Hoisington Dispatch

05/19/2025

Storms moving into central Kansas have a history of producing tornadoes and golf ball size hail.

04/30/2025

The pavement replacement project on K-4 is moving forward but there have been some changes to the planned phasing of the project. The first phase of the project is underway. Under the revised phasing plan, the next portion/phase of the project will involve the center section of the pavement.

During the next phase of the project, the north lane will carry traffic to the west and the south lane will carry traffic to the east. Traffic will still not be able to cross the highway to the north or south. Traffic from the north and south will be able to enter K-4 during the second phase but will be limited in the direction they can travel. All traffic from the north and south in the construction area will only be able to turn right onto K-4 when they get into the traffic area.

Under the revised plan, the south lane will be the final phase of the project. The revised phasing is not expected to extend the project which is scheduled to be complete in mid-August. That being said, other variables (weather, soil conditions, utility issues, etc.) may impact the project's completion date.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging project. Please help to and about the project.

04/22/2025

USD 431 Names New Superintendent Trenton Horn

April 23, 2025

HOISINGTON, Kan. – The USD Board of Education has announced the selection of Trenton Horn as the new superintendent. Horn will take the reins on July 1, 2025, after the departure of current superintendent Patrick Crowdis at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Horn has broad educational experience as a teacher and an administrator. Horn is currently serving as superintendent for USD 452 Stanton County Schools in Johnson City, Kansas. He is in his sixth year in that position. Previously, he served as a middle school principal at Chapman Middle School in Chapman, Kansas, for three years, a 7-12 building principal at Valley Heights High School in Blue Rapids, Kansas, and as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Chapman High School, Linn High School and Hanover High School.

Board President Becky Mooney noted that Horn emerged from a quick, but thorough search process for the right candidate to lead the school district.

“The Board of Education is certain in our choice of Trenton Horn and confident that under his leadership USD 431 will continue to work collaboratively with our community to build a bright future for every student,” Mooney said.

Mooney explained that community input, especially that from teachers, administrators, parents and community members who participated in the community survey, targeted focus groups and public meet and greets with the two finalists, was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process.

04/16/2025

Trenton Horn will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the USD 431 Board of Education on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

Horn is currently serving as superintendent for USD 452 Stanton County Schools in Johnson City, Kansas. He is in his sixth year in that position. Previously, he served as a middle school principal at Chapman Middle School in Chapman, Kansas, for three years, a 7-12 building principal at Valley Heights High School in Blue Rapids, Kansas, and as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Chapman High School, Linn High School and Hanover High School.

The public is invited to a meet and greet with Horn on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Commons Area at Hoisington High School from 4 to 5 p.m.

04/15/2025

Dr. Kylee McDonald will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the USD 431 Board of Education on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and an online community survey utilized during the search process.

McDonald is currently serving as the superintendent for USD 401 Chase Raymond in Chase, Kansas. She is in her fourth year in that position. Previously, McDonald served as Chase High School Principal and K-12 Curriculum Director for two years and as a coordinator for behavior and trauma informed services with Barton County Special Services.

The public is invited to a meet and greet with McDonald on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Commons Area at Hoisington High School from 4 to 5 p.m.

04/13/2025

Brody Carl Pflughoeft, age 13, died April 10, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas. He was born April 25, 2011, at Salina, Kansas, the son of Timothy and Brenda (Steinert) Pflughoeft. Brody was an 8th grader at Central Plains Junior High School, Claflin, Kansas. He was a proud Oiler, who loved playing all sports with a passion for football, and was willing to wear any costume and be the loudest to cheer from the student section.
Brody was baptized, received his first communion, and was confirmed all at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Claflin. Brody had an amazing servant heart and would do anything for anyone or stand up and be the protector or loyal friend when needed. He enjoyed making others laugh and will be remembered for his ear-to-ear infectious smile. He loved his family and friends unconditionally. Brody was an adventurous kid who loved fishing and hunting. He loved summers at the pool, and video games with friends (especially Fortnite), sushi and ice cream.
He is survived his parents, Tim and Brenda Pflughoeft and a brother, Ben Pflughoeft, all of the home; a sister, Erika (C**t) Diederich with nephews, Dexton, Chett, Charley and Crosby all of Ludell; grandparents, Don & Jane Steinert of Claflin, Jere and Bonnie Buehler of Claflin, and Rita Clements of Chase; aunts and uncles, Brian (Casey) Steinert of Claremont, California, Brandon (Leann) Steinert of Great Bend, Breanne (Breck) Simonsson of Wamego, Brandy (Brett) Thornton of Ellsworth, B.J. (Taunya) Buehler of Ellinwood, Jay (Kassie) Pflughoeft of Ellsworth, Scotty (Amber) Pflughoeft of Lyons, and Heath Buehler of Claflin; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Lane Pflughoeft, a grandmother, Michelle Steinert and grandfather, Vernon Pflughoeft.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Family will then greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the church, with Vigil and Rosary beginning at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Michael Brungardt and Father Ben Dande. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Claflin, Kansas.
The family would like to encourage everyone to wear their favorite jersey or anything Central Plains Oilers.
Memorials may be made to the Claflin Fire & E.M.S. or to the Roughneck Reinforcers (Central Plain’s Booster Club) in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

04/09/2025

The road construction is underway and there has been significant visible progress made on the project. Unfortunately, some of the other impacts of the project have not been as visible. Two of the three official pedestrian crossings on K-4 have been impacted by this project. This creates some safety risks as pedestrians are trying to cross the highway at intersections that are not official crosswalks. The increased congestion and increased delays has led to some safety risks at intersections.

There is often an influx of pedestrian and vehicular traffic right before school and after school. Please be aware of this risk and make sure to navigate the highway with caution.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging project.

Please help to and . Let's and .

04/08/2025

Please like our new Ellinwood Leader page, we were not able to get access to the old one. Please share this with friends and family from Ellinwood, obituaries and their photos will be posted on this page and this will be used moving forward.

Local Weekly Newspaper in Ellinwood, KS

04/04/2025

Theresa Lavona Dietz, 93, passed away April 2, 2025, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kansas. She was born August 25, 1931, daughter of Wilhelm “Bill” and Olinda (Schwartzkopf) Popp. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Reformed Church, which was located 1 mile west of Hwy 281 and 2 miles north of the Galatia blacktop. Growing up on the family farm northwest of Susank, Theresa attended grade school at District #91, then graduated from Hoisington High School in 1949.

Emil S. Dietz and Theresa were married on November 27, 1949, in Milberger, Kansas. He preceded her in death on December 12, 2017. Theresa worked alongside her husband on the farm. But her greatest accomplishment was being homemaker for her husband and five children. Her talent knew no bounds with baking, quilting, and gardening. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a 4-H Leader for the Fairview Scouts.

Survivors include son, Ron Dietz (Debbie) of Dallas, Texas; daughters, Donna Wilhelm (Steve) of Galatia, Jane Steinert (Dennis) of Galatia, Laura Bryant (Daniel Wedermyer) of Rio Rancho, N. Mex., and Nancy Thiel (Mark) of Lenexa; grandchildren, Justin Steinert (Lauren), Kristi Engle (Cody), Todd Bryant (Cassie), Emilie Dietz and Mena Thiel; great grandchildren, Claire Engle, Gwen Engle, Kelsey Bryant, Kyler Bryant and Sophia Steinert; and sister, Shirley Maier. She preceded in death her parents, beloved husband of 68 years, Emil; brother, Vernon Popp; sisters, Delores Dewald-Hanhardt, LoRee Dietz; and granddaughter, Andrea Bryant.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Galatia with Reverend Wayne Baldyga presiding. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Galatia. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with family receiving guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorials have been designated to Fairview Cemetery or St. Paul Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.

04/04/2025

Robert A. “Bob” Boyle, 75, died April 1, 2025, at Harry Hynes Hospice, Wichita, Kansas, with his niece Sarah by his side. He was born December 19, 1949, in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Vern W. and Zelma L. (Baker) Boyle. Bob attended Hoisington High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. serving in the Vietnam War as a Lieutenant Corporal.

A lifetime Hoisington resident, Bob worked as a truck driver for Yellow Freight finally retiring in 2013. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #286 of Hoisington and the V.F.W. #6240 of Russell. A proud patriot, Bob poured his heart and soul into his beloved American Legion, where he wore many hats and saw to anything that was needed. He also enlisted his family, even having his grandsons help wash the dishes when they were kids. Bob always made sure his family and friends were taken care of and would do anything for them.

On February 14, 1986, he married Susan D. “Susie” Taylor in Great Bend. They spent 39 years together and when Bob passed Susie joined him the very next day in heaven.
Susan Dinah “Susie” Boyle, 66, died April 2, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born November 9, 1958, in Hoxie, Kansas, the daughter of Buel V. and Margaret C. (Weber) Taylor. Susie graduated from Hill City High School in 1976.
A longtime Hoisington resident Susie served her community for 20+ years as an EMT receiving multiple qualifications. She also worked for many years in the medical insurance department of Clara Barton Hospital recently retiring on January 31, 2024. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #286, Hoisington and the V.F.W. Auxiliary #6240, Russell, where beside her husband she volunteered many hours.
They are survived by a daughter, Jennie Hutchcraft and husband Joel; and grandsons, Dallen and Will Hutchcraft, all of Hoisington.
Bob also leaves behind a son, Jack Boyle of California; three sisters, Pat Sullivan of Oklahoma City, OK, Linda Wolf of Denver, CO, and Martha Boyle of Hoisington, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Susie leaves behind a sister, Shirley Eichman of Plainville; a brother, Jerry Lee Taylor of Fulton, Missouri, and a half sister, Dora Lancaster of Spokane, Oregon, and stepsister, Pat Anderson of Ada, Oklahoma, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ray and John Boyle, and two sisters, Ann Willis and Verna Richmeyer.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and four sisters, Linda Sue Marion, Donna Bucholz, Cindy Hasenberger, and Margaret Mary Weber, and a niece, Shelly Eichman.
A Memorial Service will be held for them at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Ron Bailey presiding.
Graveside inurnment services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kansas. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Marine Corps.
Memorials for Bob may be made to the American Legion Post #286 or the V.F.W. Post #6240 and memorials for Susie may be made to the American Legion Auxiliary #286 or the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation, all in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544.