CAPTION: Hutchinson High School Pitcher Cole Bleything throwing to first base at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. CREDIT CAPTURED BY DYLAN By John Mesh The Hutchinson High School baseball team lost both games of a doubleheader against Haysville-Campus Tuesday night at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson’s Carey Park. Campus
By Emmie Amezola
Buhler High School alumna Jacqulyn Ashcraft will join the 49th induction class for the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame (KTHOF). Ashcraft is a 1965 Buhler graduate.
Ashcraft is currently serving as a substitute teacher for Buhler Public Schools.
The 2025 induction class also includes nine other educators. Nominations for the KTHOF are accepted from twelve districts in Kansas. The state section committee meets in March to finalize candidate decisions.
Selection criteria include evidence of outstanding teaching, evidence of positive interactions with the students and parents, qualities that set him or her apart from other educators, the continued pursuit of educational opportunities throughout their career and a willingness to share ideas by conducting
workshops and classes, for parents, teachers, and involvement in community activities, educational recognition and awards and a philosophy of education that is a positive example for others.
Each nominee must have been a K-12 teacher for a minimum of 25 years in Kansas. Over 450 Kansas educators have been inducted into the KTHOF.
The induction ceremony is on Saturday, June 7, in Dodge City Civic Center with a luncheon.
The KTHOF was started in Dodge City in 1977 and is the first KTHOF in the United States.
Other inductees from this year’s hall of fame class include Kirstin Bangerter, Dodge City, Tonya Cogan, El Dorado, Cynthia Kiser, Erie, Brenda J. McDaniel, Salina, Mary McGroarty, Dodge City, Erma Moses, Lyons, Sarah Short, Goodlan, Sue Ann Tebo, Hays and Brenda Vogts, Canton.
By Emmie Amezola Buhler High School alumna Jacqulyn Ashcraft will join the 49th induction class for the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame (KTHOF). Ashcraft is a 1965 Buhler graduate. Ashcraft is currently serving as a substitute teacher for Buhler Public Schools. The 2025 induction class also includes nine
On 2025-04-24 @ 13:05:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 1200 BLK N K61 HWY
KIMBERLY ARCHAGA BACA, HF/30, 701 E 5TH AVE, was arrested for (1. No DL.
On 2025-04-24 @ 00:51:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
ASHLEY JONES WF/34 was arrested for 1) DV BATTERY.
On 2025-04-23 @ 21:43:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
MICHEAL WILLIAMS WM/47 HOMELESS was arrested for 1) VIOLATION OF PFA.
On 2025-04-23 @ 19:15:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 19 29TH CT.
VINCENT F. JIMENEZ, HM/30, SAME ADDRESS, was arrested for 1) FAILURE TO GIVE INFORMATION AT UNATTENDED PROPERTY ACCIDENT (7 COUNTS), 2) FAIL TO PROVIDE PROOF OF LIABILITY INSURANCE, 3) CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY (2 COUNTS), 4) INTERFERENCE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, 5) DUI; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY DRIVING.
On 2025-04-23 @ 12:51:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 705 E Sherman Ave
JAREN A. GOODWIN, BM/28, 705 E SHERMAN AVE was arrested for 1) HPD FTA; Original Charge of Interference w/ LEO
On 2025-04-22 @ 22:04:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 300 BLK W 11TH AVE
JACOB MANNING, WM/45, 728 E 6TH AVE, Was arrested for 1.) Possession of Methamphetamine 2.) Possession of Marijuana 3.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On 2025-04-22 @ 16:19:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 800 E 4th AVE
ROBBIE CALVIN, WM/42, 114 DOWNING, was arrested for 1.) POSS OF OPIATE, 2.) POSS OF PARA, and 3.) FTA NO INSURANCE
On 2025-04-22 @ 16:15:00Hrs
Theft – All Other at 1905 E 17th AVE
ROBBIE CALVIN, WM/42, was arrested for 1.) THEFT.
On 2025-04-22 @ 02:45:00Hrs
Battery at 1701 E 23rd
SAMANTHA IACUESSA WF/38 108 W 5TH was arrested for 1) BATTERY ON HEALTH CARE WORKER after an employee of HRMC reported her hitting her.
On 2025-04-21 @ 15:28:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 16TH W. 8TH AVE.
ERIC A. MERINO, HM/30, 16 W 8TH AVE. was arrested for 1.) Aggravated Assault on LEO; deadly weapon x2 2.) Felony Interference with LEO; execute felony warrant. SUZANNE M. WILES, WF/45, PRETTY PRAIRIE, was arrested for 1.) Felony Interference with LEO; execute felony warrant.
On 2025-04-21 @ 11:15:00Hrs
Violation of Court Order at City of Hutchinson
DUSTIN L PISONI, WM/32, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1.) Violation of protection order 2.) RNSO Warrant
On 2025-04-21 @ 10:10:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1400 E. 23RD AVE
RATWAN C. NORWOOD, BM/33, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Traffic.
On 2025-04-21 @ 04:30:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at CITY OF HUTCHINSON
JARROD TIPTON, WM/36, was arrested for 1) DV Criminal Damage.
On 2025-04-20 @ 21:37:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at CITY OF HUTCHINSON
JEFFREY JONES, WM/37, was arrested for 1) Domestic Battery 2) Domestic Criminal Restraint.
On 2025-04-20 @ 16:53:00Hrs
Criminal Trespass at 316 W 4th Ave
RAYMOND L. HUNTER, WM/44, 406 E 14TH – Was arrested for 1) Criminal Trespass 2) Possession of Methamphetamine w/2 priors 3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On 2025-04-20 @ 01:58:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 400 S. Elm St
JOSE ZUNIGA-MARTINEZ, WM/19, 808 E 9TH – Was arrested for 1) DUI; Breath or Blood .08 or higher 2) Possession of Marijuana 3) Possession of Drug paraphernalia 4) Illegal transportation of alcohol 3) Consume alcoholic liquor Under 21 and ADDALIE N. BECKER, WF/18, 814 N. ELM – Was issued a NTA for 1) Possession of Marijuana 2) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3) Consume alcoholic liquor Under 21 and NATILEE K. MUNS, WF/19, SOUTH HUTCHINSON – was issued a NTA for 1) Consume alcoholic liquor Under 21
On 2025-04-20 @ 01:55:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST
JOHNATHAN SCOTHORN, WM/34, HOMELESS, Was arrested for 1) HPD FTA Warrant.
On 2025-04-19 @ 23:14:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 200 N. Monroe St
JORDAN T. CARLTON, WM/32, 711 W19TH – Was arrested for 1) Driving While Suspended
On 2025-04-19 @ 22:00:00Hrs
Traffic – MVA Hit&Run at 312 W 8th Ave
ZACHARIAH MITCHELL WM/39 314 W 8TH was arrested for 1) DUI, 2) POSS OF MARIJUANA, 3) POSS OF PARA, 4) ITOL, 5) NO PROOF OF INSURANCE and 6) FAIL TO GIVE INFO AT ACCIDENT.
On 2025-04-19 @ 20:15:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 400 E 5th Ave
MATTHEW GULICK, WM/39, 416 HARVEY ST, was arrested for 1.) HPD Warrant – FTA
On 2025-04-19 @ 09:46:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at Unit Block N Lorraine
SKYLAR R. BRYANT, BM/27, 1137 W KANSAS AVE, MCPHERSON, KS was arrested for 1) Driving While Suspended.
On 2025-04-19 @ 01:17:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 108 W 5TH AVE
SAMANTHA LACUESSA, WF/39, 108 W 5TH AVE was arrested for 1) Misuse of 911.
On 2025-04-18 @ 16:19:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 900 N Main St
JUSTICE S. NICHOLS, WM/18, 415 W 21ST AVE was arrested for (1) Distribution of Marijuana, (2) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, (3) Minor in possession of alcohol and (4) Expired license plate.
On 2025-04-18 @ 15:35:00Hrs
Theft – Shoplifting at 1905 E 17th Ave.
TIMOTHY D. FIELD, WM/44, SOUTH HUTCHINSON was arrested for Theft from Walmart.
On 2025-04-18 @ 03:25:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at UNDISCLOSED
DAVID REYNA JR, HM/43, 108 W 5TH AVE #2, was arrested for 1)-Domestic Battery
On 2025-04-17 @ 19:00:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERENCE
MARCUS HILL, BM/40, 1307 E 17TH was arrested for 1) Failure to Appear after he turned himself in at RCCF
On 2025-04-18 @ 18:18:00Hrs
Criminal Threat at 8303 N Hendricks St., Hutchinson, KS, 67502
David Swafford was arrested for criminal threat, criminal damage, assault LEO, battery LEO (X2)
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 2025-04-24 @ 13:05:00HrsTraffic - Other at 1200 BLK N K61 HWY KIMBERLY ARCHAGA BACA, HF/30, 701 E 5TH AVE, was arrested for (1. No DL. On 2025-04-24 @ 00:51:00HrsDomestic Violence at City of Hutchinson ASHLEY JONES WF/34 was arrested for 1) DV BATTERY. On 2025-04-23 @
Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, left, Ron Hirst, Don Bogner, Randy Parks and Ron Vincent. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Ainsley Trunkhill During Wednesday’s meeting, the Reno County Commissioners made several steps forward in supporting county growth by proposing funds for the Plum Creek housing project and
Graphic courtesy of Blue Dragon Sports Information By John Mesh The Hutchinson Blue Dragon softball team split a key Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference doubleheader from the Dodge City Conquistadors Wednesday afternoon at Dodge City’s Legends Park. The Blue Dragons won the first game 6-3 and lost the
CAPTION: Pope Francis, 88, died Mon. Apr. 21, 2025. CREDIT: The Holy See
By Richard Shank
Early morning television newscasts reported Sunday on Pope Francis’ participation in Easter Sunday services in Vatican City within Rome. The extent of the Pope’s activities was surprising because the 88-year-old Pontiff was still recovering from respiratory issues, which had previously hospitalized him for over a month. At one point, the Pope even delivered a short speech to an estimated crowd of 100,000.
Father Jerome Spexarth, pastor of Holy Cross and St. Theresa parishes in Hutchinson, noted the good news in his 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning sermon at Holy Cross. The following morning, the same news programs reported that the Pope had become ill suddenly at 5:30 a.m. (Rome time) Monday, and moments later, passed away.
Although the passing was not totally unexpected for the 88-year-old church leader, four Hutchonians who are active church members were shocked and saddened and unanimous in their praise for the late Pope.
Dr. Tom Smith noted the Pope never acted like a prince. “The way he lived and his writings spoke of things central to the Lord,” Dr. Smith said. “He will be greatly missed.”
“Pope Francis was accepting and tolerant to everyone,” Dr. Smith continued. “I hope his successor will be much like Pope Francis.”
“He was a proponent of social justice and visited refugee camps,” Dr. Smith continued. “He even worked with gang members to urge them to change their lives.”
Carol Berger said it was sad to read of Pope Francis’ death Monday morning. “In our world, it seems we have few voices for peace, love of all people, and devotion to the care of our beautiful planet,” Berger said.
“He demonstrated compassion, had a heart for social justice and taught the importance of inclusion. May Pope Francis rest in peace.”
Retired physician Dr. Jack Wortman dubbed the late Pope “a remarkable man.”
“He was a very special person and was for the common person. The Pope was a man of the people and lived a simple life,” Wortman continued. “During his earlier life, in Argentina, he came in contact with a lot of poor people who needed help.”
I asked Dr. Wortman, “What kind of person do you feel would be a good replacement for Pope Francis?”
“I hope that someone just like Pope Francis will be the next Pope, someone who has a strong feeling for common people,” Dr. Wortman responded.
A Wednesday afternoon interview with Father Eric Weldon, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Hutchinson, produced much food for thought regarding the late Pope.
“When Pope Francis was elected, I was very excited that he came from the Western Hemisphere,” Father Weldon said. “60 percent of the church (members) speak Spanish, and I told my secretary at the time that the next Pope would be from Argentina or Mexico. Also, he was the first member of the Jesuits called to the Papacy. And, it happened.”
Father Weldon said Pope Francis had a personal spirituality rooted in the awareness of being a sinner redeemed in Christ. “This was his great source of joy,” Father Weldon said. “He wanted everyone to experience Jesus’ mercy and love, which flows from the heart. This was why he was so focused on accompaniment. He wanted to walk with others to Christ and described the church as a ‘field hospital.”
He showed this accompaniment when he had his driver stop the car so he could walk among the poorest people in Rome.”
Father Weldon went on to say that many people admired him for this reason. “He tried to listen to voices who thought they were ignored, and this created media attention and spin,” Father Weldon said. “The Pope is always a shepherd, which means a leader.”
Father Weldon said Pope Francis expressed his personal spirituality well in a document entitled “He loved Us,” which speaks of the love from the heart of Jesus. “I am not sure he listened to all corners and vast lands of the church,” Father Weldon said. “The next Pope need not be concerned with ideas that seem palatable to world leaders and NGOs. Rather, he needs to listen to a wide variety of bishops and recognize where the fruit is being born in the church around the world. The Spirit will continue to work.”
Pope Francis was the 266th Pope in the more than 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Saint Peter is recorded as the church’s first Pope.
A conclave of 200 Catholic Cardinals from throughout the world will convene May 5 to start the process of electing the church’s 267th Pope who will assume the Papacy immediately following his election.
CAPTION: Pope Francis, 88, died Mon. Apr. 21, 2025. CREDIT: The Holy See By Richard Shank Early morning television newscasts reported Sunday on Pope Francis’ participation in Easter Sunday services in Vatican City within Rome. The extent of the Pope’s activities was surprising because the 88-year-old Pontiff
CAPTION: The top three winners of the National Civics Bee Reno County receive applause for their performance and move on to the state competition at the Kansas Learning Center in Wichita on June 5. The winners are (left to right) 1st place, Titus Walker, 3rd place, Rylan Gates, and 2nd place, Jaxson Heller.
By Kate Irelan
Titus Walker, a middle school student in Reno County, won the 2nd annual 2025 National Civics Bee Reno County Finals with his ideas on integrating Spanish language learning into middle school classes. The second-place winner was Jackson Heller, and the third-place winner was Rylan Gates. Nineteen students competed at the Stringer Fine Arts building on the Hutchinson Community College campus on Wednesday, April 23. About 50 people attended the civics bee.
According to the Hutch Chamber website, “The National Civics Bee is one of many pilot National Civics Bee competitions promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.”
Debra Teufel, president of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, opened the competition by saying that this is the third year of the national competition, starting with five participating states and growing to 39 this year. This is the second year that the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce has hosted the event. Teufel said that the chamber applied and is one of just five cities across Kansas that participate in the competition.
“We follow the National Civics Bee and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation model and rules. We also have the ability to get sponsors. IdeaTek has been a sponsor for both years, providing tablets as prizes to encourage digital literacy in addition to the students’ verbal presentations,” she said.
The Hutch Chamber said of the event, “We believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. The National Civics Bee is a way to promote greater civic knowledge and civic participation across the country, and to energize our community with a celebration of civic pride.”
The top three finalists each received a tablet from IdeaTek and a cash prize, $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $125 for third place. Teufel said that finalists who advance from local and state rounds to the national championship compete for cash prizes, trophies, recognition and a $100,000 529 savings plan.
Richard Shank was the emcee of the event and led the audience and participants through the program, including an audience participation game where everyone could answer the questions from the judges and see how they compared with the competitors. Two guest speakers, James Krstolich, community and public relations manager at Ideatek and Jenna Fager, county clerk/election office of Reno County, both spoke to the students about the importance of democracy, digital literacy, being involved in their community, and voting.
Judges for the competition were Melissa Moodie from Hinkle Law Firm, Hutchinson Fire Department Captain Patrick Weathers, and Hutchinson Mayor Stacy Goss, who also serves as director of communications, marketing, and public relations for USD 308. They said the reason Walker was the winner was that he had a plan, and his idea had a good chance of coming to fruition. “He was concise and had a lot of strong statistics that showed the benefit of adding Spanish language learning to middle school classes, and called out to the community,” said the judges.
The state finals competition will be held on June 5, 2025, at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita, and the national finals will be in November. For more information about the state finals, visit the Kansas Leadership Center website.
CAPTION: The top three winners of the National Civics Bee Reno County receive applause for their performance and move on to the state competition at the Kansas Learning Center in Wichita on June 5. The winners are (left to right) 1st place, Titus Walker, 3rd
The Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team rallied to capture the Region VI championship Tuesday at Sand Creek Station in Newton with a two-day, three-round score of 880 (291-291-298). Hutchinson sophomore Charlie Box, who placed first the Jayhawk Conference tournament, is the Region VI individual
By John Mesh The Hutchinson varsity girls soccer team rallied from a 2-1 halftime deficit to defeat Valley Center 3-2 in double overtime Tuesday at the Salthawk Soccer Complex. The Salthawks’ Rhyan Galyon scored the game-winning goal with 15 seconds left in the second overtime. Galyon scored
CAPTION: Reno County schools superintendents answered questions at a forum organized by Women for Kansas at Hutchinson Community College Shears Technology Center on Monday, April 21. Left to Right: Dr. Dawn Johnson (USD308), Curtis Nightingale (USD309), Craig Idacavage (USD312), and Cindy Couchman (USD313). By Kate Irelan At
