Category: News - Ad Astra Radio | Everything Local

Reno County District Attorney Releases Findings in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

Thursday, May 14

RENO COUNTY, Kan. - May 14, 2026 - The Reno County District Attorney’s Office has completed review of the use of deadly force that resulted in the death of Cassondra Scott. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation related to the incident that occurred... Read More.

McPherson Main Street Receives Designation as a 2026 Main Street America Accredited Program

Thursday, May 14

This highest national designation recognizes McPherson Main Street’s exceptional commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact McPHERSON, Kan. (May 7, 2026) — McPherson Main Street has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main... Read More.

One Teenager Stable, One in Custody Following Carey Park Shooting

Thursday, May 14

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On May 13th, 2026, at 8:21 P.M., officers with the Hutchinson Police Department, along with personnel from the Hutchinson Fire Department and Reno County EMS, were dispatched to the river, near Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park, in reference to a shooting. When... Read More.

Kansas Book Festival Announces Tornado Anniversary Event Featuring Bill Kurtis, Melissa Brunner.

Thursday, May 14

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Kansas Book Festival announces A Night for the History Books: Bill Kurtis Remembers, an evening with beloved journalist, documentarian, and author Bill Kurtis. On the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Topeka tornado, the Kansas Book Festival is asking the author... Read More.

McPherson PD Honors Fallen Officers

Wednesday, May 13

Peace Officers Memorial Day was observed Wednesday by the McPherson Police Department with two ceremonies At a morning at McPherson Cemetery it honored the two McPherson officers who died in the line of duty – Night Chief Charles Bruce, who was shot and killed... Read More.

Sixth Grade Teacher Cassie Sturgeon Receives May Classroom Hero Award

Wednesday, May 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Faris Elementary School 6th Grade teacher Cassie Sturgeon makes such a big impact on her students that they don’t want to leave her class. Ad Astra Radio is proud to announce Mrs. Sturgeon as this month’s Classroom Hero Award recipient presented by... Read More.

Newton City Commission Approves Additional Lease for Business expansion

Wednesday, May 13

The Newton City Commission Tuesday approved an agreement for Ballard Aviation to lease 17 acres of agricultural land just south and west of its facility at Newton City/County Airport. Ballard has operated at the airport since 2008, offering aircraft sales, maintenance and modifications. The... Read More.

Leadership Program Cohort Focused on Reno County Downtowns

Wednesday, May 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - Twenty-one residents are focused on activating Reno County downtowns through Hutchinson Community Foundation’s Transformational Leadership Cohort. The cohort kicked off May 11 and 12 and is funded by Hutchinson Community Foundation and the Kansas Leadership Center’s Leadership Transformation Grant. The foundation has... Read More.

Tyson Thrall Announces Campaign for Kansas House District 102

Wednesday, May 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson resident, husband, and father Tyson Thrall has officially announced his campaign for Kansas House District 102, running on a platform focused on strong families, educational excellence, lower taxes, constitutional freedoms, and protecting the future of Hutchinson. Thrall and his wife, Kayla,... Read More.

Industry Leader Says SEKMHC Expansion Saga a Warning to Other Mental Health Providers

Wednesday, May 13

Kessler’s comments provide one of the clearest public acknowledgements yet from the state CMHC association that SEK pursued a path significantly different from other Kansas behavioral-health providers during its rapid expansion into primary care and dental services. The federal CCBHC system was created to expand... Read More.

Leadership McPherson Class of 2026 Completes Program, Advances “Suds & Smiles” Community Initiative

Tuesday, May 12

McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Chamber of Commerce announced today that the Leadership McPherson Class of 2026 has officially completed its nine-week leadership development program, celebrating the milestone with a luncheon at the McPherson Opera House. The longstanding program is built on the principle... Read More.

Bethany College Names Dr. Josh Doak Dean of Student Affairs

Tuesday, May 12

Bethany College in Lindsborg has named Dr. Josh Doak Dean of Student Affairs, starting June 8th. Dr. Doak brings a strong background in student engagement, leadership development, and higher education and a student centered vision that will help strengthen campus life and student success at... Read More.