Kansas courts will be closed Friday for the

first of four days of unpaid leave for employees in response to

state budget problems.

Kansas Supreme Court spokesman Ron Keefover says it appears to

be the first time in the state’s history that its courts have all

shut down on a business day.

The Supreme Court also has scheduled furlough days for court

employees on April 16 and 23 and May 7.

Courts will still handle emergencies, such as restraining orders

designed to protect people from domestic abuse.

The judicial branch’s budget problems would be worse were it not

for a law that allows the Supreme Court to increase filing fees and

other fees. That measure takes effect next week.