McPherson County Community Foundation

MCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) announced that its President and CEO, Becky Goss, will retire at the end of 2025. Goss, who has been with the Foundation since its inception in January 2001, has served as its original leader, guiding it from its early days with zero assets and a vision for McPherson County’s future.

Under Goss’s leadership, the Foundation has experienced remarkable growth. Initially founded with the opportunity for a $300,000 matching grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, the MCCF now manages over $53.5 million in assets. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $32 million in grants and oversees 375 funds, serving as a vital tool for donors seeking to achieve their charitable goals.

Goss’s tenure has been defined by her dedication to addressing the needs of the McPherson County community and fostering philanthropy. Among her proudest achievements are:

Working with a local donor to establish the Shoes and Coats for Kids fund, which provides winter shoes and coats for children.

Playing a pivotal role in creating the Steps to Eliminate Poverty in McPherson County initiative.

Introducing the Philanthropist of the Year award to honor individuals making significant contributions to the community.

Securing over $3 million through match day events, enabling organizations to build permanent funds for their missions.

Advancing efforts to address mental health concerns, including suicide awareness and prevention programs.

Securing a transformative $7.4 million estate gift to benefit the Lindsborg community.

“This journey has never been just about setting goals or growing funds, but I’m incredibly proud of the phenomenal growth we’ve achieved together,” Goss said.

Goss also led the Foundation in launching the Mastermind of McPherson County initiative, a three-year program designed to identify and address the county’s most pressing needs. This collaborative effort involves stakeholders from schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community sectors, aligning priorities with grants to create lasting financial and societal impact.

In addition to her work in McPherson County, Goss served as the first chair of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations. In this role, she helped build a network of community foundations across Kansas, providing resources, programs, and services to strengthen their collective impact.

Goss is now in her second term as a KACF board member and will continue in that role through 2026.

Goss’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was honored with the Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Award for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Becky and her husband, Todd, have lived and worked in McPherson County for more than 30 years. Together, they have raised two children, Ty, 26, and Kade, 23, who have witnessed their mother’s unwavering commitment to making a difference.

As Goss prepares to step down at the end of 2025, her legacy will endure. The McPherson County Community Foundation stands as a testament to her vision, leadership, and passion for empowering the community. Plans to honor her contributions and select her successor will be announced in the coming months.

“To every donor, grant recipient, board member, committee member, volunteer, and staff, thank you for believing in our mission, for listening to our dreams, for sharing your own, and for believing in me,” Goss said. “Your stories, time, and resources have been the heart of this work, and they’ll remain some of my most cherished memories.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736873682757.jpeg" alt="McPherson County Community Foundation President Becky Goss. Image Courtesy McPherson County Community Foundation." />
 <figcaption>McPherson County Community Foundation President Becky Goss. Image Courtesy McPherson County Community Foundation.</figcaption>
 </figure>McPherson County Community FoundationMCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) announced that its President and CEO, Becky Goss, will retire at the end of 2025. Goss, who has been with the Foundation since its inception in January 2001, has served as its original leader, guiding it from its early days with zero assets and a vision for McPherson County’s future.Under Goss’s leadership, the Foundation has experienced remarkable growth. Initially founded with the opportunity for a $300,000 matching grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, the MCCF now manages over $53.5 million in assets. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $32 million in grants and oversees 375 funds, serving as a vital tool for donors seeking to achieve their charitable goals.Accomplishments and MilestonesGoss’s tenure has been defined by her dedication to addressing the needs of the McPherson County community and fostering philanthropy. Among her proudest achievements are:Working with a local donor to establish the Shoes and Coats for Kids fund, which provides winter shoes and coats for children.Playing a pivotal role in creating the Steps to Eliminate Poverty in McPherson County initiative.Introducing the Philanthropist of the Year award to honor individuals making significant contributions to the community.Securing over $3 million through match day events, enabling organizations to build permanent funds for their missions.Advancing efforts to address mental health concerns, including suicide awareness and prevention programs.Securing a transformative $7.4 million estate gift to benefit the Lindsborg community.“This journey has never been just about setting goals or growing funds, but I’m incredibly proud of the phenomenal growth we’ve achieved together,” Goss said.Goss also led the Foundation in launching the Mastermind of McPherson County initiative, a three-year program designed to identify and address the county’s most pressing needs. This collaborative effort involves stakeholders from schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community sectors, aligning priorities with grants to create lasting financial and societal impact.Statewide LeadershipIn addition to her work in McPherson County, Goss served as the first chair of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations. In this role, she helped build a network of community foundations across Kansas, providing resources, programs, and services to strengthen their collective impact.Goss is now in her second term as a KACF board member and will continue in that role through 2026.Recognition and LegacyGoss’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was honored with the Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Award for outstanding service and dedication to the community.Becky and her husband, Todd, have lived and worked in McPherson County for more than 30 years. Together, they have raised two children, Ty, 26, and Kade, 23, who have witnessed their mother’s unwavering commitment to making a difference.Looking AheadAs Goss prepares to step down at the end of 2025, her legacy will endure. The McPherson County Community Foundation stands as a testament to her vision, leadership, and passion for empowering the community. Plans to honor her contributions and select her successor will be announced in the coming months.“To every donor, grant recipient, board member, committee member, volunteer, and staff, thank you for believing in our mission, for listening to our dreams, for sharing your own, and for believing in me,” Goss said. “Your stories, time, and resources have been the heart of this work, and they’ll remain some of my most cherished memories.”

McPherson County Community Foundation CEO to retire

KELLY NELSON Congregational Life Communicator&nbsp; Emanuel Lutheran Church&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The next TEFAP commodity distribution is from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 19, at the KMS Warehouse at 3401 E. 4th.

This program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register. You are not allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself.

<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/Discrimination-Statement.aspx">This institution is an equal opportunity provider.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726158868280.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KELLY NELSON Congregational Life Communicator&nbsp; Emanuel Lutheran Church&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The next TEFAP commodity distribution is from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 19, at the KMS Warehouse at 3401 E. 4th.This program is for low-income people of all ages. TEFAP commodities are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to pre-register. You are not allowed to pick up boxes for anyone other than yourself.<a href="https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/Food/Discrimination-Statement.aspx">This institution is an equal opportunity provider.</a>

TEFAP Commodity Distribution is January 19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy was announced as an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award recipient. Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process.

“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “EEI commends Evergy for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of a severe storm that caused power outages and additional damage over Memorial Day weekend in Kansas and Missouri. We also applaud Evergy for aiding neighboring electric companies in their times of need. Evergy and its storm response team are extremely deserving of these well-earned emergency recovery and assistance awards.” 

Evergy is being honored with two awards, both highlighting the utility’s strength when responding to major storms. The first recognizes Evergy’s quick response to storms over 2024 Memorial Day weekend that uprooted large trees and caused outages for 140,000 customers across Kansas and Missouri. The second award recognizes Evergy’s assistance efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. More than 120 Evergy line workers and an additional 200 contractors traveled across the country to help rebuild the power grid and restore power in Kentucky and Indiana.

"In 2024 alone, Evergy crews dealt with several historic severe weather events that included hurricane-strength winds, thunder and lightning, and dangerous heat in our region. Despite those challenges, our crews worked 24/7 to repair the damage, rebuild the system and restore power to our customers safely and quickly,” said Ryan Mulvany, Evergy’s Vice President of Distribution. “When we had the opportunity to answer the call to help communities in some of the hardest hit areas after Helene, Evergy responded quickly and mobilized a team to travel across the country. Our crews worked for more than a week, even rappelling down mountains at one point, to help get the power back on for customers in Kentucky and Indiana. Evergy is proud to accept this award, but we are even prouder to serve our customers in Kansas and Missouri, and to respond to the call to help others.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736873858643.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Evergy" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Evergy</figcaption>
 </figure>EvergyKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy was announced as an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award recipient. Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process.“Throughout 2024, America’s electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “EEI commends Evergy for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of a severe storm that caused power outages and additional damage over Memorial Day weekend in Kansas and Missouri. We also applaud Evergy for aiding neighboring electric companies in their times of need. Evergy and its storm response team are extremely deserving of these well-earned emergency recovery and assistance awards.” Evergy is being honored with two awards, both highlighting the utility’s strength when responding to major storms. The first recognizes Evergy’s quick response to storms over 2024 Memorial Day weekend that uprooted large trees and caused outages for 140,000 customers across Kansas and Missouri. The second award recognizes Evergy’s assistance efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. More than 120 Evergy line workers and an additional 200 contractors traveled across the country to help rebuild the power grid and restore power in Kentucky and Indiana."In 2024 alone, Evergy crews dealt with several historic severe weather events that included hurricane-strength winds, thunder and lightning, and dangerous heat in our region. Despite those challenges, our crews worked 24/7 to repair the damage, rebuild the system and restore power to our customers safely and quickly,” said Ryan Mulvany, Evergy’s Vice President of Distribution. “When we had the opportunity to answer the call to help communities in some of the hardest hit areas after Helene, Evergy responded quickly and mobilized a team to travel across the country. Our crews worked for more than a week, even rappelling down mountains at one point, to help get the power back on for customers in Kentucky and Indiana. Evergy is proud to accept this award, but we are even prouder to serve our customers in Kansas and Missouri, and to respond to the call to help others.”

Evergy wins award for storm response

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Harvey County - 135‑40 KA‑7547‑01 ‑ I‑135, from the K‑15/I‑135 junction north to the Harvey/McPherson county line, pavement patching, 8.3 miles, RA Knapp Construction Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, $369,409.50.

The following Hutch Post area projects were approved from the Nov. 20, 2024, letting.

McPherson County ‑&nbsp;260‑59 KA‑6896‑01 – K-260, pavement restoration in Moundridge from Christian Avenue to Wedel Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.1 mile, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, Moundridge, Kansas, $367,794.06.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724428131694.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.The Hutch Post area projects include:Harvey County - 135‑40 KA‑7547‑01 ‑ I‑135, from the K‑15/I‑135 junction north to the Harvey/McPherson county line, pavement patching, 8.3 miles, RA Knapp Construction Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, $369,409.50.The following Hutch Post area projects were approved from the Nov. 20, 2024, letting.McPherson County ‑&nbsp;260‑59 KA‑6896‑01 – K-260, pavement restoration in Moundridge from Christian Avenue to Wedel Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.1 mile, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, Moundridge, Kansas, $367,794.06.

KDOT announces approved bids

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson addressed the USD 308 Board of Education during their regularly scheduled meeting, Monday, January 13th. During her remarks, she outlined processes that she and the bond council have engaged in since the board’s approval of the $109.5 million bond resolution in late 2024.

The District submitted its application for consideration at the January State Board of Education meeting. However, the total applications for consideration exceeded the state board’s authority for approval. On December 20th, Hutchinson Public Schools presented their bond application and supplemental information during a bond cap committee hearing.

The committee considered each application submitted as well as information gathered during the hearings. The committee discussed best practices and applications of the statute to determine which bond applications to approve.

The District was made aware of the committee’s intention in early January, just ahead of the State Board of Education meeting to be held on January 14th&nbsp;and 15th.

In an email to staff immediately following the USD 308 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Johnson broke the news and remained optimistic, “Everyone I have talked to is not concerned by this date change.&nbsp; We still have a vision for progress in USD 308.&nbsp; We will move forward with planning and preparation.&nbsp; We have a LOT of people who are ready to be a part of this moment.&nbsp; I know that what we risk losing in current momentum, we make up for with enthusiasm on our future date.”

USD 308 will move forward with a bond vote in 2025, at a date yet to be determined. The board heard costs and information about potential dates and will select a new election date at a future board meeting.

In an email to Dr. Johnson, Frank Harwood,&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal and Administrative Services at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), stated, “The committee is aware of how much work each district put into your bond planning and applications.&nbsp; We certainly did not want to be in the position to do anything but recommend full approval for all projects.&nbsp; However, given the circumstances, we tried to implement the language of the statute as fairly and accurately as possible.”

During the 2023-2024 school year, districts retired $446,211,953 in bond principal.&nbsp; The 5-Year Producer Price Index was 33.1% resulting in a FY25 Bond Cap of $593,908,109.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Between July 1 and December 11, 2024, the state board approved bond applications for a total of $859,290,000, but only $330,484,258 were applied against the bond cap.&nbsp;

$ 593,908,109 – FY25 Bond Cap authority (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025)- 330,484,258&nbsp;– Portion of bond applications approved that count against bond cap$ 263,423,851 – Remaining Bond Cap authority after December 11, 2024.

<a href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.SNgBgoKWZH9fZL2rHcHy10CUoWgch7pb9JXSU7t3bXb7i-2FH4-2BDsn1Jw7BJxfk8byDqDvCnYA7RHLTQWKGUQYdelxO8B4WIHQEGFdG9C7XYY-3Djf19_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjVsYrwneFvFXH6RGjOVtkAEfkWkzNEsurIsNG3bUBUSqv359eNi8rg7f7wIhYsOBEMaeG1lqIZH938J6KleLyiW2IZ3UhGknYd8AsaxRMnD6-2FjmeQ9vZ7b-2FrxL8E6lkvgm0pSXpw4AkO0IZ-2B-2FvB1Z8a-2FduNsTh-2FhEvxcl-2BgfM84cyMKD3FRTx1-2FShoRxSIeKZyQoGdliB2-2FQcByQvv5g-2Fs9-2BNevTsbvMCEhkz5C4Tvu1kABJEDbvDQGSJaqM2-2BRWjju8owtdZXYv24-2FWB5z7ARM-3D" target="_blank">K.S.A. 72-5461&nbsp;</a>outlines the priorities the state board is to consider when applications exceed the statutory authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If the bond cap is met, the state board of education will prioritize applications with the following criteria in order of highest to lowest priority.

Bond hearings were held on December 20 to prioritize criteria and provide recommendations for the State Board’s January meeting. The committee considered each application submitted and the information gathered during the hearings.&nbsp; For item 1, no districts were determined to meet this criterion.&nbsp; For item 2, Goddard USD 265 was determined to meet this criterion.&nbsp; For items 3 and 4, all four districts were determined to meet these criteria.&nbsp;

To maximize the State Board’s authority to approve bond issues, the committee decided to recommend Augusta for full approval along with Goddard and Galena since there was not enough authority to approve Hutchinson.&nbsp;The recommendation to the State Board will be to give Hutchinson tentative approval which means they will be able to hold their bond election when authority is available.&nbsp; That will be on or after July 1, 2025,&nbsp;unless other bond issues fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<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>STACY GOSS Hutchinson USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson addressed the USD 308 Board of Education during their regularly scheduled meeting, Monday, January 13th. During her remarks, she outlined processes that she and the bond council have engaged in since the board’s approval of the $109.5 million bond resolution in late 2024.The District submitted its application for consideration at the January State Board of Education meeting. However, the total applications for consideration exceeded the state board’s authority for approval. On December 20th, Hutchinson Public Schools presented their bond application and supplemental information during a bond cap committee hearing.The committee considered each application submitted as well as information gathered during the hearings. The committee discussed best practices and applications of the statute to determine which bond applications to approve.The District was made aware of the committee’s intention in early January, just ahead of the State Board of Education meeting to be held on January 14th&nbsp;and 15th.In an email to staff immediately following the USD 308 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Johnson broke the news and remained optimistic, “Everyone I have talked to is not concerned by this date change.&nbsp; We still have a vision for progress in USD 308.&nbsp; We will move forward with planning and preparation.&nbsp; We have a LOT of people who are ready to be a part of this moment.&nbsp; I know that what we risk losing in current momentum, we make up for with enthusiasm on our future date.”USD 308 will move forward with a bond vote in 2025, at a date yet to be determined. The board heard costs and information about potential dates and will select a new election date at a future board meeting.In an email to Dr. Johnson, Frank Harwood,&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal and Administrative Services at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), stated, “The committee is aware of how much work each district put into your bond planning and applications.&nbsp; We certainly did not want to be in the position to do anything but recommend full approval for all projects.&nbsp; However, given the circumstances, we tried to implement the language of the statute as fairly and accurately as possible.”Calculating the Bond CapDuring the 2023-2024 school year, districts retired $446,211,953 in bond principal.&nbsp; The 5-Year Producer Price Index was 33.1% resulting in a FY25 Bond Cap of $593,908,109.&nbsp;&nbsp;Between July 1 and December 11, 2024, the state board approved bond applications for a total of $859,290,000, but only $330,484,258 were applied against the bond cap.&nbsp;$ 593,908,109 – FY25 Bond Cap authority (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025)- 330,484,258&nbsp;– Portion of bond applications approved that count against bond cap$ 263,423,851 – Remaining Bond Cap authority after December 11, 2024.<a href="https://u345601.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.SNgBgoKWZH9fZL2rHcHy10CUoWgch7pb9JXSU7t3bXb7i-2FH4-2BDsn1Jw7BJxfk8byDqDvCnYA7RHLTQWKGUQYdelxO8B4WIHQEGFdG9C7XYY-3Djf19_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjVsYrwneFvFXH6RGjOVtkAEfkWkzNEsurIsNG3bUBUSqv359eNi8rg7f7wIhYsOBEMaeG1lqIZH938J6KleLyiW2IZ3UhGknYd8AsaxRMnD6-2FjmeQ9vZ7b-2FrxL8E6lkvgm0pSXpw4AkO0IZ-2B-2FvB1Z8a-2FduNsTh-2FhEvxcl-2BgfM84cyMKD3FRTx1-2FShoRxSIeKZyQoGdliB2-2FQcByQvv5g-2Fs9-2BNevTsbvMCEhkz5C4Tvu1kABJEDbvDQGSJaqM2-2BRWjju8owtdZXYv24-2FWB5z7ARM-3D" target="_blank">K.S.A. 72-5461&nbsp;</a>outlines the priorities the state board is to consider when applications exceed the statutory authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the bond cap is met, the state board of education will prioritize applications with the following criteria in order of highest to lowest priority.<ol>
 <li>Safety of the current facility and disability access to such facility as demonstrated by a state fire marshal report, an inspection under the Americans with disabilities act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., or other similar evaluation;</li><li>enrollment growth and imminent overcrowding as demonstrated by successive increases in enrollment of the school district in the immediately preceding three school years;</li><li>impact on the delivery of educational services as demonstrated by restrictive inflexible design or limitations on installation of technology; and</li><li>energy usage and other operational inefficiencies as demonstrated by a district-wide energy usage analysis, district-wide architectural analysis or other similar evaluation.</li>
 </ol>Statute ApplicationBond hearings were held on December 20 to prioritize criteria and provide recommendations for the State Board’s January meeting. The committee considered each application submitted and the information gathered during the hearings.&nbsp; For item 1, no districts were determined to meet this criterion.&nbsp; For item 2, Goddard USD 265 was determined to meet this criterion.&nbsp; For items 3 and 4, all four districts were determined to meet these criteria.&nbsp;To maximize the State Board’s authority to approve bond issues, the committee decided to recommend Augusta for full approval along with Goddard and Galena since there was not enough authority to approve Hutchinson.&nbsp;The recommendation to the State Board will be to give Hutchinson tentative approval which means they will be able to hold their bond election when authority is available.&nbsp; That will be on or after July 1, 2025,&nbsp;unless other bond issues fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 bond pushed back to after July 1

SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications Specialist

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Elected officials were sworn in Monday morning in the Division 3 courtroom on the third floor of the Reno County Courthouse, their four year terms beginning Monday. 

Richele Calvert was elected county treasurer, but under Kansas statute, her term does not begin until October.

Reno County Commissioner Richard Winger,  District 4

Reno County Commissioner Ron Vincent, District 3

Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst, District 2

Reno County Register of Deeds Michelle Updegrove

Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton

Reno County District Court Judge, Dist. 27 Div. II Keith Schroeder

Reno County Magistrate Judge, Dist. 27 Jeff Newsum

District Court Judge, Dist. 27, Div. IV Greg Bell&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
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 </figure>SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications SpecialistHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Elected officials were sworn in Monday morning in the Division 3 courtroom on the third floor of the Reno County Courthouse, their four year terms beginning Monday. Richele Calvert was elected county treasurer, but under Kansas statute, her term does not begin until October.Being sworn in Monday were:Reno County Commissioner Richard Winger, District 4<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Commissioner Ron Vincent, District 3<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst, District 2<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Register of Deeds Michelle Updegrove<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Clerk Jenna Fager<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County District Attorney Thomas Stanton<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County District Court Judge, Dist. 27 Div. II Keith Schroeder<figure>
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 </figure>Reno County Magistrate Judge, Dist. 27 Jeff Newsum<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736817018364.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>District Court Judge, Dist. 27, Div. IV Greg Bell&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
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Reno County officials sworn in

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way of Reno County is working on educating the public this month on how to help those who need it have a place to sleep at night.

"On MLK Day on the 20th, from 10 a.m. to noon, we're asking community members to come together at Stringer Fine Arts Center," said Valerie Taylor with United Way of Reno County. "For an hour and 15 minutes, we're going to put together kits. These kits will go out to our homeless population. They will have food, harm reduction kits, things to keep warm, socks, all of these items that can really help someone get through a night when they're struggling with homelessness. Then we'll also have 45 minutes of a session called Debunked, where we're gonna share some facts with those volunteers who are coming in so that they know what's going on locally in our community and maybe some of the fact checking. Is this really accurate? Is this really true?"

This is all in preparation for the city's Point In Time count on Jan. 23.

"The point in time count occurs every year," Taylor said. "It is a snapshot of the amount of people in Reno County who are experiencing homelessness on a literal level. They're sleeping in their cars, they're sleeping on the streets, they're sleeping in our shelters, or they're sleeping in hotels that are paid through vouchers, through churches, or different organizations. This helps bring in money for our community so that we can start working on shelter and all of the resources that individuals who are facing homelessness need in our community. We're asking for our community to come in and help us. So from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on January the 23rd, we will be at the Avenue A Park. The city of Hutchinson has graciously donated that building at Avenue A Park so that we can get out of the elements, provide some resources, meals, and get a count of individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness."

For more information on the events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687976834535.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way of Reno County is working on educating the public this month on how to help those who need it have a place to sleep at night."On MLK Day on the 20th, from 10 a.m. to noon, we're asking community members to come together at Stringer Fine Arts Center," said Valerie Taylor with United Way of Reno County. "For an hour and 15 minutes, we're going to put together kits. These kits will go out to our homeless population. They will have food, harm reduction kits, things to keep warm, socks, all of these items that can really help someone get through a night when they're struggling with homelessness. Then we'll also have 45 minutes of a session called Debunked, where we're gonna share some facts with those volunteers who are coming in so that they know what's going on locally in our community and maybe some of the fact checking. Is this really accurate? Is this really true?"This is all in preparation for the city's Point In Time count on Jan. 23."The point in time count occurs every year," Taylor said. "It is a snapshot of the amount of people in Reno County who are experiencing homelessness on a literal level. They're sleeping in their cars, they're sleeping on the streets, they're sleeping in our shelters, or they're sleeping in hotels that are paid through vouchers, through churches, or different organizations. This helps bring in money for our community so that we can start working on shelter and all of the resources that individuals who are facing homelessness need in our community. We're asking for our community to come in and help us. So from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on January the 23rd, we will be at the Avenue A Park. The city of Hutchinson has graciously donated that building at Avenue A Park so that we can get out of the elements, provide some resources, meals, and get a count of individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness."For more information on the events, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/</a>.

United Way working on education this month

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Boston Brass brings its one-of-a-kind musical experience to the McPherson College stage in a Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series Concert on Sunday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. at McPherson College’s Brown Auditorium. Admission to the concert is free.

McPherson College will also host Boston Brass for a masterclass on Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m. The masterclass is open to all area band students.

Since 1986, Boston Brass has set out to provide an uncommon musical experience. From exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment. The ensemble’s lively banter, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun.

The quintet has played to audiences in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries. Though it regularly concertizes as a quintet, Boston Brass also performs with orchestras, concert and marching bands, organists, and jazz bands and regularly collaborates with composers to create new works for the brass canon.

Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with particular emphasis on piano.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736816018557.png" alt="Boston Brass" />
 <figcaption>Boston Brass</figcaption>
 </figure>TINA GOODWIN McPherson CollegeMCPHERSON, Kan. — Boston Brass brings its one-of-a-kind musical experience to the McPherson College stage in a Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series Concert on Sunday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. at McPherson College’s Brown Auditorium. Admission to the concert is free.McPherson College will also host Boston Brass for a masterclass on Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m. The masterclass is open to all area band students.Since 1986, Boston Brass has set out to provide an uncommon musical experience. From exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards and the best of the original brass quintet repertoire, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment. The ensemble’s lively banter, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun.The quintet has played to audiences in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries. Though it regularly concertizes as a quintet, Boston Brass also performs with orchestras, concert and marching bands, organists, and jazz bands and regularly collaborates with composers to create new works for the brass canon.Admission to the Lingenfelter concert is free thanks to a generous commitment to McPherson College honoring Fern Lingenfelter. Lingenfelter, an alumna of McPherson College, taught piano in McPherson for many years to college students on campus and younger students at her studio downtown. Her son, Steve Clark, chairman of Clark Investment Group of Wichita, established the fund that supports two annual music performance events with particular emphasis on piano.

Boston Brass at McPherson College later this month

SYLVIA, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell and Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst are holding a meeting at the Sylvia Senior Center on Tuesday night, Jan. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

At that meeting, the public is encouraged to ask questions about law enforcement and how the court system works.

Sheriff Campbell will talk about the process of prosecution for a crime, and the workload for deputies both on patrol and in the jail will be discussed.&nbsp;

They will also discuss the process of inmates getting released from jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577486443872.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SYLVIA, Kan. — Reno County Sheriff Darrian Campbell and Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst are holding a meeting at the Sylvia Senior Center on Tuesday night, Jan. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.At that meeting, the public is encouraged to ask questions about law enforcement and how the court system works.Sheriff Campbell will talk about the process of prosecution for a crime, and the workload for deputies both on patrol and in the jail will be discussed.&nbsp;They will also discuss the process of inmates getting released from jail.Light refreshments will be available.

Sheriff to meet with public in Sylvia next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hiatt Enterprises, the parent company of All Pro Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, has secured a $50,000 loan from the StartUp Hutch Fund, in collaboration with Peoples Bank and Trust, to support their expansion into South Hutchinson.

Following their recent acquisition of All Pro Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, Bob and Sara Hiatt have relocated the business to South Hutchinson. The StartUp Hutch funding will be utilized for building acquisition and improvements. The company, which currently employs 11 individuals, is poised to strengthen its presence in the community and continue delivering essential plumbing, heating, and air services.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Hiatts as they continue to provide high-demand services in Reno County and the surrounding area,” said Jackson Swearer, Executive Director at StartUp Hutch. “Our mission is to support local businesses as they grow and create opportunities for future generations.”

StartUp Hutch serves as Reno County’s hub for entrepreneurship, offering resources, guidance, and connections to help local entrepreneurs launch, operate, and scale their businesses.

Entrepreneurs seeking funding and support to realize their business aspirations can turn to StartUp Hutch for guidance. To explore funding opportunities or access an array of resources, contact Mario Hawkins, Entrepreneur Navigator at 620-665-4901 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mario@startuphutch.com" target="_blank">mario@startuphutch.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736814468432.jpeg" alt="Hiatt Enterprises" />
 <figcaption>Hiatt Enterprises</figcaption>
 </figure>StartUp HutchHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hiatt Enterprises, the parent company of All Pro Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, has secured a $50,000 loan from the StartUp Hutch Fund, in collaboration with Peoples Bank and Trust, to support their expansion into South Hutchinson.Following their recent acquisition of All Pro Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air, Bob and Sara Hiatt have relocated the business to South Hutchinson. The StartUp Hutch funding will be utilized for building acquisition and improvements. The company, which currently employs 11 individuals, is poised to strengthen its presence in the community and continue delivering essential plumbing, heating, and air services.“We are thrilled to partner with the Hiatts as they continue to provide high-demand services in Reno County and the surrounding area,” said Jackson Swearer, Executive Director at StartUp Hutch. “Our mission is to support local businesses as they grow and create opportunities for future generations.”StartUp Hutch serves as Reno County’s hub for entrepreneurship, offering resources, guidance, and connections to help local entrepreneurs launch, operate, and scale their businesses.Entrepreneurs seeking funding and support to realize their business aspirations can turn to StartUp Hutch for guidance. To explore funding opportunities or access an array of resources, contact Mario Hawkins, Entrepreneur Navigator at 620-665-4901 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mario@startuphutch.com" target="_blank">mario@startuphutch.com</a>.

StartUp Hutch helps Hiatt Enterprises expansion

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Food Bank has updated the procedure for how they take walk-in appointments in the mornings.

They now have a spot by the door at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut where you grab a number. There are only 15 numbers available and once they are gone then they are done taking walk in appointments for that day. They will call you by your number once they are ready to start making appointments that morning.&nbsp;

With the new procedure, people know exactly where they are in line and don’t lose track of the order they came inside and they aren’t waiting in line just to be told there are no spots available.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699735109162.jpeg" alt="The Reno County Food Bank collects canned goods and non-perishable food items at the Stuff the Trucks event on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese" />
 <figcaption>The Reno County Food Bank collects canned goods and non-perishable food items at the Stuff the Trucks event on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Food Bank has updated the procedure for how they take walk-in appointments in the mornings.They now have a spot by the door at the Salvation Army at 700 North Walnut where you grab a number. There are only 15 numbers available and once they are gone then they are done taking walk in appointments for that day. They will call you by your number once they are ready to start making appointments that morning.&nbsp;With the new procedure, people know exactly where they are in line and don’t lose track of the order they came inside and they aren’t waiting in line just to be told there are no spots available.&nbsp;

Reno County Food Bank updates procedure

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

All across the state, Kansans have been enjoying or perhaps dealing with the snow for more than a week. I have heard countless people remark that there's been more snow than we have had in years. It definitely feels like the longest snow streak we have had in the 12 years I have lived in Kansas.

There are a lot of people who hate snow. It is cold and messy. It can be dangerous and inconvenient. Others see snow as beautiful, helpful and fun. For me, snow feels like home and is a great source of joy.

My love of snow comes from the childhood adventures and joys I experienced growing up in Wisconsin. There are so many ways to have fun in the snow: sledding, tubbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, snowball fights, building forts, making snow angels and snowmen.

On snow days, my older brothers and I couldn’t wait to suit up in snow gear and claim spots to build snow forts in the ditches of our driveway. We would spend hours designing elaborate defenses and letting our creativity run wild as we’d create our snow forts in preparation for the inevitable snowball fight.

Some of the best memories we made as a family were in the snow. I remember wandering around for hours in a snowy forest like Clark Griswold in search of the perfect Christmas tree only to cut down the first one we had considered. Many winter weekends were filled with long hours in convoys with dozens of snowmobiles trail riding through the beauty of the North woods. My siblings and I would be so mad because no matter how much of a head start we got, my dad always beat us to the bottom of the ski hill on the fastest skis in the world.

Snow wasn’t only fun and games. There were many sibling bonding moments and character-building opportunities shoveling snow, getting hit by a snowball in the face or a surprise attack with snow going down your shirt. We learned to navigate the dangers of driving on ice and snow and how to avoid frostbite or other physical injuries in the snow.

My snow days are often less focused on fun as an adult. Snow in the forecast means prep work to get animals to a good place to wait out the snow, putting out extra feed and prepping water tanks for the cold. Instead of racing out to build a snow fort, my days are spent navigating snow drifts or icy roads, checking cows, clearing snow and any other unavoidable chores that will take a little longer because everything goes slow with extra layers.

There is also a different level of appreciation of snow’s value on the farm as it is the moisture we need for the coming crop year in a convenient, slow-release form.

Waking up to the winter wonderland of pristine snow will probably never get old for me. I relish the peaceful moments as the world slows down. My soul fills with a nostalgic joy that comes from so many happy memories. My mind fills with the underlying excitement of not knowing what adventures the day will bring. 

Snow can be seen as an inconvenience, but I hope that it was filled with great moments. I hope that it brought you a chance to slow down and rest for a moment, that you experienced beauty and nourishment, that children played in the snow and families created memories.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="Jackie Mundt" />
 <figcaption>Jackie Mundt</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherAll across the state, Kansans have been enjoying or perhaps dealing with the snow for more than a week. I have heard countless people remark that there's been more snow than we have had in years. It definitely feels like the longest snow streak we have had in the 12 years I have lived in Kansas.There are a lot of people who hate snow. It is cold and messy. It can be dangerous and inconvenient. Others see snow as beautiful, helpful and fun. For me, snow feels like home and is a great source of joy.My love of snow comes from the childhood adventures and joys I experienced growing up in Wisconsin. There are so many ways to have fun in the snow: sledding, tubbing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, ice skating, snowball fights, building forts, making snow angels and snowmen.On snow days, my older brothers and I couldn’t wait to suit up in snow gear and claim spots to build snow forts in the ditches of our driveway. We would spend hours designing elaborate defenses and letting our creativity run wild as we’d create our snow forts in preparation for the inevitable snowball fight.Some of the best memories we made as a family were in the snow. I remember wandering around for hours in a snowy forest like Clark Griswold in search of the perfect Christmas tree only to cut down the first one we had considered. Many winter weekends were filled with long hours in convoys with dozens of snowmobiles trail riding through the beauty of the North woods. My siblings and I would be so mad because no matter how much of a head start we got, my dad always beat us to the bottom of the ski hill on the fastest skis in the world.Snow wasn’t only fun and games. There were many sibling bonding moments and character-building opportunities shoveling snow, getting hit by a snowball in the face or a surprise attack with snow going down your shirt. We learned to navigate the dangers of driving on ice and snow and how to avoid frostbite or other physical injuries in the snow.My snow days are often less focused on fun as an adult. Snow in the forecast means prep work to get animals to a good place to wait out the snow, putting out extra feed and prepping water tanks for the cold. Instead of racing out to build a snow fort, my days are spent navigating snow drifts or icy roads, checking cows, clearing snow and any other unavoidable chores that will take a little longer because everything goes slow with extra layers.There is also a different level of appreciation of snow’s value on the farm as it is the moisture we need for the coming crop year in a convenient, slow-release form.Waking up to the winter wonderland of pristine snow will probably never get old for me. I relish the peaceful moments as the world slows down. My soul fills with a nostalgic joy that comes from so many happy memories. My mind fills with the underlying excitement of not knowing what adventures the day will bring. Snow can be seen as an inconvenience, but I hope that it was filled with great moments. I hope that it brought you a chance to slow down and rest for a moment, that you experienced beauty and nourishment, that children played in the snow and families created memories."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.Copyright © 2025 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Enjoy the snow

MCPHERSON COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.

As the roads clear up after the recent snowstorms, some drivers are already falling back into those risky habits. 

On Sunday in McPherson County, Trooper Jason Fraser stopped a vehicle traveling 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on I-135 just north of the Moundridge exit, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. The fine was $150.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736772297311.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to see more drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit.As the roads clear up after the recent snowstorms, some drivers are already falling back into those risky habits. On Sunday in McPherson County, Trooper Jason Fraser stopped a vehicle traveling 100 mph in a 75 mph zone on I-135 just north of the Moundridge exit, according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. The fine was $150.00.

Another driver caught traveling 100mph in McPherson Co.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital recommends that pet owners discuss with their veterinarian what the best food is for their pet.

"I always tell people, your pet food needs to correspond with the stage of life that your pet is in," Austin said. "Puppies need puppy food. Big breed dogs that are growing fast and their bones are getting long quickly. They need what's called large breed puppy food. The nutrition market has kind of gone from just dog food to more stage of life foods. You see puppy foods specific for large breed dogs or puppy foods for toys, toy breed dogs. Then you have adult foods or what they kind of call maintenance foods from about a year and a half to seven. Then you see senior diets or things like that."

Some companies have special formulas to help with certain conditions.

"Those are typically tailored for specific diseases and issues like kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease. We have special diets for those issues, and those are prescription diets. That's part of the treatment plan that your veterinarian will recommend when you go see them for your pet. If we do blood work and we find heart issues or kidney issues, liver issues, we can help treat them with special prescription diets. But the most important thing is, across the board is that everybody has a diet and feeds a diet that's appropriate for the stage of life that your pet is in."

It's important to maintain a relationship with your veterinarian so that they can catch some of these conditions on yearly appointments, because they already know you and your pet.

"In our case, it's typically a one time in and out visit. We draw the blood sample at that point, run those tests that are necessary and then call and communicate with the owners afterwards. That's, again, part of that relationship that we talk about with your veterinarian. I don't do those blood tests on everybody every year. We kind of wait till the pets are getting a little more farther along in their life, maybe seven or eight when we start recommending doing that annually."

It's also important that your pet be fed an appropriate amount for their size, so that they can keep their weight in a safe and healthy range long-term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724345855265.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jon Austin, DVM with Hutchinson Small Animal Hospital recommends that pet owners discuss with their veterinarian what the best food is for their pet."I always tell people, your pet food needs to correspond with the stage of life that your pet is in," Austin said. "Puppies need puppy food. Big breed dogs that are growing fast and their bones are getting long quickly. They need what's called large breed puppy food. The nutrition market has kind of gone from just dog food to more stage of life foods. You see puppy foods specific for large breed dogs or puppy foods for toys, toy breed dogs. Then you have adult foods or what they kind of call maintenance foods from about a year and a half to seven. Then you see senior diets or things like that."Some companies have special formulas to help with certain conditions."Those are typically tailored for specific diseases and issues like kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease. We have special diets for those issues, and those are prescription diets. That's part of the treatment plan that your veterinarian will recommend when you go see them for your pet. If we do blood work and we find heart issues or kidney issues, liver issues, we can help treat them with special prescription diets. But the most important thing is, across the board is that everybody has a diet and feeds a diet that's appropriate for the stage of life that your pet is in."It's important to maintain a relationship with your veterinarian so that they can catch some of these conditions on yearly appointments, because they already know you and your pet."In our case, it's typically a one time in and out visit. We draw the blood sample at that point, run those tests that are necessary and then call and communicate with the owners afterwards. That's, again, part of that relationship that we talk about with your veterinarian. I don't do those blood tests on everybody every year. We kind of wait till the pets are getting a little more farther along in their life, maybe seven or eight when we start recommending doing that annually."It's also important that your pet be fed an appropriate amount for their size, so that they can keep their weight in a safe and healthy range long-term.

Vet: Feed your pet according to their stage of life

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the agenda released by Reno County Planner Mark Vonachen, the Reno County Planning Commission will discuss possible action on a new section of solar regulations at their meeting January 16.

The proposed Section 26 would regulate Commercial Solar Energy Systems in the county.

Thursday's meeting will also be the organizational meeting for the planning commission. They will elect their chair and vice-chair at the meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618246135812.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to the agenda released by Reno County Planner Mark Vonachen, the Reno County Planning Commission will discuss possible action on a new section of solar regulations at their meeting January 16.The proposed Section 26 would regulate Commercial Solar Energy Systems in the county.Thursday's meeting will also be the organizational meeting for the planning commission. They will elect their chair and vice-chair at the meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.

County planning to continue solar work

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman told Hutch Post she has been making an effort in the past few months to be sure all of those that care about the Crusaders have a chance to hear from her.

"Some of them get to get to know what's going on in districts because they have kids involved directly with us and they are very well informed of all of the things that are happening in our district," Couchman said. "Sometimes there are groups that don't necessarily have a direct influence or direct connection to the activities in our school district or you know the achievements or challenges that we face."

One of those groups is an advisory council of students.

"I've been meeting with them probably every couple months every two to three months," Couchman said.&nbsp; "We've met twice this semester already. We'll meet twice more in second semester, by the quarter and just asking questions about what's going well what what isn't going well and giving them a chance to ask me questions."

Another group is at the Senior Center in Buhler.

"I've been trying to meet with them the third Monday of every month or the fourth Monday of every month, depending on where vacations fall and going down there and having a coffee with them and just having an informal conversation about our district," Couchman said. "I'm answering any questions we can and sharing information, bringing administrators in to meet with them and so I've brought a different administrator every time I go to introduce themselves to that group of community members so that they know our administrators, too, not just me."

She's also been meeting regularly with the district's site council, as well, and feedback from each of those groups has gone into conversations she is having with the Board of Education as they prepare to finalize the district's strategic plan. Couchman hopes that can happen later this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625156550797.jpeg" alt="Cindy Couchman USD 313" />
 <figcaption>Cindy Couchman USD 313</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman told Hutch Post she has been making an effort in the past few months to be sure all of those that care about the Crusaders have a chance to hear from her."Some of them get to get to know what's going on in districts because they have kids involved directly with us and they are very well informed of all of the things that are happening in our district," Couchman said. "Sometimes there are groups that don't necessarily have a direct influence or direct connection to the activities in our school district or you know the achievements or challenges that we face."One of those groups is an advisory council of students."I've been meeting with them probably every couple months every two to three months," Couchman said.&nbsp; "We've met twice this semester already. We'll meet twice more in second semester, by the quarter and just asking questions about what's going well what what isn't going well and giving them a chance to ask me questions."Another group is at the Senior Center in Buhler."I've been trying to meet with them the third Monday of every month or the fourth Monday of every month, depending on where vacations fall and going down there and having a coffee with them and just having an informal conversation about our district," Couchman said. "I'm answering any questions we can and sharing information, bringing administrators in to meet with them and so I've brought a different administrator every time I go to introduce themselves to that group of community members so that they know our administrators, too, not just me."She's also been meeting regularly with the district's site council, as well, and feedback from each of those groups has gone into conversations she is having with the Board of Education as they prepare to finalize the district's strategic plan. Couchman hopes that can happen later this month.

USD 313 Superintendent reaching out

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — John Wilson with Kansas Action for Children said that one of that group's priorities for the 2025 legislative session in Topeka as it starts this week is to continue the discussion of a Child Tax Credit at the state level.

"The federal child tax credit lifted you know hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty during that pandemic era," Wilson said. "The federal child tax credit still exists but it's in a different format and families are no longer receiving that monthly payment like they received or could have received during the pandemic. Kansas is one of the states that doesn't have a state level child tax credit and last year we proposed a state child tax credit. We're going to do that again this year and it's really straightforward. It provides a tax credit to any family with eligible children and the great thing about a child tax credit is that it could be used for any types of expenses related to raising children."

An important key is to make it refundable.

"One family might need it for child care expenses another family might just need to help support rent or pay for food," Wilson said. "It's a really flexible form of supporting families and the way that we would like to see it structured is that the lower the income the household the higher the benefit because they're the ones that need it the most and importantly a child tax credit needs to be what we call refundable meaning if they're very low income and they don't have a tax liability they can still receive that tax credit."

They would also like to see it phase out with increased income.

"There wouldn't necessarily be a cliff if you will based on income," Wilson said. "It might be that the credit is slightly smaller but as long as you file a simple tax return you would receive that credit at the time you file your taxes."

The federal EITC was initially enacted in 1975.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — John Wilson with Kansas Action for Children said that one of that group's priorities for the 2025 legislative session in Topeka as it starts this week is to continue the discussion of a Child Tax Credit at the state level."The federal child tax credit lifted you know hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty during that pandemic era," Wilson said. "The federal child tax credit still exists but it's in a different format and families are no longer receiving that monthly payment like they received or could have received during the pandemic. Kansas is one of the states that doesn't have a state level child tax credit and last year we proposed a state child tax credit. We're going to do that again this year and it's really straightforward. It provides a tax credit to any family with eligible children and the great thing about a child tax credit is that it could be used for any types of expenses related to raising children."An important key is to make it refundable."One family might need it for child care expenses another family might just need to help support rent or pay for food," Wilson said. "It's a really flexible form of supporting families and the way that we would like to see it structured is that the lower the income the household the higher the benefit because they're the ones that need it the most and importantly a child tax credit needs to be what we call refundable meaning if they're very low income and they don't have a tax liability they can still receive that tax credit."They would also like to see it phase out with increased income."There wouldn't necessarily be a cliff if you will based on income," Wilson said. "It might be that the credit is slightly smaller but as long as you file a simple tax return you would receive that credit at the time you file your taxes."The federal EITC was initially enacted in 1975.

KAC still seeking Kansas Child Tax Credit

KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIO

NEWTON, Kan. — Harvey County RSVP volunteers will serve up soups to the community for its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project.

The soup dinner will be held Jan. 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Main St. in Newton.

The volunteer effort is in coordination with the Harvey County Circle of Hope. Circle of Hope is a program of Peace Connections, striving to assist families and improve their financial stability and education.

The soup feed will include chicken and noodles, chili and cheddar broccoli. The event is free and open to the public.

This is the ninth annual MLK Day service project for RSVP, but this year brings a new format as volunteers serve a community dinner.

Harvey County RSVP is a local group of volunteers 55 and older who utilize their experience and expertise to contribute to programs and organizations throughout their community. It is part of&nbsp;the nationwide AmeriCorps Seniors program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729611666676.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KYLE MCCASKEY Harvey County PIONEWTON, Kan. — Harvey County RSVP volunteers will serve up soups to the community for its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project.The soup dinner will be held Jan. 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Main St. in Newton.The volunteer effort is in coordination with the Harvey County Circle of Hope. Circle of Hope is a program of Peace Connections, striving to assist families and improve their financial stability and education.The soup feed will include chicken and noodles, chili and cheddar broccoli. The event is free and open to the public.This is the ninth annual MLK Day service project for RSVP, but this year brings a new format as volunteers serve a community dinner.Harvey County RSVP is a local group of volunteers 55 and older who utilize their experience and expertise to contribute to programs and organizations throughout their community. It is part of&nbsp;the nationwide AmeriCorps Seniors program.

Harvey Co. soup dinner Tuesday

BOB KENYON Special to Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Net Zero home produces as much electricity as it consumes and thus does not adversely affect climate change. There are other ways to fight climate change.

Being quite passionate about climate change - causes and solutions, I did what most academics do; I researched. I watched every documentary I could find on the topic.

After viewing quite a few, I noticed a common thread running through each one. They all&nbsp;concluded that if we reduced or eliminated our meat consumption, climate change&nbsp;would be significantly less. I then had to know why this veggie option would solve the problem. Greta Thunberg stated: “If we change towards a plant-based diet, we could save up to eight billion tons of CO2 every single year. We could feed ourselves on&nbsp;much less land, and nature could recover.” The BBC recently published an article entitled: Seven proven ways to help the planet in 2025. Number 1 was: Eat a plant-based diet. If you’d like to invest 72 minutes into learning about this, I suggest the Meat The Truth documentary which can be viewed <a href="https://www.documentarystorm.com/meat-the-truth/">here</a>.

Vegetarians choose to not eat meat for a variety of reasons. Some feel the treatment of animals is untenable. Dr. Jane Goodall said: “To me, cruelty is the worst of human sins.

Once we accept that a living creature has feelings and suffers pain, then by knowingly&nbsp;and deliberately inflicting suffering on that creature, we are guilty, whether it be human or animal.” Sir Paul McCartney stated: “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, we’d all be vegetarians.” If you’ve ever seen a slaughterhouse, your opinion might change. Ask me for a video link if you’re curious; it’s pretty heart wrenching. If you’ve ever stepped on your cat’s tail, it’s clear they feel pain. Some feel not eating meat will have significant health benefits. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. A meta-analysis by Harvard University of 29 studies of meat consumption and colon cancer concluded that a high consumption of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer by 28%, and a high consumption of processed meat increases your risk by 20%. Some have religious convictions which prevent them from eating animals. There is a strong tradition of vegetarianism in the&nbsp;Hindu religions, stemming from the reverence for the sacred cow. Vegetarianism is viewed as a daily sadhana, or spiritual practice, by many Hindus.

After perusing multiple documentaries about climate change, a pattern emerged where almost all stated that not eating meat would make significant inroads on combating climate change. We were cynical - what is the correlation between not eating meat and solving climate change? As it turns out, meat and dairy specifically accounts for around&nbsp;14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). If the world is to meet its target of limiting global warming to “well below” 2C, some degree of diet shift will be necessary, scientists say. Livestock farming causes 18% of greenhouse gas emissions whereas transportation is only responsible for 13%. How can this be? It’s rather simple. When you put together all the methane produced by belching and farting cows, the destruction of the rainforests (to grow soybeans to feed the cattle) , and pesticides you get a recipe for disaster. A dairy cow can produce 500 to 700 liters of methane per day, which is equivalent to a big gas guzzling SUV traveling at about 35 miles per day. Meat production is the #1 cause of global warming according to the Meat The Truth documentary.

How do emissions from meat, dairy and other foods compare? There are several ways to assess the relative climate impact of different food groups. The chart below compares&nbsp;the average greenhouse gas emissions produced per kilogram of different food products.

See below to see how much beef contributes to greenhouse gas vs other food options:

A vegan eats no animals or animal products - no eggs or cheese. A vegetarian eats no animals but does eat eggs and cheese. A pescatarian is a person who follows a diet that includes fish and seafood but excludes all other meats.

Long ago I learned that when beans and rice are combined they form a full protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Therefore, vegetarians can obtain all the protein they require with rice and beans. For those convinced eating meat is essential, please consider that the largest land animal on earth is a vegan: the elephant.

I put together a website primarily to help me remember all the recipes I had experimented with. You might enjoy <a href="http://bobsriceandbeansoups.club/">http://bobsriceandbeansoups.club/</a>. Note I started this website before I understood the virtues of being a vegetarian so feel free to skip the meat from any recipe.

How’s your grocery bill lately? Let’s assume you’re on a shoestring budget and need the least expensive way to provide a nutritious meal to your family. A 1 lb bag of dried beans can be obtained at most any store for between $1.00 and $1.50. Two cups of brown rice cost about $1.00. Cooking a pound of beans and two cups of rice with some&nbsp;broth will fill a 6 qt pot. A six quart pot holds 24 cups. $2.50 divided by 24 cups yields&nbsp;10.4 cents a cup. Assuming a bowl is two cups - a nutritious meal can be made for 21 cents. A family of five can be fed for a dollar, with 7 bowls left over - sounds like a hill of beans is pretty valuable.

A favorite recipe of mine is Loyola Lentil Stew. It was developed at Loyola University Maryland for my Computer Science department luncheon. I connected with the head of the food service there and it was served across the entire campus during Lent. Yeah, bad dad joke - Lentil Stew in Lent...

If you would like to sample this stew, please join us at A Taste of Hutchinson - The Men Cook, sponsored by Salthawk Community Support. It’s 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Hutchinson&nbsp;Art Center, 405 N Washington Street. The cost is $45/ticket for this fundraiser. A ticket includes a taste of all food and two drink coupons. Funds raised assure the financial future of Salthawk Community Support for Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Middle School 8. Tickets can be purchased at Apron Strings, The Wool Market, Trinity UMC, and at the door. The Chefs are a wide variety of community members - from a city council member, an employee of the City of Hutchinson, educators, company CEOs, retirees, politicians, environmental activists etc..

Many organizations support Meatless Monday. Meatless Monday is a simple concept that can make a big difference in our personal health and the health of the planet. The idea was first introduced during World War I as a way to reduce consumption to help the war effort and was revived in 2003 as a non-profit public health initiative. Today, Meatless Monday is supported by millions of people in over 40 countries and is backed in science and research by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future.

Meatless Monday can make a big difference for your health and the health of our planet. Replacing meat with plant-based choices each Monday can offer numerous health benefits and help you take action against climate change by reducing your carbon footprint and helping you conserve precious environmental resources. Reducing consumption of meat can help contain production of greenhouse gases that impact climate change. It can also help lessen the demand for precious environmental resources such as land, water, and energy. Skipping one serving of beef every Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a gas powered car.

While my wife and I have been fairly consistent about avoiding eating meat for the last few years, there are two exceptions. If invited to a dinner party, we will consume whatever is offered. Mom would roll over if we were not gracious guests. The other exception is the reuben at Carls Bar &amp; Delicatessen. OMG, so good….

“A vegetarian in a hummer produces fewer carbon emissions than a meat eater in a Prius”. From Meat The Truth documentary.

<a href="mailto:BobKenyon@gmail.com">BobKenyon@gmail.com</a>

●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/babd9a2b-58cc-49ad-b60c-0b1a9267c84b">What I Learned in First Two Months of EV Ownership</a>

●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/44660603-db16-46b7-839b-e0711869eabd">Did I just buy a Net Zero House?</a>

●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/420e2432-973a-4e26-b036-e6e3b120a21fc">Net Zero: Optimize Your Envelope</a>

●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/814217c0-0ac6-4533-82e0-0184495ab78f">Net Zero: Solar 101</a>

●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3e228509-7434-4553-95bb-9381c0f9ee3b">Net Zero: Consume Less</a>

● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/df1044f4-cc2e-4bee-8d76-740224e25eed">Net Zero: Porquoi?</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729690809614.png" alt="Net Zero graphic" />
 <figcaption>Net Zero graphic</figcaption>
 </figure>BOB KENYON Special to Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Net Zero home produces as much electricity as it consumes and thus does not adversely affect climate change. There are other ways to fight climate change.Being quite passionate about climate change - causes and solutions, I did what most academics do; I researched. I watched every documentary I could find on the topic.After viewing quite a few, I noticed a common thread running through each one. They all&nbsp;concluded that if we reduced or eliminated our meat consumption, climate change&nbsp;would be significantly less. I then had to know why this veggie option would solve the problem. Greta Thunberg stated: “If we change towards a plant-based diet, we could save up to eight billion tons of CO2 every single year. We could feed ourselves on&nbsp;much less land, and nature could recover.” The BBC recently published an article entitled: Seven proven ways to help the planet in 2025. Number 1 was: Eat a plant-based diet. If you’d like to invest 72 minutes into learning about this, I suggest the Meat The Truth documentary which can be viewed <a href="https://www.documentarystorm.com/meat-the-truth/">here</a>.Vegetarians choose to not eat meat for a variety of reasons. Some feel the treatment of animals is untenable. Dr. Jane Goodall said: “To me, cruelty is the worst of human sins.Once we accept that a living creature has feelings and suffers pain, then by knowingly&nbsp;and deliberately inflicting suffering on that creature, we are guilty, whether it be human or animal.” Sir Paul McCartney stated: “If slaughterhouses had glass walls, we’d all be vegetarians.” If you’ve ever seen a slaughterhouse, your opinion might change. Ask me for a video link if you’re curious; it’s pretty heart wrenching. If you’ve ever stepped on your cat’s tail, it’s clear they feel pain. Some feel not eating meat will have significant health benefits. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. A meta-analysis by Harvard University of 29 studies of meat consumption and colon cancer concluded that a high consumption of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer by 28%, and a high consumption of processed meat increases your risk by 20%. Some have religious convictions which prevent them from eating animals. There is a strong tradition of vegetarianism in the&nbsp;Hindu religions, stemming from the reverence for the sacred cow. Vegetarianism is viewed as a daily sadhana, or spiritual practice, by many Hindus.After perusing multiple documentaries about climate change, a pattern emerged where almost all stated that not eating meat would make significant inroads on combating climate change. We were cynical - what is the correlation between not eating meat and solving climate change? As it turns out, meat and dairy specifically accounts for around&nbsp;14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). If the world is to meet its target of limiting global warming to “well below” 2C, some degree of diet shift will be necessary, scientists say. Livestock farming causes 18% of greenhouse gas emissions whereas transportation is only responsible for 13%. How can this be? It’s rather simple. When you put together all the methane produced by belching and farting cows, the destruction of the rainforests (to grow soybeans to feed the cattle) , and pesticides you get a recipe for disaster. A dairy cow can produce 500 to 700 liters of methane per day, which is equivalent to a big gas guzzling SUV traveling at about 35 miles per day. Meat production is the #1 cause of global warming according to the Meat The Truth documentary.How do emissions from meat, dairy and other foods compare? There are several ways to assess the relative climate impact of different food groups. The chart below compares&nbsp;the average greenhouse gas emissions produced per kilogram of different food products.See below to see how much beef contributes to greenhouse gas vs other food options:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736435607261.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A vegan eats no animals or animal products - no eggs or cheese. A vegetarian eats no animals but does eat eggs and cheese. A pescatarian is a person who follows a diet that includes fish and seafood but excludes all other meats.Long ago I learned that when beans and rice are combined they form a full protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Therefore, vegetarians can obtain all the protein they require with rice and beans. For those convinced eating meat is essential, please consider that the largest land animal on earth is a vegan: the elephant.I put together a website primarily to help me remember all the recipes I had experimented with. You might enjoy <a href="http://bobsriceandbeansoups.club/">http://bobsriceandbeansoups.club/</a>. Note I started this website before I understood the virtues of being a vegetarian so feel free to skip the meat from any recipe.How’s your grocery bill lately? Let’s assume you’re on a shoestring budget and need the least expensive way to provide a nutritious meal to your family. A 1 lb bag of dried beans can be obtained at most any store for between $1.00 and $1.50. Two cups of brown rice cost about $1.00. Cooking a pound of beans and two cups of rice with some&nbsp;broth will fill a 6 qt pot. A six quart pot holds 24 cups. $2.50 divided by 24 cups yields&nbsp;10.4 cents a cup. Assuming a bowl is two cups - a nutritious meal can be made for 21 cents. A family of five can be fed for a dollar, with 7 bowls left over - sounds like a hill of beans is pretty valuable.A favorite recipe of mine is Loyola Lentil Stew. It was developed at Loyola University Maryland for my Computer Science department luncheon. I connected with the head of the food service there and it was served across the entire campus during Lent. Yeah, bad dad joke - Lentil Stew in Lent...If you would like to sample this stew, please join us at A Taste of Hutchinson - The Men Cook, sponsored by Salthawk Community Support. It’s 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at Hutchinson&nbsp;Art Center, 405 N Washington Street. The cost is $45/ticket for this fundraiser. A ticket includes a taste of all food and two drink coupons. Funds raised assure the financial future of Salthawk Community Support for Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Middle School 8. Tickets can be purchased at Apron Strings, The Wool Market, Trinity UMC, and at the door. The Chefs are a wide variety of community members - from a city council member, an employee of the City of Hutchinson, educators, company CEOs, retirees, politicians, environmental activists etc..Many organizations support Meatless Monday. Meatless Monday is a simple concept that can make a big difference in our personal health and the health of the planet. The idea was first introduced during World War I as a way to reduce consumption to help the war effort and was revived in 2003 as a non-profit public health initiative. Today, Meatless Monday is supported by millions of people in over 40 countries and is backed in science and research by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for a Livable Future.Meatless Monday can make a big difference for your health and the health of our planet. Replacing meat with plant-based choices each Monday can offer numerous health benefits and help you take action against climate change by reducing your carbon footprint and helping you conserve precious environmental resources. Reducing consumption of meat can help contain production of greenhouse gases that impact climate change. It can also help lessen the demand for precious environmental resources such as land, water, and energy. Skipping one serving of beef every Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a gas powered car.While my wife and I have been fairly consistent about avoiding eating meat for the last few years, there are two exceptions. If invited to a dinner party, we will consume whatever is offered. Mom would roll over if we were not gracious guests. The other exception is the reuben at Carls Bar &amp; Delicatessen. OMG, so good….“A vegetarian in a hummer produces fewer carbon emissions than a meat eater in a Prius”. From Meat The Truth documentary.Comments? Questions? Drop me a line.<a href="mailto:BobKenyon@gmail.com">BobKenyon@gmail.com</a>Previous Articles:●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/babd9a2b-58cc-49ad-b60c-0b1a9267c84b">What I Learned in First Two Months of EV Ownership</a>●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/44660603-db16-46b7-839b-e0711869eabd">Did I just buy a Net Zero House?</a>●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/420e2432-973a-4e26-b036-e6e3b120a21fc">Net Zero: Optimize Your Envelope</a>●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/814217c0-0ac6-4533-82e0-0184495ab78f">Net Zero: Solar 101</a>●&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3e228509-7434-4553-95bb-9381c0f9ee3b">Net Zero: Consume Less</a>● <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/df1044f4-cc2e-4bee-8d76-740224e25eed">Net Zero: Porquoi?</a>

Net Zero: Vegetarians Affect Climate Change

TOPEKA, Kan. — AARP Kansas invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdTGae9EMaDPlmrH8SCX6mezPgJX7ae9M0TAQDnjgbEipGqy9_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGarwvwtMb4sC9AxIiENJQvOQSwrAznOYI9lC-2Bq1vjuulhzgBIWJF3BLagcZlcKkDAFZSGB7WZeOaOslrNrU0j5w2WbuTq9xauxeBHAOb8lX9RVPFtr2X59u3ceSkoSTJvkU4XXGkqHuKEmfRjWIJmaw-3D-3D" target="_blank">2025 AARP Community Challenge</a>&nbsp;grant program,&nbsp;now through March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that&nbsp;help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC7o4fQnxNWL34lRdTmymtPOZ-2FcDNNAt-2BMndQ6YDSoJ5-2F-2BGu-2FrRA1nrzuJ40-2FbOvqxg-3D-3DjzoJ_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGcRuZb6FQ5CGHtujwnIEgF-2Bo0BzwbyA3Fammob68vXSCK6GryfD14rTbAgidRl52kphR7xPGu38ofLw1RJmCRsLxYa8sttMXfBZ8dDgOzC1gwV-2F514rp3Ng-2F4bqAfJ9NHrVlbOjesyietgLhMDx1EgA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Livable Communities</a>&nbsp;initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP Kansas&nbsp;works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially Kansans 50 and over,”&nbsp;said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state director.

&nbsp;This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.&nbsp;

“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy &amp; Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthens the places they call home.”

&nbsp;Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects – including 30 in Kansas – nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

&nbsp;AARP Kansas works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Kansas counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. In 2024, AARP Kansas worked with organizations across to state to provide grant funding to improve recreational opportunities (new pickleball courts) and encourage safe walking in several communities.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

&nbsp;The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2025. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdfY3eeiRpKPqMawe213a5dOOd6lnC4hBAiYifVfQGmwjsCx9_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGcRuZb6FQ5CGHtujwnIEgF4UIoFtUIMSrJJ-2FTktxJf5hc4pRHFGeqDTXvE3LR-2Fw7UfafBAodm98df1rhipfei41bl2Q-2BvQBQmErGHsgnL2EE7ujHfFdSboAh8Yh-2FQO44MITBQfDG3LCeD75nuv3q1Cg-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736384357491.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MIKE DIENES AARPTOPEKA, Kan. — AARP Kansas invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdTGae9EMaDPlmrH8SCX6mezPgJX7ae9M0TAQDnjgbEipGqy9_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGarwvwtMb4sC9AxIiENJQvOQSwrAznOYI9lC-2Bq1vjuulhzgBIWJF3BLagcZlcKkDAFZSGB7WZeOaOslrNrU0j5w2WbuTq9xauxeBHAOb8lX9RVPFtr2X59u3ceSkoSTJvkU4XXGkqHuKEmfRjWIJmaw-3D-3D" target="_blank">2025 AARP Community Challenge</a>&nbsp;grant program,&nbsp;now through March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that&nbsp;help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its ninth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC7o4fQnxNWL34lRdTmymtPOZ-2FcDNNAt-2BMndQ6YDSoJ5-2F-2BGu-2FrRA1nrzuJ40-2FbOvqxg-3D-3DjzoJ_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGcRuZb6FQ5CGHtujwnIEgF-2Bo0BzwbyA3Fammob68vXSCK6GryfD14rTbAgidRl52kphR7xPGu38ofLw1RJmCRsLxYa8sttMXfBZ8dDgOzC1gwV-2F514rp3Ng-2F4bqAfJ9NHrVlbOjesyietgLhMDx1EgA-3D-3D" target="_blank">Livable Communities</a>&nbsp;initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.“The Community Challenge is a critical part of how AARP Kansas&nbsp;works with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for people of all ages, especially Kansans 50 and over,”&nbsp;said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state director.&nbsp;This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Capacity-building microgrants&nbsp;are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching from national nonprofit organizations, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability; implementing safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training.&nbsp;</li><li>Demonstration grants&nbsp;fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption with funding support from Microsoft; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and implementing housing choice design competitions. Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and community resilience.</li>
 </ul>“AARP is committed to creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy &amp; Engagement Officer. “The Community Challenge helps cities, towns and counties get things started with small improvements that can kick-start meaningful changes that improve people’s lives and strengthens the places they call home.”&nbsp;Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects – including 30 in Kansas – nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.&nbsp;AARP Kansas works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Kansas counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. In 2024, AARP Kansas worked with organizations across to state to provide grant funding to improve recreational opportunities (new pickleball courts) and encourage safe walking in several communities.The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.&nbsp;The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2025. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2025. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdfY3eeiRpKPqMawe213a5dOOd6lnC4hBAiYifVfQGmwjsCx9_Hfzz9OzPZS47VQYqNBwPb-2BO7ZNNo2ZRRlxn33l8Y9nxP-2Bg0QegLWA64wBx4z8R7QE4SbJCL0-2Fv-2FZlngx77Mh50icOk5QlWoyd5MODS7emt-2BbVYg8lpVj-2BeXwnG6-2Fk7a1NVzpLcJdJPoFzTBrgzbfSCc0Y8lijxvrHCdSk2obOMLgXEErH2WiBJyA4OUTygqGcRuZb6FQ5CGHtujwnIEgF4UIoFtUIMSrJJ-2FTktxJf5hc4pRHFGeqDTXvE3LR-2Fw7UfafBAodm98df1rhipfei41bl2Q-2BvQBQmErGHsgnL2EE7ujHfFdSboAh8Yh-2FQO44MITBQfDG3LCeD75nuv3q1Cg-3D-3D" target="_blank">www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge</a>.

AARP Kansas now accepting 2025 Community Challenge grant applications

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler Mennonite Church is holding its annual Chicken Noodle Soup Supper on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Meals need to be ordered by Feb. 7. Call or text (620) 664-7699.&nbsp;

Meal pickup will be on Feb. 12 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Payment is by donation.&nbsp;

All proceeds will go to Outreach Meals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736383665885.jpeg" alt="Chicken Noodle" />
 <figcaption>Chicken Noodle</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler Mennonite Church is holding its annual Chicken Noodle Soup Supper on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Meals need to be ordered by Feb. 7. Call or text (620) 664-7699.&nbsp;Meal pickup will be on Feb. 12 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Payment is by donation.&nbsp;All proceeds will go to Outreach Meals.&nbsp;

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