HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The largest youth livestock show in Kansas held here in Hutchinson recently included 723 4H and FFA members from 91 counties exhibiting 1,519 head of livestock.
Todd Domer with the Kansas Livestock Association announced some of the winners from the Kansas Junior Livestock Show:
The event ended Sunday on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trial for a man charged with a series of robberies is getting underway in Reno County District Court.
Jeffrey Howell is charged with four counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of kidnapping and one count of attempted aggravated robbery. Howell got away with a total of $934.
The robberies occurred at Dillons, 206 W. 5th; the Kwik Shops at 1401 E. 4th and 1701 N. Monroe; and the Subway at 1530 E. 11th back in August of last year. Another robbery occurred at Vic’s Dog Grooming on Oct. 25.
The trial is in front of Judge Tim Chambers. Howell remains jailed on a $225,000 bond.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s an annual event that helps the less fortunate stay warm in the winter. The “Coats for Kids” program is underway.
Rachel Nelson with Ineeda Cleaners in Hutchinson talks about her role in this annual collection and distribution:
Although the goal is to collect used coats, she says someone donated a brand new coat. She says that’s OK, too:
She also talked about the needs of some older children and their desire for something a little different:
If you have coats, jackets, or even blankets you no longer need, they can be taken to Ineeda Cleaners at 13th & Main, where they will be cleaned and taken to the Salvation Army to be distributed.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bucking the usual trend this time of year, gas prices in Kansas and across the nation continue to rise.
Kansas saw only a modest 1-cent increase in the past week to $2.75, but is up 8 cents in the past month and up 19 percent from a year ago, according to Triple A Kansas.
Here in Hutchinson, gas prices range from $2.51 per gallon to $2.59 at others. In either case, that’s well below the state average. In South Hutchinson, prices are closer to the state average with most stations having a price of $2.69 per gallon.
The Kansas gas price extremes include Longton in Elk County at $3.20 per gallon to $2.51 in Hutchinson, which is the lowest.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioners Tuesday approved a proclamation of disaster for Reno County because of the flooding and the potential for more flooding later in the week.
Heavy rains have saturated the ground, causing field runoff and closing several roadways throughout the county. While the field runoff may recede soon, Cow Creek, the Little Arkansas River, Arkansas River and Ninnescah River will continue to rise, causing issues for Reno County residents into next week.
Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar talked about what this proclamation means:
The rains have created obstructions, which endanger the health and safety of residents and property in the county, according to the proclamation. So where do things stand at the moment? Weishaar gives an update:
As Weishaar mentions, Cow Creek is a particular concern because of the amount of rainfall, how much water is in the creek now, and the water coming down from Rice County. Cow Creek is forecast to crest at 12.4 feet on Saturday. If the water reaches this level, based on historical data, there will be several roadways closed and multiple residences affected.
Residents in flood-prone areas are used to flooding, but Weishaar says this one could be a little worse:
Flood warnings remain in effect. Even when the rain stops, that doesn’t mean the flooding will.
Do not drive around barricades. Not only is it illegal and strictly enforced. The barricades are in place for your safety. Two feet of water can wash your vehicle away. Remember, “turn around, don’t drown.”
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The USD 308 School Board got to see Lincoln Elementary School and meet with its staff during Monday night’s meeting.
This was the second time that the board took its meeting on the road to one of the district’s schools.
Lincoln is one of the oldest schools in the district, dating back to Southside School at Maple and Bigger in 1887. The original school stood until 1923 when it was replaced by the first Lincoln Elementary, which then was replaced by the current school a block to the east in 1972.
Principal Darla Fisher and her staff gave an update about learning activities at the school as part of the meeting.
During that meeting, the board approved the annual contract for snow removal. The district contracts with Miller Homebuilders, Inc. to remove snow from the east Sports Arena parking lot for student parking when there is heavy winter precipitation.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Working in Hutchinson might be good news for your 401k.
According to research from financial technology company SmartAsset, using data from the United States Department of Labor, Hutchinson-based employers are among the leaders in Kansas at matching 401k contributions.
Hutchinson ranks as one of the highest in the state for offering employees 401k plans at 46.7 percent and leads the state for employer contributions at 51.69 percent.
Colby matches Hutchinson for employers offering 401k plans and is just behind Hutchinson in employer contributions at 51.65 percent.
All of the other cities of similar or smaller sizes are much lower.
The rankings are a factor in SmartAsset’s overarching study on the places with access to the best 401k plans. They then analyze investment performance and administrative fees in addition to employer contributions.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s Fire Prevention Week and that means the Hutchinson Fire Department will be busy educating residents, including children, about the importance of fire safety.
Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer talked about some of the upcoming activities:
There is a special activity this week at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, which will include the Hutchinson Fire Department:
What are some of the things they’re teaching children when it comes to fire safety?
So what happens when the smoke alarm goes off? He gives some sobering thoughts when it comes to getting out of your home when a fire breaks out. He says you only have two minutes to get out:
If you have any questions about safety, call the fire department at 694-2871.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire crews responded to the 1400 block of West 14th for a report of a structure fire just after 10 p.m. Friday.
They found fire visible through the front door. Crews found moderate fire in the kitchen of the residence.
Crews worked quickly to contain the fire to the kitchen area, but not before the home sustained damage.
Shortly after firefighters entered the structure, they were informed that there was a possible victim in the basement. Crews worked quickly to search the entire structure and determined no one else was inside. The residence was occupied at the time of the fire.
Hutchinson fire investigators determined the cause to be unintentional cooking. No injuries were noted.
Reno County Scores
Derby 63, Hutchinson 0
Hutchinson Central Christian 78, Fairfield 16
Hutchinson Trinity 52, Wichita Independent 0
Buhler 35, Circle 0
Nickerson 20, Larned 6
Cheney 36, Haven 12
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Other Regional Scores
Andale 55, Wichita Collegiate 0
Canton-Galva 56, Goessel 8
Central Plains 56, Pratt Skyline 0
Goddard 40, Valley Center 27
Halstead 50, Clay Center 22
Hesston 54, Rock Creek 30
Hillsboro 18, Marion 14
Holcomb 15, Kingman 13
Inman 56, Sublette 6
Little River 54, Macksville 6
Maize 42, Salina South 7
Maize South 28, Goddard-Eisenhower 7
McPherson 63, Augusta 6
Moundridge 54, St. John 6
Norwich 60, Burrton 12
Pratt 42, Hugoton 0
Salina Central 33, Newton 19
Sedgwick 42, Meade 7
Smoky Valley 30, Chapman 22
Stafford 54, Bucklin 8
Sterling 33, Ellinwood 6
