RENO COUNTY — Recent cold weather has caused the Kansas Department of Transportation to adjust project schedules for closure and reopening of two ramps at the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction in Reno County.

The ramp connecting westbound U.S. 50 to northbound K-14 is now expected to reopen about 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30. The ramp is expected to be closed again Tuesday, April 2, and to reopen about 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 3.

The ramp connecting southbound K-14 to westbound U.S. 50 is now expected to close Wednesday, April 3, and reopen about 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6.

During the closures, motorists should seek other routes.

The ramp work is part of a nearly $3.6 million patching project on K-14. The KDOT project is from the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction north to Yaggy Road.&nbsp;The length is almost 7 miles. The work is expected to be completed around mid-August.

During the work, K-14 traffic will be restricted to one lane and controlled by flaggers or a pilot car. Ramps will be closed at times. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes.

Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., of Victor, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $3,559,085 project.

For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711789801973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TIM POTTER KDOTRENO COUNTY — Recent cold weather has caused the Kansas Department of Transportation to adjust project schedules for closure and reopening of two ramps at the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction in Reno County.The ramp connecting westbound U.S. 50 to northbound K-14 is now expected to reopen about 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30. The ramp is expected to be closed again Tuesday, April 2, and to reopen about 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 3.The ramp connecting southbound K-14 to westbound U.S. 50 is now expected to close Wednesday, April 3, and reopen about 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6.During the closures, motorists should seek other routes.The ramp work is part of a nearly $3.6 million patching project on K-14. The KDOT project is from the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction north to Yaggy Road.&nbsp;The length is almost 7 miles. The work is expected to be completed around mid-August.During the work, K-14 traffic will be restricted to one lane and controlled by flaggers or a pilot car. Ramps will be closed at times. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes.Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., of Victor, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $3,559,085 project.For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. 50 to K-14 closures adjusted again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 12-5903, a copy of the Hutchinson Land Bank property inventory and budget must be published in the official city newspaper on an annual basis. 

Hutch Post was provided a copy of this notice, even though posting it with us online is not required.

The list below contains an itemization of properties owned by the Hutchinson Land Bank as of December 31, 2023.

00000 N Walnut St&nbsp; 49’ W x 165’ D

316 E Avenue E&nbsp; &nbsp;33’ W x 165’ D

00000 (541) E Avenue A&nbsp; 90’ W x 125’ D

712 S Maple St Vacant 120’ W x 150’ D

00000 (915) E Avenue A&nbsp; 90’ W x 185’ D

00000 (539) E Avenue A&nbsp; 50’ W x 125’ D

00000 East Ave E&nbsp; 30’ W x 165’ D

00000 East Ave F&nbsp; 51’ W x 165’ D

00000 (21) Carpenter St&nbsp; 66’ W x 158.7 D

00000 (324) W 6th Ave&nbsp; 45’ W x 165’ D

00000 E Avenue B&nbsp; 30’ W x 179.5’ D

00000 W Avenue A&nbsp; 137’ W x 180’D

00000 East Harvey Street 33’ W x 150’ D

00000 West 6th Avenue&nbsp; 60’W X 143’D

The 2024 Land Bank Annual Budget was approved on Tuesday March 5, 2024, and is as follows:

Our thanks to City of Hutchinson Director of Strategic Growth Dave Sotelo for providing this data.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583236568561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Pursuant to K.S.A. 12-5903, a copy of the Hutchinson Land Bank property inventory and budget must be published in the official city newspaper on an annual basis. Hutch Post was provided a copy of this notice, even though posting it with us online is not required.The list below contains an itemization of properties owned by the Hutchinson Land Bank as of December 31, 2023.00000 N Walnut St&nbsp; 49’ W x 165’ D316 E Avenue E&nbsp; &nbsp;33’ W x 165’ D00000 (541) E Avenue A&nbsp; 90’ W x 125’ D712 S Maple St Vacant 120’ W x 150’ D00000 (915) E Avenue A&nbsp; 90’ W x 185’ D00000 (539) E Avenue A&nbsp; 50’ W x 125’ D00000 E 7th Ave&nbsp; 52’ W x 107’ D824 E 7th Ave&nbsp; 48’ W x 140’ D00000 East Ave E&nbsp; 30’ W x 165’ D00000 East Ave F&nbsp; 51’ W x 165’ D00000 South Elm&nbsp; 50’ W x 165’ D00000 (21) Carpenter St&nbsp; 66’ W x 158.7 D00000 (324) W 6th Ave&nbsp; 45’ W x 165’ D00000 E Avenue B&nbsp; 30’ W x 179.5’ D00000 W Avenue A&nbsp; 137’ W x 180’D00000 East Harvey Street 33’ W x 150’ D00000 West Sherman 50’W x 150’D00000 West 6th Avenue&nbsp; 60’W X 143’DThe 2024 Land Bank Annual Budget was approved on Tuesday March 5, 2024, and is as follows:ExpensesInsurance $1,200.00Legal and other fees $400.00Title Search $300.00Publication Expenses $400.00Property Maintenance $7,000.00Administration $500.00Funds for Strategic Plan $1,500.00Property Acquisition $2,500.00Advertisement $1,000.00TOTAL $13,700Our thanks to City of Hutchinson Director of Strategic Growth Dave Sotelo for providing this data.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Land Bank property list and budget

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

3/30/2024 2:32 AM-Tristan	J Delaney-DWS; 1st conviction

3/30/2024 1:36 AM-Anthony	Robert Chenoweth-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant

3/29/2024 11:11 PM-Erik	Joshua Loya-Viol protection order; Condition of release; Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten

3/29/2024 11:08 PM-Patricia	Mary Kathern McAdams-Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant

3/29/2024 11:00 PM-Robert	Andrew Unger-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher&nbsp;

3/29/2024 10:51 PM-Matthew	Thomas Gamber-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

3/29/2024 9:24 PM	Chenault	II	Joel	Kent	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00002201	HPD	2024-00000849		Dower	false

3/29/2024 9:07 PM	Dove		Alisha	Ann	Failure to Appear	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00001264	23CR577	2024-00000848		Arroyo	true

3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847	188	Leonard	false

3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847			false

3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Failure to Appear	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847	188	Leonard	false

3/29/2024 6:22 PM	Walker		Shakayla	Malayka	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00002965		2024-00000846	435	Scott	true

3/29/2024 6:17 PM	Thiel		Kenneth	Allen	Attempted agg battery; Knowingly use phys contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011580		2024-00000845	156	Shuck	true

3/29/2024 2:00 PM	Shores		Owen	Dean	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00005007		2024-00000844		Kidd	false

3/29/2024 1:43 PM	Ehrlich		Richard	Lavern	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	$0.00	3/29/2024		20CR872	2024-00000843			false

3/29/2024 1:22 PM	Swanson	Jr	Daniel	Lee	Failure to Appear

3/29/2024 1:07 PM	Cap		Shellie	Rae	Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon	$10,000.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011482		2024-00000841	150	Spencer	false

3/29/2024 12:43 PM	Copeland		Trinity	Kayle	Making False Information	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011537	HPD	2024-00000840	182	Kelly	true

3/29/2024 8:58 AM	King		Alyssa	Nicole	Probation Violation

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919634177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;3/30/2024 2:32 AM-Tristan	J Delaney-DWS; 1st conviction3/30/2024 1:36 AM-Anthony	Robert Chenoweth-Theft; Property or Services; $1,500 to $24,999; Theft; Possess Stolen Property; $1,500 to $24,999; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant3/29/2024 11:11 PM-Erik	Joshua Loya-Viol protection order; Condition of release; Harassment by Telephone; Texting to harass or threaten3/29/2024 11:08 PM-Patricia	Mary Kathern McAdams-Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant3/29/2024 11:00 PM-Robert	Andrew Unger-DUI; 1st conv; blood or breath .08 or higher&nbsp;3/29/2024 10:51 PM-Matthew	Thomas Gamber-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)3/29/2024 9:24 PM	Chenault	II	Joel	Kent	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00002201	HPD	2024-00000849		Dower	false3/29/2024 9:07 PM	Dove		Alisha	Ann	Failure to Appear	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00001264	23CR577	2024-00000848		Arroyo	true3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847	188	Leonard	false3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847			false3/29/2024 7:37 PM	Novotny		Austyn	Dakota	Failure to Appear	$5,500.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011584		2024-00000847	188	Leonard	false3/29/2024 6:22 PM	Walker		Shakayla	Malayka	Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00002965		2024-00000846	435	Scott	true3/29/2024 6:17 PM	Thiel		Kenneth	Allen	Attempted agg battery; Knowingly use phys contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011580		2024-00000845	156	Shuck	true3/29/2024 2:00 PM	Shores		Owen	Dean	DUI; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00005007		2024-00000844		Kidd	false3/29/2024 1:43 PM	Ehrlich		Richard	Lavern	Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant	$0.00	3/29/2024		20CR872	2024-00000843			false3/29/2024 1:22 PM	Swanson	Jr	Daniel	Lee	Failure to Appear3/29/2024 1:07 PM	Cap		Shellie	Rae	Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon	$10,000.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011482		2024-00000841	150	Spencer	false3/29/2024 12:43 PM	Copeland		Trinity	Kayle	Making False Information	$0.00	3/29/2024	2024-00011537	HPD	2024-00000840	182	Kelly	true3/29/2024 8:58 AM	King		Alyssa	Nicole	Probation Violation

Daily Bookings

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday the reappointment of&nbsp;Paula Landoll-Smith of Marysville, Holly Lofton of Lindsborg and John Leslie of Lawrence to the Kansas State Fair Board.

The Kansas State Fair Board is to act as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, to provide for education, entertainment and to present a comprehensive format that satisfies the needs and desires of people from all walks of Kansas life. 

 It is incumbent that the total fair effort emphasizes the importance of youth and the family, public and private entities, individuals and the entire population of the state.

Kansas State Fair Board Members serve three year terms.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137511353.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair file photo-Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair file photo-Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday the reappointment of&nbsp;Paula Landoll-Smith of Marysville, Holly Lofton of Lindsborg and John Leslie of Lawrence to the Kansas State Fair Board.The Kansas State Fair Board is to act as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, to provide for education, entertainment and to present a comprehensive format that satisfies the needs and desires of people from all walks of Kansas life. It is incumbent that the total fair effort emphasizes the importance of youth and the family, public and private entities, individuals and the entire population of the state.Kansas State Fair Board Members serve three year terms.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas State Fair Board members reappointed

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has enrolled 2,762 Kansas Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 39.32% more than&nbsp;it enrolled the previous year. Nationally, VA&nbsp;enrolled 401,006 Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 30% more than the&nbsp;307,831 it enrolled the previous year. This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020.

This historic enrollment has been made possible by the PACT Act, which has allowed VA to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expand VA health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">benefits</a>&nbsp;to millions of Veterans. VA is also conducting the most aggressive outreach campaign in its history, including hosting over 2,600 events since the passage of the PACT Act, launching a $16+ million&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-advertising-campaign-to-encourage-new-veterans-to-sign-up-for-health-care-and-benefits/#:~:text=Press%20Room-,VA%20launches%20advertising%20campaign%20to%20encourage%20new%20Veterans%20to,for%20health%20care%20and%20benefits&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20the%20Department%20of,and%20benefits%20they've%20earned." target="_blank">advertising campaign,</a>&nbsp;using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jonstewart/status/1765076636263944374?s=20" target="_blank">public service announcements</a>, and – for the first time ever – sending text messages to Veterans encouraging them to enroll in VA health care. VA is continuing these aggressive outreach efforts throughout 2024, with more than 550 in-person events already scheduled for this year.

Enrolling Veterans in health care is a top priority for VA and the Biden-Harris Administration because VA has proven to be the best care in America for Veterans.&nbsp;Veterans who receive VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-outperform-non-va-facilities-cms-ratings/" target="_blank">overall quality ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/nationwide-patient-survey-shows-va-hospitals-outperform-non-va-hospitals/" target="_blank">patient satisfaction ratings</a>. Additionally, VA health care is often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/" target="_blank">more affordable</a>&nbsp;than non-VA health care for Veterans. In total,&nbsp;VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history, setting&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">an all-time record for health care appointments provided in 2023</a>.

<a>“We want&nbsp;every&nbsp;eligible Veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and pay less – than Veterans who don’t,” said&nbsp;VA Secretary Denis McDonough.&nbsp;“That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting Veterans where they are – hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more – to get them to come to VA. This aggressive outreach campaign has led more Veterans to enroll in VA care than during any year in at least a decade, and we’re not slowing down now.”&nbsp;</a>

“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, so we want all eligible Veterans to enroll today,” said&nbsp;VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “Our clinicians know Veterans – they often are Veterans – and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”

VA recently&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expanded health care eligibility</a>&nbsp;for millions of Veterans nationwide, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. As of March 5th,&nbsp;all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military and meet certain requirements became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.&nbsp;This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. VA also&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/all-wwii-veterans-are-now-eligible-for-no-cost-va-health-care-and-nursing-home-services/" target="_blank">recently expanded health care to all World War II Veterans</a>.

VA is able to serve these new enrollees, in part, due to last year’s record hiring in VA’s Veterans Health Administration.&nbsp;Last year, we exceeded&nbsp;our hiring goals in the Veterans Health Administration – growing at the fastest rate in 15 years and bringing in more than 61,000 new hires – to prepare for an increase in VA health care enrollment among Veterans under the PACT Act. In total, VHA now has more employees than ever before in our history, and VA’s retention efforts also led to a 20% decrease in turnover rate among VHA employees from 2022 to 2023.

Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">learn more about VA</a>&nbsp;and apply for their world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction" target="_blank">health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction" target="_blank">earned benefits</a>&nbsp;today.

For more information about VA care, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/" target="_blank">VA’s health care website</a>. For more information about the impact of the PACT Act, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://department.va.gov/pactdata/" target="_blank">VA’s PACT Act dashboard.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650578121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Veterans AffairsWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has enrolled 2,762 Kansas Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 39.32% more than&nbsp;it enrolled the previous year. Nationally, VA&nbsp;enrolled 401,006 Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 30% more than the&nbsp;307,831 it enrolled the previous year. This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020.This historic enrollment has been made possible by the PACT Act, which has allowed VA to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expand VA health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">benefits</a>&nbsp;to millions of Veterans. VA is also conducting the most aggressive outreach campaign in its history, including hosting over 2,600 events since the passage of the PACT Act, launching a $16+ million&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-advertising-campaign-to-encourage-new-veterans-to-sign-up-for-health-care-and-benefits/#:~:text=Press%20Room-,VA%20launches%20advertising%20campaign%20to%20encourage%20new%20Veterans%20to,for%20health%20care%20and%20benefits&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20the%20Department%20of,and%20benefits%20they've%20earned." target="_blank">advertising campaign,</a>&nbsp;using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jonstewart/status/1765076636263944374?s=20" target="_blank">public service announcements</a>, and – for the first time ever – sending text messages to Veterans encouraging them to enroll in VA health care. VA is continuing these aggressive outreach efforts throughout 2024, with more than 550 in-person events already scheduled for this year.Enrolling Veterans in health care is a top priority for VA and the Biden-Harris Administration because VA has proven to be the best care in America for Veterans.&nbsp;Veterans who receive VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-outperform-non-va-facilities-cms-ratings/" target="_blank">overall quality ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/nationwide-patient-survey-shows-va-hospitals-outperform-non-va-hospitals/" target="_blank">patient satisfaction ratings</a>. Additionally, VA health care is often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/" target="_blank">more affordable</a>&nbsp;than non-VA health care for Veterans. In total,&nbsp;VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history, setting&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">an all-time record for health care appointments provided in 2023</a>.<a>“We want&nbsp;every&nbsp;eligible Veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and pay less – than Veterans who don’t,” said&nbsp;VA Secretary Denis McDonough.&nbsp;“That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting Veterans where they are – hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more – to get them to come to VA. This aggressive outreach campaign has led more Veterans to enroll in VA care than during any year in at least a decade, and we’re not slowing down now.”&nbsp;</a>“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, so we want all eligible Veterans to enroll today,” said&nbsp;VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “Our clinicians know Veterans – they often are Veterans – and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”VA recently&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expanded health care eligibility</a>&nbsp;for millions of Veterans nationwide, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. As of March 5th,&nbsp;all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military and meet certain requirements became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.&nbsp;This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. VA also&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/all-wwii-veterans-are-now-eligible-for-no-cost-va-health-care-and-nursing-home-services/" target="_blank">recently expanded health care to all World War II Veterans</a>.VA is able to serve these new enrollees, in part, due to last year’s record hiring in VA’s Veterans Health Administration.&nbsp;Last year, we exceeded&nbsp;our hiring goals in the Veterans Health Administration – growing at the fastest rate in 15 years and bringing in more than 61,000 new hires – to prepare for an increase in VA health care enrollment among Veterans under the PACT Act. In total, VHA now has more employees than ever before in our history, and VA’s retention efforts also led to a 20% decrease in turnover rate among VHA employees from 2022 to 2023.Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">learn more about VA</a>&nbsp;and apply for their world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction" target="_blank">health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction" target="_blank">earned benefits</a>&nbsp;today.For more information about VA care, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/" target="_blank">VA’s health care website</a>. For more information about the impact of the PACT Act, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://department.va.gov/pactdata/" target="_blank">VA’s PACT Act dashboard.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

PACT Act has resulted in more Kansans in VA health care

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fight the Stigma is holding a Rumble in the Ring event with the Reno County Boxing Academy Saturday.

"It is at Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut," said Jaime Garcia with Fight the Stigma. "Doors open at 4 p.m. The show will start at 5 p.m. We have Sheriff Darrian Campbell, he is fighting Tom Butter, we also have Dakotah Sanders fighting Casey Waters."

Those are just two of the four Buddy Boxing bouts, then there will also be a full card of 10 boxing matches, and an intermission show with sumo wrestlers and pillow fighters.

"We have two pillow fighting matches," Garcia said. "I'm going to tell you, these are official PFC Pillow Fighting Championship pillows."

Proceeds from the event will help Fight The Stigma start programs to assist in mental health treatment in the area.

"Our very first big project is called A Clear Path," Garcia said. "We actually received a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. These funds will also go towards this program. We are going to partner with local home health companies, physicians, medical staff and aid people in their homes who just need a little bit of help picking up."

For tickets to Saturday's event go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fightthestigmainc">Fight The Stigma Facebook page</a>. Tickets are $10.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711712389551.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fight the Stigma is holding a Rumble in the Ring event with the Reno County Boxing Academy Saturday."It is at Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut," said Jaime Garcia with Fight the Stigma. "Doors open at 4 p.m. The show will start at 5 p.m. We have Sheriff Darrian Campbell, he is fighting Tom Butter, we also have Dakotah Sanders fighting Casey Waters."Those are just two of the four Buddy Boxing bouts, then there will also be a full card of 10 boxing matches, and an intermission show with sumo wrestlers and pillow fighters."We have two pillow fighting matches," Garcia said. "I'm going to tell you, these are official PFC Pillow Fighting Championship pillows."Proceeds from the event will help Fight The Stigma start programs to assist in mental health treatment in the area."Our very first big project is called A Clear Path," Garcia said. "We actually received a grant from the Hutchinson Community Foundation. These funds will also go towards this program. We are going to partner with local home health companies, physicians, medical staff and aid people in their homes who just need a little bit of help picking up."For tickets to Saturday's event go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fightthestigmainc">Fight The Stigma Facebook page</a>. Tickets are $10.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rumble in the Ring Saturday in Hutchinson

NEWTON, Kan. — Newton Public Library's new $10 million library building has its opening day on Monday, April 1. The Library will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., after which the facility will be open to the public. 

Features of the new building include a dedicated teen area and youth/teen program room, state-of-the-art meeting rooms for larger groups, a drive-thru window for returns and hold pickups, a patio space that opens out onto Military Park, and reservable study and collaboration spaces.

Library supporters have been advocating for a new facility for over a decade. Around 200 private donors provided more than $3 million to make it a reality,  in addition to funding from the City of Newton and Newton Public Library..&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the new library opens, there will still be ongoing work in Phase 2 to demolish the existing library and create off-street parking. This work is expected to be complete in late summer 2024.

There are a few details they are still finalizing, as they work to get everything just right in the new library.

The self-check machines have been slightly delayed, and should be installed mid-April. The play area is also a work in progress, as many items are still on order for the new space.

Wednesday evening hours are back starting next week. Once the reopening happens on April 1, library hours will be Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.&nbsp; 

VITA will also be back at Newton Public Library for their last few days.&nbsp; Hours will be Tuesdays, April 2 and 9, 9:30-12 and 1-5; Thursday, April 4, 4-8 PM; and Saturday, April 6, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. For more info, go to <a href="http://www.newtonplks.org/tax?fbclid=IwAR0jcsCNi_swQou-RNJHm7T4ukJXJ3Q0aLpiZU-i-gh7APAQDMGlzl-R2EY_aem_AU9DFuptGOrHkLVJG-4o30FNLlW9fMz1fmwPIwzr6J2gWEplZfkSM_NDq4Yn6mf11vrsZSdGcaSP7ykYj52DRcUA" target="_blank">www.newtonplks.org/tax</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705840042937.jpeg" alt="The circulation desk during installation at the new Newton Public Library. Photo Courtesy City of Newton." />
 <figcaption>The circulation desk during installation at the new Newton Public Library. Photo Courtesy City of Newton.</figcaption>
 </figure>Newton Public LibraryNEWTON, Kan. — Newton Public Library's new $10 million library building has its opening day on Monday, April 1. The Library will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., after which the facility will be open to the public. Features of the new building include a dedicated teen area and youth/teen program room, state-of-the-art meeting rooms for larger groups, a drive-thru window for returns and hold pickups, a patio space that opens out onto Military Park, and reservable study and collaboration spaces.Library supporters have been advocating for a new facility for over a decade. Around 200 private donors provided more than $3 million to make it a reality, in addition to funding from the City of Newton and Newton Public Library..&nbsp;&nbsp;After the new library opens, there will still be ongoing work in Phase 2 to demolish the existing library and create off-street parking. This work is expected to be complete in late summer 2024.There are a few details they are still finalizing, as they work to get everything just right in the new library.The self-check machines have been slightly delayed, and should be installed mid-April. The play area is also a work in progress, as many items are still on order for the new space.Wednesday evening hours are back starting next week. Once the reopening happens on April 1, library hours will be Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.&nbsp; VITA will also be back at Newton Public Library for their last few days.&nbsp; Hours will be Tuesdays, April 2 and 9, 9:30-12 and 1-5; Thursday, April 4, 4-8 PM; and Saturday, April 6, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM. For more info, go to <a href="http://www.newtonplks.org/tax?fbclid=IwAR0jcsCNi_swQou-RNJHm7T4ukJXJ3Q0aLpiZU-i-gh7APAQDMGlzl-R2EY_aem_AU9DFuptGOrHkLVJG-4o30FNLlW9fMz1fmwPIwzr6J2gWEplZfkSM_NDq4Yn6mf11vrsZSdGcaSP7ykYj52DRcUA" target="_blank">www.newtonplks.org/tax</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

New Newton Public Library opens Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonyouthcitycouncil?__cft__[0]=AZWYKiGHxkaP_PdSGQXWdjHkBrElmavaH9kU7Inn8-PwprNAAFUgFdEQsRODdYYSHOo4hniG9CnOpqFnHqFB1yKXyMuJV5QB0Ow0Dk2Wi-P_vaoLl-okJkFF3hkjS99jzZ2Hnxgw5ey8umf57M-s77JVsK_RoOtkJmav-3joz-ThAFlCFcslVEra6euYPO-qL6zuDmyUn7vFrncaCxkPN26u&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Hutchinson Youth City Council</a>&nbsp;is hosting a Youth Fair, where you can come check out all of the options for youth to do this summer in one place.

The free event is Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Event Center at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy on the Hutchinson High School campus. Youth organizations serving all ages will be on site to showcase their programs, activities, employment options and services.

If you need more information, contact the council at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchyouthcitycouncil@gmail.com">hutchyouthcitycouncil@gmail.com</a>, or call (620) 474-0823.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665839596236.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Youth CouncilHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonyouthcitycouncil?__cft__[0]=AZWYKiGHxkaP_PdSGQXWdjHkBrElmavaH9kU7Inn8-PwprNAAFUgFdEQsRODdYYSHOo4hniG9CnOpqFnHqFB1yKXyMuJV5QB0Ow0Dk2Wi-P_vaoLl-okJkFF3hkjS99jzZ2Hnxgw5ey8umf57M-s77JVsK_RoOtkJmav-3joz-ThAFlCFcslVEra6euYPO-qL6zuDmyUn7vFrncaCxkPN26u&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Hutchinson Youth City Council</a>&nbsp;is hosting a Youth Fair, where you can come check out all of the options for youth to do this summer in one place.The free event is Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Event Center at Hutchinson Career &amp; Technical Education Academy on the Hutchinson High School campus. Youth organizations serving all ages will be on site to showcase their programs, activities, employment options and services.If you need more information, contact the council at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hutchyouthcitycouncil@gmail.com">hutchyouthcitycouncil@gmail.com</a>, or call (620) 474-0823.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Youth Fair coming up in May

Developing international markets is not so dissimilar to planting a wheat crop, as&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/node/118" target="_blank">Gary Millershaski</a>, farmer and chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission, learned during a recent board team trade mission to Sub-Saharan Africa organized by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uswheat.org/" target="_blank">U.S. Wheat Associates</a>&nbsp;(USW). Both require substantial investments upfront, and it takes time to reap the returns. Ultimately, however, it is the people who take the time to share their experiences and expertise with others that allow farmers and end-users to weather the difficulties of the day.

“It’s not what we did yesterday, but it’s the knowledge we accumulate today to make us better understand how to deal with (the market) and make more sales tomorrow,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;

Millershaski joined wheat farmers Bill Schroeder from Ohio and RJ Parrish from Oklahoma on the 10-day Sub-Saharan Africa Board Team trade mission in March. The mission was led by USW Director of Programs Catherine Miller. The team was connected to millers and wheat buyers in South Africa and Nigeria by USW Regional Director Chad Weigand and&nbsp;USW-Cape Town Programs and Marketing Specialist Domenique Opperman.

Sub-Saharan Africa covers 42 countries on the African continent and is home to a population of 1.1 billion people, which continues to be fast-growing and young. The region has averaged five percent market growth in wheat imports since the 2012/2013 marketing year. But, the market is extremely competitive, and the European Union has dominated exports to Sub-Saharan Africa for the last two years.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kswheat.com/node/1108" target="_blank">Nigeria</a>&nbsp;is the largest individual market within the region and traditionally imports a substantial amount of wheat. Thanks in large part to USW’s trade servicing and technical assistance and support from Kansas Wheat by organizing and hosting technical trainings and in-state trade team visits, Nigeria ranked as the fourth largest buyer of U.S. wheat in the 2021/2022 marketing year with a total of 65.15 million bushels (1.773 million metric tons), representing a 30 percent market share.

Shifting macroeconomic factors, however, are hurting the Nigerian economy, including inflation of more than 21 percent, a devalued currency that fell more than 70 percent against the U.S. dollar and escalating interest rates. When it comes to wheat, higher food prices have driven local consumption down. Millershaski reported that Nigerian flour mills — some of the largest in the world — were only running at 60 to 70 percent efficiency.&nbsp;

Those factors combined have meant a shift to importing the lowest-cost wheat in the world, in this case, of Baltic Sea origin. As a result, Nigerian imports of U.S. wheat are down more than 68 percent from the same time the year prior at 8.93 million bushels (243,000 metric tons) thus far in the 2023/2024 marketing year, according to the USW commercial sales report from March 21, 2024.&nbsp;

Despite the downturn, the USW board team members were welcomed by millers who purchase U.S. wheat as the team toured their facilities. These flour mills send regular representatives to the United States, including Kansas, to check out the growing wheat crop and snag rides in combines like Millershaski’s. Those relationships, developed by these back-and-forth trade missions, are part of that long-term investment between the two nations that helps weather economic difficulties and short harvests.

“We’ve sold a lot of wheat from Kansas to Nigeria, but not in the last year and a half,” Millershaski said. “It took us eight hours on two flights to get into Nigeria. The thing that really got me was that all of the mills were very happy to meet with us. And I was impressed.”

The earlier half of the USW board team mission provided an even closer-to-home moment of hope. On a tour of a flour mill in Durban, South Africa, the team met up with Shawn Thiele, associate director and flour milling and grain processing curriculum manager for K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grains.k-state.edu/igp/" target="_blank">IGP Institute</a>. Thiele was there as part of a technical assistance project to help South African mills improve their milling efficiency, including by running samples of U.S. wheat shipped over in containers. Working with flour millers is an important part of USW’s efforts in Africa, especially with up-and-coming millers who are just learning their trade.&nbsp;

“It was so cool. Here we are in this mill in South Africa, and we see Shawn showing them how to adjust their equipment to be more efficient,” Millershaski said. “To me, that’s what USW is all about — helping the buyers make sure what they are getting and getting the assistance they need — whether it’s procurement or milling classes.”

Millershaski and the other two wheat farmers on the trade mission returned home with a more global view of the struggles and success in the wheat industry. And as their wheat crops green up this spring, those millers overseas will certainly be keeping an eye out for a hopefully bountiful harvest.&nbsp;

Learn more about the USW board team trade mission at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uswheat.org/wheatletter/video-wheat-farmers-from-kansas-ohio-and-oklahoma-explore-opportunities-challenges-in-african-markets/" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711653663579.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Wheat" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Wheat</figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatDeveloping international markets is not so dissimilar to planting a wheat crop, as&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/node/118" target="_blank">Gary Millershaski</a>, farmer and chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission, learned during a recent board team trade mission to Sub-Saharan Africa organized by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uswheat.org/" target="_blank">U.S. Wheat Associates</a>&nbsp;(USW). Both require substantial investments upfront, and it takes time to reap the returns. Ultimately, however, it is the people who take the time to share their experiences and expertise with others that allow farmers and end-users to weather the difficulties of the day.“It’s not what we did yesterday, but it’s the knowledge we accumulate today to make us better understand how to deal with (the market) and make more sales tomorrow,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;Millershaski joined wheat farmers Bill Schroeder from Ohio and RJ Parrish from Oklahoma on the 10-day Sub-Saharan Africa Board Team trade mission in March. The mission was led by USW Director of Programs Catherine Miller. The team was connected to millers and wheat buyers in South Africa and Nigeria by USW Regional Director Chad Weigand and&nbsp;USW-Cape Town Programs and Marketing Specialist Domenique Opperman.Sub-Saharan Africa covers 42 countries on the African continent and is home to a population of 1.1 billion people, which continues to be fast-growing and young. The region has averaged five percent market growth in wheat imports since the 2012/2013 marketing year. But, the market is extremely competitive, and the European Union has dominated exports to Sub-Saharan Africa for the last two years.&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/node/1108" target="_blank">Nigeria</a>&nbsp;is the largest individual market within the region and traditionally imports a substantial amount of wheat. Thanks in large part to USW’s trade servicing and technical assistance and support from Kansas Wheat by organizing and hosting technical trainings and in-state trade team visits, Nigeria ranked as the fourth largest buyer of U.S. wheat in the 2021/2022 marketing year with a total of 65.15 million bushels (1.773 million metric tons), representing a 30 percent market share.Shifting macroeconomic factors, however, are hurting the Nigerian economy, including inflation of more than 21 percent, a devalued currency that fell more than 70 percent against the U.S. dollar and escalating interest rates. When it comes to wheat, higher food prices have driven local consumption down. Millershaski reported that Nigerian flour mills — some of the largest in the world — were only running at 60 to 70 percent efficiency.&nbsp;Those factors combined have meant a shift to importing the lowest-cost wheat in the world, in this case, of Baltic Sea origin. As a result, Nigerian imports of U.S. wheat are down more than 68 percent from the same time the year prior at 8.93 million bushels (243,000 metric tons) thus far in the 2023/2024 marketing year, according to the USW commercial sales report from March 21, 2024.&nbsp;Despite the downturn, the USW board team members were welcomed by millers who purchase U.S. wheat as the team toured their facilities. These flour mills send regular representatives to the United States, including Kansas, to check out the growing wheat crop and snag rides in combines like Millershaski’s. Those relationships, developed by these back-and-forth trade missions, are part of that long-term investment between the two nations that helps weather economic difficulties and short harvests.“We’ve sold a lot of wheat from Kansas to Nigeria, but not in the last year and a half,” Millershaski said. “It took us eight hours on two flights to get into Nigeria. The thing that really got me was that all of the mills were very happy to meet with us. And I was impressed.”The earlier half of the USW board team mission provided an even closer-to-home moment of hope. On a tour of a flour mill in Durban, South Africa, the team met up with Shawn Thiele, associate director and flour milling and grain processing curriculum manager for K-State’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grains.k-state.edu/igp/" target="_blank">IGP Institute</a>. Thiele was there as part of a technical assistance project to help South African mills improve their milling efficiency, including by running samples of U.S. wheat shipped over in containers. Working with flour millers is an important part of USW’s efforts in Africa, especially with up-and-coming millers who are just learning their trade.&nbsp;“It was so cool. Here we are in this mill in South Africa, and we see Shawn showing them how to adjust their equipment to be more efficient,” Millershaski said. “To me, that’s what USW is all about — helping the buyers make sure what they are getting and getting the assistance they need — whether it’s procurement or milling classes.”Millershaski and the other two wheat farmers on the trade mission returned home with a more global view of the struggles and success in the wheat industry. And as their wheat crops green up this spring, those millers overseas will certainly be keeping an eye out for a hopefully bountiful harvest.&nbsp;Learn more about the USW board team trade mission at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uswheat.org/wheatletter/video-wheat-farmers-from-kansas-ohio-and-oklahoma-explore-opportunities-challenges-in-african-markets/" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas wheat farmer reflects on recent USW board team trade mission

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

3/28/2024 9:57 PM-Jonathan Landeros-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; DUI; 3rd conv in 10yrs; combo drugs and alcohol;child pres; Endangering a Child; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage

3/28/2024 7:07 PM-Dakota	James Griffin-DWS; 2nd or subs conviction; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance

3/28/2024 4:55 PM-Lisa	Marie Teeters-Failure to Appear

3/28/2024 3:40 PM-Gavin	James Ellis-Probation Violation

3/28/2024 3:34 PM-Devon	Bryce Bozman-In Transit From-To Other Agency

3/28/2024 12:51 PM-Colin	Joseph Miller-Probation Violation

3/28/2024 12:14 PM-Robert	Wayne Carter-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

3/28/2024 10:30 AM-Craig	Ryan Shelton-Failure to Appear; Direct Contempt

3/28/2024 9:08 AM-Austin	Trentidy Mason-Failure to Appear

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; 3/28/2024 9:57 PM-Jonathan Landeros-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Ignition Interlock Device; Operate MV without device during restriction; DUI; 3rd conv in 10yrs; combo drugs and alcohol;child pres; Endangering a Child; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage3/28/2024 7:07 PM-Dakota	James Griffin-DWS; 2nd or subs conviction; Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance3/28/2024 4:55 PM-Lisa	Marie Teeters-Failure to Appear3/28/2024 3:40 PM-Gavin	James Ellis-Probation Violation3/28/2024 3:34 PM-Devon	Bryce Bozman-In Transit From-To Other Agency3/28/2024 12:51 PM-Colin	Joseph Miller-Probation Violation3/28/2024 12:14 PM-Robert	Wayne Carter-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant3/28/2024 10:30 AM-Craig	Ryan Shelton-Failure to Appear; Direct Contempt3/28/2024 9:08 AM-Austin	Trentidy Mason-Failure to Appear

RENO COUNTY — A ramp closure at the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction in Reno County is expected to begin Tuesday, April 2.

The closure will be on the ramp connecting southbound K-14 to westbound U.S. 50.

The closure is expected to end around Friday, April 5.

During the closure, motorists should seek other routes.

The ramp closure is part of a nearly $3.6 million patching project on K-14. The Kansas Department of Transportation project is from the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction north to Yaggy Road.&nbsp;The length is almost 7 miles. The work is expected to be completed around mid-August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711648451243.png" alt="K14 and US 50 ramp-Graphic Courtesy KDOT" />
 <figcaption>K14 and US 50 ramp-Graphic Courtesy KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>TIM POTTER KDOTRENO COUNTY — A ramp closure at the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction in Reno County is expected to begin Tuesday, April 2.The closure will be on the ramp connecting southbound K-14 to westbound U.S. 50.The closure is expected to end around Friday, April 5.During the closure, motorists should seek other routes.The ramp closure is part of a nearly $3.6 million patching project on K-14. The Kansas Department of Transportation project is from the west K-14/U.S. 50 junction north to Yaggy Road.&nbsp;The length is almost 7 miles. The work is expected to be completed around mid-August.During the work, K-14 traffic will be restricted to one lane and controlled by flaggers or a pilot car. Ramps will be closed at times. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes.Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., of Victor, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $3,559,085 project.For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

K-14 and U.S. 50 ramp to close next week

TOPEKA, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

“USDA is committed to&nbsp;ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”

A $68,957 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of&nbsp;Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.&nbsp; 

A $106,850 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;and&nbsp;Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.&nbsp;

A $110,625 grant will&nbsp;help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of&nbsp;Hutchinson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A $61,745 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of&nbsp;Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618246135812.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of AgricultureTOPEKA, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.“USDA is committed to&nbsp;ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”Hutch Post area projects:A $68,957 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of&nbsp;Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.&nbsp; A $106,850 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of&nbsp;Pratt&nbsp;and&nbsp;Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.&nbsp;A $110,625 grant will&nbsp;help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of&nbsp;Hutchinson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;A $61,745 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of&nbsp;Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Solar projects get USDA funding

Three newly hired apprentices at two companies say the chance to earn money while they learn more about their jobs was one of the main reasons they considered positions created through Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) award-winning Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP).

<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=670a5639d5&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">South Bend Industrial Hemp</a>&nbsp;used the program to hire Joseph Rogers and Kaidence Sanchez as hemp processing facility operators at the Great Bend-based company.“I think it’s really cool the apprenticeship comes with some educational opportunities,” Rogers says.

Sanchez says he’s never seen anything like the apprenticeship program and believes “it’s an exciting way to learn more and earn more money.”

Camron Hicks is the second apprentice hired through RKAP at Moundridge-based Mid-Kansas Cooperative (MKC). He’s training as an operations specialist at MKC’s Canton location. Hicks says he wants to travel throughout Kansas and learn more about grain elevators, and he sees a real career path through his apprenticeship.

“I’ve always wanted to move my way up in a company,” Hicks says. “I’m very excited to see where this takes me with knowledge and the overall functions of elevators.”

RKAP helps companies like South Bend Industrial Hemp and MKC design apprenticeships to meet state and federal guidelines while being tailored to specific jobs. On top of an apprentice's work duties, there are educational and training components with scheduled wage progression.

“The goal is to create trained and skilled workers for companies operating in rural Kansas,” says Kylee Stout, KFB business development manager. “RKAP helps employers manage the paperwork of an apprenticeship while giving them the ability to create pathways for workers to acquire practical skills that lead to well-paying jobs.”

Apprenticeships benefit employers by developing a skilled and loyal workforce. Employees benefit from having a full-time job as they earn a certified credential showing mastery of their craft.

In addition to operations specialist,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=d10948ccb0&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">MKC&nbsp;</a>has apprentice openings for agriculture equipment operators and CDL drivers. Other employers with open apprenticeships include positions as a CDL driver at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=0eeda749fd&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Ag Partners</a>&nbsp;and agronomy operator and grain elevator operator at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=24389961a9&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Alliance Ag &amp; Grain, LLC</a>.

To learn more about RKAP, contact Kylee Stout at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stoutk@kfb.org">stoutk@kfb.org</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=b0895703de&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/rkap</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711638236425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Farm BureauThree newly hired apprentices at two companies say the chance to earn money while they learn more about their jobs was one of the main reasons they considered positions created through Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) award-winning Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program (RKAP).<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=670a5639d5&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">South Bend Industrial Hemp</a>&nbsp;used the program to hire Joseph Rogers and Kaidence Sanchez as hemp processing facility operators at the Great Bend-based company.“I think it’s really cool the apprenticeship comes with some educational opportunities,” Rogers says.Sanchez says he’s never seen anything like the apprenticeship program and believes “it’s an exciting way to learn more and earn more money.”Camron Hicks is the second apprentice hired through RKAP at Moundridge-based Mid-Kansas Cooperative (MKC). He’s training as an operations specialist at MKC’s Canton location. Hicks says he wants to travel throughout Kansas and learn more about grain elevators, and he sees a real career path through his apprenticeship.“I’ve always wanted to move my way up in a company,” Hicks says. “I’m very excited to see where this takes me with knowledge and the overall functions of elevators.”RKAP helps companies like South Bend Industrial Hemp and MKC design apprenticeships to meet state and federal guidelines while being tailored to specific jobs. On top of an apprentice's work duties, there are educational and training components with scheduled wage progression.“The goal is to create trained and skilled workers for companies operating in rural Kansas,” says Kylee Stout, KFB business development manager. “RKAP helps employers manage the paperwork of an apprenticeship while giving them the ability to create pathways for workers to acquire practical skills that lead to well-paying jobs.”Apprenticeships benefit employers by developing a skilled and loyal workforce. Employees benefit from having a full-time job as they earn a certified credential showing mastery of their craft.In addition to operations specialist,&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=d10948ccb0&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">MKC&nbsp;</a>has apprentice openings for agriculture equipment operators and CDL drivers. Other employers with open apprenticeships include positions as a CDL driver at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=0eeda749fd&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Ag Partners</a>&nbsp;and agronomy operator and grain elevator operator at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=24389961a9&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">Alliance Ag &amp; Grain, LLC</a>.To learn more about RKAP, contact Kylee Stout at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:stoutk@kfb.org">stoutk@kfb.org</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=b0895703de&amp;e=27e264ea00" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/rkap</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

'Earn and learn' draws employees to Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program

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

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the northeast corner of North Main and 25th Avenue.

The blond-brick building at 2500 N. Main was constructed in 1946 by Owen S. Boone for $3,200. It was to be his new Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaners. The first photo shows this business in 1952.

Owen and his family, Cecil and Clarence, first started in the laundry business in 1917 at 534 E. Ave. E. The second photo shows that first attempt in this field.

It was also the residence of Clarence. As time went on, part of the family was Ineeda Laundry and part was Ideal Laundry. But by 1946, it was just Owen and the Ideal Laundry. 

In 1966, Wallace Craig took over the Ideal Laundry at 25th and Main.

Between 1969 and 1974, it became the American Uniform Rental Inc.

In 1976, the 2500 N. Main building was remodeled into multiple retail outlets. The third photo shows 2500 N. Main today, now known as the North Main Center and owned by First Choice Leasing L.L.C.

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

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

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

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711550825886.png" alt="Ideal Laundry and Cleaners - 2500 N. Main - 1952. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Ideal Laundry and Cleaners - 2500 N. Main - 1952. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704293041402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the northeast corner of North Main and 25th Avenue.The blond-brick building at 2500 N. Main was constructed in 1946 by Owen S. Boone for $3,200. It was to be his new Ideal Laundry and Dry Cleaners. The first photo shows this business in 1952.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711579059273.png" alt="Ideal Laundry and Cleaners - 2500 N. Main - 1952. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Ideal Laundry and Cleaners - 2500 N. Main - 1952. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Owen and his family, Cecil and Clarence, first started in the laundry business in 1917 at 534 E. Ave. E. The second photo shows that first attempt in this field.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711579143432.png" alt="Ideal (Ineeda) Laundry - 534 E. Ave C - 1917 (Owen, Cecil, &amp; Clarence Boone Family - owners at Clarence's residence). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Ideal (Ineeda) Laundry - 534 E. Ave C - 1917 (Owen, Cecil, &amp; Clarence Boone Family - owners at Clarence's residence). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>It was also the residence of Clarence. As time went on, part of the family was Ineeda Laundry and part was Ideal Laundry. But by 1946, it was just Owen and the Ideal Laundry. In 1966, Wallace Craig took over the Ideal Laundry at 25th and Main.Between 1969 and 1974, it became the American Uniform Rental Inc.In 1976, the 2500 N. Main building was remodeled into multiple retail outlets. The third photo shows 2500 N. Main today, now known as the North Main Center and owned by First Choice Leasing L.L.C.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711579843129.png" alt="Ideal Laundry - North Main Center - 2500 N. Main - Feb. 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Ideal Laundry - North Main Center - 2500 N. Main - Feb. 19, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

📷 Throwback Thursday: Ideal Cleaners - Vol. 63

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Block-By-Block Investment Program is an opportunity for residents of Hutchinson to come together, improve their neighborhoods, and foster a strong sense of community pride. 

The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Hutchinson and Hutch Rec’s Healthy Neighborhood Initiative aimed at encouraging clusters of neighbors to collaborate on exterior home improvement projects, enhancing curb appeal and fostering a sense of community. 

Eligible projects include a range of exterior improvements such as updating porches, replacing front doors, adding flowerbeds, and more.

In order to get funding, you must do the following:

Must be located in a featured neighborhoods south of 17th street. (SW Bricktown, The Founders Neighborhood, Grace Arbor, Creekside, Midtown, College Grove)

Have proximity of clustered properties to maximize impact.

<a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BlockByBlock-App.pdf">A minimum of five properties must participate in the application</a>. (Renters must have project approval from landlord.)

Demonstrate teamwork among neighbors in planning and executing projects.

Fill out an application or pick one up at the Hutch Rec Downtown Office at 17 E 1st Ave. 

Turn in completed application to Adam Stewart at the Hutch Rec Downtown Office at 17 E 1st Ave.

Applications will be accepted from February 1 to April 1, with projects expected to be completed by the end of August 2024.

Residents will be required to submit before and after photos along with copies of receipts for their projects to facilitate reimbursements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704988911111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch RecHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Block-By-Block Investment Program is an opportunity for residents of Hutchinson to come together, improve their neighborhoods, and foster a strong sense of community pride. The program is a collaborative effort between the City of Hutchinson and Hutch Rec’s Healthy Neighborhood Initiative aimed at encouraging clusters of neighbors to collaborate on exterior home improvement projects, enhancing curb appeal and fostering a sense of community. Eligible projects include a range of exterior improvements such as updating porches, replacing front doors, adding flowerbeds, and more.In order to get funding, you must do the following:Must be located in a featured neighborhoods south of 17th street. (SW Bricktown, The Founders Neighborhood, Grace Arbor, Creekside, Midtown, College Grove)Have proximity of clustered properties to maximize impact.<a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BlockByBlock-App.pdf">A minimum of five properties must participate in the application</a>. (Renters must have project approval from landlord.)Demonstrate teamwork among neighbors in planning and executing projects.Fill out an application or pick one up at the Hutch Rec Downtown Office at 17 E 1st Ave. Turn in completed application to Adam Stewart at the Hutch Rec Downtown Office at 17 E 1st Ave.Timeline:Applications will be accepted from February 1 to April 1, with projects expected to be completed by the end of August 2024.Reporting Requirements: Residents will be required to submit before and after photos along with copies of receipts for their projects to facilitate reimbursements.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Block-By-Block Investment Program deadline April 1

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2024 Spring Consignment Art Auction at the Hutchinson Art Center is coming up Saturday.

This auction will feature over 120 artworks by local, regional, and national artists, including Birger Sandzen,&nbsp;Thomas Kinkade, Lester Raymer,&nbsp;Martha Hamilton, Jack Stout, and many others.

The auction is Saturday, March 30th. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with the auction starting at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be available, there will be plenty of seating, and admission is free and open to the public.

All artwork from this auction is on display in the Main Gallery through March 29th. It is a great opportunity to view the artwork in-person.

Additionally, images of the artwork are now <a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/2024-spring-art-auction-gallery">available for online viewing</a>.&nbsp;

If you are unable to make it to the auction in person, please call&nbsp;(620) 727-4555 to leave an absentee bid.

A portion of the funds raised by this event support future arts programming at the Hutchinson Art Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591379933396.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Art CenterHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 2024 Spring Consignment Art Auction at the Hutchinson Art Center is coming up Saturday.This auction will feature over 120 artworks by local, regional, and national artists, including Birger Sandzen,&nbsp;Thomas Kinkade, Lester Raymer,&nbsp;Martha Hamilton, Jack Stout, and many others.The auction is Saturday, March 30th. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., with the auction starting at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be available, there will be plenty of seating, and admission is free and open to the public.All artwork from this auction is on display in the Main Gallery through March 29th. It is a great opportunity to view the artwork in-person.Additionally, images of the artwork are now <a href="https://www.hutchinsonartcenter.net/2024-spring-art-auction-gallery">available for online viewing</a>.&nbsp; If you are unable to make it to the auction in person, please call&nbsp;(620) 727-4555 to leave an absentee bid.A portion of the funds raised by this event support future arts programming at the Hutchinson Art Center.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Consignment Art Auction is March 30

NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting,&nbsp;the City Commission took three actions to continue spurring industrial development in Newton.

First, the Commission approved a listing agreement with Lange Real Estate to market about 87 acres of land on Oliver Road just west of the Newton City/County Airport. The one-year agreement is non-exclusive, and the broker will receive a 6% commission only on sales resulting from his own efforts. Harvey County Economic Development will continue to generate its own leads on potential buyers. The land will be listed for $15,000 an acre.

The Commission also extended the expiration date of K&amp;O Railroad’s option to purchase property in the Kansas Logistics Park until Oct 1. K&amp;O optioned about 23 acres of property from the City in April of last year. The company said&nbsp;it hoped to build a railyard with capacity for 120-200 rail cars, with the ability to serve current and future development in the park.&nbsp;If K&amp;O decides to exercise the option, all option payments ($45,000) will be applied as a credit to the purchase price. If it opts not to purchase the property, the City will retain the payments.

The City Commission also approved a funding resolution for a rail extension at the Logistics Park. Earlier this year, the City approved a grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for about $3 million to fund 75% of the cost of construction of the extension, which will serve the planned GAF manufacturing facility. The City will bond its portion of the construction costs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689327996403.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ERIN MCDANIEL City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting,&nbsp;the City Commission took three actions to continue spurring industrial development in Newton.First, the Commission approved a listing agreement with Lange Real Estate to market about 87 acres of land on Oliver Road just west of the Newton City/County Airport. The one-year agreement is non-exclusive, and the broker will receive a 6% commission only on sales resulting from his own efforts. Harvey County Economic Development will continue to generate its own leads on potential buyers. The land will be listed for $15,000 an acre.The Commission also extended the expiration date of K&amp;O Railroad’s option to purchase property in the Kansas Logistics Park until Oct 1. K&amp;O optioned about 23 acres of property from the City in April of last year. The company said&nbsp;it hoped to build a railyard with capacity for 120-200 rail cars, with the ability to serve current and future development in the park.&nbsp;If K&amp;O decides to exercise the option, all option payments ($45,000) will be applied as a credit to the purchase price. If it opts not to purchase the property, the City will retain the payments.The City Commission also approved a funding resolution for a rail extension at the Logistics Park. Earlier this year, the City approved a grant agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for about $3 million to fund 75% of the cost of construction of the extension, which will serve the planned GAF manufacturing facility. The City will bond its portion of the construction costs.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Newton City Commission continues industrial development work

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

3/27/2024 9:32 PM-Tawnya	Sue Sallee-Failure to Appear

3/27/2024 6:29 PM-Geovanny Rivera IV-Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); &lt; 10 dosage units; Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g; Drugs; Arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Poss of marijuana; Endanger a Child; AGGRAVATED; Recklessly; Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); 10 to &lt; 100 dosage units; Drugs; Acquire proceeds from sale of controlled substance, Less than $5,000&nbsp;

3/27/2024 4:32 PM-Johnathan	Amadeus Ward-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Endanger a Child; AGGRAVATED; Recklessly; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Drugs; Distribute Hallucinogenic designated in 65-4105d, 4107g, 4109g; &lt; 3.5g

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 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;3/27/2024 9:32 PM-Tawnya	Sue Sallee-Failure to Appear3/27/2024 6:29 PM-Geovanny Rivera IV-Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); &lt; 10 dosage units; Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof; 25g to &lt; 450g; Drugs; Arrange sale/purchase of controlled substance using a communication facility; Interference with Law Enforcement; Conceal /alter/destroy evidence Felony case; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Poss of marijuana; Endanger a Child; AGGRAVATED; Recklessly; Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); 10 to &lt; 100 dosage units; Drugs; Acquire proceeds from sale of controlled substance, Less than $5,000&nbsp;3/27/2024 4:32 PM-Johnathan	Amadeus Ward-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Endanger a Child; AGGRAVATED; Recklessly; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Drugs; Distribute Hallucinogenic designated in 65-4105d, 4107g, 4109g; &lt; 3.5g3/27/2024 4:06 PM-Earnest	Lloyd Klotz-Direct Contempt&nbsp;3/27/2024 1:35 PM-Matthew	Allan Welch-Probation Violation&nbsp;3/27/2024 8:42 AM-Michael	Henry Elshof-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct3/27/2024 8:40 AM-Daniel	Raymond Robinson-Failure to Appear

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