Kelly Breckunitch

Kansas

Managing Editor at Derby Informer

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

Articles

City deals with aftermath of severe weather

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Getting a surprisingly early start, Derby and the surrounding region dealt with not one, not two but three rounds of severe weather on June 17 that left city staff, first responders and community members dealing with the effects in the days after. Heavy rains and winds in excess of 100 mph created plenty of issues, with the city primarily having to deal with downed trees and power lines — barricading a number of streets until it was safe to pass.
City budget workshop looks at initial balancing efforts

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

While there is still time before the city manager’s proposed 2026 budget is presented in July, the Derby City Council came together in mid-June for a second budget workshop to take a look at the bigger picture (the city’s five-year plan) and how it could impact current financial planning. City Manager Kiel Mangus first presented on the Derby Difference sales tax and the effect it has had.
Planning for the worst-case scenario

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Growing up, I distinctly remember at least one piece of decor from my great aunt and uncle’s house in Salina. Whenever my family would go over to visit, I’d usually wind up downstairs at some point and always see this one wall sign – in two parts — that read: “In case of emergency, lift this flap.” Doing as it said, the second part of the sign held the punchline: “Not now stupid, in case of emergency!”Once disaster strikes, what do you do?
Evans remembered for memories, ‘magic’ created on DHS sidelines

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

Whether on the basketball court, on the football field or on the track, the late Paul Evans was a fixture for Derby Junior High (now Derby Middle School) and Derby High School for part of five decades – and proud of it. Growing up in neighboring Wichita, Evans met his future wife (Bobbie Jo) when they were juniors at Wichita South and both headed off to Emporia State to pursue teaching degrees.
‘Voice’ runner-up shares about experience

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

The Austin Room at the Derby Welcome Center was packed on June 12 for the Derby Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon, as guests got the chance to hear from a local celebrity. “You didn’t come here to see me, that’s for sure,” said Chamber President/CEO Mark Staats.
County works to extend pedestrian pathway

1 week ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

During its June 11 meeting, the Sedgwick County Commission took the first official steps on a project that will extend a pedestrian pathway from Derby to fully connect with Rose Hill. As part of its consent agenda June 11, the county commission approved an agreement with Professional Engineering Services to design the pathway at a total cost of $275,000.
DHS grad looks to pay forward support with new clinic

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

For audiologist Casey Combs, there was no question of where she wanted to locate when she opened her own clinic. It was Derby or bust for the native. Combs is set to start helping patients at Sound On Audiology in her hometown in early July. With that, the former Panther and Derby Hills Dragon will be seeking to pay back some of the support she received growing up. “The city of Derby literally rallied behind me my entire life, so that’s definitely why I decided to have a clinic here,” Combs said.
VIDEO: Jaelen Johnston Q&A

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

"The Voice" runner-up Jaelen Johnston sits down with Informer editor Kelly Breckunitch for a special Q&A session about his experience, musical background and Derby roots. Go to derbyinformer.com to read more about Johnston.
Safety stressed with Patriot/Triple Creek improvements

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

In order to expedite completion before the start of the next school year, a special meeting of the Derby City Council was called June 10 to take the next steps and quickly move forward with planned improvements to the intersection of Patriot Avenue and Triple Creek Drive. As part of the project, the traffic signal will be upgraded to provide protected left turns for traffic along Triple Creek Drive.
VIDEO: Jaelen Johnston performance

2 weeks ago | derbyinformer.com | Kelly Breckunitch

"The Voice" runner-up Jaelen Johnston played to a captive audience in his hometown, speaking at the Derby Chamber luncheon on June 12, 2025. Check derbyinformer.com for more on what Johnston shared about his experience on the show.