RENO COUNTY — As part of a bill passed by the Kansas Legislature this spring, K-96 from the junction of 56th Avenue to the junction of Nickerson Road will be named in honor of the 96th "Deadeye" Infantry Division.
According to Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst, who testified in Topeka in support of the bill, there were at least four men from Reno County that served in the 96th in Okinawa and Leyte, including Sgt. J.L. Mock, S/Sgt. Clyde C. Thrasher, Harold Garrison and PFC William N. Hirst.
William N. Hirst is the commissioner's father and he was killed in action on May 27, 1945. William Hirst received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Unit Citation.
Hirst is still looking for funds for the road signs for the 96th. If you would like to help with money for that, you can give to the Hutchinson Community Foundation and put 96th Infantry on the memo line of your check.
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