56th street between Hendricks and Pennington is now open
— Reno County Sheriff (@RenoCoSheriff) July 2, 2018
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire and emergency crews are on the scene of a small gas pipeline leak northwest of Hutchinson.
According to Reno County Emergency Management, the leak is very small and there is no danger to the public. No evacuations have been ordered, but 56th Avenue from Hendricks to Pennington is closed until crews can fix the leak.
No other damage has occurred and no injuries were reported with the incident.
On Monday, the Kansas Supreme Court issued a ruling that effectively said the state’s public schools could open in the fall. Yet the same decision left local district officials with continued, long-term uncertainty.
Funding for local school districts remains an ongoing uncertainty, even after a court ruling this week. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION / KANSAS NEWS SERVICE
The high court’s decision could lead to continued fighting over school funding and the topic will likely serve as political fodder in state elections.
“To me, it’s no different than where we were six months ago,” said Justin Henry, the superintendent at Goddard Public Schools. “If anything, it gives you a chance to hit pause and maybe restart.”
The long wait for the court’s decision — it said the state still needs to send more money to local districts, but has a year to come up with a fresh plan — also caused districts to hold off on some financial decisions until after Monday’s ruling. That included union contract negotiations. Now those districts have much less time to plan a budget.
“In the perfect world, you would want to have your contract settled with your teaching staff before they leave in May and that would allow you the opportunity to plan the remainder of your budget throughout the summer,” Henry said. “It’s almost impossible to present and ratify a contract when there’s so much uncertainty until you get to the end of June.”
Other districts started planning their budgets at the end of the school year, assuming the Legislature’s funding plan would remain intact.
“You have to move forward with your planning, so we do that based on the resources we had,” said David Smith, the chief of public affairs at the Kansas City, Kansas, school district. “It’s just a realization that things may change, you just go with the resources that you have.”
Most school districts expressed support for the court’s decision and the Legislature’s efforts in the last session to raise school funding. They were also eager to continue the push for more money.
There was the possibility that the court’s decision could have forced a special legislative session if the court found the state’s school funding plan fell short of a constitutional mandate. While that was the court’s judgement — saying the legislature failed to account for inflation when calculating the plan to increase the annual school funding budget by over a half billion in five years — the court ruled that the Legislature would have another year to get the amount right.
The ruling removed the possibility of imminent school closures. But school districts still face uncertainty about the future of school funding. Kansas Secretary of State and Republican candidate for governor Kris Kobach wrote on twitter that the state needs a constitutional amendment to take the school funding issue out of the court’s hands.
Uncertainty about the future of state funding beyond the approaching school year is causing trepidation for school officials looking to make long-term plans.
Chad Higgins, the superintendent for the Maize Unified School district northwest of Wichita, said he has more confidence in his district’s finances than he has had in years. But the looming school funding questions cool that enthusiasm.
“We can grow some things, but to create significantly new programs that will be beneficial to students that are also going to be expensive — I think we’re going to be reluctant to do that just yet,” Higgins said.
Stephan Bisaha reports on education for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on @SteveBisaha.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College has been awarded a $1.2 million contract for vocational training of potential assembly workers for Spirit Aerosystems. The announcement came during last night’s Board of Trustees meeting. It is thought to be the largest contract of its kind to come to HutchCC, which regularly bids on such opportunities. Steve Porter, Vice President of Workforce Development and Outreach for HutchCC, made the announcement:
Dave Mullins, Director of Business and Industry, says the school’s ability to react quickly and provide the necessary training was instrumental in getting the contract:
Mullins discussed some of the skills they will teach for the 500 workers Spirit is looking for:
The potential workers will come from a workforce agency in Wichita. The students will go through more than 150 contact hours of training before getting hands-on training and eventually full employment. HutchCC plans to have the workers trained and on the job in 36 to 42 months. The BOT approved the hiring of two industrial trainers to help with the program, which will also use HutchCC faculty as well. The training will be done in a yet-to-be-determined facility in Wichita.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After providing nearly $40,000 in matching funds on three TIGER grants connected to Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, City Manager John Deardoff expressed disappointment in Amtrak’s plans to curtail service along the route:
Amtrak wants to eliminate train service between Dodge City and Albuquerque, and bus passengers between the two points. Deardoff says the city will continue to press federal legislators to keep the route intact:
Amtrak and BNSF threatened cities along the route that they would discontinue service if major upgrades were not made. Three major grants and a lot of track improvements were done at Amtrak’s request. The grants were matched with funds from cities and the state, including three $12,500 allocations from the city of Hutchinson.
Now under new leadership, Amtrak is wanting to step away from the efforts to keep the route in place. BNSF maintains the line, but Amtrak is the only train that runs on it from La Junta to Albuquerque.
GREENWOOD COUNTY— The National Weather Service says the tornado that ripped through the Kansas town of Eureka carried winds of at least 136 mph.
The weather service on Wednesday determined that the twister was an EF-3. The tornado touched down Tuesday in Eureka, a town of about 2,400 residents in southeastern Kansas.
Eight people were injured, two critically. Nearly 80 homes were damaged and at least 10 were destroyed. The high school also was damaged.
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GREENWOOD COUNTY —The State Emergency Operations Center continues to coordinate response to Eureka after an E-3 tornado struck the city on June 26. Security remained on-site overnight.
Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer traveled to Eureka Thursday to tour the damage. He visited with local authorities on the response and recovery efforts.
According to officials, 78 homes were damaged in the tornado. Ten are a total loss. Eight people were injured and two were critically injured.
— Governor Jeff Colyer (@GovJeffColyer) June 28, 2018
On Thursday, volunteers began a city wide cleanup at 7 a.m. Volunteers should check in at the Matt Samuels Community Building before starting cleanup.
Westar Energy is reporting 2,800 customers still without power and they are actively working to restore power to all customers. Westar reports that in storms, sometimes the hardware that houses the electric meter and the wires that feed electricity into a home or business can become detached. This is the square metal box and connecting pole on the side of the house or building. If the hardware is damaged, Westar cannot reconnect the service line between the house and the power grid because it’s not safe. The homeowner is responsible for hiring an electrician to make these repairs before power can be restored to the residence.
The American Red Cross shelter remains open at the Methodist Church, 521 N. Main Street, and is also serving as a cooling station for residents. The Red Cross and Operation BBQ are providing mobile canteen operations on site. The American Red Cross is also providing cooling tents for volunteers on-site.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An arrest has been made in the shooting of two people Tuesday evening in Hutchinson. Authorities took 26-year-old Curtis Garcia into custody Tuesday evening and booked him into the Reno County Correctional Facility on suspicion of first-degree murder. He’s being held on a $500,000 bond.
Curtis Garcia is suspected in the shooting death of 18-year-old Norman Cushinberry.
Hutchinson Police Capt. Troy Hoover described what officers encountered when they arrived at the scene around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The other victim was wounded and identified as 18-year-old Tristan J. Delaney. Police blocked off 11th Avenue where he was found inside a vehicle. Hoover says Delaney is still in critical condition at a Wichita hospital.
As for motive, it would be speculation at this point, according to Hoover:
Hoover mentioned there was never any danger to the community — all three men involved in the incident knew each other:
Garcia did not appear in court. The investigation is ongoing. That hearing could come as early as Thursday morning.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2827 or contact Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 620-694-2666.
UPDATE: 6/27/18 — 8:50 a.m.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police have made an arrest in the double shooting that shook the city Tuesday evening. The shooting occurred in the 500 block of North Washington.
Curtis Garcia
Capt. Troy Hoover confirmed that there were two victims. One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, while the other died at the scene.
Police blocked off 11th Avenue where the wounded victim was being transported to the hospital by private vehicle. The driver of that vehicle spotted a police cruiser and made contact with the officer. The officer called EMS, who then took the victim to the hospital.
Hoover says the victim is in critical condition.
It’s believed both victims were involved in an altercation on Washington, but it doesn’t appear they shot each other, according to Hoover.
The Reno County Correctional Facility shows the arrest of Curtis Garcia, who is jailed on a $500,000 bond, for suspicion of homicide.
The investigation is continuing.
UPDATE: 6/26/18 — 9:55 p.m.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Police are working a double shooting in the city. The shooting occurred in the 500 block of North Washington.
Officers block the intersection at 11th and Poplar Tuesday evening.
Capt. Troy Hoover confirmed that there were two victims. One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, while the other died at the scene.
Police blocked off 11th Avenue where the wounded victim was being transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
Members of that vehicle spotted a police cruiser and made contact with the officer. The officer called EMS, who then took the victim to the hospital.
Hoover says the victim is in critical condition.
It’s believed both victims were involved in an altercation on Washington, but it doesn’t appear they shot each other, according to Hoover.
Officers are still working the scene on Washington. Hoover says they’re still trying to sort out the details.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After asking for major cuts to the budget, the Hutchinson City Council has asked department heads to find another $1 million in cuts, which could amount to about three percent.
The request came during the latest budget meeting held Tuesday. The city recently asked the departments to cut five percent from the budget requests after numbers showed the city with an ending balance of less than $900,000. The cuts further pushed that number to around $3.2 million.
But the city wants an ending fund balance of at least $4.1 million. The number is important because it gives the city wiggle room in case of natural disaster or a major disruption in services. It also keeps the city’s financial health in order as low cash reserves can create higher interest rates on bonded projects.
Some of the cuts proposed Tuesday included the elimination of seven positions. The cuts would include the Assistant City Manager job, currently held by Meyrl Dye, and the Downtown Development Director position held by Jim Seitnater. Seitnater will move into a position with the Planning Department while Dye’s spot will become an administrative job.
During the meeting, councilman John Daveline asked that 10 percent cuts be made to the golf course, the airport, the special street fund and the animal shelter, along with the elimination or reduction of support for outside agencies — including the United Way, the cultural fund, and the arts and humanities fund. The cuts represented about half of the money needed to close the gap. There was also talk of eliminating the recently revived Community Police Program. Troy Hoover said he could come up with cuts elsewhere to keep what he says is a vital part of the department.
In the end, the council left it up to department heads to try and find the other three percent. “If they don’t identify it, we’re going to,” Councilman Dave Inskeep said.
Most department heads countered by saying that this really comes down to what services the community wants and the number and types of amenities the city can afford as to where cuts are made.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Supreme Court Monday ruled for the third time in two years that the state’s spending on public schools is inadequate despite an increase approved earlier this year, but gave the state another year to come up with more money. USD 308 Superintendent Gary Price commented on the court’s decision:
Price says one of the other major hurdles with the ruling is that this will hopefully end a long period of litigation that was also hampered by several economic factors:
Price also took time to comment on gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach’s comments that the courts should stay out of school funding:
The high court rejected arguments from the state that a new law phasing in a $548 million increase in funding over five years is enough to provide a “suitable” education for every child as specified in the state constitution. But in a nod to the Legislature’s efforts, the court delayed its mandate until June 30, 2019, or until further order of the court.
Its decision allows Kansas schools to remain open for the upcoming school year.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will take a hard look at the budget during a study session scheduled for Tuesday.
The city is looking to cut another 5 percent from the 2019 numbers with some of that coming from personnel cuts. Personnel costs make up 68 percent of the general fund, which includes wages and benefits. Insurance and KPERS costs are also increasing again this year. With all that is currently on the budget, the city would need reserves of less than $900,000. The city should have about two-months worth of reserves in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster. That two months is about $4.2 million.
Some major cuts are in the works, including the elimination of seven positions, involving six employees. The two major positions eliminated are the Assistant City Manager Position, currently held by Myrl Dye, and the Downtown development position, currently held by Jim Seitnater. It also includes two positions in Public Works, one from the Parks Department, and one each from the Street and Planning departments. Under the proposal, the Assistant City Manager job would be eliminated and replaced with a new lower-level administrative position.
The council will also look at other funding such as the United Way, the Cultural Activities Fund, the Arts Design Council for the city’s Sculpture Walk program and the Arts and Humanities Council. The four agencies alone account for more than $111,000 in funds.
Other cuts will have to come from deferred maintenance and equipment purchases.
The budget meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 8 a.m. in the city offices.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — This year’s Smallville Con finished Sunday with another good crowd. Organizer Jon Robinson said Saturday was extremely busy:
The event is held each year on the fairgrounds as a celebration of all things pop culture and comic books and included over 130 vendor booths, cosplayers, special events, celebrity guests, artists, children’s events, giveaways, and much more. Robinson says it has definitely grown over the last year:
Robinson built one of the event’s biggest spectacles himself:
One of the guest stars was Corin Nemec, who played parts in Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, Jonas Quinn and Stargate SG-1, as well as the ABC miniseries, The Stand.
Nemec talked about the 90’s show Parker Lewis Can’t Lose:
He says the show is not on the air any more in the United States, but in Europe, it’s a whole different thing:
Nemec also talked about coming to events like Smallville Con and explained why he enjoys doing them:
Superman himself, Dean Cain, was the biggest draw for visitors of this year’s con. During his panel on Saturday, Cain stopped the Q&A to help an audience member propose to his girlfriend. Cain delighted the crowd by announcing he was happy to be home in “Smallville.”
Cosplayers, including another Superman, listen intently to Dean Cain during his panel Saturday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Ryan Diehl.
Cain told the panel he always saw Christopher Reeve as the real Superman. Cain said he played Clark Kent and explored that character’s life in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman with Teri Hatcher. Cain said Reeve embodied what it meant to be a super man in his real life.
An audience member asked Cain who his favorite superhero was — other than Superman, of course. Cain surprised the audience by picking Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool. He joked that the child who asked the question would have to wait at least 10 years before seeing that franchise.
The weekend also included a car show, live wrestling and a costume contest.
