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CAPTION: “The Unbreakable Boy” stars Zachary Levi and Jacob Laval. CREDIT LIONSGATE

By Dan Deming

I’ve long thought more people need to show empathy, understanding and appreciation for children and parents dealing with special needs.  A movie now showing in Hutchinson that has received little local or national attention does exactly that while bringing out the hurt, love, crying and laughter sought by Scott LeRette.   He wrote a book about his son Austin and how his family was torn apart but then put back together because of Austins’ battle with brittle bone disease and autism.  The book came out in 2014 as an autobiography and the “Unbreakable Boy” movie was four years in the making before its’ 2025 release.  

This movie will never win an Academy Award because of how the Hollywood elect act.  But it features more than adequate acting,  is guaranteed to touch your heart, and is based on a true story that is inspirational, highly emotional and faith-based without trying to convince audiences that turning to God and church will resolve all problems, at least on this earth.

The movie pulls no punches in focusing on Scotts’ alcoholism, which caused the family to fall apart, wife Teresas’ less open but still deep problems and their raising of Austin, played extremely well by Jacob Laval, along with his younger, steady influence brother.  Austins’ unbreakable spirit dominates the film including his narration of the numerous “breaks” as his autism progresses and one of the most inspiring scenes comes as the closing credits are streamed.  Screen notes are posted telling how the LeRette family has been revived and refocused in recent years.  

Austin, who the film takes into his middle school years, is now 30 years old and while still struggling has become the inspiration and enlightenment that has brought the family back together.  “The Unbreakable Boy” is an experience that most Midwest families are going to enjoy and appreciate.  Taking kids under ten probably isn’t advisable but it is a G-rated, sometimes tear-generated life story that needs telling. It’s a movie that should be appreciated by many adults who are tired of the violence, bad language, sex and bombastic, unrealistic special effects that dominate most of today’s offerings.  You’ll find it for a limited time at the Hutchinson Malls’ B and B Theaters.   Dan Deming

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CAPTION: "The Unbreakable Boy" stars Zachary Levi and Jacob Laval. CREDIT LIONSGATE By Dan Deming I've long thought more people need to show empathy, understanding and appreciation for children and parents dealing with special needs.  A movie now showing in Hutchinson that has received little local or national

County News, Government

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CAPTION: From left: Reno County Commissioners Richard Winger, Ron Hirst, Don Bogner, Randy Parks and Ron Vincent. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Ainsley Trunkhill For two years, solar energy has seen a temporary pause in Reno County while the Reno County Planning Commission and County Commissioners

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According to a press release from the Hutchinson Community Foundation, seven Reno County communities can receive funding to make progress on their community’s identified priorities as part of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative, in addition to priorities for the county. The three-year initiative to empower residents to make positive change and boost community pride began in 2024.

These viewpoints come from the 1,021 respondents to last summer’s Love Where You Live Community Perception Survey. Reports were generated for Buhler, the Fairfield area, the Haven and Yoder area, Hutchinson, Nickerson, Pretty Prairie, South Hutchinson and Reno County overall.

“We believe this process will help residents feel heard, identify shared priorities, and have some agency and resources to make progress year after year,” said Kari Mailloux, Hutchinson Community Foundation director of strategy. “Hopefully it creates a stronger sense of ownership and hope across the county.”

Following the survey, workshops were conducted in each of the communities. These gatherings centered on reviewing the survey results, discussing priorities and brainstorming ideas for progress.

The following priorities were identified in each community (and Reno County) workshop:

Buhler: 

  • unique partnerships and better communication
  • a destination restaurant
  • public infrastructure
  • housing, especially to attract families  

Pretty Prairie: 

  • an all-day restaurant
  • new business lot development
  • redevelopment of vacant properties  

South Hutchinson: 

  • redevelopment of Poplar Street as a business district and 
  • attracting builders to sell and/or renovate blight  

Nickerson: 

  • development north of town near the new highway
  • housing, blight removal
  • community engagement and communication  

Haven and Yoder area: 

  • infrastructure planning
  • incentives to attract manufacturing
  • a grocery store or chain restaurant
  • housing to attract families  

Fairfield area: 

  • blight removal
  • safety concerns
  • housing programs
  • uniting communities in ways other than the school district  

Hutchinson (four workshops): 

  • housing affordability and development
  • higher wages
  • blight removal
  • community engagement and communication  

Reno County:

  • increases in average household income
  • businesses that pay above average wage 
  • attracting new businesses
  • removing and renovating blight
  • access to affordable child care
  • improving public infrastructure
  • expanding local businesses 

All of the community reports and workshop recaps are available at www.renosurvey.com for communities to review.  

Funding opportunities

Hutchinson Community Foundation is accepting project proposals for Fund for Reno County grants. The first impact cycle, due Feb. 28, focuses on supporting community catalyst projects that improve community engagement, communication and confidence. Local governments and 501(c)3 organizations can apply for grants up to $2,500 for this purpose. Other grants available now are in the areas of dynamic culture, thriving kids and strong organizations.  

In August, the foundation will consider larger grants for community and economic development. Information about all Hutchinson Community Foundation grant opportunities can be found at hutchcf.org.  Individuals or groups who would like to learn more may contact Mailloux, kari@hutchcf.org or 620-663-5293.

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According to a press release from the Hutchinson Community Foundation, seven Reno County communities can receive funding to make progress on their community’s identified priorities as part of Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Love Where You Live Community Empowerment Initiative, in addition to priorities for the county.

Community Reporting

Ali Post (left) and Ellie Foos (right) visit following Monday’s noon speech to the Hutchinson Rotary Club held at Hutchinson Community College CREDIT RICHARD SHANK

By Richard Shank

Ali Post and Ellie Foos, two volunteers for the Rise Up Reno organization, addressed the Hutchinson Rotary Club at a Monday noon meeting to report on a recent Washington, D.C. trip to network with other participants from similar organizations nationwide.

Post, a senior at Buhler High School, and Foos, a senior at Hutchinson High School, spoke of their passion for an organization established to promote healthy youth behaviors in Reno County through mentoring, substance use prevention, suicide prevention, strengthening families, and youth leadership.

The two students’ four-day trip to the nation’s capital was eye-opening. During Advocacy Day, they visited the U.S. Capitol and rubbed shoulders with Kansas’ congressional delegation, including the staff of Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran. Among the sessions they attended were discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), its negative impacts on misinformation, manipulation, and addictions, and the potential harm of AI Chatbots.

In a session entitled Building Partnerships for Substance Misuse, the topics included youth-led prevention and why it works, peer influence versus adult influence, misconceptions, and youth and community partnerships.

In a session entitled Future Plans, a Call to Action included a Mental Health Walk, More school speakers, additional education on AI and social media, and prevention and the availability of Nalazone in schools.

Post said she enjoyed visiting with other students from throughout the nation, which also provided an opportunity to witness the fast pace of life in the nation’s capital and, at times, was a culture shock. Foos said the experience was
especially good in learning about the lives of students in other communities from across the nation.

Rise Reno’s website includes a section categorized as “Our Why” and states the following: “Drugs and alcohol are putting our community and our people at great risk—especially our youth. We are the driver of change on this issue. We prevent substance abuse by rallying our community to build caring relationships, give knowledge, and develop wealthy environments.”

Seven Reno County schools participate in Rise Up Reno.

The origin of Rise Up Reno is a story worth repeating. In 2003, Hutchinson was chosen by the University of Washington to participate in a youth development study. As a result of that study, a community coalition was formed in Hutchinson and remains to this day.

Following graduation, Foos will continue her education majoring in Political Science at the University of Kansas in advance of pursuing a law degree, also from KU. Post will continue her schooling as an early Education Major at the Hutchinson Community College and following her graduation, will complete her bachelor’s degree at Emporia State University. Both students plan to continue involvement with Rise Up Reno type organizations.

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Ali Post (left) and Ellie Foos (right) visit following Monday's noon speech to the Hutchinson Rotary Club held at Hutchinson Community College CREDIT RICHARD SHANK By Richard Shank Ali Post and Ellie Foos, two volunteers for the Rise Up Reno organization, addressed the Hutchinson Rotary Club at

Government, School Board News

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CAPTION: From left: Board Members Gleysha Mendez-Rosario, Tad Dower, Cheryl Thompson, Darcie Canfield-Riggs, Valarie Gibson-Smith, Lance Patterson and President Laura Corey. CREDIT USD 308 By Kate Irelan In the regular USD 308 school board meeting on February 24, the board approved $1,155,930 in purchases for technology replacements

County News

By Gina Long

The Reno County Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 26, to discuss and take action on extending the current solar power development moratorium and hear a presentation regarding the 2025 tax valuations.

Other agenda items include a proclamation declaring February 26 as HCC Football Team Appreciation Day, Prairie Dunes’ request to adopt a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the 2029 U.S. Golf Association’s Senior Open at the course, and Strataca’s request for support in applying for affiliate status with the Smithsonian Institution.

Tracey Barton, Executive Director of Kansas Natural Resources Coalition, a private landowners’ rights organization, will give a presentation about federal and local laws.

The commission will then break into an executive session to discuss privileged matters regarding non-elected personnel.

The agenda packet is available to view and download here.

The Reno County Board of Commissioners meets the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Veterans Room in the Reno County Courthouse.

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By Gina Long The Reno County Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 26, to discuss and take action on extending the current solar power development moratorium and hear a presentation regarding the 2025 tax valuations. Other agenda items include a proclamation declaring February 26 as HCC Football