HUTCHINSON M aga z i n e
suMMer 2013
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS $4.00
A LOOK BACK over tHe years
of HutcHinson Magazine Discover
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There is someThing magical abouT The sTaTe of Kansas. for a TransplanT liKe myself, i iniTially found iT To be The people wiTh Their midwesT values and Kindness. buT The more i immerse myself in This generous sTaTe, i see ThaT iT’s really The sense of communiTy among Kansas’ many ciTies ThaT maKes iT a gem.
And Hutchinson, above all else, tends to exhibit this the most! In the five years I have worked on Hutchinson Magazine, even when it was merely an idea on paper, I have seen the strength, kindness, support and success of this community. It’s no wonder the magazine has excelled over the last five years. So with this anniversary issue, which celebrates our great stories over the last five years, I want to offer a round of applause to our accomplished contributors, dedicated sales team, supportive advertisers, joyous readers and the future! Thank you for reading but more importantly, thank you for making Hutchinson such a wonderful community to cover.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! — KATY, EDITOR
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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS LIFESTYLE
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hidden huTch
14
sToried roads
Tucked away or hiding in plain sight, there are many untapped treasures around town City street names tell tales of Hutchinson’s founding movers and shakers
ANNIVERSARY FEATURES 22
firsT-class publicaTion
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The five-year-olds
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HutcHinson Magazine over The years
An essay by Richard Shank
Hutchinson Magazine isn’t the only one celebrating the fab five
We take a look back at some of our favorite stories over the years.
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dogs of huTch mag
50
end quoTe
One magazine’s unforgettable slobbery woof factor
HUTCH TALKS
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aaron easT
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amy conKling
57
John monTgomery
Freelance photographer
Freelance writer
Editor and Publisher of The Hutchinson News
TRAVEL
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bon Temps on The bayou
The “Real French destination” lies in Louisiana’s scenic byway—the heart of Cajun and Creole country
IN EVERY ISSUE: 2 dear readers
64 besT beTs
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DEPARTMENTS
8 ...........................hidden huTch 14 ....................... sToried roads 52 ...........................huTch TalKs 58 ....................................Travel
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LIFESTYLE
hidden
HUTCH story by patsy Terrell
Tucked away or hiding in plain sighT, There are many unTapped Treasures around Town All around the Hutchinson area are things overlooked because they’re out of the way, lesserknown or taken for granted. Take a little trip and find some great food, a bit of history or dip your toe into a unique culture. Here’s a roundup of some places and ideas that may have slipped your attention. Get out and explore!
CULTURE finding culTural aTTracTions in your own bacKyard can be a surprising endeavor. THE DILLON LECTURE SERIES The Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College hosts four speakers each year. Past speakers have included Maya Angelou, Lech Walesa, Soledad O’Brien, J.R. Martinez and Henry Winkler. Patrons are invited to lunch with the speaker after the lecture. Tickets are available to anyone at $10 apiece. www.hutchcc.edu/community-engagement/ dillon-lecture-series/ ART DECO ARCHITECTURE Hutchinson has two magnificent Art Deco buildings—the Fox Theatre, built in the ’30s at the height of that style, and the courthouse. As you might guess, Hutchinson had a courthouse before that, in the Victorian style more familiar around the state. However, it was deemed unsound, and a new one had to be built. That’s why we’re blessed with the Art Deco masterpiece we now have.
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Locals shop the popular Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE
The annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale every April is a peek into German culture. Featuring German delicacies, homemade pie and bread, and apple butter made on site, the event is more than just food. The event is an auction selling everything from quilts to antique cars. Held at the fairgrounds, this sale is considered to be one of the largest in the nation among Mennonite Central Committee sales. All proceeds go to hunger relief. http://kansas.mccsale.org
JAM SESSION Every fourth Sunday of the month, Oldtime Fiddlers and Pickers have a jam session at the Elmdale Community Center from 1-4 p.m. Call to check the days and times in advance. www.hutchrec.com
hidden hutch
OUTDOORS
The hills are alive with activity at Sand Hills State Park.
soaK up The sun This season wiTh some of These ouTdoor advenTures.
SAND HILLS STATE PARK
Sand Hills State Park has preserved more than 1,100 acres of sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands and woodlands. The park features eight walking trails covering more than 14 miles, and sand dunes can be up to 40 feet high. You can bird-watch, go on a wildflower walk or just relax in this park that feels like the country but is just a short distance from town. It’s spacious enough you can be out there for hours and not see another person—a great opportunity to experience nature.
Photographs from left: Patsy Terrell, Deborah Walker
http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Sand-Hills
GARDEN TOUR The Hutchinson Garden Tour by the Master Gardeners program. Offered annually through the Extension office, this tour reveals local and private gardens around the community. In 2013, each garden will include an educational feature as well as opportunities to meet with master gardeners. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at Dillons stores. The tour will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 8. www.hutchgardentour.com MAIN STREET AND AVENUE A PARK The city creates a constantly rotating series of plantings all along Main Street and in the park. It’s easy to take them for granted, but they’re really stunning – an ever-changing vignette.
DILLON NATURE CENTER Dillon Nature Center offers trails, fishing and even some days for canoeing on the spring-fed pond; the turtles that call the pond home don’t mind sharing. There’s a new play-scape for children and plenty of benches for the adults to enjoy some quiet time. This 100-acre “wild arboretum” is a National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover more than 300 species of woody plants, hundreds of varieties of wildflowers and native grasses, 200 species of birds and a large variety of other wildlife along three miles of National Recreation trails. The Visitor’s Center has a beehive you can look in on and an observation deck that overhangs the pond. www.dillonnaturecenter.com
QUIVIRA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Just over the county line, but well-worth a visit, Quivira is about 22,000 acres. It’s estimated 90 percent of migrating birds pass through here each year. It was established in 1955, and about a fourth of it is marshland. Endangered Whopping Cranes have been spotted here the last few years.
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nearby:
HOMEMADE PASTRIES aT The harvesT café The Harvest Café in Inman offers a different homemade pastry for breakfast every morning. Get the complete run down on its website, but too many places you can
food &
DRINK
gourmeT fare and delicious libaTions maKe an appearance in huTchinson www.inmanharvestcafe.com
BOOKWORM BREW
What goes better with a good book than a warm cookie? Nothing! Bookworm Brew inside Hutchinson Public Library has a wide selection of sandwiches, chips, drinks and freshly baked cookies. Did we mention the freshly baked cookies? Gone are the days when librarians shushed you for talking. Now you can order a sack lunch, sit down with a friend and chat while you enjoy free wi-fi—all right smack-dab in the middle of the library. Any hungry visitor can pop in for a snack or sack lunch, only $6.50, making it a yummy bargain. www.hutchpl.org SHAKES
When Stafford lost its variety store, locals decided to do something about it, building the Stafford Mercantile. Here and the old-fashioned soda fountain. Salvaged from a former soda fountain, a back bar from a speakeasy was added along with original booths and a beautiful landscape mural. The locals and travelers just passing through can sit and visit with the soda jerk while enjoying a cold treat just like they used to make them. www.staffordmercantileks.com
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CARROT CAKE AT METROPOLITAN COFFEE The carrot cake is perched on a pedestal right near the cash register—a tempting location. Once you taste it, you’ll know it deserves to be on a pedestal. Made from scratch, this cake is everything you want a piece of carrot cake to be. It’s moist and dense at the same time, and it’s covered with cream cheese frosting. They don’t make it every day, so when you see it, you have the perfect excuse to have a piece right then and there.
HOGGS AND DOGGS Hotdogs and barbecue are making a name for themselves at Hoggs ‘N’ Doggs, a new food truck. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, Nathan hot dogs and more. The business moves around each day but lists locations on its Facebook page and website.
www.metrocoffeehutch.com
TACO MARY Taco Marys is also on the move, serving Mexican food from a trailer that’s usually east of Fourth and Plum streets. There’s no website, no Facebook and no plan. You’ve just got to catch her, but it’s worth it! Fourth and Plum
PIES FROM CARRIAGE CROSSING Carriage Crossing in nearby Yoder has its own bakery onsite, which turns out fresh rolls, pies, bread and its signature cinnamon rolls. Enjoy a full menu in addition to the sweets. There’s also a gift shop well-worth checking out. You can buy peppernuts year ‘round. Do we need say more? www.yoderkansas.com/ccr
http://hoggsndoggs.net
Photographs: Aaron East
from The sTafford mercanTile
SHOPPING
hidden hutch
finding Treasures for yourself or a loved one—someThing unique is always a special purchase.
Let’s eat! Lunch is served at the Bookworm Café in Hutchinson Public Library.
TREATS FROM BACK TO NATURE
Back to Nature has a large selection of hard-to-find items, including wheat- and glutenfree products. The store carries natural sodas, organic coffees and teas and bulk foods. There’s also a selection of Kansas Made Products including local honey, goat milk soap and sand hill plum jelly, just to name a few items. www.herbsbacktonature.com
JACKSON MEAT There is a great selection of fresh meat found in the cases at Jackson Meat, tucked away on West Sixth Avenue. It’s easily missed but well-worth finding. www.facebook.com/JacksonMeat TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES At Ten Thousand Villages you’ll find artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gifts from all over the globe. Pick up a little something from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Pakistan or Vietnam, all on Hutchinson’s Main Street. http://hutchinson.tenthousandvillages.com THE GIFT SHOP
products to customers.
The Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop has an unusual selection of items for all ages. It’s located on the main floor, where it’s easy to pop in and grab that perfect surprise. www.hutchregional.com
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NEON SIGNS The Dillons store at Main and 14th streets is the oldest one in town. It was in 1913 that John S. Dillon opened
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HISTORY
if These walls could TalK, oh, The sTories They would Tell.
GIRL SCOUTS
The first Girl Scout troop west of the Mississippi was formed in Hutchinson. Girl Scout founder Juliette Low signed a certificate in 1918 that named Mrs. WG Fairchild as captain of the troop formed the previous year. It’s believed the first meeting took place in Mrs. Fairchild’s home at 551 E. Sherman. YE OLDE MILL RIDE Ye Olde Mill Ride at the Kansas State Fair was built in 1915. It’s one of only three left in the country now, although they were very popular 100 years ago. The others are at the Iowa and Minnesota state fairs. It has also been a “dark water ride” and is operated today by descendants of the family that built it.
ORIGINAL RECYCLE The Downtown Sampler Restaurant on the second floor of First National Bank has more than a menu to offer; if you look closely, you’ll find a bit of history as well. Bank owner Nation Meyer covered the walls with wood he salvaged some decades ago from an old barn on some family property. Nation was ahead of his time, doing this before upcycling was the in thing. Fortunately, we can now enjoy this unique bit of history preserved.
LUSTRON HOUSE Hutchinson has a Lustron House at 21 E. 27th Ave. Lustron Houses were developed after World War II as an answer for the shortage of homes for returning veterans. They were made completely of enameled steel, making them durable, rodent-proof and low on maintenance. Only 2,498 of them were built around the country, and about 2,000 of them remain in 36 states. This is the only one in Hutchinson. Many of them are listed on the National Register.
Photographs from left: Aaron East, Shutterstock
in Hutchinson. He employed a new marketing technique for the time—cash and carry—instead of credit, which was the norm then. The store has a great neon sign on a mid-century mod panel. It’s just one of many excellent signs on Main Street. In recent years Reger Rental had their vintage neon sign redone and put it on display. It’s a wonderful complement to the giant music note across the street on the front of Johnson Music. Downtown Long’s neon sign includes a needle and thread to illustrate the tailoring they did. Also worthy of note are the sculpture on the front of Judy’s School of Dance, the Flag Theatre sign and the Fox marquee.
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storied roads
sToried
ROADS
NAMESAKES While some streets’ namesakes are recorded in the city’s history, others were deduced by considering the year and geographical location of the family’s homestead and how it compares to where the street now appears.
ciTy sTreeT names Tell Tales of huTchinson’s founding movers and shaKers story by edie ross
photography by deborah walker
Ever been lost on Random Road? Felt your mind grow and your wallet shrink on Princeton Drive? Had some ice cream on Cone Street? Whether local street names are historically significant or assigned on a whim, Hutchinson has its share of interesting street signs. Hutchinson’s core set of intersecting streets, the numbered and lettered streets running east and west and the streets bearing presidential names and tree names that run north-south, were likely put in place by the city’s founders shortly after Hutchinson was established in 1871. Many of these can be found on a 1902 map of Hutchinson as well as streets named after the founders themselves. Today, streets get their names at the suggestion of subdivision developers and by the approval of the Hutchinson City Council, which gave the city mailing addresses like Lazy Lane and Bannock Burn Road. Travel around town with Hutchinson Magazine as we take a look at the stories behind the streets.
SHERMAN STREET:
BIGGER STREET:
This east-west street extending from K-61 to Van Buren Street was named for Miss Gertrude Sherman of Castleton, Vermont. Founder and widower C.C. Hutchinson expected to marry her at the time he was establishing the town. C.C. Hutchinson again paid homage to his prospective wife when he named Castleton township and the town of Castleton after her hometown.
This east-west street in southern Hutchinson was named for Leander A. Bigger, an Ohio native and Civil War veteran. Bigger founded the real estate firm Brown and Bigger, and he served as a land agent for railroad companies. His firm was reported to have sold about a half-million acres of land. Bigger also served as vice president of First National Bank of Hutchinson, was the mayor of Hutchinson several times, and he drew upon his extensive travels to author the book Around the World with a Business Man.
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LIFESTYLE SWITZER ROAD: This short stretch of road extends at a diagonal from Halstead Street to Yoder Road south of Hutchinson, and it was named for Alexander Switzer, a Switzerland native who immigrated to the United States as a child. Switzer was a prosperous farmer, Reno County commissioner, first settler of Lincoln Township and founder of the town of Yoder.
LIVING HISTORY: Re-enacting the events that illustrate Hutchinson’s historic avenues, boulevards and streets are Rhenee Clark, aka Miss Gertrude Sherman; Doug McGover, aka Leander A. Bigger; and Clay Thomas at Bannock Burn, which may have some Scottish origins, but in this case was the suggestion of the Countryside West developer.
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SEVERANCE STREET: This north-south street extends from Carey Park to just north of 30th Avenue and was named for John Severance, to whom the city granted a franchise for operation of a street railway in 1886. At the time, the line began at the northern city limits on Main and extended at least as far as Avenue A.
CONE STREET: This north-south street runs from 21st to 17th avenues on the west side of town and was named for William R. Cone, DDS. Cone’s parents, ardent anti-slavery people, were run out of their Missouri home by pro-slavery neighbors in the 1860s and settled in northern Kansas. After dental school in Chicago, William Cone returned to Kansas and eventually put roots down in Hutchinson where he became a well-known dentist. Around 1900 Cone built his home on West 17th Street where he owned 40 acres, 20 of which were set to orchard fruit.
HOAGLAND STREET: This north-south street extends from Ninth to Second avenues just east of K-61 was named for Ben Hoagland, a promoter of music and culture and a well-known real-estate dealer. Hoagland came to Reno County in 1875 to be near his brother, who had settled southwest of town a few years earlier. However, town founder C.C. Hutchinson urged him to invest in a tract of 80 acres near the fledgling town, “lying in the corner south of what is now Fourth Street and east of Lorraine,” according to a 1917 biographical sketch about Hoagland.
OBEE ROAD: This north-south road extends from 30th Avenue to Eales Road and was named for Henry Obee who, with his wife, Louisa, was a pioneer of Reno County. The Obees staked their homestead farm four miles east of Hutchinson near what is now Fourth Avenue. Henry, originally from England, came to the United States when he was 16 and later was a lieutenant in the Civil War. After homesteading in Reno County, he became an extensive farmer and rancher.
SWARENS STREET: This short stretch of road extending at a diagonal along the east side of Rice Park in western Hutchinson was named for the Swarens family—father, Lewis, stepmother, Sylvesta, and adult son, Albert. They were among the original pioneers of Reno County in 1871 settling northwest of what eventually would become the town of Hutchinson. Lewis died around the turn of the century, but Albert went on to become one of Reno County’s best-known farmers. Sylvesta was said to be “a woman of true pioneer type who has done her whole duty as a neighbor and friend to all.”
YAGGY ROAD: This north-south road extends from 82nd to 56th avenues northwest of Hutchinson and was named for L.W. Yaggy, founder of Yaggy Plantation Company. Yaggy was one of the best-known publishers in the U.S. press and chief stockholder of Great Western Publishing House. He came to Reno County in 1888 on a hunting trip and observed a new well being dug just northwest of Hutchinson. Finding there was water just a few feet below the surface, he immediately purchased 1,350 acres and planted catalpa and apple trees. In 1917 the plantation bore 500 acres of catalpa trees and 808 acres of apple trees, which produced 200,010 bushels of apples that same year.
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BY ANY OTHER NAME ... TOBACCO ROAD: In 1974 this road northwest of Hutchinson was officially named Lucille Drive (which would have been an extension of the nearest north-south road) with the installation of street signs. Nearby residents who contended that they had called the street “Tobacco Road” for years petitioned for it to be changed back—and were granted their request, according to a 1974 Hutchinson News article. One resident at the time said although she wasn’t sure why it was called Tobacco Road, there had been “a lot of comment whether it has to do with the marijuana that grows by the road.”
SWEDE ROAD: East of Hutchinson Avenue G turns into “Swede Road.” Similar to Tobacco Road, that stretch of road was given its official name after residents protested to signs designating the road as East Avenue G. The city changed it to Swede Road, the name by which it had been called since the turn of the century when most farmers in that area bore Swedish names, including Johnson, Anderson, Peterson, Isaacson and Strandberg, according to a Hutchinson News article.
RECENT ADDITIONS The Lark Land and Lark Land Second subdivisions directly north of the Kansas State Fairgrounds were approved by the city in 1950 and include Lazy Lane and Random Road. Interestingly, Herman Bunte served as surveyor, preparing the subdivision plat, drawing up the lots, blocks and streets, according to Casey Jones, a Hutchinson city planner. A park named for him is located on Lazy Lane. The Countryside West Second subdivision southwest of 30th Avenue and Van Buren Street, which bears Scottishthemed street names, was approved in October 1964, Jones says. Bannock Burn, Lochinvar and Loch Lommond all refer to bodies of water in Scotland.
Historical and cultural information are from the following sources: Casey Jones, Hutchinson city planner, “History of Reno County Kansas: Its People, Industries and Institutions”—Volumes 1 and 2 (1917) by Sheridan Ploughe; “Hutchinson, The Salt City” (1910), edited by Edelin De La Praudiere; “Hutchinson, A Prairie City in Kansas” (1946) by Willard Welsh
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FEATURES
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
a looK bacK aT The lasT five years of HutcHinson Magazine
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First-class publication An essay by Richard Shank
As Barry Asmus, an economist, stepped to the podium to address the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner in 2010, the audience of 600 noted he was carrying a copy of Hutchinson Magazine.
Newsweek
movie
Richard Shank is a writer, author and speaker, living in Hutchinson. Quite possibly our most adorable and delicious cover!
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F5VE THE
YEAR OLDS HUTCHINSON MAGAZINE ISN’T THE ONLY ONE CELEBRATING THE FAB FIVE story by KATHY HANKS
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THIRD THURSDAY
The Art Sovereign Jennifer Randall, creator of Third Thursday.
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THIRD
THURSDAY Street performers such as jugglers, clowns, musicians and dancers stand on various corners, while the crowd traverses Hutchinson’s Main Street on the Third Thursday of every month. What was fueled by a onetime art walk has grown in the past five years to a monthly gathering downtown, known as Third Thursday. Jennifer Randall always knew Third Thursday would take off because Hutchinson craved more art and music. “I may not look too far in the future because I am so busy with details, but I know the future is bright,” says Randall, Third Thursday organizer, artist and entrepreneur. “As carefree as the event seems, so much time and planning of various art and music events takes place,” she says. Five years later it would be impossible to count the number of attendees each month, but the event has had an effect on the downtown, its businesses and can be calculated in revenue, interest and exposures. “On any given Third Thursday there have been handmade photo booths, contests, art supply swaps, thrift art
revamp exhibits, mysterious street art appearances, and well over a half a dozen bands and musicians, on the corners, in the parks,” says Randall. Among the warmer months, as many as 12 different musical acts perform each month; setting up at a gallery, in the park or at various stores. “The quality of the art and music are always amazing, and I appreciate the talent we showcase,” Randall says. Local, regional and even out-of-state musicians and artists participate. The nonprofit event is run on a small budget of donations and supports artists, supplies and marketing. “Jennifer is the energy, and our role is support, logistics and financial support, marketing and signage,” says Downtown Development Director Jim Seitnater. “It has been Jennifer’s commitment and passion that has made the event what it is today.” Upcoming Third Thursday themes: June - The ArtWalk, July - Annual Bike Parade. For more information go to www.thirdthursdayhutch.com.
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Victoria Steen, THE 5 year-old.
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KIDDO Lucy Victoria Steen has a remarkable memory. She remembers an outing before she was 2, going with her family to a Chuck E. Cheese Restaurant. But, that’s as far back as this soon-to-be 5-year-old can travel into the past. She can’t recollect the summer of 2008, when she and Hutchinson Magazine were both born. Moreover, like most children, her mind is in the moment, not yesterday. Just the mention of kindergarten gets her hopping up and down out of the chair where she is sitting. She tells her visitor about going to Project Green three days a week at Hadley Day Care. “Project Green is when we go to Room 5 and learn numbers, letters and colors,” she says. Then Lucy hops out of her chair, hugs her mom, Julie, then plops herself back down.
Lucy Lu, as her mom calls her, makes friends easily, and is always on the go tagging along to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, karate, horseback riding lessons and the track meets of her older siblings, 13– year-old Maddy and 10-year-old Harris, whom she adores. Well-rounded, she can talk books; Go, Dog. Go! is currently her favorite. She then moves quickly into a few dance steps learned at the music and movement class she’s enrolled in at ArtisTree. At 5 she has her own Android tablet. Her father, Jan Steen, made sure it has a rubber case, in case she drops it. She tutors her visitor on the logistics of playing an “Angry Birds” game. Her mother sighs, “It’s like she has grown up overnight.”
“IT’S LIKE SHE HAS GROWN UP OVERNIGHT.” -JULIE STEEN
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THE BUSINESS
“Team Strings” celebrates looks forward to a new location. Shelby Mazzoleni, left, Tyler Dowell, Anne Dowell, Leah Dowell and Ana Anton.
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THE
BUSINESS Buttery toffee scones are baking in the oven of Apron Strings, and the rich aroma is tempting the taste buds of the shoppers perusing displays of colorful dishes, kitchen gadgets and pattered linens. The store celebrated its five-year anniversary in early April. Some things have stayed the same, while others have changed at the store located in Hutchinson’s Historic District at the corner of Avenue B and Main Street. Back in 2008, Anne Dowell, the owner, was photographed with her two children tugging at her apron strings for Hutchinson Magazine. The children have grown taller, and the store has seen expansion as well. When Dowell opened with the assistance of Katherine Eberly, there were only three employees. At the time the women talked that in five years they would open a second store, by then Dowell’s young children would be older and she thought the time would be right. After all, family was the main reason for opening the store. “I was struggling with corporate life and wanting something that would involve my kids,” Dowell says. She created a marketing plan and presented it to her husband, Mike, who told her to go for it. Five years later she knows it was a smart move. “The kids have learned responsibility, a work ethic, and we work together, which is so nice,” Dowell says. “How many places can your kids go to work with you?” Leah, 16, sells merchandise, runs the cash register and will be teaching kids cooking classes in the Apron Strings kitchen this summer. Tyler, 14, helps where he is needed in the store. Meanwhile, like the children the store is flourishing, and Dowell is planning to open a second store June 1 in the historic Delano neighborhood of Wichita—aptly named, Apron Strings Delano.
In the beginning there were two. Ashley and Jeremy Williams with Zade (and eventually Hadley Faye, born May 2).
ANNIVERSARY Ashley Williams wakes up many mornings wondering how she ever got so lucky. The past “I have a perfect little boy, an amazing husband and soon to be a perfect little girl,” she says. A lot has happened in five years of marriage, she and her husband, Jeremy, try to explain, as their major blessing—2-year-old Zade—vies for their attention. Jeremy and Ashley were introduced on July 4, 2005. A friendship developed, and three years later, on April 5, 2008, they were were married at Westbrook Baptist Church. “It was fabulous,” says Ashley. “A perfect day.” Jeremy agreed with a smile. The wedding was followed by a romantic honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean. But it was back to reality. The couple, who lived in Arlington, commute to Pratt and Hutchinson for work. Therefore the weekends are for reconnecting or heading to the lake.
Three years into their marriage Zade was born and this May, they will welcome a daughter. “We’ll have a perfect little family,” says Ashley, “a boy and a girl.” Zade shook his head in agreement, that he was excited with the news that he was going to be a big brother. After Zade, weekends at the lake became less frequent and they sold the jet skis. Then they bought a home in Hutchinson. While it was a longer commute to work for Jeremy, it made life easier for Zade. He attends day care a few days a week and then spends the other days with his grandparents. Life has changed a lot in five years. Free time is enjoyed with three other couples who have children the same age. “We’ve come a long way,” says Ashley, as she gently rubbed her baby bump. “I look back at my life five years ago and look at what we started with and am amazed with all that we have now,” says Ashley.
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Over The Hutchinson Magazine
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Years
Five years goes by fast. But the consistent coverage of this unique community helps slow the pace some. Here we take a look back at some of our favorite stories over the years. Summer 2013
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the local art GLASS ACT: tt of Rick Garne
ER SOLACE FINDING SUMMs Arkansas in Eureka Spring
Magazine
Summer 08
Premiere Issue!
THE
’S SMITHET RK HEIR MA THE FRESH AND
Summer 08
$3.00
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Smith’s Market summer 2008
Smith’s Market certainly still knows how to charm newcomers like Mandy Braselton. With her two boys, Levi, 2, and Tanner, 5, and expecting, Braselton meandered down the aisles of fruits and vegetables on a spring day—soon becoming entranced by the ambiance of the long-rooted Main Street business. “This is the happiest I’ve been,” she says, filling her cart with produce as she reminisces about the farmers’ markets near her former residence in Ohio that she moved from just two weeks earlier. Smith’s Market reminds her of home. Such sentiment makes owner Chris Barnes smile, knowing that his iconic business that turns 80 this year still draws customers both young and old through its doors. Featured in the inaugural issue of Hutchinson Magazine in 2008, Barnes has been preserving the store’s past. The market’s originality is “timeless,” which is why he has worked to restore the building back to its original era when Henry Smith opened in 1933. “People are so busy,” Barnes says, who inherited the business from his father, Earl Barnes. “Our store gives people a chance to slow down, come in here and relax. It gives them a good feeling.” In 2009, Barnes updated the market’s front façade by changing it back to its 1930s appearance. That project included taking off the corrugated metal and adding a row of windows to let in more sunlight. Wood flooring now is featured throughout the inside market area, and Barnes also installed a tin ceiling highlighted by period lighting. “I want to give them that ‘I remember that as a kid’ good feeling when they come in here,” he says. Future plans include renovating an empty storefront to the north for more market space, but Barnes admits that is in the distant future. For now, he says, he and his wife, Gail, will focus on the store’s newest product—12 different varieties of homemade fudge that Gail will make herself. - Amy Bickel
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E: the well SMART HOUS land home organized Wood
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Deborah Walker
Kansas Sampler Foundation
Since Hutchinson Magazine last checked in with the Kansas Sampler Foundation in spring 2009, the summer nonprofit dedicated to preserving, sustaining and growing rural culture has kept its activity at a level that might best be described as “tornadic.” These days executive director Marci Penner is driving literally all over the Sunflower State. In an effort to update the Kansas Guidebook for Explorers, which was published in 2005, they are presently visiting each of Kansas’ 626 communities. So far, she’s made it to 33 (follow along with her travels at the foundation’s blog, www.kansassampler.org/erv). Programs include the Kansas Sampler Festival, the 8 Wonders of Kansas and the PowerUp Movement, which focuses on 21- to 39-year-olds who live rurally by choice, and the Kansas Explorer’s Club. Penner is especially excited about the KanStarter program, which is similar to Kickstarter, but is focused on matching rural community needs to those who want to donate money, work or resources to a cause. -Edie Ross
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2009
When we first began Hutchinson Ma ga zin e, many writers fall 2008 and readers suggested a profile on Pat Potucek; her artwork was well-known in the community, and her spirit was an even larger presence. A few years later and in another Kansas community we met Marcia Streepy, Potucek’s daughter, who was also an artist. When asked in an interview who her hero was, Streepy replied, “My mother … I thought the whole world knew her, and she is still my hero.” It was touching to see this connection. -Katy Ibsen
Deborah Walker
“This is promoting rural Kansas itself as an attraction. It could be family-owned businesses or old cemetery stones that draw people in. For the explorers, it is about enjoying the journey and talking to the locals.”
Aaron East
Pat Potucek
Check out
www.kanstarter.com for a preview
– Marci Penner
Summer 2013
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Art Center
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The Hutchinson Art Center, established in 1949, continues to support and promote art to community residents. Since 1995, the center has been at Fifth Avenue and Washington Street. Visitors are welcomed to a large array of regional and local artists in the main gallery, where three exhibition galleries are changed regularly to keep the content fresh and the community engaged. The center’s permanent collection includes notable works from renowned artists Birger Sandzen, Georges Roualt and Tomeo Tabuena. Since appearing in Hutchinson Magazine, the center has been expanding educational opportunities, says Mark Rassette, director of the Hutchinson Art Center and the Hutchinson/Reno Arts & Humanities Council. Future classes may include mosaic workshops, an oil painting class, drawing and technique classes. “The Art Center only has value through service,” he says, noting it is important to offer residents who aspire to create something artistically the opportunity to participate. The center also hosts the annual Outdoor Art Fair in downtown Hutchinson each spring. More than 10,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s 51st annual event, which features 80-plus different artists from the region. “When we first started, there were no other art markets in the Midwest,” Rassette says. “We continue to grow.” -Anne Maxwell
Burger Joints
The iconic American delight—the hamburger—continues to make a name for itself in Hutchinson. At Sacks 5th Avenue, the little burger joint Mike Nevius runs with his wife, Sherry, the burgers dare you to say differently. Featured in Hutchinson Magazine’s spring 2010 issue, Mike Nevius says customers are still patronizing their Fifth Avenue diner wanting the same, delicious greasy-spoon eats—just as frequently as they have since the couple opened Sacks in 2000. “Our menu is the same,” Mike Nevius says, adding the notion of why fix something that’s not broken. “Things are going great the way they are, and we’re going to leave it that way.” While joints like Sacks and the 65-year-old downtown diner R-B stay the same, much has changed over the past few years in Hutchinson’s burger dive scene. After selling burgers and bait for 18 years, Shad Byard is trying something different—burgers, steak and beer. His new establishment, Oliver’s Beef and Brew, opened in March. Former Oliver’s Burgers and Bait employee Damon “Mac” McCray has embarked on his own venture, Mac’s Carry-out Burgers and Shakes at 1228 E. Fourth Avenue. McCray, who learned to cook from his mother, jumped at the chance to open Byard’s former diner. Keeping most of the menu, they added ice cream so they can serve shakes, malts, cones, floats and sundaes. “I love cooking,” he says. “To be able to do that for a job—to be able to do what I love to do, that was the reason why I wanted to take over the restaurant.” While McCray has added a few things to the menu, like shakes, and subtracted items like fried pickles and bologna, anglers have no need to worry. The bait shop located in the small building behind the diner is still open for business. -Amy Bickel
spring 2010
Deborah Walker
winter 2009
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Bontrager
“I’ve had a love for horses my entire life. This is just another way of being around them.” – David Knepp
Brian Lingle
spring 2010
The tranquil atmosphere of Bontrager Harness Shop is my most vivid memory from a profile assignment in spring 2010. It took extra effort to set up the interview since owner David Knepp didn’t have a phone, keeping with his Amish beliefs. But it was worth the trouble. The outside was a nondescript trailer, but inside I was struck by how cozy it felt despite the lack of electricity. The natural light had a calming effect, and I could immediately understand why some of the locals would come just to sit in the shop and chat with the young owner. Knepp had apprenticed under his father-in-law and then taken the reins to the shop two years prior to our interview. He had a reputation to live up to, and it was clear that he took that seriously. By all accounts he was doing a fine job. One of Knepp’s customers praised his work, calling the young man a “perfectionist.” After seeing his shop, which had “a place for everything and every thing it its place,” I could only nod in agreement. Assignment reflection by writer Edie Ross.
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Bardo the Clown Aaron East
summer 2010
Adapted from the eulogy given by Richard Shank at services for J.B. Holdren “Bardo the Clown,” December 7, 1919-January 1, 2013. He was 93. J. B. Holdren, aka Bardo the clown, State Fair legend, and Hutchinson icon has passed at age 93. Although, much has been written about Bardo during the past few days, I thought that one more column was fitting. I knew Bardo, but not well, until 2009, when Hutchinson Magazine Editor Katy Ibsen asked me to write a feature story on him for the quarterly publication. After interviewing Bardo for two afternoons in his State Fair shop, I had heard 90- years’ worth of stories from one of the most interesting characters I will ever know. First he told me that he was about 104 years old but we all knew better. For the record, Bardo was an integral part of 68 Kansas State Fairs; that’s twothirds of all the Fairs ever held. That record ranks right up there with Oklahoma’s 47-game winning streak in football; so let’s just say neither record will be broken. Bardo was born in El Paso, Illinois, became a Hutchinson transplant at age 2. Except for service in World War II, for which he was immensely proud; he never left for very long. As America entered World War II, Bardo found himself in basic training in California, alongside a red-headed recruit named Red Skelton, and they struck up a friendship that would last a lifetime.
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To hear Bardo tell the story, Skelton disrupted basic training on more than one occasion making faces of commanding officers behind their back and causing great humor among the recruits. Skelton would perform at several State Fairs and would spend hours in Bardo’s shop on the fairgrounds. One year, to advertise Skelton’s performance, State Fair General Manager Bob Gottschalk asked Bardo to paint Skelton’s likeness on a trash barrel for display on the fairgrounds. On a walking tour of the fairgrounds, Bardo pointed out the trash barrel to Skelton and said, “Red, it looks like you have made it to the top.” Skelton, according to Bardo, didn’t have much of a comeback on that one. Bardo painted his first sign for the 1945 Kansas State Fair and was around to see the next 67. In 1945, the State Fair staff consisted of only three people, and once the fair had concluded, they locked up the grounds until the following summer. While hitting the road as Bardo, the circus clown, he decided to take his chances on a daredevil car stunt in the late 1970s. One evening in Sheldon, Iowa, he barely escaped death in a stunt gone wrong and was rushed to the hospital with a broken back. Touring his shop was like taking a trip down memory lane to see the posters, along with the signs he was painting. And he was the best at carving carousel horses.
“My dad told me that God put us on this earth to make people happy and we all need to do our best to make that happen,” Bardo said. At the end of the second interview session, Bardo handed me several color photos of himself in his clown outfit. He even autographed one. When I got home, I noted that one of the photos was inscribed with the Prayer of a Clown which is worth repeating and reads as follows: “Dear Lord, help me to create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair. “Never let me grow so big that I will fail to see the wonder in the eyes of a child or the twinkle in the eyes of the aged. “Never let me forget that I am a clown; that my work is to cheer people up, make them happy, and make them laugh, make them forget momentarily all the unpleasant things in their lives. “Never let me acquire financial success to the point where I will discontinue calling upon my creator in the hour of need or acknowledging and thanking him in the hour of plenty.” Thanks, Bardo, for a life well-lived. Everything you touched in your long lifetime you made better, including the Kansas State Fair. And, you can now have the best view of all, a heavenly seat at the centennial Kansas State Fair in September.
Aaron East
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The Kansas State Fair never gets old—even during its 100th birthday bash set for this coming fall. One of Hutchinson’s largest celebrations will have even more to celebrate September 6-15. “We’re excited about our summer 2010 upcom i n g 100th bi r thday celebration,” says Fair general manager Denny Stoecklein. The centennial celebration kicks off with an opening night concert by none other than the state’s namesake band—Kansas—with a special-priced $13 ticket that includes admission to the Fairgrounds. A time capsule located in the Sergeant Missile, which is just north of the Administration Building by the Information Center, is scheduled to be opened this year, too. Commercial exhibitors will have the chance to compete in a birthday-themed decorating contest, and the ever-popular butter sculpture will go along with the birthday theme. Fairgoers will have their chance to receive a birthday present each day—in the form of $100 cash. Stoecklein says that to register, fairgoers simply need to drop off a nonperishable food item at the Information Center. -Amy Conkling
KS State Fair
Birthday plans will continue throughout the summer and be announced on the Fair’s Facebook page, as well as the website,
www.kansasstatefair.com.
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Veteran Reflections fall 2010
There have been many assignments that I have contributed to in the last five years for Hutchinson Magazine that were memorable, but none more memorable and important to me than the one that included my grandfather—a veteran. I grew up listening to the stories of war that he experienced during World War II. It was important to him to share these experiences lest he ever forget. He was a master storyteller, and a prized possessions of mine is one of two journals he wrote for the family titled Combat Recollections given to me and my sister one Christmas many years ago. I was able to return the gift to him when I took both journals, retyped it all, and self-published, for the family. The hard-bound book is covered with this image along with many other old war photographs I found inside a chest in his basement. Four months later he left this world to go dancin’ with grandma. This image is the most important photograph I have ever created and will likely ever create. It bridges “Then and Now” through a composite using a photograph taken with his war buddies that has always been prominently displayed in his living room with the proud man I know as grandpa that still fit into his army jacket. Let none of us forget who that serve in the military, who give the ultimate sacrifice, and forgo all that most of us take for granted while we are safe at home. Assignment reflection by photographer Aaron East.
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Wild Horse winter 2010
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“The horse is a very smart animal. They know that we are predators, so we must gain their trust to prove that we are not going to harm them.” – Dexter Hedrick Deborah Walker
In just under two years the prison’s Wild Horse and Burro Prison Program has blossomed into one of the premier horsetraining locations in the area. The program became affiliated with the Mustang Heritage Foundation in July 2012, which helps cover the training fee for the animals. It has done wonders for the program, says Dexter Hedrick, who is with the Friends of the Wild Horse and Burro Prison Program. Currently there is currently a waitlist of 25-30 horses waiting to be trained. About two years ago, the program started supplying border patrol along the TexasMexico border, as well as a few along the California coast, with horses. “That was a big boost and increased our credibility,” Hedrick says. Hedrick’s trainees are all inmates; four to six of them are fully dedicate to training the wild horses and burros, while three more help on a part-time basis. “It’s a great life skill because working and training animals is a lot about building relationships, and that’s transferrable to people,” he says. While the Foundation accepts monetary donations, they mainly see a lot of goods and supplies donated. Individuals interested in helping the program can follow the group on their Facebook page, Friends of the Wild Horse and Burro Prison Program at Hutchinson, Kansas. -Amy Conkling
Deborah Walker
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Deborah Walker
Anchor Inn winter 2010
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My most recent trip to Hutchinson finally resulted in a meal to the Anchor Inn. Over the years, working on the magazine, I have heard the legends of the Anchor Inn, and then we featured the famed locale in our winter 2010 edition. Not long after that, I was in Hutch for a photo shoot with a handful of ballerinas who twirled their way back to Artistree after a hearty lunch. As I made multiple trips to the buffet and enjoyed a (OK, maybe two) red beers, I finally realized what the buzz was about. Kudos to the Flores family, I will see you soon! -Katy Ibsen
Gibbo Pierson spring 2011
In the two years since Gibbo Pierson was featured in Hutchinson Magazine, his face has become even more popular around town. “I went to a 50th birthday party a while back where we had to sit at our nameplates,” Pierson recalls. “A guy couldn’t wait to meet me—he said I’m a legend in my own time.” The Great Gibbo jokes he gets a big head over it, which, in reality, he doesn’t, and has spent the last several months traveling the country on his Gold Wing trike. “When you’re a little kid, you get a trike,” Pierson says. “When you’re a big kid, you get another trike.” He remains self-employed in his saddle and leather shop. His recent project includes transforming a double barrel, 20-gauge shotgun into a pistol. “It’s still legal, and I made a fancy belt and holster to go along with it,” Pierson says. He’s also taken a liking to making deer horns and knife blades. But his immediate future plans involve taking more trips this summer and fall on his trike. “I haven’t been quite as busy, but I still manage to get around—but just barely,” Pierson says. -Amy Conkling
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Brian Lingle
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Football Moms fall 2011
Annie Roehm, left, Kendra Munds and Crystle Westmoreland in spirit shirts from their son’s colleges.
Their responsibilities are different now. The Friday nightlights no longer beckon them to the gridiron. There’s no need to pack dozens of sack lunches for hungry, sweaty boys. These Hutchinson High football moms are retired. “It was hard to adjust,” says Crystle Westmoreland, whose son, Jess, a college sophomore this fall, now plays football for Hutchinson Community College. “It’s a different atmosphere than high school football. I was so involved with the high school. With college ball, it’s not like that.” First featured in the fall 2011 edition of Hutchinson Magazine when their sons were seniors, Westmoreland and the other moms, as well as the dads, are now traveling in all directions across the state to support their college sons in whatever they do. Kendra Munds sports purple as she sits in Kansas State’s football stadium, getting jitters as she watches her son,
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Lucas, a Wildcat walk-on. “He is absolutely living his dream,” says Munds. Ann Roehm is watching son Jerome, a freshman at Benedictine College in Atchison, play two college sports, football and baseball. Regardless, she is still keeping stats for the Salthawks. Jodee Elliott Bowen says she and her husband, Kevin, spend many weekends in Lawrence visiting their daughter, Elli, who just graduated, and son Trace, who will start his sophomore year this fall at the University of Kansas. Trace still plays football—but only for his fraternity’s intramural team, she says. Lori Blakesley says her son, Tanner, who just completed his freshman year at HCC, is active in the Sons of American Legion in Hutchinson, which includes helping with the NJCAA basketball tournament in March and cooking hamburgers at the legion every third Thursday. She and her husband still attend Hutch High games. “Going to the games this year was a lot less stressful,” she says, adding that her husband, Rick, the team’s former Gatorade dad, feels the same way. “We can just go to the game and sit wherever we want.” -Amy Bickel
“The architects who designed the course took great care to preserve the original topography. During the history of Prairie Dunes, no one has tried to change what we have.” – Stan George
Aaron East
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Prairie Dunes spring 2012
Courtesy Prairie Dunes
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Pretty Prairie Rodeo
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Prairie Dunes, a Hutchinson landmark and world-renowned golf course, paused last year to celebrate its 75th anniversary, and Hutchinson Magazine was on hand to help with the festivities in a feature story published in the 2012 spring edition. A recent call to General Manager Scott Nelson confirmed that Prairie Dunes is not resting on its laurels, as there are no idle moments at the golf club east of Hutchinson that saw its origins in 1937. During 2012, Nelson and longtime golfer Rusty Hilst took time out from the club’s anniversary celebration for a trip to the NCAA Men’s Championship tournament at the Rivera Club in Los Angeles with the thought in mind that Prairie Dunes would be a good venue for a future championship. Hilst and Nelson liked what they saw, and apparently NCAA officials felt likewise, as the paperwork was soon under way to export the 2014 tournament to Hutchinson. “One hundred fifty-six golfers representing 30 schools from throughout the United States will compete for top honors at Prairie Dunes,” Nelson says. The Golf Channel, along with other national media, will set up shop to broadcast the final two days of the event. Hosting college tournaments is nothing new for Prairie Dunes as the course is the site of the Big 12 and Missouri Valley championships on alternate years. As soon as the NCAA tournament is in the record books, Nelson and his staff will be hard at work organizing the 2015 Youth Insurance Classic, an event where 130 high school and junior high students will compete for honors. This tournament is another first for Prairie Dunes. “Prairie Dunes is a pretty special place, and I feel privileged to work here,” Nelson says. -Richard Shank
summer 2012
Julie Graber has been involved in the Pretty Prairie Rodeo ever since she can remember. The annual event, which can swell this Reno County community of 600 up to more than 18,000 visitors over its four-day run, is in Graber’s bloodline. “The rodeo started on my grandpa’s farm,” says Graber, who currently serves as executive secretary for the event. “I’ve been helping ever since I could stamp an envelope.” It takes volunteers of all ages to make the renowned rodeo buck its way through the area each July, only adding to the value of the event that’s become a mustattend for many in the region. Another facet that sets the event apart is the quality of its bucking stock, which is provided by Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. of Elk City, Oklahoma. While the 2013 rodeo will mark the 76th year for the popular event, there’s always something new to enjoy. “We try to bring variety and the best each year,” Graber says. Featured at the rodeo this year will be the awardwinning rodeo clown John Harrison and three-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year Dusty Tuckness. This year’s event will also feature 11-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Announcer of the year Randy Corley. Family nights will be July 17-18, free for children 12 and under. The sounds of Turnback Creek will be featured at the dance following the July 19-20 performances. “My hope is that everyone that walked through our gates thoroughly enjoyed our community and our event and took at least one special memory home with them,” she says. “And decide to join us again this year!” The 2013 Pretty Prairie Rodeo will be July 17-20. -Anne Maxwell
For more information or tickets, call 800-638-2702 after June 29, or visit
www.pprodeo.com.
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BBQ Reflections fall 2012
Brian Lingle
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Imagine going on a fourday picnic—that’s what it felt like while working on “Reno County’s Barbecue Rendezvous” for the fall 2012 edition. Four different barbecue stops, and I learned a few tricks, tried to break down secret recipes and wore a new smoky scent. I have a new awareness of just how secretive cooks are about their barbecue sauce. Except for Dannyboy’s Smoke House, which offers a sauce bar of commercial sauces, not one cook interviewed would share their recipes. Anne Armstrong will make you feel like her best friend, but she won’t divulge the recipe created by her late husband, Mike Armstrong. Nor will she let you near the oven where Roy’s Hickory Pit Bar-B-Q is cooked. It was hidden in the back of the restaurant somewhere. I could smell it, but, I couldn’t see it. I tried wearing Anne down, but she was too smart to fall for my ploys. In the end I was reminded of the novel Fried Green Tomatoes, and realized after all, I didn’t need to see where she and her son Ryan Collum cooked the ribs and roasts. Some things are better left a secret. Assignment reflection by writer Kathy Hanks.
Deborah Walker
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Brendan Martinez was featured on the cover of the Winter 2012 edition of Hutchinson Magazine. “I never thought I’d be on the cover of anything, especially doing art,” he says. “At the same time, that’s what I wanted to do.” As a result of the article he got a job painting a mural in a McPherson jazz club. “It definitely gave me a second gear driving toward my career,” he says. But one of his favorite results was hearing from a teacher that she read the article to her students to encourage them to follow their dreams. “It captured everything I wanted to say,” he says. “I think it’s really great Hutchinson has a magazine like that. It gives a fresh new face to the city.” – Patsy Terrell
Aaron East
winter 2012
Amtrak spring 2013
The idea for our feature on Amtrak came from a conversation with a former conductor; I was fascinated by his rail stories and ready to climb aboard. I wanted to hear more from passengers—where
did they travel, what was it like, what country did you see and so forth. Writer Richard Shank brought this vision to the pages of the magazine and photographer Aaron East illustrated it perfectly. I am now looking forward to planning a trip south on the Southwest Chief. -Katy Ibsen
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Larry Caldwell
THE DOGS OF
HUTCH MAG ONE MAGAZINE’S UNFORGETTABLE SLOBBERY WOOF FACTOR Hutchinson Magazine, you’ll see a few four-legged sources.
Aaron East
on the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, we’ve enjoyed covering this furry population. Here’s a look back at some of our favorites.
THE WOOF:
A dip in the pool—how refreshing!
FALL 2008 A DOG’S DAY OUT
We meet the folks behind Pampered Paws and West 5th Pet Sitters. “Pets are people, too. They deserve the same comforts at home as we would when we are on vacation,” says Sherry Stanley, owner of West 5th Pet Sitters.
WINTER 2008 ANDI TO THE RESCUE
THE WOOF:
Andi may be the happiest dog in all of Hutch.
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Andi the therapy dog touched many readers in 2008. We followed up with her handler to see how she’s doing. “She’s great! She still comes to work at Horizons,” says Paula Hopkins, department head, Same Day Care, Horizons Mental Health Center. “My office is across from the children’s activity rooms, so the kids will stop by and say hello. Occasionally one of our crisis case managers will take her with him into the community.”
THE WOOF:
Aaron East
Whippets never like to be held! We miss you, Baby.
SPRING 2009 GROWING A GREEN BUSINESS
Our profile on Stutzmans Greenhouse explored the ins and outs of running a greenhouse. Only later did magazine editor Katy Ibsen realize the family portrait had a whippet in it—one of her favorite breeds.
Oddly, former photographer Larry Caldwell happened to take many of our pooch photos during his time with Hutchinson Magazine. We caught up with the photographer who is now living and working in western Kansas. I enjoyed making pictures for the magazine and working with the local writers. The Hutchinson publication is a surrounding area. Over the years, working as a photojournalist, I have found that everyone has a story to tell and most are more than willing to share the events of their lives. As photographers and writers, working at the local level, we have the
opportunity to feature friends, neighbors, community events, and newsmakers right here in our own backyards. And during the course of these assignments we are given a glimpse into personal lives that During my time making pictures for The Magazine, several of the images were of canines and their owners. The comedian W.C. Fields, is credited with the line, “Never work with children and Animals.” Although he was indeed right in some instances I have always enjoyed photographing our four-leged friends and their companions. An old photographer friend of mine once told me years ago that when it comes to making pictures you can never go wrong with children or animals
or a combination of both. And of course he knew what he was talking about. The only caveat, is allowing twice the amount of time to get the pictures ... trust me you will need it and be glad you did. ONE FINAL NOTE. Have you ever noticed how people seem to take on a resemblance to their pets? Or is it visa versa? I’m not saying they could pass for twins or even close relatives but, it’s true ... it is just that some take a little more imagination than others.
-Larry Caldwell
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THE WOOF:
Larry Caldwell
Play?! I relax at the dog park.
FALL 2009 A WALK IN THE PARK
THE WOOF:
Poodles always have proper etiquette.
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Deborah Walker
A thorough look at the Hutchinson Dog Park and its four- and two-legged visitors. “Dogs make such nicer pets when they’re able to socialize, exercise and play,” says Charles Buckaloo, visionary behind the Hutchinson Dog Park. “That’s what we’re trying to offer here, a space where owners can take their dogs and enjoy being outdoors.”
HIMSIC AL GAE MCK AY’S WIRCUS C GAMBINI
B OV E A VIEW FROM AD SONS N A WITH WRAY
SON’S MEET HUTCHINMS O SUPER M
Summer 2011
USE CFA OR PAWS
Larry Caldwell
EVER” HOMES R U F “ G IN D IN F
Summer 2011
$3.00
SPRING 2013 ENJOYING THE DOG’S LIFE
A recent look at Hutchinson’s popular Kennel Club. “The club members are a lot of fun, caring people who just enjoy each other and their dogs. That’s why I decided this was my home away from home,” says Becky Ensz, Hutchinson Kennel Club member.
THE WOOF:
Huskies will always make good cover models.
SUMMER 2011 A PAW-SITIVE ENDEAVOR
Our profile on Hutchinson’s animal advocates, Cause for Paws, and the cover gal, Jasmine. “Cause for Paws is a voice for the animals who can’t speak for themselves,” says Sylvia Griggs, founding member.
Summer 2013
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THE
END
i may noT looK Too far in The fuTure because i am so busy wiTh deTails,
buT i know The fuTure is
BRIGHT – Jennifer randall
“ RENO COUNTY PEOPLE, i love To read abouT inTeresTing
and i also always enJoy The feaTures on disTincTive
Third Thursday creator/organizer
bravo
To our dedicaTed group of conTribuTors, which includes
3 phoTographers
&
5
LOCAL HOMES.” – John monTgomery
editor and publisher, the Hutchinson news
8 wriTers.
years published “how many places can your
kids
“we have puT a loT of hard worK inTo everyThing we have earned These pasT
go To worK wiTh you?”
FIVE YEARS
– anne dowell
– ashley williams
owner of apron strings
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STORIES PUBLISHED
Hutchinson Magazine
and we are very proud of where we are Today.”
QUOTE “The magazine is more Than JusT a magazine.
iT’s huTchinson’s own national geograpHic uncovering all The
WONDERFUL number of ediTors help us celebraTe
q&a subJecTs
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& UNIQUE Things abouT The place we call home.
every communiTy is unliKe any oTher, and HutcHinson Magazine is a celebraTion of This.”
“This communiTy is special because iT’s where i was born and raised—and a place ThaT i couldn’T waiT To come bacK To afTer college. i can’T help buT geT giddy when i’m running around Town—
wiTh a piece of carroT caKe from
meTropoliTan coffee “once you TasTe iT, you’ll Know iT deserves To be on a pedesTal.” (kind of like The magazine!)
ESPECIALLY DOWNTOWN,
– aaron easT photographer
THREE
wiTh all of The
FUN AND UNIQUE sTorefronTs—
on a beauTiful spring or summer morning and soaK in all of The special opporTuniTies our communiTy has To offer.”
-amy conkling
pulitzer prizes –
ZERO
writer
Summer 2013
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HUTCH TALKS
huTch TalKs wiTh
HUTCH MAG photography by brian lingle
In publishing, Q&A profiles are a great way to introduce readers to community members, civic leaders, teachers of the year and so on. With this being our fifth anniversary issue, it seemed appropriate to turn the lens on our own contributors. Meet the magazine’s publisher, an accomplished writer and a photographer who have been in involved since the magazine’s inception. Without all of our dedicated contributors Hutchinson Magazine wouldn’t be half the publication it is today. But hearing their reflections of the magazine they help produce illustrates exactly why it is so successful. -Katy Ibsen, editor
AARON
EAST freelance phoTographer Like many Hutch residents, photographer Aaron East was born and raised in the area, but he moved to Manhattan to attend school. While he stuck around Wildcat country for about 13 years, he eventually moved back in 2007 with his wife, Michelle, and their three children, Matt, Stephen and Braelyn. What’s unique about Aaron is that photography is just a small part of what he does. For his day job, Aaron is a clinical social worker providing after-hours emergency services for Horizons Mental Health Center, and he also operates a private practice in Sterling. But as he aptly notes, “Photography is my therapy.”
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how are you involved in HutcHinson Magazine?
afTer i wrap an assignmenT i can’t wait
I had been looking for a way to further pursue my interest in photography, and it just so happened that, for no particular reason, I was looking at the classifieds when I stumbled upon the ad looking for photographers for the new magazine. The rest is history, and I have contributed in every issue since the first.
to get home, pull the images up on my computer and begin editing. The post process involved in photography, for me, is as important to my art as the initial depression of the shutter button. While there aren’t many photographers who use a darkroom any more, the computer, today, is every bit a darkroom where the photograph is truly finished.
my firsT assignmenT was photographing the story on Young Professionals of Reno County. While I had done paid work before, through my own photography business, I was a nervous wreck knowing that this would be my first published work. I stumbled through the assignments given for the first issue and was thankful—lucky— to be invited back for more issues.
buT my favoriTe assignmenT was either the “Pretty Prairie Rodeo” or the “BBQ Rendezvous.” This is a tough choice. While I really enjoy photographing outdoor subjects I also really enjoy food ... especially barbecue. It also helps that I made cover with both of these stories, too. With the Pretty Prairie Rodeo I felt like a real “pro.” I was shown the “press trailer” and given access to pretty much whatever I needed. Having always enjoyed photographing action sports it was a good fit for me and this rodeo ... it’s kind of a big deal. With the barbecue story I went to a couple restaurants that I had never been to and revisited ones that I remember from my teenage years. As someone who, myself, LOVES to cook on a charcoal grill and smoking ribs and turkeys I couldn’t wait to get started on this story.
a reader once Told me that they always look forward to getting the new issue of Hutchinson Magazine for the exceptional writing and photography, that the publication really reveals the pulse of our community. I think that Hutchinson Magazine has truly amazing contributors.
i couldn’T live wiThouT the kindness I have been shown by every person I come into contact with who tells me that they enjoy seeing my work in the magazine. I also love seeing the magazine on the coffee tables of friends and area businesses.
i wanT To Tell my ediTor she’s a rock star. I appreciate that I was given an opportunity to contribute to this great publication. I also appreciate her support, feedback and encouragement. I have grown as a photographer because I was given a chance. I owe that to Katy.
This communiTy is special because there are always things I am discovering that I didn’t know were here. Every issue of Hutchinson Magazine is another opportunity to explore another gem that our hometown possesses. Being from Hutch I often hear that this town has nothing to offer. To those I say, “You have had your eyes closed.” It is testimony to Hutchinson that the magazine is going strong after five years, with each new issue being as interesting as the one before it.
when i make iT big, i ... hmmm I am not sure how to answer this other than to say that I already have. What more can I ask for than the loving family that I have, the enjoyment of all three of my jobs, having access to all the things I love to do (fishing, hunting, camping, photography) and living in my hometown? I often think to myself that if I can lay my head down at night and be content with what I have accomplished and continue to try and accomplish then I must be doing something right.
my dream assignmenT would be to cover an area educator every issue to celebrate the wonderful teachers that we have. After all, none of us would be where we are today without the wonderful educators that we have had. My father, now retired, was a teacher, and I still hear about how much he meant to his students. I think that teachers hold the single most important job in the world.
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my firsT assignmenT was a story on unique fireplaces and mantles in homes around Hutchinson. buT my favoriTe assignmenT was “Hutch Eats.” I was about seven or so months pregnant at the time, so it was a treat to cover some of the local “favorites” at restaurants. It didn’t hurt that two of the favorite eats happened to also be at my all-time local favorite joints—Ken’s Pizza and Anchor Inn.
readers always get me confused with Amy Bickel. They’ll be thanking me for a great story that I had nothing to do with, and the light goes on: They’re talking about a different Amy. I’m used to it, as it happened all the time when we worked together at the News. She’s a great writer, so it’s an honor to get confused with her!
when i geT The new issue i immediately save one copy for my mom, one copy for my mother-in-law, then sit down and read my copy with a cup of coffee.
i couldn’T live wiThouT the fall 2012 issue. I had the pleasure of touring the Quillin home, which was gorgeous. I loved Amy’s eclectic style, and it definitely inspired me for some of my own home design projects. when meeTing a new source i try to find a way I’m connected to him or her. Seriously—there are six or less degrees of separation with most of my past sources. It helps that I’m a lifer from Hutch, my parents are lifers from Hutch, my grandparents are (mostly) lifers from Hutch, and my husband and in-laws are from the Hutch area as well.
afTer i wrap an assignmenT, I usually go to bed. Because I’m almost always writing and working on stories at night after my kids go to bed.
AMY
CONKLING freelance wriTer
i wanT To Tell my ediTor how much my heart leaps when the assignment e-mail from her lands in my inbox. I immediately want to start contacting sources. when i make iT big, I’ll be spending all of my earnings on my children’s college educations. After a weeklong trip to the beach with my husband—with a marathon thrown in there, of course. my dream assignmenT is to do a “Day
Amy Conkling is a self-proclaimed “Hutchinson Lifer” and only moved away for a brief stint at Kansas State University. With a journalism degree in tow, she graduated in May 2005 and landed her first gig at The Hutchinson News as the education and youth reporter. However, for the last six years she has worked as the marketing and special events director for the Hutchinson Recreation Commission. “What’s not to love about a job where you work hard to watch people play and have fun through great quality-of-life activities, all while making memories along the way?” she says. Amy remains in Hutchinson with her husband, Jack, and their two kids, Mackie, 3, and Brax, 1. When she’s not working, spending time with her family or running, she finds time to contribute as a writer to Hutchinson Magazine and, on occasion, KANSAS! magazine.
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in the Life of” piece on Bill Snyder. I didn’t take advantage of a college coach’s accessibility when working for the K-State Collegian newspaper in my college days. I’d also love to write about running experiences for Runner’s World magazine. I think following the last runner of a major race would be awesome. Everyone covers the first runners who cross the finish line, but you know there are just as amazing stories on the last runners of the race.
The magazine Truly captures the stories in this great town. Just when I think I know a lot about this community, each issue teaches me something new.
Summer 2013
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HUTCH TALKS how are you involved in HutcHinson Magazine? I mostly am involved in the strategic decisions, such as distribution and pricing. I also see the story budget and get a sneak peak of the magazine before it goes to press.
in your opinion, how has The magazine impacTed The communiTy? I think it has stimulated pride in the community. From day one, we got rave reviews in the community. I think residents felt the magazine gave Hutchinson a new sophistication. And it is always good reading, so people seem to love when a new issue arrives.
five years ago i became convinced Hutchinson could support a city magazine and that advertisers would be drawn to a glossy, full-color, high-end product.
The magazine is a good read every issue.
our adverTisers like to be associated with an upscale product that targets consumers with disposable income.
i love To read abouT interesting Reno County people, and I also always enjoy the features on distinctive local homes.
a reader once Told me (more than once, actually), “My friends have received their new copy of Hutchinson Magazine, but I haven’t seen mine yet.” I get this because we don’t deliver all parts of the city in the same day, but people are anxious to get their copy once they hear it’s on the streets. when i geT The new issue, I thumb through it quickly, then go back and read in more depth.
JOHN
MONTGOMERY ediTor and publisher of tHe HutcHinson news John Montgomery has been the editor and publisher at The Hutchinson News for about seven years (and publisher of the magazine). During this time he watched the paper launch Hutchinson Magazine. Previously John served as publisher at the Hays Daily News and Ottawa Herald. Happily married, John and his wife also have the entertaining task of raising three teenagers.
i couldn’T live wiThouT news. When I’m “off the grid” from media for any period of time, I feel uncomfortably disconnected. Kind of like my kids when they have to put away their cell phones at the dinner table. This communiTy is special because of friendly people, spaces with character such as downtown, and world-class attractions such as the Cosmosphere and Underground Salt Museum.
five years from now i imagine that, even in an increasingly paperless, digital world, Hutchinson Magazine still will be a must-have that Hutchinson residents keep on their coffee tables.
Summer 2013
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TRAVEL
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Travel
bon Temps
ON THE BAYOU
The “real french desTinaTion” lies in louisiana’s scenic byway—The hearT of caJun and creole counTry story by gloria gale
photography by the lafayette convention and visitors bureau
It’s not hard to tell the tourists from the regular folk in Lafayette, Louisiana—the tourists are always listening closely trying to understand the patois spoken by the natives. The reason is simple: In a town where “Cajun French” is routinely spoken, it results in a gumbo of conversation unlike that in most American cities. In the tropical south of Louisiana’s fourth-largest city language ebbs and flows in a delightful sing-song patter indicative of the laissez les bons temps rouler (let the goods times roll) attitude. The historic town of just over 120,000 is home to the French descendants of Acadia, now commonly known as Cajuns. History tells of settlers first exiled from France in the 18th century to the Canadian Maritime Provinces, then later expelled by the British to the bayous of Louisiana. Settlements of Cajuns grew into the 22 parishes that comprise Acadiana. Today, Cajun culture thrives in
Lafayette, the largest city among the parishes and the heart of French Louisiana. Another group of Caribbean descendants are French-speaking Creoles who bring their own distinctive culture to this Mississippi delta region.
FLAVOR AND SPICE Only a scant 35 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, marshy bayous, rich farmland and lush tropical overgrowth dictate the commerce of the area. Both Cajuns and Creoles have worked the land since the early 18th century plying markets with bountiful crops of sugar cane, rice, cattle, cotton and seafood. The results are a vibrant commercial and cultural heritage that can be seen, heard and tasted.
Chapel at Acadian Village, a replica of a late 1800s Acadian community. Photograph by Jay Faugot, Jay Faugot Photography
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Louisiana is famous for cuisines. Photograph by Robin May Center for the Arts is distinctive venues for the ultimate in private entertainment, presenting and celebrating. Photograph by Sarah Life; A Zydeco musician plays his scrub-board. Photograph by Virginia Delaney; 200-acre Jungle Gardens features a variety of azaleas, camellias and bamboo. Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission
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Travel
DAY ONE acadian culTural cenTer Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, established to maintain the state’s rich natural and historic resources. The center is the first stop to orient visitors offering exhibits and a 40-minute film detailing various aspects of Cajun culture. vermilionville This heritage and folk-life district portrays life in the early days of Cajun and Creole settlers. Craftspeople, cooking demonstrations, live music and art are featured within 18 reproduction buildings that contain period furnishings and artifacts. Break for lunch at the unpretentious olde Tyme grocery. The specialty of the house is a mouthwatering Shrimp “Poor Boy,” loaded with your choice of meat, seafood and cheese. In the afternoon explore historic downtown Lafayette. Three main attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. sans souci fine crafTs gallery houses one-of-a-kind works created by skilled Louisiana guide artisans. acadiana cenTer for The arTs where local and global performing and visual arts are the focus. alexandre mouTon house (circa 1800), home of the founder of Lafayette. Tonight dine at casual preJean’s featuring live Cajun music and dance. Fried alligator and crawfish etouffee are house favorites.
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
Henderson, in the Atchafalaya Basin, is the home of cypress-laden swamps teeming with plants and wildlife. Expect to see gators, crawfish and snowy egrets on a mcgees landing swamp tour.
Spend a leisurely day exploring avery island, home of McIlhenny Company Tabasco pepper sauce factory and beautiful 170-acre Jungle gardens and bird ciTy.
Wind your way into the historic charm of New Iberia. Lunch downtown at the treasured cafe des amis. Local flavor and live events keep guests coming back.
For the balance of the day visit sT. marTinville on Bayou Teche. evangeline oak park is a mustsee named for the heroine of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s popular 1847 epic poem, “Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie,” which was partially set in this part of Louisiana.
Journey to the past with a tour of shadows-on-The-Teche, a national trust historic site. This former sugar mansion is filled with artifacts from four generations of one family’s daily life dating from 1834 to l958. Miles apart from the ballyhoo of Bourbon Street, Lafayette beats to its own rhythm. It jumps, but not with the bop of Dixieland, but the sashays of Zydeco. Everywhere, road houses open their doors, and swamp pop spills out. End the evening with the two-step at blue moon saloon, a must stop for music lovers.
Dinner at randol’s—a true Cajun roadhouse with toe-tapping Zydeco and flavorful Cajun food. Lafayette is a unique destination filled with scenic views, distinctive culture and flowing bayous. Float along this spirited southern current and experience the joie d’ vivre of Cajun fiddles, Creole accordions, boudin and etouffee—Ca c’est bon!
FOR MORE INFORMATION Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission www.lafayette.travel
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BEST BETS
2013 masTer garden summer garden Tour The fifth-annual Master Gardener Summer Garden Tour will feature six home landscapes featuring diverse, creative and stylish outdoor living spaces. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the Reno County Extension and www.reno.ksu.edu.
JUNE
12-16
american veTerans Traveling TribuTe Join community members in honoring active, veteran and fallen American heroes. American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s “Cost of Freedom Tribute” is a mobile memorial and exhibit featuring an 80 percent replica of the Vietnam Wall and a Gold Tag Dog Tag Display of all casualties in the global war on terror, 9/11 memorials and police/firefighter memorials. Sponsored by VFW Post 1361, Lysle Rishel American Legion Post 68 and the Knights of Columbus 612, the tribute will be at 328 N. Van Buren.
oTTer waTer 5K
The Hutchinson Zoo hosts its first 5K Fun Run. Participants will make their way through “watery obstacles” around Carey Park and through the zoo. In true otter-like fashion runners and walkers alike will splish, splash, slip and slide their way to the finish line. The event will donate funds toward building a new home for the zoo’s North American River Otters, Willie and Kyra. So lace up your tennis shoes (or flippers), dress to get wet, and come run in the Otter Water 5k. Register online at www.hutchgov.com.
JULY 12-13 huTchinson grand naTional auTo races Annual Hutchinson Grand National Auto Races return to the Kansas State Fair Race track. Program includes qualifying heat races and events for O’Reilly/NCRA Modified Series, O’Reilly/NCRA Sprint car Series, AAAModified and Hornets. 7:30-10:30 p.m. For more information contact (620) 669-3600.
JULY 17-20 preTTy prairie rodeo The Pretty Prairie Rodeo, Kansas’ Largest Night Rodeo, takes place in the Booster Club Arena and sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The event is a 75-plus year tradition for this extraordinary small community. 8 p.m.midnight. www.pprodeo.com
2-4
AUGUST
huTchinson emancipaTion celebraTion 2013 Bring the family to enjoy the Hutchinson Emancipation Celebration. Events include a Concert in the Park, downtown parade, Picnic in the Park, music and more. For more information, call (620) 663-6673.
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10 AUGUST
08
JUNE 22
JUNE
SUMMER 2013
2013 salTy dog & salTy pup TriaThlons Join the Hutchinson Recreation Commission for its annual Salty Dog & Salty Pup Triathlons, Hutchinson’s premier fitness event. Salty Dog Triathlon (available for individual or team): Swim 400 meters in the Splash; bike 10.5 miles around Carey Park Golf Course; run 3.1 miles along the Jim P. Martinez Sunflower Trail. Salty Pup Triathlon (for youth 15 and younger): Swim 100 meters; bike 4.2 miles; run 1 mile. Visit www.hutchrec.com for more info.
AUGUST 24 murder in The mine The Underground Salt Museum plays host to an interactive Mystery Dinner Theatre. Channel your inner Sherlock Homes for “The Case of the Deadly Killer.” Tickets are $50 per person; audience members must be 18 years or older. Doors open at 5 p.m.; the last hoist trip goes underground at 6:15 p.m. Show begins at 6:30 p.m. Call (866) 755-3450 for reservations.