs, who also cut veteran defensive end Mike Danna and reworked quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract last month.

The Chiefs could free up additional cap room by releasing linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight end Noah Gray, and by restructuring the contracts of defensive standout Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey. Kansas City began the offseason more than $57 million over the salary cap.

Taylor, 28, had one season left on his four-year, $80 million contract. Signed as a free agent in 2023, he helped solidify the offensive line during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run that season, when Kansas City became the first team in two decades to repeat as champions.

Although Taylor was effective in pass protection, penalties were an issue. He was flagged 49 times, with 41 accepted, over 45 games in a Chiefs uniform, the most among NFL linemen during that span.

🏈 Chiefs plan to release Jawaan Taylor in $20M cap move

🎧🏀 WSU wins fifth straight; 🏀 Dragon Talk finale this evening

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Hutch High Boys at Topeka West (Sub-State first round), 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) K-State MBB vs. West Virginia, 6 p.m. pregame, 7 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

Hutch High Girls at Andover Central (Sub-State first round), 5:45 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. tipoff (KWBW) HutchCC WBB/MBB at Fort Hays Tech NW, 6:15 p.m. pregame, 6:30 p.m. tipoff (KHUT)

HutchCC MBB at TBD (Region VI First Round), TBD (KHUT/KWBW) K-State MBB vs. KU, Noon pregame, 1 p.m. tipoff (KHMY)

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