News

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Announces End of Measles Outbreak in Southwest Kansas

Thursday, August 21

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced that the measles outbreak affecting southwest Kansas has officially ended. Two full incubation periods, for a total of 42 days, have passed since the last confirmed case was reported. As there is not an... Read More.

Senator Marshall Hosts Roundtable Focused on Law Enforcement Officers’ Mental Health

Thursday, August 21

WICHITA, Kan. — On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) hosted a roundtable in Wichita with law enforcement officers, first responders, and mental health professionals to explore ways all agencies can work together to address the mental health needs of all first responders.... Read More.

McPherson College Offers New Degree in Exercise Science

Thursday, August 21

McPHERSON, Kan. — The Higher Learning Commission recently approved McPherson College to offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science starting in August 2026. The degree further diversifies the college’s academic offerings and builds on the existing strengths in the health science and sports... Read More.

Hutchinson Fire Department Responds to Basement Electrical Fire

Thursday, August 21

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Crews responded to 20 West Campbell Street for a structure fire this morning at 9:43 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found light smoke showing from a small residential structure. Crews made entry into the home and found a smoldering electrical... Read More.

Sturgeon Plumbing and Air Conditioning Receive Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber Small Business of the Month Award

Wednesday, August 20

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber is pleased to present the August Small Business of the Month Award to Sturgeon Plumbing and Air Conditioning. Ron Sturgeon began his career at Stevens, Inc., where he worked for 16 years. But the day after his youngest... Read More.

Floodplain Mapping Appeal Process Underway for Allen, Neosho Counties

Wednesday, August 20

Appeal periods are now open with the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Water Resources on proposed floodplain maps for Allen and Neosho counties. The Allen County map was released for public review in November 2023 with the Neosho County Map released in August... Read More.

Hutch Rec Announces Transition of Smallville Festival to Original Founder

Wednesday, August 20

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Since 2015, Hutchinson Recreation Commission (Hutch Rec) has organized and hosted the annual Smallville Festival, an event that celebrates Hutchinson as Smallville, Kansas from the Superman comic books. Hutch Rec assumed leadership of the festival at the request of its founding members,... Read More.

GBHS to Host “Think Before You Post” – The Power of Social Media Tour with Chet Kuplen

Wednesday, August 20

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Parents and guardians of USD 428 students in grades 6–12 are invited to an important and eye-opening presentation at Great Bend High School Auditorium, 2027 Morton Street, on Thursday, August 21, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. The program, “Think Before... Read More.

Kansas Legislators Despair About $60 Million Annual Cost of Contract Nurses at Psychiatric Hospitals

Tuesday, August 19

Larned, Osawatomie superintendents outline reasons to keep private contract labor TOPEKA, Kan. — The state of Kansas invests more than $60 million annually to hire contract nursing staff to work at state psychiatric hospitals in Larned and Osawatomie, but the financial boost hasn’t closed job... Read More.

Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy to Combine in All-Stock Merger to Create a Premier Regional Regulated Electric and Natural Gas Utility Company

Tuesday, August 19

RAPID CITY, SD and BUTTE, MT / SIOUX FALLS, SD — Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) today announced that each company’s board of directors has unanimously approved a definitive agreement to combine in... Read More.

Hutch CF Hires Marketing and Development Associate

Tuesday, August 19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community Foundation announces Meg Hilst as its marketing and development associate. Hilst joined the Community Foundation on Aug. 12. She will assist the communications and development team in implementing the foundation’s communications and development strategy through marketing support and event coordination. Hilst... Read More.

Local Schools Named to KSHSAA Performing Arts Commended List

Tuesday, August 19

TOPEKA, Kan. - McPherson High School, Buhler High School, and Sterling High School were named to the Commended List for the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence award. The award recognizes the best schools in Kansas in performing arts, selected by committees from the Kansas Music... Read More.