One person was injured, a farm home was destroyed and an undetermined amount of acres were burned in a grass fire Monday in Kearny County. Around 1 p.m. Monday, a fire started along Highway 25 at mile marker 86 near Lakin. At that time, the Kearny County Sheriff's Office says there was a strong wind from the west. The fire spread quickly because of the dry vegetation and lack of recent rainfall. Kearny County Emergency Services responded to the fire, and received assistance from Stanton County, Grant County and Garden City. Crews were battling wind gusts in excess of 30 miles [...]

One person and four cats were evacuated from a burning home in Hutchinson on Monday. Around 1 p.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 200 block of West 28th Street for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found smoke pushing out of the front door out of a single-story home.  Dispatch reported to units that there was a possible occupant inside trying to get pets out. Crews operated in an offensive strategy by stretching a hose line to the front door.  The first crew that arrived on scene was able to hear the occupant inside the home, [...]

Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities will create high to very-high fire weather conditions for many parts of the state. “Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires,” Governor Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible. A single spark is enough to touch off a fire that could have devastating consequences.” “We can all do our part to prevent unwanted fires,” Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service, said. “If there are opportunities to avoid welding, using cutting torches or other [...]

Seventy-seven school buildings in approximately 29 districts across the state have implemented a four-day week this year, up from 60 in 2023. As more Kansas public schools adapt to a shorter academic week, rural communities may see benefits. Rural school districts already contain the majority of the state’s four-day scheduled schools. “It’s been a hot topic,” said Randy Watson, KBOE Commissioner of education, in a Feb. 14 Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Watson said most districts were having discussions about the possibility of implementing four-day weeks, especially in smaller, more rural areas. Since 2011, 93 Kansas school buildings have tested [...]