From left: Michael Glenn as Bert, Mary Newboles as Mary Poppins, Lucy Godina as Jane Banks and Connell Ryan as Michael Banks. CREDIT GINA LONG/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE By Gina Long Trinity Catholic High School's fall production of "Mary Poppins" takes the stage Nov. 14 - 17. Mary Newboles
CAPTION: CREDIT K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
By Michael Glenn
While Reno County has seen an unusually wet November with 3.66 inches of precipitation so far, the large amount of rain has not calmed drought concerns throughout the area.
That’s according to the K-State Research and Extension office in Reno County. Horticulture Agent Pam Paulsen said while the recent rain helped with drought concerns, it’s not enough to bring the area back to normal conditions.
“The ground was dry and absorbed most of it,” Paulsen said. “It will help with the drought, but we are certainly not out of the drought since it’s a long-term issue. I think it’s still important to be conscious on how we use water.”
Paulsen said trees have also suffered from the lack of precipitation.
“This will help plants going into the wintertime,” Paulsen said. “Our weather seems like we get big rains and then long periods of dryness. For it to really relieve the drought, we need more consistent rainfall rather than a large amount here and then a long period without.”
The recent precipitation will also help fill Kansas’ main aquifer, the Ogallala Aquifer.
“We get some cooler rains in September, but we haven’t had the snowfall like we used to in past years,” Paulsen said. “That has taken out some of the moisture we got during the winter time.”
Paulsen said recently planted wheat will also benefit from the recent rainfall.
CAPTION: CREDIT K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION By Michael Glenn While Reno County has seen an unusually wet November with 3.66 inches of precipitation so far, the large amount of rain has not calmed drought concerns throughout the area. That’s according to the K-State Research and Extension office in
By John Mesh Three Reno County high school football teams survived and advanced in the Kansas state playoffs. Hutchinson in Class 5A, Buhler in Class 4A and Hutchinson Central Christian in Eight-Man II will compete in the state quarterfinals. • In Class 5A, the Hutchinson Salthawks (8-2)
By Richard Shank
In a 7-0 vote, the USD 308 Board of Education unanimously approved moving forward with a proposed $109 million bond election to fund upgrades to district buildings and facilities.
The vote initiates a 14-step process that will culminate in an April 25 vote by USD 308 patrons if all goes as planned.
Hutchinson businessman Jordan Fee, along with a group of community leaders, served on a Facility Master Plan Committee and spoke in advance of the vote about the 20-month study just completed.
Fee said the committee was made up of parents, teachers, administrators, and other community members. “We approached the assignment to find what is best for the kids in our community,” Fee said. “This is a community-wide initiative. To move our community forward, we must have good schools in this district.”
“We dreamed big and talked about what we want our schools to be like in 25-50 years,” Fee continued.
The committee’s mission was: “Educating and Empowering Salt Hawks for life.”
Twenty-three meetings were held, attracting more than 600 participants.
Board member Tad Dower complimented the committee’s untiring efforts to draw up a plan for voters to consider. “Serving on this committee required a lot of time spent away from family,” Dower said.
Discussion on the bond election will continue at the November 25 meeting when the Board of Education authorizes the filing of the application with the State Board of Education. Also, a final decision will be made regarding the language to be used on the ballot.
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 Richard Shank In a 7-0 vote, the USD 308 Board of Education unanimously approved moving forward with a proposed $109 million bond election
By Kate Irelan
At the regular monthly USD 313 board meeting, a Prairie Hills Middle School student asked for changes to the current bullying policy. Superintendent Cindy Couchman reported that Nex-Tech approached her to erect a cell phone tower at the Prairie Hills Middle School football practice field.
During the statements from the audience, a PHMS student spoke about their experience with the failure of current bullying policies to protect him and other students and his thoughts about staff not having enough training on suicide. The student pointed out the inadequacies and proposed possible solutions.
“I looked at the bullying policy,” said the student. “It’s a blanket policy for the whole district. At the middle school, there is a huge power imbalance. I and kids like me are treated differently because we are unique and do not blend in. We are not part of major sports.”
“We are expected to use an online bullying report form but it is not well known how to find it. Why not have staff submit a report in person or allow students to approach staff to report in person? Staff training needs to follow the same model of learning as students are expected to from previous incidents and adjusting policies. An example, I was not allowed to celebrate my passed friend’s life at school by decorating their locker. There could have been a conversation somewhere along the way,” said the student.
“Maybe there can be anti-bullying policies unique to each school. Staff should be taught the impact of words, implement a 5-minute check-in when class starts, and enhance policy for the school. “I am begging for change and offering to help.”
Board member Greg Lackey thanked the student for his bravery in presenting the issue and confirmed that Couchman had the information to proceed with the discussion.
Couchman then discussed a proposal from NexTek Wireless regarding a possible 120-foot cell reception tower at PHMS by the practice football field. NexTek would pay a monthly lease, put a light on the tower, and pay for electricity and taxes. Couchman said they are looking into sample leases and location options that make sense for a potential overall lighting plan for the field. The board agreed that having a cell tower on 30th Street would be a benefit to the rural community.
The board’s next meeting is on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Burkholder Administrative Center, 406 7th Ave in Buhler. To access meeting minutes, visit their website, www.USD313.org.
Back row: Chris Shank, Greg Lackey, Tim Lackey, Monte Cross Front row: Dr. Michael Green, Jessica Goering, Laura Meyer Dick CREDIT BUHLER USD 313 By Kate Irelan At the regular monthly USD 313 board meeting, a Prairie Hills Middle School student asked for changes to the current
From left: Reno County Commissioners John Whitesel, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks, Don Bogner and Daniel Friesen CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY
The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet on Wed., Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse’s Veterans Room.
The first business item concerns the expected approval of the purchase of a new fire engine for Fire District 9 (Haven and St. Joe) due to a pump failure, leaving the district with only one functioning unit.
The commissioners will elect their voting delegate and alternate for the Kansas Association of Counties annual conference.
A lease agreement with the Public Building Commission (PBC) in which the county will lease some properties from the PBC, including the law enforcement training center, fire station improvements, and sublease from Fire District Nos. 3 and 7.
Most of the agenda concerns replacements and appointments to county boards, including updates to the Reno County Health Department’s Advisory Board guidelines, replacement appointees to that board, and renewal of appointments to the Reno County Council on Aging and the Public Transportation Commission.
The commission will discuss adopting a water conservation policy and will finish the meeting by selecting professional services for the new EMS station on West 5th Ave.
The commission will adjourn into two executive sessions, one regarding a potential real estate acquisition and one to discuss non-elected personnel.
Visit the Reno County website to view the agenda.
From left: Reno County Commissioners John Whitesel, Ron Hirst, Randy Parks, Don Bogner and Daniel Friesen CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY The Reno County Board of Commissioners will meet on Wed., Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse's Veterans Room. The first business item concerns the
CAPTION: CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE By Michael Glenn The 2024 General Election saw the political flip of the westernmost Democrat-held seat in the Kansas Legislature Tuesday. The Hutchinson Tribune created a map of the entire district and broke down voting trends by precinct. Democrat Rep. Jason Probst,
CAPTION: The Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team placed third in the NJCAA Division I meet Saturday at Pole Green Park in Richmond, Va. CREDIT BLUE DRAGON SPORTS/HUTCHCC SPORTS INFORMATION By John Mesh The Hutchinson Blue Dragon men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in
The acclaimed 1998 movie "Saving Private Ryan" will be shown at the Fox Theatre on Monday at 7 p.m. The story follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad of battle-hardened soldiers as they embark on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. Their objective is
Monday Nov 11 VETERAN’S DAY “Saving Private Ryan,” 7 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 18 E 1st Ave. Part of the Veterans Film Series. $5 admission is $5 Thursday Nov 14 “Mary Poppins,” 7 p.m. at Trinity Catholic High School, 1400 E 17th Ave. Tickets are $10 for
