<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 308 Board Members" 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=9b65r-17bfd7f-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: USD 308 board members

Here are the weather closings and delays for Tuesday, Jan 21

Buhler USD 313 - 2 Hour Delay, No morning Pre-K, daycares open as usual.

Canton-Galva USD 419 - Delayed 2 hours, No AM preschool&nbsp;

Fairfield USD 310 - Delayed 2 hours, No Votech or early education routes will run. No breakfast served.

Inman USD 442 - Delayed 2 hours, No AM preschool&nbsp;

Little River-Windom USD 444 - Delayed 2 hours, No Pre-K, No breakfast served

McPherson USD 418 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;

Nickerson - South Hutchinson USD 309 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1735919255910.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Here are the weather closings and delays for Tuesday, Jan 21Buhler USD 313 - 2 Hour Delay, No morning Pre-K, daycares open as usual.Canton-Galva USD 419 - Delayed 2 hours, No AM preschool&nbsp;Elyria Christian School -Delayed 2 hoursFairfield USD 310 - Delayed 2 hours, No Votech or early education routes will run. No breakfast served.Haven USD 312 - Delayed 2 hoursHesston USD 460 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;Inman USD 442 - Delayed 2 hours, No AM preschool&nbsp;Little River-Windom USD 444 - Delayed 2 hours, No Pre-K, No breakfast servedMcPherson USD 418 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;Nickerson - South Hutchinson USD 309 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;Pratt USD 383 - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;Skyline School - Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;Stafford USD 349 - Delayed 2 hoursTrinity High School - No school&nbsp;Wichita USD 259 - No school

Weather Closings and Delays

RENO COUNTY, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Reno County Commission will hold their weekly meeting on Wednesday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the agenda for the meeting is the reorganization of the Board of County Commissioners. &nbsp;The board will appoint a new commission chairperson and vice chairperson for the upcoming year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the consent agenda is the authorization of the purchase of a new brush truck for Reno County Fire District number four. &nbsp;This purchase is necessitated by the fact that the current truck they have now has well exceeded its life span. &nbsp;

Bids were taken on the purchase of a 2025 Ford F550 brush fire truck from Rusty Eck Ford and the truck bed from Prairie Poly Manufactauring. The project amount is to not exceed $125,000.&nbsp;

The funds will come from the special equipment fund of Fire District number four. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The existing truck, which is on loan from the Kansas Forestry Service will be returned to them when the new brush truck is completed. &nbsp;

The county commission meeting will begin at 9 am in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723673394915.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Reno County Commission will hold their weekly meeting on Wednesday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;On the agenda for the meeting is the reorganization of the Board of County Commissioners. &nbsp;The board will appoint a new commission chairperson and vice chairperson for the upcoming year. &nbsp;&nbsp;On the consent agenda is the authorization of the purchase of a new brush truck for Reno County Fire District number four. &nbsp;This purchase is necessitated by the fact that the current truck they have now has well exceeded its life span. &nbsp;Bids were taken on the purchase of a 2025 Ford F550 brush fire truck from Rusty Eck Ford and the truck bed from Prairie Poly Manufactauring. The project amount is to not exceed $125,000.&nbsp;The funds will come from the special equipment fund of Fire District number four. &nbsp;&nbsp;The existing truck, which is on loan from the Kansas Forestry Service will be returned to them when the new brush truck is completed. &nbsp;The county commission meeting will begin at 9 am in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.&nbsp;

Reno County Commission to meet Wednesday

NEWTON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Harvey County Commission will hold their weekly meeting on Tuesday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the agenda is the authorization to purchase four new Sheriff’s Office Patrol Vehicles. &nbsp;The office has the approval to purchase four new patrol vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff’s office routinely replaces vehicles every year utilizing an Equipment Replacement Plan Fund that is funded through their annual budget which the county commission approves. &nbsp;The approved 2025 budget included the replacement of the vehicles. &nbsp;

The recommended budget includes $228,000 for the purchase of four patrol vehicles. The agenda packet shows that the vehicles will be Dodge Durango vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The request from the sheriff’s office is for $200,100.12 for the purchase of the vehicles from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Board of County Commissioners meeting begins at 9 am in the Community Room in the Harvey County Courthouse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582804602109.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Harvey County Commission will hold their weekly meeting on Tuesday morning. &nbsp;&nbsp;On the agenda is the authorization to purchase four new Sheriff’s Office Patrol Vehicles. &nbsp;The office has the approval to purchase four new patrol vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff’s office routinely replaces vehicles every year utilizing an Equipment Replacement Plan Fund that is funded through their annual budget which the county commission approves. &nbsp;The approved 2025 budget included the replacement of the vehicles. &nbsp;The recommended budget includes $228,000 for the purchase of four patrol vehicles. The agenda packet shows that the vehicles will be Dodge Durango vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;The request from the sheriff’s office is for $200,100.12 for the purchase of the vehicles from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Board of County Commissioners meeting begins at 9 am in the Community Room in the Harvey County Courthouse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Harvey County Sheriff's office seeks to purchase four new patrol vehicles. 

MARION COUNTY, Kan.—One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Kendall Layne&nbsp;Harding, 29, Lost Springs, Kansas was northbound on U.S. 56&nbsp; just north of 270th Road&nbsp; The pickup traveled into the southbound lane and struck a 2023 Peterbilt semi head-on. 

Harding was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Homes. The semi driver Jason Philip&nbsp;Mathews, 36, Garnet, was not injured. Harding was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664762117756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY, Kan.—One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ram 1500 driven by Kendall Layne&nbsp;Harding, 29, Lost Springs, Kansas was northbound on U.S. 56&nbsp; just north of 270th Road&nbsp; The pickup traveled into the southbound lane and struck a 2023 Peterbilt semi head-on. Harding was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Homes. The semi driver Jason Philip&nbsp;Mathews, 36, Garnet, was not injured. Harding was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after head-on pickup, semi crash

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Hutchinson City Commission will meet on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

During the meeting the commission will consider an ordinance to authorize the reconstruction of 30th Avenue between Main Street and Adams Street.&nbsp;

The reconstruction project entails asphalt milling, paving, waterline replacement, clearing and grubbing, seeding and utility adjustments.&nbsp; This particular project was included in the 2023 budget at the cost of $1,200,000.&nbsp; If the ordinance passes, the City of Hutchinson will issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $925,000.&nbsp;

Other items on the agenda include the continuation of the discussion on the building at 3504 East fourth avenue to consider the structure to be unsafe and dangerous and an update of another structure at 2100 South Bonebrake Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Hutchinson City Hall

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737392475810.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson City Hall - Eagle Media Photo" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson City Hall - Eagle Media Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. (Hutch Post) — The Hutchinson City Commission will meet on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;During the meeting the commission will consider an ordinance to authorize the reconstruction of 30th Avenue between Main Street and Adams Street.&nbsp;The reconstruction project entails asphalt milling, paving, waterline replacement, clearing and grubbing, seeding and utility adjustments.&nbsp; This particular project was included in the 2023 budget at the cost of $1,200,000.&nbsp; If the ordinance passes, the City of Hutchinson will issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $925,000.&nbsp;Other items on the agenda include the continuation of the discussion on the building at 3504 East fourth avenue to consider the structure to be unsafe and dangerous and an update of another structure at 2100 South Bonebrake Street.&nbsp;&nbsp;The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Hutchinson City Hall

Hutchinson City Council to meet Tuesday 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601052662830.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Podcast" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Podcast</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Scott Sloyer" 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=369wa-17bd4d0-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: Scott Sloyer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720258912600.jpeg" alt="Sen. Michael Murphy" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Michael Murphy</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Senator Michael Murphy" 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=7wd6h-17bd4ce-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: Senator Michael Murphy

Hutchinson Fire Department fire chief Steven Beer took time on Friday to discuss winter fire safety.&nbsp;

Beer was asked about the "conceived" lower number of structure fires within the city. "Our numbers are pretty consistent from year to year," Chief Beer said.

Fire safety is the concern for Chief Beer.  When asked about fire safety, Beer said that the biggest change that he has seen in his career is that we are now teaching fire safety at all ages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beer continued, "When your smoke alarm goes off, you have two minutes to get out of your house. So that's not a lot of time to grab an extinguisher, try to put a fire out.&nbsp; It's basically get your kids, get your family members, try to get your dog or whatever and get out."&nbsp;

Winter brings another set of concerns.&nbsp; Do your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work?&nbsp; "If you don't have a smoke detector, get ahold of my&nbsp;community risk reduction Fire Marshall Cain. He'll hook you up with some programs we have," said Beer.&nbsp;"Smoke detectors are your eyes and your nose in the middle of the night while you're sleeping."  

 "Same with this time of year with gas appliances. We've run a bunch of furnace issues already this year and so having a carbon monoxide detector that is working in your home is very important," said Beer.&nbsp;

Beer also touched on kitchen fires.&nbsp; He said, "Our number one fire issues is kitchen fires due to unattended cooking."

But, the second thing they see this time of year is space heater fires. Beer said, "Space heaters plugged into power strips. And these power strips aren't designed to have these big amperage draws out of these little power strips."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707240042490.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch PostHutchinson Fire Department fire chief Steven Beer took time on Friday to discuss winter fire safety.&nbsp;Beer was asked about the "conceived" lower number of structure fires within the city. "Our numbers are pretty consistent from year to year," Chief Beer said.Fire safety is the concern for Chief Beer. When asked about fire safety, Beer said that the biggest change that he has seen in his career is that we are now teaching fire safety at all ages.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beer continued, "When your smoke alarm goes off, you have two minutes to get out of your house. So that's not a lot of time to grab an extinguisher, try to put a fire out.&nbsp; It's basically get your kids, get your family members, try to get your dog or whatever and get out."&nbsp;Winter brings another set of concerns.&nbsp; Do your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work?&nbsp; "If you don't have a smoke detector, get ahold of my&nbsp;community risk reduction Fire Marshall Cain. He'll hook you up with some programs we have," said Beer.&nbsp;"Smoke detectors are your eyes and your nose in the middle of the night while you're sleeping." "Same with this time of year with gas appliances. We've run a bunch of furnace issues already this year and so having a carbon monoxide detector that is working in your home is very important," said Beer.&nbsp;Beer also touched on kitchen fires.&nbsp; He said, "Our number one fire issues is kitchen fires due to unattended cooking."But, the second thing they see this time of year is space heater fires. Beer said, "Space heaters plugged into power strips. And these power strips aren't designed to have these big amperage draws out of these little power strips."&nbsp;

Hutch fire chief talks winter fire safety 

HUTCHINSON, Kan (Hutch Post) — Dangerous cold temperatures are forecast for the upcoming days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Much of the U.S. is bracing for cold temperatures, including Washington D.C. where President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated on Monday.&nbsp; Weather concerns were so bad that the president-elect moved his inaugural ceremony into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.&nbsp;

The forecast from the KS Storm Info weather center has lows in single digits above and below zero Saturday through Monday night. The low temperatures couple with the strong winds drives the wind chills into the negative teens.&nbsp;

Temperatures look to warm a little as highs on Tuesday are back in the upper 20s and to the mid 30s by Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Precautions should be taken if you have to go outdoors.&nbsp; Including multiple layers of clothing and limiting the time you need to spend outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have outdoor pets, bring them inside, check on the elderly to make sure that they are okay. Keep cabinet doors open if you have pipes that run along exterior walls so that the pipes will be less likely to freeze.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737250026489.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Marc JacobsHUTCHINSON, Kan (Hutch Post) — Dangerous cold temperatures are forecast for the upcoming days.&nbsp;&nbsp;Much of the U.S. is bracing for cold temperatures, including Washington D.C. where President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated on Monday.&nbsp; Weather concerns were so bad that the president-elect moved his inaugural ceremony into the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.&nbsp;The forecast from the KS Storm Info weather center has lows in single digits above and below zero Saturday through Monday night. The low temperatures couple with the strong winds drives the wind chills into the negative teens.&nbsp;Temperatures look to warm a little as highs on Tuesday are back in the upper 20s and to the mid 30s by Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Precautions should be taken if you have to go outdoors.&nbsp; Including multiple layers of clothing and limiting the time you need to spend outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have outdoor pets, bring them inside, check on the elderly to make sure that they are okay. Keep cabinet doors open if you have pipes that run along exterior walls so that the pipes will be less likely to freeze.&nbsp;

Extreme cold moves into region 

WICHITA, Kan. (Hutch Post) — A dog found with its mouth taped shut in Wichita will be headed to a Hutchinson&nbsp;rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wichita police say that their animal services bureau investigated an incident that happened near Kellogg and Main on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Police say that they have identified the dog's owner, who has been cited for animal cruelty, and that he has surrendered the dog to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinsons Redemption animal rescue picked up the dog from the Wichita Animal Shelter Saturday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The rescue says that they will take the dog, named lucky, and he will receive vaccinations, microchipping and will be neutered and placed in a foster home before being available for adoption.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wichita police say that they encourage everyone to report concerns about animal abuse directly to them. Timely reporting allows us to respond quickly and verify the safety of the animals involved.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645814991453.png" alt="Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (Hutch Post) — A dog found with its mouth taped shut in Wichita will be headed to a Hutchinson&nbsp;rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita police say that their animal services bureau investigated an incident that happened near Kellogg and Main on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;Police say that they have identified the dog's owner, who has been cited for animal cruelty, and that he has surrendered the dog to them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hutchinsons Redemption animal rescue picked up the dog from the Wichita Animal Shelter Saturday afternoon.&nbsp; &nbsp;The rescue says that they will take the dog, named lucky, and he will receive vaccinations, microchipping and will be neutered and placed in a foster home before being available for adoption.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wichita police say that they encourage everyone to report concerns about animal abuse directly to them. Timely reporting allows us to respond quickly and verify the safety of the animals involved.&nbsp;

Hutch animal rescue to receive abused dog from Wichita 

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>

GOP congressman’s agenda includes gun rights, sports and crime

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann stands as an absolutist on deporting immigrants in the U.S. illegally who engaged in criminal activity, but he prefers to temper enthusiasm for a federal crackdown that would unnecessarily weaken the state’s agriculture economy.

Mann, a Republican who easily won reelection in November to a third term in Congress, said the porous national border was a crisis that warranted aggressive action to stem the tide of millions of unauthorized immigrants. The quest to fortify the U.S. border was a fundamental issue in the 2024 election and results demonstrated voters’ eagerness to address longstanding problems of unauthorized immigration, he said.

He said rooting out people in the U.S. without authorization who are engaged in criminal activity, including drug and human trafficking, should be a priority in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

In addition, Mann said, Congress had to proceed with development of policies that protected the U.S. farm economy and other industries reliant on legally procured immigrant workers.

“We’ve got to have an immigration policy, instead of the current chaos we have, that’s orderly,” Mann said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “We can declare and vet the people we want to come into the country, then legally allow them to do that.”

He said businesses in the massive 1st District of Kansas wanted less bureaucracy and more certainty in federal laws and regulations on issuance of permits to temporary immigrant workers. To ignore challenges of companies drawn to that supplemental labor force would be foolish, he said.

“It’s a slap in the face to people — the men and women — who have gone through the strung-out process. They do it the right way,” Mann said.

Mann said he was pleased a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House approved the Laken Riley Act, which honored a college student murdered by an immigrant from South America who had previously been cited for shoplifting in the United States.

The bill forwarded to the U.S. Senate would mandate federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft and other lower-level offenses pending legal proceedings. The legislation raised due-process concerns regarding incarceration of more individuals accused rather than convicted of crime.

Immigrants lacking documentation to legally be in the United States who commited a criminal offense in this country should be deported, the congressman said.

Mann said he voted for a bill approved by the U.S. House that would prohibit people designated as male at birth from participating in athletic programs designated for girls or women. The measure would define gender under the Title IX federal civil rights law based on “genetics and biology” rather than “identity,” he said.

“The overwhelming majority of folks in the 1st District of Kansas would say that women should be in women’s sports. Boys should be in boys’ sports. Boys should not be playing girls’ sports,” Mann said.

In Kansas, officials in the past reported a few transgender students had taken part in cheerleading programs. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto to place in state law a ban on transgender athletes joining girls’ and women’s sports programs from kindergarten through college.

Kelly said such legislation was about partisan politics rather than welfare of Kansans, and the statutory prohibitions would harm the mental health of her constituents.

However, Mann said Democrats in Washington, D.C., had “caved to radical activists under the false guises of ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’ over fairness” to females who were “robbed of scholarships and accolades” that could be earned through athletics.

In the interview, Mann praised introduction of a House bill that would create a national reciprocity law for carriers of concealed weapons who maintained a state license. It would, for example, allow Kansas permit holders to travel across state lines without fear of running afoul of statutes on concealed firearms in conflict with Kansas’ law.

“A lot of people in my district are talking about this,” Mann said. “A lot of people are frustrated.”

Mann, a former lieutenant governor, represents the Big First district stretching from the Colorado border across the state to Douglas County in eastern Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737204126540.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, the 1st District congressman from Kansas, says he supports federal legislation addressing border security and work permit challengs of immigration, defining sports participation based on gender and creating a national reciprocity for concealed-gun licensees. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, the 1st District congressman from Kansas, says he supports federal legislation addressing border security and work permit challengs of immigration, defining sports participation based on gender and creating a national reciprocity for concealed-gun licensees. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>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><h2>GOP congressman’s agenda includes gun rights, sports and crime</h2>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann stands as an absolutist on deporting immigrants in the U.S. illegally who engaged in criminal activity, but he prefers to temper enthusiasm for a federal crackdown that would unnecessarily weaken the state’s agriculture economy.Mann, a Republican who easily won reelection in November to a third term in Congress, said the porous national border was a crisis that warranted aggressive action to stem the tide of millions of unauthorized immigrants. The quest to fortify the U.S. border was a fundamental issue in the 2024 election and results demonstrated voters’ eagerness to address longstanding problems of unauthorized immigration, he said.He said rooting out people in the U.S. without authorization who are engaged in criminal activity, including drug and human trafficking, should be a priority in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.In addition, Mann said, Congress had to proceed with development of policies that protected the U.S. farm economy and other industries reliant on legally procured immigrant workers.“We’ve got to have an immigration policy, instead of the current chaos we have, that’s orderly,” Mann said in an interview with Kansas Reflector. “We can declare and vet the people we want to come into the country, then legally allow them to do that.”He said businesses in the massive 1st District of Kansas wanted less bureaucracy and more certainty in federal laws and regulations on issuance of permits to temporary immigrant workers. To ignore challenges of companies drawn to that supplemental labor force would be foolish, he said.“It’s a slap in the face to people — the men and women — who have gone through the strung-out process. They do it the right way,” Mann said.Mann said he was pleased a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House approved the Laken Riley Act, which honored a college student murdered by an immigrant from South America who had previously been cited for shoplifting in the United States.The bill forwarded to the U.S. Senate would mandate federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft and other lower-level offenses pending legal proceedings. The legislation raised due-process concerns regarding incarceration of more individuals accused rather than convicted of crime.Immigrants lacking documentation to legally be in the United States who commited a criminal offense in this country should be deported, the congressman said.Mann said he voted for a bill approved by the U.S. House that would prohibit people designated as male at birth from participating in athletic programs designated for girls or women. The measure would define gender under the Title IX federal civil rights law based on “genetics and biology” rather than “identity,” he said.“The overwhelming majority of folks in the 1st District of Kansas would say that women should be in women’s sports. Boys should be in boys’ sports. Boys should not be playing girls’ sports,” Mann said.In Kansas, officials in the past reported a few transgender students had taken part in cheerleading programs. In 2023, the Republican-led Legislature overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto to place in state law a ban on transgender athletes joining girls’ and women’s sports programs from kindergarten through college.Kelly said such legislation was about partisan politics rather than welfare of Kansans, and the statutory prohibitions would harm the mental health of her constituents.However, Mann said Democrats in Washington, D.C., had “caved to radical activists under the false guises of ‘equity’ and ‘inclusion’ over fairness” to females who were “robbed of scholarships and accolades” that could be earned through athletics.In the interview, Mann praised introduction of a House bill that would create a national reciprocity law for carriers of concealed weapons who maintained a state license. It would, for example, allow Kansas permit holders to travel across state lines without fear of running afoul of statutes on concealed firearms in conflict with Kansas’ law.“A lot of people in my district are talking about this,” Mann said. “A lot of people are frustrated.”Mann, a former lieutenant governor, represents the Big First district stretching from the Colorado border across the state to Douglas County in eastern Kansas.

Mann eager for immigration reform tied to border security, deportation, work permits

TOPEKA, Kan (Kansas Department of Commerce) – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers to take part in the Statewide Virtual Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8 am to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.

“Kansas is experiencing a remarkable period of growth that’s creating countless new opportunities for employment,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As businesses look to expand and seek talent, our workforce centers are excited to connect Kansans with fulfilling careers.”

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

The Statewide 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%2Ff2c8486e-0a95-4e32-85ce-8e52021a6299%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2025/1/0101019474e59c0b-eb8408de-9f7e-45be-b06e-30c573091a76-000000/snXhFgIBO0qCy4lregPF-oUl4rscBMCFdKca35hNh-4=388">here</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581613096219.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan (Kansas Department of Commerce) – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers to take part in the Statewide Virtual Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8 am to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.“Kansas is experiencing a remarkable period of growth that’s creating countless new opportunities for employment,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As businesses look to expand and seek talent, our workforce centers are excited to connect Kansans with fulfilling careers.”The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.The Statewide 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%2Ff2c8486e-0a95-4e32-85ce-8e52021a6299%2Fkansasworks-virtual-statewide-job-fair-january-22,-2025/1/0101019474e59c0b-eb8408de-9f7e-45be-b06e-30c573091a76-000000/snXhFgIBO0qCy4lregPF-oUl4rscBMCFdKca35hNh-4=388">here</a>.

KANSASWORKS schedules statewide virtual job fair

Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation is planning to host its twenty-fourth Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Meadowlark Building in Hutchinson, KS on January 17-18, 2025, with clinic doors opening at 5:30 a.m. both days. Local dentists Drs. Todd Esau and Jared Dye have volunteered to chair the 2025 event.

Support for this project comes entirely from donations and grants and uses no state or federal funding. Local coordinators are making contacts within the community to gain monetary and in-kind support for the project, as well as recruiting the hundreds of community volunteers necessary to make the Kansas Mission of Mercy possible. This project will cost nearly $170,000 but will leave behind nearly $1M of donated dental care in return.

There are no appointments or reservations, and patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Treatment options include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental hygiene education.

The clinic will include an estimated 100 dental chairs and it is expected that nearly 1,000 volunteers, consisting of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, medical personnel, and community volunteers will donate their talents to treat patients.

There are no appointments or reservations, and treatment options include fillings, extractions, and cleanings. However, parents can go online and schedule an appointment time for their children ages 13 and under. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Patient information and the link to schedule children can be found at <a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.

Volunteer registration is also still open and can be done online at <a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.

Since its inception in 2003, the Kansas Mission of Mercy has provided free care to 32,942 patients with a value of $23,173,915.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737113953868.jpeg" alt="KMOM" />
 <figcaption>KMOM</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Dental Charitable FoundationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation is planning to host its twenty-fourth Kansas Mission of Mercy free dental clinic at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Meadowlark Building in Hutchinson, KS on January 17-18, 2025, with clinic doors opening at 5:30 a.m. both days. Local dentists Drs. Todd Esau and Jared Dye have volunteered to chair the 2025 event.Support for this project comes entirely from donations and grants and uses no state or federal funding. Local coordinators are making contacts within the community to gain monetary and in-kind support for the project, as well as recruiting the hundreds of community volunteers necessary to make the Kansas Mission of Mercy possible. This project will cost nearly $170,000 but will leave behind nearly $1M of donated dental care in return.There are no appointments or reservations, and patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Treatment options include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dental hygiene education.The clinic will include an estimated 100 dental chairs and it is expected that nearly 1,000 volunteers, consisting of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, medical personnel, and community volunteers will donate their talents to treat patients.There are no appointments or reservations, and treatment options include fillings, extractions, and cleanings. However, parents can go online and schedule an appointment time for their children ages 13 and under. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.Patient information and the link to schedule children can be found at <a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.Volunteer registration is also still open and can be done online at <a href="http://www.ksdentalfoundation.org">www.ksdentalfoundation.org</a>.Since its inception in 2003, the Kansas Mission of Mercy has provided free care to 32,942 patients with a value of $23,173,915.

KMOM free dental clinic underway at Fairgrounds

BUHLER, Kan. — (Buhler High Journalism Department) &nbsp;

On Jan. 9 Buhler High School Agriculture Education teacher Rylie Sanders learned she was a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award. She later received a call from Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, congratulating her on this distinguished award.&nbsp;

Horizon nominees must be in their second year of full-time teaching. Nominees are selected by district and building administration.&nbsp;Only 32 teachers across Kansas who rise above other novice teachers earn this award.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As second year teacher Mrs. Sanders worked through a lesson with her students she was surprised to see her family, colleagues, and administration walk into her room. They came together to share the news of her award with her.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;“I was joyed and surprised to see my biggest supporters from different areas of life all together - my husband, my parents, my colleagues, and my administrators,” said Sanders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Superintendent Cindy Couchman spoke highly of Sanders and her impact on others.&nbsp;“We are so blessed to have Mrs. Sanders in our district. She is a phenomenal FFA sponsor and Ag teacher for us at Buhler. It is a testament to the hours and hours she puts into the Ag program and her students. She pours her heart into them,”.&nbsp;

Buhler High School Principal Michael Ellegood echoed Mrs. Sanders’ impact at BHS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Mrs. Sanders is wise beyond her years. She brings expertise. She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions,” said Ellegood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buhler USD 313 makes sure to nominate teachers for Kansas Teacher of the Year and the Horizon Award and places great value in these programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is important to convey the value that we place in teachers. We make an investment when we hire teachers. They make an investment when they choose our school district,” said Dr. Paul Erickson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 6-12 for USD 313.&nbsp;“Elevating them for this type of recognition is symbolic of the value we have of teachers. We place tremendous value in teachers the caliber of Rylie.”&nbsp;

Mrs. Sanders will receive her award with the other Horizon educators on Feb. 14 in Topeka at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network annual conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“She is a joy to work with, she’s always got a smile on her face,” said Ellegood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I truly believe I chose the best place to start my teaching career. The support and encouragement provided by USD 313 and my colleagues in the Agricultural Education Department have been exceptional,” said Sanders.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737047276747.jpeg" alt="Dr. Paul Erickson, Michael Ellegood, Rylie Sanders, and Cindy Couchman. Photo by Samantha Neill - Courtesy USD 313." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Paul Erickson, Michael Ellegood, Rylie Sanders, and Cindy Couchman. Photo by Samantha Neill - Courtesy USD 313.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — (Buhler High Journalism Department) &nbsp;On Jan. 9 Buhler High School Agriculture Education teacher Rylie Sanders learned she was a recipient of the Kansas Horizon Award. She later received a call from Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education, congratulating her on this distinguished award.&nbsp;Horizon nominees must be in their second year of full-time teaching. Nominees are selected by district and building administration.&nbsp;Only 32 teachers across Kansas who rise above other novice teachers earn this award.&nbsp;&nbsp;As second year teacher Mrs. Sanders worked through a lesson with her students she was surprised to see her family, colleagues, and administration walk into her room. They came together to share the news of her award with her.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“I was joyed and surprised to see my biggest supporters from different areas of life all together - my husband, my parents, my colleagues, and my administrators,” said Sanders.&nbsp;&nbsp;Superintendent Cindy Couchman spoke highly of Sanders and her impact on others.&nbsp;“We are so blessed to have Mrs. Sanders in our district. She is a phenomenal FFA sponsor and Ag teacher for us at Buhler. It is a testament to the hours and hours she puts into the Ag program and her students. She pours her heart into them,”.&nbsp;Buhler High School Principal Michael Ellegood echoed Mrs. Sanders’ impact at BHS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Mrs. Sanders is wise beyond her years. She brings expertise. She isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions,” said Ellegood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Buhler USD 313 makes sure to nominate teachers for Kansas Teacher of the Year and the Horizon Award and places great value in these programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is important to convey the value that we place in teachers. We make an investment when we hire teachers. They make an investment when they choose our school district,” said Dr. Paul Erickson, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 6-12 for USD 313.&nbsp;“Elevating them for this type of recognition is symbolic of the value we have of teachers. We place tremendous value in teachers the caliber of Rylie.”&nbsp;Mrs. Sanders will receive her award with the other Horizon educators on Feb. 14 in Topeka at the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network annual conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;“She is a joy to work with, she’s always got a smile on her face,” said Ellegood.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I truly believe I chose the best place to start my teaching career. The support and encouragement provided by USD 313 and my colleagues in the Agricultural Education Department have been exceptional,” said Sanders.&nbsp;

Buhler ag teacher named Kansas Horizon Award recipient  

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the northwest corner of 1st and Main.

In late 1871, Charles Collins built Hutchinson's first hotel at 101 N. Main St. and named it the Reno House Hotel. The first photo shows that establishment about 1887 along with its raised wooden sidewalks to deal with the sporadic flooding of downtown by Cow Creek.

In 1910, the building was razed and the new Reno Hotel was built along with the Deluxe Theatre. The second photo shows that after construction.

Around 1920, the hotel moved to 26 W. 1st Ave. above Graber Furniture. The State Exchange Bank moved from 27 N. Main St. to this location and added an extra floor on top. The third photo shows this after completion.

This bank later became the American National Bank and was there until 1956. The building has housed many businesses since, including Orth's Cards and Gifts, The Lunch Box and Pablo's Deli. The fourth photo shows the long run of Allie's Deli there, when Dallas and Linda Fowler owned it.

The fifth photo shows the 101 N. Main location today, now remodeled into the Salt City Title Company with the building ownership under Krae L.L.C. of Lawrence.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736953903053.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 101 N. Main - c. 1887. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 101 N. Main - c. 1887. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714573898261.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the northwest corner of 1st and Main.In late 1871, Charles Collins built Hutchinson's first hotel at 101 N. Main St. and named it the Reno House Hotel. The first photo shows that establishment about 1887 along with its raised wooden sidewalks to deal with the sporadic flooding of downtown by Cow Creek.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736953903053.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 101 N. Main - c. 1887. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 101 N. Main - c. 1887. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1910, the building was razed and the new Reno Hotel was built along with the Deluxe Theatre. The second photo shows that after construction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736954027141.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - New Reno Hotel - 101 N. Main - 1912. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - New Reno Hotel - 101 N. Main - 1912. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Around 1920, the hotel moved to 26 W. 1st Ave. above Graber Furniture. The State Exchange Bank moved from 27 N. Main St. to this location and added an extra floor on top. The third photo shows this after completion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736954089268.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - State Exchange Bank - 101 N. Main - c. 1920. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - State Exchange Bank - 101 N. Main - c. 1920. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>This bank later became the American National Bank and was there until 1956. The building has housed many businesses since, including Orth's Cards and Gifts, The Lunch Box and Pablo's Deli. The fourth photo shows the long run of Allie's Deli there, when Dallas and Linda Fowler owned it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736954126476.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 2012. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - Allie's Deli - 2012. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The fifth photo shows the 101 N. Main location today, now remodeled into the Salt City Title Company with the building ownership under Krae L.L.C. of Lawrence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736954169500.png" alt="Reno House Hotel - Salt City Title - 101 N. Main - Dec. 9, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno House Hotel - Salt City Title - 101 N. Main - Dec. 9, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Reno House Hotel - Vol. 105

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tickets are still available to Saturday's Taste of Hutchinson: The Men Cook event to benefit Salthawk Community Support. The event is back Jan. 18.&nbsp;The event is at the Hutchinson Art Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

"We have 22 chefs who are coming and preparing samples of food for our guests," said Claire Foy with Salthawk Community Support. "With that sample of food or with a ticket of $45, there's our two drink tickets and dessert. Even though 22 chefs and samples doesn't seem like a lot of food, it's a lot of food, and people are full, and it's very social, having a lot of fun."

The mission of Salthawk Community Support is to work together to remove barriers to education for students in USD 308.

"We staff the closet," Foy said. "The closet is a room in B Hall at Hutchinson High School, and it's also, I can't remember what floor it is, at HMS 8, and we staff both rooms. Those rooms have clothing, socks, shoes, hygiene items. In some cases, we help provide transportation, lunch money if it's really needed. We provide supportive listening for the students and tutors. Tutors are provided after school."

There are several locations where you can get tickets.

"We have them available at Trinity United Methodist Church. They are also available at Apron Strings, the Wool Market, or through a board member," Foy said."Of course that's difficult to know who the board members are."

Find out more about Salthawk Community Support at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trinityhutch.org/">https://www.trinityhutch.org/</a>, under the Serve tab.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650637343877.jpeg" alt="Taste of Hutchinson-The Men Cook-File Photo from Salthawk Community Support." />
 <figcaption>Taste of Hutchinson-The Men Cook-File Photo from Salthawk Community Support.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tickets are still available to Saturday's Taste of Hutchinson: The Men Cook event to benefit Salthawk Community Support. The event is back Jan. 18.&nbsp;The event is at the Hutchinson Art Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m."We have 22 chefs who are coming and preparing samples of food for our guests," said Claire Foy with Salthawk Community Support. "With that sample of food or with a ticket of $45, there's our two drink tickets and dessert. Even though 22 chefs and samples doesn't seem like a lot of food, it's a lot of food, and people are full, and it's very social, having a lot of fun."The mission of Salthawk Community Support is to work together to remove barriers to education for students in USD 308."We staff the closet," Foy said. "The closet is a room in B Hall at Hutchinson High School, and it's also, I can't remember what floor it is, at HMS 8, and we staff both rooms. Those rooms have clothing, socks, shoes, hygiene items. In some cases, we help provide transportation, lunch money if it's really needed. We provide supportive listening for the students and tutors. Tutors are provided after school."There are several locations where you can get tickets."We have them available at Trinity United Methodist Church. They are also available at Apron Strings, the Wool Market, or through a board member," Foy said."Of course that's difficult to know who the board members are."Find out more about Salthawk Community Support at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trinityhutch.org/">https://www.trinityhutch.org/</a>, under the Serve tab.

Annual fundraiser for Salthawk Community Support Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Next month, there will be an event that brides and grooms can attend to plan their wedding in 2025. It's at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

"On February 2nd, that'd be a Sunday afternoon, we are hosting a everything weddings and events show there at the venue," said James Fisher with the 1861 Club. "What we're doing is we're pulling together kind of everything everybody or everything that you need if you got engaged and you're gonna start looking at planning your wedding.&nbsp; Everything you're gonna need to know, we're pulling together all of those vendors and those people that can help you with that on that afternoon."

&nbsp;"It is on the Sunday between the the AFC championship and then the Super Bowl the following Sunday," Fisher said. "We specifically went to that dead weekend from a football standpoint so that so that not only the brides but also the future grooms could be a part of the of the planning process."

The event is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. that day and will feature&nbsp;Brooklyn &amp; Co Bridal, Absolutely Flowers, Making Memories China Rental &amp; Décor and many others. Admission is $5.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1725041384542.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Next month, there will be an event that brides and grooms can attend to plan their wedding in 2025. It's at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds."On February 2nd, that'd be a Sunday afternoon, we are hosting a everything weddings and events show there at the venue," said James Fisher with the 1861 Club. "What we're doing is we're pulling together kind of everything everybody or everything that you need if you got engaged and you're gonna start looking at planning your wedding.&nbsp; Everything you're gonna need to know, we're pulling together all of those vendors and those people that can help you with that on that afternoon."They picked that date on purpose.&nbsp;"It is on the Sunday between the the AFC championship and then the Super Bowl the following Sunday," Fisher said. "We specifically went to that dead weekend from a football standpoint so that so that not only the brides but also the future grooms could be a part of the of the planning process."The event is from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. that day and will feature&nbsp;Brooklyn &amp; Co Bridal, Absolutely Flowers, Making Memories China Rental &amp; Décor and many others. Admission is $5.

Wedding show at 1861 Club Feb. 2

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Maranatha Church near South Hutchinson is holding its annual pancake feed on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the church from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

They will be serving pancakes and sausage along with biscuits and gravy. 

Proceeds from the event will go to help the Aaron Wallman family.

The church is at 3115 Blanchard Road SW, two and a half miles west of Tyson corner in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711142621463.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Maranatha Church near South Hutchinson is holding its annual pancake feed on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the church from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. They will be serving pancakes and sausage along with biscuits and gravy. Proceeds from the event will go to help the Aaron Wallman family.The church is at 3115 Blanchard Road SW, two and a half miles west of Tyson corner in South Hutchinson.

Annual pancake feed at Maranatha Church Jan. 25

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Farmers and ranchers from across Kansas gathered in Manhattan Jan. 10-12 for the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) leaders conference. Nearly 500 attended the three-day Kansas Farm Bureau conference designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for young growers in Kansas.

The conference provided farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 with agricultural education, motivational speakers and opportunities to connect with industry resources and network with peers.

Attendees heard from Jordy Nelson, a former K-State star receiver and Super Bowl XLV champion with the Green Bay Packers, and Dan Thomson, a feedlot veterinarian and CEO of Production Animal Consultation who founded “Doc Talk” on RFD TV.

State committee members from each of the 10 Kansas Farm Bureau districts planned and hosted the conference, which included workshops, speakers, tours and competitions. The YF&amp;R state committee played an integral part in making this year’s conference a success.Winners of the conference competitions include the following:

Graham received $500 and an expense-paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&amp;R Leadership Conference in Denver, Colo. McMillen and Leffler each received $700 and will represent Kansas in their respective competitions at the 2026 AFBF Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

Destiny Johnson, Stafford County, received the inaugural Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year award for her work cultivating resilience and well-being among farmers, ranchers and rural communities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —&nbsp;Farmers and ranchers from across Kansas gathered in Manhattan Jan. 10-12 for the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&amp;R) leaders conference. Nearly 500 attended the three-day Kansas Farm Bureau conference designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for young growers in Kansas.The conference provided farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 with agricultural education, motivational speakers and opportunities to connect with industry resources and network with peers.Attendees heard from Jordy Nelson, a former K-State star receiver and Super Bowl XLV champion with the Green Bay Packers, and Dan Thomson, a feedlot veterinarian and CEO of Production Animal Consultation who founded “Doc Talk” on RFD TV.State committee members from each of the 10 Kansas Farm Bureau districts planned and hosted the conference, which included workshops, speakers, tours and competitions. The YF&amp;R state committee played an integral part in making this year’s conference a success.Winners of the conference competitions include the following:<ul>
 <li>Ag Quiz Bowl – Laine Schmalzried, Aidan Yoho, Grant Hervey and Mason Fink, Kansas State University</li><li>Collegiate Discussion Meet – Abby Graham, Fort Hays State University</li><li>YF&amp;R Discussion Meet – Lindy McMillen, Lane County</li><li>YF&amp;R of the Year – Jacquelyne Leffler, Lyon County</li>
 </ul>Graham received $500 and an expense-paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&amp;R Leadership Conference in Denver, Colo. McMillen and Leffler each received $700 and will represent Kansas in their respective competitions at the 2026 AFBF Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif.Destiny Johnson, Stafford County, received the inaugural Rural Minds Matter Young Advocate of the Year award for her work cultivating resilience and well-being among farmers, ranchers and rural communities.&nbsp;

Young farmers and ranchers attend statewide leadership conference

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Lansdowne is retiring from Takako America after 34 years. 

In the most recent years David served as the President and CEO and has many career accomplishments as well as community achievements. Some highlights of David’s career are being awarded two domestic patents, one foreign patent for Europe, achieving ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 45001, and receiving supplier of the year 3 times. Within the community,&nbsp;David has served 2 terms on the Reno County Planning Board, 2 terms on the Reno County Zoning Board of Appeals, and created cans for clients which donated to TECH for the purpose of providing Christmas presents for their clients. 

Takako will be celebrating his retirement on January 23, 2025. 

Cards may be sent to Takako America, attention David, 715 Corey Rd., Hutchinson, KS, 67501. Thank you, David, from Takako America and associates for 34 years of dedication.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736814216031.jpeg" alt="David Lansdowne" />
 <figcaption>David Lansdowne</figcaption>
 </figure>Takako AmericaHUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Lansdowne is retiring from Takako America after 34 years. In the most recent years David served as the President and CEO and has many career accomplishments as well as community achievements. Some highlights of David’s career are being awarded two domestic patents, one foreign patent for Europe, achieving ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 45001, and receiving supplier of the year 3 times. Within the community,&nbsp;David has served 2 terms on the Reno County Planning Board, 2 terms on the Reno County Zoning Board of Appeals, and created cans for clients which donated to TECH for the purpose of providing Christmas presents for their clients. Takako will be celebrating his retirement on January 23, 2025. Cards may be sent to Takako America, attention David, 715 Corey Rd., Hutchinson, KS, 67501. Thank you, David, from Takako America and associates for 34 years of dedication.

Lansdowne retiring from Takako America

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jonathan Vann with the City of Hutchinson explained to Hutch Post the expansion of events to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. All events are at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at Hutchinson Community College.

"This year we're starting MLK weekend on Friday," Vann said. "We're beginning with a Money Mastery workshop on Friday called Money Mastery 101 and the purpose behind it is to make sure that we get as much financial information to the community as possible. That way we can increase opportunities for people whether it's that you want to plan a family, sustain your family after you're gone, purchase life insurance, medical insurance, trust annuities, all of that. If you want to buy a house, invest in rental properties, open a business or buy a business, whatever your desires and goals are with regard to finance, we've assembled a team of industry experts from Reno County that are going to come and present all of their information and their knowledge for two solid hours on Friday."

That event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Saturday is an event for the whole family, as well.

"Saturday is our Lead the Change Summit," Vann said. "There's such a change that's happening here in Hutchin Reno County. It's like the landscape of leadership has just shifted and society wants to go with it and so what we want to do is to craft a workshop that's really centered around engagement and community empowerment that dials down the responsibility to the individual. What is my contribution to making sure that my community reflects the heart of community? We have empowerment workshops for men, women, boys, and girls. There will be four breakouts that are going to happen. It begins at 11 a.m. runs till about 2 p.m. Now we're also adding a vendor fair so if you are a person that crafts, if you are a baker, if you sew or whatever you do there's no registration fees but we do want to make sure that we have a conversation prior to Saturday's event."

Contact Vann at the city office if you want to be a vendor Saturday. Then Sunday is the traditional celebration.&nbsp;

"The community celebration begins at 2 p.m. but we've added another component," Vann said. "We're going to host a gospel concert that begins at 3:30 p.m."

Monday is a chance for both service and learning in the spirit of Dr. King.

"This is a collaborative effort with the Human Relations Office as well as Hutchinson NAACP, Hutch Community College and the United Way of Reno County plus the local health department." Vann said. "What we're going to be doing on Monday is crafting care packages that will be distributed later on in the week going to our unhoused population. At the same time we're also using this time of gathering as a open community forum where we're engaging different generations about topics and developments that we want to see happen here in Hutchinson and Reno County. So it is open to everyone there is lunch, lunch is going to be served towards the end of the event, but it's a time of building but also connecting."

Call Vann if you have any questions. His number is (620) 694-2608.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734133527722.png" alt="MLK 2025 Page 1" />
 <figcaption>MLK 2025 Page 1</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jonathan Vann with the City of Hutchinson explained to Hutch Post the expansion of events to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. All events are at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at Hutchinson Community College."This year we're starting MLK weekend on Friday," Vann said. "We're beginning with a Money Mastery workshop on Friday called Money Mastery 101 and the purpose behind it is to make sure that we get as much financial information to the community as possible. That way we can increase opportunities for people whether it's that you want to plan a family, sustain your family after you're gone, purchase life insurance, medical insurance, trust annuities, all of that. If you want to buy a house, invest in rental properties, open a business or buy a business, whatever your desires and goals are with regard to finance, we've assembled a team of industry experts from Reno County that are going to come and present all of their information and their knowledge for two solid hours on Friday."That event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Saturday is an event for the whole family, as well."Saturday is our Lead the Change Summit," Vann said. "There's such a change that's happening here in Hutchin Reno County. It's like the landscape of leadership has just shifted and society wants to go with it and so what we want to do is to craft a workshop that's really centered around engagement and community empowerment that dials down the responsibility to the individual. What is my contribution to making sure that my community reflects the heart of community? We have empowerment workshops for men, women, boys, and girls. There will be four breakouts that are going to happen. It begins at 11 a.m. runs till about 2 p.m. Now we're also adding a vendor fair so if you are a person that crafts, if you are a baker, if you sew or whatever you do there's no registration fees but we do want to make sure that we have a conversation prior to Saturday's event."Contact Vann at the city office if you want to be a vendor Saturday. Then Sunday is the traditional celebration.&nbsp;"The community celebration begins at 2 p.m. but we've added another component," Vann said. "We're going to host a gospel concert that begins at 3:30 p.m."Monday is a chance for both service and learning in the spirit of Dr. King."This is a collaborative effort with the Human Relations Office as well as Hutchinson NAACP, Hutch Community College and the United Way of Reno County plus the local health department." Vann said. "What we're going to be doing on Monday is crafting care packages that will be distributed later on in the week going to our unhoused population. At the same time we're also using this time of gathering as a open community forum where we're engaging different generations about topics and developments that we want to see happen here in Hutchinson and Reno County. So it is open to everyone there is lunch, lunch is going to be served towards the end of the event, but it's a time of building but also connecting."Call Vann if you have any questions. His number is (620) 694-2608.

MLK events expanded for 2025 

TOPEKA, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis on Wednesday announced that Rural Development is funding 54 projects to generate clean energy and improve energy efficiency in Kansas. The $5,883,731 in investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

The following Hutch Post area projects are included in this round of grants:

A $187,680 grant will assist Stainless Systems Inc. purchase and install a 220.8 kW solar array. Stainless Systems is a rolled steel shape manufacturer in South Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 323,308 kWh per year, enough energy to power 29 homes.

A $137,828 grant will assist Color By Design Inc. purchase and install a 74.8 kW solar system. Color by Design is a paint and home improvement store in Hutchinson. The project is projected to produce 118,119 kWh annually and will replace 100 percent of the facility's annual energy usage.

A $164,724 grant will assist Stinger Inc. purchase and install a 140.6 kW solar array. Stinger Inc. is a farm machinery and equipment business in Burrton. The project is estimated to replace 201,119 kWh per year, enough energy to power 19 homes.

A $26,453 grant will assist Gordon W. Schmidt Trust purchase and install energy efficient irrigation equipment. Schmidt Trust operates a corn farm in Inman. The project is estimated to save 13,212 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601160917468.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Director for Kansas Rural Development Christy Davis on Wednesday announced that Rural Development is funding 54 projects to generate clean energy and improve energy efficiency in Kansas. The $5,883,731 in investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).The following Hutch Post area projects are included in this round of grants:A $187,680 grant will assist Stainless Systems Inc. purchase and install a 220.8 kW solar array. Stainless Systems is a rolled steel shape manufacturer in South Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 323,308 kWh per year, enough energy to power 29 homes.A $137,828 grant will assist Color By Design Inc. purchase and install a 74.8 kW solar system. Color by Design is a paint and home improvement store in Hutchinson. The project is projected to produce 118,119 kWh annually and will replace 100 percent of the facility's annual energy usage.A $164,724 grant will assist Stinger Inc. purchase and install a 140.6 kW solar array. Stinger Inc. is a farm machinery and equipment business in Burrton. The project is estimated to replace 201,119 kWh per year, enough energy to power 19 homes.A $26,453 grant will assist Gordon W. Schmidt Trust purchase and install energy efficient irrigation equipment. Schmidt Trust operates a corn farm in Inman. The project is estimated to save 13,212 kWh per year, enough energy to power one home.

REAP grants awarded to area businesses

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law, noted that the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter gave the world an opportunity to appreciate his contributions in many areas. One of those was trade policy.

"A trade imbalance, protecting the strength of the dollar, working with allies and friends for freer trade, the dialectic between free trade and fair trade, and the question of unfair foreign trade practices that hurt our workers, even illegal ones. These are all topics that all of the presidents since President Carter, and now President Trump in the second administration, will have to deal with," Bhala said. "Many of these words could easily, if we didn't date them, be spoken by contemporary politicians. It's also worth pointing out that President Carter both started and ended the last great successful round of multilateral trade negotiations. That was called the Tokyo Round. It was the last great successful round before the Uruguay Round, which gave birth to the WTO. The Tokyo Round was in 1976 to 1979. It was under the old General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. It laid a lot of key documents, treaties for the Uruguay Round that would come from 1986 to 1994 and give birth to the WTO. President Carter had to deal with a lot of themes and issues that we see today. In some sense, he was avant-garde. His record on multilateralism with the Tokyo Round, it was exceptionally strong."

As for the second bite at the apple for incoming President Donald Trump, it remains to be seen if his hard-nosed approach to negotiation will ultimately prove successful.

"If we were in the old world, the old paradigm of a liberal international trading order, I don't mean politically liberal, I mean liberal in the sense of open trade, open investment, low tariffs. If we were in that kind of world, the kind of world that President Carter was negotiating, then tariff threats would not be used for non-tariff purposes like immigration or narcotics," Bhala said. "We are in a different paradigm in which trade is very clearly linked to national security by President Trump. He's not the only one. Other presidents have done it before him. I think we've been clearly moving in that direction. President Biden certainly has linked trade to national security. And so President Trump will indeed, as he has been, continue to pull trade levers like tariffs and non-tariff barriers, export controls, trade sanctions, investment bans for any non-trade purpose that he feels is important to U.S. national security. It's an expanded use or scope of application of the tariff weapon."

The U.S., especially in the Trump I and Biden administrations, has been willing to go it alone quite often in trade policy. Bhala doesn't expect that to change.

"It's going to be much more of a unilateral thing, not only from the US side, but unilateralism begets unilateralism," Bhala said. "You're already seeing that from the European Union side, for example, where there's a huge clash between Trump I and Trump II, on the one hand, and most European countries, on the other hand, on climate change issues and the use of tariffs to encourage the production and exportation of low carbon emission goods. Well, the European Union has already put on its carbon border adjustment mechanism and it's continuing to phase it in. That's going to mean potentially higher tariffs on some US goods that are dirty goods. That carbon border adjustment mechanism or CBAM, as it's called, probably violates a number of WTO rules. But the European Union is not going to be bound down by a failure of the multilateral trading system, the WTO, to agree on how trade should address climate change, just like Trump one and Trump two are not going to be bound down by WTO inaction on how to deal with China, such as, for example, overcapacity in the Chinese steel industry. The failure of the WTO to address Chinese Communist Party policies on trade that are orthogonal, are perpendicular, are averse to US national security interests is not going to stop the Trump administration from continuing to act and prosecute this trade war."

Bhala said that the height of the effectiveness of the WTO was about 20 years ago, and unless many changes happen that are not currently on the horizon, its influence will likely continue to wane in the coming years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706378920468.jpeg" alt="Raj Bhala is the Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at the KU School of Law. Photo Courtesy University of Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Raj Bhala is the Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at the KU School of Law. Photo Courtesy University of Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Raj Bhala, Brenneisen Distinguished Professor at KU Law, noted that the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter gave the world an opportunity to appreciate his contributions in many areas. One of those was trade policy."A trade imbalance, protecting the strength of the dollar, working with allies and friends for freer trade, the dialectic between free trade and fair trade, and the question of unfair foreign trade practices that hurt our workers, even illegal ones. These are all topics that all of the presidents since President Carter, and now President Trump in the second administration, will have to deal with," Bhala said. "Many of these words could easily, if we didn't date them, be spoken by contemporary politicians. It's also worth pointing out that President Carter both started and ended the last great successful round of multilateral trade negotiations. That was called the Tokyo Round. It was the last great successful round before the Uruguay Round, which gave birth to the WTO. The Tokyo Round was in 1976 to 1979. It was under the old General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. It laid a lot of key documents, treaties for the Uruguay Round that would come from 1986 to 1994 and give birth to the WTO. President Carter had to deal with a lot of themes and issues that we see today. In some sense, he was avant-garde. His record on multilateralism with the Tokyo Round, it was exceptionally strong."As for the second bite at the apple for incoming President Donald Trump, it remains to be seen if his hard-nosed approach to negotiation will ultimately prove successful."If we were in the old world, the old paradigm of a liberal international trading order, I don't mean politically liberal, I mean liberal in the sense of open trade, open investment, low tariffs. If we were in that kind of world, the kind of world that President Carter was negotiating, then tariff threats would not be used for non-tariff purposes like immigration or narcotics," Bhala said. "We are in a different paradigm in which trade is very clearly linked to national security by President Trump. He's not the only one. Other presidents have done it before him. I think we've been clearly moving in that direction. President Biden certainly has linked trade to national security. And so President Trump will indeed, as he has been, continue to pull trade levers like tariffs and non-tariff barriers, export controls, trade sanctions, investment bans for any non-trade purpose that he feels is important to U.S. national security. It's an expanded use or scope of application of the tariff weapon."The U.S., especially in the Trump I and Biden administrations, has been willing to go it alone quite often in trade policy. Bhala doesn't expect that to change."It's going to be much more of a unilateral thing, not only from the US side, but unilateralism begets unilateralism," Bhala said. "You're already seeing that from the European Union side, for example, where there's a huge clash between Trump I and Trump II, on the one hand, and most European countries, on the other hand, on climate change issues and the use of tariffs to encourage the production and exportation of low carbon emission goods. Well, the European Union has already put on its carbon border adjustment mechanism and it's continuing to phase it in. That's going to mean potentially higher tariffs on some US goods that are dirty goods. That carbon border adjustment mechanism or CBAM, as it's called, probably violates a number of WTO rules. But the European Union is not going to be bound down by a failure of the multilateral trading system, the WTO, to agree on how trade should address climate change, just like Trump one and Trump two are not going to be bound down by WTO inaction on how to deal with China, such as, for example, overcapacity in the Chinese steel industry. The failure of the WTO to address Chinese Communist Party policies on trade that are orthogonal, are perpendicular, are averse to US national security interests is not going to stop the Trump administration from continuing to act and prosecute this trade war."Bhala said that the height of the effectiveness of the WTO was about 20 years ago, and unless many changes happen that are not currently on the horizon, its influence will likely continue to wane in the coming years.The full conversation between Nick Gosnell and Raj Bhala is below.<div><iframe title="Raj Bhala, KU Law" 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=ud2am-17ae25a-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>