HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 30-year-old Hutchinson man who was arrested with his father back on Nov. 23 on marijuana cultivation charges, and has other cases against him, waived his right to a preliminary hearing when he appeared before Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen Wednesday.

Jonathan Payne is actually charged in five different cases, the latest coming after he was arrested for auto burglary and criminal use of a financial card. This occurred back on Feb. 7 of this year. He’s alleged to have broken into a car and stealing a Visa Card. He used between $1,000 and $25,000 on the card.

He also has a case that goes back to Feb. 3 where he’s charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In the third case, he’s charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute. That case goes back to Oct. 28, 2014.

The two more serious cases include being arrested along with his father, 51-year-old Johnny Payne, for cultivation of marijuana, conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to cultivate marijuana and personal use drug paraphernalia. The first count alone could see them each receive nearly seven years in prison. Drug Unit Detectives are alleged to have found 12 marijuana plants at the home in the 1500 block of North Monroe. That was in November of last year.

In the final case, Payne is charged along with 20-year-old Cole Castle in a distribution of marijuana case that goes back to July of 2014. Charges there include distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. The state alleges that the two conspired to distribute somewhere between 25 and 450 grams of marijuana. The state says the two arranged to distribute the marijuana using a telephone.

His dad already waived his preliminary hearing in the marijuana cultivation case and his case is set to have a pre-trial hearing in front of Judge Trish Rose.

Jonathan Payne will be arraigned on all five cases against him on July 6, also in front of Judge Rose.

Hutch man bound over in two cases

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 36-year-old man jailed for suspicion of multiple counts of stalking and theft in one case and robbery and aggravated burglary in another was bound over for trial by Judge Joe McCarville.

Timothy Drumgould now faces trial for four counts of stalking and two misdemeanor counts of theft for allegedly stealing a cell phone and some keys. He allegedly had contact with the victim from an earlier case a number of times, violating the conditions of his bond. All of these crimes occurred on various dates in March.

The other case against Drumgould involves the same victim. In that case from Feb. 18, he’s charged with aggravated burglary and robbery. His bond had been set at $25,000 and, as a part of the bond, he was told to have no contact with the victim.

Bond now totals $130,000 and he’ll be arraigned on July 6.

Two teens formally charged in series of auto burglaries

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The two teens arrested in the 8th & Plum area last week appeared from the Reno County Jail Wednesday to hear the formal charges filed against them.

Eighteen-year-old Jacob Rodriquez and 19-year-old Julio Cantu IV are both charged with six counts of auto burglary for allegedly breaking into vehicles around the city. Cantu also faces charges of possession of marijuana. All of the crimes occurred around May 27.

Rodriquez has a bond of $15,000, but managed to convince Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen to lower it again. It’s now set at $2,500. He has very little criminal history, which was enough to convince the judge that it could be lowered, even though the state objected.

Cantu, with a substantial criminal history, has a bond of $42,000.

The cases against both men will now move to a waiver-status docket on July 7.

Hutch man may enter plea in meth distribution case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of two people arrested after a search warrant was served on a Hutchinson home may enter a plea in the case against him.

Bryan Buckwalter and Mandy Franklin are suspected of being in possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia. The arrest happened after DEU agents served a search warrant at the couple’s home in the 1000 block of East 13th, where they reported finding meth, owe sheets, scales and other paraphernalia.

Buckwalter is scheduled to be before Judge Joe McCarville for the plea hearing on Thursday.

The case against Franklin is also pending.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An Emporia man was seriously injured in a semi accident in Reno County Thursday morning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 62-year-old Ralph Oakes was going west on US-50 west of Burrton when his rig hit two cows in the roadway. The semi went into the north ditch and overturned.

Oakes was was extricated from the semi, and transported by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The accident happened around 3 a.m., about four miles west of Burrton.

CHENEY, Kan. – The Ninnescah Sailing Association (NSA) invites anyone 18 and older interested in boating to sign up for their “Learn to Sail” program at Cheney Reservoir. Open to non-members, the program is taught by experienced, certified U.S. sailing instructors who will share their knowledge of basic boat-handling skills, sailing terminology, knot tying, and more.

The three-day course consists of an introductory classroom session, followed by two water days. After completing the classroom session, students will receive sailing instruction on a Sunfish sailboat, hands-on keelboat training, and get to sail with experienced NSA keelboat owners and their crews. Both days of sailing on the water will include brief periods of onshore demonstrations and classroom work.

The cost to attend is $250 per non-member student, and $195 for members. Life jackets, course materials, use of sailboats, and safety equipment are included in the fee. Graduates of the class interested in joining NSA will have their initiation fee waived and pay half-price on their first year of membership.

For information on program dates and to register, call (316) 655-4993 or e-mail learn2sail@ninnescah.org.

The Ninnescah Sailing Association is located in Cheney State Park, on the west shore of Cheney Reservoir, abouth 20- miles south of Hutchinson. Just follow the signs to Sailboat Cove.

Etric Jones scheduled for sentencing Friday

Etric Jones

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man who entered a “no contest” plea to a single count of aggravated incident liberties with a child is scheduled for sentencing on Friday.

Etric Jones II was found guilty on the single count by Judge Trish Rose for having a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl

Jones, who was 18 at the time of the crime, forced the girl into inappropriate sexual relations. She claims that she told him no, while Jones claims she never said that. The two are said to have left school together, parked in an alley and things escalated from there.

Sentencing for former coach in child sex case scheduled for Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 21-year-old man who was coaching at Trinity Catholic School in Hutchinson and entered a “guilty” plea to one count aggravated indecent liberties with a child is scheduled to be sentenced Friday .

The charge against Patrick Kent Blevins falls under Jessica’s Law meaning life sentence with no chance of parole for 25-years.

The arrest coming from incidents with a number of boys under the age of 14 after an investigation by Hutchinson Police. The incidents involving the six boys occurring between January 2012 and March of this year.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder agreed to the plea, so the the boys wouldn’t have to testify and also because even the one counts sends him away to prison for at least 25-years.

Blevins also waived his right to appeal any lawful sentence, but the sentence in Jessica’s Law cases are set with the life sentence.

Schroeder had indicated earlier that none of the incidents occurred at any school or during any school activity.

The sentencing is scheduled in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Non-injury accident lands Wichita woman in jail

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A 30-year-old Wichita woman was arrested just after 6 p.m., Wednesday evening on various charges after her vehicle collided with another in the 500 block of East 23 rd, however she was arrested in the 2600 block of North Main in Hutchinson.

Monique Ginn is charged with possession of PCP also known as angel dust, possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI, failing to give information on the accident, failing to report the accident, driving while suspended, no insurance and an expired tag.

Her vehicle collided with another driven by 33-year-old Nicole Mesa of Hutchinson. Neither driver was hurt according to police.

Ginn is jailed on a bond of $4,650 and appeared in court this morning, but may have still been under the influence of some substance because through the video from the jail, she didn’t appear to understand what was going on with her bond. Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen decided to continue her case until next Wednesday. Perhaps by then, she’ll have a better grasp as to what is going on. Her bond remains the same.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man wanted in both Reno and Saline counties was taken into custody after a stand off with Police.

According to Troy Hoover of the HPD, it all started around 5 a.m. when police were alerted that a man wanted by authorities was in a motel room at the Sunflower Inn on East 4th. Police went to the motel looking for Darrel Beachy who has a long list of past criminal history, and was wanted on several felony warrants. Police were not able to locate Beachy in the room, although the motel clerk insisted that there was someone in the room.

After checking back several times, police were able to determine that the room was occupied. Eventually, two people came out of the motel room and notified police that Beachy was in the bathroom. After a long period of negotiations, Beachy gave himself up just before noon. He was taken to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center after he notified police he was having some type of medical issues. Despite information that Beachy may be armed, no weapon was found in the motel room.

Beachy booked into jail once he left the hospital.

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

PRATT, Kan. — Free Fishing Weekend, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to the joys of angling. Typically held the first full weekend in June each year, free fishing weekends are two-day periods when fishing licenses are not required to fish Kansas lakes and reservoirs. Free Fishing Weekend for 2015 is June 6 and 7. Although license requirements are waived for the weekend, anglers must still abide by all other regulations such as length and creel limits, equipment requirements, etc.

If you’re looking for a place to drop a line during Free Fishing Weekend, visit ksoutdoors.com/fishing and click “Where To Fish” for a list of fishing locations near you.

After you’ve found an ideal spot or two, consult the 2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary prior to hitting the water. The summary contains vital information specific to all public waters and even has some handy tips and tricks on tying knots and identifying fish. View an electronic version at ksoutdoors.com/fishing, or pick up a hard-copy at your nearest license vendor.

With the right location, a variety of baits to choose from, and some cooperative weather, Kansas fishing can be a blast. Give it a try; we can bet you’ll be hooked.

Already a believer? Head over to your nearest license vendor, or ksoutdoors.com/fishing, to purchase your 2015 fishing license today and enjoy reeling in these flippery friends all year long. Resident annual fishing licenses can be purchased for $20.50.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 21-year-old man who was coaching at Trinity Catholic School in Hutchinson and entered a “guilty” plea to one count aggravated indecent liberties with a child was given life in prison with no chance of parole for 25-years.

Patrick Kent Blevins who was arrested after the incidents with a number of boys under the age of 14, came to light and investigated by Hutchinson Police. The incidents involving the six boys occurring between January 2012 and March of this year.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder agreed to the plea so the boys wouldn’t have to testify and also because even the one count sends him away to prison for at least 25-years.

His attorney Sarah Sweet-McKinnon read a written statement from Blevins where he strongly apologized to the victims and their families. He says they should no that they did nothing wrong, that it was entirely his fault. He also apologized to his own family and thanked them for standing by his side. He says he hopes to redeem himself sometime in the future.

The victims also has written statements which the judge read to himself. Schroeder asked that those statements be sealed so no one can see them without authorization.

Judge McCarville in handing down the sentence told the defendant that he also hopes he improves himself in the future.

There is some question of restitution for at least some of the victims and Judge McCarville set a hearing on that for July 2.

NICKERSON, Kan. – We’ve now learned the one of the victims of a canoe accident on the Arkansas River near Nickerson has died as a result of the accident.

Jerry Patton of Hutchinson was canoeing on the Arkansas River with his son, 38-year-old Justin Patton and his two grand daughters, ages 12 and 10. They had two canoe’s that capsized in the area of 30th & Dean Rd.

Jerry Patton struggled in the water and was having difficulty breathing. Rescue personnel had difficulty reaching the location where the canoe capsized because of mud issues. A helicopter was able to remove Jerry from the scene. He was pronounced dead in Wichita around 3 p.m.

The four had put their canoes in the water at 8 a.m. Friday morning in anticipation of being picked up at F and Monroe later in the morning. After four and a half hours, family members became concerned and requested a welfare check. Shortly after the welfare check was put out, 911 Dispatch received a call from Justin Patton that they had been in the canoe. He reported that the canoes had capsized. He reported that he had to walk to a field and contact an individual with a phone since all of their phone were disabled by the water.

Fire, EMS and Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies responded and were unable to drive into the river due to mud and had to walk in over a 1/4 mile to the victim. Lifeteam Helicopter was requested and the individual was flown to a hospital in Wichita.

Sheriff Randy Henderson says in a news release that without an emergency declaration, law enforcement cannot keep person’s out of the swift moving water. However says Sheriff Henderson, Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office is recommending that person’s stay out of flooded area’s with swift moving water due to submerged debris and other hazards.

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A pharmacy in South Hutchinson was broke into early Friday morning, but not much was taken according to South Hutchinson Police Chief Scott Jones.

He tells us that someone broke into Ashcraft Pharmacy at 503 North Main in South Hutch around 3 a.m. None of the drugs inside the business was taken and the burglar or burglars got maybe $20.00 in cash. The cost to the business will be damage to the door and replacing glass.

Jones says its been maybe 15 to 20 years since that particular business has been broken into in the past.

Hutch man enters pleas in robbery and burglary case

McCroy

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a 26-year-old Hutchinson man was found by the Reno County Sheriff on outstanding warrants including not appearing for hearings in a robbery and aggravated burglary case, he appeared in court Friday where he entered “guilty” pleas to those two charges.

Patrick McCroy admitted to breaking into a Hutchinson apartment and beating the occupant, wanting items from his apartment.

It started on July 1, of 2013 when the victim says he heard a loud knock on his apartment door around 11 p-m. He looked through the peep hole and could partially see the head of a man outside the apartment, but couldn’t see exactly who it was, so he cracked open the door to get a better look and it was then that McCroy allegedly forced his way into the apartment and began beating the alleged victim with a stick. He was demanding a television that he claimed belonged to his sister, but also allegedly wanted pills, the victims phone, money, computers and other electronic items.

The victim says he was beaten at first with the large stick which he described as being 3 and half foot long, then when the stick broke, the defendant allegedly used his fist and beat him some more. He stated that he was able to escape at one point and ran to the neighbors home yelling, “help, I’m being robbed.”

McCroy was also on corrections for convictions for obstructing the legal process, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. He waived a hearing on a motion to revoke his corrections.

Judge Trish Rose set a sentencing hearing for July 17 and they will also hand down disposition for the community corrections violation at that time.

McCroy has other felony crimes including criminal possession of a firearm, drugs, burglary and criminal damage to property.

Etric Jones granted corrections in indecent liberties case

Etric Jones

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man who entered a “no contest” plea to a single count of aggravated incident liberties with a child was granted a departure sentence as recommended by both the state and the defense.

Judge Trish Rose granted Etric Jones II, three years community corrections on a nearly five year or 59 month sentence. He was found guilty of the single count by Judge Trish Rose for having a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl, although in court he still denies he sexually assaulted or raped her.

Jones, who was 18 at the time of the crime, was charged with forcing the girl into inappropriate sexual relations. She claims that she told him no and to stop, while Jones claims she never said that. The two are said to have left school together, parked in an alley and things escalated from there.

The victim didn’t speak, but her mother did through an interpreter and told the court that what he did, damaged the family and her daughter. She told the court that her daughter told her she was raped. The victims sister spoke briefly and told the court that her sister isn’t the same.

District Attorney Keith Schroeder told the court that victim in her statement as part of the presentence investigation says what happened “changed her forever.”

Attorney Carl Maughan argued for the departure saying his client has a good job, is engaged and has no real criminal history.

Judge Trish Rose went along with the recommendation of the two sides and granted the downward departure to community corrections.

Man arrested on aggravated assault and drug charges makes court appearance

A 49-year-old man was taken to jail Thursday evening after he allegedly threatened another man with a knife at an apartment in the 400 block of East 4th.

Gary Chaney was arrested for aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. In court, he told Judge Joe McCarville that the claim that he threatened a man with a knife was a lie.

34-year-old Justin Whitt made the allegation of the threat around 7 p.m. Thursday evening.

Judge Joe McCarville set the case for a status hearing next Wednesday and left the bond at $13,000.

Hutchinson High School

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you heard that a there was a vandalism incident at Hutchinson High School where a wooden gym floor was damaged, that’s incorrect. The floor in the south gym was damaged according to Randy Norwood with the district, but was an accident.

He says a couple of students had been given permission to go into the gym during the last week of school and were apparently kicking a soccer ball back and fourth. One of the students apparently kicked the ball under a water fountain where it broke a supply line and the water then began shooting out. The students notified their teacher immediately as to what happened.

It took about 40-minutes to figure out exactly where to shut off water, but by that time there was a lot of water over the floor. They were unable to force air under the floor according to Norwood and since then, the floor has warped, making it unusable. He says it can’t be fixed and will have to be replaced. They do have insurance and thinks it could cost as much as $200,000 to fix. He didn’t have an exact number when we talked with him Friday.

No word on when the work would begin to replace it.

And the water fountain has been taken out of the gym, so that doesn’t happen again.

Judge Joe McCarville at Tuesday’s hearing

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Reno County District Judge Joe McCarville late Friday issued his written opinion on whether to allow the affidavits in the case against five teens accused of making threats against Hutch High unsealed.

The defense attorney’s had argued against them being unsealed after some area media outlets requested them. The affidavits are presented to the judges by law enforcement to allow them to serve search warrants in the case.

They argued that disclosure could jeopardize their clients right to a fair trial by tainting any jury pool.

But, Judge McCarville says in his written opinion, “the affidavits do not tend to sensationalize the cases, do not tend to appeal to passion or even emotion and must in fairness be characterized as containing factual allegations.”

He goes on to say, “the mere disclosure of facts does not necessarily drive a finding that the members of the public will be able to recall the facts at a later time or that they would, even if able to recall facts, be unable to set aside that information if called to serve on a jury.”

He says he’s was unpersuaded that the disclosure of the affidavits would likely prevent the teens from being able to have a fair trial in Reno County.

It was Tuesday when four of the five defendants and their attorneys were in court over this issue.

The five teenagers are accused of conspiring to carry out a shooting at Hutchinson High School with the state stating that the five had posted the threats on their Facebook page called “KYOD,” which stands for “kill yourself or die.”

Dominic Collins, Tyler Cabral, Jacobsen Eells, Takoda D. Bowman and Andre R. Harris are charged with solicitation to commit first-degree murder and criminal threat. They were arrested in April after Hutchinson High School officials were alerted to postings on Facebook that threatened a mass murder at the school. They have all been held in juvenile detention since their arrests.

The cases are pending future hearings in juvenile court.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A scary situation for law enforcement early Saturday morning when just after 2:00 a.m., Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 16302 W. Morgan Rd, southwest of Hutchinson on the report of shots being fired. When they arrived, they were approached by 28-year-old Jody A Christopher who was running towards them.

Christopher advised that he was living with 38-year-old Jacob Salome and 55-year-old Tomi Lee McJimsy at the Morgan Road address. Christopher said an argument ensued when he picked up a 9mm handgun belonging to Salome. Salome then picked up an AK-47 rifle and aimed it at Christopher. Christopher said that Salome then proceeded to shoot into the floor, microwave and computer. Christopher fled out the front door of the residence and was running down Morgan Rd to get away. He heard several shots coming from the house and felt threatened.

Shortly after deputies arrived at the scene, Salome shot several rounds out the back of the residence. Not knowing if McJimsy was being held against her will or not, the Hutchinson/ Reno County Emergency Response Team was activated and came to the scene.

After evaluating the situation, the types of guns that Salome had included the AK-47 rifle, AR- 15 rifle and a 9mm handgun. With the threats made, the Harvey County Emergency Response Team was called in to assist with manpower.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Salome exited his residence and proceeded to his pickup. The Emergency Response Teams were able to apprehend him and take him into custody without anyone getting injured.

Salome was booked into the Reno County Jail on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic Violence.

Christopher was booked into jail for a probation violation.

The Kansas March of Dimes is seeking nominations for their 2015 Nurse of the Year Awards.

This award recognizes exceptional nurses from across Kansas  whose strength, courage and perseverance advance their profession.

Nurses play a vital role in our society and are the unsung heroes of the healthcare provider community. This award is to honor the work they do. Patients, families and colleagues are encouraged to nominate nurses in 21 different categories and to join us as we say thank you and honor their selflessness, dedication and passion for the profession of nursing.

All nominees are invited to attend at a black tie gala event in November at which all nominated nurses are recognized and one winner will be announced for each eligible category.

Nominations are due by July 10. Complete details and nomination forms can be found by visiting www.gkcnoty.com

NOAA graphic click to enlarge

SETH BORENSTEIN, AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Feeling soggy? Federal officials calculate that last month was the wettest on record for the contiguous United States.

On average 4.36 inches of rain and snow fell over the Lower 48 in May, sloshing past October 2009, which had been the previous record-holder with 4.29 inches. Records go back to 1895.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate scientist Jake Crouch calculated that comes to more than 200 trillion gallons of water in May.

Crouch said the record was triggered by a stalled pattern of storms that dumped massive amounts of rain in the central U.S., especially in Texas and Oklahoma, which had their rainiest months. Still, parts of the Northeast were unusually dry.

Last month was 1.45 inches wetter than 20th-century average for May. Hutchinson’s 7.72 inches was only the fourth-highest rainfall amount in May.

The Garden City Experiment Station recorded 6.38 inches last month, the fourth wettest May on record. A year ago, the station recorded just 0.63 inch in May.

Dodge City’s 10.33 inches was the wettest May since 12.82 inches fell in 1881. Wichita, with 11.77 inches, and Great Bend, with 10.36 inches, both had the second wettest May, while Kanopolis Lake, Tribune and Colby recorded their third most rain in May.

But Lebo, in Coffey County, recorded the wettest month since 1893 with 15.53 inches in May.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The latest government snapshot of farm crops across Kansas reflects the wet conditions across much of the state.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday some areas in northeast Kansas have gotten up to six inches of rain, raising concerns that flooding may force some farmers to replant their corn.

Corn planting is 93 percent complete across Kansas.

Corn condition was rated as 13 percent poor to very poor, 39 percent fair, and 48 percent good to excellent.

Winter wheat harvest is getting closer with this latest report showing 98 percent of the Kansas crop has now headed.

The agency rated wheat condition as 29 percent poor to very poor, with 41 percent in fair shape. About 30 percent of the wheat is in good to excellent condition.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The USD 308 School Board Monday approved a contract with RSP & Associates to do the formal boundary study for USD 308’s elementary schools.

Since the district’s last major redraw of elementary school boundaries in 2010, the demographics of the community have continued to push elementary school-aged children north in the community. As a result, current boundaries put more students in schools farther north in the district and fewer in the southern schools.

A study by a community group earlier this year also recommended, and the board approved, a cost-cutting move to remove a track of classes from McCandless Elementary School. The move will require additional tweaks in the elementary boundaries.

Enrollment at seven of the district’s eight elementary schools is based on where a family lives. The eighth elementary school – Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen – accepts students from across the district on an application basis.

The study will cost $33,000, which will come from end-of-year money district administrators had been saving for this purpose.

The study will be completed during the winter of the 2015-16 school year. Any changes in boundaries will not go into effect until the 2016-17 school year.

Sen. Terry Bruce

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Majority Leader Terry Bruce says the Kansas Senate might not pass another tax plan after a tight vote advanced a package this weekend.

The Nickerson Republican said Tuesday that he believes the bill to increase sales and cigarette taxes is fair and should be approved by the House. The House postponed a vote on the plan Monday and it wasn’t clear that members would debate it Tuesday.

Bruce said that if the House re-opens negotiations with the Senate over tax issues, he is not sure any modified plan could win Senate approval.

Lawmakers have been unable to agree on raising taxes by about $400 million to prevent a budget deficit. The $15.4 billion budget lawmakers have approved for the fiscal year beginning July 1 does not balance otherwise.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Officials with United Way of Reno County say they want to strengthen the connection between donors and how their gift is making a difference in the community.

Local business leaders state that they would like to be able to help their employees connect more to the good work that their donation makes to United Way. United Way listened and is holding our third Day of Caring on Friday, June 19. Donors will be able to see how their donation is helping to change and improve lives. They will be able to get connected with United Way partner agencies to see their gift at work.

Participants will hear from United Way and the American Red Cross and then will visit one of the other participating agencies, Boys and Girls Club, New Beginnings, First Call for Help, Interfaith Housing and Circles of Hope.

If you would like to learn more about the United Way Day of Caring, call Lisa at United Way of Reno County 620.669.9329 or email lgleason@unitedwayofrenocounty.org.