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Top 5 Kansas news stories

October 20, 2025

Teri Hansen

20 Oct 2025 • 5 min read

David McClung of Olathe has reportedly become the oldest person to trek to Mount Everest's South Base Camp in Nepal, reaching the 17,598-foot destination Sunday after eight days of climbing.

Family of special needs student backs fired Blue Valley teacher

Strong northwest winds return to Kansas on Monday

Olathe man, 82, claims record for oldest Everest base camp climber

Thousands rally at Kansas Capitol in 'No Kings' protest

Former Chiefs cheerleader battles stage 4 cancer with fighting spirit

Family of special needs student backs fired Blue Valley teacher

The family of a special needs kindergartner at the center of a controversial teacher firing in the Kansas City area is asking the Blue Valley School District to reinstate Barb Hart. Hart, a 25-year veteran educator at Sunset Ridge Elementary, was terminated after she picked up a student and moved them to a safe area of her classroom during a distressed moment. The school board voted 6-1 to fire Hart for violating its Emergency Safety Intervention policy, which restricts physical restraint to situations where less restrictive measures have failed and immediate danger exists.

In a letter to the school board, the student's family praised Hart as a caring, passionate teacher whose experience and dedication make her irreplaceable. A Change.org petition supporting Hart has gathered nearly 2,500 signatures, with supporters arguing she acted with compassion to ensure the child's well-being.

KSN

Strong northwest winds return to Kansas on Monday

Kansas residents should prepare for gusty conditions as a cold front brings strong northwest winds across the state Monday. Wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph are expected for most areas, with northwest Kansas potentially seeing gusts up to 50 mph. Morning temperatures will start in the lower 50s, with afternoon highs ranging from the lower 60s in the northwest to the low and mid-70s elsewhere. Blowing dust is possible in northwest Kansas due to the strong winds.

Tuesday will bring cooler conditions with highs in the upper 60s and lighter winds across central and western Kansas. Another storm system is expected late Thursday, bringing thunderstorms that could continue into Thursday night, followed by scattered showers and cooler temperatures on Friday.

KWCH

Olathe man, 82, claims record for oldest Everest base camp climber

David McClung of Olathe has reportedly become the oldest person to trek to Mount Everest's South Base Camp in Nepal, reaching the 17,598-foot destination Sunday after eight days of climbing. McClung, 82, completed the approximately 80-mile journey alongside his 55-year-old son Dennis, enduring six to eight hours of daily hiking through steep, rocky terrain and harsh weather conditions.

A Vietnam War combat veteran who has hiked on all seven continents, McClung said the achievement demonstrates that adventure has no expiration date and life should be lived fully at every stage. His daughter noted that determination, adventure and grit have always defined her father, who used only two trekking poles to complete one of the world's most demanding hikes.

FOX4KC

Thousands rally at Kansas Capitol in 'No Kings' protest

An estimated 6,300 demonstrators gathered at the Kansas State Capitol on Saturday for a "No Kings" protest, joining nationwide rallies against the Trump administration. Protesters marched around the Capitol to a silent drumbeat, carrying signs with messages like "No billionaire kings" and calling for protection of democracy and free speech. Organizers cited concerns about government shutdowns, funding cuts, ICE raids and federal troop deployments to U.S. cities.

Many protesters also opposed the redistricting process initiated by Kansas Republican lawmakers, with one demonstrator claiming efforts to split Johnson County aim to dilute Democratic votes. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson dismissed the protests as having no substance or influence, saying Republicans are simply responding to Democratic gerrymandering in other states.

WIBW

Former Chiefs cheerleader battles stage 4 cancer with fighting spirit

Former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Sabrina Dotson returned to Arrowhead Stadium this past weekend for the NFL's Crucial Catch game, but this time as the one being honored rather than performing. Dotson, a wife and mother of two young children, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in November 2024, just one day before her son turned eight months old. The cancer had spread to her bones and liver, making it one of the worst days of her life.

Surrounded by former teammates and current Chiefs cheerleaders, Dotson said the experience was meaningful as she went from holding up signs for other cancer fighters to now cheering for herself. Her husband Bubba praised her determination, saying she keeps going despite the challenges and remains motivated by their children. Former teammate Leslie McCain noted that Dotson's light has never dimmed, demonstrating the true sisterhood and community that exists beyond just cheering on the Chiefs.

FOX4KC

Sources

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