HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce is continuing its December work with the Annual Meeting on Monday on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

"We're going to have a great speaker," said Chamber CEO Debra Teufel. "Retired Lt. Col Scott Mann. He was part of what was called Pineapple Express. You'll hear all about his experience and his military career."

The event will kick off at 3:45 p.m. in Sunflower South with a sponsor expo that is open to the public. Doors will open for dinner at 6 p.m. Then, next on the docket is the Chamber's monthly membership breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

"It is the membership breakfast where we honor all of our community benefit organizations, the non-profits in the community that help really serve the community in a philanthropic way," Teufel said. "The inspiring speaker that we have to honor them is Julia Fabris McBride, who was one of the co-authors of the book that was released this year, When Everyone Leads, co-authored with Ed O'Malley."

That event will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Dec. 13 at the Sand Hills Event Center at 4601 North Plum.

The chamber also is looking ahead to the 2024 legislative session to consider what priorities might be needed for growth in the area.

"We have been meeting with KDOT, specifically about transportation dollars that would help enhance the K-96 and Highway 50 corridor to serve this as an industrial site," Teufel said. "That will definitely be part of our agenda. We have the opportunity to meet with all of our state legislators on Dec. 11 at a meeting at Hutchinson Community College, we always appreciate that&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College coordinates that day."

The 2024 legislative session will start in the second week of January.

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Chamber continuing work as year comes down the stretch

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Major Paul James with the Salvation Army in Hutchinson said that they are still looking for bell ringers between now and Christmas.

"Ringing the bell, when people think about the Salvation Army, they think about the toys and the food that we give to people, but how many times do you see a bell ringer when you walk in and out of a store," James said. "We need volunteers for that."

You can be entered for a nice prize, as well, if you sign up at&nbsp;<a href="https://registertoring.com/">https://registertoring.com/</a>.

"It's the second year that we're doing the Chiefs challenge," James said. "Every two hours that you volunteer to ring bells, your name gets put into the drawing and then you can win two tickets to the Dec. 31 Cincinnati Bengals game."

According to Register to Ring, the Red Kettle started in 1891 in San Francisco.&nbsp;Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee&nbsp;resolved to provide a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken.

As he pondered the issue, his thoughts drifted back to his sailor days in Liverpool, England. He remembered how at Stage Landing, where the boats came in, there was a large, iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" into which passers-by tossed a coin or two to help the poor.

The next day Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas.

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Salvation Army still needs bell ringers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wants work to continue on a long-term solution for farmers, even though a stopgap measure has been passed.

"We've got to remember why we do farm bills in the first place and why they are five years," Mann said. "They are five years to provide some certainty for producers. Long enough to be certain, but short enough that it can be opened up and looked at to reflect the times. If you look at farming conditions, specifically input costs today versus 2018, when the current farm bill was passed, you know things are dramatically different. That's why five years is the appropriate length."

What Mann wants to make sure doesn't happen is a constant line of stopgap measures, as has happened often with the federal budget as a whole.

"I've been very frustrated with how slow this process has been," Mann said. "It has been extended for one year. The current farm bill now expires Sept. 30 of next year. Just because it got extended a couple weeks ago, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be working on and pushing hard for a five year bill. That's exactly what I've been doing."

Further, it is important that the farm bill, which has traditionally been a bipartisan piece of legislation, doesn't get bogged down in even year electoral politics.

"If you delay too far, then we get into the election, then into the lame duck period," Mann said. "There's no reason we just don't get this thing done right now. That's what we've been jumping up and down, telling everybody who will listen why that's the case and it's full steam ahead."

Agricultural groups across the political spectrum are urging that a new five-year bill be worked on in early 2024.

Mann continuing to advocate for five-year farm bill

BUHLER, Kan. — Residents and businesses in Eureka will soon have access to high-speed, reliable fiber-optic internet thanks to a grant awarded to IdeaTek Telcom, a Kansas-owned and Buhler-based internet provider with a mission of delivering fiber to underserved areas.&nbsp;

This significant investment, fueled by an $880,000 grant from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, will connect nearly 1,500 premises in Eureka, helping to bridge the digital divide.

Residents and businesses in Eureka have long been struggling with substandard speeds.

Fiber internet will be a game-changer for the city, said Greenwood County Commission Vice Chairman Ben Fox.

"We have been trying to arrive at a fiber-optic solution for everyone in Eureka for quite some time,” he said. “We are thrilled that IdeaTek has received a Broadband Acceleration Grant from the State of Kansas."&nbsp;

IdeaTek’s grant is part of the state’s larger efforts to provide high-speed broadband services to all Kansans. Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that IdeaTek was one of eight internet service providers to receive part of the $5 million in Broadband Acceleration Grants funding. IdeaTek also received funding to build fiber to western Scott County, including the small unincorporated city of Modoc.&nbsp;

The grant funding for Eureka, coupled with IdeaTek’s substantial matching investment of nearly $1.9 million will bring the project total to $2.8 million.

IdeaTek's grant application also received a $25,000 pledge from the Eureka Public Library, a testament to the transformative impact fiber internet will have on the community's access to information and resources. Fiber internet is essential for the modern library, which is why Library Director Connie Mitchell and her board supported IdeaTek's grant application.

“We are thrilled that our community has been chosen to receive this grant, and we are looking forward to working with IdeaTek as fiber comes to Eureka,” Mitchell said “Knowing that we will finally have fast and reliable Internet for everyday library operations and to serve the information needs of our library patrons is a huge relief. We are also excited to think about future services that may be possible with fiber. We can't wait for the project to get started."

IdeaTek's Mission: Internet Freedom for All

IdeaTek’s mission is to build fiber internet to every corner of Kansas, said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen. Only fiber is robust enough to support the symmetrical upload and download speeds needed for remote work, education and healthcare.

“Rural Kansas has been historically left behind when it comes to fiber infrastructure development,” Friesen said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe all Kansans should have access to ultra-speed fiber broadband – no matter if you live in a city or on a rural dirt road. Our long-term goal is to provide fiber to as many residents as we can because fiber is hands down the best technology for high-speed broadband.

“Bridging the digital divide in Kansas wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the&nbsp;Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development,” Friesen added.

The project will begin in 2024 and will be completed in phases. Building fiber takes time, but soon residents can look forward to:

Based in Buhler, IdeaTek is expanding rapidly. It has built fiber to more than 60 communities across Kansas – from Garden City to Chase County. IdeaTek already has made significant private investments in southwest Kansas, including building fiber in Liberal, Dodge City, Garden City and communities across Meade County.&nbsp;

To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s build and to sign up for service, visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">hookmeup.ideatek.com</a>.

IdeaTek expanding to Eureka

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index released on Friday is worse than it has been in years.

"This is our survey of manufacturing supply managers in nine states in the Mid-America Region, which includes Kansas," Goss said. "The reading was dipping into what we normally think of as recession territory. Not only that, we had a really significant upturn in our wholesale price gauge. All in all, it was not a good report, especially against the ones we've had.

The overall index drops to its lowest level since June 2020 at 42.2. 50 is growth neutral.

"Since April of last year, the region has lost about 12,000 manufacturing jobs," Goss said. "These jobs have been going away since April. It's just, we're just now seeing it in our overall number. We've been seeing it in our hiring index, which has been coming down."

Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the November Business Confidence Index, increased to a weak 35.8 from October’s anemic 25.0.

"This manufacturing sector, they are seeing prices of products they are purchasing to go into the manufacturing process moving higher," Goss said. "They are also cutting back, but it really hasn't spilled over into the broader economy just yet."

The number does concern Goss, as a sustained reading lower than&nbsp;43.0 for the full survey would point to a recession ahead for the regional manufacturing sector. He still needs to see a few more months of data before drawing that conclusion.

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Goss: Manufacturing survey 'not good'

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for visibility&nbsp;one quarter mile or less in dense fog. It has been extended until 3 p.m. Saturday.

Freezing fog  could cause some slick spots for locations below freezing, especially for bridges and overpasses in most of central and south central Kansas.

Hazardous driving conditions could also exist due to low visibility. 

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.&nbsp;

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Dense fog Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County District Attorney Tom Stanton said the 23rd annual toy drive for his office starts on Monday. If you live in the Hutchinson area, you're probably not far from a box where you can drop off a new, unwrapped toy for a child.

"We will have boxes at the District Attorney's Office on the fifth floor of the courthouse," said Stanton. "On the first floor of the courthouse near the east doors, the Reno County Annex building at 125 West First, the Reno County Sheriff's Office, at the courthouse and at the Correctional Facility, the Department of Aging and RCAT facility at 120 West Avenue B, Reno County Public Works at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson, Reno County Youth Services at 219 West 2nd Ave., the Reno County Health Department this year, at 209 West 2nd, the Hutchinson Police Department, and Bin Shoppin at 118 West 2nd Ave. That manager reached out to us and offered to put some boxes up. We're getting bigger."

Once the toys are collected, they are distributed to non-profit organizations with a need.&nbsp;The local group also gets supplemental toys in from the Toys for Tots Foundation, to help out if they run short of toys or don't have the monetary means of purchasing them.

"This is how we give back to the community and how we relate in a different way," Stanton said. "Working as prosecutors, we work with victims and with people who are really in bad shape throughout the year. We need these kinds of activities to refocus and to help us help the community. We're excited to be able to provide new and unwrapped toys for underprivileged children in the community. We would appreciate anybody's help."

Older children are sometimes hard to get donations for.

"We really get toys for infants through, oh, seventh or eighth grade," Stanton said. "When you get up into the high school years, it's hard to find things, toys for older youth, or fun things for older youth are often more expensive. We do need those. We have a need for that this year, especially."

The toy drive is Monday through Friday, Dec. 4-8.

District Attorney's office toy drive starts Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If there is a holiday event still to happen that we've missed, email us with the details at <a href="mailto:hutchpost@eagleradio.net">hutchpost@eagleradio.net</a> and we'll add it to the list.

Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste - Hutchinson Community College Concert Chorale Stringer Fine Arts Center - 600 E. 11th Ave. Dec. 2 - 7 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/899618844877900/899618848211233/">Christmas to Remember</a> - Pratt&nbsp; Pratt Community College, Carpenter Auditorium - 348 NE State Road 61&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Mennonite Friendship Communities Christmas Bazaar - South Hutch 600 West Blanchard Dec. 2 - 9 a.m. - noon

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1684233238711706">Downtown Hutchinson "Light Up Hutch" Christmas Parade</a> Downtown Hutchinson - Avenue B to DCI Park&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 6 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/716556910030256">Sterling's Annual Christmas Mall 2023</a>&nbsp; Studio 96 - 121 S. Broadway Ave. Sterling Community Center - 411 N. 4th St.&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 9 a.m.-noon&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1030882808350582">Robinson's 14th Annual Xmas Craft Show</a> - Hutchinson Sunflower South Building - 300 Fort Hays Blvd. Dec. 2 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1056681238827720">Canton Holiday Style - Canton</a>&nbsp; McPherson County Fairgrounds - 1514 27th Ave.&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1276019136419630">&nbsp;Holiday Open House</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; TECH Art Gallery - 100 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2331157173746936/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">2023 Home for the Holidays</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Interfaith Housing &amp; Community Services, Inc. - 1326 E. Ave. A&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 10 a.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/343262468283773">Five Places of Christmas</a> - Newton&nbsp; Carriage Factory Art Gallery - 128 E. 6th St.&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 10 a.m.-5p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/880878833650010/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share_link%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite_link_id%5C%22%3A357914429963028%7D%7D]%22%7D">Christmas Market Artist Reception</a>&nbsp;- Hutchinson Clayworks - 1125 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 2 - 3-5 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/339552482177830/?ref=newsfeed">Christmas Haven</a>&nbsp; Reno County District 9 Fire Department - 123 S. Kansas St. Dec. 2 - 4:30-8 p.m.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/717610793614814">Christmas Extravaganza</a> - Pretty Prairie&nbsp; Love Beyond the Nativity -&nbsp; 24550 KS-14 Dec. 2 - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

Christmas Haven Ornament Painting - Haven High Art Club Haven Community Building -&nbsp; 215 S. Reno St. Ave. Dec. 2 6-8 p.m.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1046108023184693">Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Decorating Contest</a> - Haven&nbsp; Haven Chamber of Commerce - 100 N. Kansas Ave. Dec. 2 - 7 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/363445816249145">Lorrie Morgan LIVE at The Kingman Historic Theatre</a> - Kingman&nbsp; Kingman Historic Theatre - 237 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 3 - 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/588997280114321">Paint and Sip</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Sal City Brewing Company - 514 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 5 - 5-9:30 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/880022023302834">Christmas Karaoke</a> - Moundridge&nbsp; The Hub Brick Oven &amp; Brewery - 100 S. Christian&nbsp; Dec. 5 - 7-9 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/308029332145734">A Front Porch Christmas</a> - Pratt&nbsp; The Front Porch - 115. E. 4th St.&nbsp; Dec. 6 - 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/864973428455831">Very&nbsp;Merry Mixer</a> - Pratt&nbsp; Maurices - 2010 East 1st St.&nbsp; Dec. 7 - 4-7 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1394351394448419/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">S'mores &amp; Pours</a> - Inman&nbsp; La Torre Events Venue - 158 Chisholm Rd.&nbsp; Dec. 8 - 7-9 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063350850615">Prairie Nutcracker</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 8-9 - 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 - 3 p.m. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2606280522855091">Mary Magdalene House Christmas Bazaar</a>&nbsp;- Hutchinson&nbsp; The Mary Magdalene House - 7201 E. Ave.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 9 a.m.-4 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/355818863656994">St Lucia Activities</a> - Lindsborg&nbsp; Lindsborg Community Library - 111 S. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/871475454190562">Second Annual Christmas Market</a>&nbsp;- Inman&nbsp; Inman Community Building - 499 E. Gordan St.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1585590038589854">Lyons Rotary Club Christmas Market</a> - Lyons&nbsp; Celebration Centre &amp; Bar K Bar Arena - 1145 East Highway&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.-4p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/879137947251622">Cookies, Cocoa, &amp; Pictures with Santa Claus</a> - Lyons&nbsp; Yeraldi's Boutique - 107 W. Main&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 1 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/24334633679485953">Cookies at Cozy's</a> - Cunningham&nbsp; Cozy's Pizza - 115 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 2:30-3:30 p.m. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/316150097838941/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Kansas State Fair Holiday Fest &amp; Movie Night</a>- Hutchinson&nbsp; Fairgrounds&nbsp;&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 4-9 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/147687801759652/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Snowflake Festival</a>&nbsp;- Nickerson&nbsp; Nickerson Elementary - 400 N. Nickerson St.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 5-8 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1104443267598274">December Ladies Night</a> - Inman&nbsp; La Torre Events Venue - 158 Chisholm Rd.&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 7-9:30 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1067561161362950">Christmas Open House</a> - Inman&nbsp; Inman Community Building -&nbsp; Dec. 9 - 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1113537116478951">Lessons and Carols</a> - McPherson&nbsp; Trinity Lutheran Church - 119 N. Elm St.&nbsp; Dec. 10 - 3 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1583492702418947/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">First Live Nativity</a> - Burrton&nbsp; Faith Community Bible Church - 219 N. Harvey St.&nbsp; Dec. 10 - 5-7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/795419405930022">Pratt Christmas Lights Cruise</a> - Pratt&nbsp; PRATT Farmers' Market at Merchant Park - 4th St. and S. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 10 - 6-8 p.m.

Reno Choral Society - Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols -Hutchinson Trinity United Methodist Church Dec. 10 - 7 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/629010035946097">Deana Carter's Country Christmas</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 14 - 7:30 p.m.

Canton-Galva Christmas Wishes Craft Fair&nbsp; Canton-Galva USD 419 - 506 S. Kansas Ave.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

&nbsp; Santa visits McPherson Clayworks - 107 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 9:30- 11 pm

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/715297743798441/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D">Salty Cycles Harley Holidays</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Salty Cycles LLC - 129 E. Sherman St.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 10 a.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/230648186714513">Hedrick's Christmas Market</a> - Nickerson&nbsp; Hedrick Exotic Animal Farm - 7910 N Roy L Smith Rd.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKPHDbQfyJd8CEwEBbf4lbz3oLc3Pq2VM9I9aVevtumMwIuQ/viewform">Nailed it! Cookie Challenge - Hutchinson&nbsp;</a> Hutchinson Public Library - 901 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 2-4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Multi-Piano &amp; Guitar Christmas Festival - McPherson&nbsp; Central Christian College of Kansas - 1200 S. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 16 - 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hutchinsonfox.com/events/christmas-traditions">Christmas Traditions - Hutchinson Community College Badinage Jazz Ensemble</a>&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 17 - 3 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2304637336373578">Christmas Open House</a> - Kingman&nbsp; Victorian Lantern Bed &amp; Breakfast - 134 W. E. Ave&nbsp; Dec. 17 - 6-9 p.m. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1374738733442435">Christmas Movie Series: White Christmas</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 19 - 7 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1789340218165402">Christmas Movie Series: It's a Wonderful Life</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 20 - 7 p.m.

&nbsp;Third Thursday Reception - Visit Santa - Hutchinson&nbsp; Clayworks - 1125 N. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 21 - 5-8 p.m.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/3618677288368834">Christmas Movie Series: Elf</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 21 - 7 p.m.

&nbsp; Santa visits McPherson Clayworks - 107 N. Main &nbsp;Dec. 22 10-noon

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1497982804075949">Christmas Movie Series: Polar Express</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 22 - 7 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/280936454711474/280936461378140/">Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas</a> - McPherson&nbsp; McPherson Opera House - 219 S. Main St.&nbsp; Dec. 22 - 2-4 p.m.

&nbsp;Santa Visits Hutchinson Clayworks - 1125 N. Main St.&nbsp; &nbsp;Dec. 23 - 10-noon <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/706755060894877">Christmas Movie Series-Double Feature: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Fox Historic Theatre - 18 E. Ave.&nbsp; Dec. 23 - 2 p.m.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/839995747567347">Christmas Movie Series-Double Feature: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation</a> - Hutchinson&nbsp; Hutchinson's Fox Historic Theatre - 18 E. Ave. Dec. 23 - 7 p.m.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/28eebc6d-bf7a-4f59-b6b9-9674b67d0aea">Hyde Park Luminaria - Hutchinson</a> Hyde Park Neighborhood&nbsp; Dec. 23 - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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Updated Holiday Shopping and Festivals List (as of Dec. 2)

Below is this week's Hawk Talk with Dr. Dawn Johnson.

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Hawk Talk for Dec. 1, 2023

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchpost@gmail.com" target="_blank">hutchpost@gmail.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

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Recent obituaries and service times

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;

12/2/2023 1:22 AM-Ronald	Jack Miller-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher&nbsp;

12/1/2023 10:00 PM-Arthur	Lee Adams-Failure to Appear

12/1/2023 5:11 PM-John	Charles Tuschhoff-DUI; 2nd conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+&nbsp;

12/1/2023 4:56 PM-Cory	Allen Wilson-Theft; Motor Fuel; Less than $1,500; from 3 Businesses within 72 Hours&nbsp;

12/1/2023 3:07 PM-Trousel	John Shields-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting

12/1/2023 1:26 PM-Jessica	Mae Beck-Failure to Appear

12/1/2023 7:36 AM-Roger	Dean Allen Sr.-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

12/1/2023 7:20 AM-Tevin	Demarkus Bradshaw-Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g

Daily Bookings

AP Sports Summary for December 3rd, 2023.

3 teams, 2 spots: Florida State, Texas, Alabama leave CFP selection committee difficult choice

One of these three teams will not make the College Football Playoff: Alabama, Florida State and Texas. Whichever is left out will have every right to be angry, and in the case of two, their absence in the CFP would be unprecedented. No. 8 Alabama was the agent of chaos Saturday, upsetting No. 1 Georgia for the Southeastern Conference title and ending the two-time defending national champ's 29-game winning streak. Safely in at 13-0: No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Washington. The final four-team College Football Playoff is poised to be the most controversial yet.

No. 8 Alabama knocks off No. 1 Georgia 27-24 for SEC title. Both teams await postseason fate

ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama is again top dog in the Southeastern Conference — and perhaps headed to the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide ended Georgia's 29-game winning streak with a 27-24 victory over the No. 1 Bulldogs in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Now the big question: Is Georgia's bid for a third straight national title over? Iron Bowl hero Jalen Milroe threw a pair of touchdown passes and No. 8 Alabama's defense dominated much of the way after giving up a score on Georgia's opening possession. It was a compelling playoff statement for a Bama team that lost to Texas early in the season.

No. 4 Florida State beats No. 15 Louisville 16-6 for ACC title, but could miss playoff at 13-0

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Florida State made things as difficult as possible on the College Football Playoff selection committee, using a dominant defensive performance to beat No. 15 Louisville 16-6 on Saturday night for the fourth-ranked Seminoles' first Atlantic Coast Conference championship since 2014. The Seminoles moved to 13-0, but even that doesn't guarantee a spot in the four-team playoff. No Power Five team has ever gone unbeaten, won its conference title and failed to make the playoff. But with starting quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season with a leg injury, Florida State is in danger of becoming the first. Down to their third-string QB, the Seminoles stuck to a conservative game plan against Louisville.

No. 2 Michigan beats No. 18 Iowa 26-0 for Big Ten title, likely to claim top playoff seed

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Blake Corum scored twice, tying the school record for touchdown runs with 55, and No. 2 Michigan beat No. 18 Iowa 26-0 on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship game to likely take the top seed in the College Football Playoff. With coach Jim Harbaugh back on the sideline for the first time in four weeks, the Wolverines (13-0, No. 2 CFP) routed Iowa (10-3, No. 16 CFP) to win three straight outright conference crowns for the first time in school history. And with No. 1 Georgia falling to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game, Harbaugh and the Wolverines are poised — finally — to claim the top playoff seed and reach No. 1.

Ewers throws 4 TDs as No. 7 Texas bids farewell to Big 12 with 49-21 title win over Oklahoma State

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Seventh-ranked Texas is leaving the Big 12 with bookend championships. Quinn Ewers set a career high by throwing for 452 yards with four touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over No. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 championship game. The Southeastern Conference-bound and 12-1 Longhorns won the title in the Big 12's inaugural 1996 season, plus 2005 and 2009. Ewers completed 35 of 46 passes and his touchdowns went to four different receivers. The biggest one was 362-pound defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, the Outland Trophy finalist who lined up as a tight end for a 2-yard score.

Kirby Smart says 'no question' Georgia belongs in College Football Playoff after loss to Alabama

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia coach Kirby Smart challenged the College Football Playoff selection committee to believe what that see when judging his No. 1 Bulldogs following the end of their 29-game winning streak. Smart also reminded the committee that in the CFP era, no team at the top of the playoff ranking has fallen out of the playoff by losing in a conference championship game. Smart had to start lobbying the committee because his team lost 27-24 to No. 8 Alabama in the Southeastern Conference championship game. He says he has "no question" Georgia is "one of the best four teams, 100 percent."

Thunder rally after allowing late 30-0 run and defeat Mavericks 126-120

DALLAS (AP) — Jalen Williams scored 23 points and Oklahoma City rallied after allowing Dallas' NBA-record 30-0 run in the fourth quarter to beat the Mavericks 126-120. The spurt took the Mavericks from a 111-87 deficit to a 117-111 lead with 4:18 to play. The NBA said the previous record in the play-by-play era was a 29-0 run by Cleveland against Milwaukee on Dec. 6, 2009. Dallas led 120-118 before the Thunder scored the game's final eight points. Luka Doncic, who missed Dallas' previous welcoming a newborn daughter, recorded his 59th career regular-season triple-double with 36 points, 18 assists and 15 assists in a season-high 46 minutes.

Klesmit's fast start, Wisconsin's rebounding help Badgers beat No. 3 Marquette 75-64

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Max Klesmit scored all 21 of his points before halftime, Steven Crowl added 16 and Wisconsin capitalized on its rebounding superiority to beat No. 3 Marquette 75-64. Wisconsin beat Marquette for a third straight season in this in-state rivalry between schools separated by just 79 miles. This marks the first three-game winning streak for either team in the 130-game series since the Badgers won four straight from 1998-2001. Wisconsin outrebounded the Golden Eagles 38-23 and outscored them 18-2 in second-chance points. Both teams are 6-2.

Scottie Scheffler builds a 3-shot lead in the Bahamas. Tiger Woods is happy with his recovery

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler gets another chance to win the Hero World Challenge. Tiger Woods has to settle with being happy about the way he feels. Scheffler made all five scoring putts from outside 12 feet. Two were for eagle. He shot a 65 to build a three-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick heading into the final round at Albany. Scheffler has been runner-up each of the last two years in the Bahamas. Woods had a bogey-bogey start and made a few sloppy mistakes on the back nine for a 71. He's happy that his recovery from soreness each day has been good.

Jennings, dominant defense carry No. 25 SMU to AAC title, 26-14 over Tulane

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kevin Jennings threw a touchdown pass and accounted for 266 yards from scrimmage in his first career start, Collin Rogers kicked four second-half field goals and No. 25 SMU beat No. 17 Tulane 26-14 on Saturday in the American Athletic Conference championship game. The Mustangs (11-2) also turned in a stifling defensive performance, limiting Tulane (11-2, No. 22 CFP) to a touchdown during the final 59 minutes to snap the Green Wave's 10-game winning streak and dethrone the defending league champs. SMU sacked Michael Pratt seven times. Defensive back Isaiah Nwokobia's interception in the fourth quarter all but sealed it, sending numerous fans to the exits of Yulman Stadium, where the Wave had celebrated their first AAC title a year ago.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	L.A. Clippers	113	Golden State	112	

Final	(4)Florida St.	16	(15)Louisville	6	

Final	(17)North Carolina	78	Florida St.	70	

		San Francisco	at	Philadelphia	4:25 p.m.	

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team dominated from start to finish in a 98-47 win over the Pratt Beavers on Saturday evening at the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson (10-0, 4-0 KJCCC) finished with four players in double-figure scoring, led by Hailey Jackson with 17, Kiki Smith 14, Journey Armstead 12 and Madi Denison 11.

The Blue Dragons led 21-10 after the first quarter before another strong second quarter in which HutchCC outscored the Beavers, 28-10 to lead 49-20 at halftime.

Hutchinson held the Beavers to 20 percent shooting and held its leading scorer, Princess Anderson (26 points per game average) to 18 on 3-for-17 shooting from the floor.&nbsp;

The Blue Dragons outrebounded the Beavers, 66-31, the plus-35 margin is the largest of the season.&nbsp;

Pratt (6-4, 1-4) never held a lead in the game, as Hutchinson led by as many as 54 in the fourth quarter.

Monae Duffy led the Blue Dragon rebounding with 15 boards, while also scoring eight points. Bree Horyna had seven points and brought down 12 rebounds.

Hutchinson scored 56 points in the paint, while limiting the Beavers to 16.

The Blue Dragons will travel to Concordia to play Cloud County on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Pregame coverage on <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9-FM</a> begins at 5:45 p.m.

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🏀 WBB: No. 14 HutchCC nears century mark in blowout win

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The Hutchinson Community College football team's bid to return to the NJCAA National Championship game came up short on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

No. 4 East Mississippi scored a go-ahead touchdown with 52 seconds to play in the fourth quarter as the Lions upended the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons 27-23.

The Blue Dragons close the 2023 season at 10-1. East Mississippi (10-2) advances to play the Iowa Western/Kilgore winner in the NJCAA Championship game on December 13 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Blue Dragons took a 23-20 lead on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/burger_nestus_4g08">Nestus Burger</a>'s 44-yard field goal with 1:42 to play in the third quarters. Hutchinson's defense turned East Mississippi away on its first three possessions of the final quarter.

The Lions started their final drive of the game on their own 12 with 3:57 to play. EMCC marched 88 yards on eight plays, converting a pair of third downs on the drive. East Mississippi had the game's fifth-lead change of the game when Cam Wright caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Ty Keyes with 52 seconds to play, giving the Lions a 27-23 lead.

Hutchinson's final drive ended with four incomplete passes.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/reed_jr._tyrell_3b4y">Tyrell Reed Jr.</a>&nbsp;rushed for a game-high 124 rushing yards on 20 carries with a 37-yard touchdown to lead the Blue Dragons. Hutchinson rushed for 208 yards as a team.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/epton_jr._brandon_rwxf">Brandon Epton Jr.</a>&nbsp;had 39 yards on 13 carries and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/jordan_jr._waymond_79fo">Waymond Jordan Jr.</a>&nbsp;had 34 yards on six carries.

Blue Dragon quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/collier_samari_cpv0">Samari Collier</a>&nbsp;was 7 of 22 passing for 113 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked three times.

<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/beason_zerah_m1gv">Zeriah Beason</a>&nbsp;had three receptions for 48 yards. Oran Singleton had two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown.

Linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/sherman_k-von_986x">K'Von Sherman</a>&nbsp;led the Hutchinson defense with a career-high 14 tackles that included a quarterback sack. Jermain Hamilton-Jordan had a career-high nine tackles.

Defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/brown_daniel_a1x7">Daniel Brown</a>&nbsp;extended his streak of consecutive games with a sack to 11 with a fourth-quarter sack. Brown closes the season with 18.5 sacks, which is No. 2 on Hutchinson's single-season list and ties Marquavious Lewis (2013-14) for sixth on Hutchinson's career sacks list.

Hutchinson had 322 total yards to East Mississippi's 324 yards (190 rushing, 134 passing). Keyes threw for three touchdowns, completing 14 of 32 passes for 124 yards and an interception to lead East Mississippi. Running back Kiron Benjamin had 107 yards on eight carries. Wright had five catches for 91 yards and three touchdowns.

The Blue Dragons scored the first points of the game when Burger kicked a 39-yard field goal with 10:45 to play in the opening quarter for a 3-0 lead. About four minutes later after a Hutchinson fumble gave EMCC the ball at the Hutchinson 29, Keyes and Wright hooked up for a 29-yard touchdown pass and the Lions led 7-3 with 6:33 to play in the first quarter.

Hutchinson reclaimed the lead at 10-7 after Reed's 37-yard touchdown run with 1:15 to play in the opening quarter. EMCC parlayed a 73-yard run by Benjamin with a 3-yard touchdown run by Ty Cromwell with 2 seconds to play in the period for a 14-10 Lion lead.

The only points of the second quarter was a Burger 20-yard field goal with 8:36 to play. The Blue Dragons trailed at halftime 14-13.

The Blue Dragons struck fast with the first possession of the third quarter. Singleton caught a 60-yard touchdown from Collier just 50 seconds into the period and the Dragons led 20-14. The Lions tied the game after a 16-play, 78-yard scoring drive that was capped by Wright's 4-yard touchdown reception with 7:59 to play in the quarter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/bob_jr._walter_mtg8">Walter Bob Jr.</a>&nbsp;blocked the extra point and the game was tied at 20-20.

Hutchinson's go-ahead field goal was set up by a bizarre play, Burger lined up for a 47-yard field goal, but it was blocked.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2023-24/bios/saili_danny_rmkt">Danny Saili</a>&nbsp;picked up the loose ball behind the line of scrimmage and rumbled to the EMCC 22 to keep the possession alive. Four plays later, Burger connected on a 44-yard field goal for a 23-20 Dragon lead with 1:42 to play in the third quarters.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Head coach Drew Dallas completes his fourth season as Hutchinson's head coach with a 38-4 record … The Dragons are 17-3 against nationally ranked opponents and 13-3 against Top 10 opponents under Dallas. … Reed had his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season and finished with a season-high 816 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. … The Blue Dragons are 16-9-2 all-time in NJCAA postseason history.

FINAL: East Mississippi 27 Hutchinson 23

East Mississippi will play for the national championship on Dec. 13 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Lions will play the winner of Sunday's matchup between No. 2 Iowa Western and No. 3 Kilgore.

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🏈 No. 1 Dragons fall short in semifinal

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama's upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74 on Saturday.

Cam Carter scored 14 points, Arthur Kaluma and David N'Guessan scored 12 apiece and reserve Jerrell Colbert 10 for the Wildcats.

Detalian Brown scored 19 points, Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds and Tim Smith Jr. scored 15 points for North Alabama. Damian Forrest grabbed 10 rebounds and the Lions outrebounded Kansas St. 43-36.

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