Mary R. Robbins, 80, passed at her home in Hutchinson, KS. She was born December 17, 1942, in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of James A. and Anna Steiner. 

Mary graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and received her Associates of Applied Science at The Salvation Army - College for Officer Training in Chicago, IL. She married Robert Robbins. He died December 26, 2008, after over 40 years of marriage. She was a Corps Officer Minister for the Salvation Army for 8 years. After retiring from the ministry, Mary worked as a CMA for Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson and in building maintenance for Countryside Baptist church. Mary also worked for the Hutchinson Salvation Army as a business office manager for over 35 years and taught Sunday School and was a Girl Guard Leader for the Salvation Army. She was known as Grandma Mary to many. She enjoyed spending her time with her family, extended family and friends. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Robbins; brothers, James A. and Floyd Steiner; brother-in-law, James Robbins; and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Steiner and Pat Robbins. 

She is survived by her sons, John Robbins of Ellsworth, KS and Robert (Valerie) Robbins II of Newton; grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Robbins of Manhattan, KS and Kaylynn Robbins of Newton; sister-in-law, Maria Steiner of Saginaw, MI; and numerous nieces and a nephew.

Per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. on July 15, 2023 at Salvation Army Church, 700 N. Walnut St. Hutchinson. Memorial Contributions can be made to Hutchinson Salvation Army and sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683897591347.jpeg" alt="Mary Robbins" />
 <figcaption>Mary Robbins</figcaption>
 </figure>Mary R. Robbins, 80, passed at her home in Hutchinson, KS. She was born December 17, 1942, in Saginaw, MI, the daughter of James A. and Anna Steiner. Mary graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and received her Associates of Applied Science at The Salvation Army - College for Officer Training in Chicago, IL. She married Robert Robbins. He died December 26, 2008, after over 40 years of marriage. She was a Corps Officer Minister for the Salvation Army for 8 years. After retiring from the ministry, Mary worked as a CMA for Mennonite Manor in South Hutchinson and in building maintenance for Countryside Baptist church. Mary also worked for the Hutchinson Salvation Army as a business office manager for over 35 years and taught Sunday School and was a Girl Guard Leader for the Salvation Army. She was known as Grandma Mary to many. She enjoyed spending her time with her family, extended family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Robbins; brothers, James A. and Floyd Steiner; brother-in-law, James Robbins; and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Steiner and Pat Robbins. She is survived by her sons, John Robbins of Ellsworth, KS and Robert (Valerie) Robbins II of Newton; grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Robbins of Manhattan, KS and Kaylynn Robbins of Newton; sister-in-law, Maria Steiner of Saginaw, MI; and numerous nieces and a nephew.Per Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be 1:00 p.m. on July 15, 2023 at Salvation Army Church, 700 N. Walnut St. Hutchinson. Memorial Contributions can be made to Hutchinson Salvation Army and sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502.

Mary R. Robbins |1942-2023|

Sally Ann Kinyon, 60, of Hutchinson, unexpectedly left us for her eternal home on June 29, 2023. She was born to Dean and Judith Hachenberger on April 8, 1963.

Sally grew up attending Waterloo grade school and enjoying summers on the farm in Kingman County. In high school, she was a cheerleader, a track and field athlete, and played tennis. Sally also loved to dance, sang in the school choir, and played in the school band. She had a beautiful smile.

Sally went on to continue her education at Hutchinson Community College, but it was at Tappers – a barn that had been built into a dance floor – where she met her future husband, Jerry Kinyon. Jerry had a crush on Sally since high school. After reconnecting, they were never apart and soon married June 24, 1983.

Sally’s faith and commitment to God shined bright throughout her life. Her prayers were answered when their son, Jonathan, was born in 1999. Sally, aka “Snow White” started every day, sometimes as early as 3:00 in the morning, studying the Bible and cleaning the house. She enjoyed solving word puzzles, creating artwork, and spending precious time with Jerry aka, “Scoody-Dad” and Jonathan, aka “Chicky Bear”.

Sally is survived by: her husband of 40 years, Jerry Kinyon; son, Jonathan; father, Dean Hachenberger and wife Dee of Hutchinson; mother, Judith Pepper of North Newton; 5 siblings, Susan Hachenberger of Hutchinson; Sandra Warner and husband Brad of Overland Park; Jason Orme of Kingman; Jennifer Orme of Olathe; Courtney Harris and husband Erik of Wichita.

She was preceded in death by her step-father, Larry Orme.

Sally leaves a legacy of faith, family, love and kindness. She was her family’s North Star and will live on in those of us who were blessed to call her ours. Sally taught us all to never give up and to never quit.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Elliott Chapel, with Lucas Bishop presiding. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. – 5p.m. Monday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Kidney Fund or Autism Society of America, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688380186241.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Sally Ann Kinyon, 60, of Hutchinson, unexpectedly left us for her eternal home on June 29, 2023. She was born to Dean and Judith Hachenberger on April 8, 1963.Sally grew up attending Waterloo grade school and enjoying summers on the farm in Kingman County. In high school, she was a cheerleader, a track and field athlete, and played tennis. Sally also loved to dance, sang in the school choir, and played in the school band. She had a beautiful smile.Sally went on to continue her education at Hutchinson Community College, but it was at Tappers – a barn that had been built into a dance floor – where she met her future husband, Jerry Kinyon. Jerry had a crush on Sally since high school. After reconnecting, they were never apart and soon married June 24, 1983.Sally’s faith and commitment to God shined bright throughout her life. Her prayers were answered when their son, Jonathan, was born in 1999. Sally, aka “Snow White” started every day, sometimes as early as 3:00 in the morning, studying the Bible and cleaning the house. She enjoyed solving word puzzles, creating artwork, and spending precious time with Jerry aka, “Scoody-Dad” and Jonathan, aka “Chicky Bear”.Sally is survived by: her husband of 40 years, Jerry Kinyon; son, Jonathan; father, Dean Hachenberger and wife Dee of Hutchinson; mother, Judith Pepper of North Newton; 5 siblings, Susan Hachenberger of Hutchinson; Sandra Warner and husband Brad of Overland Park; Jason Orme of Kingman; Jennifer Orme of Olathe; Courtney Harris and husband Erik of Wichita.She was preceded in death by her step-father, Larry Orme.Sally leaves a legacy of faith, family, love and kindness. She was her family’s North Star and will live on in those of us who were blessed to call her ours. Sally taught us all to never give up and to never quit.Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Elliott Chapel, with Lucas Bishop presiding. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. – 5p.m. Monday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Kidney Fund or Autism Society of America, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Sally Ann Kinyon |1963-2023|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kasb.org/45132?articleID=138966">Kansas ranks 17th in the nation in people who have a "high quality" postsecondary credential, according to a group that promotes learning after high school</a>.

"Even with recent concerns about, is a college degree worth it and student debt and all these things, which are real concerns, the fact is, the higher level of education a person has, on average, the more they make, the less likely they are to be in poverty, the more likely they are to be employed, the more household wealth they are likely to achieve," said Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards.&nbsp; 

The Lumina Foundation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.luminafoundation.org/stronger-nation/report/#/progress/state/KS" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;says 55.7 percent of Kansans aged 25-65 have such credentials.

"If a state has higher educational attainment, all those benefits apply to the state, as well," Tallman said. "It's an important outcome of education, both at the individual and at the state, or for that matter, even national level."

The key here is that, other than the very young end of that range, those credentials were most likely earned before the pandemic.

"The average earnings, if you have not finished high school, is about $30,000 a year. Every other educational increment increases that. Graduate and professional degree earnings are more than double that. Over a lifetime, that really compounds. That doesn't count other benefits."

As income rises with credentials, poverty declines. In 2021, Kansans without a high school diploma had a 20 percent poverty rate; high school graduates had a 15 percent; up to two years of college, 9 percent; and those with a four-year degree or more, 4 percent.&nbsp;

The Tallman Education Report blog contributed to this story.

<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/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman Kansas Association of School Boards" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman Kansas Association of School Boards</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kasb.org/45132?articleID=138966">Kansas ranks 17th in the nation in people who have a "high quality" postsecondary credential, according to a group that promotes learning after high school</a>."Even with recent concerns about, is a college degree worth it and student debt and all these things, which are real concerns, the fact is, the higher level of education a person has, on average, the more they make, the less likely they are to be in poverty, the more likely they are to be employed, the more household wealth they are likely to achieve," said Mark Tallman with the Kansas Association of School Boards.&nbsp; The Lumina Foundation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.luminafoundation.org/stronger-nation/report/#/progress/state/KS" target="_blank">report</a>&nbsp;says 55.7 percent of Kansans aged 25-65 have such credentials."If a state has higher educational attainment, all those benefits apply to the state, as well," Tallman said. "It's an important outcome of education, both at the individual and at the state, or for that matter, even national level."The key here is that, other than the very young end of that range, those credentials were most likely earned before the pandemic."The average earnings, if you have not finished high school, is about $30,000 a year. Every other educational increment increases that. Graduate and professional degree earnings are more than double that. Over a lifetime, that really compounds. That doesn't count other benefits."As income rises with credentials, poverty declines. In 2021, Kansans without a high school diploma had a 20 percent poverty rate; high school graduates had a 15 percent; up to two years of college, 9 percent; and those with a four-year degree or more, 4 percent.&nbsp;The Tallman Education Report blog contributed to this story.<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;

KASB: Kansas doing well in educational attainment

More than 75 laws surviving 2023 legislative gauntlet take root

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Jay Schumacher was locked up at the Ellis County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder in the slaying of his wife, but under Kansas law could spend the couple’s assets while awaiting trial for offenses capable of sending him to prison for decades.

A loophole in the state’s so-called slayer law compelled Jeremiah Schumacher, the son of alleged perpetrator Jay and domestic violence victim Karen, to plead with the 2023 Kansas Legislature to adopt a statute to prevent distribution of assets until resolution of criminal proceedings involving anyone arrested or charged with killing a person sharing financial interest in an estate.

Under Kansas law in place at time of the March 2022 slaying, alleged perpetrators could procure estate assets until convicted of killing someone.

“He’s arrested for the murder of his spouse,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/18/son-sister-of-slain-hays-resident-urge-kansas-house-members-to-amend-estate-law/">Jeremiah Schumacher told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;days after the session began in January. “I can’t wrap my head around it.”

Gov. Laura Kelly as well as the Senate and House heard his plea. The House vote on House Bill 2027 was 123-0. The Senate paired that with a 40-0 vote. The law signed by Kelly allowed as of July 1 a court to block sale, distribution, spending or other use of a decedent’s assets by a person arrested or charged in that killing. That order must stand until charges were dismissed, the accused was acquitted or convicted, and if records were expunged.

“This change is necessary, reasonable and will close what amounts to a loophole in the slayer provision of Kansas probate law by limiting those individuals, who kill a spouse or person from whom they will inherit, from receiving those proceeds,” said Hays attorney Chris McGowne.

The amended slayer law was among 77 bills — three fourths of the total to survive the legislative process in 2023 — scheduled to become effective on Saturday. The 21 others went live promptly rather than await the first day of July. The new roster of laws delve into abortion, concealed guns, elections, clergy abuse, public health, retirement investments, food stamps, transgender rights, water, smoking, utilities and sports.

Republicans in the Legislature tangled with Democrats and the governor on merits of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, otherwise known as House Bill 2238. It was designed to forbid transgender girls or women from participating in girls or women school sports. The anti-transgender&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/17/kansas-governor-vetoes-legislation-banning-transgender-athletes-from-school-sports/">bill easily cleared the GOP-led Legislature, but was vetoed by Kelly</a>. Both chambers were able to override her veto.

The law required interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural and club athletic teams sponsored by public or private educational entities to group players on teams of boys or men, girls or women or on separate coeducational units based on “biological sex” of athletes. It covered sports teams from kindergarten through college.

“The fairness in women’s sports act is just that — fairness,” said Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover. “It simply sets guidelines that ensure the fair playing field continues for women and girls that we have recognized for decades.”

The Kansas State High School Activities Association established a policy requiring participants to present a copy of their first birth certificate to verify the gender declaration at birth.

Initially, the idea of decriminalizing possession of test strips to detect the synthetic opioid fentanyl didn’t gain much political traction at the statehouse. For three years, the prevailing legislative sentiment was Senate Bill 174 and others like it sent the wrong message to people using drugs illegally.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Advocates for the change pointed with alarm to the rising death toll among Kansans</a>&nbsp;who unknowingly consumed drugs blended with fentanyl, which could be 50 to 100 times as potent as morphine.

Kelly, looking for ways to prevent overdose poisonings and fatalities, signed the bipartisan bill removing test strips from the state’s list of illegal drug paraphernalia. At the same time, the penalty for manufacture and distribution of fentanyl-laced substances was heightened.

Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/11/gov-kelly-signs-bipartisan-bill-decriminalizing-use-of-fentanyl-test-strips-in-kansas/">agonizing wait for adoption of the legislation</a>&nbsp;meant the values of kindness and compassion prevailed in the end.

“By decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips,” Probst said, “we are helping Kansans protect themselves from a deadly poison that has taken far too many lives, including the tragic and profoundly painful loss of far too many teenagers and young adults in our state.”

The contents of Senate Bill 180 also become law July 1, but conflict over interpretations of the statute could drag on for months or years.

The measure labeled by supporters as the Women’s Bill of Rights aimed to define biological sex as the determinant for use of restrooms, domestic violence shelters, locker rooms and correctional facilities. It didn’t contain enforcement mechanisms, leaving open questions about how the bill would operate in the real world outside the Capitol bubble.

Kelly vetoed the bill, but the House and Senate had votes to override the governor.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/26/kris-kobach-delivers-advice-on-new-law-targeting-transgender-kansans/">Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a nonbinding legal opinion</a>&nbsp;declaring new Kansas licenses to drive and birth certificates had to reflect gender at birth. At the same time, he said, the identification documents revised in the past to address transgender residents of Kansas had to be reissued to reflect an individual’s determination of sex at birth.

The ACLU of Kansas and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/29/kansas-governor-rejects-ags-advice-on-new-anti-trans-law-kobach-we-will-see-her-in-court/">the governor disagreed with the Republican attorney general</a>, and contended the law couldn’t impact public accommodations because it didn’t include an enforcement mechanism. Kelly said state agencies would continue to allow transgender individuals to change gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates.

“KDHE and KDOR disagree about its impacts on their operations and will instead keep in place their policies regarding gender markers on birth certificates and driver’s licenses,” Kelly said.

Kobach, who lost the 2018 general election for governor against Kelly, said he would proceed with a legal challenge of the governor’s decision.

The launch of a new fiscal year July 1 coincided with implementation of salary adjustments for state government employees. The package adopted by the Legislature and embraced by the governor linked pay increases to market rates for comparable job classifications in the private sector.

State workers 10% below peers in that occupational field would be brought up to that 10% figure or given a 5% adjustment. Personnel earning above 10% of the market rate would receive a 2.5% increase. Those less than 10% below market or 10% above market would qualify for a 5% raise.

Meanwhile, the Legislature pushed through a bill forbidding trustees of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System from making investment decisions based on principles of ESG. It stands for environmental, social and corporate governance considerations relied on by investors and often associated with liberal political causes.

Majorities in the Legislature said KPERS should manage its $20 billion portfolio to bring about the highest return on investment with the least risk.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/07/kansas-attorney-general-craves-law-making-state-funded-esg-investment-policies-illegal/">Kobach, who lobbied for passage of the reform</a>, said it was wrong to enable corporate intruders to jeopardize pensions of state government workers, teachers and law enforcement officers.

“ESG investing uses retirement savings as leverage to force companies to reduce their carbon footprints, adopt racial and gender quotas or to succumb to the ‘woke’ social justice fad of the month,” he said.

After years of debate, a bipartisan coalition of Kansas lawmakers agreed to make it easier for victims of childhood sexual assault to make a case in court.

House Bill 2027, which received unanimous support in the Senate and House, dropped the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of the alleged crimes and extended by 10 years the opportunity to file lawsuits against alleged perpetrators.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/gov-laura-kelly-legislators-honor-bipartisan-reform-of-kansas-law-on-sexual-abuse-claims/">persistence of a group of survivors made the difference</a>.

“This is breakthrough legislation that will keep our children and communities safer by permitting our state to get more predators off our streets, while building a foundation to allow more survivors of childhood sexual violence to pursue justice,” she said.

Previous Kansas law dictated criminal cases had to be filed within five years of the alleged crime. Cases of rape carried a 10-year statute of limitations once a person alleging harm turned 18. In civil cases, the suit had to be filed by the time a victim turned 21 years of age.

Turn of the calendar to July also enabled implementation of a law requiring groundwater management districts to produce for the Legislature annual reports on water usage and to develop strategies for conserving a resource made scarce by drought and heavy reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation.

Conservative legislators pushed through eligibility reform in the state’s food stamp program, technically known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The new Kansas mandate required people 50 to 59 years of age without dependents to work 30 hours a week or participate in job training initiatives to qualify for food aid.

In divorce cases, Kansans would now be permitted to change a last name to something other than a maiden name or former name.

Election laws were modified to open the door to a presidential preference primary in March 2024.

The cluster of abortion reforms include a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/26/kansas-house-overrides-governors-vetoes-of-three-anti-abortion-bills/">law requiring health professionals to perform life-saving care</a>&nbsp;when an infant was was born alive during an abortion. In 2022, Kansas doctors reported no such instances of live birth. Organizations opposed to abortion, a right protected in Kansas by the state constitution, pointed to examples of failed abortions in other states. Kelly vetoed the measure but was overridden.

In addition, state lawmakers earmarked $2 million to support activities of anti-abortion centers that would be scattered across Kansas.

Legislators and the governor agreed the state should limit how much public utility companies could recover through rate increases when making investments in new electricity transmission lines.

The $100 fee paid to the attorney general’s office to obtain a concealed weapon license in Kansas was eliminated, but left in place a charge of $32.50 payable to a county sheriff’s department. Individuals as young as 18 can receive a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-legislature-on-cusp-of-raising-to-21-minimum-age-to-buy-tobacco-products/">lawmakers passed a law declaring only individuals 21 years of age or older</a>&nbsp;were mature enough to purchase, possess or consume tobacco products. Until Saturday, those 18 or older could buy cigarettes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688217568622.png" alt="Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican-led Kansas Legislature tangled over many issues in 2023 session — there were more than a dozen veto showdowns — and led to implementation Saturday of 77 new state laws, including a measure altering criminal and civil procedure in sex abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican-led Kansas Legislature tangled over many issues in 2023 session — there were more than a dozen veto showdowns — and led to implementation Saturday of 77 new state laws, including a measure altering criminal and civil procedure in sex abuse cases. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>More than 75 laws surviving 2023 legislative gauntlet take root</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Jay Schumacher was locked up at the Ellis County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder in the slaying of his wife, but under Kansas law could spend the couple’s assets while awaiting trial for offenses capable of sending him to prison for decades.A loophole in the state’s so-called slayer law compelled Jeremiah Schumacher, the son of alleged perpetrator Jay and domestic violence victim Karen, to plead with the 2023 Kansas Legislature to adopt a statute to prevent distribution of assets until resolution of criminal proceedings involving anyone arrested or charged with killing a person sharing financial interest in an estate.Under Kansas law in place at time of the March 2022 slaying, alleged perpetrators could procure estate assets until convicted of killing someone.“He’s arrested for the murder of his spouse,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/18/son-sister-of-slain-hays-resident-urge-kansas-house-members-to-amend-estate-law/">Jeremiah Schumacher told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;days after the session began in January. “I can’t wrap my head around it.”Gov. Laura Kelly as well as the Senate and House heard his plea. The House vote on House Bill 2027 was 123-0. The Senate paired that with a 40-0 vote. The law signed by Kelly allowed as of July 1 a court to block sale, distribution, spending or other use of a decedent’s assets by a person arrested or charged in that killing. That order must stand until charges were dismissed, the accused was acquitted or convicted, and if records were expunged.“This change is necessary, reasonable and will close what amounts to a loophole in the slayer provision of Kansas probate law by limiting those individuals, who kill a spouse or person from whom they will inherit, from receiving those proceeds,” said Hays attorney Chris McGowne.The amended slayer law was among 77 bills — three fourths of the total to survive the legislative process in 2023 — scheduled to become effective on Saturday. The 21 others went live promptly rather than await the first day of July. The new roster of laws delve into abortion, concealed guns, elections, clergy abuse, public health, retirement investments, food stamps, transgender rights, water, smoking, utilities and sports.<h2>Just that — fairness’</h2>Republicans in the Legislature tangled with Democrats and the governor on merits of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, otherwise known as House Bill 2238. It was designed to forbid transgender girls or women from participating in girls or women school sports. The anti-transgender&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/17/kansas-governor-vetoes-legislation-banning-transgender-athletes-from-school-sports/">bill easily cleared the GOP-led Legislature, but was vetoed by Kelly</a>. Both chambers were able to override her veto.The law required interscholastic, intercollegiate, intramural and club athletic teams sponsored by public or private educational entities to group players on teams of boys or men, girls or women or on separate coeducational units based on “biological sex” of athletes. It covered sports teams from kindergarten through college.“The fairness in women’s sports act is just that — fairness,” said Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover. “It simply sets guidelines that ensure the fair playing field continues for women and girls that we have recognized for decades.”The Kansas State High School Activities Association established a policy requiring participants to present a copy of their first birth certificate to verify the gender declaration at birth.<h2>Test-strip ban lifted</h2>Initially, the idea of decriminalizing possession of test strips to detect the synthetic opioid fentanyl didn’t gain much political traction at the statehouse. For three years, the prevailing legislative sentiment was Senate Bill 174 and others like it sent the wrong message to people using drugs illegally.<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Advocates for the change pointed with alarm to the rising death toll among Kansans</a>&nbsp;who unknowingly consumed drugs blended with fentanyl, which could be 50 to 100 times as potent as morphine.Kelly, looking for ways to prevent overdose poisonings and fatalities, signed the bipartisan bill removing test strips from the state’s list of illegal drug paraphernalia. At the same time, the penalty for manufacture and distribution of fentanyl-laced substances was heightened.Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/05/11/gov-kelly-signs-bipartisan-bill-decriminalizing-use-of-fentanyl-test-strips-in-kansas/">agonizing wait for adoption of the legislation</a>&nbsp;meant the values of kindness and compassion prevailed in the end.“By decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips,” Probst said, “we are helping Kansans protect themselves from a deadly poison that has taken far too many lives, including the tragic and profoundly painful loss of far too many teenagers and young adults in our state.”<h2>Unsettled law</h2>The contents of Senate Bill 180 also become law July 1, but conflict over interpretations of the statute could drag on for months or years.The measure labeled by supporters as the Women’s Bill of Rights aimed to define biological sex as the determinant for use of restrooms, domestic violence shelters, locker rooms and correctional facilities. It didn’t contain enforcement mechanisms, leaving open questions about how the bill would operate in the real world outside the Capitol bubble.Kelly vetoed the bill, but the House and Senate had votes to override the governor.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/26/kris-kobach-delivers-advice-on-new-law-targeting-transgender-kansans/">Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a nonbinding legal opinion</a>&nbsp;declaring new Kansas licenses to drive and birth certificates had to reflect gender at birth. At the same time, he said, the identification documents revised in the past to address transgender residents of Kansas had to be reissued to reflect an individual’s determination of sex at birth.The ACLU of Kansas and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/29/kansas-governor-rejects-ags-advice-on-new-anti-trans-law-kobach-we-will-see-her-in-court/">the governor disagreed with the Republican attorney general</a>, and contended the law couldn’t impact public accommodations because it didn’t include an enforcement mechanism. Kelly said state agencies would continue to allow transgender individuals to change gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates.“KDHE and KDOR disagree about its impacts on their operations and will instead keep in place their policies regarding gender markers on birth certificates and driver’s licenses,” Kelly said.Kobach, who lost the 2018 general election for governor against Kelly, said he would proceed with a legal challenge of the governor’s decision.<h2>State salaries, pensions</h2>The launch of a new fiscal year July 1 coincided with implementation of salary adjustments for state government employees. The package adopted by the Legislature and embraced by the governor linked pay increases to market rates for comparable job classifications in the private sector.State workers 10% below peers in that occupational field would be brought up to that 10% figure or given a 5% adjustment. Personnel earning above 10% of the market rate would receive a 2.5% increase. Those less than 10% below market or 10% above market would qualify for a 5% raise.Meanwhile, the Legislature pushed through a bill forbidding trustees of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System from making investment decisions based on principles of ESG. It stands for environmental, social and corporate governance considerations relied on by investors and often associated with liberal political causes.Majorities in the Legislature said KPERS should manage its $20 billion portfolio to bring about the highest return on investment with the least risk.<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/07/kansas-attorney-general-craves-law-making-state-funded-esg-investment-policies-illegal/">Kobach, who lobbied for passage of the reform</a>, said it was wrong to enable corporate intruders to jeopardize pensions of state government workers, teachers and law enforcement officers.“ESG investing uses retirement savings as leverage to force companies to reduce their carbon footprints, adopt racial and gender quotas or to succumb to the ‘woke’ social justice fad of the month,” he said.<h2>Revise and extend</h2>After years of debate, a bipartisan coalition of Kansas lawmakers agreed to make it easier for victims of childhood sexual assault to make a case in court.House Bill 2027, which received unanimous support in the Senate and House, dropped the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of the alleged crimes and extended by 10 years the opportunity to file lawsuits against alleged perpetrators.Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/gov-laura-kelly-legislators-honor-bipartisan-reform-of-kansas-law-on-sexual-abuse-claims/">persistence of a group of survivors made the difference</a>.“This is breakthrough legislation that will keep our children and communities safer by permitting our state to get more predators off our streets, while building a foundation to allow more survivors of childhood sexual violence to pursue justice,” she said.Previous Kansas law dictated criminal cases had to be filed within five years of the alleged crime. Cases of rape carried a 10-year statute of limitations once a person alleging harm turned 18. In civil cases, the suit had to be filed by the time a victim turned 21 years of age.<h2>The grab bag</h2>Turn of the calendar to July also enabled implementation of a law requiring groundwater management districts to produce for the Legislature annual reports on water usage and to develop strategies for conserving a resource made scarce by drought and heavy reliance on the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation.Conservative legislators pushed through eligibility reform in the state’s food stamp program, technically known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The new Kansas mandate required people 50 to 59 years of age without dependents to work 30 hours a week or participate in job training initiatives to qualify for food aid.In divorce cases, Kansans would now be permitted to change a last name to something other than a maiden name or former name.Election laws were modified to open the door to a presidential preference primary in March 2024.The cluster of abortion reforms include a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/26/kansas-house-overrides-governors-vetoes-of-three-anti-abortion-bills/">law requiring health professionals to perform life-saving care</a>&nbsp;when an infant was was born alive during an abortion. In 2022, Kansas doctors reported no such instances of live birth. Organizations opposed to abortion, a right protected in Kansas by the state constitution, pointed to examples of failed abortions in other states. Kelly vetoed the measure but was overridden.In addition, state lawmakers earmarked $2 million to support activities of anti-abortion centers that would be scattered across Kansas.Legislators and the governor agreed the state should limit how much public utility companies could recover through rate increases when making investments in new electricity transmission lines.The $100 fee paid to the attorney general’s office to obtain a concealed weapon license in Kansas was eliminated, but left in place a charge of $32.50 payable to a county sheriff’s department. Individuals as young as 18 can receive a permit to carry a concealed handgun.But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/28/kansas-legislature-on-cusp-of-raising-to-21-minimum-age-to-buy-tobacco-products/">lawmakers passed a law declaring only individuals 21 years of age or older</a>&nbsp;were mature enough to purchase, possess or consume tobacco products. Until Saturday, those 18 or older could buy cigarettes.

Crime, gender and guns: July begins with dozens of new state laws in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Kara Vaughn, a college student and substitute art teacher at HMS-7 in Hutchinson, she is still amazed at how her art has become something that has gone from the sidewalk to the world.

"I started on TikTok just for fun with 400 followers," Vaughn said. "Once that video took off, I'm now sitting at almost half a million followers on TikTok. In light of a conversation that I had with my landlord's wife, she mentioned that she didn't see any chalk art throughout town. It inspired me to ask TikTok if I should organize a Chalk The Town event in my area to bring the community together and to make a positive of the situation."

The Chalk The Town Scavenger Hunt will be going on Sunday, July 2 in Carey Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"Families will get to go to different locations on the map and get a passport stamp on a piece of paper that spells out the word CHALK," Vaughn said. Then they'll get to exchange that for prizes at the end."

There will be food vendors and music at the Hutchinson Zoo from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp;

Artists can check in at each of the sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. after 2 p.m., check in will be at the Zoo only.

Vaughn will be doing chalk demonstrations at each of the three entrance sites, on Carey Park Blvd at 10 a.m. at the Zoo at 2 p.m. and on Plum Street at 5 p.m.

Prize Drawings will take place at the zoo at 6 p.m. for those who have gone to the five sites to have their card filled out. Vaughn wants to get the community involved in bringing beauty to town, even if it is temporary.

"I did it with my students," Vaughn said. "I also run a gaming club, so I love characters and things like that. That's what inspired me to go ahead and start doing chalk art on my own and test the skills and see how much I could develop it, in that sense."

Vaughn now does most of her video work where she has been asked to chalk or at her parents and not in any of the areas where her landlord has asked her not to.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687959603622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687959554688.jpeg" alt="Kara Vaughn" />
 <figcaption>Kara Vaughn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Kara Vaughn, a college student and substitute art teacher at HMS-7 in Hutchinson, she is still amazed at how her art has become something that has gone from the sidewalk to the world."I started on TikTok just for fun with 400 followers," Vaughn said. "Once that video took off, I'm now sitting at almost half a million followers on TikTok. In light of a conversation that I had with my landlord's wife, she mentioned that she didn't see any chalk art throughout town. It inspired me to ask TikTok if I should organize a Chalk The Town event in my area to bring the community together and to make a positive of the situation."The Chalk The Town Scavenger Hunt will be going on Sunday, July 2 in Carey Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m."Families will get to go to different locations on the map and get a passport stamp on a piece of paper that spells out the word CHALK," Vaughn said. Then they'll get to exchange that for prizes at the end."There will be food vendors and music at the Hutchinson Zoo from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.&nbsp; Artists can check in at each of the sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. after 2 p.m., check in will be at the Zoo only.Vaughn will be doing chalk demonstrations at each of the three entrance sites, on Carey Park Blvd at 10 a.m. at the Zoo at 2 p.m. and on Plum Street at 5 p.m.Prize Drawings will take place at the zoo at 6 p.m. for those who have gone to the five sites to have their card filled out. Vaughn wants to get the community involved in bringing beauty to town, even if it is temporary."I did it with my students," Vaughn said. "I also run a gaming club, so I love characters and things like that. That's what inspired me to go ahead and start doing chalk art on my own and test the skills and see how much I could develop it, in that sense."Vaughn now does most of her video work where she has been asked to chalk or at her parents and not in any of the areas where her landlord has asked her not to.<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;

Viral artist invites Hutchinson to Chalk The Town this weekend

Irene June Robinson, 93, of Caledonia, MI, died June 26, 2023, at Legacies Assisted Living. She was born June 21, 1930, in Great Bend, to Samuel and Margaret (Christians) Ahrens.

Irene graduated from Ellinwood High School and Hutchinson Community College. Before her children were born, Irene worked as a secretary at Morton Salt. She then stayed home to raise her family. Irene enjoyed quilting and was a member of First United Methodist Church and EHU. A long-time Hutchinson resident, she moved to Michigan to be near her daughter after her husband, Leonard, passed away.

On February 26, 1956, Irene married Leonard F. Robinson, in Hutchinson. He died November 4, 2015.

She is survived by: her children, Nancy Jacobs (Michael) of Alto, MI, David Robinson (Shawna) of Shawnee; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, William Ahrens of Ellinwood; and many extended family members.

Irene was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Virginia Grey; and brothers, LaVerne, Morris, and Robert Ahrens.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave., Hutchinson. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family present to receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687865203013.jpeg" alt="Irene June Robinson" />
 <figcaption>Irene June Robinson</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene June Robinson, 93, of Caledonia, MI, died June 26, 2023, at Legacies Assisted Living. She was born June 21, 1930, in Great Bend, to Samuel and Margaret (Christians) Ahrens.Irene graduated from Ellinwood High School and Hutchinson Community College. Before her children were born, Irene worked as a secretary at Morton Salt. She then stayed home to raise her family. Irene enjoyed quilting and was a member of First United Methodist Church and EHU. A long-time Hutchinson resident, she moved to Michigan to be near her daughter after her husband, Leonard, passed away.On February 26, 1956, Irene married Leonard F. Robinson, in Hutchinson. He died November 4, 2015.She is survived by: her children, Nancy Jacobs (Michael) of Alto, MI, David Robinson (Shawna) of Shawnee; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, William Ahrens of Ellinwood; and many extended family members.Irene was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Virginia Grey; and brothers, LaVerne, Morris, and Robert Ahrens.Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave., Hutchinson. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family present to receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Irene June Robinson |1930-2023|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Circles of Hope Reno County Executive Director Jason Probst has been in the position not quite two months, but he already is confident that more people in the community can be helped, if the community just knew how.

"Maybe you're in generational poverty," Probst said. "My family, I can go back and see multiple generations who didn't graduate from high school and who didn't have advanced degrees. My brother and I were the first people to graduate high school or graduate from college in our families. When you're in a family environment like that, you don't have people who can help you understand how to fill out a FAFSA form, you don't have people in your family who can help you understand how to get a bank loan. You're not getting those tools from the people immediately around you. One thing Circles does is kind of pull people together from different areas of a community and builds a community that's intentional in helping people navigate life a little easier."

Treating poverty as if it is a moral failure does not work, according to Probst.

"We can wish and want and try to force and compel people to follow the rules that we have set, but underneath all that, we have people who are in survival mode, who don't know how to do anything other than survive," Probst said. "If we reach out with compassion and education and provide the tools and the friendship and the love and the compassion that we need to offer to people, we can help them navigate through and get to a better place in life. That's better for all of us in the end. It's better for our community. It's better for everyone."

There is going to be an event for people who are interested in coming alongside and assisting Circle Leaders in their journey.

"We're actively recruiting for the Ally part of this right now," Probst said. "These are the people that don't necessarily have a lived experience in poverty, or maybe they did, but they have managed to move out of that. We ask them to make a substantial commitment of time and friendship to people and meet with their Circle Leader at least monthly, be available to them. We let the teams work them out. The Circle Leader kind of guides their journey. The Ally is there, not to instruct, not to tell somebody how they should live, but to be there to support and to offer guidance and counsel that the Circle Leader needs to navigate this new journey."

If you'd like to help, contact Probst at <a href="mailto:thatguyinhutch@gmail.com">thatguyinhutch@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call him at (620) 664-4772.

There is also a graduation of the latest Circle Leader class on July 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. There will be an open house as part of that event to learn more about Circles of Hope.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600960659626.jpeg" alt="Jason Probst" />
 <figcaption>Jason Probst</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Circles of Hope Reno County Executive Director Jason Probst has been in the position not quite two months, but he already is confident that more people in the community can be helped, if the community just knew how."Maybe you're in generational poverty," Probst said. "My family, I can go back and see multiple generations who didn't graduate from high school and who didn't have advanced degrees. My brother and I were the first people to graduate high school or graduate from college in our families. When you're in a family environment like that, you don't have people who can help you understand how to fill out a FAFSA form, you don't have people in your family who can help you understand how to get a bank loan. You're not getting those tools from the people immediately around you. One thing Circles does is kind of pull people together from different areas of a community and builds a community that's intentional in helping people navigate life a little easier."Treating poverty as if it is a moral failure does not work, according to Probst."We can wish and want and try to force and compel people to follow the rules that we have set, but underneath all that, we have people who are in survival mode, who don't know how to do anything other than survive," Probst said. "If we reach out with compassion and education and provide the tools and the friendship and the love and the compassion that we need to offer to people, we can help them navigate through and get to a better place in life. That's better for all of us in the end. It's better for our community. It's better for everyone."There is going to be an event for people who are interested in coming alongside and assisting Circle Leaders in their journey."We're actively recruiting for the Ally part of this right now," Probst said. "These are the people that don't necessarily have a lived experience in poverty, or maybe they did, but they have managed to move out of that. We ask them to make a substantial commitment of time and friendship to people and meet with their Circle Leader at least monthly, be available to them. We let the teams work them out. The Circle Leader kind of guides their journey. The Ally is there, not to instruct, not to tell somebody how they should live, but to be there to support and to offer guidance and counsel that the Circle Leader needs to navigate this new journey."If you'd like to help, contact Probst at <a href="mailto:thatguyinhutch@gmail.com">thatguyinhutch@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or call him at (620) 664-4772. There is also a graduation of the latest Circle Leader class on July 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. There will be an open house as part of that event to learn more about Circles of Hope.<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;

Probst says Circles needs more people to help

Paul Victor ‘Vic’ Kropf, Jr., 78, of Hutchinson, died June 22, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born November 5, 1944, in Coldwater, KS, to Paul Victor, Sr. and Lela (Byram) Kropf.

Vic graduated from Coldwater High School and a business college. He worked for Grede Foundries as an industrial engineer. Vic enjoyed watching and participating in sports, such as, golf, fishing, and coaching baseball. He liked to play card games. When Vic was younger, he loved to ski, camp, hike, and bowl. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

On June 12, 1965, he married Terry Sue Huck, in Coldwater. They shared over 49 years of marriage, before her death on June 7, 2015, just five days before their 50th anniversary.

Vic is survived by: son, Chad (Jenny) Kropf of Hutchinson; daughter, Michelle Shaw of Inman, KS; grandchildren, Ryan Shaw of Hutchinson, Zachary (Krysta) Shaw of Inman, Adalynn Kropf of Hutchinson, and Elam Kropf of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Athena of Inman.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife; and son-in-law, Jack Shaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687786564938.jpeg" alt="Vic Kropf" />
 <figcaption>Vic Kropf</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Victor ‘Vic’ Kropf, Jr., 78, of Hutchinson, died June 22, 2023, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born November 5, 1944, in Coldwater, KS, to Paul Victor, Sr. and Lela (Byram) Kropf.Vic graduated from Coldwater High School and a business college. He worked for Grede Foundries as an industrial engineer. Vic enjoyed watching and participating in sports, such as, golf, fishing, and coaching baseball. He liked to play card games. When Vic was younger, he loved to ski, camp, hike, and bowl. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.On June 12, 1965, he married Terry Sue Huck, in Coldwater. They shared over 49 years of marriage, before her death on June 7, 2015, just five days before their 50th anniversary.Vic is survived by: son, Chad (Jenny) Kropf of Hutchinson; daughter, Michelle Shaw of Inman, KS; grandchildren, Ryan Shaw of Hutchinson, Zachary (Krysta) Shaw of Inman, Adalynn Kropf of Hutchinson, and Elam Kropf of Hutchinson; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Athena of Inman.He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife; and son-in-law, Jack Shaw.Cremation has taken place.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Paul Victor ‘Vic’ Kropf, Jr. |1944-2023|

Sharon Kay Ansel, 76, of Hutchinson, died June 20, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born August 14, 1946, in Walsenburg, CO, to Mike and Rose R. (Zorich) Maxwell.

Sharon graduated from Walsenburg High School, attended Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo and Hutchinson Community College. She worked in the district offices of Nickerson USD 309 for over 30 years before retirement. Sharon loved nature and enjoyed going to zoos and watching nature shows on TV. For many years, she enjoyed bowling with friends in a league. Sharon liked dancing the two step and had a passion for puzzles. She was a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and loved attending her granddaughter's games all through school. Most of all, Sharon enjoyed being with family.

She is survived by: her daughter, Regina Daines and husband John; and granddaughter, Kaytlyn Daines, all of Hutchinson; niece, Debbie Thomas her children Madeline Gerow and husband Mike, Mike Maxwell Thomas and families; nephew, Steven Maxwell and wife Carla and family; niece, Michelle Smith her children, Alesia Seitz and husband John and family, Micah Maxwell, Olivia Smith and Harmony Hill; niece, Kimberlee Lawson and husband Brian and family.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Vernon Maxwell.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will below will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.

<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NzU0NzE2MDI1ODEyOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view the service</a>

Private family inurnment will take place in Upper Huerfano Cemetery, Gardner, CO, at a later date.

Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Zoo or Friendship Meals, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687530569411.jpeg" alt="Sharon Ansel" />
 <figcaption>Sharon Ansel</figcaption>
 </figure>Sharon Kay Ansel, 76, of Hutchinson, died June 20, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born August 14, 1946, in Walsenburg, CO, to Mike and Rose R. (Zorich) Maxwell.Sharon graduated from Walsenburg High School, attended Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo and Hutchinson Community College. She worked in the district offices of Nickerson USD 309 for over 30 years before retirement. Sharon loved nature and enjoyed going to zoos and watching nature shows on TV. For many years, she enjoyed bowling with friends in a league. Sharon liked dancing the two step and had a passion for puzzles. She was a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs fan, and loved attending her granddaughter's games all through school. Most of all, Sharon enjoyed being with family.She is survived by: her daughter, Regina Daines and husband John; and granddaughter, Kaytlyn Daines, all of Hutchinson; niece, Debbie Thomas her children Madeline Gerow and husband Mike, Mike Maxwell Thomas and families; nephew, Steven Maxwell and wife Carla and family; niece, Michelle Smith her children, Alesia Seitz and husband John and family, Micah Maxwell, Olivia Smith and Harmony Hill; niece, Kimberlee Lawson and husband Brian and family.Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Vernon Maxwell.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Elliott Chapel. The service will be livestreamed and the link to view it will below will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.<a href="https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NzU0NzE2MDI1ODEyOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==">Click here to view the service</a>Private family inurnment will take place in Upper Huerfano Cemetery, Gardner, CO, at a later date.Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until the service at Elliott Mortuary.Memorials may be made to Friends of the Zoo or Friendship Meals, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Sharon Kay Ansel |1946-2023|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former HutchCC Blue Dragon Toby Johnson has been named All-Pro defensive tackle by the USFL on Wednesday.&nbsp; Johnson, a defensive tackle with the New Jersey Generals and offensive guard Jarron Jones of the Memphis Showboats are the only two time All-Pro selections by the USFL making the prestigious list two years in-a-row.

Johnson finished his college career with Georgia and then signed on as a free agent with several NFL teams before winning a National Championship in Arena Football with the Massachusetts Pirates in 2021 and was All-League both years he played for the Pirates.

CANTON, Ohio — Heading into the playoffs this weekend in Birmingham, Ala., and Canton, the USFL today announced the 2023 All-USFL Team. From a league of 400 players, 28 earned this prestigious selection as top performers this season. Collectively, these players set 11 modern USFL records. “We are very grateful to our players, coaches, and general managers for the brand of football played in USFL Season 2. There were a lot of difficult decisions to help determine the best players at 28 positions on offense, defense, and special teams,” said Daryl Johnston, President of Football Operations. “There were many players who were worthy of recognition in our highly competitive second season. Every team had at least two players named All-USFL, which is proof of the remarkable parity across the league. USFL fans are the ultimate winners as they got to enjoy watching these outstanding athletes play some incredible football.”

All-USFL OFFENSE (11) The backfield has Birmingham Stallions Quarterback&nbsp;Alex McGough,&nbsp;(3-time Offensive Player of the Week who set record with 25 total touchdowns), Houston Gamblers Running Back&nbsp;Mark Thompson&nbsp;(set record with 14 rushing touchdowns) and New Orleans Breakers Running Back&nbsp;Wes Hills&nbsp;(set two records with 957 total yards including 679 rushing yards). Catching passes are three of the USFL’s most dynamic playmakers in Philadelphia Stars Wide Receiver&nbsp;Corey Coleman&nbsp;(set record with 669 receiving yards), Gamblers Wide Receiver&nbsp;Justin Hall&nbsp;(47 receptions for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns), and Stallions Tight End&nbsp;Jace Sternberger&nbsp;(set record with 7 receiving touchdowns). On the offensive line are New Jersey Generals Center&nbsp;Jake Lacina&nbsp;and Guard&nbsp;Calvin Ashley&nbsp;(both anchored the USFL’s top rushing attack), versatile Breakers Guard&nbsp;Paul Adams,&nbsp;Gamblers Tackle&nbsp;Avery Gennesy,&nbsp;and Memphis Showboats Tackle&nbsp;Jarron Jones&nbsp;(repeats after being named 2022 All-USFL).

ALL-USFL DEFENSE (11) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Johnson_(American_football)">The defensive line is anchored by Generals Defensive Tackle&nbsp;Toby Johnson (repeats after being named 2022 All-USFL)</a>, Showboats Nose Tackle&nbsp;John Atkins,&nbsp;Michigan Panthers Defensive End&nbsp;Breeland Peaks&nbsp;(2-time Defensive Player of the Week with league-leading 9 sacks) and Stars Defensive End&nbsp;Adam Rodriguez&nbsp;(tied-third in sacks and tied-sixth in tackles for losses). In the middle are Panthers Linebacker Frank Ginda&nbsp;(set record as 4-time Defensive Player of the Week with league-leading 104 defensive tackles), Maulers Linebacker&nbsp;Kyahva Tezino&nbsp;(94 defensive tackles and 2 interceptions), and Generals Linebacker&nbsp;Chris Orr&nbsp;(82 defensive tackles and 2.5 sacks). The defensive backfield includes Pittsburgh Mauler teammates Cornerback&nbsp;Mark Gilbert&nbsp;(league-leading 4 interceptions) and Safety&nbsp;Arnold Tarpley III&nbsp;(tiedsecond with 3 interceptions along with 42 defensive tackles), Generals Cornerback&nbsp;DJ Daniel&nbsp;(tied-second with 3 interceptions along with 30 defensive tackles), and Gamblers Safety&nbsp;Manny Bunch&nbsp;(54 defensive tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception).

ALL-USFL SPECIAL TEAMS (6) The USFL takes pride in special teams with innovative rules that make professional football kick returns exciting again while also emphasizing player safety. Many USFL players provided fans with jaw-dropping moments throughout the season. The Maulers embodied special teams talent with Kick Returner&nbsp;Josh Simmons&nbsp;(set record with 862 kick return yards) and Punt Returner&nbsp;Isiah Hennie&nbsp;(set record with 297 punt return yards). No football fan will soon forget the eight field goals in one game by Stars Placekicker&nbsp;Luis Aguilar&nbsp;(set record with 94 kicking points). Stallions teammates Punter&nbsp;Colby Wadman&nbsp;(set record with 48.7-yard punt average) and Long Snapper&nbsp;Ryan Langan&nbsp;helped Birmingham to a league-best 8-2 record. Finally, Showboats Special Teamer&nbsp;Vinny Papale&nbsp;is recognized as epitomizing the fast, physical, and tough identity of USFL players.

<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;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687433737928.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former HutchCC Blue Dragon Toby Johnson has been named All-Pro defensive tackle by the USFL on Wednesday.&nbsp; Johnson, a defensive tackle with the New Jersey Generals and offensive guard Jarron Jones of the Memphis Showboats are the only two time All-Pro selections by the USFL making the prestigious list two years in-a-row.Johnson finished his college career with Georgia and then signed on as a free agent with several NFL teams before winning a National Championship in Arena Football with the Massachusetts Pirates in 2021 and was All-League both years he played for the Pirates.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you God🙏🏾 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InDueTime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InDueTime</a> <a href="https://t.co/9pR8CDtzXW">https://t.co/9pR8CDtzXW</a>&mdash; Toby Johnson (@Future020113SEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Future020113SEC/status/1671667243678154754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/vOguZKIyD5">pic.twitter.com/vOguZKIyD5</a>&mdash; Glen Grunwald (@bluedragonvoice) <a href="https://twitter.com/bluedragonvoice/status/1671852540432883713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>CANTON, Ohio — Heading into the playoffs this weekend in Birmingham, Ala., and Canton, the USFL today announced the 2023 All-USFL Team. From a league of 400 players, 28 earned this prestigious selection as top performers this season. Collectively, these players set 11 modern USFL records. “We are very grateful to our players, coaches, and general managers for the brand of football played in USFL Season 2. There were a lot of difficult decisions to help determine the best players at 28 positions on offense, defense, and special teams,” said Daryl Johnston, President of Football Operations. “There were many players who were worthy of recognition in our highly competitive second season. Every team had at least two players named All-USFL, which is proof of the remarkable parity across the league. USFL fans are the ultimate winners as they got to enjoy watching these outstanding athletes play some incredible football.”All-USFL OFFENSE (11) The backfield has Birmingham Stallions Quarterback&nbsp;Alex McGough,&nbsp;(3-time Offensive Player of the Week who set record with 25 total touchdowns), Houston Gamblers Running Back&nbsp;Mark Thompson&nbsp;(set record with 14 rushing touchdowns) and New Orleans Breakers Running Back&nbsp;Wes Hills&nbsp;(set two records with 957 total yards including 679 rushing yards). Catching passes are three of the USFL’s most dynamic playmakers in Philadelphia Stars Wide Receiver&nbsp;Corey Coleman&nbsp;(set record with 669 receiving yards), Gamblers Wide Receiver&nbsp;Justin Hall&nbsp;(47 receptions for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns), and Stallions Tight End&nbsp;Jace Sternberger&nbsp;(set record with 7 receiving touchdowns). On the offensive line are New Jersey Generals Center&nbsp;Jake Lacina&nbsp;and Guard&nbsp;Calvin Ashley&nbsp;(both anchored the USFL’s top rushing attack), versatile Breakers Guard&nbsp;Paul Adams,&nbsp;Gamblers Tackle&nbsp;Avery Gennesy,&nbsp;and Memphis Showboats Tackle&nbsp;Jarron Jones&nbsp;(repeats after being named 2022 All-USFL).ALL-USFL DEFENSE (11) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Johnson_(American_football)">The defensive line is anchored by Generals Defensive Tackle&nbsp;Toby Johnson (repeats after being named 2022 All-USFL)</a>, Showboats Nose Tackle&nbsp;John Atkins,&nbsp;Michigan Panthers Defensive End&nbsp;Breeland Peaks&nbsp;(2-time Defensive Player of the Week with league-leading 9 sacks) and Stars Defensive End&nbsp;Adam Rodriguez&nbsp;(tied-third in sacks and tied-sixth in tackles for losses). In the middle are Panthers Linebacker Frank Ginda&nbsp;(set record as 4-time Defensive Player of the Week with league-leading 104 defensive tackles), Maulers Linebacker&nbsp;Kyahva Tezino&nbsp;(94 defensive tackles and 2 interceptions), and Generals Linebacker&nbsp;Chris Orr&nbsp;(82 defensive tackles and 2.5 sacks). The defensive backfield includes Pittsburgh Mauler teammates Cornerback&nbsp;Mark Gilbert&nbsp;(league-leading 4 interceptions) and Safety&nbsp;Arnold Tarpley III&nbsp;(tiedsecond with 3 interceptions along with 42 defensive tackles), Generals Cornerback&nbsp;DJ Daniel&nbsp;(tied-second with 3 interceptions along with 30 defensive tackles), and Gamblers Safety&nbsp;Manny Bunch&nbsp;(54 defensive tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception).ALL-USFL SPECIAL TEAMS (6) The USFL takes pride in special teams with innovative rules that make professional football kick returns exciting again while also emphasizing player safety. Many USFL players provided fans with jaw-dropping moments throughout the season. The Maulers embodied special teams talent with Kick Returner&nbsp;Josh Simmons&nbsp;(set record with 862 kick return yards) and Punt Returner&nbsp;Isiah Hennie&nbsp;(set record with 297 punt return yards). No football fan will soon forget the eight field goals in one game by Stars Placekicker&nbsp;Luis Aguilar&nbsp;(set record with 94 kicking points). Stallions teammates Punter&nbsp;Colby Wadman&nbsp;(set record with 48.7-yard punt average) and Long Snapper&nbsp;Ryan Langan&nbsp;helped Birmingham to a league-best 8-2 record. Finally, Showboats Special Teamer&nbsp;Vinny Papale&nbsp;is recognized as epitomizing the fast, physical, and tough identity of USFL players.<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;

🏈 Former HutchCC Blue Dragon earns USFL postseason honor

Diana L. Lyons, 69, of Hutchinson, died June 17, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born February 6, 1954, in Garden City, to Chester W. ‘Bud’ and Erma Joyce (Giesaking) Marker.

Diana graduated from Garden City High School in 1972. She also graduated from Brown Mackie College. She worked for Integrated Solutions Group, as an accounting administrator for almost 41 years.

In Diana’s younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Diana liked to shop. She had a passion for decorating her home for the holidays, but especially for Christmas. There had to be a decorated Christmas tree in every room. Faith and family were the two most important things in Diana’s life. She loved spending time with her family and watching her grandson, Julian, play baseball. Diana was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a long-time member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson.

On June 19, 1976, she married Ralph A. Lyons in Garden City. They shared over 46 years of marriage, prior to her death.

Diana is survived by: husband, Ralph Lyons of Hutchinson; son, Ty Lyons of Hutchinson; daughter, Tara Lyons of Hutchinson; grandson, Julian Lyons of Hutchinson; brothers, Jeff (Roxanna) Marker of Hutchinson, and John (Michelle) Marker of Land O’ Lakes, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Vickie Elsey; brother, Rodney Marker; and brother-in-law, Virgil Elsey.

Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687360504365.jpeg" alt="Diana Lyons" />
 <figcaption>Diana Lyons</figcaption>
 </figure>Diana L. Lyons, 69, of Hutchinson, died June 17, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. She was born February 6, 1954, in Garden City, to Chester W. ‘Bud’ and Erma Joyce (Giesaking) Marker.Diana graduated from Garden City High School in 1972. She also graduated from Brown Mackie College. She worked for Integrated Solutions Group, as an accounting administrator for almost 41 years.In Diana’s younger years, she enjoyed horseback riding and barrel racing. Diana liked to shop. She had a passion for decorating her home for the holidays, but especially for Christmas. There had to be a decorated Christmas tree in every room. Faith and family were the two most important things in Diana’s life. She loved spending time with her family and watching her grandson, Julian, play baseball. Diana was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a long-time member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson.On June 19, 1976, she married Ralph A. Lyons in Garden City. They shared over 46 years of marriage, prior to her death.Diana is survived by: husband, Ralph Lyons of Hutchinson; son, Ty Lyons of Hutchinson; daughter, Tara Lyons of Hutchinson; grandson, Julian Lyons of Hutchinson; brothers, Jeff (Roxanna) Marker of Hutchinson, and John (Michelle) Marker of Land O’ Lakes, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Vickie Elsey; brother, Rodney Marker; and brother-in-law, Virgil Elsey.Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, at Elliott Mortuary.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Diana L. Lyons |1954-2023|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of the city's CIP discussions in the budget process that took place in a study session Tuesday, there is a proposal to turf Hobart-Detter Field and two other fields at Fun Valley.

"I've met with the Athletic Director from USD 308 as well as HCC," said Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs. "Both have verbally committed, we're waiting on letters, to split the cost of turf at Hobart-Detter and two fields at Fun Valley. Fields two and three, which is the home fields of the college and the home field of the Salthawks, to split those costs 50-50."

The educational entities would pay their half over 10 years.

"Our total share would be $1.2 million, in that range with a commitment from those two organizations for about $1.2 million, as well," Combs said.&nbsp;

Combs made clear that this would fix the underlying problems, too.

"The bulk of the cost of building artificial turf is not the turf itself," Combs said. "It's the underdrain system that's underneath. I've worked with three different contractors, took them on site and showed them what the drainage issue is. Most likely, we'll end up with a small retention area beyond kind of left center. It will be on past the scoreboard, so that we can get the water off the field."

There will be 12 to 18 inches of stone underneath the turf to make the drainage work. The intent at this point is to bond the project in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687281689810.jpeg" alt="Hobart-Detter Field-Photo Courtesy HutchCC" />
 <figcaption>Hobart-Detter Field-Photo Courtesy HutchCC</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of the city's CIP discussions in the budget process that took place in a study session Tuesday, there is a proposal to turf Hobart-Detter Field and two other fields at Fun Valley."I've met with the Athletic Director from USD 308 as well as HCC," said Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs. "Both have verbally committed, we're waiting on letters, to split the cost of turf at Hobart-Detter and two fields at Fun Valley. Fields two and three, which is the home fields of the college and the home field of the Salthawks, to split those costs 50-50."The educational entities would pay their half over 10 years."Our total share would be $1.2 million, in that range with a commitment from those two organizations for about $1.2 million, as well," Combs said.&nbsp;Combs made clear that this would fix the underlying problems, too."The bulk of the cost of building artificial turf is not the turf itself," Combs said. "It's the underdrain system that's underneath. I've worked with three different contractors, took them on site and showed them what the drainage issue is. Most likely, we'll end up with a small retention area beyond kind of left center. It will be on past the scoreboard, so that we can get the water off the field."There will be 12 to 18 inches of stone underneath the turf to make the drainage work. The intent at this point is to bond the project in 2024.<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;

Hobart-Detter, two fields at Fun Valley to get turf

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) has been selected as the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Arconic Foundation. The investment has allowed HutchCC to expand its Automation Engineering Technology (AET) labs.

”Arconic’s support of our AET program is greatly appreciated,” said Dr. Carter File, President of Hutchinson Community College. “With their support, we have been able to expand our student capacity by 25%, preparing even more students for careers in this high-demand, high-wage field”.

The Arconic Foundation seeks partnerships to create skill-building learning experiences that enhance individual opportunity, specifically within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and manufacturing workforce development.

For more information on this and other Hutchinson Community College opportunities, contact Dave Mullins at <a href="mailto:mullinsd@hutchcc.edu">mullinsd@hutchcc.edu</a>/

<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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577741375097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community CollegeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) has been selected as the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Arconic Foundation. The investment has allowed HutchCC to expand its Automation Engineering Technology (AET) labs.”Arconic’s support of our AET program is greatly appreciated,” said Dr. Carter File, President of Hutchinson Community College. “With their support, we have been able to expand our student capacity by 25%, preparing even more students for careers in this high-demand, high-wage field”.The Arconic Foundation seeks partnerships to create skill-building learning experiences that enhance individual opportunity, specifically within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and manufacturing workforce development.For more information on this and other Hutchinson Community College opportunities, contact Dave Mullins at <a href="mailto:mullinsd@hutchcc.edu">mullinsd@hutchcc.edu</a>/<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;&nbsp;

HutchCC receives Arconic Foundation grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Reno County near Yoder has a clear mission, but it is using updated methods to accomplish that.&nbsp;

"The purpose and function of such training center shall be the promotion and development of improved law enforcement personnel and procedures throughout the state, and the training center shall offer to qualified applicants, as defined in K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch74/074_056_0005.html" target="_blank">74-5605</a>, and amendments thereto, such programs and courses of instruction designed to fulfill this end. No person shall enroll in a basic course of instruction at the Kansas law enforcement training center unless the person holds a provisional law enforcement certificate."

As is true at every level of education now from kindergarten through college, technology has changed the way policing works, even for students that are just learning.

"Technology in the classroom, each student has a laptop," said Alvin Sowers, Associate Director at KLETC. He thinks of himself as kind of the day to day administrator for the school."This generation learns from laptops, because that's what they did. You have to use a computer to be a cop these days. That's just part of it. We've gotten a lot of feedback from our customers, our agencies, that tell us that the technology work that we're doing is paying big dividends for the agency, as they know how to use the computer, so they don't have to work so hard at the IT stuff, because they've got some of it here."

Senior instructors at the school are able to keep up with each class so that they can have multiple different classes going on at the same time.

"Each class has a coordinator assigned to them," Sowers said. "They take care of their day to day operations, or their day to day needs and those class coordinators are selected as mentors. Those mentors also model the behavior that we expect out of our officers, so it's a two-way street there. We're teaching them and modeling for them and then we expect them to go out and do the same thing in the communities in Kansas."

The day Hutch Post was there, there were several field training tests going on with different classes, as there are usually five classes in session at a time, starting every three weeks, with the goal of getting 17 classes through in a year.

One trainee was doing a building search including cuffing a person and then that person, also a trainer, explained to the officer after finishing the scenario, what they were unclear about in their instructions and a separate instructor explained how the handcuffs should be applied to cause the least pain to someone who needs to be cuffed.

"You're allowed now to progress and learn, maybe, one way to handcuff and next week you'll learn a second way and a third week you'll learn another way," Sowers said. "We just keep progressing to where, at the end, they can use any of those skills based on the situation presented."

At the same time, brand new students who were just entering the academy that week were learning the basic rules for firearms safety on campus (they are not allowed to carry their service weapons generally, only when at the practice range).

In another class, a former member of the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office was going over information for a class on the things they need to think about when preparing to testify in court, including any conflicts arising from&nbsp;incidents of untruthfulness, criminal convictions, candor issues, or some other type of issue placing their credibility into question, so called Brady or Giglio material.

Another class was on the school's driving course, learning how to properly conduct both a DUI traffic stop and, separately, how to respond to an accident where a victim needs a tourniquet to stop bleeding before EMS can get there. Stop The Bleed training is standard for all officers now at KLETC.

"That training is incorporated very early on and then used throughout," Sowers said. "They will have a range exercise, too, where they'll put&nbsp;tourniquets on. In the middle of class, an instructor might say, you've got 10 seconds. Get a&nbsp;tourniquet on your right arm for a bleed, so you get that startle effect of, oh, what's going on?"

They also teach the officers how to deal with the physiological response of having the lights and siren on when it is needed for a call.

All of this is in addition to work on the shooting range and in the classroom and in mock force scenarios both electronic and in person.&nbsp;

For KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck, it is important to get the message across to new recruits that policework, though it is a heavy responsibility, it is a noble profession.

"On the national media, or on social media, you're seeing police, frequently, at their worst," Beck said. "You're seeing them do things that are frankly, shocking to everybody. When that is the narrative, then, when you're trying to explain to students and to the community and to everybody who will listen, that law enforcement really is about keeping people safe. Fundamentally, protecting people's rights. That's a hard sell."

Law enforcement has the capability to do heroic things, but because of the power they wield, they also have the capability to do horrific harm. That's why teaching the importance of integrity from the beginning of an officer's career is absolutely paramount. New officers generally come from a few paths.

"We have two different groups," Beck said. "One is that group of young people who are looking for a career field, one is that group of people who has been in another career field, whether that's military or whether that's any other profession. They want something different. They want something more meaningful in their lives, and so they switch to law enforcement."

One of the big recent accomplishments is that the academy has gone from a wait of about six months from the hiring of an officer to their time at KLETC down to three weeks, so if agencies need to hire new, regardless of their size, they aren't waiting too long to get officers ready to serve.

KLETC is moving beyond just the basic training piece, though, as it prepares to help officers at every stage of a career.

"We lay the foundation in basic training," Beck said. "One of the areas where we are changing is, we are trying to create a scaffolding for the rest of their career, so that they continue to go through training with us, because the profession is constantly changing. I gave an example when I spoke the other day of AI. I have no idea how criminals are going to use AI. I know that they are going to use AI, but I don't know yet what we need to be training officers to use AI for, so I say, stay tuned and make sure you're continuing to come back to continuing education classes, because we're going to be offering classes at some point in criminal uses of artificial intelligence."

Whenever people can communicate, crime can occur and being ready for what's next is the job of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. That is why the Kansas Board of Regents approved a $250 million expansion of the campus in 2021.

New training facilities eventually hope to include an indoor firing range, a defensive tactics building, a tactical village, a scenarios building, an administrative-welcome center-professional development complex, a multipurpose event facility, and expanded support facilities.

<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/2023/6/1686850053266.jpeg" alt="KLETC students spend much of their first few weeks in the classroom-Photo Courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>KLETC students spend much of their first few weeks in the classroom-Photo Courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Reno County near Yoder has a clear mission, but it is using updated methods to accomplish that.&nbsp;According to Kansas Statute 74-5603"The purpose and function of such training center shall be the promotion and development of improved law enforcement personnel and procedures throughout the state, and the training center shall offer to qualified applicants, as defined in K.S.A.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch74/074_056_0005.html" target="_blank">74-5605</a>, and amendments thereto, such programs and courses of instruction designed to fulfill this end. No person shall enroll in a basic course of instruction at the Kansas law enforcement training center unless the person holds a provisional law enforcement certificate."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686849748020.jpeg" alt="A 1979 Class Book from KLETC-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>A 1979 Class Book from KLETC-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>As is true at every level of education now from kindergarten through college, technology has changed the way policing works, even for students that are just learning."Technology in the classroom, each student has a laptop," said Alvin Sowers, Associate Director at KLETC. He thinks of himself as kind of the day to day administrator for the school."This generation learns from laptops, because that's what they did. You have to use a computer to be a cop these days. That's just part of it. We've gotten a lot of feedback from our customers, our agencies, that tell us that the technology work that we're doing is paying big dividends for the agency, as they know how to use the computer, so they don't have to work so hard at the IT stuff, because they've got some of it here."Senior instructors at the school are able to keep up with each class so that they can have multiple different classes going on at the same time."Each class has a coordinator assigned to them," Sowers said. "They take care of their day to day operations, or their day to day needs and those class coordinators are selected as mentors. Those mentors also model the behavior that we expect out of our officers, so it's a two-way street there. We're teaching them and modeling for them and then we expect them to go out and do the same thing in the communities in Kansas."The day Hutch Post was there, there were several field training tests going on with different classes, as there are usually five classes in session at a time, starting every three weeks, with the goal of getting 17 classes through in a year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686849715381.jpeg" alt="KLETC students train on how to handcuff suspects-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>KLETC students train on how to handcuff suspects-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>One trainee was doing a building search including cuffing a person and then that person, also a trainer, explained to the officer after finishing the scenario, what they were unclear about in their instructions and a separate instructor explained how the handcuffs should be applied to cause the least pain to someone who needs to be cuffed."You're allowed now to progress and learn, maybe, one way to handcuff and next week you'll learn a second way and a third week you'll learn another way," Sowers said. "We just keep progressing to where, at the end, they can use any of those skills based on the situation presented."At the same time, brand new students who were just entering the academy that week were learning the basic rules for firearms safety on campus (they are not allowed to carry their service weapons generally, only when at the practice range).In another class, a former member of the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office was going over information for a class on the things they need to think about when preparing to testify in court, including any conflicts arising from&nbsp;incidents of untruthfulness, criminal convictions, candor issues, or some other type of issue placing their credibility into question, so called Brady or Giglio material.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686849795500.jpeg" alt="Officers train to respond to a car accident at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Officers train to respond to a car accident at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>Another class was on the school's driving course, learning how to properly conduct both a DUI traffic stop and, separately, how to respond to an accident where a victim needs a tourniquet to stop bleeding before EMS can get there. Stop The Bleed training is standard for all officers now at KLETC."That training is incorporated very early on and then used throughout," Sowers said. "They will have a range exercise, too, where they'll put&nbsp;tourniquets on. In the middle of class, an instructor might say, you've got 10 seconds. Get a&nbsp;tourniquet on your right arm for a bleed, so you get that startle effect of, oh, what's going on?"They also teach the officers how to deal with the physiological response of having the lights and siren on when it is needed for a call.All of this is in addition to work on the shooting range and in the classroom and in mock force scenarios both electronic and in person.&nbsp;For KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck, it is important to get the message across to new recruits that policework, though it is a heavy responsibility, it is a noble profession.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686849671924.jpeg" alt="Darin Beck-Photo Courtesy KLETC" />
 <figcaption>Darin Beck-Photo Courtesy KLETC</figcaption>
 </figure>"On the national media, or on social media, you're seeing police, frequently, at their worst," Beck said. "You're seeing them do things that are frankly, shocking to everybody. When that is the narrative, then, when you're trying to explain to students and to the community and to everybody who will listen, that law enforcement really is about keeping people safe. Fundamentally, protecting people's rights. That's a hard sell."Law enforcement has the capability to do heroic things, but because of the power they wield, they also have the capability to do horrific harm. That's why teaching the importance of integrity from the beginning of an officer's career is absolutely paramount. New officers generally come from a few paths."We have two different groups," Beck said. "One is that group of young people who are looking for a career field, one is that group of people who has been in another career field, whether that's military or whether that's any other profession. They want something different. They want something more meaningful in their lives, and so they switch to law enforcement."One of the big recent accomplishments is that the academy has gone from a wait of about six months from the hiring of an officer to their time at KLETC down to three weeks, so if agencies need to hire new, regardless of their size, they aren't waiting too long to get officers ready to serve.KLETC is moving beyond just the basic training piece, though, as it prepares to help officers at every stage of a career."We lay the foundation in basic training," Beck said. "One of the areas where we are changing is, we are trying to create a scaffolding for the rest of their career, so that they continue to go through training with us, because the profession is constantly changing. I gave an example when I spoke the other day of AI. I have no idea how criminals are going to use AI. I know that they are going to use AI, but I don't know yet what we need to be training officers to use AI for, so I say, stay tuned and make sure you're continuing to come back to continuing education classes, because we're going to be offering classes at some point in criminal uses of artificial intelligence."Whenever people can communicate, crime can occur and being ready for what's next is the job of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. That is why the Kansas Board of Regents approved a $250 million expansion of the campus in 2021.New training facilities eventually hope to include an indoor firing range, a defensive tactics building, a tactical village, a scenarios building, an administrative-welcome center-professional development complex, a multipurpose event facility, and expanded support facilities.<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;

KLETC: Mission to train officers continues, methods are updated

Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;

TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments. “After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.” <a href="https://www.cityofcolby.com/299/Colby-Event-Center">The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS&nbsp;</a>was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby. United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years. 2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Events Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598357043542.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas State High School Activities Association&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2024 Class 1A DI State Basketball Championships are headed to the Colby Event Center March&nbsp; 6-9, 2024, while class 2A will compete at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City. The KSHSAA maintains a very strong relationship with Visit Manhattan and Kansas State University however this year’s KSHSAA State Basketball Championships conflict with the final week of the Big 12 Conference regular season. Kansas State expressed desire to host a home game for one or both of their basketball teams should that opportunity arise. Accordingly, it was necessary for the KSHSAA to consider alternative locations to conduct the seven basketball tournaments. “After conversations with many around the state, the Colby Event Center is the best facility to host a state basketball tournament in 2024 as we work through the 2024 season with Bramlage Coliseum not being an option,” said Kyle Doperalski, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director. “The City of Colby along with its events center staff will do a marvelous job hosting a state tournament for our athletes, coaches and fans to enjoy. The facility has been in operation for two years and boasts a lot of features and amenities our teams and fans will appreciate and will make a perfect fit for Class 1A-DI’s state tournament. Dodge City will continue it’s tradition of top notch event management providing Class 2A a championship level experience in United Wireless Arena.” <a href="https://www.cityofcolby.com/299/Colby-Event-Center">The Colby Event Center in Colby, KS&nbsp;</a>was opened in 2021 and plays host to Colby Community College and the Orange and Black basketball tournament along with many other events year-round. This will be the first KSHSAA State Basketball Championship held in Colby. United Wireless Arena has hosted many state events since 2015 including hosting 1A DI State Basketball Championship last year as well as the 2A and 1A DI State Volleyball Championships the last four years. 2024 State Basketball Locations: 6A - Wichita - Koch Arena 5A - Emporia - White Auditorium 4A - Salina - Tony’s Pizza Events Center 3A - Hutchinson - Hutchinson Sports Arena 2A - Dodge City - United Wireless Arena 1A DI - Colby - Colby Events Center 1A DII - Great Bend - Barton Community College&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 KSHSAA releases 2024 state championship sites

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The next time the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and the Hutchinson High School Salthawks take the field, they will be playing on new turf at Gowans Stadium.

The current turf at Gowans Stadium, which was installed in February of 2015, is being torn up and will be replaced with AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 blend. According to the HutchCC Board of Trustees meeting from April 13, the cost will be $300,000.00. The new turf will come with a new 10-year warranty and 10-year maintenance contract. The initial cost of the turf replacement approved in December, 2014 was $697,415.00.

"The current turf at Gowans had an eight year lifespan and it started to show signs of degradation," HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. "We're putting our warranty to use and look forward to having a new playing surface ready by July."

The AstroTurf website says the RootZone 3D3 Blend combines three unique fibers in one system (RootZone, Trionic Monofilament, and ultra-durable slit film). The RootZone 3D3 Blend also offers both durability and aesthetics and is the most popular system under the AstroTurf products.&nbsp;

"The field design will be the exact same," Gooch said. "We will have the most up-to-date turf that there is on the market. I think it is a classy look for all the entities that use Gowans, and it allows for everybody to be showcased on that venue."

The current turf has hosted a Kansas State High School Activities Association championship football game the past nine seasons, as well as the Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 2021.

"There are really many neat moments that happened on this turf," Gooch said. "I think hosting the Shrine Bowl and what that means to all of those kids and having that event here in Hutchinson and Gowans Stadium is one that I'll probably think back on the most. Each high school state championship there are a lot of fun, but there are several moments I'll think back on."

If everything goes as planned, the turf will be ready to go by the first of July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672209675.jpeg" alt="The ripping up of the turf began on Tuesday at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>The ripping up of the turf began on Tuesday at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The next time the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons and the Hutchinson High School Salthawks take the field, they will be playing on new turf at Gowans Stadium.The current turf at Gowans Stadium, which was installed in February of 2015, is being torn up and will be replaced with AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 blend. According to the HutchCC Board of Trustees meeting from April 13, the cost will be $300,000.00. The new turf will come with a new 10-year warranty and 10-year maintenance contract. The initial cost of the turf replacement approved in December, 2014 was $697,415.00."The current turf at Gowans had an eight year lifespan and it started to show signs of degradation," HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch said. "We're putting our warranty to use and look forward to having a new playing surface ready by July."The AstroTurf website says the RootZone 3D3 Blend combines three unique fibers in one system (RootZone, Trionic Monofilament, and ultra-durable slit film). The RootZone 3D3 Blend also offers both durability and aesthetics and is the most popular system under the AstroTurf products.&nbsp;"The field design will be the exact same," Gooch said. "We will have the most up-to-date turf that there is on the market. I think it is a classy look for all the entities that use Gowans, and it allows for everybody to be showcased on that venue."The current turf has hosted a Kansas State High School Activities Association championship football game the past nine seasons, as well as the Kansas Shrine Bowl game in 2021."There are really many neat moments that happened on this turf," Gooch said. "I think hosting the Shrine Bowl and what that means to all of those kids and having that event here in Hutchinson and Gowans Stadium is one that I'll probably think back on the most. Each high school state championship there are a lot of fun, but there are several moments I'll think back on."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672273302.jpeg" alt="Panoramic view of Gowans Stadium on June 13, 2023. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>Panoramic view of Gowans Stadium on June 13, 2023. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>If everything goes as planned, the turf will be ready to go by the first of July."They started ripping the turf up today and it will take about three days for removal," Gooch said. "Friday, some foundation type work will take place. Then about 12 days the contract has them to be done by the first of July."The first artificial turf at Gowans Stadium was installed in 2004 and lasted 11 seasons. Gowans Stadium was built in the 1930s and has been the home of HutchCC and Hutch High football since it opened. It has also been the home of the Blue Dragon men's and women's track and field teams, plus home to the Salthawks track and field teams.The video board beyond the south end zone at Gowans Stadium was added in April, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686672378033.jpeg" alt="The video board at Gowans Stadium was installed in April, 2022. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)" />
 <figcaption>The video board at Gowans Stadium was installed in April, 2022. (Sean Boston/Hutch Post)</figcaption>
 </figure><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;