Newsletter-Late-Week

Hamlin Earns Place in Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

Local entrepreneur, pilot, master restorer, and aviation advocate Richard “Rick” Hamlin will soon add another accolade to his long list of achievements: this fall, he will be inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame. The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place Tuesday, October 14, at the Kansas Aviation Museum, with keynote speaker Retired Lieutenant General Michelle Johnson, former Commander of McConnell Air Force Base and Superintendent of the U.S.

Read MoreHamlin Earns Place in Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame

Youth Conference Inspires Community Action

Youth leadership organizations YLINK and Upstream Kansas co-hosted a two-day youth leadership conference last week, bringing together students and local leaders to explore the power of community involvement. The event kicked off at Wellington High School, where several community leaders participated in a panel discussion and fielded questions from student attendees.

Read MoreYouth Conference Inspires Community Action

WDN Brings Home 13 KPA Awards

The Wellington Daily News brought home top honors at the Kansas Press Association’s 2025 Awards of Excellence, held last Thursday during the annual KPA Convention in Salina. Competing against hundreds of newspapers across the state, the WDN staff earned an impressive 13 awards—including seven first-place finishes—in recognition of outstanding journalism, design, and storytelling.

Read MoreWDN Brings Home 13 KPA Awards

Brungardt Named New WHS Principal

When classes resume this fall, Wellington High School will open under the leadership of a new principal: Bob Brungardt. Brungardt most recently served as the assistant principal and activities director for USD 431 Hoisington in Barton County, a community about 10 miles north of Great Bend.

Read MoreBrungardt Named New WHS Principal