HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutch Chamber is excited to honor outstanding businesses, organizations, and community members at its third annual Chamber Awards Night on Thursday, March 7 at the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt. 

Visit the Chamber website to learn more about each of the awards and to submit your nominations. The nomination deadline is Mar. 2, so be sure to get yours submitted soon. 

For any questions concerning Awards Night sponsorship, contact Marcy Kauffman or call the Chamber Office at 620-662-3391.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704740615796.jpeg" alt="Chamber Awards Night 2024" />
 <figcaption>Chamber Awards Night 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch ChamberHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutch Chamber is excited to honor outstanding businesses, organizations, and community members at its third annual Chamber Awards Night on Thursday, March 7 at the Crystal Ballroom at The Burt. Visit the Chamber website to learn more about each of the awards and to submit your nominations. The nomination deadline is Mar. 2, so be sure to get yours submitted soon. For any questions concerning Awards Night sponsorship, contact Marcy Kauffman or call the Chamber Office at 620-662-3391.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chamber seeking Awards Night nominations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. 

The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.

Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. 

Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.

“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank without any blood on the shelves. Doctors often can’t operate without blood available to make surgeries, medical procedures and treatments possible,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”

Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html"> RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl</a>.

Upcoming January blood donation opportunities:

January 11 Crossroads Christian Church 4310 N Monroe, Hutchinson, KS 67502

January 19 Hutchinson Community College Stringer Fine Arts Center 1300 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501

January 26 Buhler Community Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 North West, Buhler, KS 67522

St Paul Lutheran Church 8513 E Arlington Rd, Haven, KS 67543

Hutchison Community Battle of Badges Blood Drive

January 27 New Covenant Presbyterian Church 700 E 25th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502

January 29 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501

January 30 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501

January 31 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686756346970.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>American Red CrossHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.“One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blood bank without any blood on the shelves. Doctors often can’t operate without blood available to make surgeries, medical procedures and treatments possible,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html"> RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl</a>.Upcoming January blood donation opportunities:January 11 Crossroads Christian Church 4310 N Monroe, Hutchinson, KS 67502Room Name: Fellowship HallNoon – 6:00 p.m.January 19 Hutchinson Community College Stringer Fine Arts Center 1300 North Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501Room Name: The Gallery Theater Room9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.January 26 Buhler Community Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church 415 North West, Buhler, KS 67522Room Name: Fellowship HallNoon – 6:00 p.m.January 26 Haven CommunitySt Paul Lutheran Church 8513 E Arlington Rd, Haven, KS 67543Room Name: St Paul's Lighthouse11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Hutchison Community Battle of Badges Blood DriveJanuary 27 New Covenant Presbyterian Church 700 E 25th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502Room Name: Fellowship Hall9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.January 29 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501Room Name: GymNoon – 6:30 pmJanuary 30 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501Room Name: Gym11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.January 31 First Presbyterian Church 201 E Sherman, Hutchinson, KS 67501Room Name: Gym7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Red Cross: Blood desperately needed

NEWTON, Kan. — A portion of SW 24th Street will be closed for several weeks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 10, for construction on the bridge over Sand Creek, weather permitting.

SW 24th Street will be closed to all traffic between South Anderson and Cow Palace Road. Visitors to the Harvey County Solid Waste Transfer Station will need to take U.S. 50 to Cow Palace.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting. King Construction is the prime contractor.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704736618591.jpeg" alt="Newton Sand Creek Bridge" />
 <figcaption>Newton Sand Creek Bridge</figcaption>
 </figure>City of NewtonNEWTON, Kan. — A portion of SW 24th Street will be closed for several weeks beginning Wednesday, Jan. 10, for construction on the bridge over Sand Creek, weather permitting.SW 24th Street will be closed to all traffic between South Anderson and Cow Palace Road. Visitors to the Harvey County Solid Waste Transfer Station will need to take U.S. 50 to Cow Palace.The work is expected to be completed by the end of April, weather permitting. King Construction is the prime contractor.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sand Creek bridge work starting soon in Newton

MCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College received a $2 million grant from the J.E. &amp; L.E. Mabee Foundation. The grant will be directed toward the construction of the new Campus Commons. The Mabee Foundation grant comes following last year’s completion of the&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;comprehensive campaign, which generated $64 million to support campus infrastructure improvements and educational initiatives, such as the Student Debt Project, student scholarships, health sciences, automotive restoration, and other academic growth areas.

The&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;campaign is the catalyst of the college’s largest-ever investment in new buildings and sets McPherson College on the path of becoming one of the best small colleges in the country.

“This grant represents the generosity of the Mabee Foundation, along with our community of supporters whose gifts enabled the college to secure the funds necessary to achieve the challenge grant,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “We are extremely grateful to the Mabee Foundation for their dedicated partnership over the years. They have been instrumental in supporting building projects at McPherson College.”

Major gifts from California philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist, Sodexo, the Dalke Charitable Foundation, Peoples Bank and Trust, and a significant anonymous donor propelled McPherson College to reach the challenge grant goal. Construction is underway on the new Campus Commons with a completion target of 2025. The new structure will be the most prominent building on the McPherson campus, serving students, employees, and community members. While the 55,000-square-foot building will provide a state-of-the-art event venue, student services hub, and place to grab a bite to eat, other campus building projects are online to further enhance the McPherson College student experience.

The expansion and remodeling of the current Sport Center athletic facility are scheduled for completion in February. The project includes adding over 4,500 square feet to the original facility and renovating another 2,000 square feet of existing space. The expansion includes an additional weight room, athletic training area, and offices. The renovation consists of installing new lockers, updating restrooms, and adding storage space.

Work started on the Boiler House this fall. The Boiler House is a new café in the middle of campus that will have indoor and outdoor seating and serve as an additional late-night dining option. The project is an imaginative reuse of an existing utility building — a 1940s-era brick structure, which housed McPherson College’s main boilers for over 70 years. When completed, it will create an entirely new campus gathering point providing space for socializing and collaborating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704736006354.jpeg" alt="McPherson College Campus Commons Construction" />
 <figcaption>McPherson College Campus Commons Construction</figcaption>
 </figure>TINA GOODWIN McPherson CollegeMCPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson College received a $2 million grant from the J.E. &amp; L.E. Mabee Foundation. The grant will be directed toward the construction of the new Campus Commons. The Mabee Foundation grant comes following last year’s completion of the&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;comprehensive campaign, which generated $64 million to support campus infrastructure improvements and educational initiatives, such as the Student Debt Project, student scholarships, health sciences, automotive restoration, and other academic growth areas.The&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;campaign is the catalyst of the college’s largest-ever investment in new buildings and sets McPherson College on the path of becoming one of the best small colleges in the country.“This grant represents the generosity of the Mabee Foundation, along with our community of supporters whose gifts enabled the college to secure the funds necessary to achieve the challenge grant,” McPherson College President Michael Schneider said. “We are extremely grateful to the Mabee Foundation for their dedicated partnership over the years. They have been instrumental in supporting building projects at McPherson College.”Major gifts from California philanthropists Melanie and Richard Lundquist, Sodexo, the Dalke Charitable Foundation, Peoples Bank and Trust, and a significant anonymous donor propelled McPherson College to reach the challenge grant goal. Construction is underway on the new Campus Commons with a completion target of 2025. The new structure will be the most prominent building on the McPherson campus, serving students, employees, and community members. While the 55,000-square-foot building will provide a state-of-the-art event venue, student services hub, and place to grab a bite to eat, other campus building projects are online to further enhance the McPherson College student experience.The expansion and remodeling of the current Sport Center athletic facility are scheduled for completion in February. The project includes adding over 4,500 square feet to the original facility and renovating another 2,000 square feet of existing space. The expansion includes an additional weight room, athletic training area, and offices. The renovation consists of installing new lockers, updating restrooms, and adding storage space.Work started on the Boiler House this fall. The Boiler House is a new café in the middle of campus that will have indoor and outdoor seating and serve as an additional late-night dining option. The project is an imaginative reuse of an existing utility building — a 1940s-era brick structure, which housed McPherson College’s main boilers for over 70 years. When completed, it will create an entirely new campus gathering point providing space for socializing and collaborating.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

McPherson College gets $2 million grant

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Jason Probst of Circles of Hope Reno County, at this week's Circles meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11, Amanda Vega will help explain how to apply for help with utility bills through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. 

There will be people ready to help walk you through the online application. 

Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. at Thorne Hall in Trinity United Methodist Church (17th and Main). 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704738302500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Circles of Hope Reno CountyHUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Jason Probst of Circles of Hope Reno County, at this week's Circles meeting on Thursday, Jan. 11, Amanda Vega will help explain how to apply for help with utility bills through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. There will be people ready to help walk you through the online application. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. at Thorne Hall in Trinity United Methodist Church (17th and Main). The session starts at 6 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Circles to discuss LIEAP this week

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

On a cold and soggy Saturday and not feeling 100 percent, I decided to spend the day cocooned in my pajamas, snugging with my KitCat on the couch. 

My restful day was interrupted when Marc called to inform me my “cowgirl” services were needed.This is his way of telling me he needs help with something and I am his only option. My response is always, “No. 1 cowgirl at your service!” To be a bit cheeky I asked, “What kind of pants should I wear?” As ridiculous as it sounds fashion questions usually get me the best information about what will be expected of me during our outing.

This day the instructions were “dress very warm” meaning we were going to be outside fixing something that might take a while. I suited up appropriately in my fleece lined jeans, plus several layers of shirts, a Carhartt jacket, thick wool socks, rubber mud boots, neck gaiter, heavy hat and insulated gloves.

Five minutes later, which is generous as I usually get a one-minute warning, we were headed out. The water well where the cows are currently grazing on milo stocks had a low flow and we were going to try to fix it. This particular well is only used every few years and has been a headache over the few months cows have been grazing there. After numerous repair jobs and visits from a well service, it still wasn’t working properly.

Farmers are relentless fixers, lifelong learners and creative problem solvers because their work demands it. It feels strange to fix the same thing over and over, but there is not really a good alternative. A new well would likely be a waste of money as this one has plenty of water it just isn’t pumping efficiently. Not using the pump means hauling truckloads of water to the field every day, which is time consuming and inefficient. The most logical and effective way forward has been troubleshooting the pump piece by piece to find a solution that sticks.

Over the next few hours we tackled the tedious task of dismantling parts of the pumping system without losing anything down the well shaft. After everything was dismantled, parts were changed and we decided to prime the well to get ready for reassembly. It only took a few minutes to get this set and it was ready to roll.

We should have known what was coming next but it seemed to catch us by surprise. Seconds after sending air into the well, water erupted like it Old Faithful — soaking everything around including us. After hours in the cold, slippery conditions we were now soaking wet.

Instead of being angry we both broke out into laughter like kids playing in a sprinkler. After a moment or two more laughter, I made a wisecrack about the irony of the geyser not happening in the summer heat.

With clear evidence of available water, it was time to put everything back together. It only took a fraction of the time and we were able to restart the pump to check our handiwork. Unfortunately, water was once again trickling instead of gushing, our attempt at a fix didn’t work.

Life is funny that way. Sometimes hard work, doesn’t work. A task can be unpleasant and still leave you with more joy than when you started, especially if you have someone to share the burden with. Remembering frustration and defeat are just one part of living can be all the perspective it takes to give you the determination to try again tomorrow.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherOn a cold and soggy Saturday and not feeling 100 percent, I decided to spend the day cocooned in my pajamas, snugging with my KitCat on the couch. My restful day was interrupted when Marc called to inform me my “cowgirl” services were needed.This is his way of telling me he needs help with something and I am his only option. My response is always, “No. 1 cowgirl at your service!” To be a bit cheeky I asked, “What kind of pants should I wear?” As ridiculous as it sounds fashion questions usually get me the best information about what will be expected of me during our outing.This day the instructions were “dress very warm” meaning we were going to be outside fixing something that might take a while. I suited up appropriately in my fleece lined jeans, plus several layers of shirts, a Carhartt jacket, thick wool socks, rubber mud boots, neck gaiter, heavy hat and insulated gloves.Five minutes later, which is generous as I usually get a one-minute warning, we were headed out. The water well where the cows are currently grazing on milo stocks had a low flow and we were going to try to fix it. This particular well is only used every few years and has been a headache over the few months cows have been grazing there. After numerous repair jobs and visits from a well service, it still wasn’t working properly.Farmers are relentless fixers, lifelong learners and creative problem solvers because their work demands it. It feels strange to fix the same thing over and over, but there is not really a good alternative. A new well would likely be a waste of money as this one has plenty of water it just isn’t pumping efficiently. Not using the pump means hauling truckloads of water to the field every day, which is time consuming and inefficient. The most logical and effective way forward has been troubleshooting the pump piece by piece to find a solution that sticks.Over the next few hours we tackled the tedious task of dismantling parts of the pumping system without losing anything down the well shaft. After everything was dismantled, parts were changed and we decided to prime the well to get ready for reassembly. It only took a few minutes to get this set and it was ready to roll.We should have known what was coming next but it seemed to catch us by surprise. Seconds after sending air into the well, water erupted like it Old Faithful — soaking everything around including us. After hours in the cold, slippery conditions we were now soaking wet.Instead of being angry we both broke out into laughter like kids playing in a sprinkler. After a moment or two more laughter, I made a wisecrack about the irony of the geyser not happening in the summer heat.With clear evidence of available water, it was time to put everything back together. It only took a fraction of the time and we were able to restart the pump to check our handiwork. Unfortunately, water was once again trickling instead of gushing, our attempt at a fix didn’t work.Life is funny that way. Sometimes hard work, doesn’t work. A task can be unpleasant and still leave you with more joy than when you started, especially if you have someone to share the burden with. Remembering frustration and defeat are just one part of living can be all the perspective it takes to give you the determination to try again tomorrow.&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Life's funny that way

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;

1/8/2024 6:09 PM-Jordan	Dean Newton-Reckless Driving; DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+

1/8/2024 12:00 PM-Briar	Lee Gomez-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;

1/8/2024 10:18 AM-Shannon	Marie Symonds-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

1/8/2024 9:28 AM-Racheal	Lee Williams-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;1/8/2024 6:09 PM-Jordan	Dean Newton-Reckless Driving; DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+1/8/2024 12:00 PM-Briar	Lee Gomez-In Transit From-To Other Agency&nbsp;1/8/2024 10:18 AM-Shannon	Marie Symonds-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv1/8/2024 9:28 AM-Racheal	Lee Williams-Probation Violation

Daily Bookings

The National Weather Service in Wichita has once again expanded the Winter Storm Warning area until noon Tuesday.

Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5  inches are possible with winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

Very difficult to impossible travel conditions are  expected due to significant blowing and drifting of snow. The  very strong north winds will cause dangerous and extremely low  visibility whiteout conditions at times. The hazardous  conditions will impact the morning commute. The very gusty  north winds could also bring down small tree branches and some  power lines.

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.&nbsp;

Find out if the route you are planning to travel is open or not before you leave by going online to <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar">kandrive.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703589909657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Wichita has once again expanded the Winter Storm Warning area until noon Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704777419478.jpeg" alt="Reddish orange is Blizzard Warning, Pink is Winter Storm Warning, Blue is Winter Weather Advisory. Image from National Weather Service." />
 <figcaption>Reddish orange is Blizzard Warning, Pink is Winter Storm Warning, Blue is Winter Weather Advisory. Image from National Weather Service.</figcaption>
 </figure>Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible with winds gusting as high as 55 mph.Very difficult to impossible travel conditions are expected due to significant blowing and drifting of snow. The very strong north winds will cause dangerous and extremely low visibility whiteout conditions at times. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute. The very gusty north winds could also bring down small tree branches and some power lines.If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.&nbsp;Find out if the route you are planning to travel is open or not before you leave by going online to <a href="https://www.kandrive.gov/@-101.43512,39.04521,6?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar">kandrive.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Winter Storm ongoing in much of Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An occupant of a Hutchinson home was taken to the hospital after a fire Monday morning.

According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, crews were sent to the 900 block of east 5th around 5 a.m. for a house on fire.

Heavy fire and smoke was coming out of the front of the residence. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, but over 50% of the home was damaged and there was smoke damage throughout the home.

One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional due to smoke inhalation. No one else was hurt.&nbsp;

They are still working to determine a cause of the fire. Hutchinson Fire encourages families to practice their escape plans in case of a house fire.

Evergy, Kansas Gas, Hutchinson Police and Reno County EMS assisted at the scene.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732466650.jpeg" alt="Hutch Fire-January 8, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Fire-January 8, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson Fire DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — An occupant of a Hutchinson home was taken to the hospital after a fire Monday morning.According to a release from the Hutchinson Fire Department, crews were sent to the 900 block of east 5th around 5 a.m. for a house on fire.Heavy fire and smoke was coming out of the front of the residence. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, but over 50% of the home was damaged and there was smoke damage throughout the home.One person was taken to Hutchinson Regional due to smoke inhalation. No one else was hurt.&nbsp;They are still working to determine a cause of the fire. Hutchinson Fire encourages families to practice their escape plans in case of a house fire.Evergy, Kansas Gas, Hutchinson Police and Reno County EMS assisted at the scene.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

One person injured in Monday morning house fire

TOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2024.

 The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination.&nbsp;

The advisory includes restricting the consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month in Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Reno County. This is due to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). K-96 Lake in Wichita is also included in this section.

General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals&nbsp;(women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger)&nbsp;should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.

White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass

Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep&nbsp;fish larger than 20 inches&nbsp;to:

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmVwYS5nb3YvZmlzaC10ZWNoL2VwYS1mZGEtYWR2aWNlLWFib3V0LWVhdGluZy1maXNoLWFuZC1zaGVsbGZpc2g_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5Izp-OnRleHQ9RVBBLUZEQSUyMEFkdmljZSUyMGFib3V0JTIwRWF0aW5nJTIwRmlzaCUyMGFuZCUyMFNoZWxsZmlzaCUyMDEsZmlzaCUyMGNhbiUyMHByb3ZpZGUlMjBvdGhlciUyMGhlYWx0aCUyMGJlbmVmaXRzJTIwdG9vLiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMDguODgxNDI5MjEifQ.WDbGe-O2yKQ1qzNGktsExvdzBZFyYAAlp9R5n5BHcT8/s/1305944069/br/234423686797-l" target="_blank">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers:

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;2 servings per month&nbsp;from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following location because of arsenic:

Kansas recommends&nbsp;not eating&nbsp;specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

Waterbodies affected by harmful algae blooms:

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions:

General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625874189284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (collectively, “Kansas”) is issuing fish consumption advisories for 2024. The following advisories identify types of fish, or other aquatic species, that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination.&nbsp;The advisory includes restricting the consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month in Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Reno County. This is due to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). K-96 Lake in Wichita is also included in this section.General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.&nbsp;Definitions/Servings:<ul>
 <li>Bottom-feeding fish:&nbsp;buffalo, carp, catfish, sturgeon and suckers</li><li>Shellfish:&nbsp;mussels, clams and crayfish</li>
 </ul>Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):<ul>
 <li>Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces</li><li>Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces</li><li>Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces</li>
 </ul>Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:There are many health benefits associated with going outside and catching and consuming fish; however, all fish contain some amount of mercury. Consumption of mercury-rich fish can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. As a result, anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to children, including store-bought fish, should carefully consider the type and amount of fish eaten. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals&nbsp;(women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children 17 or younger)&nbsp;should follow the guidelines presented below for eating Kansas-caught fish.Fishing and Eating Guidelines:<ul>
 <li>Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.</li><li>Eat fish species with less mercury (see “Preferred Choice Fish” chart below).</li><li>If you don’t know what type or size of fish you’ve eaten, wait at least one week before eating fish again.</li><li>When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches, as regulations allow. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vRmlzaGluZy9GaXNoaW5nLVJlZ3VsYXRpb25zP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMDguODgxNDI5MjEifQ.IrKdFanP726Zv_DHMNIGS3NqkJkdjmlqIS7JSvAnRzE/s/1305944069/br/234423686797-l" target="_blank">Fishing Regulations / Fishing / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com)</a>&nbsp;for more information.</li>
 </ul>Preferred Choice FishServingsBlue and Channel CatfishCommon CarpCrappiesWhite Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped BassWalleye, Sauger, SaugeyeBullhead CatfishDrumSunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)1 or 2 per weekSecond Choice FishServingsBuffalo (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)Flathead CatfishBass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)1 or 2 per monthReduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep&nbsp;fish larger than 20 inches&nbsp;to:<ul>
 <li>Preferred Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per week</li><li>Second Choice Fish&nbsp;– not more than 1 serving per month</li>
 </ul>For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas-caught fish, contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, store-bought fish, and other types of seafood, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmVwYS5nb3YvZmlzaC10ZWNoL2VwYS1mZGEtYWR2aWNlLWFib3V0LWVhdGluZy1maXNoLWFuZC1zaGVsbGZpc2g_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5Izp-OnRleHQ9RVBBLUZEQSUyMEFkdmljZSUyMGFib3V0JTIwRWF0aW5nJTIwRmlzaCUyMGFuZCUyMFNoZWxsZmlzaCUyMDEsZmlzaCUyMGNhbiUyMHByb3ZpZGUlMjBvdGhlciUyMGhlYWx0aCUyMGJlbmVmaXRzJTIwdG9vLiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMDguODgxNDI5MjEifQ.WDbGe-O2yKQ1qzNGktsExvdzBZFyYAAlp9R5n5BHcT8/s/1305944069/br/234423686797-l" target="_blank">EPA-FDA Advice about Eating Fish and Shellfish | US EPA</a>&nbsp;website. &nbsp;&nbsp;Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers:Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;2 servings per month&nbsp;from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):<ul>
 <li>Little Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Kansas recommends restricting consumption of&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;to&nbsp;1 serving per month&nbsp;from the following location because of arsenic:<ul>
 <li>Mill Creek&nbsp;from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County).</li>
 </ul>Kansas recommends&nbsp;not eating&nbsp;specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:<ul>
 <li>Antioch Park Lake South&nbsp;in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County);&nbsp;all fish&nbsp;due to pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).</li><li>Arkalon Park Lakes&nbsp;in Liberal (Seward County) – Kansas recommends not eating&nbsp;any aquatic life&nbsp;because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.</li><li>Arkansas River&nbsp;from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kansas River&nbsp;from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties);&nbsp;bottom-feeding fish&nbsp;due to PCBs.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Mill Creek&nbsp;from Washington (below 18th&nbsp;Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to arsenic.</li><li>Shoal Creek&nbsp;from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmium.</li><li>Spring River&nbsp;from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County);&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;due to lead and cadmium.</li>
 </ul>Waterbodies affected by harmful algae blooms:To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms suggest the fish are safe to eat.&nbsp; However, please take the following precautions:<ul>
 <li>Avoid skin contact with water.</li><li>Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.</li><li>Rinse fish with clean water.</li><li>Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.</li><li>Eat only skinless fillets.</li><li>Do not eat shellfish.</li>
 </ul>General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish:<ul>
 <li>Keep smaller fish to eat (regulations permitting) and let the big ones go.</li><li>Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.</li><li>Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.</li><li>Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.</li><li>Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.</li>
 </ul><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cow Creek part of Kansas Fish Consumption Advisories for 2024

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impending winter weather has pushed the Kansas State Fair Board's Tuesday meeting to Zoom only.

On the agenda for that meeting is discussion on the future of the racetrack at the Fairgrounds.

There will also be an executive session for the employee review of General Manager Bryan Schulz, an RFP for an entertainment buyer for the Fair, authorization to buy a new vehicle for the Fair office and approval for alcohol sales during an event in April.

The Kansas State Fair Board will meet Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. on Zoom.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586266027570.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Fair Logo white background.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Fair Logo white background.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impending winter weather has pushed the Kansas State Fair Board's Tuesday meeting to Zoom only.On the agenda for that meeting is discussion on the future of the racetrack at the Fairgrounds.There will also be an executive session for the employee review of General Manager Bryan Schulz, an RFP for an entertainment buyer for the Fair, authorization to buy a new vehicle for the Fair office and approval for alcohol sales during an event in April.The Kansas State Fair Board will meet Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. on Zoom.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fair Board meeting Tuesday will be on Zoom only

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With parts of Kansas looking at major impacts from winter weather this week, Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said it's important to make sure all drivers know what needs to be done.

"Winter weather is always a good wake up call to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape," Steward said. "Last winter, AAA Kansas emergency roadside service crews assisted more than 34,000 motorists across the state from December through March."

Tires and batteries are the parts that often leave you stranded on the road waiting for AAA.

"Those are two of the most common calls that we see," Steward said. "Tires lose air pressure naturally in cold weather. It's important to keep checking your tire pressure throughout the winter, make sure that you have good tread, especially when we get snow and ice, so you have good traction. Batteries, make sure that your battery has a good charge and it's going to get you through the cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery's starting power drops 35%."

The average life span of a battery is about three to five years.

"We also recommend that you keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze ups," Steward said. "Wiper blades are important, to have really good ones, so you can clear snow and ice from your windshield, so you can see. Winter blend wiper fluid is good this time of year to help prevent freezing of that fluid when you use it on your windshield."

You should also carry a Winter Emergency Kit, in case you get stranded.

AAA-suggested items to include in a Winter Emergency Kit are:

Abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction matssuggested emergency kit items

Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves), and blankets

Drinking water and non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers

Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Mobile phone, charger and power bank&nbsp;

Pre-packaged&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;emergency kits are available at all&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUYe7tYGlaSU2zXM-2BdoxvQe-2BtkF0eo9RKMUd9CTatHp5pzuK7_Eqqb-2BQb-2F1BdZ0JsrHwGnCQnqR9xIbrqITy5njSTDmVRhtVZShQl-2FpVWTkAsyzCAO0pf8JhE1-2BQ6LhyV2bX3Yc2qdcgqL69YeYUpFJ655rIke9rUUTSQyRMCitruEZQKMdGY2b5s9-2FhMZO9Otu5kF9d5D15hzyxQhoX7aDqH8kUO4rZr27faRagzs1fDmcXS2M9Xj1z5-2FRS4vazAoCpeWUdl-2F-2BFPZvMjy0RXEgUCjGhg4Mt-2BIlSoMw4ZHytV1Pt3vzfsd0AQTXdECmutGviXmT0sblyt1tEHuKKRalOcNx6hpqSJQ9Ml21jXUISAFLehDpvJIhf9RS7QJ1lqCYXOcFvcSQFo5V1AhSMUyY4lR1GA-3D" target="_blank">AAA&nbsp;retail locations</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUYe7tYGlaSU2zXM-2BdoxvQe-2BecbO-2B70OLNFQkHgXWqypeNY-Z_Eqqb-2BQb-2F1BdZ0JsrHwGnCQnqR9xIbrqITy5njSTDmVRhtVZShQl-2FpVWTkAsyzCAO0pf8JhE1-2BQ6LhyV2bX3Yc2qdcgqL69YeYUpFJ655rIke9rUUTSQyRMCitruEZQKMdGY2b5s9-2FhMZO9Otu5kF9d5D15hzyxQhoX7aDqH8kUO4rZr27faRagzs1fDmcXS2M9Xj1z5-2FRS4vazAoCpeWUZpT5yXG11tM-2BQWtvomvFxHH6wxix-2BDALsoOwyeneMNFeVXvzBH2blBEwgwFMMBDqUJlxyElM4TEMaLCR3f0aca5CUpQ7vOnYRbcEDwij8w1T3xOTx1YqXegIBtEOhDtgOTVAse3tFncwsGtzFCerHc-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704566661016.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With parts of Kansas looking at major impacts from winter weather this week, Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas said it's important to make sure all drivers know what needs to be done."Winter weather is always a good wake up call to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape," Steward said. "Last winter, AAA Kansas emergency roadside service crews assisted more than 34,000 motorists across the state from December through March."Tires and batteries are the parts that often leave you stranded on the road waiting for AAA."Those are two of the most common calls that we see," Steward said. "Tires lose air pressure naturally in cold weather. It's important to keep checking your tire pressure throughout the winter, make sure that you have good tread, especially when we get snow and ice, so you have good traction. Batteries, make sure that your battery has a good charge and it's going to get you through the cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery's starting power drops 35%."The average life span of a battery is about three to five years."We also recommend that you keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze ups," Steward said. "Wiper blades are important, to have really good ones, so you can clear snow and ice from your windshield, so you can see. Winter blend wiper fluid is good this time of year to help prevent freezing of that fluid when you use it on your windshield."You should also carry a Winter Emergency Kit, in case you get stranded.AAA-suggested items to include in a Winter Emergency Kit are:Abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction matssuggested emergency kit itemsSnow shovelFlashlight with extra batteriesWindow washer solventIce scraper with brush,Jumper cablesExtra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves), and blanketsWarning devices (flares or triangles)Drinking water and non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengersFirst-aid kitBasic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)Mobile phone, charger and power bank&nbsp;Pre-packaged&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;emergency kits are available at all&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUYe7tYGlaSU2zXM-2BdoxvQe-2BtkF0eo9RKMUd9CTatHp5pzuK7_Eqqb-2BQb-2F1BdZ0JsrHwGnCQnqR9xIbrqITy5njSTDmVRhtVZShQl-2FpVWTkAsyzCAO0pf8JhE1-2BQ6LhyV2bX3Yc2qdcgqL69YeYUpFJ655rIke9rUUTSQyRMCitruEZQKMdGY2b5s9-2FhMZO9Otu5kF9d5D15hzyxQhoX7aDqH8kUO4rZr27faRagzs1fDmcXS2M9Xj1z5-2FRS4vazAoCpeWUdl-2F-2BFPZvMjy0RXEgUCjGhg4Mt-2BIlSoMw4ZHytV1Pt3vzfsd0AQTXdECmutGviXmT0sblyt1tEHuKKRalOcNx6hpqSJQ9Ml21jXUISAFLehDpvJIhf9RS7QJ1lqCYXOcFvcSQFo5V1AhSMUyY4lR1GA-3D" target="_blank">AAA&nbsp;retail locations</a>&nbsp;or at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUYe7tYGlaSU2zXM-2BdoxvQe-2BecbO-2B70OLNFQkHgXWqypeNY-Z_Eqqb-2BQb-2F1BdZ0JsrHwGnCQnqR9xIbrqITy5njSTDmVRhtVZShQl-2FpVWTkAsyzCAO0pf8JhE1-2BQ6LhyV2bX3Yc2qdcgqL69YeYUpFJ655rIke9rUUTSQyRMCitruEZQKMdGY2b5s9-2FhMZO9Otu5kF9d5D15hzyxQhoX7aDqH8kUO4rZr27faRagzs1fDmcXS2M9Xj1z5-2FRS4vazAoCpeWUZpT5yXG11tM-2BQWtvomvFxHH6wxix-2BDALsoOwyeneMNFeVXvzBH2blBEwgwFMMBDqUJlxyElM4TEMaLCR3f0aca5CUpQ7vOnYRbcEDwij8w1T3xOTx1YqXegIBtEOhDtgOTVAse3tFncwsGtzFCerHc-3D" target="_blank">AAA.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

AAA: Get car ready for winter blast

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said interest rate reductions may happen this year, but it's not necessarily going to be headed back down the way it went up.

"The U.S. Federal Reserve has at least implied they are going to reduce interest rates three times this year," Goss said. "Investors say six or seven times. I'm on the side of the Fed in this one. I think it will be three times. What it has done is weaken the value of the dollar."

Though this past Friday's job report was strong, Goss said that's not the one to look at.

"What to watch out for is the employment report, which comes out in February," Goss said. "It's the one in February that we need to watch out for. We had some job cuts, some fairly big job cuts by companies like Nike. We'll have to wait and see. If that employment report for the first Friday in February, if that's below 50,000 then it's going to be a lot rougher."

Given that Goss doesn't think a rate cut is coming until March, if there ends up being pessimism in the job market, that could hold off rate cuts even longer. However, the untying of jobs from locations via remote work makes it hard to pinpoint exactly what the job report may look like.

"A lot of workers across America are not coming back to the office," Goss said. "It is sort of a new normal, that's what we're seeing right now. That's having some real impacts on commercial real estate, particularly in the large cities, downtown locations particularly. There's office space a plenty, the prices are coming down. We're going to see some failures there. I don't expect that to spread over into the broader economy."

The December jobs report that came out on Friday, Jan. 5 said from December 2022 to December 2023, payrolls grew by 2.7 million, or an average of 225,000 per month.

<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/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said interest rate reductions may happen this year, but it's not necessarily going to be headed back down the way it went up."The U.S. Federal Reserve has at least implied they are going to reduce interest rates three times this year," Goss said. "Investors say six or seven times. I'm on the side of the Fed in this one. I think it will be three times. What it has done is weaken the value of the dollar."Though this past Friday's job report was strong, Goss said that's not the one to look at."What to watch out for is the employment report, which comes out in February," Goss said. "It's the one in February that we need to watch out for. We had some job cuts, some fairly big job cuts by companies like Nike. We'll have to wait and see. If that employment report for the first Friday in February, if that's below 50,000 then it's going to be a lot rougher."Given that Goss doesn't think a rate cut is coming until March, if there ends up being pessimism in the job market, that could hold off rate cuts even longer. However, the untying of jobs from locations via remote work makes it hard to pinpoint exactly what the job report may look like."A lot of workers across America are not coming back to the office," Goss said. "It is sort of a new normal, that's what we're seeing right now. That's having some real impacts on commercial real estate, particularly in the large cities, downtown locations particularly. There's office space a plenty, the prices are coming down. We're going to see some failures there. I don't expect that to spread over into the broader economy."The December jobs report that came out on Friday, Jan. 5 said from December 2022 to December 2023, payrolls grew by 2.7 million, or an average of 225,000 per month.<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;

Goss: Job report worth watching next month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Become an official Kansas Master Naturalist with a customized 40-hour training course, only offered every two years through Dillon Nature Center. The course begins Jan. 30 and meets on Tuesday afternoons through Apr. 2.

Professionals from across the state will teach each class on topics that include interpretation, ecology, geology, soils, plants, insects, reptiles and amphibians, fish, mammals and birds.

Classes will be held at DNC and other locations around central Kansas. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to all locations. After the 40 hours of coursework, participants will be required to do 30 hours of volunteer service on environmental projects that benefit the community.

The fee is $150 and you can register <a href="https://secure.rec1.com/KS/hutchinson-ks/catalog/index/a19c1c8ac7138a7dc9745e4f8df2f347?filter=c2VhcmNoPU1hc3Rlcg==&amp;fbclid=IwAR1WOdP7wpVdMbqZTqPtO_MmofSu5Gq19rKKE6ZtNSGaSnnLvp812k1cf5o">online</a>. The registration deadline is Jan. 23.

<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/2024/1/1704709199983.jpeg" alt="Kansas Master Naturalist" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Master Naturalist</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch RecHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Become an official Kansas Master Naturalist with a customized 40-hour training course, only offered every two years through Dillon Nature Center. The course begins Jan. 30 and meets on Tuesday afternoons through Apr. 2.Professionals from across the state will teach each class on topics that include interpretation, ecology, geology, soils, plants, insects, reptiles and amphibians, fish, mammals and birds.Classes will be held at DNC and other locations around central Kansas. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to all locations. After the 40 hours of coursework, participants will be required to do 30 hours of volunteer service on environmental projects that benefit the community.The fee is $150 and you can register <a href="https://secure.rec1.com/KS/hutchinson-ks/catalog/index/a19c1c8ac7138a7dc9745e4f8df2f347?filter=c2VhcmNoPU1hc3Rlcg==&amp;fbclid=IwAR1WOdP7wpVdMbqZTqPtO_MmofSu5Gq19rKKE6ZtNSGaSnnLvp812k1cf5o">online</a>. The registration deadline is Jan. 23.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Kansas Master Naturalist course being offered

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Chamber on Thursday released its 2024 Legislative and Policy Agenda, laying out its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. One of those is reducing taxes, as the state has a large amount of money in the bank right now.

"Broadly, our goal is to get Kansas into a more competitive position to continue to attract investment into the state and grow the state and grow investment here," Stafford said. "Specifically focusing on what was the effort last year from House and Senate Republican Leadership, to get Kansas in a position where we adopt a single income tax rate."

The bill passed both houses in 2023, but was vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly in April. The Chamber also wants to be careful that sales tax carve outs are limited.

"Our philosophy that we try to push is broaden the base, lower the rate," Stafford said. "Tax more at a lower rate, especially on the sales tax side."

Sales tax on groceries is currently being phased out and will be to 0% in 2025 if there are no policy changes.&nbsp;

"Our state sales tax rate of 6.5% [for all other items], when you combine it with local, it's top ten in the country in terms of sales tax burden," Stafford said. "How can we get a lower sales tax burden?"

Input for the agenda is gathered from the Chamber member task groups and in-person meetings throughout the state, as well as from research from its Annual Business Leaders Pol<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rCwir9th4_aNGMYUJsDCV4y9EeSb23WcZp-i_8oB2UGcLSmhuxn7B28lDDfXEHYoC2kMbS56QRBhduztnpWLicxsInhp1auN0wHJeCbu13DWS7nwVE9drYu33SRO7BWB0rCe47-eGNg1pTU4kjIaWbfCZKS4BHbDF1U4Uu_yuvrtwOKX9ri7BiocIP2egXR7haMQq_n98n9_1d9frcvNpCr8dXWTeeHZRUZjnFBJvJQwWDkx6s_9t7Kk8EQ4HH8AlneP0eatuY4=&amp;c=x5vIV6zXb_BJWrver8Y4zQ-rjQu7TSdx69l0vYQcnyGWa70yBr68wg==&amp;ch=Yu7hUVStJvJtwECvXck9EXTCJ0-IjPJchvE7apAYH_eA5rOF15eVDw==" target="_blank">l</a>,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Tax Modernization report,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Competitiveness Analysis report.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703345305565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Kansas Chamber on Thursday released its 2024 Legislative and Policy Agenda, laying out its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. One of those is reducing taxes, as the state has a large amount of money in the bank right now."Broadly, our goal is to get Kansas into a more competitive position to continue to attract investment into the state and grow the state and grow investment here," Stafford said. "Specifically focusing on what was the effort last year from House and Senate Republican Leadership, to get Kansas in a position where we adopt a single income tax rate."The bill passed both houses in 2023, but was vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly in April. The Chamber also wants to be careful that sales tax carve outs are limited."Our philosophy that we try to push is broaden the base, lower the rate," Stafford said. "Tax more at a lower rate, especially on the sales tax side."Sales tax on groceries is currently being phased out and will be to 0% in 2025 if there are no policy changes.&nbsp;"Our state sales tax rate of 6.5% [for all other items], when you combine it with local, it's top ten in the country in terms of sales tax burden," Stafford said. "How can we get a lower sales tax burden?"Input for the agenda is gathered from the Chamber member task groups and in-person meetings throughout the state, as well as from research from its Annual Business Leaders Pol<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rCwir9th4_aNGMYUJsDCV4y9EeSb23WcZp-i_8oB2UGcLSmhuxn7B28lDDfXEHYoC2kMbS56QRBhduztnpWLicxsInhp1auN0wHJeCbu13DWS7nwVE9drYu33SRO7BWB0rCe47-eGNg1pTU4kjIaWbfCZKS4BHbDF1U4Uu_yuvrtwOKX9ri7BiocIP2egXR7haMQq_n98n9_1d9frcvNpCr8dXWTeeHZRUZjnFBJvJQwWDkx6s_9t7Kk8EQ4HH8AlneP0eatuY4=&amp;c=x5vIV6zXb_BJWrver8Y4zQ-rjQu7TSdx69l0vYQcnyGWa70yBr68wg==&amp;ch=Yu7hUVStJvJtwECvXck9EXTCJ0-IjPJchvE7apAYH_eA5rOF15eVDw==" target="_blank">l</a>,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Tax Modernization report,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Competitiveness Analysis report.&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;

Kansas Chamber looking to reduce tax burden in 2024

1/7/2024 8:31 PM-Spencer	Daniel Swafford-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body	$10,500.00	1/7/2024	2024-00000895		2024-00000076	188	Leonard	false

1/7/2024 6:25 PM-Airon	Richard Barton-Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate; Poss of depressant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

1/7/2024 6:09 PM-Collin	Ray Teter-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)

1/7/2024 6:02 PM-Kayla	Ora Nicole Titus-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;

1/7/2024 3:52 PM-Kevin	Bruce Avery-Failure to Appear

1/7/2024 8:34 AM-Sean	Kevin Story-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

1/7/2024 7:34 AM-Darin	Daniel Rodriquez	Viol protection order; Tribal order

1/7/2024 6:14 AM-Raquel	Angelique	Rodriguez-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant

<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;1/7/2024 8:31 PM-Spencer	Daniel Swafford-Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body	$10,500.00	1/7/2024	2024-00000895		2024-00000076	188	Leonard	false1/7/2024 6:25 PM-Airon	Richard Barton-Insurance; Fail to maintain liability insurance; Registration Violation; No/Expired License Plate; Poss of depressant; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,5001/7/2024 6:09 PM-Collin	Ray Teter-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)1/7/2024 6:02 PM-Kayla	Ora Nicole Titus-Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)&nbsp;1/7/2024 3:52 PM-Kevin	Bruce Avery-Failure to Appear1/7/2024 8:34 AM-Sean	Kevin Story-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv1/7/2024 7:34 AM-Darin	Daniel Rodriquez	Viol protection order; Tribal order1/7/2024 6:14 AM-Raquel	Angelique	Rodriguez-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after following chase in McPherson County.

Just before 10p.m. Friday, a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135, according to a media release.

 The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle.

A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The man was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. He was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.

Newton Police Department deployed their UAV drone where it located the second suspect. He was taken into custody, evaluated by McPherson EMS, and then transported to McPherson County Jail.

Kasey Haag, 31, is being held on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer; use of a deadly weapon, flee or attempt to elude; driving the wrong way in opposing traffic, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failure to stop at an accident, probation violation, transporting an open container and possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia. Haag has four previous convictions for burglary and additional convictions for theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Malek Halabi, 22, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, knowingly flee, drug possession and transporting an open container.

&nbsp;Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS all assisted in the sheriff's office with the arrest and transport.

MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Friday night, Jan. 5, at approximately 9:57 p.m., a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135. The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle. 

A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The male was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. The male was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.

The McPherson County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704632339056.png" alt="Halabi-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Halabi-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after following chase in McPherson County.Just before 10p.m. Friday, a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135, according to a media release. The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle.A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The man was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. He was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704631722442.png" alt="Haag-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Haag-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Newton Police Department deployed their UAV drone where it located the second suspect. He was taken into custody, evaluated by McPherson EMS, and then transported to McPherson County Jail.Kasey Haag, 31, is being held on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer; use of a deadly weapon, flee or attempt to elude; driving the wrong way in opposing traffic, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, driving while suspended, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, failure to stop at an accident, probation violation, transporting an open container and possession of opiates and drug paraphernalia. Haag has four previous convictions for burglary and additional convictions for theft and aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Malek Halabi, 22, is being held on requested charges that include interference with law enforcement, knowingly flee, drug possession and transporting an open container.&nbsp;Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS all assisted in the sheriff's office with the arrest and transport.--------------McPherson County Sheriff's OfficeMCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — Friday night, Jan. 5, at approximately 9:57 p.m., a deputy with the McPherson County Sheriff's Office attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate 135. The vehicle fled into the City of Moundridge where it wrecked and two individuals fled from the vehicle. A McPherson County Sheriff K-9 unit was deployed. The K-9 located one of the suspects and he was apprehended. The male was evaluated and transported to McPherson Hospital by Moundridge EMS. The male was later released and transported to the McPherson County Jail.Newton Police Department deployed their UAV drone where it located the second suspect. He was taken into custody, evaluated by McPherson EMS, and then transported to McPherson County Jail.The McPherson County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Newton Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Inman Police Department, Moundridge Police Department, Moundridge EMS, &amp; McPherson EMS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Traffic stop and chase leads to two arrests in McPherson County

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Special education is not being funded according to state statute and&nbsp; educational leaders would like to see that change with action in the 2024 Kansas Legislature. 

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/05/task-force-proposes-kansas-legislature-pass-4-year-82-7-million-special-education-funding-plan/">According to the Kansas Reflector</a>, the task force created by the Kansas Legislature to resolve funding challenges in K-12 special education endorsed a four-year plan Friday adding $82.7 million annually in appropriations to local school districts to comply with a law requiring the state cover 92% of extra costs for serving gifted and disabled students.

"We spend $5.5 million on SPED, in just Buhler," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "We are funded at about $3.9 million from the state. That leaves a gap of about $1.6 million. That $1.6 million then comes from our general budget and our local option budget, so that means that is funded locally."

The state board of education has recommended ramping SPED funding up to the 92% level over four years. Kansas has not hit that number since 2011.

"That $1.6 million could be going to programs for students and opportunities for students, from activities to clubs to sports," Couchman said. "It could also reduce class sizes and provide more help, get more at risk instructors in there to help with your interventions."

What money the districts get is delayed, so they have to spend on Special Education before getting paid for it. The task force wants to fix that, as well.

"A SPED student is a general ed student first," Couchman said. "We are hurting all opportunities for all students when we have to pull money from the general budget."

The base state aid per pupil funding formula is fully funded according to the Gannon decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625156550797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Special education is not being funded according to state statute and&nbsp; educational leaders would like to see that change with action in the 2024 Kansas Legislature. <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/05/task-force-proposes-kansas-legislature-pass-4-year-82-7-million-special-education-funding-plan/">According to the Kansas Reflector</a>, the task force created by the Kansas Legislature to resolve funding challenges in K-12 special education endorsed a four-year plan Friday adding $82.7 million annually in appropriations to local school districts to comply with a law requiring the state cover 92% of extra costs for serving gifted and disabled students."We spend $5.5 million on SPED, in just Buhler," said USD 313 Superintendent Cindy Couchman. "We are funded at about $3.9 million from the state. That leaves a gap of about $1.6 million. That $1.6 million then comes from our general budget and our local option budget, so that means that is funded locally."The state board of education has recommended ramping SPED funding up to the 92% level over four years. Kansas has not hit that number since 2011."That $1.6 million could be going to programs for students and opportunities for students, from activities to clubs to sports," Couchman said. "It could also reduce class sizes and provide more help, get more at risk instructors in there to help with your interventions."What money the districts get is delayed, so they have to spend on Special Education before getting paid for it. The task force wants to fix that, as well."A SPED student is a general ed student first," Couchman said. "We are hurting all opportunities for all students when we have to pull money from the general budget."The base state aid per pupil funding formula is fully funded according to the Gannon decision.<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;

Special education underfunding still an issue in 2024 at Statehouse

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is headed back to Washington on Tuesday after finishing up some town halls in Kansas, and the priority as he sees it for Congress, after talking to Kansans is southern border security.

"Every $10 billion we spend is about $30 per American," Mann said. "We've spent a little over $100 billion in Ukraine, which is a little over $300 per every American. Now, we're in a spot where the administration is coming to Congress asking for more money for Ukraine. I want Ukraine to win. I wish them well. I certainly don't want Russia to win. However, there's no plan. There's no strategy. Why would we send more money to Ukraine and help them to secure their border, when we're unwilling to secure our own? This makes no sense."

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairus.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Fiscal%20Burden%20of%20Illegal%20Immigration%20on%20American%20Taxpayers%202023%20WEB_0.pdf">Federation for American Immigration Reform reports</a> that in total, the gross cost of illegal immigration now totals $183 billion as of 2023.

"This is not good, whatsoever," Mann said. "I'm for legal immigration. But, this current system that is in place makes absolutely no sense."

Speaker Mike Johnson and over 60 House Republicans, including Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes, visited the border on Jan. 3. House leadership wants to see the Senate take up H.R. 2 that it passed earlier this year and make it part of any aid package.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is headed back to Washington on Tuesday after finishing up some town halls in Kansas, and the priority as he sees it for Congress, after talking to Kansans is southern border security."Every $10 billion we spend is about $30 per American," Mann said. "We've spent a little over $100 billion in Ukraine, which is a little over $300 per every American. Now, we're in a spot where the administration is coming to Congress asking for more money for Ukraine. I want Ukraine to win. I wish them well. I certainly don't want Russia to win. However, there's no plan. There's no strategy. Why would we send more money to Ukraine and help them to secure their border, when we're unwilling to secure our own? This makes no sense."The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairus.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/Fiscal%20Burden%20of%20Illegal%20Immigration%20on%20American%20Taxpayers%202023%20WEB_0.pdf">Federation for American Immigration Reform reports</a> that in total, the gross cost of illegal immigration now totals $183 billion as of 2023."This is not good, whatsoever," Mann said. "I'm for legal immigration. But, this current system that is in place makes absolutely no sense."Speaker Mike Johnson and over 60 House Republicans, including Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes, visited the border on Jan. 3. House leadership wants to see the Senate take up H.R. 2 that it passed earlier this year and make it part of any aid package.<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;

Mann: Southern border needs to be funding priority

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law is clear that foreign land ownership laws will likely be an issue for courts across the country in 2024.

"There has been a court that has weighed in on one of the state statutes on this," McEowen said. "There have been a number of states that have enacted foreign ownership restrictions in the past year, year and a half, but particularly in 2023, that was Florida. The court said it's perfectly within the state's rights to have a law that restricts foreign ownership of certain adversaries, these foreign adversaries that are on the foreign adversary list. The court didn't have any problem with that, and I think that's probably the right decision. It's a legitimate interest of the state in protecting its people and protecting the food supply."

According to the<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf"> latest USDA Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act report</a>, foreign persons held an interest in approximately 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of December 31, 2021. This is 3.1 percent of all privately held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the United States.

"This will continue to be a big issue in 2024," McEowen said. "We'll have more states that enact legislation. Also in 2023, we had the state of Arkansas that pushed it even further and mandated the divestiture of agricultural land interests owned by a company controlled by the Chinese."

Crafting legislation that keeps out bad actors, while allowing for competition to continue when ag land comes up for sale will be tough in statehouses across the country.

"There are a bunch of issues that are tangled into this all over the place," McEowen said. "It's going to make it difficult for state legislatures to craft restrictions in a manner that is carefully tuned to rat out, so to speak, the problem that they are after and not paint with too broad a brush, where you get into constitutional problems," McEowen said. "It presents a thorny issue for state legislatures, for state AGs, for governors, but it's a major issue in terms of agriculture's concern."

Foreign ownership concerns go all the way back to English common law. The common law rule existed in England until it was abolished by statute in 1870.

<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/2024/1/1704552417681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law is clear that foreign land ownership laws will likely be an issue for courts across the country in 2024."There has been a court that has weighed in on one of the state statutes on this," McEowen said. "There have been a number of states that have enacted foreign ownership restrictions in the past year, year and a half, but particularly in 2023, that was Florida. The court said it's perfectly within the state's rights to have a law that restricts foreign ownership of certain adversaries, these foreign adversaries that are on the foreign adversary list. The court didn't have any problem with that, and I think that's probably the right decision. It's a legitimate interest of the state in protecting its people and protecting the food supply."According to the<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf"> latest USDA Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act report</a>, foreign persons held an interest in approximately 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of December 31, 2021. This is 3.1 percent of all privately held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the United States."This will continue to be a big issue in 2024," McEowen said. "We'll have more states that enact legislation. Also in 2023, we had the state of Arkansas that pushed it even further and mandated the divestiture of agricultural land interests owned by a company controlled by the Chinese."Crafting legislation that keeps out bad actors, while allowing for competition to continue when ag land comes up for sale will be tough in statehouses across the country."There are a bunch of issues that are tangled into this all over the place," McEowen said. "It's going to make it difficult for state legislatures to craft restrictions in a manner that is carefully tuned to rat out, so to speak, the problem that they are after and not paint with too broad a brush, where you get into constitutional problems," McEowen said. "It presents a thorny issue for state legislatures, for state AGs, for governors, but it's a major issue in terms of agriculture's concern."Foreign ownership concerns go all the way back to English common law. The common law rule existed in England until it was abolished by statute in 1870.<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;

Local