Category: News - Ad Astra Radio | Everything Local

Hutchinson Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

Monday, August 24

WICHITA, Kan. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, William “Bill” Bright, 58, of Hutchinson pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. In June 2025, Bright went to a Kansas truck stop for... Read More.

Family of Three Dies in Galesburg House Fire

Monday, August 24

GALESBURG — A family of three with ties to Montgomery and Labette counties died early Monday morning in a house fire near Galesburg. Galesburg Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Lilburn said firefighters were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. to the area of U.S. 59 and 80th... Read More.

Boil Water Advisories Rescinded for Kingman and Pratt Counties

Monday, August 24

KANSAS - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has officially rescinded boil water advisories for two public water supply systems following successful water quality testing. Kingman County The advisory for a portion of the Kingman Co RWD 1 system has been lifted. The original... Read More.

StartUp Hutch Launches Avante, New Six-Week Entrepreneurship Program

Monday, August 24

New core program offers practical tools, resources and connections for entrepreneurs HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Aug. 24, 2026 — StartUp Hutch is launching Avante, a new six-week entrepreneurship bootcamp designed to help aspiring and existing business owners build a strong foundation and move their businesses forward. Avante... Read More.

Western Plains Superintendent Arrested Amid Ongoing Investigation

Monday, August 24

RANSOM, Kan. — A western Kansas school superintendent was arrested last Friday on 10 counts following an investigation at Western Plains High School. Local authorities confirmed Monday that Jeff Jones was booked by the Ness County Sheriff's Office in connection with the case. According to... Read More.

Kingman to Host Floodplain Mapping Open House

Monday, August 24

KINGMAN, Kan. - Kingman County residents are invited to a floodplain mapping open house this Wednesday, August 26th, from 2:00 to 6:30 PM at The Hangar, located at 126 North Main Street in Kingman. The event provides an opportunity for community members to engage directly... Read More.

Local Law Enforcement to Participate in Sober Driving Campaign

Monday, August 24

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office and the Hutchinson Police Department are joining law enforcement agencies across the country for a nationwide sober driving campaign. Reno County law enforcement launched their campaign on August 23rd, and the Hutchinson Police Department is set... Read More.

Report: Nearly 40% of Kansas in Moderate to Severe Drought

Monday, August 24

Recurring drought is straining water resources, according to drought.gov. As groundwater levels drop, the state is leaning harder into water management and drought-resilient crops to keep up its agricultural output. Currently, nearly 40% of Kansas is in moderate to severe drought, and effects can linger for... Read More.

Larned Man Arrested for Child Sex Crimes

Sunday, August 23

PAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Larned man on charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. On Friday, Aug. 21, at approximately 5:50 p.m., KBI agents executed an arrest warrant for Alexander... Read More.

Former U.S. Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker has Died

Sunday, August 23

Former U.S. Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker has died at age 94. Kassebaum made history in 1978 as the first woman elected to represent Kansas in the U.S. Senate. She served three terms, winning reelection with more than 70 percent of the vote in 1984... Read More.

Wheat Harvest Smallest Since Ike was President

Saturday, August 22

Kansas is on track for its smallest wheat harvest since the 1950s. A USDA report projects just 196 million bushels this year, down from nearly 347 million last year. Drought, freeze damage, and rising input costs are squeezing farmers statewide. Nationally, the picture is just as... Read More.

Newton Fire/EMS Chief Announces Retirement after 32 Years of Service

Friday, August 21

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Fire/EMS Chief Steve Roberson has announced he is retiring after nearly 32 years with the City of Newton. Roberson began his career in 1995 with the Newton Ambulance Department, which merged with the Newton Fire Department in 1997 to form Newton... Read More.