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HomeStandard Blog Whole Post (Page 35)
Opinion

By Michael Glenn

When I heard on the TV stations that Hutchinson was going to get a decent amount of snow right before Trinity began its second semester, I didn’t think too much about it. 

Especially when it comes to winter weather, I always think Hutch will get the short end of the stick. Either the storm goes around us or we don’t get anything at all. 

I am now glad to say that I was wrong about that. 

With the ice and snow we received this past weekend and the additional snow we received Thursday and Friday, it’s safe to say that we did not miss out on a winter wonderland this year. 

I’ve always enjoyed snow. When I was growing up, it was more common for schools to cancel the morning of the school day rather than the evening before. As so, I spent many winter days with my parents watching the little rotating hot bar on the news to see if we had canceled school.

As a student, snow is amazing. However, as a driver and reporter, snow can be a pain. While schools and other businesses may have the option to call of operations that day, some industries can’t. 

We should be thankful for the first responders and city workers who worked tirelessly to ensure that Hutchinson didn’t come to a halt for winter weather. Especially with the hard ice we received over the weekend, it isn’t easy to get that off the ground in a timely manner. 

While there are still some slick spots and not fun places to drive in Hutchinson, the City did a fine job salting and plowing the roads to cause the least amount of inconvenience possible. 

I’d also like to discuss a shape-up in the Hutchinson City Council. The council elected Stacy Goss to serve as mayor at their last meeting, and I believe it’s a great thing for Hutchinson. 

As we try to grow and incentivize new people to live here, we have to have public officials who are embedded in the community. Three out of the five council members own businesses that contribute to the business community in Hutchinson, and Goss works for Hutchinson Public Schools. I’m sure she has great goals in mind for our city to reach.

We need a young, diverse city council that can culminate ideas to attract young people and families who will establish roots and stay in Hutchinson, and we have the proper council to do that.

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By Michael Glenn When I heard on the TV stations that Hutchinson was going to get a decent amount of snow right before Trinity began its second semester, I didn’t think too much about it.  Especially when it comes to winter weather, I always think Hutch will

Opinion

CREDIT Visit Topeka

By Gina Long

The 2025 Kansas legislative session gavels in on Monday, January 13, and I have a few suggestions for Reno County’s new and incumbent representatives.

  • Property tax relief for working families and elderly homeowners is the top priority cited by voters. Reno County’s property valuations are skyrocketing, and even with a hefty increase in the tax-exempt base amount, increases are reaching a critical tipping point. The cost pass-through raises rent amounts, harming low-income workers, retirees and small businesses. The legislature can help by broadening the tax base, beginning with holding corporations who beg for tax breaks with hat in hand, who then send profits out of state instead of investing in the Kansas workforce, then passing the shifts through as state-level property tax cuts.
    • Why was a bill to change Daylight Saving Time the first filed? See the first point.
    • Invest in updating computer systems. Aging infrastructure and applications based on computer code created in the late 1960s are not sustainable in the 21st century. As critical state services and functions move online, citizens should expect their data to be protected and networks to defend against fraud. Systems investments include people, and Kansas universities train thousands of IT graduates yearly. What can our legislators do to encourage those high-skilled workers to stay here?
    • Give the Kansas Corporation Commission the power to stand up to utility companies. Utility rates higher than those in surrounding states cost working families, the elderly, and small businesses the most and discourage investment and entrepreneurship. They make Kansas less competitive than surrounding states. Every dollar sent out of state to multibillion-dollar hedge funds impoverishes the Main Street economy. Encourage energy production from multiple sources — Kansas has the land and the know-how to be an energy producer.
    • Rural depopulation is an existential danger. Well-paying jobs with benefits, strong schools, quality affordable housing, and child care are investments in the rural future. It is possible to support rural and urban areas without pitting them against each other. However, Kansas will not survive without a comprehensive water management plan based on cooperation instead of burdensome mandates.
    • Finally, I expect our elected officials to represent us. Not Wichita, Topeka, Johnson County, Texas, Missouri, or Washington, D.C. All power is inherent in the people, and a rising tide lifts all boats. This includes the big boats, the loud boats, and the boats with the biggest wallets.

    Best of luck during this year’s session. Make us proud and try to stay out of the bad headlines. Be worthy of the hallowed walls through which you walk. We will be watching.

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    CREDIT Visit Topeka By Gina Long The 2025 Kansas legislative session gavels in on Monday, January 13, and I have a few suggestions for Reno County's new and incumbent representatives. Property tax relief for working families and elderly homeowners is the top priority cited by voters. Reno County's

    Sports

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    CAPTION: Hutchinson Trinity High School alumnus Kaleb Hammeke is now the all-time leading men’s scorer in Fort Hays State University history. CREDIT FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION By John Mesh The Fort Hays State University men’s basketball team improved to 10-4 overall and 3-2 in the MIAA with a

    County News

    CAPTION: Donna Patton at her retirement party in the Reno County Courthouse Jan. 9. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY

    By Emmie Boese

    After 33 years of service to Reno County, Donna Patton is officially retiring from the Reno County Clerk’s Office. 

    Patton held the position of Reno County Clerk since Jan. 14, 2013. She started working in Reno County in 1991 in the tag office. She began working in the County Clerk’s office in April of 1998. Before becoming the county clerk, she held several positions in that office including secretary, payroll clerk and deputy county clerk. 

    “I just loved it all,” Patton said. “I felt so humbled to have that job and honored to have that job and I think just getting to know every aspect of the office and getting to meet new people forge new friendships.” 

    The County Clerk’s office handles all aspects of elections, accounts payable, board minutes for the Reno County Commission, balance to the treasurer’s books, provides RNR (Revenue Neutral Rate) notices and sends out budget information worksheets to all of the county’s taxing entities. 

    “We’ve got about 85 (taxing entities) of those I think,” Patton said. “So those all have to be sent out and then if anybody goes over their RNR levy then that’s when we have to send out the RNR notices. Then we have to notify other counties and get information from other counties to get the tax roll ready to go and then we send that to the printers who in return you know send it out and bring it back. We take the annual reports. We get those from all of the taxing entities.” 

    Patton said the work of the county clerk’s office is vital. Work that often goes behind the scenes. 

    You know especially that we handle all of the elections,” Patton said. “We have to get all the board workers. We have over 200 board workers and we have to get all of those trained and ready to go and that takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. It takes hours behind the scenes to get the budget information worksheets to the taxing entities and everything we do just takes time.” 

    Patton said her favorite part about living and working in Hutchinson and the Reno County area for a little over three decades is the people. She also enjoys having close access to larger cities. 

    “You know it doesn’t take that long to get to Wichita really,” Patton said. “Even Kansas City or Oklahoma City or anything like that so it’s really centrally located and easy to get around everything and there’s a lot to do around here.” 

    Patton’s retirement plans include going to her grandkids’ games, traveling and spending some time at the bar she, her daughter and grandson bought in Nickerson. 

    “I just want to thank the citizens for electing me you know for 12 years which would have been three terms so I was really humbled to have my job and so proud to work for Reno County. I love working for the county and I love the administrators we had and the department heads are so good to work with. All the employees are really good and easy to work with. Not just the department heads, all the employees are easy to work with so I really appreciated that.” 

    Patton’s last day of work is on Monday, Jan. 13. 

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    CAPTION: Donna Patton at her retirement party in the Reno County Courthouse Jan. 9. CREDIT SANDRA MILBURN/RENO COUNTY By Emmie Boese After 33 years of service to Reno County, Donna Patton is officially retiring from the Reno County Clerk’s Office.  Patton held the position of Reno County Clerk

    Government

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    CAPTION: Rep.-elect Kyler Sweely. By Michael Glenn Rep.-elect Kyler Sweely outlined his priorities for the upcoming 2025 Kansas Legislative session beginning Monday, Jan. 13. In an email exchange with The Hutchinson Tribune, Sweely wrote he is looking forward to advancing policies that focus on fiscal responsibility and limit

    Crime

    CAPTION: An image of the armed robbery suspect at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 East 11th Ave.

    The Hutchinson Police Department arrested two suspects in connection to an armed robbery at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 East 11th Ave., which occurred on Dec. 30, 2024.

    HPD Detectives arrested Zayne M. Bruce, a 19-year-old from Hutchinson, for Armed Robbery and Theft. Also arrested was Kaidyn Emmerich, a 17-year-old male from Hutchinson, for Armed Robbery and Theft.

    All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.

    On Dec. 30, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department were dispatched to an armed robbery at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 E 11th Ave.

    That’s according to an official press release issued by HPD Monday, which stated that an unknown male entered the store, brandished a dark-colored handgun and demanded money and various electronic items from the store clerk.

    An undisclosed amount of cash was taken along with several electronic items. The suspect was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a black backpack, a dark face covering and sunglasses.

    Information related to this case should be reported to the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, a local law enforcement agency, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone. The reference case for the investigation is #2024-52398.

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    CAPTION: An image of the armed robbery suspect at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 East 11th Ave. The Hutchinson Police Department arrested two suspects in connection to an armed robbery at Selectel Wireless, located at 1500 East 11th Ave., which occurred on Dec. 30, 2024. HPD

    Community Events

    The Hutchinson Community Foundation is now accepting proposals for the first Impact Cycle of 2025 Fund for Reno County Grants, and potential applicants are invited to attend a technical assistance workshop.

    Established in 1990, the Fund for Reno County serves as a permanent resource for the changing needs of Reno County. Grants represent an innovative approach or collaboration, a new efficiency, a critical need that requires funding or an opportunity that needs a bit of local support to leverage resources for the community.

    In 2025, project proposals for Fund for Reno County grants will be accepted during two cycles that target specific areas of impact. Proposals should align with the following Impact Cycle categories and purposes, their deadlines, and their maximum requests.

    Impact Cycle 1 due Feb. 28 (application period now open)

    • Dynamic Culture – Projects that enhance and celebrate local arts, theater, history and tourism. Maximum request of $20,000. 
    • Thriving Kids – Projects that support high-quality early care and education, youth development and families. Maximum request of $20,000.
    • Community Catalyst – Projects that improve community engagement, communication, confidence and pride. Maximum request of $2,500. 
    • Strong Organizations – Projects that strengthen the capacity, sustainability and resilience of Reno County community-based organizations. Maximum request of $7,500.

    Impact Cycle 2 due Aug. 15 (application period opens June 16)

    • Community & Economic Development – Projects and plans that strengthen the community and local economy by building a diverse and resilient workforce, activating central business districts or downtowns, supporting existing businesses, attracting new ones, and encouraging entrepreneurs; also, projects that strengthen the quality of place in Reno County through placemaking in public spaces and improving housing quality and accessibility. Maximum request of $50,000.
    • Strong Organizations – Projects that strengthen the capacity, sustainability and resilience of Reno County community-based organizations. Maximum request of $7,500.

    Proposals must come from 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Reno County. Individuals or groups that do not have a 501(c)(3) designation must obtain a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

    Proposals for Impact Cycle 1 should be submitted by Feb. 28 online through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Management (GLM) system at https://hutchcf.org/nonprofitsandgrants/available-grants. 

    Grantwriting Technical Assistance Workshops

    For Impact Cycle 1, two Grantwriting Technical Assistance Workshops (a virtual and an in-person option) will be available to potential applicants. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or discuss their project and approach with staff ahead of the submission deadline. The virtual workshop will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 22 via Zoom, and the in-person workshop will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 23 at Hutchinson Community Foundation, First National Center, 1 N. Main St., Ste. 501. Registration for both sessions is required by Jan. 20 by completing the form at https://hutchcf.org/events/list.

    For questions, contact Program Officer Sarah Blake, sarah@hutchcf.org or 620-663-5293.

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    The Hutchinson Community Foundation is now accepting proposals for the first Impact Cycle of 2025 Fund for Reno County Grants, and potential applicants are invited to attend a technical assistance workshop. Established in 1990, the Fund for Reno County serves as a permanent resource for the

    Police Blotter

    Hutchinson Police Department

    On 2025-01-09 @ 15:44:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 1015 N POPLAR ST

    RICHY IRIZARRY, HM/39, 1015 N POPLAR ST, Was arrested on a HPD warrant for 1.) FTA; Operate MV with No Drivers License

    On 2025-01-09 @ 15:44:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 1015 N POPLAR ST

    RICHY IRIZARRY, HM/39, 1015 N POPLAR ST, Was arrested on a HPD warrant for 1.) FTA; Operate MV with No Insurance

    On 2025-01-08 @ 02:28:00Hrs

    Traffic – Other at 725 E 3RD AVE

    MATTHEW MUNOZ, WM/37, 204E 11TH AVE, Was arrested for 1) FTA warrant, 1) Driving while suspended, 1) Illegal display, 1) No proof insurance.

    On 2025-01-07 @ 21:00:00Hrs

    Drug Offense at 7th/Maple

    NICHOLAS R. RATLEY, WM/33, 1415 ARTHUR ST – Was arrested for 1) Possession of Marijuana 2) Driving without a valid DL.

    On 2025-01-07 @ 12:31:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST

    BRADLEY S HOLMES, WM/45, 604 E 7TH AVE, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA Warrant

    On 2025-01-07 @ 07:49:00Hrs

    Traffic – DUI at 203 E. A Ave.

    LUIS C. TORRES, HM/32, 116 E. 5TH AVE. was arrested for 1.) DUI; 1st conviction.

    On 2025-01-06 @ 20:56:00Hrs

    Domestic Violence at CITY OF HUTCHINSON

    LUKE ROBINSON, WM/30, HUTCHINSON was arrested for 1) DOMESTIC BATTERY.

    On 2025-01-06 @ 14:56:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 727 E. 3RD AVE APT B

    ANGELA K. LEMONDS, WF/52, 727 E. 3RD AVE. APT B, was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Expired License Plate.

    On 2025-01-06 @ 13:40:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 1800 S Severance

    CHRISTOPHER M. RAY, BM/18, 1538 W 4TH AVE, was arrested on a HPD Warrant for 1.) FTA; Extension of Time to Pay

    On 2025-01-06 @ 12:45:00Hrs

    Traffic – Impounded Vehicle at 434 E. 17TH AVE

    ALLISON K. EELLS, WF/28, MISSOURI, was arrested for 1.) Expired License Plate 2.) Fail to maintain Liability Insurance.

    On 2025-01-05 @ 17:52:00Hrs

    Domestic Violence at 613 W 17TH AVE

    VICKIE E HURD, WF/73, 613 W 17TH AVE, was arrested for 1)-Domestic Battery.

    On 2025-01-05 @ 14:37:00Hrs

    Domestic Violence at 210 W 1st Ave

    DAVID P. ULLUM, WM/50, was arrested for 1) CRIMINAL DEPRIVATION OF PROPERTY-DV and 2) CRIMINAL DEPRIVATION OF PROPERTY

    On 2025-01-04 @ 01:01:00Hrs

    Violation of Court Order at 1315 E 11TH AVE

    KAYLA KILANO, WF/32, 1315 E 11TH AVE was arrested for 1.) Violation of a No Contact Order.

    On 2025-01-03 @ 23:21:00Hrs

    Criminal Trespass at 1401 E 23RD

    MAX MITCHELL, WM/34, HOMELESS, was arrested for Criminal Trespass X2.

    On 2025-01-03 @ 16:18:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 1800 S SEVERANCE ST

    COLLIN MULLINS, WM/26, OKLAHOMA, Was arrested on a HPD Warrant for 1.) FTA; Operate MV With No DL

    On 2025-01-03 @ 15:54:00Hrs

    Traffic – Other at 300 BLK N ADAMS ST

    JAMES JONES, WM/33, 122 S POPLAR ST, SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Was arrested for 1.) Driving While License Revoked

    On 2025-01-02 @ 21:45:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 300 Logan St

    CODY R. GOLDSBERRY, WM/32, 221 E AVE E – Was arrested for 1) HPD warrant; Original Charge expired tag

    On 2025-01-02 @ 21:44:00Hrs

    Warrant Service at 300 Logan St

    CODY R. GOLDSBERRY, WM/32, 221 E AVE E – Was arrested for 1) HPD warrant; Original Charge expired tag

    Reno County Sheriff’s Department

    On 2025-01-07 @ 19:45:00Hrs

    Battery at 3006 W. 4TH AVE.

    Jimmy Barnes was charged and arrested for Battery D.V. and Criminal Damage D.V. when he pushed James Smith into a wall and broke his glasses and broke Jame’s window on his side door.

    NOTE: ALL SUBJECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW

    Want to see more in the blotter? Contact Publisher Michael Glenn at mglenn@hutchtribune.com or Managing Editor Gina Long at glong@hutchtribune.com.

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    Hutchinson Police Department On 2025-01-09 @ 15:44:00Hrs Warrant Service at 1015 N POPLAR ST RICHY IRIZARRY, HM/39, 1015 N POPLAR ST, Was arrested on a HPD warrant for 1.) FTA; Operate MV with No Drivers License On 2025-01-09 @ 15:44:00Hrs Warrant Service at 1015 N POPLAR ST RICHY IRIZARRY, HM/39, 1015

    Sports

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    CAPTION: Dayana Acevedo Trent was named the Blue Dragon Volleyball program’s 14th head coach on Thursday. CREDIT STEVE CARPENTER/BLUE DRAGON SPORTS INFORMATION By John Mesh Dayana Acevedo Trent has been named the 14th head coach of the Hutchinson Blue Dragon volleyball program. The Hutchinson Community College athletic

    Culture

     The Salvation Army of Reno County has ended its Red Kettle Campaign and raised $76,896.24 over a period of 30 days.  “We are always humbled by the generosity of so many volunteers who ring each year, and those who give," Major Paul James of the […]

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     The Salvation Army of Reno County has ended its Red Kettle Campaign and raised $76,896.24 over a period of 30 days.  “We are always humbled by the generosity of so many volunteers who ring each year, and those who give," Major Paul James of