[ By ROD ZOOK ]

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One thing that can keep people from starting a new hobby or similar adventure is the cost.

Often, that cost can keep someone from making the jump to a new hobby or create more frustration if the end result is not what they expected. Now, many libraries — including the Hutchinson Public Library — are giving patrons the chance to learn about such things as 3D printing, embroidery and other types of creations.

Its called the “Makerspace” and it’s located in the basement of the library.

“It fits in with our mission in a way that I think most people don’t think of,” Library Director Greg Wamsley said. “The library’s mission is to inspire learning, cultivate growth, share knowledge and strengthen our community.”

The room is filled with all types of technology from embroidery machines to sewing, to a vertical milling machine that can create computer-generated objects. And there is 3D printing available. The important thing to remember is that this isn’t a service where people can come and have something printed or made for them. It’s a lab to teach patrons how to do the computer work and other steps necessary to have success at the hobby.

“The technical skills, I don’t view as a large limitation,” Nathan Towle said. “It’s mostly self-confidence, which is one of those abstract qualities we try to instill in people when they come in.” Towle is one of several library staff members that works with the young and old to teach them how to start their new hobby.

“We try to provide people the tools that they need to help themselves to learn,” Towle said. “So if someone is very self-directed, we absolutely support that. And if someone learns better in a one-on-one situation, we can facilitate that as well.”

The workings of things like 3D printing are usually underestimated by someone starting in the hobby, often leading to people giving up or never getting started in the first place. Wamsley says that is one of the biggest advantages of the Makerspace lab.

“That’s sort of the guiding principle behind the equipment that we purchased,” Wamsley said. “People say, ‘hey, maybe I want to try this, I go down to the library, I learn a little bit, I try it,’ then they can make their decision from there.”

Makerspace isn’t just for adults, it has many activities for children to come in and create all types of art and crafts, along with Legos and other building toys. Most of the projects are free, although they do ask that you pay for the cost of materials when it comes to 3D printing and other similar projects. Wamsley says the lab fits the library’s mission as more facilities move toward other technology and not just reading materials or computers.

“Makerspace fits into that cultivate growth part (the library’s mission) because it’s an opportunity for people to come and create.”

[ By ROD ZOOK ]

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The transformation that continues in the 200 block of South Main in Hutchinson has been further highlighted by the renovation of The Burt building at the corner of B and Main.

The renovation includes the reopening of the Crystal Ballroom, which had been a big part of the Hutchinson entertainment scene from the 1930s all the way into the 1960s. Now the ballroom is celebrating its grand reopening behind the efforts of owner Lucinda Piligian. It’s been an effort she takes great pride in.

“I just love construction and I love antiques. I just love this process,” Piligian said. “If I could go back and do it all over again, I think I would have become an architectural engineer.”

While the ballroom certainly brings the building back to its original use, it was not the original plan.

“We originally bought the building for a future folk art museum, and once I found the history of the Crystal Ballroom, I said, ‘wow this is gorgeous,'” Piligian said. “I started working with Mark Schwartzkopf to do the architectural drawings and went through several variations of what we could do with the building.”

The building is a mixture of old and new with old maps of the U.S. and even a copy of the Declaration of Independence. It has the original floors and ceilings along with the original brickwork. It also features modern fixtures and a full-service kitchen, along with modern amenities. While the ballroom is capable of hosting any event, it’s geared toward weddings with special rooms for brides and grooms to settle in before the ceremony.

“We put the focus on weddings, which is why we did the bridal suite and the groom’s room,” Piligian noted. “I wanted to be able to provide for brides and grooms in giving them a place that is just spectacular. I tried to think of everything I could think of.”

The signature of the building, of course, is the crystal chandeliers that hang in the hallways and rooms. Each one was built by hand on location by David Childs.

“Each one of those, the crystals, they don’t come like that. You have to build them,” Piligian said. “Dave Childs had practically lived here for awhile. He literally had tarps laid out on the floor and had to put all the arms together, and then every one of those chandeliers is individually hung.”

The building was first constructed in 1901 as the Home Theatre by William Loe. He was well known for bringing in talent from all over the area. He also ran a printing business and published several area newspapers at a site now occupied by the Wiley Building.

In 1930, The Burt building was constructed and the second floor became the Crystal Ballroom. A December 1932 ad was the earliest record found announcing a dance at the ballroom. By February of 1933, the Grace Council of the Security Benefit Association leased the second floor of the building, including the Crystal Ballroom. The Grace Council held regular meetings and fundraising events, including dances, at the ballroom. The events were very popular, attracting 600 guests on a regular basis.

The Crystal Ballroom was listed in various ads through the early 1960s. Live music was also broadcast on various radio stations, including KWBW radio, in the 1940s and the live entertainment went out over the airwaves. Now the ballroom is back, ready to host and entertain again.

Piligian says she just wants to bring something to the city that is unique.

“I really want Hutchinson to be more of a destination place,” Piligian said. “We’ve got some great things here. This is just another element of something special that nobody else has. There’s only one Crystal Ballroom at The Burt.”

Today, the ballroom is part of an overall renovation of The Burt, which includes Holly’s Sweet Treats and other business space that is available along with the ballroom in all of its grand splendor.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson police officer who was fired for the handling of a traffic stop has lost his appeal for reinstatement. Attorneys representing the Fraternal Order of Police were before the Hutchinson City Council asking that former officer John Suda be allowed to return to the force.

The firings were said to be connected to an incident in which a female officer was spotted driving intoxicated with her child on board. That officer, Anna Ruzhanovska, resigned from the force. But the controversy surrounding the incident led to three officers getting fired. Others were either suspended or disciplined.

Video and audio played during the hearing showed two officers, Mike Rivers and Suda, turning off their dash and vest cameras once they discovered who was behind the wheel of the stopped SUV.

Audio of the 911 calls was also played and told the story of a motorist who was causing numerous traffic issues from K-96 Highway near Haven to where the stop was made at Lorraine and K-61 Highway:

 

Another video played during the hearing showed Suda asking a fellow officer what he should do in this situation saying he didn’t “want to throw anybody under the bus.” The conversation was recorded by a camera in one of the interrogation rooms. Transcripts from the arbitrator showed Suda and others tried to hide the facts into Ruzhanovska’s traffic stop by shutting off the cameras and then driving her to the police station in her own vehicle. Suda maintained during the arbitration hearing that he was not trying to hide the facts, but was trying to protect Ruzhanovska when he and Rivers shut off their cameras.

In April of this year, an arbitration hearing was held for Suda. During that hearing, an arbitrator issued a statement that Suda should be reinstated without back pay or benefits. He stated that, while Suda’s actions during the traffic stop were wrong, they did not warrant termination. He also stressed that Suda never tried to withhold the truth during follow-up interviews. In September, City Manager John Deardoff rejected that recommendation and upheld Suda’s termination.

The council agreed. After more than an hour of testimony and discussion, the council voted 5-0 to uphold Suda’s termination.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) has a permanent chief financial officer. Duane Miller replaces Mike Evans, who has been the interim CFO for the past year.

The group announced Monday that Duane Miller has joined HRHS continuing a 40-year career in financial leadership roles for rural healthcare organizations. Previously, Miller served as market vice president of finance/chief financial officer with CHI St. Luke’s Health in Lufkin, Texas. In his capacity as CFO, Miller will oversee day-to-day financial operations of HRHS including management information systems, financial services, materials management, business office, human resources, medical records, reimbursement reporting and decision support.

Miller received his undergraduate degree in Health Services Management from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and his Master of Business Administration degree from Norwood University in Midland, Michigan. Miller is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and an advanced member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

While serving as chief financial officer for Integris Health System in Oklahoma, Miller was honored for excellence in youth mentoring. Duane and his wife, Sherrie, are the parents of two children and have five grandchildren. The Millers will be relocating to Hutchinson in the near future.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person died in an accident Sunday evening in Reno County.

The sheriff’s department reported a truck driven by 61-year-old Van Dean of Buhler was eastbound on 4th Avenue at Buhler Road. He entered the intersection and was hit by a northbound SUV driven by 26-year-old Tyler Obrecht of Buhler.

Dean was ejected from the truck when it rolled into the ditch northeast of the intersection, according to the sheriff’s department.

EMS transported Dean, Obrecht and a passenger in the SUV, 2-year-old Jaxson Obrecht, to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where Dean was pronounced dead.

Dean was not wearing a seat belt, according to the Reno County Sheriff’s Department. Obrecht and the toddler were properly restrained. The child was not injured.

The accident remains under investigation.

Updated Oct. 11 at 1:03 p.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson fire crews responded to 3200 E. 30th for a fire at the Evergy energy plant Friday morning.

A large column of black smoke could be seen while units were responding. On arrival, fire was found inside the old power generating tower that was being demolished. A demolition recycling crew was working with a cutting torch when insulation and roofing material caught on fire. The strong north wind spread the fire quickly.

Fire crews utilized two aerial streams and quickly brought the fire under control. Fire crews, with the help of the demolition crew, were able to move items to finish extinguishing the fire.

The fire was reported around 10:45 a.m.

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Updated Oct. 11 at 11:20 a.m.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department says it has brought the fire under control with no threat of it spreading any further. Crews continue to put out various hot spots at this time.

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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson fire crews are at the Evergy power plant site for a fire. The fire is located at the old power plant facility that is being demolished.

According to Reno County 911, the fire was called in around 10:45 a.m.

More information will be released when it is made available.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In February of 2018, several Hutchinson police officers and a longtime captain were terminated from the force.

The firings were said to be connected to an incident in which a female officer was spotted driving intoxicated with her child on board. That officer resigned from the force. But the controversy surrounding the incident led to three officers getting fired. That included a captain who had been with the force for more than 30 years.

Now, the Hutchinson City Council will have to consider an appeal from the Fraternal Order of Police to have the officer who was part of the original traffic stop reinstated. In April of this year, an arbitration hearing was held for officer John Suda. During that hearing, an arbitrator issued a statement that Suda should be reinstated without back pay or benefits. In September, City Manager John Deardoff rejected that recommendation and upheld Suda’s termination.

It was determined in the hearing that Suda shut off his body camera during the traffic stop of the officer, then failed to conduct an impairment test of the officer. The third charge was that Suda was untruthful and evasive in his statements during an internal investigation.

While the arbitrator found evidence of the first two charges, he stated there was insufficient evidence that Suda lied. He said, while the first two charges were serious errors, they did not bring just cause for termination.

In a letter to the Fraternal Order of Police, Deardoff stated that the city went to great lengths to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.

The appeal will be heard during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

[ By ROD ZOOK ]

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Last Wednesday was National Manufacturing Day. It was a chance for local and national companies to show off what they offer. It was also a chance to show what they are looking for in an ever-shrinking workforce.

One of those companies is Superior Boiler Works. The company is in a unique situation compared to most manufacturers. That’s because Superior Boiler Works still relies heavily on non-computer controlled welding. Many of the components on the products the company makes are hand welded. The need for such skilled labor is great.

“It’s very important,” Mokhtar Matallah with Superior said. “It’s very hard to find skilled people nowadays. We’ve got a lot of people that we spend time training and then they move on to other places.”

Matallah says the company is continuously working with Hutchinson Community College to find the necessary welders for the various jobs.

The making of boilers is a long and complex task. Taking a solid sheet of steel and fabricating it into a finished product takes dozens of steps. The first is to build the pressure vessel, which is the main part of the boiler. That is done with a rolling machine that can roll a steel plate in a matter of minutes.

Next to it in the plant, an automated plasma cutter is cutting various components for various orders. Each boiler has its own order book that gives full details and instructions on how it will be built. Each step is signed off by the welder or worker performing the task. Each boiler is stamped with the employee’s mark.

From there, each boiler moves to initial assembly. Each has its own unique design. That is why the company must hand weld numerous components, from connections to holding points to pipe fittings. Such work can’t be done by a computer or automated system because no tow orders are alike, according to Matallah.

Once the vessel components are assembled, the entire vessel is put in a giant oven and heated to 1,100 degrees. This evens out the stress points throughout the entire vessel. “When you’re welding and forming (steel) there are residual stresses that are harmful,” Matallah said. “This gets rid of the stress.”

Once the vessel is finished, it moves across the street for its final assembly and painting. The boiler’s controls and valves are installed and the boiler is painted either in traditional Superior Blue or whatever the customer orders. All of the components in this area come from vendors.

The area has its own shop where any part can be made, including one-of-a-kind parts as needed. The area even has its own wood shop to build the shipping crates needed to transport orders. The shop has carts to transport parts and pieces that will be assembled in the main plant. Each has a number matching the vessel across the street.

Each boiler can take up to 12 weeks to complete and can weigh up to 60 tons. They are shipped all over the world. Superior has a strong order list, but is fighting to find the skilled labor it needs to fulfill those orders — a problem many in the industrial sector are facing.

Updated at 2:55 p.m. on Oct. 9

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The standoff is over. After using the ERT tactical truck to break down the front door of the property, ERT officers entered the home and found a male subject dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police Chief Jeff Hooper says the name of the victim has not been released. Like all shootings, it is being treated as a homicide until the investigation is complete. The victim of the apparent domestic disturbance that started the standoff was not injured.

All lockdowns involving USD 308 schools have been lifted. No officers were injured. The standoff was also a first for the new tactical paramedics from the Hutchinson Fire Department. The unit has been training with the ERT for several months after the program was put in place this summer.

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Updated at 1:35 p.m. on Oct. 9

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police continue working an armed subject call in the 700 block of East 10th. Police Chief Jeff Hooper says that case started with a domestic disturbance call.

The male suspect may have fired one shot during the disturbance, but whether it was fired toward the alleged victim is unknown at this point.

Police were heard telling the person inside the home through a loudspeaker, “you are under arrest, come out with your hands up.” Police believe the person may be armed and that’s the reason for all the precaution.

10th Street from Plum to Pershing is blocked off and Cleveland from 9th to 11th is also closed. 11th Street was also closed from Plum to Severance to eliminate traffic. Hutchinson Community College was not placed in lockdown, however, officials were limiting movement of students east of Gowans Stadium.

Police were bringing the special ops team in for the continuing situation.

The Hutchinson school district is using caution and placed Hutchinson High School, McCandless Elementary and Faris Elementary in soft lockdown. Officials say outside doors are locked, but classes continue.

The incident did prompt a delay in lunch schedules for those schools.

At this point, school officials are working with police to form a plan to release students if the situation continues until the final bell.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as we receive them.

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Updated at 12:23 p.m. on Oct. 9

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police are working an armed subject call in the 700 block of East 10th. Police were heard telling the person inside a home through a loudspeaker, “you are under arrest, come out with your hands up.” Police believe the person may be armed and that’s the reason for the precaution.

10th Street from Plum to Pershing is blocked off and Cleveland from 9th to 11th is also closed. Police were bringing in the special ops team for this continuing situation.

The Hutchinson school district is using caution because of this ongoing standoff and placed Hutchinson High School, McCandless Elementary and Faris Elementary in soft lockdown.

Officials say outside doors were locked, but classes continue.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as we receive them.

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Original story

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police are now working the armed subject call at this time in the 700 block of East 10th. Police were heard telling the person inside a home through a loudspeaker, “you are under arrest, come out with your hands up.” Police believe the person may be armed and that’s the reason for the precaution.

10th Street from Cleveland to Pershing is blocked off.

The Hutchinson school district is using caution because of this possible armed subject and placed Hutchinson High School, McCandless Elementary and Faris Elementary in soft lockdown.

Officials say outside doors were locked, but classes continue.