Kelly Breckunitch

Kansas

Managing Editor at Derby Informer

Reporter for The Derby Informer. Opinions are my own. RTs do not equal endorsements.

Articles

Contested zoning for TSC moving forward

5 days ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

After being recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on a split vote (6-3 in favor) earlier in the month, a zoning request for the planned site of a new Tractor Supply Company (TSC) location in Derby came before the City Council for final action at its May 27 meeting.
Council reviews condition of city streets, sidewalks

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

After a nearly year-long wait, the Derby City Council heard a report on pavement assessment during its May 27 meeting – getting some good news. Back in August 2024, the council approved a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of city streets, sidewalks and ADA ramps – contracting with IMS to handle inspection.
Family band to entertain at Smoke on the Plains

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

The family that plays together, stays together – and that has certainly been the case for Road 23, who will be one of the acts taking the stage at this year’s Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest in Derby on June 13 and 14. Officially forming in 2009, the origins of Road 23 go back much farther.
Park Hill teacher Mayes retires after nearly 40 years with USD 260

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Back when she first started with USD 260, Park Hill Elementary first grade teacher Mindy Mayes remembers attending a district-wide banquet to kick off the school year. As several Derby teachers were recognized for 10, 20 and more years with the district, Mayes and some of her fellow first-year teachers were almost in disbelief of that level of commitment – not knowing what was to come.
Derby’s Springer helping with one last festival

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

For nearly 10 years now – more than half of the event’s history — Janae’ Springer has been at the helm when it comes to the planning of Derby’s annual Smoke on the Plains BBQ & Music Fest. While its become a fine-tuned machine, Springer hit some choppy waters – literally – starting out in 2016. “The park flooded. The whole east side of the park was completely underwater. We had to move all the barbecue teams to the parking lot, so it was a great way to break myself in,” Springer said.
Jovial, honest Derby businessman remembered fondly

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

While there are certain stereotypes that may come to mind regarding used car salesmen, Derby’s Tom Scripp made every effort to go against that. Following his passing earlier this year after a battle with brain cancer, many of those Scripp had business dealings with around the Derby community gravitated to the same word regarding his key business principle – honesty. “Honesty was probably his biggest thing,” said Brock Stuhlsatz, vice president of Citizens Bank of Kansas.
OPINION: The season of summer fun is upon us

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Here we are, at the end of May, looking forward to the summer ahead starting in June. With that comes a time for fun – and festivals. Wichita’s Riverfest gets underway at the end of May – with plenty of festivities in store. Included in what I would call a pretty strong music lineup this year are some familiar names to Derbyites. A group of Derby High School alums, The Nailbiters, will provide support for Paramount while “The Voice” finalist Jaelen Johnston is set to open for Chris Janson.
District’s free summer meals return, with some changes

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Over the summer months, starting in June, Derby Public Schools will once again be offering free meals – though some changes were made with convenience in mind for participating students and families. Instead of daily meals, families will now be able to pick up one meal kit each week (per child) every Tuesday in June and July. Each kit will include five breakfasts and five lunches per child, with some items requiring refrigeration and cooking.
City prioritizing new water contract

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

As the city continues to make headway on a project set to bring a new water treatment facility online, the Derby City Council did some adjusting of priorities at its May 13 meeting to help make that a reality. With feedback provided and the updated priorities approved, one of the biggest changes at present was moving Wichita water contract updates from a watch list item to a long-term priority.
‘Stars' of DHS class of 2025 shine bright at graduation

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

A special day finally arrived for the Derby High School class of 2025, with commencement held May 18 at Wichita State University’s Koch Arena – officially sending students off to face the next challenges ahead. While those who helped make graduation possible were celebrated, getting yet another batch of Panther alumni to this point, the graduates were the stars of the show – quite literally.