🎧 BW Morning Show Interview:  RT Solutions, Heath Roberts 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8ffm6-17e7333-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 KU bounces back; 🏈 Super Bowl opening night; 🏀 Salthawks host Maize South

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Stage 9, Theresa Teufel and Michell Waln

Social Security Administration&nbsp;

Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond.&nbsp;

We only send text messages in limited situations including:


If
you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options
and appeal rights. Social Security employees do contact the
public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency
calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit,
are already receiving payments and require an update to their record
or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem
with a person's Social Security number or record, Social Security
will typically mail a letter.

We
encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams —
and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at
<a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/report/">oig.ssa.gov/report</a>.
You can find more information about scams at <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/scam">www.ssa.gov/scam</a>.
Please share this information with your friends, family, and
colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter
scams.

CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549458437.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Social Security Administration&nbsp;Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond.&nbsp;We will never: <ul>
 <li>
	Text
	or email images of an employee’s official government
	identification.
</li><li>Suspend your Social Security Number&nbsp;</li><li>Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee</li><li>Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail&nbsp;</li><li>Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment</li><li>Mail or email "official" letters or reports containing your personal information&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>We only send text messages in limited situations including: <ul>
 <li>
	When
	you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
</li><li>As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal my Social Security account.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>
If
you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options
and appeal rights. Social Security employees do contact the
public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency
calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit,
are already receiving payments and require an update to their record
or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem
with a person's Social Security number or record, Social Security
will typically mail a letter.
We
encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams —
and other Social Security fraud — to the OIG’s website at
<a href="https://oig.ssa.gov/report/">oig.ssa.gov/report</a>.
You can find more information about scams at <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/scam">www.ssa.gov/scam</a>.
Please share this information with your friends, family, and
colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter
scams.CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Social Security warns about scams, provides scam awareness information 

The 2025 Reno Round-Up hosted by the Cancer Council of Reno County is Saturday, Feb. 15.&nbsp; This is their largest fundraiser, and it is also one the non-profit largest fundraiser in Reno County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This years Reno Round-Up is sold out, but there will be a silent action on the website that will begin on Monday Feb. 10. There are about 120 silent auction items up for bid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you do not want to bid on items, but want to support the Cancer Council of Reno County, there are two different ways to do so.&nbsp;

First is their fund a need section. Those donations will go to their daily operational budget. This goes directly to helping cancer patients.&nbsp;

 &nbsp;The second is fund our future, those donations go to their endowment fund.&nbsp; The endowment fund helps ensure that the Cancer Council of Reno County can continue to do their work into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

You can get more information about the Cancer Council of Reno County at this <a href="https://cancercouncilrenocounty.org/">link.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738674319702.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 2025 Reno Round-Up hosted by the Cancer Council of Reno County is Saturday, Feb. 15.&nbsp; This is their largest fundraiser, and it is also one the non-profit largest fundraiser in Reno County.&nbsp;&nbsp;This years Reno Round-Up is sold out, but there will be a silent action on the website that will begin on Monday Feb. 10. There are about 120 silent auction items up for bid.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do not want to bid on items, but want to support the Cancer Council of Reno County, there are two different ways to do so.&nbsp;First is their fund a need section. Those donations will go to their daily operational budget. This goes directly to helping cancer patients.&nbsp; &nbsp;The second is fund our future, those donations go to their endowment fund.&nbsp; The endowment fund helps ensure that the Cancer Council of Reno County can continue to do their work into the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can get more information about the Cancer Council of Reno County at this <a href="https://cancercouncilrenocounty.org/">link.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

Cancer Council of Reno County to host Reno Round-Up on February 15. 

Measure modeled after federal legislation responding to Trump agenda item

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — State and federal lawmakers from Kansas convened Monday at the Celtic Fox pub to celebrate legislation to exempt tipped earnings of service and hospitality workers from income taxation.

The approach at the state level would be modeled after congressional bills promoted by President Donald Trump that ditch the federal income tax on tips received by restaurant workers, servers, valets as well as bellhops, bartenders or caddies.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and state Sen. Caryn Tyson joined U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, also a Republican, at the pub to talk about ending taxation of tips received in the form of cash, debits or credit cards.

“The intention is to take tax off tips in Kansas,” said Masterson, of Andover. “We love that idea from the federal government. Gratuity is gratitude, right? It’s not ordinary income to somebody.”

Tyson, the Parker chair of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, said matching state law to federal reform made sense. She estimated the reduction in state tax revenue could range from $4 million to $10 million annually.

“It helps simplify the tax code,” she said. “We need to help those in need, and we did that last year with legislation that we passed, especially exempting state income tax from Social Security. I look forward to getting this passed.”

Marshall, an ally of Trump in Washington, D.C., said the federal tipped-income bill should be regarded as a vehicle for making Kansas affordable again. He said the federal measure — likely to pass Congress sometime between March and June — was part of Trump’s broader strategy to promote domestic prosperity and security.

“What he’s done from the security standpoint is very self-evident on his impetus to control the border and get the illegal criminal aliens out of this country,” the U.S. senator said. “We’re here today to talk about the prosperity part of this.”

He said the federal tipped income initiative was one piece of an effort to lend a hand to hard-working taxpayers.

Overall, he said, the congressional priority in 2025 would be renewal of federal tax cuts initiated during Trump’s first term. He also said Congress and the president should consider ending the federal income tax on Social Security income.

“And, how about no taxes on overtime?” Marshall said.

The nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated enactment of a federal exemption on tips would cost $150 billion to $250 billion over a 10-year period. The organization indicated the exemption could prompt employers and employees to reclassify ordinary income as tips to avoid paying federal income taxes.

A pending bill in the U.S. Senate would incluce a yearly $25,000 deduction cap as well as occupational limits to the exemption. The U.S. House version would limit the tipped-income exclusion from federal taxes to $20,000 annually.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738673045321.png" alt=" Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said during a Monday news conference in Topeka that tip income ought to be exempt from state and federal income tax collections. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, and U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, said during a Monday news conference in Topeka that tip income ought to be exempt from state and federal income tax collections. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Measure modeled after federal legislation responding to Trump agenda item</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — State and federal lawmakers from Kansas convened Monday at the Celtic Fox pub to celebrate legislation to exempt tipped earnings of service and hospitality workers from income taxation.The approach at the state level would be modeled after congressional bills promoted by President Donald Trump that ditch the federal income tax on tips received by restaurant workers, servers, valets as well as bellhops, bartenders or caddies.Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and state Sen. Caryn Tyson joined U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, also a Republican, at the pub to talk about ending taxation of tips received in the form of cash, debits or credit cards.“The intention is to take tax off tips in Kansas,” said Masterson, of Andover. “We love that idea from the federal government. Gratuity is gratitude, right? It’s not ordinary income to somebody.”Tyson, the Parker chair of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, said matching state law to federal reform made sense. She estimated the reduction in state tax revenue could range from $4 million to $10 million annually.“It helps simplify the tax code,” she said. “We need to help those in need, and we did that last year with legislation that we passed, especially exempting state income tax from Social Security. I look forward to getting this passed.”Marshall, an ally of Trump in Washington, D.C., said the federal tipped-income bill should be regarded as a vehicle for making Kansas affordable again. He said the federal measure — likely to pass Congress sometime between March and June — was part of Trump’s broader strategy to promote domestic prosperity and security.“What he’s done from the security standpoint is very self-evident on his impetus to control the border and get the illegal criminal aliens out of this country,” the U.S. senator said. “We’re here today to talk about the prosperity part of this.”He said the federal tipped income initiative was one piece of an effort to lend a hand to hard-working taxpayers.Overall, he said, the congressional priority in 2025 would be renewal of federal tax cuts initiated during Trump’s first term. He also said Congress and the president should consider ending the federal income tax on Social Security income.“And, how about no taxes on overtime?” Marshall said.The nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated enactment of a federal exemption on tips would cost $150 billion to $250 billion over a 10-year period. The organization indicated the exemption could prompt employers and employees to reclassify ordinary income as tips to avoid paying federal income taxes.A pending bill in the U.S. Senate would incluce a yearly $25,000 deduction cap as well as occupational limits to the exemption. The U.S. House version would limit the tipped-income exclusion from federal taxes to $20,000 annually.

Kansas GOP senators promoting bill to exempt tips from state income tax

Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.

DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731377147711.png" alt="Basketball DragonTalk logo" />
 <figcaption>Basketball DragonTalk logo</figcaption>
 </figure>Voice of the Blue Dragons, Sean Boston visits with HutchCC women's basketball head coach, John Ontjes, freshman Jaden Wilson, and then men's basketball head coach, Kyle Fisher, for the seventh edition of DragonTalk of the 2024-25 basketball season.DragonTalk is live at Chick-fil-A in Hutchinson each Monday during the basketball season from 6-7 p.m. and airs live on KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5).<div><iframe title="DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher (Feb. 3, 2025)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=cxt2e-17e5737-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: DragonTalk with John Ontjes & Kyle Fisher

FORD COUNTY — An early Monday morning accident in ford county just northeast of Dodge City has sent five people to hospitals, two with serious injuries &nbsp;

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2008 Grand Caravan driven by Cayse Larman of Cimmaron was westbound on US 50 when the driver took their eyes off the road, drifted off the roadway and struck a parked RV . &nbsp;

The driver and two passengers, both minors, were taken to a Dodge City hospital with minor injuries, two other passengers both minors were taken to a Kansas City hospital in serious condition.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692220013901.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY — An early Monday morning accident in ford county just northeast of Dodge City has sent five people to hospitals, two with serious injuries &nbsp;According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2008 Grand Caravan driven by Cayse Larman of Cimmaron was westbound on US 50 when the driver took their eyes off the road, drifted off the roadway and struck a parked RV . &nbsp;The driver and two passengers, both minors, were taken to a Dodge City hospital with minor injuries, two other passengers both minors were taken to a Kansas City hospital in serious condition.&nbsp;

Ford County accident injures 5 


On
Jan. 29  Kansas Senator
Mike Thompson (district 10) has filed Senate Concurrent Resolution
1607 (SCR1607) for Kansas to join the states calling for a convention
for proposing a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. The effort is being spearheaded by the nonpartisan,
nonprofit, U.S. Term Limits (USTL).


SCR1607&nbsp;
has a groundswell of support in the Kansas legislature. Many state
lawmakers committed their support by signing a pledge to cosponsor
Senator Thompson's resolution.


"It's
time for Congress to be accountable to the people they represent, "
said Philip Blumel, USTL President. "Term limits will help
restore trust in our government and ensure that power is returned to
the hands of the citizens."


State
Chair for U.S. Term Limits, Sara Hart-Weir says, "I am thrilled
we are gaining momentum in Kansas to join the growing number of
states supporting term limits on Congress. This strong support will
help us pas&nbsp; &nbsp; this critical resolution."


&nbsp;When
SCR1607 passes both the house and senate chambers this session,
Kansas will join other states in the call to for a national
convention for the exclusive purpose of proposing term limits on the
U.S. Congress. Once 34 state legislatures pass similar resolutions
and approve the term limits amendment language, the measure must be
ratified by 38 states to become part of the U.S. Constitution.

You
can see a copy of SCR1607 at this <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/scr1607_00_0000.pdf">link. 
</a>


SCR1607
has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs. 


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738602106809.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Senator Mike Thompson" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Senator Mike Thompson</figcaption>
 </figure>
On
Jan. 29 Kansas Senator
Mike Thompson (district 10) has filed Senate Concurrent Resolution
1607 (SCR1607) for Kansas to join the states calling for a convention
for proposing a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. The effort is being spearheaded by the nonpartisan,
nonprofit, U.S. Term Limits (USTL).
SCR1607&nbsp;
has a groundswell of support in the Kansas legislature. Many state
lawmakers committed their support by signing a pledge to cosponsor
Senator Thompson's resolution.
"It's
time for Congress to be accountable to the people they represent, "
said Philip Blumel, USTL President. "Term limits will help
restore trust in our government and ensure that power is returned to
the hands of the citizens."
State
Chair for U.S. Term Limits, Sara Hart-Weir says, "I am thrilled
we are gaining momentum in Kansas to join the growing number of
states supporting term limits on Congress. This strong support will
help us pas&nbsp; &nbsp; this critical resolution."
&nbsp;When
SCR1607 passes both the house and senate chambers this session,
Kansas will join other states in the call to for a national
convention for the exclusive purpose of proposing term limits on the
U.S. Congress. Once 34 state legislatures pass similar resolutions
and approve the term limits amendment language, the measure must be
ratified by 38 states to become part of the U.S. Constitution.
You
can see a copy of SCR1607 at this <a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/scr1607_00_0000.pdf">link. 
</a>
SCR1607
has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs. 
<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

State Senator files resolution to propose congressional term limits 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jbjqb-17e3b2f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Big weekend for K-State, not so much for KU; Busy weekend for HutchCC 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723128248025.jpeg" alt="City Manager Enrico Villegas&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>City Manager Enrico Villegas&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Hutchinson City Manager Enrico Villegas" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=uqzv8-17e398e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 BW: Morning Show Interview: Enrico Villegas, Hutchinson City Manager 

🎧 BW: Morning Show Interview: Cancer Council of Reno Co., Ashley Thompson, Katie Brown  


The Dillon Lecture Series named after Ray and Stella Dillon kicks off
its 2025 series on Tuesday .  


Rob Kinney, host of
YouTubes “Dad, how do I?” show will be in the arena on Tuesday. 
Rob rose
to fame in 2020 with his YouTube channel “Dad, How Do I?”, where
he generates practical advice and life skills for people who may not
have had a father figure in their lives. 

His channel covers a wide
range of topics, from how to tie a tie, change a tire, unclog a sink,
and other essential “dad advice.” Kenney’s inspiration for
starting the channel stems from his own childhood. His father left
when he was just 14, leaving him and his siblings to navigate life
without that guiding parental influence.



Since
1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and
notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding
communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;


From
poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each
is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the
teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key
to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a
wide age span.


All
lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30
a.m. and last one hour.

Here are the
remainder of this years speakers. 


Tyler
Merritt&nbsp;is
an actor, comedian, viral sensation, activist, founder of The Tyler
Merritt Project, and author of the memoir,&nbsp;I
Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith,
and Being Black in America.&nbsp;

As
a 6’2” dreadlocked black man living in the South, Merritt is well
aware of stereotypes and their potentially dangerous consequences. In
response, Merritt has devoted his creativity to bringing his ethos of
“Love. Learn. Create.” to life through his words and videos as
part of The Tyler Merritt Project.


James
Olson served for over thirty years in the Directorate of Operations
of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine
operations. 


In
addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of
Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.


Award-winning
broadcaster Joel Goldberg has been a member of the Kansas City Royals
television broadcast since 2008, serving as the host of every pregame
and postgame show on FOX Sports Kansas City and Bally Sports KC.

He also hosts a podcast, “Rounding the Bases,” and does various corporate speaking engagements throughout the country on team building and culture.

Following the 2020 season, Goldberg authored a book “Small Ball Big Results,” about the small things that add up to the big wins in baseball, business and life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738589327923.jpeg" alt="Rob Kenney - February 4" />
 <figcaption>Rob Kenney - February 4</figcaption>
 </figure>
The Dillon Lecture Series named after Ray and Stella Dillon kicks off
its 2025 series on Tuesday . 
Rob Kinney, host of
YouTubes “Dad, how do I?” show will be in the arena on Tuesday. 
Rob rose
to fame in 2020 with his YouTube channel “Dad, How Do I?”, where
he generates practical advice and life skills for people who may not
have had a father figure in their lives. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738589327923.jpeg" alt="Rob Kenney - February 4" />
 <figcaption>Rob Kenney - February 4</figcaption>
 </figure>His channel covers a wide
range of topics, from how to tie a tie, change a tire, unclog a sink,
and other essential “dad advice.” Kenney’s inspiration for
starting the channel stems from his own childhood. His father left
when he was just 14, leaving him and his siblings to navigate life
without that guiding parental influence.

Since
1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and
notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding
communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;
From
poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each
is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the
teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key
to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a
wide age span.
All
lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30
a.m. and last one hour.Here are the
remainder of this years speakers. 
<h2>Tyler Merritt - April 1</h2>Tyler
Merritt&nbsp;is
an actor, comedian, viral sensation, activist, founder of The Tyler
Merritt Project, and author of the memoir,&nbsp;I
Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith,
and Being Black in America.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738589410234.jpeg" alt="Tyler Merrit - April 1" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Merrit - April 1</figcaption>
 </figure>As
a 6’2” dreadlocked black man living in the South, Merritt is well
aware of stereotypes and their potentially dangerous consequences. In
response, Merritt has devoted his creativity to bringing his ethos of
“Love. Learn. Create.” to life through his words and videos as
part of The Tyler Merritt Project.
<h2>Jim Olson –
September 16</h2>James
Olson served for over thirty years in the Directorate of Operations
of the Central Intelligence Agency, mostly overseas in clandestine
operations. 
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738589456482.jpeg" alt="Jim Olson - September 16" />
 <figcaption>Jim Olson - September 16</figcaption>
 </figure>In
addition to several foreign assignments, he was Chief of
Counterintelligence at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
<h2>Joel Goldberg –
October 28
</h2>Award-winning
broadcaster Joel Goldberg has been a member of the Kansas City Royals
television broadcast since 2008, serving as the host of every pregame
and postgame show on FOX Sports Kansas City and Bally Sports KC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738589675720.jpeg" alt="Joel Goldberg - October 28" />
 <figcaption>Joel Goldberg - October 28</figcaption>
 </figure>He also hosts a podcast, “Rounding the Bases,” and does various corporate speaking engagements throughout the country on team building and culture.Following the 2020 season, Goldberg authored a book “Small Ball Big Results,” about the small things that add up to the big wins in baseball, business and life.

Rob Kenney to kick off Dillon Lecture Series 

HUTCHINSON, Kan — On February 1st, 2025, at 3:22 a.m., the Hutchinson Fire
Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of East 3rd to a report of a
structure fire with possible people trapped. 

While in route dispatch advised a neighbor notified the
house was on fire and there were people in the basement. Hutchinson Police
Department arrived on scene and found one juvenile standing out front of the
residence and they transferred care directly to EMS who was on scene. 

First arriving crews found smoke coming from the 900 sq ft
single family residence. They initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and
search operation. Crews were immediately met with a hole in the first floor. 

They were able to navigate to the interior stairwell and
made entry into the basement where they found 3 victims and the fire. Crews
worked diligently to remove all 3 victims from the basement as the stairwell
had been compromised due to fire. 

Fire was considered controlled shortly after. 2 of the
victims, one adult and one juvenile, were found deceased and 2, one adult and
one juvenile, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Incident
is still under investigation in collaboration with Kansas State Fire Marshals
Office. 

At this time any inquiries can be directed through
Hutchinson Police Department. There will be Hutchinson Fire and Hutchinson
Police presence at the site for an extended period of time for investigation
purposes. 

We would like to thank Hutchinson Reno County Emergency
Communications, Reno County EMS, Kansas State Fire Marshalls Office, Kansas
Gas, Evergy, Hutchinson Public Works, and Hutchinson Animal Control Officers. 

This case is still under investigation. If you have
information regarding it, please contact Reno County Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS, or call the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816 and
reference case number 2025-4633.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738434343322.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan — On February 1st, 2025, at 3:22 a.m., the Hutchinson Fire
Department was dispatched to the 1000 block of East 3rd to a report of a
structure fire with possible people trapped. While in route dispatch advised a neighbor notified the
house was on fire and there were people in the basement. Hutchinson Police
Department arrived on scene and found one juvenile standing out front of the
residence and they transferred care directly to EMS who was on scene. First arriving crews found smoke coming from the 900 sq ft
single family residence. They initiated an aggressive interior fire attack and
search operation. Crews were immediately met with a hole in the first floor. They were able to navigate to the interior stairwell and
made entry into the basement where they found 3 victims and the fire. Crews
worked diligently to remove all 3 victims from the basement as the stairwell
had been compromised due to fire. Fire was considered controlled shortly after. 2 of the
victims, one adult and one juvenile, were found deceased and 2, one adult and
one juvenile, were transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Incident
is still under investigation in collaboration with Kansas State Fire Marshals
Office. At this time any inquiries can be directed through
Hutchinson Police Department. There will be Hutchinson Fire and Hutchinson
Police presence at the site for an extended period of time for investigation
purposes. We would like to thank Hutchinson Reno County Emergency
Communications, Reno County EMS, Kansas State Fire Marshalls Office, Kansas
Gas, Evergy, Hutchinson Public Works, and Hutchinson Animal Control Officers. This case is still under investigation. If you have
information regarding it, please contact Reno County Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS, or call the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816 and
reference case number 2025-4633.<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

Saturday morning fire leaves 2 dead, 2 hospitalized 

HUTCHINSON, KS, January 17, 2025 - In a remarkable full-circle moment, Sign Source,&nbsp;Hutchinson's trusted name in visual communications since 1997, announces its acquisition by&nbsp;the Younger family, led by former KHUT-FM radio veteran Jason Younger.

The business, which originally began as an extension of Eagle Media's Hutchinson radio&nbsp;stations during Younger's 22-year broadcasting career, has now returned to its roots, promising&nbsp;an exciting new chapter in Sign Source's 27-year legacy of excellence.

"This acquisition represents more than just a business transaction – it's a homecoming of sorts,"&nbsp;says Jason Younger. "Sign Source began during my time at Eagle Radio, and now, I’m excited&nbsp;to introduce the talents of my family with a vision to expand its services while maintaining the&nbsp;quality and reliability our community has come to expect."

The Younger family brings a powerhouse of creative talent to Sign Source's operations. Declan&nbsp;and Gracie Grant will lead daily operations and Jason Younger brings over 30 years of branding&nbsp;and marketing experience. Mark Kenning will continue with Sign Source for a time as he transitions to retirement. The business will continue to serve customers from its established&nbsp;location at 204 East 2nd in Hutchinson.

Building on Sign Source's renowned reputation for premium signage solutions, the new&nbsp;ownership plans to expand services to include comprehensive digital marketing and design&nbsp;services. This strategic evolution creates a unique synergy between physical and digital visual&nbsp;communications, offering clients a complete brand visibility solution under one roof.

"Where we turn your vision into visual impact isn't just our tagline – it's our promise," explains&nbsp;Declan Grant. "By combining traditional signage expertise with digital marketing capabilities,&nbsp;we're positioning Sign Source as a one-stop solution for businesses looking to enhance their&nbsp;brand presence across all platforms."

The company will continue to provide its full range of services, including custom indoor and&nbsp;outdoor signage, vehicle graphics, window decals, tradeshow displays, and murals while&nbsp;introducing new digital marketing solutions that complement these physical offerings.

Sign Source's history of ownership includes Eagle from 1997 to 2000, Mark and Cindy Adkinson&nbsp;(2000-2006) and Mark and Connie Kenning (2006-2025), each contributing to the company's&nbsp;growth and sterling reputation in Reno County and beyond.

For more information about Sign Source's services and the exciting developments ahead, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://signsource.biz">signsource.biz</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738429844119.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, KS, January 17, 2025 - In a remarkable full-circle moment, Sign Source,&nbsp;Hutchinson's trusted name in visual communications since 1997, announces its acquisition by&nbsp;the Younger family, led by former KHUT-FM radio veteran Jason Younger.The business, which originally began as an extension of Eagle Media's Hutchinson radio&nbsp;stations during Younger's 22-year broadcasting career, has now returned to its roots, promising&nbsp;an exciting new chapter in Sign Source's 27-year legacy of excellence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738429901312.jpeg" alt="Jason Younger" />
 <figcaption>Jason Younger</figcaption>
 </figure>"This acquisition represents more than just a business transaction – it's a homecoming of sorts,"&nbsp;says Jason Younger. "Sign Source began during my time at Eagle Radio, and now, I’m excited&nbsp;to introduce the talents of my family with a vision to expand its services while maintaining the&nbsp;quality and reliability our community has come to expect."The Younger family brings a powerhouse of creative talent to Sign Source's operations. Declan&nbsp;and Gracie Grant will lead daily operations and Jason Younger brings over 30 years of branding&nbsp;and marketing experience. Mark Kenning will continue with Sign Source for a time as he transitions to retirement. The business will continue to serve customers from its established&nbsp;location at 204 East 2nd in Hutchinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738429966610.jpeg" alt="Declan and Gracie Grant.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Declan and Gracie Grant.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Building on Sign Source's renowned reputation for premium signage solutions, the new&nbsp;ownership plans to expand services to include comprehensive digital marketing and design&nbsp;services. This strategic evolution creates a unique synergy between physical and digital visual&nbsp;communications, offering clients a complete brand visibility solution under one roof."Where we turn your vision into visual impact isn't just our tagline – it's our promise," explains&nbsp;Declan Grant. "By combining traditional signage expertise with digital marketing capabilities,&nbsp;we're positioning Sign Source as a one-stop solution for businesses looking to enhance their&nbsp;brand presence across all platforms."The company will continue to provide its full range of services, including custom indoor and&nbsp;outdoor signage, vehicle graphics, window decals, tradeshow displays, and murals while&nbsp;introducing new digital marketing solutions that complement these physical offerings.Sign Source's history of ownership includes Eagle from 1997 to 2000, Mark and Cindy Adkinson&nbsp;(2000-2006) and Mark and Connie Kenning (2006-2025), each contributing to the company's&nbsp;growth and sterling reputation in Reno County and beyond.For more information about Sign Source's services and the exciting developments ahead, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://signsource.biz">signsource.biz</a>.

Sign Source returns to radio roots

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Some rework at the new McPherson fire station will push back the opening of Fire Station Number 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a Facebook post, the McPherson Fire Department said that some of the plumbing in the ground in front of the apparatus bay overhead doors on both sides of the building needs to be redone.&nbsp;

They are hoping the nicer weather will allow the contractors to start removal of the concrete in this area early this week. Once the concrete is removed, the piping can be repaired, and the concrete can be repoured.&nbsp;

They added that the contractors have all the materials needed and are ready to start work.&nbsp; The city, according to the post, will not incur any additional costs for the repairs to be made.&nbsp;

They hope to be in the building in time to plant some grass in the yard and watch it grow this spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738551818810.jpeg" alt="McPherson Fire Station No 2" />
 <figcaption>McPherson Fire Station No 2</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. — Some rework at the new McPherson fire station will push back the opening of Fire Station Number 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a Facebook post, the McPherson Fire Department said that some of the plumbing in the ground in front of the apparatus bay overhead doors on both sides of the building needs to be redone.&nbsp;They are hoping the nicer weather will allow the contractors to start removal of the concrete in this area early this week. Once the concrete is removed, the piping can be repaired, and the concrete can be repoured.&nbsp;They added that the contractors have all the materials needed and are ready to start work.&nbsp; The city, according to the post, will not incur any additional costs for the repairs to be made.&nbsp;They hope to be in the building in time to plant some grass in the yard and watch it grow this spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Delay pushes back opening of new McPherson fire station 

Rice County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;

At approximately 12:59 AM, the Rice County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the south parking lot of the Ellsworth Co-Op Feed Store, located at 1310 12th Rd, Lyons, KS. The Lyons Police Department assisted in the initial response.

&nbsp; Upon arrival, deputies located a 1996 GMC Sonoma, owned by a Juan Vasquez fully engulfed in flames. Based on initial observations, foul play was suspected. Due to the nature of the incident, Fire and EMS personnel were asked to stage at a safe distance while a perimeter was established to secure the area.

The Chase Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and, once the area was deemed safe, successfully extinguished the fire. Rice County EMS was also on standby, but no injuries were reported that required medical attention.

At this time, no arrests were made and the cause of the fire remains undetermined. This case is under investigation by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. For continuity of this active investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Rice County Sheriff’s Office at 620-257-2363.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738440976271.jpeg" alt="Rice County Vehicle Fire - Rice County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rice County Vehicle Fire - Rice County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Rice County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;At approximately 12:59 AM, the Rice County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the south parking lot of the Ellsworth Co-Op Feed Store, located at 1310 12th Rd, Lyons, KS. The Lyons Police Department assisted in the initial response.&nbsp; Upon arrival, deputies located a 1996 GMC Sonoma, owned by a Juan Vasquez fully engulfed in flames. Based on initial observations, foul play was suspected. Due to the nature of the incident, Fire and EMS personnel were asked to stage at a safe distance while a perimeter was established to secure the area.The Chase Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and, once the area was deemed safe, successfully extinguished the fire. Rice County EMS was also on standby, but no injuries were reported that required medical attention.At this time, no arrests were made and the cause of the fire remains undetermined. This case is under investigation by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. For continuity of this active investigation, no further information will be released at this time.Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Rice County Sheriff’s Office at 620-257-2363.

Rice County Sheriff's investigates Saturday morning vehicle fire

Farm to Early Care and Education Opportunity for Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, is now accepting applications from Kansas licensed early child care facilities to participate in a program to increase child nutrition knowledge and consumption of local fruits and vegetables.

The program, titled “Our Earliest Eaters: Bringing the Farm to Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities,” will provide Kansas licensed early child care facilities with age-appropriate curriculum about Kansas specialty crops and reimbursements for purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables. Through a competitive application process, 50 facilities will be selected to receive agricultural education activities and resource kits developed by the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom at no cost. Upon demonstration of teaching the provided curriculum, the selected facilities will receive reimbursement of up to $250 per growing season to cover the costs of purchasing fruits and vegetables grown by Kansas farmers and producers to use in the provided educational activities as well as serve in their meal programs.

KDA will help the selected licensed early child care facilities identify farmers and producers local to their facility to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables from. By building relationships between licensed early child care facilities and local farmers and producers, this program will increase nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops in our earliest eaters, while creating new market outlets for Kansas specialty crop producers.

Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, February 28, 2025. For more information, please visit “Our Earliest Eaters at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fgrants%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194b8626ccb-d2a73d2f-961d-438f-a7c4-9e9c5a89380f-000000/g-ARz3NSe83ttmfeu0a_K_BBD3SWpyn6c7sWkw4befs=390">www.agriculture.ks.gov/grants</a>.

Funding for this program was made possible by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service.

The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738428107869.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of Agriculture<h2>Farm to Early Care and Education Opportunity for Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities&nbsp;</h2>MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, is now accepting applications from Kansas licensed early child care facilities to participate in a program to increase child nutrition knowledge and consumption of local fruits and vegetables.The program, titled “Our Earliest Eaters: Bringing the Farm to Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities,” will provide Kansas licensed early child care facilities with age-appropriate curriculum about Kansas specialty crops and reimbursements for purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables. Through a competitive application process, 50 facilities will be selected to receive agricultural education activities and resource kits developed by the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom at no cost. Upon demonstration of teaching the provided curriculum, the selected facilities will receive reimbursement of up to $250 per growing season to cover the costs of purchasing fruits and vegetables grown by Kansas farmers and producers to use in the provided educational activities as well as serve in their meal programs.KDA will help the selected licensed early child care facilities identify farmers and producers local to their facility to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables from. By building relationships between licensed early child care facilities and local farmers and producers, this program will increase nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops in our earliest eaters, while creating new market outlets for Kansas specialty crop producers.Applications are due to KDA no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, February 28, 2025. For more information, please visit “Our Earliest Eaters at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2Fgrants%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01000194b8626ccb-d2a73d2f-961d-438f-a7c4-9e9c5a89380f-000000/g-ARz3NSe83ttmfeu0a_K_BBD3SWpyn6c7sWkw4befs=390">www.agriculture.ks.gov/grants</a>.Funding for this program was made possible by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service.The vision of the Kansas Department of Agriculture is to provide an ideal environment for long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. The agency will achieve this by advocating for sectors at all levels and providing industry outreach.<a target="_blank" href="https://email.em.audience.io/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1950312&amp;ac=grno">CLICK HERE TO GET DAILY UPDATES!</a>

Farm to Early Care and Education Opportunity for Kansas Licensed Early Child Care Facilities

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Independent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.

Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.

Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."

Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.

The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.

However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.

Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark.

"They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.

Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.

Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday.

"[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."

He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail.

"The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.

The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.

She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.

That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug.

"When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.

Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.

Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open.

"In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."

There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said.

"The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.

Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.

Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;

Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots.

"You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.

Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.

An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.

Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications.

"If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.

Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;

Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.

The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.

Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers.

"We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."

He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."

The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.

It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies.

"It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."

Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue.

"Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be.

"I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."

Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients.

"We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."

The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5

"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.

Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb.5 

Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua ClayCoffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738267698272.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIndependent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark."They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday."[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail."The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug."When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open."In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said."The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots."You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications."If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.<h2>The bill</h2>The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers."We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies."It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue."Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be."I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients."We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb.5 Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua ClayCoffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

Local pharmacies closings across Kan. for advocacy day; learn why, see where

🎧 BW Morning Show Interview: Dr. Tricia Paramore and Denny Stoecklein of HutchCC

Camo is a 10-month-old male pit mix puppy. Camo came into our shelter as a lost pet and was not reclaimed by his family, so he is now looking for a new loving home.&nbsp;

Camo currently weighs 47 pounds but once he is fully grown will probably weigh 50-55 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Camo loves playing with other dogs and we think he would love to be your snuggle buddy as well!&nbsp;He likes all kinds of toys, enjoys running around in the yard and playing catch me if you can wrestling with other dogs&nbsp;and is learning how to be potty trained.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He is a very handsome boy who deserves a family who will teach him lots of tricks and good dog behaviors. He will go home neutered, microchipped, current on his vaccinations, dewormed and 1 year city dog license. &nbsp;

Please consider calling the shelter to schedule a visit to meet Camo, or any of his other friends.&nbsp;

You can see Camo at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonanimalshelter">Hutchinson Animal Shelter</a>, located at 1501 South Severance Street. &nbsp;Their hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Other times are by appointment. &nbsp;You can reach them by phone at 620-694-1924. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738336699459.jpeg" alt="Camo is available for adoption at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Camo is available for adoption at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Camo is a 10-month-old male pit mix puppy. Camo came into our shelter as a lost pet and was not reclaimed by his family, so he is now looking for a new loving home.&nbsp;Camo currently weighs 47 pounds but once he is fully grown will probably weigh 50-55 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738337323015.jpeg" alt="Camo is available for adoption at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Camo is available for adoption at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Camo loves playing with other dogs and we think he would love to be your snuggle buddy as well!&nbsp;He likes all kinds of toys, enjoys running around in the yard and playing catch me if you can wrestling with other dogs&nbsp;and is learning how to be potty trained.&nbsp; &nbsp;He is a very handsome boy who deserves a family who will teach him lots of tricks and good dog behaviors. He will go home neutered, microchipped, current on his vaccinations, dewormed and 1 year city dog license. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738337441325.jpeg" alt="Camo is available at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter " />
 <figcaption>Camo is available at the Hutchinson Animal Shelter </figcaption>
 </figure>Please consider calling the shelter to schedule a visit to meet Camo, or any of his other friends.&nbsp;You can see Camo at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonanimalshelter">Hutchinson Animal Shelter</a>, located at 1501 South Severance Street. &nbsp;Their hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Other times are by appointment. &nbsp;You can reach them by phone at 620-694-1924. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt a Furry Friend: Camo 

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mnk6v-17dd465-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: 🏀 Salthawk girls open MAC tourney with win over Dodge City; 🏀 Salthawk boys travel to Maize South for key matchup

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737978599221.png" alt="AP Morning Sports Wrap for Jan. 31, 2025" />
 <figcaption>AP Morning Sports Wrap for Jan. 31, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="AP Early Morning Sports Wrap for January 31st, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=itdfs-17dc67f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 AP Early Morning Sports Wrap in a minute

TOPEKA, Kan. - Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade occupations to take part in February’s Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5.

“Kansas is a central hub for these essential occupations and companies in these industries are actively looking to fill vital roles,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This month’s job fair is the perfect opportunity for professionals interested in pursuing new opportunities — and there are plenty of options to choose from across Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview with participating companies.

The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Fbb3a1da9-b5ff-493d-9c68-836269f65fcc%2Fkansasworks-warehouse,-transportation,-and-wholesale-trade-virtual-job-fair-february-5,-2025/1/01010194b3a7e64a-7357b5bb-c762-4068-80e8-88cde435bf56-000000/oQTtjXou9z-CD3Tiuzm6RLCaV8PaSIeQQlTmosKxzVw=390">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581613096219.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>State of Kansas&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. - Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade occupations to take part in February’s Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5.“Kansas is a central hub for these essential occupations and companies in these industries are actively looking to fill vital roles,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This month’s job fair is the perfect opportunity for professionals interested in pursuing new opportunities — and there are plenty of options to choose from across Kansas.”The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview with participating companies.The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Fbb3a1da9-b5ff-493d-9c68-836269f65fcc%2Fkansasworks-warehouse,-transportation,-and-wholesale-trade-virtual-job-fair-february-5,-2025/1/01010194b3a7e64a-7357b5bb-c762-4068-80e8-88cde435bf56-000000/oQTtjXou9z-CD3Tiuzm6RLCaV8PaSIeQQlTmosKxzVw=390">here</a>.

Virtual job fair to highlight warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade careers 

On Wednesday evening Dr. David Gleason, the president of Hutchinson Clinic on a Facebook post accused Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680623092526.png" alt="Hutchinson Clinic" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Clinic</figcaption>
 </figure>Marc Jacobs&nbsp; Hutch Post&nbsp;On Wednesday evening Dr. David Gleason, the president of Hutchinson Clinic on a Facebook post accused Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas&nbsp;You can find the video on their Facebook Page. Below is the transcript of the video.&nbsp;"Hi. I'm David Gleason, president of the Hutchinson clinic. We would first like to express our sincere gratitude to all the businesses, organizations and individual patients who have made the commitment to ensure the Hutchinson clinic remains your in network provider for our Blue Cross Blue Shield patients, we want to reassure you that we are fully dedicated to the high quality care that you've come to expect from the Hutchinson clinic.""However, we do need to inform you of a recent development Blue Cross Blue Shield has currently blocking information from the Hutchinson clinic, making it difficult for us to provide the necessary medical authorizations as well as the accurate financial estimates we have promised to provide to you for your next appointment.""We find it deeply concerning that an insurance company would prevent you as a patient from knowing how much your care will cost from the provider or physician of your choice, we remain committed to working with you through this process as we ask for your patience as we navigate these challenges. In the meantime, please continue to reach out to our patient advocacy center. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact or if you need assistance, thank you for your understanding and continued support."Hutch Post reached out to Blue Cross Blue Shield for their comment.&nbsp; Kristi Zears, Manager of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas sent us the below statement.&nbsp;"Hutchinson Clinic chose to terminate their contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, effective Jan. 1, 2025. They are now considered out-of-network providers.""Being out-of-network means there are certain things they no longer have access to, such as our members’ private health information. &nbsp;This is, and has been our policy, which safeguards and preserves the confidentiality of our members.""This policy has been communicated to the Hutchinson Clinic administration over the last&nbsp;two years, beginning in September 2023. &nbsp;It has also been shared in our FAQs and related documents available on bcbsks.com/hutch-clinic. We have shared this information with members and the public through direct communication and marketing channels over the last several months.""We encourage our members to contact us directly with any questions. Our Kansas-based customer service team stands ready to provide assistance."