HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive still needs donors in its final day.

Saturday:&nbsp; Goal 29 units and collected 28

Monday:&nbsp; Goal 138 units and collected 124

Wednesday: Goal 79 with 62 of 115 appointments scheduled

Current Battle Votes through 8 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp; Law 65 and Fire 116

The drive will be at the First Presbyterian Church located at 201 E. Sherman St. through Wednesday.

During this year’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, local law enforcement and fire department will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give blood can cast a vote to determine who wins this year’s bragging rights. Hutchinson Police won last year.&nbsp; 

Warm hearts. Warm thoughts. Give in February for a $10 Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Clearwater Beach, FL. Includes travel, hotel, gift card and more! Terms:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/heart.html" target="_blank">rcblood.org/heart</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Red Cross said they provide&nbsp;about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.&nbsp;Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674145720994.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive still needs donors in its final day.Saturday:&nbsp; Goal 29 units and collected 28Monday:&nbsp; Goal 138 units and collected 124Tuesday: Goal 131 with 85 collectedWednesday: Goal 79 with 62 of 115 appointments scheduledCurrent Battle Votes through 8 a.m. Wednesday:&nbsp; Law 65 and Fire 116The drive will be at the First Presbyterian Church located at 201 E. Sherman St. through Wednesday.During this year’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, local law enforcement and fire department will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give blood can cast a vote to determine who wins this year’s bragging rights. Hutchinson Police won last year.&nbsp; Warm hearts. Warm thoughts. Give in February for a $10 Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Clearwater Beach, FL. Includes travel, hotel, gift card and more! Terms:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/heart.html" target="_blank">rcblood.org/heart</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Red Cross said they provide&nbsp;about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.&nbsp;Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, or calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fire still ahead in Battle of Badges

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lisa Gleason with United Way of Reno County had good news as January comes to a close.

"We have made our campaign goal of $1.2 million," Gleason said. "Thanks to all the many, many generous donors out there in our community."

Campaign chair Darrell Pankratz said watching the community come together has been a joy throughout the campaign.

"It's just been inspiring," Pankratz said. "All the volunteers that have been a part, everything we tried to do, somebody stepped up and said, we'll do that, we'll help, or even volunteering to help when we didn't even ask for it. It's a team effort. It's a community effort and the rewards go right back to the people who need it in this community."

There are twenty seven agencies who rely on United Way fundraising to help them meet their goals.

"Consistently, year after year, this group, the United Way, meets its goal," Pankratz said. "That's lots of individual givers, lots of people that are from the beginning of their careers to the end of their careers. It's across the board, over 6000 donors. I want to thank the team that worked directly with me to go and see those people, get the doors open, so that our skilled people at the United Way could tell the story, inform the public and help them understand what kind of an impact that they can have."

If you still want to give, you can fill out an <a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/form/pledge-card">online pledge card</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654867270935.jpeg" alt="United Way Logo.jpg" />
 <figcaption>United Way Logo.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lisa Gleason with United Way of Reno County had good news as January comes to a close."We have made our campaign goal of $1.2 million," Gleason said. "Thanks to all the many, many generous donors out there in our community."Campaign chair Darrell Pankratz said watching the community come together has been a joy throughout the campaign."It's just been inspiring," Pankratz said. "All the volunteers that have been a part, everything we tried to do, somebody stepped up and said, we'll do that, we'll help, or even volunteering to help when we didn't even ask for it. It's a team effort. It's a community effort and the rewards go right back to the people who need it in this community."There are twenty seven agencies who rely on United Way fundraising to help them meet their goals."Consistently, year after year, this group, the United Way, meets its goal," Pankratz said. "That's lots of individual givers, lots of people that are from the beginning of their careers to the end of their careers. It's across the board, over 6000 donors. I want to thank the team that worked directly with me to go and see those people, get the doors open, so that our skilled people at the United Way could tell the story, inform the public and help them understand what kind of an impact that they can have."If you still want to give, you can fill out an <a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/form/pledge-card">online pledge card</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

United Way makes campaign goal

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Haven USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage said the five year phase in proposed by Gov. Laura Kelly to fund Special Education to the statutory 92 percent of excess cost would help his district.

"Currently, we pay out of general fund around $200,000 of excess costs," Idacavage said. "Some districts will probably hear that and think that's extremely low. For a district our size, it's a big chunk. It could go toward salaries. It could go toward our general ed students, so having that fully funded would be huge."

The reason Idacavage said that money could go toward general ed students is because, with federal regulations, it's general ed money that is being siphoned off to fill in the special ed gap. Special ed kids are still getting services as required by their&nbsp;Individualized Educational Plan.

"It would go toward the normal everyday operations of teacher salaries, programs, athletics, anything that we'd take out of our general budget," Idacavage said.

There are so many areas that schools have dollars that can't go straight to the classroom because of the way other laws are written that this might be one of the quicker ways to increase that number for everyone, if the governor's proposal passes the legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587053540131.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Haven USD 312 Superintendent Craig Idacavage said the five year phase in proposed by Gov. Laura Kelly to fund Special Education to the statutory 92 percent of excess cost would help his district."Currently, we pay out of general fund around $200,000 of excess costs," Idacavage said. "Some districts will probably hear that and think that's extremely low. For a district our size, it's a big chunk. It could go toward salaries. It could go toward our general ed students, so having that fully funded would be huge."The reason Idacavage said that money could go toward general ed students is because, with federal regulations, it's general ed money that is being siphoned off to fill in the special ed gap. Special ed kids are still getting services as required by their&nbsp;Individualized Educational Plan."It would go toward the normal everyday operations of teacher salaries, programs, athletics, anything that we'd take out of our general budget," Idacavage said.There are so many areas that schools have dollars that can't go straight to the classroom because of the way other laws are written that this might be one of the quicker ways to increase that number for everyone, if the governor's proposal passes the legislature.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Haven superintendent: Special ed dollars would help

Hutch High Students win art awards

Clarification: A name of one of the people connected to the search for Marion Bates was spelled incorrectly. Hutch Post has corrected the error.

BY JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury was sworn in and the trial for the State v. Kyle Hardwick officially began in the courtroom of Judge Keith Schroeder on Jan. 25. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state called upon over 45 witnesses to testify in the case, as well as presented over 130 pieces of evidence. &nbsp;

Kyle Hardwick, represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is pleading not guilty to the charges of: &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The charges stem from the murders of Marion “Ed” Bates, 56, Hutchinson, and&nbsp;Phillip Anstine, 58, Hutchinson, in August 2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In their opening statement, Loftis presented Hardwick’s defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that on Aug. 24, 2021, Hardwick had travelled with Phillip Anstine to the “compound.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phillip Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“After drinking about half a beer and eating piece of pizza, Kyle starts to feel sick,” Loftis said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Loftis, Hardwick woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is said to surmise he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is alleged to have tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine is said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, when Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick is said to have played to Anstine’s paranoia by looking over Anstine’s shoulder, forcing him to turn around. Hardwick was then said to have used this gambit to wrestle the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Marion Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cathy Havel and Marion Bates had been close friends for around 11 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel last spoke to Bates on Aug. 25, 2021, about a COVID-19 test she was going to take. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bates said he could not talk at that moment, and had something to do at the compound. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel never heard back from Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel said she texted and called Bates multiple times on Aug. 26, 2021, and that it was unusual for Bates to not answer his phone in a timely manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Havel did try to reach Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Corroborating each other’s&nbsp;testimonies as they took the stand separately, Havel and Dawnita Hartung eventually went to the compound to search for Bates and Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They noticed a red Ford pickup truck in the driveway. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It was there they met a man, unknown to them,&nbsp;who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;

Havel and Hartung pointed out Kyle Hardwick as the man who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;

As ‘Birch,’ Hardwick told the two women that Bates and Anstine had gone to town to buy cigarettes about 40 minutes prior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The women found this suspicious given how close the nearest gas station was.&nbsp;

‘Birch’ had told the women his mother had kicked him out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hartung during her testimony, said ‘Kyle Birch’ was not someone Bates would hang out with. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Later when the women returned to the compound, they found that the red truck, and Hardwick as ‘Birch,’&nbsp;were gone. &nbsp;

Havel and Hartung left notes in the driveway for Bates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joined by Jared Bastion on Aug. 27, Havel and Hartung searched for Bates on the property. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kenneth Bates, the brother of Marion Bates, who was informed his brother was missing, gave Bastion permission to break into Marion Bates’ garage. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There on the property, they found Marion Bates' hidden and unattended vehicle, with his wallet still inside. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Shortly after, the authorities were called for a welfare check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office responded and surveyed the property. Deputies located the body of Marion Bates that day.&nbsp;

Bates was discovered in the dried up pond covered by&nbsp;tree limbs. Forensic evidence used to identify him revealed he had not been dead long and that his head was riddled with shotgun pellets. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Aug. 28, at 8 a.m., following the discovery of Bates, a search warrant was obtained for the rest of the property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Reno County Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Mondragon, three feet from where Bates was found, Anstine was discovered in a burn&nbsp;pit. Most of his body had been incinerated by a fire in the pit. Forensic evidence used to identify Anstine showed he had been shot in the head as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mondragon identified other pieces of evidence found on the property, including combustible materials, and items belonging to Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These items included two debit cards, one with Hardwick’s name, a social security card, also with Hardwick’s name, and a bus ticket with the name ‘Kyle Hardhack.’&nbsp;&nbsp;

The defense did not cross-examine many witnesses, but they did Mondragon. Mondragon was asked to recall zip-ties found on the property and if they could be used to restrain somebody, which he confirmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A drone was deployed by Reno County Sheriff Jeremy VanWey to gather another view of the crime scene.&nbsp;

Some of the evidence collected from the scene included .12 gauge shotgun shells, gas cans, campfire fuel, the barrel of a shotgun from the burn pit Anstine was found in,&nbsp;a pair of gloves, two empty bottles of Kentucky Deluxe bourbon, two&nbsp;empty bottles of vodka, a Dollar General receipt,&nbsp;and soil samples with biomaterial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his testimony, Daniel Nowlan, Reno County Death Investigator, noted for Anstine’s body to burn the way it did, the fire would have to been man-maintained for a time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During cross-examination by the defense, Nowlan did confirm that Phillip Anstine did not die by burning alive, and cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The same cause of death determined for Marion Bates. He also said that Hardwick acted in self-defense could not be ruled out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Following Daniel Nowlan, the jury was dismissed for the first day. &nbsp;

On day two, Sedgwick County Forensic Center DNA analyst Therese Gibler testified that through her analysis, a sample she tested was almost certainly that of a child of Marion Bates' mother, Betty and a separate sample was almost certainly that of a child of Phillip Anstine's father, Duane. This was intended to establish that the victims were Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine.&nbsp;

Sedgwick County Forensic Center's Dr. Scott Kipper performed the autopsies on Bates and Anstine and confirmed that the shotgun wound killed Bates. Anstine's body was significantly burned, but Kipper was still able to determine that a shotgun wound also killed Anstine. Kipper could not rule out the possibility that the shots were in self-defense.&nbsp;

Several law enforcement witnesses were then called, including members of the Reno County Sheriff's Office and Maize Police, to establish the security of the crime scene and the circumstances under which Kyle Hardwick was found and arrested in Maize on Sept. 1.&nbsp;

The prosecution also attempted to establish through law enforcement testimony that electronic devices, including what they believe to be a cell phone, were found in a fire pit on the property. In addition, they went over the circumstances in which Phillip Anstine's truck was found elsewhere in the county in October.&nbsp;

Also, Anstine's friend Paul Jorgenson testified by Zoom from Wyoming to establish that Anstine told him he had both silver and gold on the property at the compound where the murders occurred.&nbsp;

The majority of day three of the State v. Kyle Hardwick, saw testimonies from officials with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). &nbsp;

During the corroborating testimony of the KBI, regarding the inventory and investigation of the items found in the truck, established to belong to Phillip Anstine, day three saw the most evidence admitted by the state. Including:&nbsp;

A Motorola blue cellphone; mesh covering; a beer bottle; two ghillie suits; a red bag containing ammunition; a pellet rifle; a total of six guns between five rifle cases; a camo duffle bag; metal siding that when removed, revealed seven ammunition boxes containing mostly 22 caliber ammunition; .12 gauge ammunition; a metal tool box; a vitamin container labeled ‘char-claw;’ two action cameras; jeep keys; as well as three empty packages of Marlboro Black 100s cigarettes. &nbsp;

The same brand of cigarettes had previously been found in the camper located at the compound and the abandoned grain silo where Hardwick was arrested. &nbsp;

The inventory of the truck was delivered in testimony by Chris Engle-Tjaden with the KBI.&nbsp;

During cross-examination, the defense confirmed the existence of the .380 ammunition. &nbsp;

Under defense examination, Engle-Tjaden said the only correlation to the mesh covering, was that it was found in the truck. &nbsp;

Forensic testing revealed Hardwick’s DNA was found on a lot of the items. Latent prints belonging to Hardwick were found on a food container and soda bottles. A latent print of Hardwick’s palm was also found on the truck. &nbsp;

Day three closed with people known to Hardwick taking the stand, Chase Mattingly and Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

During his testimony, Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;

He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;

During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;

The state then called key witness, Sherry Reed. &nbsp;

Reed said she has known Hardwick since high school. &nbsp;

Reed, of Lawrence, Kansas, said she believed she still has a friendship with Hardwick. Hardwick had previously lived with Reed. &nbsp;

Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;

The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;

In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;

Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/07b4a825-c01a-4caf-9b40-ceac29173d6b" target="_blank">Much like her last reported appearance in court,</a> Reed&nbsp;seemed very confused. &nbsp;

She could not remember much about phone calls she got from Hardwick or her meetings with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, nor&nbsp;whether she drove him from Lawrence to a bus station in Kansas City.&nbsp;

During her testimony, Reed implied numerous times her confusion with her activities with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, conversations with Hardwick, and whether she dropped him off at a bus stop were due to her not having her ‘calendar’ or her ‘notes.’ &nbsp;

In effort to help Reed remember, courtesy of the state, she was presented with copies of her prior testimony to aid her in current testimony.&nbsp;

When asked, after taking a moment to review her prior testimony, Reed said she took Hardwick to a bus station in Kansas City in the morning of August 2021. &nbsp;

When asked if she remembered telling the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, she was given $600 out of $1,200 from Hardwick, Reed said she only remembered having $600. &nbsp;

Reed said she remembered giving a lot of evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, including a Dollar General receipt for a cell phone. &nbsp;

Despite the aid of having a copy of her prior testimony, Reed’s memory issues persisted. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630432406794.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Clarification: A name of one of the people connected to the search for Marion Bates was spelled incorrectly. Hutch Post has corrected the error.BY JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury was sworn in and the trial for the State v. Kyle Hardwick officially began in the courtroom of Judge Keith Schroeder on Jan. 25. &nbsp;&nbsp;The state called upon over 45 witnesses to testify in the case, as well as presented over 130 pieces of evidence. &nbsp;Kyle Hardwick, represented by Scott Loftis, an attorney from Ponca City, Oklahoma, is pleading not guilty to the charges of: &nbsp;&nbsp;Two counts of intentional and premeditated murder in the first degree. &nbsp;&nbsp;One count of theft of property or services, valued at $1,500 to $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of theft of property or services of a firearm with a value less than $25,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;One count of solicitation perjury; testify to material fact in felony proceeding.&nbsp;&nbsp;The charges stem from the murders of Marion “Ed” Bates, 56, Hutchinson, and&nbsp;Phillip Anstine, 58, Hutchinson, in August 2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;In their opening statement, Loftis presented Hardwick’s defense. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that on Aug. 24, 2021, Hardwick had travelled with Phillip Anstine to the “compound.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Described by the state in their opening statement, the "compound" is a property east of Hutchinson, where Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine would frequent. It had various other additions like buildings built on it, a camper, a dried-up pond, and burn pits. The two men would hang out there, shoot firearms, and overall hone their survival techniques. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick did not know Marion Bates, but had a prior association with Phillip Anstine through work that included building houses, akin to Habitat for Humanity. Anstine was said to have overseen much of the work, while Hardwick assisted with installation. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick called Anstine a friend and they were said to have a mutual interest in firearms. They were said to be close enough that they would travel to visit each other from time to time, but not frequently. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s last visit to see Anstine was said to be because of personal problems in his life. He wanted get out of Kansas City for a while. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick was said to have taken a Greyhound bus from Kansas City, Missouri to Hutchinson, Kansas to visit Anstine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis told the jury that Anstine had dropped off Hardwick at the compound with a set of keys. Hardwick was said to have permission to drive Anstine’s truck and had those keys as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine then returned shortly after with Little Caesar’s pizza and Samuel Adams beer. &nbsp;&nbsp;“After drinking about half a beer and eating piece of pizza, Kyle starts to feel sick,” Loftis said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick’s symptoms were described as&nbsp;stomach pains, light-headedness, and disorientation. Hardwick was said to have voiced his sudden illness to Anstine, and then went to the camper on the property where he passed out. Hardwick was said to not remember passing out in the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;According to Loftis, Hardwick woke up the next day, still disoriented, face down on a bed in the camper with his pants down, and a pain in his anus. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is said to surmise he was raped.&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon leaving the camper to search for Anstine out of concern, Hardwick returned to the camper. &nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine is said to have returned to the compound with a shotgun in his hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is alleged to have tried to tell Anstine of his situation, but became suspicious when Anstine is said to have been dismissive. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, when Hardwick then accused Anstine of raping him, Anstine cocked and aimed his shotgun at Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hardwick is said to have played to Anstine’s paranoia by looking over Anstine’s shoulder, forcing him to turn around. Hardwick was then said to have used this gambit to wrestle the shotgun out of Anstine’s hands. &nbsp;&nbsp;Anstine was said to have then pulled a .380 semiautomatic pistol and pointed it at Hardwick, causing Hardwick to fatally shoot him with the shotgun. &nbsp;&nbsp;Still disoriented from the prior drugging and rape, the defense said that Hardwick then made his way to the pumphouse, north of the camper, for water. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis described to the jury what happened next as, “one of the real tragedies of this case.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Another man, unknown to Hardwick, appeared and shot at Hardwick. Hardwick shot back with the shotgun he had taken from Anstine, striking the second man. &nbsp;&nbsp;After a while, determining the man is dead, Hardwick approached the body and searched the man and discovered his identity as Marion Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Loftis said, more than likely Bates was not part of Hardwick’s alleged rape, and only came to aid his friend, Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;The state, consisting of District Attorney (DA) Thomas Stanton and Deputy District Attorney Andrew Davidson, called a number of witnesses, including friends of the victims, who corroborated the state’s opening statement that accused Hardwick of killing the pair for different reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cathy Havel and Marion Bates had been close friends for around 11 years. &nbsp;&nbsp; Havel last spoke to Bates on Aug. 25, 2021, about a COVID-19 test she was going to take. &nbsp;&nbsp;Bates said he could not talk at that moment, and had something to do at the compound. &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel never heard back from Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel said she texted and called Bates multiple times on Aug. 26, 2021, and that it was unusual for Bates to not answer his phone in a timely manner. &nbsp;&nbsp;Evidence presented during the trial showed that Havel did try to reach Bates. &nbsp;&nbsp;Corroborating each other’s&nbsp;testimonies as they took the stand separately, Havel and Dawnita Hartung eventually went to the compound to search for Bates and Anstine. &nbsp;&nbsp;They noticed a red Ford pickup truck in the driveway. &nbsp;&nbsp;It was there they met a man, unknown to them,&nbsp;who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;Havel and Hartung pointed out Kyle Hardwick as the man who identified himself as ‘Kyle Birch.’ &nbsp;&nbsp;As ‘Birch,’ Hardwick told the two women that Bates and Anstine had gone to town to buy cigarettes about 40 minutes prior.&nbsp;&nbsp;The women found this suspicious given how close the nearest gas station was.&nbsp;‘Birch’ had told the women his mother had kicked him out. &nbsp;&nbsp;Hartung during her testimony, said ‘Kyle Birch’ was not someone Bates would hang out with. &nbsp;&nbsp;Later when the women returned to the compound, they found that the red truck, and Hardwick as ‘Birch,’&nbsp;were gone. &nbsp;Havel and Hartung left notes in the driveway for Bates.&nbsp;&nbsp;Joined by Jared Bastion on Aug. 27, Havel and Hartung searched for Bates on the property. &nbsp;&nbsp;Kenneth Bates, the brother of Marion Bates, who was informed his brother was missing, gave Bastion permission to break into Marion Bates’ garage. &nbsp;&nbsp;There on the property, they found Marion Bates' hidden and unattended vehicle, with his wallet still inside. &nbsp;&nbsp;Shortly after, the authorities were called for a welfare check.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Reno County Sheriff’s Office responded and surveyed the property. Deputies located the body of Marion Bates that day.&nbsp;Bates was discovered in the dried up pond covered by&nbsp;tree limbs. Forensic evidence used to identify him revealed he had not been dead long and that his head was riddled with shotgun pellets. &nbsp;&nbsp;On Aug. 28, at 8 a.m., following the discovery of Bates, a search warrant was obtained for the rest of the property.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Reno County Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Mondragon, three feet from where Bates was found, Anstine was discovered in a burn&nbsp;pit. Most of his body had been incinerated by a fire in the pit. Forensic evidence used to identify Anstine showed he had been shot in the head as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;Mondragon identified other pieces of evidence found on the property, including combustible materials, and items belonging to Hardwick. &nbsp;&nbsp;These items included two debit cards, one with Hardwick’s name, a social security card, also with Hardwick’s name, and a bus ticket with the name ‘Kyle Hardhack.’&nbsp;&nbsp;The defense did not cross-examine many witnesses, but they did Mondragon. Mondragon was asked to recall zip-ties found on the property and if they could be used to restrain somebody, which he confirmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;A drone was deployed by Reno County Sheriff Jeremy VanWey to gather another view of the crime scene.&nbsp;Some of the evidence collected from the scene included .12 gauge shotgun shells, gas cans, campfire fuel, the barrel of a shotgun from the burn pit Anstine was found in,&nbsp;a pair of gloves, two empty bottles of Kentucky Deluxe bourbon, two&nbsp;empty bottles of vodka, a Dollar General receipt,&nbsp;and soil samples with biomaterial.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his testimony, Daniel Nowlan, Reno County Death Investigator, noted for Anstine’s body to burn the way it did, the fire would have to been man-maintained for a time. &nbsp;&nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Nowlan did confirm that Phillip Anstine did not die by burning alive, and cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. The same cause of death determined for Marion Bates. He also said that Hardwick acted in self-defense could not be ruled out. &nbsp;&nbsp;Following Daniel Nowlan, the jury was dismissed for the first day. &nbsp;On day two, Sedgwick County Forensic Center DNA analyst Therese Gibler testified that through her analysis, a sample she tested was almost certainly that of a child of Marion Bates' mother, Betty and a separate sample was almost certainly that of a child of Phillip Anstine's father, Duane. This was intended to establish that the victims were Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine.&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Center's Dr. Scott Kipper performed the autopsies on Bates and Anstine and confirmed that the shotgun wound killed Bates. Anstine's body was significantly burned, but Kipper was still able to determine that a shotgun wound also killed Anstine. Kipper could not rule out the possibility that the shots were in self-defense.&nbsp;Several law enforcement witnesses were then called, including members of the Reno County Sheriff's Office and Maize Police, to establish the security of the crime scene and the circumstances under which Kyle Hardwick was found and arrested in Maize on Sept. 1.&nbsp;The prosecution also attempted to establish through law enforcement testimony that electronic devices, including what they believe to be a cell phone, were found in a fire pit on the property. In addition, they went over the circumstances in which Phillip Anstine's truck was found elsewhere in the county in October.&nbsp;Also, Anstine's friend Paul Jorgenson testified by Zoom from Wyoming to establish that Anstine told him he had both silver and gold on the property at the compound where the murders occurred.&nbsp;The majority of day three of the State v. Kyle Hardwick, saw testimonies from officials with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). &nbsp;During the corroborating testimony of the KBI, regarding the inventory and investigation of the items found in the truck, established to belong to Phillip Anstine, day three saw the most evidence admitted by the state. Including:&nbsp;A Motorola blue cellphone; mesh covering; a beer bottle; two ghillie suits; a red bag containing ammunition; a pellet rifle; a total of six guns between five rifle cases; a camo duffle bag; metal siding that when removed, revealed seven ammunition boxes containing mostly 22 caliber ammunition; .12 gauge ammunition; a metal tool box; a vitamin container labeled ‘char-claw;’ two action cameras; jeep keys; as well as three empty packages of Marlboro Black 100s cigarettes. &nbsp;The same brand of cigarettes had previously been found in the camper located at the compound and the abandoned grain silo where Hardwick was arrested. &nbsp;The inventory of the truck was delivered in testimony by Chris Engle-Tjaden with the KBI.&nbsp;During cross-examination, the defense confirmed the existence of the .380 ammunition. &nbsp;Under defense examination, Engle-Tjaden said the only correlation to the mesh covering, was that it was found in the truck. &nbsp;Forensic testing revealed Hardwick’s DNA was found on a lot of the items. Latent prints belonging to Hardwick were found on a food container and soda bottles. A latent print of Hardwick’s palm was also found on the truck. &nbsp;Day three closed with people known to Hardwick taking the stand, Chase Mattingly and Sherry Reed. &nbsp;During his testimony, Mattingly, the boyfriend of Sherry Reed’s daughter, said he had overheard part of a phone conversation between Hardwick and Reed on Aug. 31,&nbsp;2021. &nbsp;He only understood part of the conversation, and said he had heard Hardwick tell Reed he had messed up. &nbsp;During cross-examination by the defense, Mattingly said he did not know what Hardwick was referring to at the time. &nbsp;The state then called key witness, Sherry Reed. &nbsp;Reed said she has known Hardwick since high school. &nbsp;Reed, of Lawrence, Kansas, said she believed she still has a friendship with Hardwick. Hardwick had previously lived with Reed. &nbsp;Hardwick’s&nbsp;additional count of solicitation to commit perjury stems from&nbsp;a FaceTime call between the defendant and Reed.&nbsp;The FaceTime call had been played in court prior when Hardwick was bound over in June 2022, and was played again on Jan. 27. &nbsp;In the recorded FaceTime conversation, Hardwick repeatedly tells Reed not to show up for the hearing and, if she did testify, to tell the court she was mentally unstable and on drugs. At one time he said, “Please don’t come,” and repeatedly said, “you don’t have to show up.”&nbsp;Hardwick was also noted as telling Reed to “just tell the truth.” &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/07b4a825-c01a-4caf-9b40-ceac29173d6b" target="_blank">Much like her last reported appearance in court,</a> Reed&nbsp;seemed very confused. &nbsp;She could not remember much about phone calls she got from Hardwick or her meetings with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, nor&nbsp;whether she drove him from Lawrence to a bus station in Kansas City.&nbsp;During her testimony, Reed implied numerous times her confusion with her activities with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, conversations with Hardwick, and whether she dropped him off at a bus stop were due to her not having her ‘calendar’ or her ‘notes.’ &nbsp;In effort to help Reed remember, courtesy of the state, she was presented with copies of her prior testimony to aid her in current testimony.&nbsp;When asked, after taking a moment to review her prior testimony, Reed said she took Hardwick to a bus station in Kansas City in the morning of August 2021. &nbsp;When asked if she remembered telling the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, she was given $600 out of $1,200 from Hardwick, Reed said she only remembered having $600. &nbsp;Reed said she remembered giving a lot of evidence to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, including a Dollar General receipt for a cell phone. &nbsp;Despite the aid of having a copy of her prior testimony, Reed’s memory issues persisted. &nbsp;The state and Judge Schroeder suggested Reed retrieve the notes she claimed to have, if they would aid with her testimony. However, Reed said they were in her car. &nbsp;Reed said she knew Hardwick was coming to Hutchinson via bus when she dropped him off in Kansas City. &nbsp;When presented with state evidence of an iPhone, Reed said she remembered providing the phone to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. &nbsp;The state yielded their time with Reed to cross-examination with the defense. &nbsp;Reed told the defense, she does get a prescription for anxiety, as well as a prescription for Adderall. &nbsp;The first witness of day four of the trial, was Scott Anstine, the brother of Phillip Anstine. &nbsp;Scott Anstine said his brother usually stored his weapons in his house, and never just left them in his truck. He confirmed the firearms found in the truck in prior testimony were his brother’s. &nbsp;Scott Anstine said Phillip Anstine did not store his ammunition on the compound. &nbsp;Scott Anstine told the court, he is the heir to his brother’s estate. &nbsp;According to Scott Anstine, his brother kept his truck clean. &nbsp;During cross-examination and redirection, Scott Anstine did confirm that Phillip Anstine carried a pistol matching the description in the defense’s opening statement. &nbsp;The testimony of Det. Matt Franklin with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, the lead investigator of the murders of Marion Bates and Phillip Anstine, recalled to the court the events of the case. &nbsp;According to Det. Franklin, no gold or silver had been found on the compound. &nbsp;Only Phillip Anstine will know where the boxes of silver and gold others say he had are buried on the property.&nbsp;During his testimony, it was established via state and defense that Kyle Hardwick and Phillip Anstine had a friendly relationship. &nbsp;Det. Franklin was able to recall that through interviews with Sherry Reed and her submission of case-related items from August 2021 to October 2021, Hardwick was able to be taken into custody. &nbsp;It was also established that it was unclear what started the fire used to burn Anstine’s body. &nbsp;During Sherry Reed’s second testimony during the trial, she told the court she remained in contact with Hardwick post-arrest. &nbsp;Following Det. Franklin's testimony, Reed had a much better memory, and even supplied more intimate details about Hardwick, including his work history.&nbsp;The state rested their case on Jan. 30.&nbsp; The defense will continue presenting its evidence on Tuesday, Jan. 31.Hardwick is presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hardwick murder trial sees more than 45 witnesses

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5oYXJ2ZXljb3VudHkuY29tL2NvbW11bml0eS1oZWFsdGgtbmVlZHMtYXNzZXNzbWVudC1vcGVuLXRocm91Z2gtZmViLTI0Lmh0bWwifQ.q9wQA0CxGuw8_VCJxKW27N0Pt1K_yTl4yCz0X1dmP4k/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">The Harvey County Health Department</a>, along with several partner organizations across the county, are encouraging individuals that live or&nbsp;work&nbsp;in Harvey County to complete the Harvey County Community Health Needs Assessment.

The results from the assessment will be combined with information gleaned from focus groups and quantitative data to determine three to five health issues for health organizations and their partnerships to examine and focus on for change over the next three years.

The needs assessment is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zdXJ2ZXltb25rZXkuY29tL3IvQ0hOQTIwMjMifQ.xBBnUZRyrWpCKNexv4kU8WQjHRjbABgcB9S-Fvg-jwg/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">English</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VzLnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9DSE5BMjAyM0VTIn0.VefhWFPaFQr12oUC-SibIyB3-EIfDkOUMJtn-x9ZteY/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">Spanish</a>, and is open to anyone 18 years old and older that lives or&nbsp;works in Harvey County. Survey responses are anonymous. The survey is available through Feb. 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5oYXJ2ZXljb3VudHkuY29tL2NvbW11bml0eS1oZWFsdGgtbmVlZHMtYXNzZXNzbWVudC1vcGVuLXRocm91Z2gtZmViLTI0Lmh0bWwifQ.q9wQA0CxGuw8_VCJxKW27N0Pt1K_yTl4yCz0X1dmP4k/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">The Harvey County Health Department</a>, along with several partner organizations across the county, are encouraging individuals that live or&nbsp;work&nbsp;in Harvey County to complete the Harvey County Community Health Needs Assessment. The results from the assessment will be combined with information gleaned from focus groups and quantitative data to determine three to five health issues for health organizations and their partnerships to examine and focus on for change over the next three years.The needs assessment is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zdXJ2ZXltb25rZXkuY29tL3IvQ0hOQTIwMjMifQ.xBBnUZRyrWpCKNexv4kU8WQjHRjbABgcB9S-Fvg-jwg/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">English</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAxMjkuNzA2Mzc4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2VzLnN1cnZleW1vbmtleS5jb20vci9DSE5BMjAyM0VTIn0.VefhWFPaFQr12oUC-SibIyB3-EIfDkOUMJtn-x9ZteY/s/2592705315/br/153631117259-l" target="_blank">Spanish</a>, and is open to anyone 18 years old and older that lives or&nbsp;works in Harvey County. Survey responses are anonymous. The survey is available through Feb. 24.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvey County seeking partners for Community Health Needs Assessment

TOPEKA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Andrew Jefferson Newsum of Hutchinson, Kansas, to a vacant magistrate judgeship position in the&nbsp;27th&nbsp;Judicial District. The vacancy results from the resignation of District Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan, who is now serving as District Court Judge for Division III.

“Newsum has a long and decorated career in law enforcement,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This expertise has given him a strong grasp of the law, and I am excited for his transition to the bench of the 27th&nbsp;Judicial District.”

Andrew Jefferson Newsum currently serves as Special Agent in charge of Professional Standards for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. During his service he has received the KBI Jack Ford Award for Exceptional Service. Newsum is active in the law enforcement community with his membership in the Kansas Sheriff’s Association, Kansas Police Officer Association, and the Knights of Columbus.

“I am honored to learn that Governor Laura Kelly has offered me the opportunity to fill the vacancy of the Magistrate Judge position for the 27th&nbsp;Judicial District in Reno County, Kansas,”&nbsp;Newsum said.&nbsp;“Throughout my career, I have had wonderful mentors who have taught and supported me in the interpretation of the law and I am very excited that the timing is finally right to transition to the judicial side of the criminal justice system.”&nbsp;

Magistrate Judges in the&nbsp;27th&nbsp;Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. When a judge retires in the middle of a term, the governor appoints a new judge to finish out the term.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654715682310.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Andrew Jefferson Newsum of Hutchinson, Kansas, to a vacant magistrate judgeship position in the&nbsp;27th&nbsp;Judicial District. The vacancy results from the resignation of District Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan, who is now serving as District Court Judge for Division III.“Newsum has a long and decorated career in law enforcement,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This expertise has given him a strong grasp of the law, and I am excited for his transition to the bench of the 27th&nbsp;Judicial District.”Andrew Jefferson Newsum currently serves as Special Agent in charge of Professional Standards for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. During his service he has received the KBI Jack Ford Award for Exceptional Service. Newsum is active in the law enforcement community with his membership in the Kansas Sheriff’s Association, Kansas Police Officer Association, and the Knights of Columbus.“I am honored to learn that Governor Laura Kelly has offered me the opportunity to fill the vacancy of the Magistrate Judge position for the 27th&nbsp;Judicial District in Reno County, Kansas,”&nbsp;Newsum said.&nbsp;“Throughout my career, I have had wonderful mentors who have taught and supported me in the interpretation of the law and I am very excited that the timing is finally right to transition to the judicial side of the criminal justice system.”&nbsp;Magistrate Judges in the&nbsp;27th&nbsp;Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. When a judge retires in the middle of a term, the governor appoints a new judge to finish out the term.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Newsum appointed as 27th District magistrate judge

Jowers announced as next Inman superintendent

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bogey's of Hutchinson is doing a special deal for the stripes Monday.

According to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bogeysofhutch">their Facebook page</a>,

"Referees have a hard job and get NO love! So, today only, anyone in the community who is a Referee for Rec leagues, competitive leagues, school leagues, whatever, come in and get any shake for half off!!"

"As Chiefs fans, we truly respect what you do!! Just tell the cashier you are a ref and we will hook you up! Go Chiefs!"&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586778309816.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Bogey's of Hutchinson is doing a special deal for the stripes Monday.According to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bogeysofhutch">their Facebook page</a>, "Referees have a hard job and get NO love! So, today only, anyone in the community who is a Referee for Rec leagues, competitive leagues, school leagues, whatever, come in and get any shake for half off!!""As Chiefs fans, we truly respect what you do!! Just tell the cashier you are a ref and we will hook you up! Go Chiefs!"&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bogey's celebrating Chiefs win uniquely

LINDSBORG, Kan. — The Real Men Sing vocal workshop at Bethany College Jan. 23 brought over 400 young men, grades 5-12, from 34 schools across Kansas to Lindsborg. The singers spent the day working with music professionals in one of three groups.

 The High School Choir, conducted by Paul Neal, Associate Professor of Music at Berry College performed “Leave Her Johnny”, arranged by Daniel Lynch, and “Tuba”, arranged by Michael Marrett. 

The Changing Voices Choir, conducted by Greg Bontrager, Buhler High School vocal music teacher, and Nicholas Griggs, McPherson High School vocal teacher performed “Vive L'Amour” arranged by Bobby Siltman, and “Wade in the Water” arranged by Dan Davidson. 

The Unchanged Voice Choir, conducted by Alex Underwood, Hays High School choir teacher, performed “Pie Jesu” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot and “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers arranged by Robert T. Gibson. The final performance was “God Bless America” performed by all choirs combined.

Mark Lucas, Associate Professor of Music, organized the annual event alongside Bontrager, Neal, Griggs, and Underwood. Accompanists were Daniel Masterson, Professor of Music, and Tyler Boehmer, Visiting Associate Professor of Music, Brenda Finch, and Glenna Balsick.

Students from Buhler, Inman, Smoky Valley, Canton Galva, Central Plains and McPherson districts participated along with others from across the Sunflower State.

The performance is available to view on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethanymusic">Bethany College Music Department Facebook Page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1675093727957.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG, Kan. — The Real Men Sing vocal workshop at Bethany College Jan. 23 brought over 400 young men, grades 5-12, from 34 schools across Kansas to Lindsborg. The singers spent the day working with music professionals in one of three groups. The High School Choir, conducted by Paul Neal, Associate Professor of Music at Berry College performed “Leave Her Johnny”, arranged by Daniel Lynch, and “Tuba”, arranged by Michael Marrett. The Changing Voices Choir, conducted by Greg Bontrager, Buhler High School vocal music teacher, and Nicholas Griggs, McPherson High School vocal teacher performed “Vive L'Amour” arranged by Bobby Siltman, and “Wade in the Water” arranged by Dan Davidson. The Unchanged Voice Choir, conducted by Alex Underwood, Hays High School choir teacher, performed “Pie Jesu” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot and “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers arranged by Robert T. Gibson. The final performance was “God Bless America” performed by all choirs combined.Mark Lucas, Associate Professor of Music, organized the annual event alongside Bontrager, Neal, Griggs, and Underwood. Accompanists were Daniel Masterson, Professor of Music, and Tyler Boehmer, Visiting Associate Professor of Music, Brenda Finch, and Glenna Balsick.Students from Buhler, Inman, Smoky Valley, Canton Galva, Central Plains and McPherson districts participated along with others from across the Sunflower State.The performance is available to view on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethanymusic">Bethany College Music Department Facebook Page</a>.

Real Men Sing event held at Bethany College

HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) will host various events, including free information sessions and webinars across the state for any interested students and their families this spring. 

In addition to the traditional sessions, KAMS will also host Counselor Luncheons for interested school counselors and teachers to provide important updates about the program. One of those luncheons is scheduled for Hutchinson on Feb. 16.

During the counselor luncheon, KAMS staff will provide important updates about the recently added flexibility in the KAMS curriculum. Counselors can join for a free lunch, receive KAMS swag, and a chance to win a $250 scholarship for a prospective KAMS student from their school.

KAMS offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to live and learn at Fort Hays State University. Students earn 68 college credits for free, join a community of exceptional students and get a two-year head start on college.

School counselors, students, and guests can learn about KAMS and visit with representatives&nbsp;at information sessions both online and in person this spring, as well. 

Please visit the registration website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGj9bHqmTQIEctQ5-2FMQfCc-2BjSCC-2BHCvWE318U9AhszMyNxOLDQpeuHtQjnjlnK8XB50ttt2kTDuMlP4ag60LJFoBVuXoUwYwSnVY-2BRc9k61IM9zASELZTaq8tNTNByQfjmQAr1ZJcMd4NnBVreaBcJg-3DhAb4_WNeAFANdVbitjk7LWYjgmCGTl6KezMUVOMKAx15NbxtPvHRUjvESGTmd7OCjsgY35JvyY8mi0L3qIThOQLnIv3Dr9KlvuojqDEeyhNsMyNQ9HqbloBSYaLAiwVl8KP6KgRCaxMAWhD5EPK4DXARZWswBI1vT1qTE7ybDxbM8Fzj3BEtNLfPJ7MtW7skP0ayB9MPSzSigu7f01EeAc2c-2Bd59-2Fx1o2dFwHz17Sk62cBR3lRk0wWCsklDutAFq-2B27j0w7qohzyNQjlgrxyEoAQ4sSh2n1rJYaYsIr80iNcviPFCbBCoFhp5TqVBhcqfLkXYkjm5AQx9G8T2VOxfj-2BT5vKkKQMxgRVDKLmncURyCmXZ-2Bi4USxyJCN6PPd2qg0GWnyBlhFGMzAjG9oXEPn-2BKaNg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/information-sessions/</a>&nbsp;to sign up for a session in your area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665762370107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. — Fort Hays State University's Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) will host various events, including free information sessions and webinars across the state for any interested students and their families this spring. In addition to the traditional sessions, KAMS will also host Counselor Luncheons for interested school counselors and teachers to provide important updates about the program. One of those luncheons is scheduled for Hutchinson on Feb. 16.During the counselor luncheon, KAMS staff will provide important updates about the recently added flexibility in the KAMS curriculum. Counselors can join for a free lunch, receive KAMS swag, and a chance to win a $250 scholarship for a prospective KAMS student from their school.KAMS offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to live and learn at Fort Hays State University. Students earn 68 college credits for free, join a community of exceptional students and get a two-year head start on college.School counselors, students, and guests can learn about KAMS and visit with representatives&nbsp;at information sessions both online and in person this spring, as well. Please visit the registration website at&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=-2BFJoAhsjp8losQfY8t-2BZtGj9bHqmTQIEctQ5-2FMQfCc-2BjSCC-2BHCvWE318U9AhszMyNxOLDQpeuHtQjnjlnK8XB50ttt2kTDuMlP4ag60LJFoBVuXoUwYwSnVY-2BRc9k61IM9zASELZTaq8tNTNByQfjmQAr1ZJcMd4NnBVreaBcJg-3DhAb4_WNeAFANdVbitjk7LWYjgmCGTl6KezMUVOMKAx15NbxtPvHRUjvESGTmd7OCjsgY35JvyY8mi0L3qIThOQLnIv3Dr9KlvuojqDEeyhNsMyNQ9HqbloBSYaLAiwVl8KP6KgRCaxMAWhD5EPK4DXARZWswBI1vT1qTE7ybDxbM8Fzj3BEtNLfPJ7MtW7skP0ayB9MPSzSigu7f01EeAc2c-2Bd59-2Fx1o2dFwHz17Sk62cBR3lRk0wWCsklDutAFq-2B27j0w7qohzyNQjlgrxyEoAQ4sSh2n1rJYaYsIr80iNcviPFCbBCoFhp5TqVBhcqfLkXYkjm5AQx9G8T2VOxfj-2BT5vKkKQMxgRVDKLmncURyCmXZ-2Bi4USxyJCN6PPd2qg0GWnyBlhFGMzAjG9oXEPn-2BKaNg-3D-3D" target="_blank">https://www.fhsu.edu/kams/information-sessions/</a>&nbsp;to sign up for a session in your area.

KAMS to host session for counselors in Hutch next month

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

This past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherThis past weekend was my favorite Kansas Farm Bureau event, the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) Conference. I am going to let you in on a secret, I am over 35. I know you are all shocked, and I am a bit surprised they still let me through the doors. I guess they either take pity on me or they let me in because I am on the state board of directors. Either way I am always happy to sneak in and get my batteries recharged. I think I have figured out the fountain of youth, and it is to spend time around this outstanding group of young farmers, ranchers, agribusiness people and students. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious, even for an old guy several years past the YF&amp;R expiration date. The conference itself is outstanding. The keynote speakers and information shared is some of the best and most timely for those of us in agriculture. Then there are the breakout sessions and workshops, again some of the leading experts in their fields and cutting edge information. Include that with contests showcasing our industry’s best and brightest along with social events and you have a great weekend. The best part is it is planned, coordinated and put on by the Young Farmer and Rancher committee, the best and brightest members 35 and younger in Kansas Farm Bureau. Does it sound like I am bragging? I hope so because I am. We hear all the time about the aging agriculture industry and often pundits wonder where we are headed. Will our producers age out? Will we be able to feed a growing, hungry population? Spend a weekend at the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference and you know we will be in good hands. Spending time with this group will renew your faith in the future. I love listening to the conversations and hearing the new ideas and enthusiasm. This conference was crucial for Jennifer and I as we started our journey in agriculture. So many times you feel alone and it seems like no one understands what you are going through. Then you come to your first YF&amp;R Conference and find out there are many others going through the same trials and tribulations. The networking in the hallways and the friendships you make over the weekend are truly the most valuable part of the conference. We still have friendships that were forged during this conference. That is why each year I look forward to this weekend. I must admit I am being a little selfish because I know I get more out of it than I give to the participants I meet. This old guy is transformed back into a time when anything was possible and my career was ahead of me. I wish I could bottle the excitement and energy up for all of you, it is something we all need these days. I can’t do that, but I can go forth knowing agriculture is in good hands."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Faith in the Future of Agriculture

Alexandra Middlewood PhD, Political Science, Wichita State University

One of the simplest ways to define politics is as a struggle for power.

This power struggle has flared up again. The legislature began their 2023 session by introducing a bill that would further disrupt the current power division between state and local and also undermine Kansas voters.

Often, in Topeka, this is a struggle between parties — Republicans versus Democrats — or between branches — the legislature versus the governor. But more and more often over the past few years we have seen the struggle for power play out as state government versus local government.

As you may recall, following the outbreak of COVID-19, the state legislature restricted localities’ ability to respond to the pandemic.

Last year, the state legislature also banned cities from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” and from restricting single-use items such as bags, cups, and other packaging made of plastic — Governor Kelly signed the former and vetoed the latter.

Now, under current Kansas law, localities cannot regulate abortion services. That power is left to the state alone. This law was originally put in place to prevent certain cities from making access to abortion easier than could be found under state law.

Now however, following the state Supreme Court’s 2019 Hodes decision and the failure of the “Value Them Both” amendment last August, it effectively prevents cities from restricting access to abortion services in opposition to the statewide constitutional protection.

Legislation has been introduced that would repeal this law, allowing localities to ban abortion.

On August 2, 2022, Kansans spoke loud and clear about their desire to protect access to abortion services in our state. The “Value Them Both” amendment was a resounding failure.

Not only does this bill show a lack of respect for the large number of voters who made their voices heard last August, but also for Home Rule, which is protected in the state constitution.

Should it pass it would further establish a precedent that localities can be used as political pawns at the whims of the legislature.

Any restrictions would still be unconstitutional under the state constitution, but would set the stage for localities to challenge the state and create yet another power tug of war.

Kansans made their position clear twice last election cycle, in both the primary and the general election. They don’t want to increase the legislature’s power.

Across our country and our state, trust in government is at an all time low precisely because of actions such as these.

In the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, a mere thirty-one percent of Kansans expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state legislature.

And yet, legislators are supposed to be representing our voice in government.

As we celebrate Kansas Day on January 29, let’s not forget the long struggle for home rule and popular sovereignty that led to our statehood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alexandra Middlewood PhD, Political Science, Wichita State UniversityOne of the simplest ways to define politics is as a struggle for power.This power struggle has flared up again. The legislature began their 2023 session by introducing a bill that would further disrupt the current power division between state and local and also undermine Kansas voters.Often, in Topeka, this is a struggle between parties — Republicans versus Democrats — or between branches — the legislature versus the governor. But more and more often over the past few years we have seen the struggle for power play out as state government versus local government.As you may recall, following the outbreak of COVID-19, the state legislature restricted localities’ ability to respond to the pandemic.Last year, the state legislature also banned cities from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” and from restricting single-use items such as bags, cups, and other packaging made of plastic — Governor Kelly signed the former and vetoed the latter.Now, under current Kansas law, localities cannot regulate abortion services. That power is left to the state alone. This law was originally put in place to prevent certain cities from making access to abortion easier than could be found under state law.Now however, following the state Supreme Court’s 2019 Hodes decision and the failure of the “Value Them Both” amendment last August, it effectively prevents cities from restricting access to abortion services in opposition to the statewide constitutional protection.Legislation has been introduced that would repeal this law, allowing localities to ban abortion.On August 2, 2022, Kansans spoke loud and clear about their desire to protect access to abortion services in our state. The “Value Them Both” amendment was a resounding failure.Not only does this bill show a lack of respect for the large number of voters who made their voices heard last August, but also for Home Rule, which is protected in the state constitution.Should it pass it would further establish a precedent that localities can be used as political pawns at the whims of the legislature.Any restrictions would still be unconstitutional under the state constitution, but would set the stage for localities to challenge the state and create yet another power tug of war.Kansans made their position clear twice last election cycle, in both the primary and the general election. They don’t want to increase the legislature’s power.Across our country and our state, trust in government is at an all time low precisely because of actions such as these.In the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, a mere thirty-one percent of Kansans expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state legislature.And yet, legislators are supposed to be representing our voice in government.As we celebrate Kansas Day on January 29, let’s not forget the long struggle for home rule and popular sovereignty that led to our statehood.

Kansas Day 2023: Let’s Not Forget Home Rule and Popular Sovereignty

NEWTON, Kan. — The new Newton Public Library will be breaking ground on Jan. 31 at 3:30 p.m. at Military Park. Due to the cold, there will be&nbsp;a short outdoor program and then refreshments will be served inside the current library in the Bessmer Meeting Room.

The new library will be 25,000 square feet and on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building. &nbsp;

After construction of the new building is finished, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished. &nbsp;

A large green space will be created west of the building in the park. &nbsp;

The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.&nbsp;

Additionally, the new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674487433842.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The new Newton Public Library will be breaking ground on Jan. 31 at 3:30 p.m. at Military Park. Due to the cold, there will be&nbsp;a short outdoor program and then refreshments will be served inside the current library in the Bessmer Meeting Room.The new library will be 25,000 square feet and on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building. &nbsp;After construction of the new building is finished, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished. &nbsp;A large green space will be created west of the building in the park. &nbsp;The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.&nbsp;Additionally, the new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.&nbsp;The Newton Public Library Improvement Project cost estimate, including design and construction, is $10.7 million.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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