A portion of U.S. 281 in Russell County has been reopened to traffic as of Wednesday, Sept 18.

The 11-mile section between Land Road and the west K-18 junction has been closed since March for a Kansas Department of Transportation project to reconstruct the roadway into a 30-foot paved surface with 3-foot turf shoulders.

Construction crews will remain in the area to complete the final work and cleanup. Motorists are reminded to buckle up, follow the speed limits, and stay alert while driving.

Brett David Gartrell, of Stockton, passed away on September 15, 2024, at his home in rural Rooks County at the age of 40.

He was born on February 3, 1984, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Gregg and Susan Gartrell, the second of their three children.

Roy LeVern Acheson, 72, of Palco, passed away at his home on September 11, 2024.

Roy was born on January 13, 1952, in Quinter, Kansas, the fourth of five children to LeVern and Loree (Wilds) Acheson. He was raised on the family farm south of Palco.

A 1971 graduate of Palco High School, Roy was an active participant in FFA, rodeo, theater, and band. His passion for the arts led him to Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, where he studied drama with the aspiration of becoming a music or drama teacher. However, Roy’s journey led him back to the family farm.