HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gov. Jeff Colyer and Lt. Gov. Tracy Mann were in Hutchinson Thursday as they travel across the state to all of the counties ahead of next week’s primary.

Mann says the 3.4 percent unemployment rate and the $499 million collected in taxes from July are good news and could mean some good news for taxpayers:

 

He also talked about school funding, which has been an issue for decades. Mann says he and the governor, along with many conservatives, believe that it should be the legislature — and not the courts — who decides how much money goes to schools:

 

He also talked about their thoughts on the tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump. As they travel the state, Colyer and Mann are hearing a lot from farmers:

 

They believe they are ahead of Kris Kobach by a few points in the race for governor, but believe it will be very close for a primary win next Tuesday.

RENO COUNTY — Emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection at Trail West and Langdon roads for an injury accident early Thursday morning.

The investigation determined that a truck driven by Zane Arnold of Plevna was westbound on Trail West while Jacqueline Geist of Plevna was walking westbound on Trail West in the westbound lane.

There was a vehicle facing eastbound at the intersection waiting to make a turn onto Langdon Road. Arnold told Reno County sheriff’s deputies that it was dark. As he approached the second vehicle, which had its headlights on, he didn’t see Geist in his lane. Arnold says he attempted to swerve and miss Geist, but struck her with his passenger-side mirror.

Geist was flown to Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita by EagleMed with critical injuries.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hundreds of children picked up school supplies at the Hutchinson Mall Wednesday for the annual Give A Bunch To Hutch campaign.

Just over two weeks ago, Midwest Ford and Toyota Superstore teamed up with Eagle Communications at Walmart. Local listeners filled pickup beds with school supplies. Fastlane Express Car Wash, Hog Wild Pit BBQ, Prairie Star Health Center and J & J Drainage Products donated money to gather as many supplies possible for kids in need.

In the past, the giveback portion was held at the First Call for Help offices. This year, Hutchinson Mall Manager Laura Barb gave kids the opportunity to stay inside, out of the heat.

First Call Director Marilyn Graham talked about the advantage of having the giveback in the mall:

 

Even with the tremendous turnout, Graham says backpacks were already distributed to other areas of the county for families that could not come to the mall:

 

Nearly 600 kids were helped at the mall Wednesday. So far, this year’s supply drive has helped almost 1,700 children in Reno County.

If families in need missed today’s giveback, there is still time to get help:

 

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson volunteered time to help with the giveback. Westar Energy and the Reno County Health Department also gave away some great items.

State Rep. Steve Becker and Senator Ed Berger were also present. They volunteered alongside members of the Hutchinson Fire Department.

 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County saw an increase in sales tax collected last month compared to June of this year and July of last year.

The county collected $357,261 last month compared to $347,927 in June and $342,906 in July of last year.

So far this year, the county has collected $2,601,581. That puts the county on pace to match, or even exceed, last year’s total.

At this point last year, the county had collected $2,497,577.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation approved July bids for work on some of the highways in the area, including on K-61 from the U.S. 54 junction north to the north Arlington city limits in Reno County.

This will include crack repair for 36 miles. Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC, of Plover, Wisconsin, was given the contract at a cost of $236,805.75.

Work will also be done from the east K-14 and U.S. 54 junction north to the south K-96/K-14 junction. Crack repair will be done for just over 21 miles. Pavement Pros, LLC, of McPherson received that contract at a cost of
$69,690.38.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In May, District Judge Tim Chambers took under advisement a suppression motion by the defense on whether statements made by a 34-year-old man charged with first-degree murder should be allowed at trial.

No ruling has been made in the Quinton Moore case. Judge Chambers said both sides wanted more time to submit additional briefs in the case over the suppression motion.

Moore is accused of shooting 42-year-old Clarence D. Allen multiple times in his head and neck while Allen slept at a residence at 1701 E. 30th in Hutchinson.

The defense contends he may have been under the influence of alcohol, but also that he may have asked for an attorney while being questioned on the day of the murder.

Judge Chambers gave the two sides until Aug. 17 to submit their briefs. No new trial date has been set.

Moore remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With some stores closing in the past year, some locals, especially on social media, seem to believe that Hutchinson has nothing to offer, there isn’t anywhere to shop or anything to do.

From the perspective of someone who moved to Hutchinson from Wisconsin a little over a year ago, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer sees things a little differently:

 

He admits the winters here, at least so far, are much milder than Wisconsin. He joked that he wore a coat one time last winter.