HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will consider the 2023 waterline project at their meeting on Tuesday.

According to agenda documents, the City of Hutchinson completed a waterline condition audit that indicated that the City needs to replace 3 miles of waterline per year (roughly 1% of the system annually). The city will replace 1.5 miles due to budget constraints. The waterlines chosen for replacement in 2023 were installed between 1925 and 1968. The audit identified the age and sections requiring the most maintenance as the starting point.

The project will consist of the new installation of 1,225 linear feet of 8” water main pipe and 3,406 linear feet of 6” water main pipe at various locations generally bound between K-61 and Town/1st and 9th.

The Kansas State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan agreement currently held by the City will be the funding source of this project. The loan amount is $1,205,000, interest rate of 2.13%, and loan duration of up to 20 years.

JEO Consulting performed an Engineer’s Review of Bids and Recommendation of Award. The recommendation is&nbsp;to sign the contract with APAC – Kansas, Inc. in the amount of $1,098,607.00.

The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt="City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>City of Hutchinson generic-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will consider the 2023 waterline project at their meeting on Tuesday.According to agenda documents, the City of Hutchinson completed a waterline condition audit that indicated that the City needs to replace 3 miles of waterline per year (roughly 1% of the system annually). The city will replace 1.5 miles due to budget constraints. The waterlines chosen for replacement in 2023 were installed between 1925 and 1968. The audit identified the age and sections requiring the most maintenance as the starting point.The project will consist of the new installation of 1,225 linear feet of 8” water main pipe and 3,406 linear feet of 6” water main pipe at various locations generally bound between K-61 and Town/1st and 9th.The Kansas State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan agreement currently held by the City will be the funding source of this project. The loan amount is $1,205,000, interest rate of 2.13%, and loan duration of up to 20 years.JEO Consulting performed an Engineer’s Review of Bids and Recommendation of Award. The recommendation is&nbsp;to sign the contract with APAC – Kansas, Inc. in the amount of $1,098,607.00.The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Waterline project on city council agenda

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters put out an apartment fire late Thursday night in the 100 block of West 9th. They were called out at 11:30 p.m. and found a two story multi-family structure with heavy fire showing from the front entry extending to the second floor.

Crews pushed their way inside attacking the fire and looking for victims. There was fire throughout the home and into the attic. Crews were able to put the fire out with minimal extension to the second apartment.&nbsp;

One injury was reported, but that person was treated on scene by Reno County EMS and released. There was heavy fire damage in one apartment, with just smoke damage and some minor fire damage in the second apartment.

The fire is under investigation. The American Red Cross was called to assist the occupants.

Hutch Fire would like to thank Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Evergy, the Red Cross, Hutchinson Public Works and Reno County Emergency Communications for their assistance on Thursday.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710494346611.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson firefighters battle apartment fire late on March 14, 2024. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson firefighters battle apartment fire late on March 14, 2024. Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters put out an apartment fire late Thursday night in the 100 block of West 9th. They were called out at 11:30 p.m. and found a two story multi-family structure with heavy fire showing from the front entry extending to the second floor.Crews pushed their way inside attacking the fire and looking for victims. There was fire throughout the home and into the attic. Crews were able to put the fire out with minimal extension to the second apartment.&nbsp;One injury was reported, but that person was treated on scene by Reno County EMS and released. There was heavy fire damage in one apartment, with just smoke damage and some minor fire damage in the second apartment.The fire is under investigation. The American Red Cross was called to assist the occupants.Hutch Fire would like to thank Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Evergy, the Red Cross, Hutchinson Public Works and Reno County Emergency Communications for their assistance on Thursday.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Late night apartment fire injures one

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission will have more discussion on the edits to the solar regulations asked for by the Board of County Commissioners when the board meets March 21.

The Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, March 13 voted to send the text of proposed regulations for Limited-Scale Commercial Solar Energy Projects back to the Planning Commission for further work.

They specifically are seeking clarification on exterior sound regulations, specifics on what a building that would hold storage batteries for such a project would be, the possibility for pollution and how it would be dealt with and whether a grandfathered project could have another project nearer to it than would otherwise be allowed in the regulations.

Also on the agenda for the Planning Commission are two zoning cases.&nbsp;

One is a request by Frederick III &amp; Arelie Craig (Applicant: Garber Surveying Service, P.A.) for a Homestead Agricultural Lot Split as provided for under Article 3-106 of the Reno County Subdivision Regulations. The property is zoned AG – Agricultural District and located at 2396 W. 82nd Avenue, approximately ¼ mile east of the intersection of W. 82nd Avenue and N. Pennington Road.

The second is a request by the Wewe Family Trust and Adam &amp; Leah Ekeler to vacate all that portion of Gil Court lying adjacent to Lots 29-36 inclusive and being west of the western right-of-way of Walker Road in Shel-walk Lacres Subdivision.

The Reno County Planning Commission will meet Thursday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2023/12/1702643452129.jpeg" alt="Reno County Public Works-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Public Works-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission will have more discussion on the edits to the solar regulations asked for by the Board of County Commissioners when the board meets March 21.The Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, March 13 voted to send the text of proposed regulations for Limited-Scale Commercial Solar Energy Projects back to the Planning Commission for further work.They specifically are seeking clarification on exterior sound regulations, specifics on what a building that would hold storage batteries for such a project would be, the possibility for pollution and how it would be dealt with and whether a grandfathered project could have another project nearer to it than would otherwise be allowed in the regulations.Also on the agenda for the Planning Commission are two zoning cases.&nbsp;One is a request by Frederick III &amp; Arelie Craig (Applicant: Garber Surveying Service, P.A.) for a Homestead Agricultural Lot Split as provided for under Article 3-106 of the Reno County Subdivision Regulations. The property is zoned AG – Agricultural District and located at 2396 W. 82nd Avenue, approximately ¼ mile east of the intersection of W. 82nd Avenue and N. Pennington Road.The second is a request by the Wewe Family Trust and Adam &amp; Leah Ekeler to vacate all that portion of Gil Court lying adjacent to Lots 29-36 inclusive and being west of the western right-of-way of Walker Road in Shel-walk Lacres Subdivision.The Reno County Planning Commission will meet Thursday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Planning Commission to take up solar regs again

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College will be hosting its annual Career Connections Job Fair Thursday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

Nearly 200 employers have registered to attend seeking employees for full-time, part-time and internship opportunities. A list of the employers currently registered is available at <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair">www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair</a>. The event is free and open to the public.

To help job-seekers prepare, many free resources are available at CareerZone - <a href="http://www.collegecentral.com/hutchcc">www.collegecentral.com/hutchcc</a>. This resource is available not only to HutchCC students but to all community members as well. Current HutchCC students attending the fair who complete a survey are eligible to win one of several prizes, including a 55” Smart TV, Apple Airpods, an Apple Watch, X-Box S, Beats Headphones and more.

The Job Fair is made possible through support from these sponsors: Hutchinson Community College, Radio Kansas, Rensenhouse, Superior Boiler and First National Bank of Hutchinson.

For more information, please e-mail <a href="mailto:CareerZone@hutchcc.edu">CareerZone@hutchcc.edu</a> or visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair">www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583539185508.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Sports Arena" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Sports Arena</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Community CollegeHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College will be hosting its annual Career Connections Job Fair Thursday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.Nearly 200 employers have registered to attend seeking employees for full-time, part-time and internship opportunities. A list of the employers currently registered is available at <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair">www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair</a>. The event is free and open to the public.To help job-seekers prepare, many free resources are available at CareerZone - <a href="http://www.collegecentral.com/hutchcc">www.collegecentral.com/hutchcc</a>. This resource is available not only to HutchCC students but to all community members as well. Current HutchCC students attending the fair who complete a survey are eligible to win one of several prizes, including a 55” Smart TV, Apple Airpods, an Apple Watch, X-Box S, Beats Headphones and more.The Job Fair is made possible through support from these sponsors: Hutchinson Community College, Radio Kansas, Rensenhouse, Superior Boiler and First National Bank of Hutchinson.For more information, please e-mail <a href="mailto:CareerZone@hutchcc.edu">CareerZone@hutchcc.edu</a> or visit <a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair">www.hutchcc.edu/careerfair</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Career Fair at Sports Arena next month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere invites movie-goers to step into the future and explore the exciting innovations that will change the way we live forever with “CITIES OF THE FUTURE,” now playing daily in the Cosmosphere’s Carey Digital Dome Theater. 

Narrated by award-winning actor John Krasinski, “CITIES OF THE FUTURE” highlights the creative solutions engineers are designing right now to meet the challenges of a changing world and forge a brighter, more sustainable future.

From electric flying cars and aerial highways to smart buildings, greener infrastructure and solar power beamed from space, “CITIES OF THE FUTURE” offers an inspiring vision of how we will live 50 years from now, combining state-of-the-art CGI with live-action cinematography. 

The film also looks at modern urban landscapes in the midst of transformation, revealing profound changes already happening in some of the world’s greatest cities, from Los Angeles to Amsterdam to Singapore.

“As our climate changes and our population grows, our cities will need to adapt to meet new challenges, and human ingenuity will drive the solutions,” says director Greg MacGililvray, two-time Academy Award nominee and chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “’CITIES OF THE FUTURE’ imagines what our lives might look like 50 years from now based on the engineering marvels and innovative solutions engineers are designing right now.”

“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” also introduces viewers to a team of middle school students participating in the Future City Competition, an annual contest where 60,000 middle school students from the U.S. and around the world compete to create a model future city.

“Parents and teachers are looking for ways to turn kids on to science and engineering,” says Shaun MacGillivray, the film’s producer and co-director, and president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “We hope ‘CITIES OF THE FUTURE’ will energizes kids of all ages to think about engineering as a meaningful way to help others and leave a positive mark on the world.”

“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” is produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the same team that created the blockbuster giant screen documentary Dream Big: Engineering Our World.

The Cosmosphere is located at 1100 N Plum Street in Hutchinson, Kansas. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 620-662-2305 or visit the website at <a href="http://www.cosmo.org">www.cosmo.org</a>.

“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” is family-friendly and has a running time of 40 minutes.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2024/3/1710494723210.jpeg" alt="Cities of the Future-Image Courtesy Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>Cities of the Future-Image Courtesy Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>CosmosphereHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cosmosphere invites movie-goers to step into the future and explore the exciting innovations that will change the way we live forever with “CITIES OF THE FUTURE,” now playing daily in the Cosmosphere’s Carey Digital Dome Theater. Narrated by award-winning actor John Krasinski, “CITIES OF THE FUTURE” highlights the creative solutions engineers are designing right now to meet the challenges of a changing world and forge a brighter, more sustainable future.From electric flying cars and aerial highways to smart buildings, greener infrastructure and solar power beamed from space, “CITIES OF THE FUTURE” offers an inspiring vision of how we will live 50 years from now, combining state-of-the-art CGI with live-action cinematography. The film also looks at modern urban landscapes in the midst of transformation, revealing profound changes already happening in some of the world’s greatest cities, from Los Angeles to Amsterdam to Singapore.“As our climate changes and our population grows, our cities will need to adapt to meet new challenges, and human ingenuity will drive the solutions,” says director Greg MacGililvray, two-time Academy Award nominee and chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “’CITIES OF THE FUTURE’ imagines what our lives might look like 50 years from now based on the engineering marvels and innovative solutions engineers are designing right now.”“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” also introduces viewers to a team of middle school students participating in the Future City Competition, an annual contest where 60,000 middle school students from the U.S. and around the world compete to create a model future city.“Parents and teachers are looking for ways to turn kids on to science and engineering,” says Shaun MacGillivray, the film’s producer and co-director, and president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “We hope ‘CITIES OF THE FUTURE’ will energizes kids of all ages to think about engineering as a meaningful way to help others and leave a positive mark on the world.”“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” is produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the same team that created the blockbuster giant screen documentary Dream Big: Engineering Our World.The Cosmosphere is located at 1100 N Plum Street in Hutchinson, Kansas. For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 620-662-2305 or visit the website at <a href="http://www.cosmo.org">www.cosmo.org</a>.“CITIES OF THE FUTURE” is family-friendly and has a running time of 40 minutes.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Cities of the Future now playing at Cosmosphere

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;

3/14/2024 11:02 PM-Mindy	Marie Nelson-Drugs; Distribute Substance containing Heroin / Methamphetamine; 1g to &lt; 3.5g; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Tattoo/Body Pierce; Without a License

3/14/2024 6:35 PM-Amber	Dawn Bussard-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner

3/14/2024 4:41 PM-Daniel	Dean Patterson II-Probation Violation

3/14/2024 3:16 PM-Jason	Lee Gordon-Theft; Possess Stolen Property; Less than $1,500; Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

3/14/2024 12:16 PM-Adam	Michael Burns-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant&nbsp;

3/14/2024 12:12 PM-Anthony	Wayne Williamson-Failure to Appear

3/14/2024 10:49 AM-Troy	Alan Bachman-Direct Contempt&nbsp;

3/14/2024 7:52 AM-Elias	Silva Delacruz-Probation Violation

<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; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/14/2024 11:02 PM-Mindy	Marie Nelson-Drugs; Distribute Substance containing Heroin / Methamphetamine; 1g to &lt; 3.5g; Drugs; Paraphernalia; Sell/Distribute/Possess for illegal use; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Tattoo/Body Pierce; Without a License3/14/2024 6:35 PM-Amber	Dawn Bussard-Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner3/14/2024 4:41 PM-Daniel	Dean Patterson II-Probation Violation3/14/2024 3:16 PM-Jason	Lee Gordon-Theft; Possess Stolen Property; Less than $1,500; Battery; Phys contact rude/insult/angry manner; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;3/14/2024 12:16 PM-Adam	Michael Burns-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant&nbsp;3/14/2024 12:12 PM-Anthony	Wayne Williamson-Failure to Appear3/14/2024 10:49 AM-Troy	Alan Bachman-Direct Contempt&nbsp;3/14/2024 7:52 AM-Elias	Silva Delacruz-Probation Violation

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas told Hutch Post Thursday that the pain at the pump hasn't gotten much worse in the past week.

"We have continued to see gas prices rise," Steward said. "I guess the story this week, though, would be that increase has slowed, compared to what we saw last week. We're only up one cent on average in Kansas this week, to $3.15 a gallon. A week ago, when we talked, the price had jumped 21 cents in the previous week. Quite a difference this week. We seem to have settled in, I guess, for the time being."

Area county averages, with change from a week ago:

Kingman: $3.14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; +22

"As we head into summer driving season, vacation season, demand will likely be high," Steward said. "We anticipate a busy travel season, as we seem to have every year. Also, looking at crude oill prices, they are hovering now a little less than $81 a barrel, which is certainly higher than we've seen in the first quarter of 2024. That's something to watch, as well."

There may be fundamental reasons that increase is happening, too, with the situation just off of the Arabian peninsula remaining volatile.

"There's always global concerns, when there's anything that could interrupt the supply or the delivery of crude oil," Steward said. "That's definitely something that's on people's minds and has been watched ever since the conflict in the Middle East started. I've also seen that OPEC+ may be continuing its production cuts throughout the year."

More than half of the price of a gallon of gas at the pump is derived from the underlying price of the barrel of oil from which it is refined.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2023/9/1694531676610.jpg" alt="gas station, gas pump, refuel" />
 <figcaption>gas station, gas pump, refuel</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas told Hutch Post Thursday that the pain at the pump hasn't gotten much worse in the past week."We have continued to see gas prices rise," Steward said. "I guess the story this week, though, would be that increase has slowed, compared to what we saw last week. We're only up one cent on average in Kansas this week, to $3.15 a gallon. A week ago, when we talked, the price had jumped 21 cents in the previous week. Quite a difference this week. We seem to have settled in, I guess, for the time being."Area county averages, with change from a week ago:Reno: $2.93 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-2McPherson: $3.11 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;+9Harvey: $3.03&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;-6Sedgwick: $3.17&nbsp;&nbsp; +8Kingman: $3.14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; +22Pratt: $3.17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; +4Stafford: $3.12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; +19Rice: $3.10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -2"As we head into summer driving season, vacation season, demand will likely be high," Steward said. "We anticipate a busy travel season, as we seem to have every year. Also, looking at crude oill prices, they are hovering now a little less than $81 a barrel, which is certainly higher than we've seen in the first quarter of 2024. That's something to watch, as well."There may be fundamental reasons that increase is happening, too, with the situation just off of the Arabian peninsula remaining volatile."There's always global concerns, when there's anything that could interrupt the supply or the delivery of crude oil," Steward said. "That's definitely something that's on people's minds and has been watched ever since the conflict in the Middle East started. I've also seen that OPEC+ may be continuing its production cuts throughout the year."More than half of the price of a gallon of gas at the pump is derived from the underlying price of the barrel of oil from which it is refined.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Gas prices still rising, but slower

BARTON COUNTY — According to a social media post from the Barton County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at about 2:40 p.m. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported injury accident on US 56 at the intersection of SW. 80th Ave. 

Initial reports indicated that a pickup truck had struck a truck tractor/semi trailer combination at that location.

Upon arrival deputies located a 2024 Kenworth operated by Kelsey Jackson of Hutchinson. The trailer was loaded with agricultural chemicals. The second vehicle was a 2000 Nissan Frontier operated by Randy Johnson of Pawnee Rock.

Investigation at the scene indicates the tractor trailer unit was westbound on US 56 and began to make a right-hand turn onto SW. 80th Ave. when the Nissan struck the rear of the of the tractor trailer, turning over and sliding under the trailer. The Nissan was drug a short distance as the semi came to a stop.

Johnson was extracted from the vehicle by the Great Bend Fire Department. He was transported by ground ambulance to KU Med Center in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Jackson was not injured in the collision.

The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. They were assisted at the scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2024/3/1710438704737.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Barton County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Barton County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — According to a social media post from the Barton County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at about 2:40 p.m. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported injury accident on US 56 at the intersection of SW. 80th Ave. Initial reports indicated that a pickup truck had struck a truck tractor/semi trailer combination at that location.Upon arrival deputies located a 2024 Kenworth operated by Kelsey Jackson of Hutchinson. The trailer was loaded with agricultural chemicals. The second vehicle was a 2000 Nissan Frontier operated by Randy Johnson of Pawnee Rock.Investigation at the scene indicates the tractor trailer unit was westbound on US 56 and began to make a right-hand turn onto SW. 80th Ave. when the Nissan struck the rear of the of the tractor trailer, turning over and sliding under the trailer. The Nissan was drug a short distance as the semi came to a stop.Johnson was extracted from the vehicle by the Great Bend Fire Department. He was transported by ground ambulance to KU Med Center in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Jackson was not injured in the collision.The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. They were assisted at the scene by Great Bend Fire and EMS and the Kansas Highway Patrol.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Hutchinson driver involved in injury wreck 

NASHVILLE — The Academy of Country Music has announced its nominees for this year's ACM Radio Awards, and Country 102.9's Pat James received a nomination for On-Air Personality of the Year-Small Market.

Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced ahead of the 59th ACM Awards and celebrated during ACM Awards week.

The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX and will stream live exclusively on Prime Video around the globe.

ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hilley &amp; Hart&nbsp;– Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart (Zimmer Communications “94.3 Kat Country” KATI-FM Jefferson City, MO)

Liz &amp; Scotty in the Morning&nbsp;– Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox (Zimmer Communications "Clear 99" KCLR-FM&nbsp;Columbia, MO)

Morning Show with Pat James&nbsp;– Pat James (Eagle Communications KHUT-FM Hutchinson, KS (102.9)

The Eddie Foxx Show&nbsp;– Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx (iHeartMedia “99 Kiss Country” WKSF-FM Asheville, NC)

Steve, Ben and Nikki&nbsp;– Steve Stroud, Ben Walker, and Nikki Thomas (Bristol Broadcasting WXBQ-FM Bristol, VA (96.9)

James has two previous wins for Medium and Major Market Personality of the Year in the CMA awards and three previous ACM nominations, including one in 2017 at KHUT.

James has been the morning host on Country 102.9 in Hutchinson since 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710431686924.jpeg" alt="Country 102.9 Morning Host Pat James" />
 <figcaption>Country 102.9 Morning Host Pat James</figcaption>
 </figure>NASHVILLE — The Academy of Country Music has announced its nominees for this year's ACM Radio Awards, and Country 102.9's Pat James received a nomination for On-Air Personality of the Year-Small Market.Winners of the ACM Radio Awards will be announced ahead of the 59th ACM Awards and celebrated during ACM Awards week.The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards will take place Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX and will stream live exclusively on Prime Video around the globe.ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hilley &amp; Hart&nbsp;– Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart (Zimmer Communications “94.3 Kat Country” KATI-FM Jefferson City, MO)Liz &amp; Scotty in the Morning&nbsp;– Liz DelGrosso and Scotty Cox (Zimmer Communications "Clear 99" KCLR-FM&nbsp;Columbia, MO)Morning Show with Pat James&nbsp;– Pat James (Eagle Communications KHUT-FM Hutchinson, KS (102.9)The Eddie Foxx Show&nbsp;– Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx (iHeartMedia “99 Kiss Country” WKSF-FM Asheville, NC)Steve, Ben and Nikki&nbsp;– Steve Stroud, Ben Walker, and Nikki Thomas (Bristol Broadcasting WXBQ-FM Bristol, VA (96.9)James has two previous wins for Medium and Major Market Personality of the Year in the CMA awards and three previous ACM nominations, including one in 2017 at KHUT.James has been the morning host on Country 102.9 in Hutchinson since 2017.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Pat James nominated for ACM Radio Award

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Preliminary groundwater level measurements compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey show mixed results for western and south-central Kansas in 2023, with some areas in the northwest and west-central part of the state experiencing increases for the first time in three or more years.

“In the Ogallala portion of the High Plains aquifer, the aquifer had a chance to ‘reset’ in 2023, given some timely rains in the summer months,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager.

Measurements in those areas reflect a rebound from lower-than-normal groundwater levels caused by the extreme drought conditions seen in 2022.

“Unfortunately, south-central Kansas missed out on those rains, and the dry conditions persist today,” Wilson said.

The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the Kansas Department of Agriculture measure water levels in about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and south-central Kansas.

Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 0.17 feet last year, marking the fourth straight year of overall declines. Groundwater levels across the region fell 1.9 feet in 2022, about a foot in 2021 and 0.87 feet in 2020.

The High Plains aquifer is a network of water-bearing rock that extends into eight states. In Kansas, the aquifer comprises three components – the Ogallala aquifer, the Great Bend Prairie aquifer and the Equus Beds. Of these, the Ogallala underlies most of western Kansas and consists mainly of the Ogallala Formation, a geologic unit that formed from sediment eroded off the uplifting Rocky Mountains.&nbsp;

Most of the wells in the network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the state’s five groundwater management districts, which are organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to address water-resources issues.

Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw well-above-average precipitation in 2023, experienced the largest increase in water levels, at 0.35 feet, after declines of 1.32 feet in 2022 and 0.55 feet in 2021. Groundwater levels last increased in the district, by 0.61 feet, in 2019. GMD 4 covers Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and parts of Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Logan, Rawlins and Wallace counties. Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow alluvial sources associated with streams.

Western Kansas GMD 1, where the majority of wells are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer, also saw an overall average increase of 0.27 feet, following declines of 1.13 feet in 2022 and 0.55 feet in 2021. The monitoring program has recorded increases in district water levels only three times since 1996, the last time in 2004. GMD 1 includes portions of Greeley, Lane, Scott, Wallace and Wichita counties. Water levels in the district, one of the first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 1940s-1950s, have fallen to a point that yields for irrigation have greatly diminished.

“Another factor in play is both GMDs 1 and 4 have active enhanced management plans in place to conserve water. Initial studies have shown water users are reducing both total amounts diverted and how much is applied to irrigated fields,” Wilson said.&nbsp;

In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average groundwater levels declined by 0.19 feet. The region experienced the most severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas receiving 50% to 75% of long-term precipitation averages. The same area in 2023 saw above-average precipitation amounts of up to 150% to 200% of normal. Much of that came during the growing months of April through July.

“The timeliness and gentle nature of the precipitation events allowed many producers to shut down their wells for several weeks, which in turn reduces the overall stress on the aquifer,” Wilson said.

Water levels in GMD 3 declined by 2.83 feet in 2022 and 2.08 feet in 2021. The district includes all or part of Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties. Most of the wells monitored in the district are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer, except in a few areas where they can also draw from the deeper Dakota aquifer.

Water levels in south-central Kansas saw a second straight year of larger than normal decline rates amid continuing drought conditions.

Equus Beds GMD 2, a significant source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and surrounding towns, experienced the largest drop at 1.62 feet, after declines of 2.11 feet in 2022 and 0.14 feet in 2021. GMD 2 covers portions of Harvey, McPherson, Reno and Sedgwick counties.

Water levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, fell 1.12 feet in 2023, following declines of 2.32 feet in 2022 and 0.81 feet in 2021. GMD 5 includes Pratt and Stafford counties and parts of Barton, Edwards, Kiowa, Pawnee, Reno and Rice counties.

"Despite the prolonged drought conditions and lingering groundwater declines, both districts have a greater potential to recover when the rains do return,” Wilson said.

The KGS measured 577 wells in western Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and Stafford measured 221, 264 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners’ permission.

Measurements are taken primarily in January, when water levels are least likely to fluctuate due to seasonal irrigation. The measurement results, available on the KGS&nbsp;<a href="https://geohydro.kgs.ku.edu/geohydro/wizard/" target="_blank">Water Well Levels web page</a>, are provisional and subject to revision based on additional analysis.

The Kansas Geological Survey is a nonregulatory research and service division of the University of Kansas. KGS researchers study and provide information about the state’s geologic resources and hazards, including groundwater, oil and natural gas, rocks and minerals, and earthquakes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702321639691.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Geological SurveyLAWRENCE, Kan. — Preliminary groundwater level measurements compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey show mixed results for western and south-central Kansas in 2023, with some areas in the northwest and west-central part of the state experiencing increases for the first time in three or more years.“In the Ogallala portion of the High Plains aquifer, the aquifer had a chance to ‘reset’ in 2023, given some timely rains in the summer months,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager.Measurements in those areas reflect a rebound from lower-than-normal groundwater levels caused by the extreme drought conditions seen in 2022.“Unfortunately, south-central Kansas missed out on those rains, and the dry conditions persist today,” Wilson said.The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the Kansas Department of Agriculture measure water levels in about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and south-central Kansas.Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 0.17 feet last year, marking the fourth straight year of overall declines. Groundwater levels across the region fell 1.9 feet in 2022, about a foot in 2021 and 0.87 feet in 2020.The High Plains aquifer is a network of water-bearing rock that extends into eight states. In Kansas, the aquifer comprises three components – the Ogallala aquifer, the Great Bend Prairie aquifer and the Equus Beds. Of these, the Ogallala underlies most of western Kansas and consists mainly of the Ogallala Formation, a geologic unit that formed from sediment eroded off the uplifting Rocky Mountains.&nbsp;Most of the wells in the network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the state’s five groundwater management districts, which are organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to address water-resources issues.Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw well-above-average precipitation in 2023, experienced the largest increase in water levels, at 0.35 feet, after declines of 1.32 feet in 2022 and 0.55 feet in 2021. Groundwater levels last increased in the district, by 0.61 feet, in 2019. GMD 4 covers Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, and parts of Cheyenne, Decatur, Gove, Graham, Logan, Rawlins and Wallace counties. Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow alluvial sources associated with streams.Western Kansas GMD 1, where the majority of wells are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer, also saw an overall average increase of 0.27 feet, following declines of 1.13 feet in 2022 and 0.55 feet in 2021. The monitoring program has recorded increases in district water levels only three times since 1996, the last time in 2004. GMD 1 includes portions of Greeley, Lane, Scott, Wallace and Wichita counties. Water levels in the district, one of the first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 1940s-1950s, have fallen to a point that yields for irrigation have greatly diminished.“Another factor in play is both GMDs 1 and 4 have active enhanced management plans in place to conserve water. Initial studies have shown water users are reducing both total amounts diverted and how much is applied to irrigated fields,” Wilson said.&nbsp;In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average groundwater levels declined by 0.19 feet. The region experienced the most severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas receiving 50% to 75% of long-term precipitation averages. The same area in 2023 saw above-average precipitation amounts of up to 150% to 200% of normal. Much of that came during the growing months of April through July.“The timeliness and gentle nature of the precipitation events allowed many producers to shut down their wells for several weeks, which in turn reduces the overall stress on the aquifer,” Wilson said.Water levels in GMD 3 declined by 2.83 feet in 2022 and 2.08 feet in 2021. The district includes all or part of Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties. Most of the wells monitored in the district are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer, except in a few areas where they can also draw from the deeper Dakota aquifer.Water levels in south-central Kansas saw a second straight year of larger than normal decline rates amid continuing drought conditions.Equus Beds GMD 2, a significant source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and surrounding towns, experienced the largest drop at 1.62 feet, after declines of 2.11 feet in 2022 and 0.14 feet in 2021. GMD 2 covers portions of Harvey, McPherson, Reno and Sedgwick counties.Water levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, fell 1.12 feet in 2023, following declines of 2.32 feet in 2022 and 0.81 feet in 2021. GMD 5 includes Pratt and Stafford counties and parts of Barton, Edwards, Kiowa, Pawnee, Reno and Rice counties."Despite the prolonged drought conditions and lingering groundwater declines, both districts have a greater potential to recover when the rains do return,” Wilson said.The KGS measured 577 wells in western Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and Stafford measured 221, 264 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners’ permission.Measurements are taken primarily in January, when water levels are least likely to fluctuate due to seasonal irrigation. The measurement results, available on the KGS&nbsp;<a href="https://geohydro.kgs.ku.edu/geohydro/wizard/" target="_blank">Water Well Levels web page</a>, are provisional and subject to revision based on additional analysis.The Kansas Geological Survey is a nonregulatory research and service division of the University of Kansas. KGS researchers study and provide information about the state’s geologic resources and hazards, including groundwater, oil and natural gas, rocks and minerals, and earthquakes.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Equus Beds down in latest KGS measurements

&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a public hearing to give Southern Pioneer Electric customers the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the company’s application to change its rate design.

For residential and small general service customers, the company is proposing a three-part rate design that separates out the customer charge, energy delivery/demand charge, and energy charges. The company states a three-part rate provides a more accurate representation of the cost to provide service to customers. An increase in the customer charge for residential service and general service small customers is also requested. Rate design changes have&nbsp; been proposed for large commercial and industrial customers as well.

The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually over Zoom to make it convenient for Southern Pioneer customers in all Kansas service areas to participate. Southern Pioneer serves approximately 17,000 customers in southwest and south-central Kansas.

To join the meeting as a participant, with the ability to make a public comment or ask a question, customers should register by noon Monday, March 18 on the “Your Opinion Matters” page of the Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMxNC45MTc4NzA5MSJ9.nKYf5Vf4sWfabg4WboOVPLGStRWOwpIXjsE3-teaQeA/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">website</a>. To view the hearing without participating, the public can tune in to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMTQuOTE3ODcwOTEifQ.nmT1DuEi1-_W3tx3agwESESKT8wqepkc5SGMUMnAZ3w/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">KCC YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;(no registration required). The hearing will also be recorded and available on YouTube for later viewing.

In addition to participating in the public hearing, customers can share their thoughts on the proposed rate design with the Commission by submitting a public comment on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMxNC45MTc4NzA5MSJ9.LSBGPn43v2fIwWDtbNy0c_M5H2vuT3tCc8YXM_q8Ngk/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>, in a letter to the KCC Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or a call to 1-800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683212265913.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Corporation Commission&nbsp;TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a public hearing to give Southern Pioneer Electric customers the opportunity to ask questions and comment on the company’s application to change its rate design.For residential and small general service customers, the company is proposing a three-part rate design that separates out the customer charge, energy delivery/demand charge, and energy charges. The company states a three-part rate provides a more accurate representation of the cost to provide service to customers. An increase in the customer charge for residential service and general service small customers is also requested. Rate design changes have&nbsp; been proposed for large commercial and industrial customers as well.The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually over Zoom to make it convenient for Southern Pioneer customers in all Kansas service areas to participate. Southern Pioneer serves approximately 17,000 customers in southwest and south-central Kansas.To join the meeting as a participant, with the ability to make a public comment or ask a question, customers should register by noon Monday, March 18 on the “Your Opinion Matters” page of the Commission’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMxNC45MTc4NzA5MSJ9.nKYf5Vf4sWfabg4WboOVPLGStRWOwpIXjsE3-teaQeA/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">website</a>. To view the hearing without participating, the public can tune in to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMTQuOTE3ODcwOTEifQ.nmT1DuEi1-_W3tx3agwESESKT8wqepkc5SGMUMnAZ3w/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">KCC YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;(no registration required). The hearing will also be recorded and available on YouTube for later viewing.In addition to participating in the public hearing, customers can share their thoughts on the proposed rate design with the Commission by submitting a public comment on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtjYy5rcy5nb3YveW91ci1vcGluaW9uLW1hdHRlcnM_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDMxNC45MTc4NzA5MSJ9.LSBGPn43v2fIwWDtbNy0c_M5H2vuT3tCc8YXM_q8Ngk/s/1510803065/br/238817966831-l" target="_blank">KCC’s website</a>, in a letter to the KCC Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or a call to 1-800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 15.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

KCC to hold public hearing on Southern Pioneer's proposed rate design changes

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie USD 311 Superintendent Ashley Anderson is looking forward to a pivotal day next week for the ongoing projects related to the recently passed bond issue in the district.

"Tuesday is kind of a big day," Anderson said. "Sturgeon Glass is coming down and we're going to start making a plan for which classrooms we're going to start with at the high school. We're going to have to relocate the kids and the teachers a little bit while they are working in a classroom, and so, we're going to have to kind of play musical chairs, or musical classrooms, I guess, and move some things around. We're going to start planning for that project."

Also on Tuesday is another important phase of a different portion of the project.

"Right after that meeting, we have all the subcontractors coming out with DCS, and they'll start walking through our gym, where we're going to do the big renovation project," Anderson said. "That's a big day. It's starting to get real, now that subcontractors are coming on site and they'll start the bidding process. We're one step closer."

The kids will have an adjustment period as classrooms get moved around.

"We knew the high school kids would be the most flexible and easygoing," Anderson said. "We knew we were going to start there. Then we'll move to the middle school and then we'll move to the grade school. Hopefully, we'll be to the grade school in May. All of the testing will be done. We don't want to disrupt the grade school, as much as we can."

The district also plans to rebalance classrooms with class sizes at the grade school level when they have to move around anyway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657626013131.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostPRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie USD 311 Superintendent Ashley Anderson is looking forward to a pivotal day next week for the ongoing projects related to the recently passed bond issue in the district."Tuesday is kind of a big day," Anderson said. "Sturgeon Glass is coming down and we're going to start making a plan for which classrooms we're going to start with at the high school. We're going to have to relocate the kids and the teachers a little bit while they are working in a classroom, and so, we're going to have to kind of play musical chairs, or musical classrooms, I guess, and move some things around. We're going to start planning for that project."Also on Tuesday is another important phase of a different portion of the project."Right after that meeting, we have all the subcontractors coming out with DCS, and they'll start walking through our gym, where we're going to do the big renovation project," Anderson said. "That's a big day. It's starting to get real, now that subcontractors are coming on site and they'll start the bidding process. We're one step closer."The kids will have an adjustment period as classrooms get moved around."We knew the high school kids would be the most flexible and easygoing," Anderson said. "We knew we were going to start there. Then we'll move to the middle school and then we'll move to the grade school. Hopefully, we'll be to the grade school in May. All of the testing will be done. We don't want to disrupt the grade school, as much as we can."The district also plans to rebalance classrooms with class sizes at the grade school level when they have to move around anyway.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

Pretty Prairie bond work to continue

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 East Avenue A and South Main.

The three-story building at 28 S. Main was originally built in 1887 and known as the Whiteside-Penney Block.

Around 1900, it was converted to the New York Hotel and A.E. Streeter was the proprietor. The first photo shows the New York Hotel in all its glory about 1908.

Around 1915, the hotel ended and the building was converted back to retail businesses. That's when Cash Drug opened at 28 S. Main.

In 1927, the building went through a comprehensive remodeling. The second photo, by the Stamey Construction Co., shows the third-story removal and the rebricking of two sides to resemble the building we see today.

The third photo shows the Cash Drug Co. in 1940. It was there from 1915 to 1965.

From 1966 to 1986, Virginia's Women's Clothing resided at 28 S. Main.

In 1987, the building had another changeover with Hooter's and Apollo Specialties occupying these spots.  The fourth photo shows these businesses in 1988.

Wayne's Printing took over the 26 S. Main slot in 1994. The fifth photo shows the 26-28 S. Main addresses today with Wayne's and Apollo Specialties still there. The Property is owned by Wayne's Printing &amp; Copying Inc. c/o Wayne Strawder.

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/2024/3/1710339631971.png" alt="New York Hotel - Main St. looking north from Ave. A (with New York Hotel) c. 1908. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel - Main St. looking north from Ave. A (with New York Hotel) c. 1908. 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 East Avenue A and South Main.The three-story building at 28 S. Main was originally built in 1887 and known as the Whiteside-Penney Block.Around 1900, it was converted to the New York Hotel and A.E. Streeter was the proprietor. The first photo shows the New York Hotel in all its glory about 1908.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710339631971.png" alt="New York Hotel - Main St. looking North from Ave A (with New York Hotel) c. 1908. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel - Main St. looking North from Ave A (with New York Hotel) c. 1908. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Around 1915, the hotel ended and the building was converted back to retail businesses. That's when Cash Drug opened at 28 S. Main.In 1927, the building went through a comprehensive remodeling. The second photo, by the Stamey Construction Co., shows the third-story removal and the rebricking of two sides to resemble the building we see today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710340223370.png" alt="New York Hotel a.k.a. Penney Bldg. third floor deletion and refacing - 28 S. Main - 1927. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel a.k.a. Penney Bldg. third floor deletion and refacing - 28 S. Main - 1927. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>The third photo shows the Cash Drug Co. in 1940. It was there from 1915 to 1965.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710340338210.png" alt="New York Hotel - Cash Drug Co. and Roberts Printing - 28 S. Main &amp; Ave. A - 1940. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel - Cash Drug Co. and Roberts Printing - 28 S. Main &amp; Ave. A - 1940. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>From 1966 to 1986, Virginia's Women's Clothing resided at 28 S. Main.In 1987, the building had another changeover with Hooter's and Apollo Specialties occupying these spots. The fourth photo shows these businesses in 1988.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710340385994.png" alt="New York Hotel - Hooter's - Apollo Specialties - 26-28 S. Main - August 1988. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel - Hooter's - Apollo Specialties - 26-28 S. Main - August 1988. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne's Printing took over the 26 S. Main slot in 1994. The fifth photo shows the 26-28 S. Main addresses today with Wayne's and Apollo Specialties still there. The Property is owned by Wayne's Printing &amp; Copying Inc. c/o Wayne Strawder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710340531890.png" alt="New York Hotel - Apollo Specialties and Wayne's Printing - 28 S. Main - Feb. 7, 2024. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>New York Hotel - Apollo Specialties and Wayne's Printing - 28 S. Main - Feb. 7, 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: New York Hotel - Vol. 61

NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting,&nbsp;the City Commission received an update on the upcoming replacement of the artificial turf at Fischer Field.

The Public Building Commission met Feb. 29 and selected Hellas Construction to replace the turf, at a total cost of $449,216. They plan to begin construction April 22 and complete the project by May 31, assuming no problems are found with the subsurface conditions.

The Public Building Commission is made up of appointees from the City, School District, and Recreation Commission, which each contribute 1 mill per year in funding for recreation improvements. Fischer Field’s turf was last replaced in 2014.

The Commission also heard a report on the City’s progress on community beautification and cleanup since the Commission requested changes at a work session last August.

City staff recently implemented a new software for tracking environmental violation cases, which has greatly improved the efficiency of tracking and reporting. Staff has also adopted new procedures for environmental control: In addition to responding to resident complaints, staff will begin systematically enforcing code violations in one area of the city each year, based on the street maintenance areas map. In 2024, for example, the focus will be Area 1, bordered by Southeast 14th, East First, South Pine, and Hillside.

The City Attorney’s Office is also working on an update to City Code this summer, which may include recommendations for areas where the City Commission could reduce timelines for processing code violations, as well as potentially increasing fines for environmental violation convictions.

In other action, the City Commission:

<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/2024/3/1710408119372.jpeg" alt="The turf is due for replacement at Newton's Fischer Field. Image courtesy City of Newton." />
 <figcaption>The turf is due for replacement at Newton's Fischer Field. Image courtesy City of Newton.</figcaption>
 </figure>ERIN MCDANIEL City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting,&nbsp;the City Commission received an update on the upcoming replacement of the artificial turf at Fischer Field.The Public Building Commission met Feb. 29 and selected Hellas Construction to replace the turf, at a total cost of $449,216. They plan to begin construction April 22 and complete the project by May 31, assuming no problems are found with the subsurface conditions.The Public Building Commission is made up of appointees from the City, School District, and Recreation Commission, which each contribute 1 mill per year in funding for recreation improvements. Fischer Field’s turf was last replaced in 2014.Code EnforcementThe Commission also heard a report on the City’s progress on community beautification and cleanup since the Commission requested changes at a work session last August.City staff recently implemented a new software for tracking environmental violation cases, which has greatly improved the efficiency of tracking and reporting. Staff has also adopted new procedures for environmental control: In addition to responding to resident complaints, staff will begin systematically enforcing code violations in one area of the city each year, based on the street maintenance areas map. In 2024, for example, the focus will be Area 1, bordered by Southeast 14th, East First, South Pine, and Hillside.The City Attorney’s Office is also working on an update to City Code this summer, which may include recommendations for areas where the City Commission could reduce timelines for processing code violations, as well as potentially increasing fines for environmental violation convictions.In other action, the City Commission:<ol>
 <li>Awarded a contract for traffic signal and intersection improvements at First and Spencer to Phillips Southern Electric Co. for $451,171. The project will be bonded, with special assessments from QuikTrip paying 1/3 of the costs and the City paying 2/3. Construction is expected late this summer.</li><li>Approved a request to close Athletic Park Circle on June 15 for the Cookie Daze 5K.</li><li>Approved a request to close Centennial Park on May 4 for the Battle of the Schools 1-Mile Fun Run.</li>
 </ol><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;

Newton City Commission hears turf update

Not every wheat farmer can see and handle the flour made from their harvest, let alone taste a loaf of bread made from that wheat. But that was exactly the experience of one participant in the 2024 Kansas Wheat Leadership Program recently conducted by Kansas Wheat.&nbsp;

Neil Bekemeyer, a wheat farmer from Washington, was one of eight participants in the second annual program. He sent in a sample from his bins ahead of the two-day event, which featured a kernel-to-loaf look at the Kansas wheat industry. Throughout the program, that sample was used as an example of how grain moves from the field to the mill to the end consumer. That direct connection was unique, but the hands-on, small-class experience is exactly the design intended for the program.&nbsp;

“In the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program, we try to cover all aspects of the wheat industry from breeding to milling,” said Shayna DeGroot, Kansas Wheat director of membership and government affairs. “We covered the industry from start to finish for producers to learn more about how their wheat plant is bred, how new varieties are developed and what happens when their wheat leaves their farm.”

The leadership program took place in Manhattan at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center on March 6 and 7. The Farm Credit Associations of Kansas sponsored the event, making it free for all attendees.&nbsp;

The first morning kicked off with a Wheat 101 presentation by Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, followed by a tour of the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center. Marsha Boswell, Kansas Wheat vice president of communications, rounded out the morning by imparting the importance of sharing the farmers’ story and discussing the consumer-focused site EatWheat.org.&nbsp;

After lunch, leadership program participants received more technical information about wheat physiology and modern wheat breeding techniques from K-State wheat breeder Allan Fritz. Romulo Lollato, K-State associate professor of wheat and forage production, provided information on how yield and protein are set in a wheat crop.&nbsp;

Aaron Lueger, young, beginning, small relationship officer at Frontier Farm Credit, discussed farm financing programs. Dan Maltby, principal of Maltby Risk Management, LLC, shared insights on global wheat supply and demand while DeGroot discussed farm policy issues related to the wheat industry.&nbsp;

Finally, Asif Mohammad, chief scientist with Heartland Plant Innovations, conducted a hands-on demonstration of wheat emasculation — the process by which scientists remove the upper part of a wheat floret to better facilitate pollination. This process is an important part of developing double haploids — HPI’s technical specialty that substantially reduces the time and cost of developing new wheat varieties.&nbsp;

“The participants got to emasculate the wheat and the HPI staff showed them how they would pollinate the plant and the other steps involved in the double haploid process,”&nbsp;DeGroot said.&nbsp;

Day two of the program focused on wheat milling, with an introduction to the topic given by Paul Blodgett, program/project manager of K-State’s Hal Ross Flour Mill, followed by a tour of the mill itself. Kathy Brower, lab manager of Grain Craft​'s Innovation &amp; Quality Lab, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, discussed the process that takes grain to flour.&nbsp;

“This program teaches participants what happens in the wheat industry from start to finish, allowing them to have hands-on learning from some of the most renowned professionals in the industry,” DeGroot said. “They really got to see why quality is so important, what millers are looking for when they are purchasing and other factors from start to finish so they can further understand why there is a push for certain characteristics or why some varieties are more popular.”

If you are interested in participating in the 2025 Kansas Wheat Leadership Program, please e-mail Shayna DeGroot at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sdegroot@kswheat.com">sdegroot@kswheat.com</a>. But even before next year’s program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PBk9BmMXdiycPeHmVZvBfjLZkHDFUojWhM_Ke1TIcgxu4qKzcavo1PQWxpVJRU3C2dMZ3AUitSyaRXezW4bN6IMbw7R36oTfzyxbRG3_OqQR3zgrhuuQdpKa3lIaJqOLRMTALU2obK3nL0R_WgWPoQ==&amp;c=Vswc8Ml7TLxWNf0S6AvVNkZ2OR_kzhX3DyCi9Mm9aPbCoEOfTPXu6g==&amp;ch=JP000_Trwr2bLhtJ-YMcfJ9I6--Jz-k-6mR6eVxz4x4-wX-xTybQDQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/kawg</a>&nbsp;to join KAWG and keep on top of the latest developments and opportunities in the Kansas wheat industry.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatNot every wheat farmer can see and handle the flour made from their harvest, let alone taste a loaf of bread made from that wheat. But that was exactly the experience of one participant in the 2024 Kansas Wheat Leadership Program recently conducted by Kansas Wheat.&nbsp;Neil Bekemeyer, a wheat farmer from Washington, was one of eight participants in the second annual program. He sent in a sample from his bins ahead of the two-day event, which featured a kernel-to-loaf look at the Kansas wheat industry. Throughout the program, that sample was used as an example of how grain moves from the field to the mill to the end consumer. That direct connection was unique, but the hands-on, small-class experience is exactly the design intended for the program.&nbsp;“In the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program, we try to cover all aspects of the wheat industry from breeding to milling,” said Shayna DeGroot, Kansas Wheat director of membership and government affairs. “We covered the industry from start to finish for producers to learn more about how their wheat plant is bred, how new varieties are developed and what happens when their wheat leaves their farm.”The leadership program took place in Manhattan at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center on March 6 and 7. The Farm Credit Associations of Kansas sponsored the event, making it free for all attendees.&nbsp;The first morning kicked off with a Wheat 101 presentation by Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, followed by a tour of the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center. Marsha Boswell, Kansas Wheat vice president of communications, rounded out the morning by imparting the importance of sharing the farmers’ story and discussing the consumer-focused site EatWheat.org.&nbsp;After lunch, leadership program participants received more technical information about wheat physiology and modern wheat breeding techniques from K-State wheat breeder Allan Fritz. Romulo Lollato, K-State associate professor of wheat and forage production, provided information on how yield and protein are set in a wheat crop.&nbsp;Aaron Lueger, young, beginning, small relationship officer at Frontier Farm Credit, discussed farm financing programs. Dan Maltby, principal of Maltby Risk Management, LLC, shared insights on global wheat supply and demand while DeGroot discussed farm policy issues related to the wheat industry.&nbsp;Finally, Asif Mohammad, chief scientist with Heartland Plant Innovations, conducted a hands-on demonstration of wheat emasculation — the process by which scientists remove the upper part of a wheat floret to better facilitate pollination. This process is an important part of developing double haploids — HPI’s technical specialty that substantially reduces the time and cost of developing new wheat varieties.&nbsp;“The participants got to emasculate the wheat and the HPI staff showed them how they would pollinate the plant and the other steps involved in the double haploid process,”&nbsp;DeGroot said.&nbsp;Day two of the program focused on wheat milling, with an introduction to the topic given by Paul Blodgett, program/project manager of K-State’s Hal Ross Flour Mill, followed by a tour of the mill itself. Kathy Brower, lab manager of Grain Craft​'s Innovation &amp; Quality Lab, located in the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, discussed the process that takes grain to flour.&nbsp;“This program teaches participants what happens in the wheat industry from start to finish, allowing them to have hands-on learning from some of the most renowned professionals in the industry,” DeGroot said. “They really got to see why quality is so important, what millers are looking for when they are purchasing and other factors from start to finish so they can further understand why there is a push for certain characteristics or why some varieties are more popular.”If you are interested in participating in the 2025 Kansas Wheat Leadership Program, please e-mail Shayna DeGroot at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sdegroot@kswheat.com">sdegroot@kswheat.com</a>. But even before next year’s program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PBk9BmMXdiycPeHmVZvBfjLZkHDFUojWhM_Ke1TIcgxu4qKzcavo1PQWxpVJRU3C2dMZ3AUitSyaRXezW4bN6IMbw7R36oTfzyxbRG3_OqQR3zgrhuuQdpKa3lIaJqOLRMTALU2obK3nL0R_WgWPoQ==&amp;c=Vswc8Ml7TLxWNf0S6AvVNkZ2OR_kzhX3DyCi9Mm9aPbCoEOfTPXu6g==&amp;ch=JP000_Trwr2bLhtJ-YMcfJ9I6--Jz-k-6mR6eVxz4x4-wX-xTybQDQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/kawg</a>&nbsp;to join KAWG and keep on top of the latest developments and opportunities in the Kansas wheat industry.&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;

Wheat Scoop:  From Lab to Loaf 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Board of County Commissioners is hosting the Quad-County Planning Forum beginning at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Comosphere Space Museum, 1100 N. Plum Street in Hutchinson.

Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler Counties make up the forum. A possible quorum of commissioners may attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688075084404.jpeg" alt="Cosmosphere file photo-Judd Weil" />
 <figcaption>Cosmosphere file photo-Judd Weil</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Board of County Commissioners is hosting the Quad-County Planning Forum beginning at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Comosphere Space Museum, 1100 N. Plum Street in Hutchinson.Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and Butler Counties make up the forum. A possible quorum of commissioners may attend.<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;

Quad County hosted in Hutchinson Monday

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;

3/14/2024 1:03 AM-Matthew	Isaac Williams-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;

3/14/2024 12:08 AM-Thomas	Dale Pfister Jr.-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct

3/13/2024 11:45 PM-Brian	Benjamin Bullock-Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises

3/13/2024 11:08 PM-Jamie	Michelle Windmeyer-Probation Violation

3/13/2024 10:22 PM-Ismael Chavez-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

3/13/2024 3:43 PM-Anthony	Theron Ostberg-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order

3/13/2024 1:08 PM	Hawkins		Dustin	Lee	Failure to Appear

<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;3/14/2024 1:03 AM-Matthew	Isaac Williams-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body&nbsp;3/14/2024 12:08 AM-Thomas	Dale Pfister Jr.-Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Disorderly Conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct3/13/2024 11:45 PM-Brian	Benjamin Bullock-Criminal Trespass; Posted or Locked Premises3/13/2024 11:08 PM-Jamie	Michelle Windmeyer-Probation Violation3/13/2024 10:22 PM-Ismael Chavez-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;3/13/2024 3:43 PM-Anthony	Theron Ostberg-Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order3/13/2024 1:08 PM	Hawkins		Dustin	Lee	Failure to Appear

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amanda Vega has a goal as the new Dolly Parton Imagination Library Coordinator for Reno and Stafford County. Vega said she became the new coordinator about three weeks ago.&nbsp;

"My whole goal is to start getting more bilingual books into the hands of  daycares and different kinds of clinics, and the health department," Vega said.&nbsp;

Vega is a speaker of English, Spanish and ASL.&nbsp;There are about 100 bilingual children signed up for the Imagination Library in Reno County. 

Parents and guardians have the option to receive Spanish and English literature when they sign their child up for the program. This is regardless if they are bilingual speakers or not.&nbsp;

"Books that are bilingual, have really good stories," Vega said.&nbsp;

Vega is also the United Way office assistant and a mother of five. She said her youngest child receives books from the library in the mail.&nbsp;

"It's important because if you can start kids from 0-5 years old... if you can get them to start reading, you are better preparing them for pre-k and kindergarten," Vega said. "They are getting 65 books by the time they reach the age of 5. So that is 64 ways for them to meet new imaginations like meet new people and just experience more literature."&nbsp;

There are 2,213 children that are signed up for the program in Reno County and 73 signed up in Stafford County.&nbsp;

The imagination library launched in 1995 in Parton's hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. In 2022, two million books were mailed each month globally.

Sign up information for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">United Way of Reno County</a>. A direct sign up link to the imagination library website is also provided&nbsp;<a href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/">here</a>.&nbsp;

United Way can also register a child over the phone by calling (620) 669-9329.&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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710345368170.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of United Way.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of United Way.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amanda Vega has a goal as the new Dolly Parton Imagination Library Coordinator for Reno and Stafford County. Vega said she became the new coordinator about three weeks ago.&nbsp;"My whole goal is to start getting more bilingual books into the hands of daycares and different kinds of clinics, and the health department," Vega said.&nbsp;Vega is a speaker of English, Spanish and ASL.&nbsp;There are about 100 bilingual children signed up for the Imagination Library in Reno County. Parents and guardians have the option to receive Spanish and English literature when they sign their child up for the program. This is regardless if they are bilingual speakers or not.&nbsp;"Books that are bilingual, have really good stories," Vega said.&nbsp;Vega is also the United Way office assistant and a mother of five. She said her youngest child receives books from the library in the mail.&nbsp;"It's important because if you can start kids from 0-5 years old... if you can get them to start reading, you are better preparing them for pre-k and kindergarten," Vega said. "They are getting 65 books by the time they reach the age of 5. So that is 64 ways for them to meet new imaginations like meet new people and just experience more literature."&nbsp;There are 2,213 children that are signed up for the program in Reno County and 73 signed up in Stafford County.&nbsp;The imagination library launched in 1995 in Parton's hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee. In 2022, two million books were mailed each month globally.Sign up information for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unitedwayofrenocounty.org/">United Way of Reno County</a>. A direct sign up link to the imagination library website is also provided&nbsp;<a href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/">here</a>.&nbsp;United Way can also register a child over the phone by calling (620) 669-9329.&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;&nbsp;

United Way hires new Imagination library coordinator 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will discuss at a future meeting whether they should hold public meetings in the unzoned areas of the county to contemplate zoning in the entirety of the county or not.

Right now, the western half of the county is not subject to the same zoning regulations as the northeast and southeast corners are.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710350963598.jpeg" alt="County Commission 03-13-2024" />
 <figcaption>County Commission 03-13-2024</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners will discuss at a future meeting whether they should hold public meetings in the unzoned areas of the county to contemplate zoning in the entirety of the county or not.Right now, the western half of the county is not subject to the same zoning regulations as the northeast and southeast corners are.Commissioner Randy Parks wants to see the commission have that conversation and Commissioner John Whitesel wanted to be sure that it is on a future agenda so that the public could be made aware in case they want to come to that future meeting to comment on it before any further steps are taken.Staff was directed to put that item on a future agenda, potentially as soon as the next meeting, which would be March 27.<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;

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