From left: Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, Ron Hirst, Don Bogner, Randy Parks and Richard Vincent CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Ainsley Trunkhill The two-year-long moratorium on solar energy, partnered with the ongoing discussions to regulate this renewable energy, has resulted in controversy and uncertainty across the
Former Astronaut Nicole Stott signs her book entitled ‘Back to Earth’ during her Fri., May 2, 2025, visit to the Cosmosphere CREDIT RICHARD SHANK
By Richard Shank
Retirement as a NASA Astronaut left Nicole Stott wondering how she might share her spaceflight experience with others. After some serious soul-searching, Stott co-founded an organization that connected space and the arts, and the world responded positively, even Russia.
On a Friday visit to Hutchinson for a tour of the Cosmosphere, with a stop at Disability Supports and The Clayworks, an organization involved in one of her notable projects.
Stott signed her book “Back to Earth” Friday evening before screening a 20-minute documentary entitled “Space for Art.”
Stott co-founded the Space Art Foundation, which she said is on a mission of Space, Art, and Healing. Her new endeavor has a Hutchinson connection.
“We are expanding our crew of ‘Artonauts—children creating art as a planetary community from hospitals, refugee centers, orphanages and schools around the world,” Stott said.
The Space Art Foundation is creating large-scale inspirational, space-themed art projects.
“This is raising awareness of our role as crewmates here on Spaceship Earth,” Stott said. “Our goal is to unite children to the healing power of art.”
Projects supported by the Space Art Foundation have spread to most nations in the world, including Russia. A number of children’s groups have built space-like suits out of fabric.
“Each suit is given a name,” Stott said.
Recently, clients of Disability Supports/The Clayworks in Hutchinson were part of a group creating a spacesuit named “Infinity” and displayed at the Friday evening event.
Stott said the suits used by astronauts flying in space are made from seven layers of materials. The children’s space suits are made from lightweight materials, and most can be folded up and placed inside an astronaut’s helmet.
“Several of the children’s suits were flown to the International Space Station, where astronauts were photographed wearing them,” Stott said. “I am hopeful ‘Infinity’ will one day be worn by an astronaut on the space station.”
“I am in awe of the families dealing with their children’s illnesses and who are involved in these art projects,” Stott said.
In a question-and-answer session following the documentary screening, Stott told how astronauts on the International Space Station work hard to stay in shape while in space, and spend two hours per day exercising.
“We experience some problems walking for a short period of time after flying in space,” Stott said. “While in space, we spend our time floating instead of walking.”
When asked about her favorite part of being an astronaut, Stott was quick to respond, “My favorite part is knowing that all of our work in space is about is about doing things to improve life on earth,” Stott said.
When asked how well she slept on the International Space Station, she replied, “I had the best sleep I have ever had in space. We sleep in sleeping bags that are tied to the ceiling. I never woke up and never moved until the alarm clock went off. It was amazing sleep.”
Stott can claim to have spent more than 103 days in space. Trivia buffs credit her with sending the first tweet from space in 2009. She resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar said approximately 105,00 visitors from throughout the nation and world visit the Cosmosphere annually.
Visitors for the Friday evening event walked the corridors of this world-class attraction, and some seemed to marvel at one exhibit tracing the history of the Cosmosphere, which saw its origin in a poultry building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds where founder Patty Carey established a Planetarium.
“One attendee noted, “We have come a long way in 63 years.”
Former Astronaut Nicole Stott signs her book entitled ‘Back to Earth’ during her Fri., May 2, 2025, visit to the Cosmosphere CREDIT RICHARD SHANK By Richard Shank Retirement as a NASA Astronaut left Nicole Stott wondering how she might share her spaceflight experience with others. After some
Salthawk baseball goes 20-0 at Krol Family Baseball Triangular, area prep roundups By John Mesh The defending Region 6 champion Hutchinson Blue Dragon softball team lost to Barton Community College 2-0 Friday night and was dropped into the elimination bracket of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament at
TOPEKA - Kansas House Democrats announced Thursday, May 1, that they will hit the road this summer for the "Fight Back Tour," a statewide initiative aimed at engaging directly with Kansans, listening to community concerns and outlining their vision for the future of the state. The
Graphic courtesy of Blue Dragon Sports Information By John Mesh The Hutchinson Community College baseball team played its final regular-season home doubleheader Thursday against Pratt Community College at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson’s Carey Park. The Blue Dragons split the twinbill with the Pratt Beavers, taking the first game
Former radio broadcaster and County Commissioner Dan Deming addresses the National Day of Prayer Breakfast held Thursday morning at Memorial Hall CREDIT RICHARD SHANK
By Richard Shank
As Hutchinson debates the fate of Memorial Hall, 80 Hutchonians met there Thursday morning for Hutchinson’s annual Prayer Breakfast, as part of the National Day of Prayer.
Tom Elliott, President of Elliott Mortuary, a long-time sponsor of the Prayer Breakfast, welcomed those in attendance and recognized the event’s co-sponsor, Paul Waggoner.
Former Mayor and City Council Member Greg Fast, in brief remarks, tied prayer to government decision-making. “Government leaders need all the prayers they can get, including what we do with this building (Memorial Hall),” Fast said.
Dan Deming, who has worn many hats during multiple careers spanning more than five decades, including the past seven years with the Hutchinson Police Department, spoke for the law enforcement community and thanked those in attendance for their prayers.
“The police department is very grateful for your prayers,” Deming told the audience.
Also, Deming spoke of the Prayer Breakfast, which originated at the Downtown Sampler Restaurant before moving to the Cosmosphere and finally to Memorial Hall.
According to Deming, the nation has a long history of seeking divine guidance.
“In 1775, the Continental Congress called the nation to prayer in the early days of the Revolutionary War,” Deming said. “And, in 1862, during the early days of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln summoned the nation to pray in the early days of the Civil War.”
Deming went on to say that in 1952 President Harry Truman signed legislation designating a National Day of Prayer. He concluded by pointing out that all prayers, whether they be verbal or silent, are beneficial.
Included in the 60-minute program were brief presentations from individual speakers representing a cross-section of topics from business to schools, and the nation.
Reverend Matt Stafford, pastor of the First Congregational Church, gazed out across Memorial Hall and said the building has great memories for him and his family.
“My grandparents came to the Lord at Memorial Hall during a sermon given by Billy Sunday, a former baseball player,” he said.
Sunday, a former Major League player with the Chicago White Stockings, is reputed to have delivered more than 20,000 sermons in his lifetime, including one at Memorial Hall in Hutchinson.
Stafford had special words for the men and women who serve in the nation’s armed forces and urged the audience to pray for the families of service people and military chaplains.
Representing the business sector, First National Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Loan Officer Darrel Miller provided a historical perspective on the early days of America’s history and how religious fervor played a central role in our nation’s success.
Miller told the story of how, in 1831, national leaders in France were in awe of all the good things happening across the Atlantic Ocean in America, which was then barely 40 years old as a democratic nation. The French were fascinated by the nation’s economic boom, including everything from factories to farms.
As Miller told the story, French leaders dispatched a delegation of French citizens, including Alexis de Tocqueville, to America, a nation of only 24 states, to determine the root of this unparalleled success.
“The French visitors traveled across America by horseback, visiting factories, farms and even prisons,” Miller said. “Even then, they weren’t certain why the country was in such a boom.”
“Then, they visited the churches and found the answer,” Miller continued. “America is great because it is good. When it (America) stops being good, it will stop being great. Events like this give us hope.”
Miller gave high praise to businesses that are making a profit and giving back to the community.
“The Schrock family, which owns Woodwork Manufacturing, is a fine example of being this type of company. Recently, the Schrocks provided funding for a new daycare center at Central Christian School, which will be dedicated Friday,’ Miller said. “This new center will serve Central Christian for many decades to come.”
A phrase printed in the front of the event program states the mission of this yearly event: “Pour out to the God of hope and be filled.”
Walking out of the breakfast, an attendee called the prayer breakfast an “uplifting experience,” and that it was.
Former radio broadcaster and County Commissioner Dan Deming addresses the National Day of Prayer Breakfast held Thursday morning at Memorial Hall CREDIT RICHARD SHANK By Richard Shank As Hutchinson debates the fate of Memorial Hall, 80 Hutchonians met there Thursday morning for Hutchinson’s annual Prayer Breakfast, as
On 2025-05-01 @ 14:44:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 300 N. Waldron St.
SARAH M. SOTOMAYER, WF/36, 300 N. WALDRON ST. was arrested for 1.) FAILURE TO APPEAR: EXTENSION TIME TO PAY; THEFT.
On 2025-04-30 @ 15:55:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S Severance
DANIEL ROBINSON, WM/44, 201 W 11th AVE, was arrested for 1.) FTA VIOLATION OF PFA.
On 2025-04-30 @ 15:30:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 500 Blk E 30th Ave.
JOHNNY D. BROWN, WM/53, SOUTH HUTCHINSON was arrested for 1.) FAILURE TO APPEAR: INITIAL ARRAIGNMENT; ILLEGAL TAG.
On 2025-04-30 @ 15:30:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 200 BLK S WASHINGTON ST
TOMMY G PALMATIER, WM/41, 422 E OSBORNE ST, was arrested for 1) Possession of methamphetamine, 2) Possession of drug paraphernalia and 3) Theft less than $1500- DV.
On 2025-04-30 @ 14:30:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 226 W 11TH AVE
ESAIAHS X FLORES, WM/25, 226 W 11TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA warrant
On 2025-04-30 @ 14:22:00Hrs
Assault at 700 East 13th Ave
EASTON C. TORSELL WM/16, 727 KERSCHNER DR APT D. MCPHERSON, KS, was arrested for 1) Assault and 2) Disorderly Conduct.
On 2025-04-30 @ 12:17:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S Severance St
TYLER J. TROSTLE, WM/32, 1500 W 11TH AVE was arrested for 1.) FAILURE TO APPEAR; DIVERSION REVOCATION HEARING: POSS. MARIJUANA.
On 2025-04-30 @ 09:10:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 210 W 1st Ave
KARRIN BRUCE, WF/24, 68 FAIRCREST DR, was arrested 1.) HPD Warrant X2
On 2025-04-30 @ 03:52:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST
THAD MCCRORY, WM/44, 6017 N MONROE ST, was arrested for 1) FTA warrant.
On 2025-04-30 @ 03:29:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST
ROBERT HUTCHINS, WM/23, 1613 QUAL RIDGE DR, Was arrested for 1) FTA Warrant
On 2025-04-30 @ 03:03:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST
ROBERT HUTCHINS, WM/23, 1613 QUAL RIDGE DR, Was arrested for 1) FTA Warrant
On 2025-04-30 @ 02:44:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 810 E 13TH AVE
ROBERT HUTCHINS, WM/23, 1613 QUAIL RIDGE DR, was arrested for 1) Interference with LEO, 2) Poss of Cocaine, and 3) Poss of Drug Para
On 2025-04-29 @ 23:55:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 1000 Blk E A Ave
MICHAEL HUNT, WM/28, 706 E. C Ave, was arrested for 1) Possession of Meth and 2) Possession of Drug Para
On 2025-04-29 @ 21:49:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 929 E 4TH AVE
KAYLA HUDGEONS, WF/30, 3501 W 7TH AVE and MATTHEW COLE, WM/38 3501 W 7TH AVE were arrested for 1) Possession of opiate, narcotic or certain stimulant 2) Possession of marijuana 3) Possession of paraphernalia.
On 2025-04-29 @ 20:07:00Hrs
Theft – All Other at 301 E 3RD AVE
JAMES HENRY, WM/50 212 W 11TH AVE was arrested for 1) Theft.
On 2025-04-29 @ 15:31:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 504 E AVENUE C
AMANDA BETTERTON, WF/32, LYONS, was arrested for 1) HPD FTA Warrant
On 2025-04-29 @ 13:25:00Hrs
Criminal Trespass at 725 E 4th Ave
KEATON R. BOWER, WM/22, HOMELESS was arrested at Dillon’s, located at 725 E 4th Ave, for 1) Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order.
On 2025-04-28 @ 20:02:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE
KATIE MAAG, WF/34, BURRTON, was arrested for 1) HPD Warrant.
On 2025-04-28 @ 19:50:00Hrs
Violation of Court Order at City of Hutchinson
SHAWN HENNING WM/35 421 E 7TH AVE was arrested for 1). Violation of PFA, LAURA DISHMAN WF/40 1527 E 30TH AVE was arrested for 1). Violation of PFA.
On 2025-04-28 @ 18:45:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 137 E. 11th Ave.
RHONDA J. SIMMONS, WF/50, 137 E. 11TH AVE., was arrested for 1.) DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE WITHIN 1000 FEET OF A SCHOOL, 2.) DISTRIBUTION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, 3.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 4.) POSSESSION OF NARCOTIC, 5.) AGGRAVATED CHILD ENDANGERMENT. DANIEL R. SCHMIDT, WM/53, 137 E. 11TH AVE., was arrested for 1.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, and 3.) AGGRAVATED ENDANGERING A CHILD. WENDY L. MCCLANAHAN, WF/43, was arrested for 1.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, and 3.) AGGRAVATED ENDANGERING A CHILD. VERN L. CRAIG, WM/37, 137 E. 11TH AVE., was arrested for 1.) POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, and 3.) AGGRAVATED ENDANGERING A CHILD.
On 2025-04-28 @ 14:18:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S. Severance St.
ZACHARY R. DENOYA, WM/ 40, was arrested for 1.) HPD Warrant-FTA.
On 2025-04-28 @ 10:05:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 100 W Avenue A
TIMMY L. TRUE, WM/59, BUHLER was arrested for (1) Driving while suspended, (2) Illegible license plate and (3) No ignition interlock device.
On 2025-04-27 @ 21:36:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 500 N MADISON AVE
JOESEPH SCHEU, WM/23, 615 E 56TH AVE and KAYLA TALLEY, WF/25, 119 E A AVE APT 207 were stopped for illegal tag. JOESEPH fled from the vehicle on foot. Search of the vehicle resulted in Marijuana, THC, and Paraphernalia being seized. KAYLA issued summons for 1) Possession of THC, 2) Possession of Paraphernalia. JOESEPH long formed for 1) Driving while Revoked, 2) Display Illegal Tag, 3) Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, 4) Possession of Marijuana, 5) Possession of Paraphernalia, 6) Interference with LEO. Vehicle was towed by LCB Towing to the LCB storage lot.
On 2025-04-27 @ 15:19:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 429 E 4TH AVE.
RYAN W. RUE, WM/29, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Theft.
On 2025-04-26 @ 22:35:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 500 BLK E 4TH AVE
EDWARD FOWLER, WM/32, 311 E F AVE was arrested for 1) Possession of narcotic 2) Possession of Paraphernalia 3) ITOL 4) Driving on a suspended license.
SIERRA SOUTHERN, WF/30, 1506 E 4TH AVE was arrested for 1) Possession of narcotic 2) Possession of Paraphernalia 3) Possession of Marijuana 4) ITOL 5) FTA.
On 2025-04-26 @ 20:18:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 701 E 30TH AVE
MARQUEL BLASSINGILL, BM/28, 701 E 3RD AVE, Was arrested for 1.) DUI 2.) Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage, after jumping the curb and hitting a parked car at Playa Azul.
On 2025-04-26 @ 14:59:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 2719 N WALDRON ST.
LINDASUE C. ADAMS, WF/77, 2719 N WALDRON ST. was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; theft.
On 2025-04-26 @ 14:58:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 2719 N WALDRON ST.
LINDASUE C. ADAMS, WF/77, 2719 N WALDRON ST. was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; TRAFFIC; speeding.
On 2025-04-26 @ 04:43:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 300 N Airport
KYLE WILLIAMS, WM/44, 322 W MAIN, STERLING on a warrant for 1. FTA. Original charge driving while suspended
On 2025-04-26 @ 02:20:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 200 BLK W 17TH AVE
GRANT HARMONY, WM/22, 618 E 71ST AVE, Was arrested for 1.) DUI by Comp Evidence BAC .08 or Greater 2.) Illegal Transportation of Open Container 3.) No Insurance
On 2025-04-25 @ 22:55:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 200 BLK W 7TH AVE
MICHAEL CASARES, WM/39, ELLINWOOD, Was arrested for 1.) Possession of Methamphetamine 2.) Possession of Marijuana 3.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On 2025-04-25 @ 22:52:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 600 Blk W \9th Ave.
JUSTIN L. WALKER, WM/28, HOMELESS was arrested for 1.) POSSESSION METHAMPHETAMINE, 2.) POSSESSION DRUG PARAPHERNALIA, 3.) DUI; 2ND CONV; DRUGS OR COMB. OF DRUGS.
On 2025-04-25 @ 08:30:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at 3000 Blk N. Plum
MIKAELA BIERY, WF/18 was arrested for 1.) Battery-DV, 2.) Criminal Damage-DV, 3.) Possession of Marijuana, 4.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On 2025-04-24 @ 21:08:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 1300 Blk E. G Ave
PRECIOUS JOHNSON, WF/36, 3012 SIERRA PKWY APT A., was arrested for 1) POSSESSION OF METH, 2) POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, 3) POSSESSION OF DRUG PARA, 4) DRIVING WHILE LICENSE CANCELLED, AND 5) FAIL TO PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE.
On 2025-04-24 @ 18:20:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 702 N FORD ST
MELISSA LACY, WF/40, HOMELESS, Was arrested on a HPD Warrant for 1.) FTA Original Charge Driving While License Suspended
On 2025-04-29 @ 20:30:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 431 S Reno St. Partridge, Kansas
Neal Baxter 41 YOM of Partridge was arrested on two Reno County District Court warrants.
On 2025-04-27 @ 17:38:00Hrs
Battery at 3802 W 6th Ave, Reno County
Desie Chatfield 44 YOM of Hutchinson was arrested for battery DV.
Want to see more in the blotter? Contact Publisher Michael Glenn at mglenn@hutchtribune.com or Managing Editor Gina Long at glong@hutchtribune.com.
Hutchinson Police Department On 2025-05-01 @ 14:44:00HrsWarrant Service at 300 N. Waldron St. SARAH M. SOTOMAYER, WF/36, 300 N. WALDRON ST. was arrested for 1.) FAILURE TO APPEAR: EXTENSION TIME TO PAY; THEFT. On 2025-04-30 @ 15:55:00Hrs Warrant Service at 1800 S Severance DANIEL ROBINSON, WM/44, 201 W 11th AVE,
CAPTION: For the 24th consecutive season, the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon men’s golf team qualified for the NJCAA Division I Championships. The Blue Dragons earned an automatic bid with a third-place showing at the NJCAA Central District Championship at Tiffany Greens Golf Club in
Reno County schools receive 18 total nominations
By Gina Long
“I just can’t say enough about the kids. It was a big musical and a lot to ask of them. They worked so hard. They learned multiple songs. Several played multiple parts, learning all the songs and dances,” Trinity High School Theatre Director Karin Neal said of the cast of “Mary Poppins,” the school’s fall musical, which took the stage for four sold-out shows in November.
The production earned six Jester Award nominations from Music Theatre Wichita. The Jester Awards ceremony “honors excellence in high school musical theatre with nominee announcements, live performances, and scholarship presentations,” according to the theatre’s website.
At least half the cast will be at Century II in Wichita on Sunday for the awards presentation.
“We will probably have more [at the nominations]. A few are still making arrangements. Everybody is super excited.”
Hutchinson High School received eight nominations for “Alice By Heart,” Buhler three for “The Sound of Music,” and Nickerson one for “Annie.“
According to Neal, Trinity averages two to three nominations each year. “This is the first time we’ve had six nominations,” she said.
“I am really proud of Mary (Newbowles) and the work she did. The multiple nominations for the ensembles show the work that everyone put in. I am very pleased with how all of the cast came together.”
Neal explained that each school submits the production that it wants judged by Music Theatre Wichita in September. Each night during the production, one or two judges attend and measures the performance on a points scale. Schools in the same regions compete against each other, and the top two vote-getters for each category receive the regional nomination. The nomination list is released in early April, and the awards ceremony is held on the first Sunday in May.
The 2025 Reno County nominees are:
Outstanding Production
Leading Performer
Supporting Performer
Cameo Performer
Pre-High School Performer
Small Ensemble
Ensemble/Chorus
Orchestra Direction
Artistic Guest
Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
Program Design
From left: Michael Glenn as Bert, Mary Newboles as Mary Poppins, Lucy Godina as Jane Banks and Connell Ryan as Michael Banks in Trinity Catholic High School's production of Mary Poppins, Nov. 2024. The production earned 6 Jester Award nominations in Apr. 2025 CREDIT THE
CAPTION: Hutchinson City Hall, located at 125 East Ave B. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
By Michael Glenn
Former Hutchinson Police Sergeant Darrin Truan filed for election for the at-large position on the Hutchinson City Council.
Truin is the first to enter the race and has spent 33 years in law enforcement, including 24 years with the City of Hutchinson.
Truan said his more than two decades of Police Work have put him in close touch with city problems and issues, part of what inspired him to run for office.
“Common Sense Solutions and keeping a close eye on spending”. Truan said “Conservative, Reasonable taxes, coupled with a progressive response to citizen concerns, is my government goal”.
Truan also owns and manages local rental properties along with being a long-time tradesman, in rentals, repairs, building costs and the need for more affordable housing.
The at-large council seat is a two-year term with voters from throughout the city eligible to cast ballots in the August Primary and November general election. Two of the four other Council Districts are up for election this year.
Current at-large councilmember and Mayor of Hutchinson, Stacy Goss, has filed for a four-year term representing the northwest district of Hutchinson. Current Northwest Councilman Jon Richardson has announced he does not intend to run again. Also on the ballot will be the Southwest district councilman, Greg Fast, who will be seeking his second four-year term.
Truan’s wife, Tiffany, works at a local bank and they have two children who also live in Hutchinson. Truan says he plans to attend as many council meetings as possible between now and the election to become better informed on issues.
Persons are welcome to call his cellphone at 620-728-9444 with their ideas and concerns.
CAPTION: Hutchinson City Hall, located at 125 East Ave B. CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE By Michael Glenn Former Hutchinson Police Sergeant Darrin Truan filed for election for the at-large position on the Hutchinson City Council. Truin is the first to enter the race and has spent 33
