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; &nbsp;

12/22/2023 7:33 PM-Austin	James Vanatta-DWS; 3rd or subs conv&nbsp;

12/22/2023 6:26 PM-Davis	Lee Verette-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;

12/22/2023 6:12 PM-Todd	Allen Hadley-DUI; Alcohol or drugs; Felony&nbsp;

12/22/2023 3:25 PM-Trousel	John Shields-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;

12/22/2023 2:09 PM-Kylie	Wayne Light-Failure to Appear; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;

12/22/2023 2:06 PM-Dakota	Jordan Pearman-Direct Contempt

12/22/2023 8:47 AM-Laci	Dawn Ring-Direct Contempt

12/22/2023 7:13 AM-Tevin	Demarkus Bradshaw-Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY&nbsp;

<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; &nbsp;12/22/2023 7:33 PM-Austin	James Vanatta-DWS; 3rd or subs conv&nbsp;12/22/2023 6:26 PM-Davis	Lee Verette-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Poss of marijuana&nbsp;12/22/2023 6:12 PM-Todd	Allen Hadley-DUI; Alcohol or drugs; Felony&nbsp;12/22/2023 3:25 PM-Trousel	John Shields-Disorderly Conduct; Brawling or fighting&nbsp;12/22/2023 2:09 PM-Kylie	Wayne Light-Failure to Appear; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv&nbsp;12/22/2023 2:06 PM-Dakota	Jordan Pearman-Direct Contempt12/22/2023 8:47 AM-Laci	Dawn Ring-Direct Contempt12/22/2023 7:13 AM-Tevin	Demarkus Bradshaw-Drugs; Distribute Opiates/Opium/Narcotic (Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamine); Unknown QTY&nbsp;

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced Friday that Connie Schmitt, Director of Sponsorship &amp; Marketing is retiring. 

According to the fair, during her tenure, Connie was instrumental in initiating the Veteran’s/Military Appreciation Breakfast, honoring our service members, and Christian concert night, that is now a staple in the annual concert series. 

She also made it possible, through sponsorships with the fair's partners, to have the LED screens placed throughout the Fairgrounds and on the west side of the Grandstand. 

The fair said her greatest achievement has been establishing the Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday and bringing the Super Bowl Trophy to the Kansas State Fair.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703279968504.jpeg" alt="Connie Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Connie Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State FairHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair announced Friday that Connie Schmitt, Director of Sponsorship &amp; Marketing is retiring. According to the fair, during her tenure, Connie was instrumental in initiating the Veteran’s/Military Appreciation Breakfast, honoring our service members, and Christian concert night, that is now a staple in the annual concert series. She also made it possible, through sponsorships with the fair's partners, to have the LED screens placed throughout the Fairgrounds and on the west side of the Grandstand. The fair said her greatest achievement has been establishing the Kansas Lottery Chiefs Red Friday and bringing the Super Bowl Trophy to the Kansas State Fair.&nbsp;Schmitt was with the fair for 17 years.<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;

Schmitt retires from State Fair

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vLx27MX6tM?si=lJFOVPeAtwVvITvh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert.

🎤 Forward Ever: Country Stampede marketing director Shelby Ebert

HUTCHINSON, Kan.  — Hutch Post's Emmie Boese was out on Third Thursday for EAGLE Media's Live Nativity, the Lights on Pennington Road and the Christmas Pop-Up Bar, The Vixen. Below are her photos from Thursday, Dec. 21.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Post's Emmie Boese was out on Third Thursday for EAGLE Media's Live Nativity, the Lights on Pennington Road and the Christmas Pop-Up Bar, The Vixen. Below are her photos from Thursday, Dec. 21.<figure>
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 </figure><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;

📷 2023 December Third Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County was lower for the month of November 2023.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county went down 1.1 percent to 2.2%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2022 was 2.8%.

There were 649 county residents out of work.&nbsp;

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.9% in November. This is unchanged from 2.9% in October and unchanged from 2.9% in November 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 from October. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 2,100 over the month, while government increased by 600.

Since November 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 14,300. This change is due to an increase of 6,600 private sector jobs and an increase of 7,700 government jobs.

<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/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County was lower for the month of November 2023.According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county went down 1.1 percent to 2.2%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2022 was 2.8%.There were 649 county residents out of work.&nbsp;Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.9% in November. This is unchanged from 2.9% in October and unchanged from 2.9% in November 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 from October. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 2,100 over the month, while government increased by 600.Since November 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Nov2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 14,300. This change is due to an increase of 6,600 private sector jobs and an increase of 7,700 government jobs.<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;

November unemployment down in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said there are quite a few concerns among the bank CEOs that he surveys regularly across small communities in 10 states, including Kansas.

"The real concern out there is a downturn in farm income," Goss said. "Another issue is agricultural exports. Those are really, this year versus last year, much weaker. That's true in Kansas and true for most of the other states we survey."

In Kansas alone, according to the International Trade Administration, the export of agriculture products from Kansas declined from $1.9 billion for the first ten months of 2022 to $1.1 billion for the same period in 2023 for a 43.6% slump. The bankers across the midwest are fairly pessimistic about the future.

"When you take those who believe their area is in a recession and those who think it will go into a recession in the first half of 2024, more than 50% think we're either in a recession or going to be in a recession. Some of it, of course, is related to drought conditions."

If there is a bright spot, it is on the ground in the Midwest.

"Farmers, of course, continue to expand their purchases of farmland," Goss said. "Farmland prices continue to grow, surprisingly strong, that's, of course, another issue. Things are looking somewhat better in terms of an interest rate outlook."

It remains to be seen if interest rates will actually fall in 2024, and if so, how quickly.

<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/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said there are quite a few concerns among the bank CEOs that he surveys regularly across small communities in 10 states, including Kansas."The real concern out there is a downturn in farm income," Goss said. "Another issue is agricultural exports. Those are really, this year versus last year, much weaker. That's true in Kansas and true for most of the other states we survey."In Kansas alone, according to the International Trade Administration, the export of agriculture products from Kansas declined from $1.9 billion for the first ten months of 2022 to $1.1 billion for the same period in 2023 for a 43.6% slump. The bankers across the midwest are fairly pessimistic about the future."When you take those who believe their area is in a recession and those who think it will go into a recession in the first half of 2024, more than 50% think we're either in a recession or going to be in a recession. Some of it, of course, is related to drought conditions."If there is a bright spot, it is on the ground in the Midwest."Farmers, of course, continue to expand their purchases of farmland," Goss said. "Farmland prices continue to grow, surprisingly strong, that's, of course, another issue. Things are looking somewhat better in terms of an interest rate outlook."It remains to be seen if interest rates will actually fall in 2024, and if so, how quickly.<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;

Goss: Farm income, exports are concerns

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of their Dec. 21 meeting, the Reno County Republican Central Committee passed a resolution in opposition to the federal government's 30 by 30 land preservation goal.

The objection of the committee to the goal is its lack of protection of private property rights and they also assert that there is no constitutional authority for the federal government to make this policy goal.

The position of the county party is consistent with that of the Kansas Republican Party.

As the county party posted last month on social media,&nbsp;

"To date our state has not done anything to protect private land owners from this land grab.  Regardless of what the state does, we need to protect the rights of the citizens of Reno County.  

Additionally, tax revenue will have to be cut from the budget.  As the tax base shrinks due to increasing ownership of land by the federal government, more and more tax burden will fall on the shoulders of the citizens of Reno County.  The people should not pay taxes to the federal government and for the federal government.  The revenue loss and increased burden on the people should be even more reason to not allow anymore land acquisitions by the federal government."

The resolution was passed unanimously by all 67 county central committee members in attendance Thursday.

<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/2023/12/1703256450640.jpeg" alt="Republican Party" />
 <figcaption>Republican Party</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of their Dec. 21 meeting, the Reno County Republican Central Committee passed a resolution in opposition to the federal government's 30 by 30 land preservation goal.The objection of the committee to the goal is its lack of protection of private property rights and they also assert that there is no constitutional authority for the federal government to make this policy goal.The position of the county party is consistent with that of the Kansas Republican Party.As the county party posted last month on social media,&nbsp;"To date our state has not done anything to protect private land owners from this land grab. Regardless of what the state does, we need to protect the rights of the citizens of Reno County. Additionally, tax revenue will have to be cut from the budget. As the tax base shrinks due to increasing ownership of land by the federal government, more and more tax burden will fall on the shoulders of the citizens of Reno County. The people should not pay taxes to the federal government and for the federal government. The revenue loss and increased burden on the people should be even more reason to not allow anymore land acquisitions by the federal government."The resolution was passed unanimously by all 67 county central committee members in attendance Thursday.Below are screenshots of the resolution.<figure>
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 </figure><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;

Reno County Republican committee passes 30x30 resolution

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council was due to meet after the Christmas holiday, but they will not have enough members present for a quorum, so they will not meet this month.&nbsp;

The next scheduled meeting of the Buhler City Council is January 30, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690027423650.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler City Council was due to meet after the Christmas holiday, but they will not have enough members present for a quorum, so they will not meet this month.&nbsp;The next scheduled meeting of the Buhler City Council is January 30, 2024.<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;

No Buhler City Council meeting in December

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into Day 10 of their 12 days of ringing on Thursday, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson could still use a little more support, as they started that day a little under $11,000 from their kettle goal and a little less than halfway to their overall Christmas Campaign goal of $350,000.

"The majority of our funds come during this season," said Major Paul James. "It's kind of the season of giving. A lot of organizations and groups are raising money during this time of year. It's an important time of year that we raise the bulk of our money to operate, just keeping our lights on, keeping the staff paid that do the service."

The Salvation Army is most likely helping at least one of your neighbors.

"It was around 12 percent of the population of Reno County, even, that we serve," James said. "I never really thought about it. I just saw the number. I'm like, we serve thousands of people. Then you realize, oh, that's a lot of our population that we're helping out. We're grateful to be able to do that, but it really just depends on the support that we get from the community."

The amount of need they were able to meet at their distribution day earlier this week was large.

"We provided toys for 154 children," James said. "We had quite a few families that came in the next day that just didn't make it on to the registration. We kind of did a last minute for that. For food, I know it was over 800 families for food baskets, as well."

The Salvation Army office at 700 North Walnut will be open from 9 a.m. to noon the Tuesday through Friday after Christmas if you want to bring in an end of year gift.

<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/2023/11/1700222548699.jpeg" alt="The Hutchinson Salvation Army displays their lighted red kettle in Downtown Hutchinson on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese. " />
 <figcaption>The Hutchinson Salvation Army displays their lighted red kettle in Downtown Hutchinson on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Emmie Boese. </figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heading into Day 10 of their 12 days of ringing on Thursday, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson could still use a little more support, as they started that day a little under $11,000 from their kettle goal and a little less than halfway to their overall Christmas Campaign goal of $350,000."The majority of our funds come during this season," said Major Paul James. "It's kind of the season of giving. A lot of organizations and groups are raising money during this time of year. It's an important time of year that we raise the bulk of our money to operate, just keeping our lights on, keeping the staff paid that do the service."The Salvation Army is most likely helping at least one of your neighbors."It was around 12 percent of the population of Reno County, even, that we serve," James said. "I never really thought about it. I just saw the number. I'm like, we serve thousands of people. Then you realize, oh, that's a lot of our population that we're helping out. We're grateful to be able to do that, but it really just depends on the support that we get from the community."The amount of need they were able to meet at their distribution day earlier this week was large."We provided toys for 154 children," James said. "We had quite a few families that came in the next day that just didn't make it on to the registration. We kind of did a last minute for that. For food, I know it was over 800 families for food baskets, as well."The Salvation Army office at 700 North Walnut will be open from 9 a.m. to noon the Tuesday through Friday after Christmas if you want to bring in an end of year gift.<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;

Salvation Army kettle drive ends Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Republican committee member John Brennan, Richele Calvert won the vote from the party committee on Thursday night over Tyson Thrall to fulfill the remainder of the term of retiring County Treasurer Brenda Kowitz. 

Kowitz will officially retire Dec. 29. The County Treasurer's office is on the ballot again in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Republican committee member John Brennan, Richele Calvert won the vote from the party committee on Thursday night over Tyson Thrall to fulfill the remainder of the term of retiring County Treasurer Brenda Kowitz. Kowitz will officially retire Dec. 29. The County Treasurer's office is on the ballot again in 2024.<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;

Calvert wins Republican vote for County Treasurer

NEWTON, Kan. — According to a Thursday update from the City of Newton, the first First Street water tank is complete and ready for the chlorination process to begin after the holidays. 

The tank exterior was just washed off in the photo and will dry slightly lighter with a finished gray color.

 The tank is concrete with a shotcrete-type finish that will stand up to the elements of the nearby Builder’s Concrete Plant and Sand Creek.

The&nbsp;existing 3.8 million-gallon water tank, which was built in 1939, has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced. That water tank stores all of Newton’s drinking water before it is pumped to the City’s four elevated water towers. The plan is to build one new 1.9 million-gallon tank before demolishing the old tank and replacing it with a second 1.9 million-gallon tank.

This will allow in the future for one tank to be taken down for maintenance and still leave the community with a steady water supply.

The new loan amount for the project, approved earlier this year, is $8,347,473 through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund at a gross interest rate of 1.26% per year.

<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/2023/12/1703239748474.jpeg" alt="Newton water tank Dec. 21, 2023-Photo Courtesy City of Newton" />
 <figcaption>Newton water tank Dec. 21, 2023-Photo Courtesy City of Newton</figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — According to a Thursday update from the City of Newton, the first First Street water tank is complete and ready for the chlorination process to begin after the holidays. The tank exterior was just washed off in the photo and will dry slightly lighter with a finished gray color. The tank is concrete with a shotcrete-type finish that will stand up to the elements of the nearby Builder’s Concrete Plant and Sand Creek.The&nbsp;existing 3.8 million-gallon water tank, which was built in 1939, has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced. That water tank stores all of Newton’s drinking water before it is pumped to the City’s four elevated water towers. The plan is to build one new 1.9 million-gallon tank before demolishing the old tank and replacing it with a second 1.9 million-gallon tank.This will allow in the future for one tank to be taken down for maintenance and still leave the community with a steady water supply.The new loan amount for the project, approved earlier this year, is $8,347,473 through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund at a gross interest rate of 1.26% per year.<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;

New tank built for water in Newton

SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications Specialist

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Youth Services Assistant Director Joe Hammeke has been chosen as the new Reno County Youth Services Director starting Saturday, December 23, 2023. Current Youth Services Director Shelly Bredemeier is retiring on December 22, 2023, after 35 years of public service to Reno County.

Hammeke began his career at Reno County Court Services in March 1996, as a juvenile probation officer. In 2010, he became the supervisor of the Juvenile Probation Department, a position he held until July 2018. Hammeke was then hired by Reno County Youth Services to become the supervisor of Intake and Assessment, as well as the Administrative Contact for the 27thJudicial District. In 2021, he was promoted to Assistant Director at Youth Services, his current position.

Hammeke attributes his success to having worked under great management since arriving in Hutchinson. “Every supervisor I have worked for has demonstrated a strong religious faith, which has guided me in strengthening mine as I continue facing the many challenges of working with numerous children and their families,” said Hammeke.

“God has blessed me in every aspect of my life. When you appreciate driving to work and look forward to returning to your family each day, you have so much to be thankful for. I was also blessed with wonderful parents and eight siblings, all of which have contributed tremendously to who I am today. God has enabled me to make a living at something I have truly loved doing for more than 26 years. Hopefully, he will grant me many more years as a member of Reno County Youth Services.”

Randy Partington, Reno County Administrator, said, “We are excited to promote Joe to Director of Youth Services. Joe is well suited for this position and cares deeply about the impact he can have with staff and the youth being served by the department.”

Hammeke said that he has been working with juveniles his entire adult life, dating back to working in an emergency shelter while attending school at Fort Hays State University. Hammeke has been married to his wife Stacy for 24 years, together raising four children in Hutchinson where he has forged many strong relationships with great friends and coworkers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703239390120.jpeg" alt="Joe Hammeke, Reno County Youth Services Director. Photo by Sandra Milburn." />
 <figcaption>Joe Hammeke, Reno County Youth Services Director. Photo by Sandra Milburn.</figcaption>
 </figure>SANDRA MILBURN Reno County Communications SpecialistHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Youth Services Assistant Director Joe Hammeke has been chosen as the new Reno County Youth Services Director starting Saturday, December 23, 2023. Current Youth Services Director Shelly Bredemeier is retiring on December 22, 2023, after 35 years of public service to Reno County.Hammeke began his career at Reno County Court Services in March 1996, as a juvenile probation officer. In 2010, he became the supervisor of the Juvenile Probation Department, a position he held until July 2018. Hammeke was then hired by Reno County Youth Services to become the supervisor of Intake and Assessment, as well as the Administrative Contact for the 27thJudicial District. In 2021, he was promoted to Assistant Director at Youth Services, his current position.Hammeke attributes his success to having worked under great management since arriving in Hutchinson. “Every supervisor I have worked for has demonstrated a strong religious faith, which has guided me in strengthening mine as I continue facing the many challenges of working with numerous children and their families,” said Hammeke.“God has blessed me in every aspect of my life. When you appreciate driving to work and look forward to returning to your family each day, you have so much to be thankful for. I was also blessed with wonderful parents and eight siblings, all of which have contributed tremendously to who I am today. God has enabled me to make a living at something I have truly loved doing for more than 26 years. Hopefully, he will grant me many more years as a member of Reno County Youth Services.”Randy Partington, Reno County Administrator, said, “We are excited to promote Joe to Director of Youth Services. Joe is well suited for this position and cares deeply about the impact he can have with staff and the youth being served by the department.”Hammeke said that he has been working with juveniles his entire adult life, dating back to working in an emergency shelter while attending school at Fort Hays State University. Hammeke has been married to his wife Stacy for 24 years, together raising four children in Hutchinson where he has forged many strong relationships with great friends and coworkers.<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;

Joe Hammeke chosen as new Reno County Youth Services Director

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;

12/21/2023 3:18 PM-Dustin	Waylon Almond-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Direct Contempt

12/21/2023 2:29 PM-Chelsie	Kay Allison-Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant

12/21/2023 9:43 AM-Anthony	Wayne Ryan-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; &nbsp;12/21/2023 3:18 PM-Dustin	Waylon Almond-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Criminal Damage to Property; Without consent; &lt; $1,000; Direct Contempt12/21/2023 2:29 PM-Chelsie	Kay Allison-Pedestrian; Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs upon Roadway; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant12/21/2023 9:43 AM-Anthony	Wayne Ryan-Failure to Appear

SALINA, Kan. — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is pleased to announce the nomination of&nbsp;Cristina Pena&nbsp;of McPherson to West Point and the U.S. Naval academies. Cristina is the daughter of Fidencio Angel and Melanie Nicole Pena.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to nominate Cristina to West Point and the Naval academy,” Senator Marshall said. “As a veteran myself, I commend Cristina’s commitment to leadership, service, and duty. Her willingness to serve her country is inspiring and represents the best of our next generation.”

A total of 53 Kansas high school students participated in U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.’s 2023 Military Service Academy interviews, resulting in 38 students receiving nominations for at least one U.S. military service academy. All students nominated by Senator Marshall are further vetted and reviewed by Academy staff before receiving a final determination on acceptance.

This year’s interviews were conducted in November at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Applicants were interviewed by the following panelists: Scott Stuckey, Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army, Junction City; Janet Nichols, Protocol Chief, First Infantry Division, Manhattan; Jeff Mitchell, Naval Academy graduate, Blue and Gold Officer at the Naval Academy, Lawrence; Lee Gilgour, Blue and Gold Officer at the Naval Academy, Kansas City; Brevin Irvin, West Point Graduate, Wichita Firefighter, Firehouse 20, Wichita; and Bonnie Molz and Tyler Mason, staff for Senator Marshall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703181226542.jpeg" alt="Cristina Pena was nominated to West Point and the Naval Academy by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. Photo courtesy Sen. Marshall's office." />
 <figcaption>Cristina Pena was nominated to West Point and the Naval Academy by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. Photo courtesy Sen. Marshall's office.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is pleased to announce the nomination of&nbsp;Cristina Pena&nbsp;of McPherson to West Point and the U.S. Naval academies. Cristina is the daughter of Fidencio Angel and Melanie Nicole Pena.“It’s a privilege and an honor to nominate Cristina to West Point and the Naval academy,” Senator Marshall said. “As a veteran myself, I commend Cristina’s commitment to leadership, service, and duty. Her willingness to serve her country is inspiring and represents the best of our next generation.”A total of 53 Kansas high school students participated in U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.’s 2023 Military Service Academy interviews, resulting in 38 students receiving nominations for at least one U.S. military service academy. All students nominated by Senator Marshall are further vetted and reviewed by Academy staff before receiving a final determination on acceptance.This year’s interviews were conducted in November at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Applicants were interviewed by the following panelists: Scott Stuckey, Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army, Junction City; Janet Nichols, Protocol Chief, First Infantry Division, Manhattan; Jeff Mitchell, Naval Academy graduate, Blue and Gold Officer at the Naval Academy, Lawrence; Lee Gilgour, Blue and Gold Officer at the Naval Academy, Kansas City; Brevin Irvin, West Point Graduate, Wichita Firefighter, Firehouse 20, Wichita; and Bonnie Molz and Tyler Mason, staff for Senator Marshall.&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;

Pena nominated by Marshall to two service academies

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Plans are still being made to commemorate a Kansas teacher who died from injuries suffered in a car accident last week.

According to a social media post, the family of Canton-Galva ag teacher Ashley Austin has designated the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasFFAFoundation?__cft__[0]=AZXcAtJK7AfP6jToGHmmW3P6_7U_niWQ2oBYjjIUGe1bRC6lVA2JXl13ohizxAhzPOk_LEhWzdqhG9GsUtoC49JvXgYHuPDVa4-kbrQrPZv3ubHXcVJ0l5oINC64_WIoOlm6jm7vpngptn3dliyCXFuCRZJJa6I_eFoaNP2cmcibIosBE1ado8NXKjJlZUzi4Kilz7Fhku-N8w4BgIioKlb4&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R"> Kansas FFA Foundation</a>&nbsp;to hold a memorial fund in her honor. Donations can be made here: <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin?fbclid=IwAR3uR2vRMpamcQnRoE2ILY-pMivHqnkKLjlSEcM5VLJPYCJIQ7B3MTqmnNQ" target="_blank"> https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin</a>

<a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin?fbclid=IwAR3uR2vRMpamcQnRoE2ILY-pMivHqnkKLjlSEcM5VLJPYCJIQ7B3MTqmnNQ" target="_blank"></a>If you would prefer to send a check, please mail to Kansas FFA Foundation, 110 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. Indicate Austin Memorial on the memo line.

Funeral services in Indiana are currently being planned as well as a celebration of life that will be held in Kansas in the coming days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703180120141.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas FFA Association" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas FFA Association</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas FFA AssociationMCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Plans are still being made to commemorate a Kansas teacher who died from injuries suffered in a car accident last week.According to a social media post, the family of Canton-Galva ag teacher Ashley Austin has designated the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasFFAFoundation?__cft__[0]=AZXcAtJK7AfP6jToGHmmW3P6_7U_niWQ2oBYjjIUGe1bRC6lVA2JXl13ohizxAhzPOk_LEhWzdqhG9GsUtoC49JvXgYHuPDVa4-kbrQrPZv3ubHXcVJ0l5oINC64_WIoOlm6jm7vpngptn3dliyCXFuCRZJJa6I_eFoaNP2cmcibIosBE1ado8NXKjJlZUzi4Kilz7Fhku-N8w4BgIioKlb4&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R"> Kansas FFA Foundation</a>&nbsp;to hold a memorial fund in her honor. Donations can be made here: <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin?fbclid=IwAR3uR2vRMpamcQnRoE2ILY-pMivHqnkKLjlSEcM5VLJPYCJIQ7B3MTqmnNQ" target="_blank"> https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin</a><a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/kansas-ffa-foundation/aaustin?fbclid=IwAR3uR2vRMpamcQnRoE2ILY-pMivHqnkKLjlSEcM5VLJPYCJIQ7B3MTqmnNQ" target="_blank"></a>If you would prefer to send a check, please mail to Kansas FFA Foundation, 110 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. Indicate Austin Memorial on the memo line. Funeral services in Indiana are currently being planned as well as a celebration of life that will be held in Kansas in the coming days.&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;

Memorial fund set up in honor of teacher

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas tells Hutch Post that the trend in gas prices has turned this week.

"We're seeing now the first increases that we've seen at the pump since September," Steward said. "After being down at about $2.71 earlier this week as the Kansas average, we're now at $2.73. It started to inch up both here in the state and nationally."

Area county averages are on either side of the state average as of Thursday.

"Kansas right now has the 7th cheapest gas prices in the country," Steward said. "Still not a big hit to your wallet when you go to fill up for your holiday road trip."

Crude oil prices are still relatively low, as well.

"They're still in the 70s right now, in the $73-74 range," Steward said. "They've jumped up a little bit with concerns in the Red Sea with some shipping traffic and those ships coming under fire. There's been some rerouting of some oil tankers in that region, which has added to some transportation costs."

West Texas Intermediate Crude was at $73.31 per barrel as of this morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694531676610.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas tells Hutch Post that the trend in gas prices has turned this week."We're seeing now the first increases that we've seen at the pump since September," Steward said. "After being down at about $2.71 earlier this week as the Kansas average, we're now at $2.73. It started to inch up both here in the state and nationally."Area county averages are on either side of the state average as of Thursday.Reno: $2.64McPherson: $2.61Harvey: $2.66Sedgwick: $2.72Kingman: $2.72Pratt: $2.84Stafford: $2.79Rice: $2.84"Kansas right now has the 7th cheapest gas prices in the country," Steward said. "Still not a big hit to your wallet when you go to fill up for your holiday road trip."Crude oil prices are still relatively low, as well."They're still in the 70s right now, in the $73-74 range," Steward said. "They've jumped up a little bit with concerns in the Red Sea with some shipping traffic and those ships coming under fire. There's been some rerouting of some oil tankers in that region, which has added to some transportation costs."West Texas Intermediate Crude was at $73.31 per barrel as of this morning.<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;

AAA: Gas prices may have hit bottom

TOPEKA, Kan. — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland&nbsp; on Thursday announced the newest award recipients for the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. In total, 13 recipients will receive nearly $275,000 to invest in small communities across the state. &nbsp;

“Our state’s smallest communities are finding new and effective ways to become more economically viable and productive,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The quality-of-life investments being made through this program will generate economic development success and prosperity for Kansans now and in the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by state statute (KS Stat 9-2324 (2021)). They are also required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:&nbsp;

Hutch Post area projects are in the Community vibrancy category for both North Newton in Harvey County ($25,000)&nbsp; and Zenda in Kingman County ($24,512).

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703176190862.jpeg" alt="2023 Seed Grants" />
 <figcaption>2023 Seed Grants</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of CommerceTOPEKA, Kan. — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland&nbsp; on Thursday announced the newest award recipients for the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. In total, 13 recipients will receive nearly $275,000 to invest in small communities across the state. &nbsp;“Our state’s smallest communities are finding new and effective ways to become more economically viable and productive,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The quality-of-life investments being made through this program will generate economic development success and prosperity for Kansans now and in the future.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by state statute (KS Stat 9-2324 (2021)). They are also required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment</li><li>Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage&nbsp;</li><li>Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion&nbsp;</li><li>Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading materials, technology, furniture and building improvements&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Hutch Post area projects are in the Community vibrancy category for both North Newton in Harvey County ($25,000)&nbsp; and Zenda in Kingman County ($24,512).Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.&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;

Commerce announces small-town grants

GODDARD, Kan. — "I want a hippo for Christmas" has taken on a whole new meaning as Tanganyika Wildlife Park shares the news of the birth of a baby Pygmy Hippopotamus. Weighing only 13 lbs at birth, the male calf was born to parents Posie and Pluto on December 14th. Posie and Pluto came to Tanganyika from different zoological facilities in Florida and have become key players in safeguarding this rare species.

Posie and Pluto, the sole pygmy hippo parents in Kansas, have been joyfully residing at Tanganyika Wildlife Park since 2014. This marks their fourth calf, and as Hoofstock Keeper Sierra Smith notes, "Posie is an attentive mother, nursing well and keeping the baby close— a true professional!" The birth of this new calf not only brings hope for preserving critically endangered Pygmy hippos, with fewer than 3,000 known individuals worldwide, but also underscores the significance of Tanganyika's participation in cooperative breeding programs with other accredited zoological facilities. With a strong need for male hippos in the breeding program, this latest addition holds even greater importance.

The secretive and nocturnal behavior of pygmy hippos sets them apart from their larger relatives, the Nile hippopotamus, known for living in large social groups called “bloats.” To overcome the challenges in studying pygmy hippos, researchers heavily rely on observations in zoological environments. "Every pygmy hippo birth, whether in human care or in their native habitat, is critical for their ongoing survival," emphasizes Dr. Samantha Russak, Tanganyika’s Chief of Research and Welfare. Tanganyika Wildlife Park, one of only 30 facilities in the United States housing pygmy hippos, plays a crucial role in preserving this rare species and contributing valuable knowledge about their behavior in captivity.

A renowned center for the preservation and breeding of rare and endangered species, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has welcomed three other pygmy hippo calves in recent years, including Nessie in 2017, Yeti in 2019, Link in 2021, and now the newest addition. Nessie has even become a parent herself, making Posie and Pluto proud grandparents.

During the park’s operating season from March through November, guests can see the Pygmy Hippo family in their habitat, as well as get up close and personal during the daily Hippo Feeding, where guests have the chance to toss carrots into a hippo’s mouth. Dr. Russak emphasized, "The support and engagement of our visitors are crucial in creating awareness about the importance of preserving endangered species like the pygmy hippopotamus."

For more information on the hippo family and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskD1P8zAURn9NvLW6_kiTd7jDK0oqJKADahEskWNfmqiNbJxbTPn1qJkYOj_S0XmOawePL1PcH-TPMe-c3Lyry_3buhEeTdV5uRKEsgItyxUYLWi0w6nlSyQM3FMSPVowYEGXAF0J8GEqY51UdVVTV0tVaTGgAqWlUlJCaUAvve1WpfHkqfYEFgoD42HJOdp0XLowihP2zLHQ_wvVFKrJOf9ZC9WIU5jF_631vv7epofn16fN7u7RfZZbMRL3waONg0jYn9n1MUxcGDhc3Wf-FM7JEc5nFsP0tcghHSkJxiv4JpXRhbG9WYqRuJ1r_AYAAP__PgRraA" target="_blank">www.twpark.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703165757025.jpeg" alt="Baby Hippo-Photo Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park" />
 <figcaption>Baby Hippo-Photo Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park</figcaption>
 </figure>Tanganyika Wildlife ParkGODDARD, Kan. — "I want a hippo for Christmas" has taken on a whole new meaning as Tanganyika Wildlife Park shares the news of the birth of a baby Pygmy Hippopotamus. Weighing only 13 lbs at birth, the male calf was born to parents Posie and Pluto on December 14th. Posie and Pluto came to Tanganyika from different zoological facilities in Florida and have become key players in safeguarding this rare species.Posie and Pluto, the sole pygmy hippo parents in Kansas, have been joyfully residing at Tanganyika Wildlife Park since 2014. This marks their fourth calf, and as Hoofstock Keeper Sierra Smith notes, "Posie is an attentive mother, nursing well and keeping the baby close— a true professional!" The birth of this new calf not only brings hope for preserving critically endangered Pygmy hippos, with fewer than 3,000 known individuals worldwide, but also underscores the significance of Tanganyika's participation in cooperative breeding programs with other accredited zoological facilities. With a strong need for male hippos in the breeding program, this latest addition holds even greater importance.The secretive and nocturnal behavior of pygmy hippos sets them apart from their larger relatives, the Nile hippopotamus, known for living in large social groups called “bloats.” To overcome the challenges in studying pygmy hippos, researchers heavily rely on observations in zoological environments. "Every pygmy hippo birth, whether in human care or in their native habitat, is critical for their ongoing survival," emphasizes Dr. Samantha Russak, Tanganyika’s Chief of Research and Welfare. Tanganyika Wildlife Park, one of only 30 facilities in the United States housing pygmy hippos, plays a crucial role in preserving this rare species and contributing valuable knowledge about their behavior in captivity.A renowned center for the preservation and breeding of rare and endangered species, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has welcomed three other pygmy hippo calves in recent years, including Nessie in 2017, Yeti in 2019, Link in 2021, and now the newest addition. Nessie has even become a parent herself, making Posie and Pluto proud grandparents.During the park’s operating season from March through November, guests can see the Pygmy Hippo family in their habitat, as well as get up close and personal during the daily Hippo Feeding, where guests have the chance to toss carrots into a hippo’s mouth. Dr. Russak emphasized, "The support and engagement of our visitors are crucial in creating awareness about the importance of preserving endangered species like the pygmy hippopotamus."For more information on the hippo family and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskD1P8zAURn9NvLW6_kiTd7jDK0oqJKADahEskWNfmqiNbJxbTPn1qJkYOj_S0XmOawePL1PcH-TPMe-c3Lyry_3buhEeTdV5uRKEsgItyxUYLWi0w6nlSyQM3FMSPVowYEGXAF0J8GEqY51UdVVTV0tVaTGgAqWlUlJCaUAvve1WpfHkqfYEFgoD42HJOdp0XLowihP2zLHQ_wvVFKrJOf9ZC9WIU5jF_631vv7epofn16fN7u7RfZZbMRL3waONg0jYn9n1MUxcGDhc3Wf-FM7JEc5nFsP0tcghHSkJxiv4JpXRhbG9WYqRuJ1r_AYAAP__PgRraA" target="_blank">www.twpark.com</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;

A Pygmy Hippopotamus for Christmas at Tanganyika Wildlife Park

SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — According to the Kansas Geological Survey, there was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake centered about four miles east of Assaria in southern Saline County at about 2 miles deep at around 5:45 a.m.

Social media posts show that the earthquake was felt as far south as north of Canton in McPherson County. Just after 7a.m., the Saline County Sheriff's office reported no calls about the quake, no damage or injuries have been reported.

<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/2023/12/1703163322321.jpeg" alt="KGS Earthquake Map 12-21-2023" />
 <figcaption>KGS Earthquake Map 12-21-2023</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY, Kan. — According to the Kansas Geological Survey, there was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake centered about four miles east of Assaria in southern Saline County at about 2 miles deep at around 5:45 a.m.Social media posts show that the earthquake was felt as far south as north of Canton in McPherson County. Just after 7a.m., the Saline County Sheriff's office reported no calls about the quake, no damage or injuries have been reported.<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;

Earthquake in Saline County Thursday morning

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."

&nbsp;STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 2400 block of North Main Street on the west side.

Chet Bourell was a flooring installer, mainly in the 1930s. In 1945, he started his first retail store endeavor. Chet's Custom Floor Covering Co. at 1309 N. Main quickly expanded to include 1311 N. Main. 

Business went so well, that he built a new building at 2411 N. Main and, on May 1, 1949, he opened Bourell's Floors at this location. The first photo shows a night view at opening.

He ran that business until his death in 1957, when his son, Marion, acquired it. In 1996, his son, Mike, and wife, Kathy, bought the business and ran it until its closing in 2010.

About 2012, dentist Dr. John Dahm bought the building and completely remodeled it. The second photo shows the new dentistry look.

In 2018, dentist Dr. Jason Hatch bought the business from Dr. Dahm at his retirement. The third photo shows the business today at 2411 N. Main, Hutchinson Main Street Dental, with the property owned by Hatch Holdings 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://gambinospizza.com/"></a><a href="https://www.myhutchinsonfurniture.com/?utm_source=EWS&amp;utm_medium=Google&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YL-_6nS_AIVzxbUAR37_APuEAAYASAAEgKDaPD_BwE">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</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/2023/12/1703085410866.png" alt="Bourell's Floor Covering (Chet Bourell since 1945) - 2411 N. Main - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Bourell's Floor Covering (Chet Bourell since 1945) - 2411 N. Main - 1949. 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/2023/2/1677153581036.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 2400 block of North Main Street on the west side.Chet Bourell was a flooring installer, mainly in the 1930s. In 1945, he started his first retail store endeavor. Chet's Custom Floor Covering Co. at 1309 N. Main quickly expanded to include 1311 N. Main. Business went so well, that he built a new building at 2411 N. Main and, on May 1, 1949, he opened Bourell's Floors at this location. The first photo shows a night view at opening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703085410866.png" alt="Bourell's Floor Covering (Chet Bourell since 1945) - 2411 N. Main - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Bourell's Floor Covering (Chet Bourell since 1945) - 2411 N. Main - 1949. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>He ran that business until his death in 1957, when his son, Marion, acquired it. In 1996, his son, Mike, and wife, Kathy, bought the business and ran it until its closing in 2010.About 2012, dentist Dr. John Dahm bought the building and completely remodeled it. The second photo shows the new dentistry look.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703085511178.png" alt="Bourell's Floor Covering - John Dahm Dentist - 2411 N. Main - Feb. 5, 2016. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Bourell's Floor Covering - John Dahm Dentist - 2411 N. Main - Feb. 5, 2016. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2018, dentist Dr. Jason Hatch bought the business from Dr. Dahm at his retirement. The third photo shows the business today at 2411 N. Main, Hutchinson Main Street Dental, with the property owned by Hatch Holdings L.L.C.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703085674650.png" alt="Bourell's Floor Covering - Hutchinson Main Street Dental (Jason Hatch, DMD) - 2411 N. Main - Nov. 15, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Bourell's Floor Covering - Hutchinson Main Street Dental (Jason Hatch, DMD) - 2411 N. Main - Nov. 15, 2023. 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://gambinospizza.com/"></a><a href="https://www.myhutchinsonfurniture.com/?utm_source=EWS&amp;utm_medium=Google&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8YL-_6nS_AIVzxbUAR37_APuEAAYASAAEgKDaPD_BwE">Sleep Shoppe &amp; Furniture Gallery</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: Bourell's - Vol. 49

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said next year will be important for the ongoing facilities discussions in the district.

"We're going to come back after the holidays and again have some focus groups," Johnson said. "We'd like to target some folks, eventually, we'd like to get to opening up community meetings, inviting anyone who would like to come and see where that master plan is going. At this point, that group of about 50 stakeholders from our community who are on the facility steering committee, again, are talking about these entry points. What does the entry point look like for early childhood, that zero to five entry point. What does that look like in our community. How do we streamline that and make that the best for parents in our community? Make it the best that we possibly can provide? What are those transitions, from early childhood to elementary to middle school to high school? How are we handling those transitions and taking care of those?"

The plan is to start the focus groups early in January.

"I'll send out some invites to people in the community," Johnson said. "Come have breakfast, or a lunch, or kind of an evening conversation with us, whatever works in their schedule and we'll just present some ideas to them to get some feedback. Are we on the right track in our community or are we not? We'll take that back to the facility steering committee in January. Then, I think things will really start to roll from there, hopefully we'll be able to wrap it up by the end of the school year."

USD 308 is looking at reshuffling how it uses facilities in light of decreasing enrollment trends in the district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson said next year will be important for the ongoing facilities discussions in the district."We're going to come back after the holidays and again have some focus groups," Johnson said. "We'd like to target some folks, eventually, we'd like to get to opening up community meetings, inviting anyone who would like to come and see where that master plan is going. At this point, that group of about 50 stakeholders from our community who are on the facility steering committee, again, are talking about these entry points. What does the entry point look like for early childhood, that zero to five entry point. What does that look like in our community. How do we streamline that and make that the best for parents in our community? Make it the best that we possibly can provide? What are those transitions, from early childhood to elementary to middle school to high school? How are we handling those transitions and taking care of those?"The plan is to start the focus groups early in January."I'll send out some invites to people in the community," Johnson said. "Come have breakfast, or a lunch, or kind of an evening conversation with us, whatever works in their schedule and we'll just present some ideas to them to get some feedback. Are we on the right track in our community or are we not? We'll take that back to the facility steering committee in January. Then, I think things will really start to roll from there, hopefully we'll be able to wrap it up by the end of the school year."USD 308 is looking at reshuffling how it uses facilities in light of decreasing enrollment trends in the district.<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;

Facilities discussion in USD 308 to continue in 2024

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Foster with the Hutchinson YMCA said that fundraising for a new Y will continue into 2024.

"We're real happy with the progress we've made so far," Foster said. "I know I've mentioned it on here a time or two, but we're looking to raise around $20 million to provide us the type of facility and amenities that we would want to have here. Year to date, we are officially in pledges at $9,650,000. Kind of where we wanted to be, but even a little bit ahead of schedule, which is really, really exciting."

Once they get to $20 million, then the clock starts on getting their new facility built.

"It will probably take a year to 18 months, I would say," Foster said. "Just depending on exactly what we're going to be doing. We'll have a little better handle on that the first of this year. We'll be getting some pretty specific drawings done from our architects, as far as the amenities and things that our new YMCA will have and we can get everybody in the community really excited about that."

The plan is to make things a little bigger, but be in the same place in town.

"We just love that location, near the high school, near the college and centrally located in town," Foster said. "We just feel that is pretty accessible for everybody in Hutchinson, but also allows us to build on some partnerships that we already have with the school district, the college and the Boys and Girls Club and some other local agencies, as well."

The cost of the Y may actually be above the $20 million mark, but they plan to take out a loan for the rest and pay it back over time with operating revenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697900853725.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson YMCA-Photo by Emmie Boese" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson YMCA-Photo by Emmie Boese</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Foster with the Hutchinson YMCA said that fundraising for a new Y will continue into 2024."We're real happy with the progress we've made so far," Foster said. "I know I've mentioned it on here a time or two, but we're looking to raise around $20 million to provide us the type of facility and amenities that we would want to have here. Year to date, we are officially in pledges at $9,650,000. Kind of where we wanted to be, but even a little bit ahead of schedule, which is really, really exciting."Once they get to $20 million, then the clock starts on getting their new facility built."It will probably take a year to 18 months, I would say," Foster said. "Just depending on exactly what we're going to be doing. We'll have a little better handle on that the first of this year. We'll be getting some pretty specific drawings done from our architects, as far as the amenities and things that our new YMCA will have and we can get everybody in the community really excited about that."The plan is to make things a little bigger, but be in the same place in town."We just love that location, near the high school, near the college and centrally located in town," Foster said. "We just feel that is pretty accessible for everybody in Hutchinson, but also allows us to build on some partnerships that we already have with the school district, the college and the Boys and Girls Club and some other local agencies, as well."The cost of the Y may actually be above the $20 million mark, but they plan to take out a loan for the rest and pay it back over time with operating revenue.<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;

YMCA has almost half of pre-construction goal

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members got to walk a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

The IGP Institute organizes this course annually as a deep dive into milling and baking processes. This year’s course, conducted December 11-13, 2023, was designed to give wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Eighteen participants representing seven states participated in this year’s course. They got a firsthand look at the ins and outs of what it takes to take wheat from the kernel to the loaf or other wheat food product.&nbsp;

Chris Tanner, vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Norton, Eric Sperber, CEO of Cornerstone Ag in Colby, who serves as an industry representative on the KAWG board, and Kansas Wheat Vice President of Communications Marsha Boswell participated in the short course. Farmers from Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Montana, representatives from national wheat organizations, as well as wheat breeders from South Dakota also attended the course, providing each other with a unique viewpoint of the quality needs throughout the wheat and flour supply chain.

“From a grower’s perspective, wheat is wheat. I took it for granted,” Tanner said. “I thought you just ground it into flour and made bread. That was definitely oversimplified. Most people have a mindset that you run it through the mill once, but I didn’t know it went through so many breaks.”

In addition to classroom lectures, the course included hands-on practical training in K-State’s milling and baking laboratories. The group members learned about the milling differences in the six classes of wheat, principles of wheat cleaning and conditioning, an explanation of major milling equipment and the process of wheat and flour blending, as well as the impact of grade, wheat quality characteristics and mill performance on flour extraction. At the milling laboratory in Shellenberger Hall on the K-State campus, the participants divided into groups to mill all six classes of U.S. wheat.&nbsp;

“There’s an intricate process to get every last piece of flour extracted to get a decent margin,” Tanner said. “The flour miller’s margin is thin, like the farmer’s. The things we do on the farm impact the mill’s bottom line.&nbsp;

“There are people every step along the way that care about getting the best product to the consumer. Everyone along the industry chain is trying to bring the highest quality product to market,” he said.

At the Hal Ross Flour Mill, attendees walked through the machinations and process of an actual flour mill and learned about the various products a mill can produce.&nbsp;They milled both hard red winter and soft white wheat in the mill.

“Having been in the wheat trading business for 30 years, I found the course to be enlightening,” Sperber said. “The milling side of the course really resonated with me. It was helpful to see the dynamics of the milling process. Milling wheat into flour is much more complex than just grinding the seed. My anticipation was that you ran the wheat through the mill once and you had bran, germ and flour. I had no concept of the streams it went through to maximize the endosperm.”

In the baking lab, attendees also learned about the different flour and dough testing methods that end-use customers use to evaluate the quality and functionality of each load of wheat. They also participated in baking tests to see the variation in products like bread, cakes and cookies when using different classes of wheat.&nbsp;

“The classroom instruction on the baking and flour qualities was interesting,” said Sperber. “I didn’t know about the care of trying to not damage the starch from the baking side of it.”

Tanner agreed, saying, “When you buy a bag of flour, you think it’s flour. I learned about the different flours made from the classes of wheat. In the baking lab, I didn’t get the flour I needed to make a loaf of bread, so instead I made a brick.”

Ultimately, the short course pulls back the curtain on the technical aspects of how differences in wheat class and qualities impact the final product on a consumer’s plate. The farmers and staff who attended the course left with valuable knowledge of how to better meet the needs of their customers.&nbsp;

Learn more about the technical, research-based training offered by K-State through the IGP Institute at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAHRaBZvRAcAWhSwKA447VYoZAHdzIKpWtQnIDEw6_z6moOhh7cS4pm_wfC4R1C3InkKMXZGz842n7yZnAhePgqPU9zUfCOZQbzinNPZn8M41kPCVIsMfH2_u_IxhRWN9g6522bZzd674vUzeoWDin9idkIsIuGU&amp;c=AnbzB55tcivw9d1SdP1JkFH3xveECv8bUZ4cApFwADcJ_hqt2gJsDQ==&amp;ch=rSOWhJwbBeBTDgcETF_Oo8qfnYf7fs932zzWoNY87NZp7pFx407MBg==" target="_blank">grains.k-state.edu/igp/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703152694555.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatMANHATTAN, Kan. — Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members got to walk a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University.&nbsp;The IGP Institute organizes this course annually as a deep dive into milling and baking processes. This year’s course, conducted December 11-13, 2023, was designed to give wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Eighteen participants representing seven states participated in this year’s course. They got a firsthand look at the ins and outs of what it takes to take wheat from the kernel to the loaf or other wheat food product.&nbsp;Chris Tanner, vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Norton, Eric Sperber, CEO of Cornerstone Ag in Colby, who serves as an industry representative on the KAWG board, and Kansas Wheat Vice President of Communications Marsha Boswell participated in the short course. Farmers from Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Montana, representatives from national wheat organizations, as well as wheat breeders from South Dakota also attended the course, providing each other with a unique viewpoint of the quality needs throughout the wheat and flour supply chain.“From a grower’s perspective, wheat is wheat. I took it for granted,” Tanner said. “I thought you just ground it into flour and made bread. That was definitely oversimplified. Most people have a mindset that you run it through the mill once, but I didn’t know it went through so many breaks.”In addition to classroom lectures, the course included hands-on practical training in K-State’s milling and baking laboratories. The group members learned about the milling differences in the six classes of wheat, principles of wheat cleaning and conditioning, an explanation of major milling equipment and the process of wheat and flour blending, as well as the impact of grade, wheat quality characteristics and mill performance on flour extraction. At the milling laboratory in Shellenberger Hall on the K-State campus, the participants divided into groups to mill all six classes of U.S. wheat.&nbsp;“There’s an intricate process to get every last piece of flour extracted to get a decent margin,” Tanner said. “The flour miller’s margin is thin, like the farmer’s. The things we do on the farm impact the mill’s bottom line.&nbsp;“There are people every step along the way that care about getting the best product to the consumer. Everyone along the industry chain is trying to bring the highest quality product to market,” he said.At the Hal Ross Flour Mill, attendees walked through the machinations and process of an actual flour mill and learned about the various products a mill can produce.&nbsp;They milled both hard red winter and soft white wheat in the mill.“Having been in the wheat trading business for 30 years, I found the course to be enlightening,” Sperber said. “The milling side of the course really resonated with me. It was helpful to see the dynamics of the milling process. Milling wheat into flour is much more complex than just grinding the seed. My anticipation was that you ran the wheat through the mill once and you had bran, germ and flour. I had no concept of the streams it went through to maximize the endosperm.”In the baking lab, attendees also learned about the different flour and dough testing methods that end-use customers use to evaluate the quality and functionality of each load of wheat. They also participated in baking tests to see the variation in products like bread, cakes and cookies when using different classes of wheat.&nbsp;“The classroom instruction on the baking and flour qualities was interesting,” said Sperber. “I didn’t know about the care of trying to not damage the starch from the baking side of it.”Tanner agreed, saying, “When you buy a bag of flour, you think it’s flour. I learned about the different flours made from the classes of wheat. In the baking lab, I didn’t get the flour I needed to make a loaf of bread, so instead I made a brick.”Ultimately, the short course pulls back the curtain on the technical aspects of how differences in wheat class and qualities impact the final product on a consumer’s plate. The farmers and staff who attended the course left with valuable knowledge of how to better meet the needs of their customers.&nbsp;Learn more about the technical, research-based training offered by K-State through the IGP Institute at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAHRaBZvRAcAWhSwKA447VYoZAHdzIKpWtQnIDEw6_z6moOhh7cS4pm_wfC4R1C3InkKMXZGz842n7yZnAhePgqPU9zUfCOZQbzinNPZn8M41kPCVIsMfH2_u_IxhRWN9g6522bZzd674vUzeoWDin9idkIsIuGU&amp;c=AnbzB55tcivw9d1SdP1JkFH3xveECv8bUZ4cApFwADcJ_hqt2gJsDQ==&amp;ch=rSOWhJwbBeBTDgcETF_Oo8qfnYf7fs932zzWoNY87NZp7pFx407MBg==" target="_blank">grains.k-state.edu/igp/</a>.

Wheat Scoop: Wheat leaders take a deep dive into milling and baking during K-State short course

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;&nbsp;

12/21/2023 1:58 AM-Yonathan	Javier	Jerez-Ranirez-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

12/21/2023 12:35 AM-Kolton	Matthew King-DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; DL Violation; No Drivers License&nbsp;

12/20/2023 12:48 PM-John	Thomas Frazier III-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

12/20/2023 11:59 AM-Chelsey	Renee Wanek-Failure to Appear

12/20/2023 7:03 AM-Bryson	D Richie-Viol protection order; Stalking/sex asslt/hmn traf

<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;&nbsp;12/21/2023 1:58 AM-Yonathan	Javier	Jerez-Ranirez-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body12/21/2023 12:35 AM-Kolton	Matthew King-DUI; 2nd conv; incapable of safely driving; Insurance; Fail to Show Proof of Liability Insurance; DL Violation; No Drivers License&nbsp;12/20/2023 12:48 PM-John	Thomas Frazier III-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv12/20/2023 11:59 AM-Chelsey	Renee Wanek-Failure to Appear12/20/2023 7:03 AM-Bryson	D Richie-Viol protection order; Stalking/sex asslt/hmn traf

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A Canton-Galva school teacher succumbed to injuries she suffered in a car accident this past Friday.

According to a social media post from the school district, Mrs. Ashley Austin, the agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Canton-Galva High School died Tuesday night.

The accident happened Friday morning at around 7:40 a.m. at Highway 56 and 24th Avenue.

According to Superintendent Jim Struber USD 419 Canton-Galva will not have school - both the elementary and JSHS - on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. 

 The school year will start back up in January with teacher in-service on Jan. 3 and the first day with students Jan. 4. 

Struber said if students need to talk with someone on Thursday, Dec. 21 Mrs. Cloe Hedlund, student advocate, and Mrs. Kari Moddelmog, counselor, will be available. Parents were sent contact information in an email.&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/2019/7/1563104261595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — A Canton-Galva school teacher succumbed to injuries she suffered in a car accident this past Friday.According to a social media post from the school district, Mrs. Ashley Austin, the agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Canton-Galva High School died Tuesday night.The accident happened Friday morning at around 7:40 a.m. at Highway 56 and 24th Avenue.According to Superintendent Jim Struber USD 419 Canton-Galva will not have school - both the elementary and JSHS - on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. The school year will start back up in January with teacher in-service on Jan. 3 and the first day with students Jan. 4. Struber said if students need to talk with someone on Thursday, Dec. 21 Mrs. Cloe Hedlund, student advocate, and Mrs. Kari Moddelmog, counselor, will be available. Parents were sent contact information in an email.&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;

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