By John Mesh The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team split its matches at the Iowa Western Reiver Classic Saturday morning at Reiver Arena in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Blue Dragons lost their first match 3 sets to 0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-16) to No. 3-ranked Northeastern Junior College,
By Michael Glenn
This past Tuesday, the Hutchinson City Council approved the condemnation of the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center.
Thank God.
The owner of the property now has 30 days to fix all the problems with the hotel or demolish the building, as well as provide a cash bond and removal of construction debris.
As you may have previously read, I am not the biggest fan of the now-official “blight” in our city. I drive by the Atrium every day on my way to school, and to see the sadness of the asbestos and black mold-filled mess we call the Atrium get held accountable is like music to my ears.
One of the residents who live near the property brought up a good point when discussing the Atrium at the council meeting which I hadn’t thought of yet, but is very interesting.
The Atrium is right off K-61 and is a stain on our part of the highway. Is that building what we want people from McPherson, Wichita or Salina to think of when they enter our town?
I don’t think so.
Rather, they should think of another hotel-turning-housing development which is undergoing major construction and renovation: The Landmark Project.
The owner of the Atrium attempted to play off the victim card and say the city is only willing to fund people and other hotels to chase him out of business.
Nonsense!
I’m not sure if he was specifically mentioning the Landmark or the other hotel being built off Waldron and 17th, but I’ll answer the question as if he was.
It’s because they actually care.
Laura Meyer Dick and others have invested millions and are actively working on the building. As someone who personally went into the building, there is work being done.
You want to know what work is being done on the Atrium?
Unless boarding up windows and criminals stealing furniture count as “remodeling,” nothing.
Getting rid of this damned property is a great step for the city to take, and I’m thankful the city council and administration have done their due diligence on the issue.
Hopefully, we can continue beautifying and improving our city and ensuring local developers and businesses can thrive.
Sayonara, Atrium!
By Michael Glenn This past Tuesday, the Hutchinson City Council approved the condemnation of the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center. Thank God. The owner of the property now has 30 days to fix all the problems with the hotel or demolish the building, as well as
Freshman Viktoria Graf (right, shown in a scrimmage) combined for 23 kills during a 1-1 day for the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons’ volleyball team Friday at the Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Photo courtesy of HutchCC Sports Information). By John Mesh The Hutchinson Community College
By Kate Irelan
Bright and early on Friday, August 23, deputies, detectives, and police officers from the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and the Hutchinson Police Department were out in front of Dunkin’ Donuts on 17th Street in Hutchinson. But they weren’t there investigating a crime or accident. They were asking for donations from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. for the Kansas Special Olympics “Cops at Donut Shops” fundraising event.
Andrew Soule, a detective with the Sheriff’s Office, helps coordinate the fundraisers for the law enforcement teams. He is the central region coordinator of the Kansas Special Olympics law enforcement torch run.
Soule said about what got him involved, “I’ve grown up around the Special Olympics movement. My mom was a para[professional at school], and I knew some athletes when I was growing up. When I got into law enforcement, I got some literature and I volunteered to be a liaison for the department. Then, I moved into the central regional coordinator role. And my wife is a special education instructor at HMS-7.”
He said the torch run started in Wichita in 1981 and law enforcement agencies have been involved since then in some capacity.
Events have changed since the torch run which first started to kick off summer State track and field. Now, in Reno County, they hold events like the donuts, Tip a Cop (assist wait staff at restaurants in town), a polar plunge, and others.
They usually do an average of 9 fundraisers annually and the money stays with Kansas Special Olympics. It helps athletes go to competitions, buy sports equipment, and travel expenses. It benefits all athletes across the state with expenses, not just reno county athletes. And it helps athletes get to regional and national competitions.
The next event is “Cover the Cruiser.” Donors receive a medallion sticker to place onto the police car. The goal is to cover the car with medallions. They have not made plans yet for when it will be, but they usually do one with the student council at HMS-7 in October.
Soule said that they post information about their fundraising events on the Reno County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Another way to find out about state-wide fundraising events for Kansas Special Olympics is through the statewide organization’s website, SOKS.org
For those who miss any of the fundraising events, donations from Reno County residents can be accepted anytime through this link: https://square.link/u/5PsRquL8?src=webqr
Left to right: Andrew Soule, Braden Stewart, Adam Comer, and Lee Johnson from the Reno County Sheriff's Office and Hutchinson Police Department enjoy some glazed donuts from Dunkin' Donuts on 17th Street in Hutchinson as they raise money for the Kansas Special Olympics "Cops at Donut Shops"
By Judd Weil BUHLER, Kan. — The sixth annual Kansas Maze Sunflower Festival at Gaeddert Farms just outside of Buhler, Kan., is opening this weekend and will take place from Aug. 24 through Sept. 14. Gaeddert Farms started Kansas Maze in 1999 as originally a corn maze
Majors Paul and DJ James discuss the day’s activities in the office they share in the Salvation Army offices at 700 North Walnut Street CREDIT RICHARD SHANK By Richard Shank “Tis the Season All Year Long,” is Major Paul James’ description for the work of Hutchinson’s Salvation
On 2024-08-21 @ 22:38:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 300 BLK. E 6TH AVE.
HALIE R. BORNTRAGER, WF/22, 300 E. 6TH AVE. was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Domestic Battery.
On 2024-08-21 @ 15:04:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 314 W 1ST AVE
JEFFREY HASTY, WM/63, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1. HPD FTA – Original: Violation of a protection order.
On 2024-08-21 @ 15:04:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 314 W 1ST AVE
JEFFREY HASTY, WM/63, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1. HPD FTA – Original: DV Battery
On 2024-08-20 @ 18:06:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 1800 BLK. CENTER ST.
CHARITY N. DOWNING, WF/45, 1801 CENTER ST. was arrested for 1.) Possession of Methamphetamine 2.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) Driving While Revoked 4.) Fail to Provide Proof of Insurance.
On 2024-08-20 @ 12:49:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City Of Hutchinson
TATUM MCDADE WF/23, 618 N PLEASANT, was arrested for 1) Criminal Damage- DV
On 2024-08-19 @ 22:42:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 16 Countryside Dr
GARY L BROWN, WM/67, 220 COUNTRYSIDE DR, was arrested for DUI after striking a parked vehicle.
On 2024-08-19 @ 18:18:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 300 E 8th AVE
WILLIAM MCMURRY JR WM/42 BURTON was arrested for 1) OPERATE WITHOUT INTERLOCK DEVICE DURING RESTRICTION
On 2024-08-19 @ 12:37:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 428 E 4th AVE
TRAVIS BRILEY, WM/27, 29 W 16TH AVE, Was arrested for 1.) Possession of Marijuana 2.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) Illegal Display 4.) Expired Vehicle Registration
On 2024-08-19 @ 12:37:00Hrs
Drug Offense at 428 E 4TH AVE
WARREN WILLIAMS, WM/32, 29 W 16TH AVE, Was arrested for 1.) Possession of Methamphetamine 2.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 3.) Illegal Transport of Alcohol
On 2024-08-19 @ 08:00:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 1807 E 24th Ave, Unit B
CRYSTAL R. BURRIS, WF/46, HOMELESS was arrested for 1) Poss of Opiate, Narcotic, Certain Stimulant; 1 Prior Conviction 2) Use or Possess with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body 3) Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct; Resist; Oppose; Felony Case 4) Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order 5) Battery on LEO; Physical Contact County/City LEO 6) Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Introduce Any Item and 7) Battery on LEO; City/County Correctional Officer after Burris refused to leave the residence at 1807 E 24th Ave, Unit B. She was also advised of Criminal Trespass.
On 2024-08-18 @ 14:51:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at City of Hutchinson
JADEN BERGEN WM/30 was arrested for 1) VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER. KAYLA ROY WF/24 was arrested for 1) BATTERY DV.
On 2024-08-18 @ 09:26:00Hrs
Obstruct Legal Process at 1701 E. 23RD AVE
ANACELIA C. BLANTON, WF/29, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1)-Interference with LEO.
On 2024-08-18 @ 03:14:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 1800 S Severance ST
MATTHEW LEDIN, WM/33, 201 E CAMPBELL ST was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA
On 2024-08-18 @ 01:11:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 1100 N. LORRAINE ST.
MASON K. HAUGSNESS, WM/20, 105 W. 25TH AVE. was arrested for 1.) Felony Flee & Elude 2.) Aggravated Endangerment of Child 3.) 2x Criminal Restraint 4.) Criminal Use of a Weapon; Metal Knuckles 5.) DUI; 2nd conviction, Child Present 6.) Possession of Marijuana 7.) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 8.) Driving While Revoked 9.) Minor in Consumption 10.) Illegal Transportation of Alcohol.
On 2024-08-17 @ 00:42:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at CITY OF HUTCHINSON
ERIN L. HARRIS, WF/50, HUTCHINSON, was arrested for 1.) DV; Criminal Damage
On 2024-08-16 @ 13:10:00Hrs
Traffic – DUI at 1107 E 30th Ave.
ERIC A. HARPER, WM/41, 419 W. 25TH AVE was arrested for 1.) DUI; COMBINATION OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL, 2.) POSS. MARIJUANA, 3.) POSS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.
On 2024-08-19 @ 00:02:00Hrs
Traffic – Other at 6100 E K96 Hwy
Nathaniel Kimbrough 31 year old male of Tulsa Oklahoma was arrested for Driving While Suspended, Expired Registration, No Insurance.
On 2024-08-17 @ 20:31:00Hrs
Domestic Violence at 503 S Mardis St
Caleb Stewart 29YO of Sylvia was arrested for domestic battery.
On 2024-08-15 @ 21:57:00Hrs
Theft – MV Recovered at 1407 E 11th
Derek Mellott 39 YO of Hutchinson, was arrested for possession of stolen property and DWS.
On 2024-08-14 @ 15:08:00Hrs
Warrant Service at 17440 S Sand Creek Rd, Reno County
BRIAN N. PALMER 40 YOM was arrested after a vehicle and foot pursuit in a stolen vehicle. BRIAN was arrested for Felony Flee and Elude, 2 counts of Felony Criminal Damage, Misdemeanor Criminal Damage, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft; Possession of Stolen Property, DUI; Incapable of Safely Driving, Driving While Suspended, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, Reno County District Court Warrant, Stafford County Warrant, and a Pratt County Warrant.
Want to see more in the blotter? Contact Publisher Michael Glenn at mglenn@hutchtribune.com or Editor Gina Long at glong@hutchtribune.com.
Hutchinson Police Department On 2024-08-21 @ 22:38:00Hrs Warrant Service at 300 BLK. E 6TH AVE. HALIE R. BORNTRAGER, WF/22, 300 E. 6TH AVE. was arrested for 1.) HPD FTA; Domestic Battery. On 2024-08-21 @ 15:04:00Hrs Warrant Service at 314 W 1ST AVE JEFFREY HASTY, WM/63, HOMELESS, was arrested for 1. HPD
By John Mesh The Sterling Black Bears football team posted a 6-4 record in 2023, made the Kansas Class 1A playoffs and won a playoff game. Black Bears’ coach Brent Schneider, in his sixth year at Sterling, said the Sterling team wants to improve from its solid
CAPTION: President of the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education Laura Corey. CREDIT USD 308
By Michael Glenn
President of the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education Laura Corey was appointed to the Kansas State Department of Education’s “screen time” task force.
The committee will discuss the benefits and downfalls of cell phone policies for schools across the state, with representatives from the Kansas Legislature, the State Board of Education, state superintendents, local board of education members, parents, teachers and five students.
“Something came out from KSDE that they were going to do this, and then they sent out an email that said they were looking for about 10 more spots, and I sent in my name and said I would be interested,” Corey said. “There was not a formal application process but I nominated myself.”
Corey said as a parent, it can be difficult to navigate and monitor screen time and phone policies. She said she is looking forward to the committee and seeing what direction cell phones go from there.
“As a parent, I think it would be helpful if there were some clear-cut guidelines, and if I knew what the school’s expectations with devices, that would help me as a parent,” Corey said. “I’m super excited. I also like the community around it with the different districts and community perspectives.”
Corey is a mental health specialist and said she is hoping to bring a level of expertise to the table and she is excited about starting.
“I like making decisions collectively because I think they’re going to come up with a potential policy recommendation for districts to follow, and when people can make decisions like that, I think it would help if we can make a recommendation that makes sense for all districts,” Corey said.
The committee will meet weekly on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CAPTION: President of the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education Laura Corey. CREDIT USD 308 By Michael Glenn President of the Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education Laura Corey was appointed to the Kansas State Department of Education’s “screen time” task force. The committee will discuss the benefits
CREDIT HUTCH REC By Judd Weil Project Park’s Lunch in the Park events in DCI Park are ongoing and will continue into the fall. Project Park is a creative placemaking initiative designed to activate and transform underutilized spaces within Hutchinson. The initiative’s goal is to reimagine public spaces
