CHENEY, Kan. — America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education called on local farmers to help nominate rural schools to receive nearly $2.3 million in grants to enhance their science, technology, engineering and math programs.

Local farmers answered the call and the Grow Rural Education program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, recognized the Cheney school district in Sedgwick County with a $25,000 grant.

Cheney will use the funds to implement Agriculture Science Education for 6th through 12th grade students through establishing a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter and Kansas State Department of Education approved pathway courses.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 57-year-old Stafford man scheduled for trial for one count of aggravated assault with the intent to commit aggravated battery entered a plea to the charge Monday morning.

Mark Hornbaker is now convicted of going to a home near 56th & Halstead on March 20. He drove onto the property and told the occupant to leave, saying he had been sent by a local church. Hornbaker claimed the victim didn’t own the property, but said they would find him some place to go.

He eventually left the home and went east on 56th. The homeowner walked to the street and onto the grassy ditch on the north side of 56th. Hornbaker then made a U-turn at Halstead, then traveled west and tried to run the homeowner over.

The victim testified at the preliminary hearing that he had to jump out of the way and believes the man was trying to kill him. He grabbed a handgun from his pocket after nearly being run over and fired in the air three times. He thought that might scare the man away from his property.

The first time Hornbaker was seen on the property, he appeared to be cleaning his white Cadillac and was told to leave, but came back about two hours later. That was on March 18.

Hornbaker may suffer from mental problems. He was initially taken to Horizons for a medical check, then to jail. Since that arrest, he has spent some time at Larned State Hospital.

Reno County District Judge Trish Rose set sentencing in the case for Nov. 2.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 32-year-old man wanted by the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation is in more trouble after leading law enforcement on a short chase Friday.

Justin Bowley made a first appearance Monday and faces charges of felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, illegal transportation of liquor and driving while revoked.

He’s accused of failing to stop for police. Officers allegedly found a needle they believe contained meth. They also found an open bottle of vodka.

Bowley is being held on the new case with a bond of $7,600, but he could also face a hold from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He’ll be back in court Oct. 9.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department responded to a local elementary school Monday morning to investigate the report of a trash can being lit on fire in an upstairs girls’ bathroom. This happened at Morgan Elementary School.

Staff successfully put the fire out with an extinguisher. Students were kept outside the building until all of the smoke cleared.

Once the smoke cleared, the school day continued as normal.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Judge Tim Chambers set a motion deadline of Oct. 26 and a trial date of Nov. 6 for a man accused of distributing drugs.

Dylan Nixon is charged with a single count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

The case started on May 17 when law enforcement showed up as a vehicle was leaving Walmart. Officers made a traffic stop on East 11th and made contact with Nixon. He was arrested on a warrant. They then searched his person and discovered five bags of suspected methamphetamine and some drug paraphernalia.

According to statements made in an earlier court hearing, he admitted to law enforcement that he purchased the drugs and was going to sell some.

There was some talk of plea negotiations during the court hearing Friday morning, but the judge set the motion deadline and trial date anyway.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 29-year-old man who allegedly threatened and choked the victim in a domestic case will come back to court Oct. 26 after the defense indicated it wants plea negotiations with the state.

Jason Thiel is charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of interference with law enforcement.

Police were called to a residence on East 9th back on June 15 for the report of a “trouble with subject” call. The victim claims she was strangled and threatened with a knife during the altercation.

Thiel also ran from officers as they tried to take him into custody.

Thiel is no stranger to law enforcement officials. He has numerous convictions from previous cases.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Almost everyone likes puppies. They’re cute, active and fun to be around.

However, they can also be a lot of work, according to Dr. John Austin with the Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital.

Perhaps you’re thinking about getting a puppy for someone’s birthday or even Christmas, which isn’t that far off. If that’s the case, Dr. Austin says to make sure that person is capable of taking care of the animal:

Where a person lives is also something to consider when deciding on a type of dog, according to Dr. Austin:

Also, if you do get a puppy, make sure to have all their shots and vaccinations at the appropriate times. Consult a veterinarian if you have any questions about what type of dog would be the best choice.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 35-year-old Nickerson man arrested in a March stabbing has been bound over for trial.

Taylor Stuart is accused of one count of attempted second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault. He’s suspected of stabbing 31-year-old Daniel Rivera II at a Hutchinson residence on March 27.

Rivera suffered nine stab wounds to the head and neck, and was transported to a Wichita hospital for treatment. Rivera’s ear was severed. Doctors reattached his ear with stitches.

Rivera testified he was working on a sewing machine that he had given Tyler Patterson when he felt a flash, then pain and fell to the floor. He saw Stuart standing above him with a knife.

Patterson apparently ran out of the apartment at 8th & Adams when Stuart started to move toward her while holding the knife.

The victim testified that he really didn’t know the suspect that well and had only met him through Patterson. When being treated, Rivera said he only knew Stuart as “T.”

The defense got him to admit there was drug use ahead of the stabbing and he admitted he had smoked some marijuana and drank a beer and a half.

Numerous drug paraphernalia items were found in the residence including two scales, numerous pipes and bongs, as well as a used syringe.

With Stuart being bound over for trial, he’ll be arraigned on the two charges next Monday in front of Reno County District Judge Tim Chambers.

BUHLER, Kan. — Many school districts in the area are looking for substitute teachers.

Mike Berblinger, Buhler superintendent, says that includes USD 313:

He says they work with the schedules of those who agree to be substitute teachers, so the person can choose to work when they want:

Interested parties can get more information, including an application, on the Buhler website.