PRATT COUNTY — Sheriff officials in Pratt are investigating an incident where a woman may have jumped from a moving vehicle.

They say in a news release that at approximately 6:26 a.m. Friday morning, a call came into Pratt County Emergency Dispatch of a “naked woman” on the side of the highway.

The woman was on Highway 54, one mile east of Cullison. Units from the Pratt County Sheriff’s office, Pratt County EMS and Kansas Highway Patrol responded.

When they arrived at the scene, the 44-year-old female was located in the north ditch bleeding from injuries that she sustained jumping from a moving vehicle.

The woman was transported to the Pratt Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The incident is currently under investigation.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas residents have a new place to purchase fuel, meals, snacks and more as the new Love’s Travel Stop in South Hutchinson opened for business Thursday morning. The new travel stop, located at U.S. Highway 50 and South Main Street, adds approximately 60 jobs to Reno County and expands Love’s network in Kansas.

“South Hutchinson is located along a busy U.S. Highway, and it’s close to some great museums that attract visitors from all over the region, so we are in a good position to serve motorists and professional truck drivers, as well as members of the South Hutchinson community,” Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s, said. “We’re excited to contribute to the economic growth of the area and we look forward to providing customers with the ‘Clean Places, Friendly Faces’ Love’s is known for to a new part of Kansas.”

Customers can enjoy a Sonic Drive-In, gourmet coffee, fresh fruit, gift merchandise, name-brand electronics and more. Professional drivers can take advantage of showers and truck-parking spaces.

The new Sonic Drive-In is the latest in a line of new drive-in formats that demonstrates Sonic’s flexibility in developing creative building solutions to match the needs of local franchisees and the needs of their guests. 

Love’s will celebrate the opening by donating $1,000 to the Reno County Veterans’ Memorial. Love’s is also giving $1,000 to the City of South Hutchinson’s Concert in the Park to celebrate Independence Day. The free, family friendly concert and fireworks display takes place at Lionette Ball Field at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 1. The donations will be presented at a ribbon cutting held in conjunction with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31.

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1964, Love’s has more than 420 locations in 40 states. Love’s provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, travel items, electronics, snacks and more, as well as a selection of restaurant offerings. On-site Love’s Truck Tire Care centers offer roadside assistance, tire care and light mechanical services for professional truck drivers. Showers, CAT scales and other services for professional truck drivers are also available. Love’s, which remains family-owned and operated, employs more than 17,000 people. To learn more, visit www.loves.com.

.FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING...

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for portions of Central Kansas, South
  Central Kansas, and Southeast Kansas, including the following
  areas, in Central Kansas, Barton, Chase, Ellsworth, Lincoln,
  Marion, McPherson, Rice, Russell, and Saline. In South Central
  Kansas, Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Reno,
  Sedgwick, and Sumner. In Southeast Kansas, Allen, Chautauqua,
  Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, and
  Woodson.

* Through Saturday morning.

* A few rounds of heavy rain are expected across the region this
  afternoon and tonight, and again Friday afternoon and night.
  Very heavy rainfall rates associated with these thunderstorms
  may promote pockets of flooding and flash flooding.

* Additionally, several rivers and streams are expected to reach
  or exceed flood stage late Friday through the weekend,
  especially over the eastern half of Kansas. Moderate to major
  river flooding is possible. Stay tuned for any river flood
  warning statements.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead
To flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
Remember to turn around...don`t drown.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should flash flood warnings be issued.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Another meeting with residents of the Highlands community was held Tuesday night as the housing and golf complex north of Hutchinson continues to chew over whether it wants to become a third class city.

The designation, if it makes the long journey toward approval by the County Commission, would give the community the authority to levy taxes or generate revenue to maintain the area infrastructure. According to County Administrator Gary Meagher, a good crowd showed up last night both for and against a petition that would be needed to get the ball rolling. The community needs 50 signatures on the petition and, according to Meagher, they already have around 100.

Meagher says he expects the petition to be delivered to the clerk’s office in the next week and then the matter will go before the Commission to set a public hearing on the matter. Once the hearing is held, there will be a protest period. After that, the Commission can take action to approve or deny the request.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s the beginning of the end for Eaton in Hutchinson. After announcing in January that it would be closing the hydraulics plant, the first rounds of permanent layoffs began this month.

The shutdown of the plant comes 10 years after an all-out effort by the city of Hutchinson and the state of Kansas to provide a $3 million incentive package for the company to stay. The company announced in January that the closing was the result of the ongoing declines in key markets and demand for the products made at the facility.

The plant employed about 100 workers at the time of the announcement, although Eaton would not say how many were still at the plant at the present time.

All employees are receiving a severance package from Eaton and Kansas Workforce at Hutchinson Community College has been working with the plant to help employees find new jobs.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The historic Fax Theatre in Hutchinson has announced its’ line up for the 2017-18 season. The run down of shows includes a mix of rock and roll, country, and a great Christmas concert featuring the Celtic Tenors with the Hutchinson Symphony. A run down of the shows, and ticket information is below.

 

 

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
with Special Guest HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN
Sunday, October 1st, 7:30 PM
$40, $45, $50
Over their 46-year history, Asleep at The Wheel has earned ten GRAMMY Awards and
released more than 25 studio and live albums, and there is no sign of slowing down any
time soon. The band’s most recent release, Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob
Wills and His Texas Playboys, garnered the 2016 GRAMMY Award for Best Recording
Package. The critically acclaimed album, named one of Rolling Stone’s 40 Best Country
Albums of 2015, is the latest in Asleep at the Wheel’s long-standing tradition of “keeping
Western Swing alive for 45 years”. Asleep at the Wheel will be joined by the jawdropping
virtuosity of Hot Club of Cowtown, a powerhouse trio of musicians who have
been together for almost 20 years, and who have toured with artists like Willie Nelson
and Bob Dylan, garnering rave reviews and legions of fans everywhere.

iLUMINATE
Saturday, October 14th, 7:30 PM
$35, $40, $45
iLuminate is a groundbreaking combination of storytelling, music and technology that
creates a visual experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. They were called “Best
new act in America” during their run on America’s Got Talent in 2011 and have gone on
to be featured in music videos and on television shows around the world. iLuminate’s
troupe of performers wear custom-designed electrified glow-in-the-dark suits and
perform dance routines and illusions on a darkened stage to music hits, creating an
immersive audio-visual experience unlike any other. This show is fun for the entire
family.

MJ LIVE
Thursday, November 9th, 7:30 PM
$35, $40, $45
MJ Live is a world-class tribute to the late King of Pop – Michael Jackson. This is the
number one Micheal Jackson tribute show in the world and plays to packed houses at
the Stratosphere in Las Vegas while also selling out venues across the country. MJ Live
recreates the magic of a Michael Jackson concert featuring all of Michael’s hits
performed with a stellar live band, incredible dancers and an award winning performer
portraying MJ himself.

THE CELTIC TENORS with THE HUTCHINSON SYMPHONY
Thursday, December 14th, 7:30 PM
$40, $45, $50
The Celtic Tenors take the Fox stage accompanied by the Hutchinson Symphony for a
very special Christmas show. The Celtic Tenors have sold well over a million albums
and have topped the charts in the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany and Ireland.
They are, by far, the most successful classical crossover artists to emerge from Ireland,
and continue to re-invent the tenor idiom by pioneering a new style of cool never before
seen on the classical stage.

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE performs
“RUMOURS” by Fleetwood Mac
Thursday, February 1st, 7:30 PM
$35, $40, $45
Classic Albums Live takes the world’s greatest classic albums and recreates them live,
on stage – note for note, cut for cut, exactly the way they sound on the album. It is a
recital performed by the world’s greatest rock musicians. Every song is performed in
their original order from the album. For their appearance at the FOX, Classic Albums
Live will be performing Fleetwood Mac’s classic album “Rumours” in its entirety, along
with other Fleetwood Mac favorites. Not just for Fleetwood Mac fans, but for music
lovers in general, Classic Albums Live creates a truly unique and unforgettable
experience live onstage.
An Evening with

THE COASTERS, Cornell Gunter’s DRIFTERS & THE PLATTERS
Friday, March 9th, 7:30 PM
$50, $55, $60
This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Three legendary music groups in one concert!
The hit songs created by these three incredible ensembles are far too numerous to list.
The Coasters, The Drifters & The Platters each continue to fill concert halls across the
country, but to have them all together for one special concert is a very rare occurrence.
Backed by a full band, each group will take turns performing their greatest hits.

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER
Friday, March 30th, 7:30 PM
$45, $50, $55
Celebrating their 45th anniversary in 2017, The Manhattan Transfer continues to set the
standard as one of the world’s greatest and most innovative vocal groups. Winners of
ten Grammy Awards, with millions of records sold worldwide, this amazing quartet is
building upon the extraordinary legacy created by founder Tim Hauser who organized
the four-part harmony group in 1972 in New York City. Now consisting of Janis Siegel
(alto), Alan Paul (tenor), Cheryl Bentyne (soprano), and newcomer Trist Curless (bass)
who replaced Hauser following his passing on October 16, 2014, the group is proud to
extend Hauser’s vision more than four decades later.

JAY AND THE AMERICANS
Saturday, May 5th, 7:30 PM
$35, $40, $45
Started by four teenage boys in Sandy Yaguda’s Brooklyn basement fifty years ago, Jay
and the Americans is one of the lasting success stories in Rock ‘n Roll history. Known for
such hits as “Come A Little Bit Closer”, “Cara Mia”, and “Only In America”, few bands
have ever reached such musical heights. From 1962 to 1971, this group charted an
amazing twelve Top Ten records. With three original band members, founding member
Sandy Yaguda (aka Deanne); original member Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane); and
original member Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders), plus the addition of Jay Reincke, they
have recreated the authentic sound of their greatest hits.

While tickets for each individual show will go on sale Monday, August 14th at 9:00 AM,
Season Subscriptions allow patrons to see every show in the series from their favorite
seats, and represent an impressive 20% cost savings over purchasing tickets to each
show individually. This means season subscribers get more than one show free by
purchasing a season subscription. Season tickets are $252, $284, & $316 depending
on seating location.
Both first-time and renewing season subscribers can purchase season tickets
beginning Thursday, June 1st, 9:00 AM by phone at (877) FOX-SHOW or in-person
at the Fox Theatre Box Office, 18 East First Avenue. Box Office hours are 9:00 AM
to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Memberships and renewals for the 2017 – 2018 season also go on sale Monday, June
1st. While Season Subscriptions and ticket sales are designated toward costs associated
with presenting Fox events, Memberships are the vital funding source for the operations
of the historic and majestic facility. Expenses such as utilities, mechanical and HVAC,
staffing, infrastructure, technology and IT, insurance, cleaning, and maintenance are all
supported through memberships. Fox Memberships are partially or fully tax-deductible
depending on the membership level chosen.
Patrons on the Fox’s mailing list should expect to receive their season brochure in the
mail in early June with more information about each event, a season subscription and
membership order form, as well as other information on many other aspects of the Fox.
If they aren’t on the mailing list or aren’t sure, they can contact the Box Office at (877)
FOX-SHOW.
More information about all the shows in the series – including show times and season
ticket purchasing options – can be viewed at www.hutchinsonfox.com.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School is in search of a new boys basketball coach. After two seasons, HHS head boys’ basketball coach Chad Wintz has resigned.

Wintz met with the team at 3:30 p.m. Monday to let players know his decision.

A businessman, Wintz was splitting his work time between his job at Fee Insurance and the HHS boys’ basketball program. He told the players it had become a time crunch for him.

“I have decided to resign my position as head boys’ basketball coach at Hutchinson High School due to personal and family reasons,” Wintz said. “I severely underestimated the time and commitment that it would take away from them. In general, I am proud of the players that I was able to coach over the past two seasons. I appreciate their efforts, and I believe our culture is better as a result of their efforts.”

While the progress has not come as fast as Wintz said he’d like it to occur, he feels confident a foundation based on work ethic has been created his successor can continue to push forward.

While at HHS, Wintz’ record was 6-36. He also had served as head coach of the Hutchinson Middle School – 7 team in 2009-10 when his undefeated squad won both the league and the league postseason tournament.

Locally, Wintz is best known for his five years as head men’s basketball coach of Hutchinson Community College where he went 111-46 from the 2001-02 season to 2005-06.

“I want to thank Kevin Armstrong and the HHS administration for all of their support in this process,” Wintz said. “I would also like to thank my current employer, Fee Insurance Group, for their undivided support to my cause over the past two years.”

 

 

By ROXANA HEGEMAN

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A federal mediator is expected to wade next month into the fray between administrators at Hutchinson Community College and student journalists that recently culminated with the seizure of newspapers and cancellation of media classes.

Suspended journalism professor Alan Montgomery said the mediator will hear the dispute on June 8.

His grievance, filed in March, alleges administrators interfered with contract provisions for academic freedom in teaching. It also contends the college used disciplinary proceedings to intimidate students who had written stories critical of the administration.

HCC President Carter File says he doesn’t care what is in the paper.

Montgomery filed the grievance before his April 28 suspension and cancellation of journalism classes and the newspaper’s temporary confiscation days later. The college later reversed its decision, canceling the semester’s final issue.

CHENEY, Kan. — With all of the rain over the past several weeks, rivers have been running high and lake levels at Cheney Reservoir are increasing.

As of noon on Friday, the lake level at Cheney was at 1,425 feet above sea level, or nearly 3.5 feet above normal. So far, officials at the lake have kept spillway gates closed and have not released any water at this time, but that may change with the heavy rain that fell in parts of Reno County on Thursday. Currently, the flood control pool is about 41 percent full.

Officials at the park say that the high lake level hasn’t caused any problems other than some debris on the lake’s far west end. However, if more water does come in, it could start to consume some of the primitive camping areas along the shoreline, as well as swimming beaches.

The lake is getting ready for the first big bash of the summer with a Memorial Day crowd estimated at around 50,000 each year.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After jumping through all of the legal hoops and getting the city of Hutchinson to change zoning requirements to make it fit in, it appears the dream of opening an adult day care center at the old Medical Center Building at 12th and Main is gone.

According to Ed Spexarth of JP Weigand, those wanting to establish the center were not able to gather the funding necessary to make it a reality. The building went on the auction block Friday morning. The starting bid was said to be $300,000, but in the end, the property went unsold.

The Hutchinson Planning Commission had given its approval on zoning changes back in November of last year to allow for the center.

At the time, Kansas had just 14 of these centers that provide services such as therapeutic activities, meals, transportation, caregiver support groups, personal assistance, social services and rehab therapy, some of which can be covered by insurance. About 80 percent of the centers have a professional nursing staff.

The building of such a center seemed to have a lot of momentum, but funding has apparently killed the project, at least for now.