Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573140944016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.

Recent obituaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues on schedule for the $2 million addition to Faris Elementary School in Hutchinson.

Bob Williams, director of support services for the district, briefed the USD 308 school board on progress for the facility. The improvements include an 8,900-square-foot addition that extends the building to the east on the north side of the existing structure and include improvements to the existing cafeteria, a new gymnasium, additional classroom spaces, two restrooms and office and storage areas.

The project is on time and under budget at this point.

The board awarded the contract to Hutchinson’s Wiens &amp; Co., which was the lowest bidder at $2,010,500. Bids came in about $500,000 less than architectural estimates for the project. Capital outlay funds are paying for the project.

Improvements at Faris during the 2006 bond issue approved by voters added space to the facility, but created additional challenges. The school received enough classrooms to have two sections of each grade and all-day kindergarten as well as a new library. The bond issue, however, did not include an addition to the school’s cafeteria/gym, leaving it undersized for the number of students who attend the school. The bond issue also did not include needed small spaces for support personnel who work one-on-one with students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574691578683.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work continues on schedule for the $2 million addition to Faris Elementary School in Hutchinson.Bob Williams, director of support services for the district, briefed the USD 308 school board on progress for the facility. The improvements include an 8,900-square-foot addition that extends the building to the east on the north side of the existing structure and include improvements to the existing cafeteria, a new gymnasium, additional classroom spaces, two restrooms and office and storage areas.The project is on time and under budget at this point.The board awarded the contract to Hutchinson’s Wiens &amp; Co., which was the lowest bidder at $2,010,500. Bids came in about $500,000 less than architectural estimates for the project. Capital outlay funds are paying for the project.Improvements at Faris during the 2006 bond issue approved by voters added space to the facility, but created additional challenges. The school received enough classrooms to have two sections of each grade and all-day kindergarten as well as a new library. The bond issue, however, did not include an addition to the school’s cafeteria/gym, leaving it undersized for the number of students who attend the school. The bond issue also did not include needed small spaces for support personnel who work one-on-one with students.

USD 308 receives update on Faris School expansion

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although ridership aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief increased by about 1% in 2019, the number of riders in Kansas fell when compared to 2018.

According to numbers released Tuesday by Amtrak, there were 46,482 boardings or detrainings in Kansas for the Chief compared with 49,447 in 2018. 

Only two of the six stops in Kansas saw an increase in passenger activity, Dodge City and Lawrence. Newton was once again the busiest station. The station saw 13,764 passengers compared with 15,219 in 2018. Hutchinson was the least-used station in Kansas with just 4,059 passengers coming or going compared with 4,415 the previous year.

Some of the drop off may be attributed to the fires in New Mexico over the summer, which limited some of the Boy Scout camping activity at Philmont Scout Ranch near Raton. Most of those scout groups travel to New Mexico on the Chief.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575994321303.jpeg" alt="Amtrak's Southwest Chief makes a late stop in Hutchinson. Ridership aboard the Chief in Kansas fell by more than 3,000 passengers in 2019. 4,059 passengers boarded or detrained from the Chief in Hutchinson this year." />
 <figcaption>Amtrak's Southwest Chief makes a late stop in Hutchinson. Ridership aboard the Chief in Kansas fell by more than 3,000 passengers in 2019. 4,059 passengers boarded or detrained from the Chief in Hutchinson this year.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Although ridership aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief increased by about 1% in 2019, the number of riders in Kansas fell when compared to 2018.According to numbers released Tuesday by Amtrak, there were 46,482 boardings or detrainings in Kansas for the Chief compared with 49,447 in 2018. Only two of the six stops in Kansas saw an increase in passenger activity, Dodge City and Lawrence. Newton was once again the busiest station. The station saw 13,764 passengers compared with 15,219 in 2018. Hutchinson was the least-used station in Kansas with just 4,059 passengers coming or going compared with 4,415 the previous year.Some of the drop off may be attributed to the fires in New Mexico over the summer, which limited some of the Boy Scout camping activity at Philmont Scout Ranch near Raton. Most of those scout groups travel to New Mexico on the Chief.

Fewer Kansans use Amtrak in 2019

HUTCHINSON Kan. — Kansas State Fair officials are once again warning grandstand concert buyers to beware of third-party ticket sellers.

Fraudulent websites have popped up selling Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand tickets for teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, according to the fair’s Marketing Director Amy Bickel.

“Ticket sales for Darci Lynne just started a few days ago, but already several websites are offering our concert tickets — which they may or may not have — at highly inflated prices,” Bickel said.

Bickel said one woman has already called saying she purchased floor seats — priced through the fair at $65 — at $100 each through a third-party site. She noticed something was wrong when the tickets she was emailed had someone else’s name on them.

“Etix, our ticket partner, is the only legitimate online ticket seller for the Kansas State Fair,” Bickel said.

Fair patrons can purchase tickets by stopping by the Administration Building at 2000 N. Poplar St. or by visiting <a href="http://etix.com">etix.com</a>. As a safety precaution, Etix and the fair allow patrons to only purchase 10 tickets at a time. The fair also has decided to put a 300-mile radius on purchasers who can print tickets at home. Those who buy beyond this distance can pick their tickets up at Will Call or call the fair’s ticket office to secure seats.

The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Darci Lynne will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Tickets went on sale Dec. 6. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining grandstand acts. The fair’s entire Nex-Tech Wireless Concert Series will be announced this spring.

·        When buying online, make sure you are buying from the fair’s secured site through ticket partner Etix. Customers can also purchase tickets at the fair’s Administration Building. 

·        Don’t be fooled by secondary, unsecured sites that imply affiliation with the Kansas State Fair by using photos of the venue and images of grandstand seating or information about upcoming shows.

· The fair’s official website is <a href="http://www.kansasstatefair.com">www.kansasstatefair.com</a>. Click on “Buy Tickets” for concerts, gate admission and ticket packages.

·        If you hear a show is sold out, confirm it first with the ticket office.

·        You shouldn’t pay more than the face value, but re-sale is legal. Research to see if you’re paying too much.

·        If you are scammed, report it to Kansas State Fair officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575255389228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON Kan. — Kansas State Fair officials are once again warning grandstand concert buyers to beware of third-party ticket sellers.Fraudulent websites have popped up selling Nex-Tech Wireless Grandstand tickets for teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, according to the fair’s Marketing Director Amy Bickel.“Ticket sales for Darci Lynne just started a few days ago, but already several websites are offering our concert tickets — which they may or may not have — at highly inflated prices,” Bickel said.Bickel said one woman has already called saying she purchased floor seats — priced through the fair at $65 — at $100 each through a third-party site. She noticed something was wrong when the tickets she was emailed had someone else’s name on them.“Etix, our ticket partner, is the only legitimate online ticket seller for the Kansas State Fair,” Bickel said.Fair patrons can purchase tickets by stopping by the Administration Building at 2000 N. Poplar St. or by visiting <a href="http://etix.com">etix.com</a>. As a safety precaution, Etix and the fair allow patrons to only purchase 10 tickets at a time. The fair also has decided to put a 300-mile radius on purchasers who can print tickets at home. Those who buy beyond this distance can pick their tickets up at Will Call or call the fair’s ticket office to secure seats.The 2020 Kansas State Fair is Sept. 11-20. Darci Lynne will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Tickets went on sale Dec. 6. Fair officials are still finalizing the remaining grandstand acts. The fair’s entire Nex-Tech Wireless Concert Series will be announced this spring.Safe ticket purchasing tips:· When buying online, make sure you are buying from the fair’s secured site through ticket partner Etix. Customers can also purchase tickets at the fair’s Administration Building. · Don’t be fooled by secondary, unsecured sites that imply affiliation with the Kansas State Fair by using photos of the venue and images of grandstand seating or information about upcoming shows.· The fair’s official website is <a href="http://www.kansasstatefair.com">www.kansasstatefair.com</a>. Click on “Buy Tickets” for concerts, gate admission and ticket packages.· If you hear a show is sold out, confirm it first with the ticket office.· You shouldn’t pay more than the face value, but re-sale is legal. Research to see if you’re paying too much.· If you are scammed, report it to Kansas State Fair officials.

State Fair issues warning about ticket scams

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Chamber's monthly breakfast is Wednesday at the Atrium Conference Center starting at 7 a.m.

This month’s sponsor is Clayworks. The featured speaker Wednesday will be Selena Skorman, who is Executive Director of the Plaza District in Oklahoma City. She will be talking about the arts and public art. Local artist Brady Scott will follow with comments about local art.

Cost to attend is $12 for members and $22 for non-members. For more information, contact Belinda McClanahan at 620-622-3391 or register at <a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/MembershipBreakfast%20%20Sponsored%20by%20The%20Clayworks%20at%20Disability%20Supports-6169/details">hutchchamber.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575924901470.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Chamber's monthly breakfast is Wednesday at the Atrium Conference Center starting at 7 a.m.This month’s sponsor is Clayworks. The featured speaker Wednesday will be Selena Skorman, who is Executive Director of the Plaza District in Oklahoma City. She will be talking about the arts and public art. Local artist Brady Scott will follow with comments about local art.Cost to attend is $12 for members and $22 for non-members. For more information, contact Belinda McClanahan at 620-622-3391 or register at <a href="https://members.hutchchamber.com/events/MembershipBreakfast%20%20Sponsored%20by%20The%20Clayworks%20at%20Disability%20Supports-6169/details">hutchchamber.com</a>.

Chamber breakfast to hear about public art

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A woman arrested in connection with a massage business that may have been offering sexual favors has been bound over for trial.

Yu Jun Fang, 54, was charged with promoting the sale of sexual relations and maintaining an establishment that promoted the sale of sexual relations. 

The Hutchinson Police Department’s Repeat Offender Unit and Detective Division served a search warrant in September at The Spring Spa, 1509 N. Lorraine St. This came after authorities received numerous reports of sexual acts being offered as part of the service.

An undercover operation was conducted and a detective was offered a sexual act, which he declined. The offer confirmed previous reports.

During a search of the building, officers located numerous items consistent with prostitution. 

With her bound over for trial, she will be arraigned on the charges Jan. 6. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575930339247.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A woman arrested in connection with a massage business that may have been offering sexual favors has been bound over for trial.Yu Jun Fang, 54, was charged with promoting the sale of sexual relations and maintaining an establishment that promoted the sale of sexual relations. The Hutchinson Police Department’s Repeat Offender Unit and Detective Division served a search warrant in September at The Spring Spa, 1509 N. Lorraine St. This came after authorities received numerous reports of sexual acts being offered as part of the service.An undercover operation was conducted and a detective was offered a sexual act, which he declined. The offer confirmed previous reports.During a search of the building, officers located numerous items consistent with prostitution. With her bound over for trial, she will be arraigned on the charges Jan. 6.

Woman arrested in prostitution case bound over for trial

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913703761.jpeg">HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two men suspected in a shooting that left one man in serious condition at a Wichita hospital in April entered a plea Monday morning. Marc Chambers was taken by private vehicle and left at the hospital by Johnathan Kelly. He was later taken to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; Kelly admitted the weapon belonged to him, but said it was another man, Nalica McKinnley, who fired the shot. Kelly entered a plea Monday to criminal possession of a firearm and interference with law enforcement. He will be sentenced next month.&nbsp; McKinnley is expected to enter a plea in the case as well. He faces a charge of aggravated battery after admitting he fired the shotgun that wounded Chambers. The shooting occurred at a home at 1517 E. 3rd.&nbsp;

1 suspect in April shooting enters pleas

NICKERSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works says the bridge on Herren Road that crosses Salt Fork Creek just west of Nickerson is open again. 

The span located between 17th and 30th avenues has been closed since an overweight truck caused significant damage to the span this past summer.

The damage was caused by a contractor doing pipeline work across the county.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575926322406.jpeg" alt="Herren Road bridge is open again after being damaged by an overweight truck this past summer." />
 <figcaption>Herren Road bridge is open again after being damaged by an overweight truck this past summer.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works says the bridge on Herren Road that crosses Salt Fork Creek just west of Nickerson is open again. The span located between 17th and 30th avenues has been closed since an overweight truck caused significant damage to the span this past summer.The damage was caused by a contractor doing pipeline work across the county.

Herren Road between 17th and 30th open

MOUNT HOPE, Kan. — One person is in critical condition after a box truck slammed into the trailer of a semi near Mount Hope this afternoon. 

The accident happened around 3:30 p.m. at K-96 and 101st Street North. Traffic is reduced to one lane in both directions.