HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The proposed wind farm in southeast Reno County has commissioners considering what they call overlay zoning. It’s used for specific businesses that may want to build in the county.

County Commissioner Bob Bush talked about this controversy with some residents in the Haven area who want a moratorium on any wind towers being built in the county until any zoning can be put in place.

Bush discusses the concern surrounding wind towers in incorporated and unincorporated parts of the county:

At a meeting earlier this month, NextEra Energy told the commission it would abide by zoning in place in the unincorporated area as the company will have to do in the incorporated areas.

Bush wants to make it clear that any zoning put in place by the county would only be for certain industry:

Bush says he understands that residents of the rural areas of the county live there to avoid all the zoning issues. But, the commission wants to make sure it is protected from certain forms of industry:

The planning commission will put together some form of zoning for those areas. That could take up to six months.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Town Club board has voted to accept a bid of $200,000 from USD 308 for the Town Club building. The school district will use the building to meet the needs of middle school students.

Gary Price, Superintendent for the Hutchinson School District, was given authority to negotiate the sale on behalf of the USD 308 School Board. Final approval will be given at the Nov. 12 board meeting.

The Town Club is planning a sale of contents of the building for members only on Thursday, Nov. 29, and to the public on Nov. 30. Times for both sales will be announced later.

The Town Club will close Oct 31.

The club is closing because members are getting older and younger people are not interested in joining.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local man on probation for a number of charges associated with forgery and theft by deception can now add five counts of burglary involving some well known targets.

Dylan Samms has been charged by the state with burglary of the Tomahawk Oxford House, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Cosmosphere, and Hutchinson Community College — twice.

The crimes reportedly occurred on various dates from Aug. 31 to Oct. 15.

Authorities did not specify what items were taken from these facilities, but if convicted, Samms could be sentenced up to nearly three years for each count.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas 4H youth will be benefiting from a collection of dollars from customers as part of Tractor Supply’s 2018 Paper Clover Campaign.

This bi-annual fundraiser is held in partnership with the National 4H Council. Kansas Tractor Supply stores collectively raised $16,502 this year through donations made with purchases in-store and online.

Earlier this month, Kansas Tractor Supply customers participated in the Fall Paper Clover event by purchasing paper clovers — the emblem of 4 H — for a donation during checkout at stores nationwide or through purchases made online. From Oct. 3 to Oct. 14, Kansas Tractor Supply stores raised $8,798. The Kansas funds raised are a portion of the more than $1 million nationwide grand total — marking the most successful fundraiser in Tractor Supply’s history. Combined with results from the Spring Paper Clover event held earlier this year, Kansas stores raised a total of $16,502.

These fundraising efforts will help fund scholarships for numerous state-level 4H programs nationwide. Every Kansas donation benefits Kansas youth. Scholarships are used for camps and leadership conferences.

The Fall Paper Clover event rounds out the ninth year of the campaign, which generated $1,999,661 in 2018.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With the recent flooding and so many roads closed, it may have been a challenge for students to get to school in a number of districts across the area. Buhler was no exception, according to Superintendent Mike Berblinger:

He says Sheriff Randy Henderson was very good about keeping him informed of road closings. Since there were closings, Berblinger was asked if the school was understanding of some students being a little late for class:

Winter is getting closer, so Berblinger also talked about Buhler’s policy when it comes to canceling school for inclement weather. He says it’s all about the safety of students and staff:

As always, HutchPost.com will keep you up to date this winter with closings across the area.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 38-year-old Hutchinson man faces charges for two incidents in the past two days.

Titus Thompson faces potential charges, of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, criminal threat, burglary and theft.

On Monday, Thompson and an unknown white male forced their way into a home in the 400 block of East B in Hutchinson, according to police. They demanded prescription drugs from the homeowner believed to be in his 50s.

The homeowner tried to fight back, but was kicked repeatedly. The suspects took a knife the victim used to try to defend himself and put it to his neck and threatened him with his life.

Thompson then forced the man to search the home looking for prescription drugs. The suspects took some prescription medications as well as the victim’s wallet, cell phone, a big screen TV and clothing from the home.

They then blindfolded the victim and loaded him and the stolen items into the victim’s car.

The suspects left and at some point stopped at a Kwik Shop, a liquor store in Burrton and traveled to a farmhouse in eastern Reno County.

This is where Thompson allegedly tried to sell some items to two individuals. The victim was still in the back seat and saw an opportunity to escape. He jumped into the front seat of the car and took off. During that time a TV fell off the top of the car where it had been placed.

The victim’s call 911 started the investigation.

On Tuesday, two residents reported a black male entering an unattached shed at a home in the 1400 Block of East 23rd in Hutchinson and taking a bicycle.

Thompson was later found walking in the 1800 block of Landon and based on the description from the victims and also surveillance video from Monday, police arrested Thompson.

The victim from Monday’s home invasion suffered bruises and cuts according to police.

Thompson is jailed on a $167,000 bond and during a first court appearance, he was denied a bond reduction.

He has prior convictions for obstruction, domestic battery, and driving while suspended for a case in Reno County in 2008. He also has priors for convictions of aggravated burglary and criminal possession of a firearm for a case in Sedgwick County in 2001.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – It’s that time again when law enforcement agencies will be collecting expired or unwanted prescription medications, over the counter medications and vitamins.

The South Hutchinson Police Department in association with Communities that Care will be hosting a collection event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at their offices at 10 East Blanchard.

Some items that will not be accepted include syringes, inhalers and oxygen containers.

The service is free and anonymous.

There will also be a similar event in McPherson from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m at the Joint Law Enforcement Center, at 1177 West Woodside Street.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Area voters are invited to meet with Republican legislators and representatives during a special event this Friday at 4 p.m. at the Applewood Restaurant in South Hutchinson.

There will be Hors D’oeurvres, pie and coffee served.

Local Republican Representatives will be present including Jack Thimesch, Paul Waggoner who faces a write-in campaign from Steve Becker, and Joe Seiwert.

Also expected to attend will be special guests Kris Kobach and Wink Hartman, Congressman Roger Marshal, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Attorney General Derrick Schmidt, plus other special guests.