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

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of Avenue B and Main Streets.

In 1898, it became apparent that Reno County needed a new and larger courthouse. Bonds were passed in 1899 and 200 S. Main was selected for the location. 

Architect D.T. Depry of Hutch was selected to design it. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 2 of 1900. It took almost a year for construction at a final cost of $54,000.

It opened June 25, 1901. The first photo shows the courthouse finished with the jail immediately behind it at 15 E. Ave. B. 

Everything went along fine until 1924 when the courthouse started developing large cracks in the brick and limestone walls due to settling.

It was decided that the settling was being caused by the Carey Salt brine plant south of the courthouse. The courthouse was abandoned in 1927 and offices were scattered around the city until a replacement courthouse was built. 

After the property was cleared, Dillons purchased it and built a new Dillons Food Market #1 in 1933. The second photo shows that store about 1950. This store was here from 1934 to 1979. 

In 1981, Dillons worked a deal with The Salvation Army to open a thrift store in the old building. The third photo shows the 200 S. Main property today, still housing The Salvation Army Thrift Store, overseen by Maj. Paul James from their home at 700 N. Walnut.

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

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.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/2023/3/1678889832275.jpeg" alt="Reno County Court House &amp; Reno County Jail - S. E. Cor. Ave. B &amp; Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno County Court House &amp; Reno County Jail - S. E. Cor. Ave. B &amp; Main - c. 1910. 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>STEVE HARMON Hutch Post ContributorToday's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of Avenue B and Main Streets.In 1898, it became apparent that Reno County needed a new and larger courthouse. Bonds were passed in 1899 and 200 S. Main was selected for the location. Architect D.T. Depry of Hutch was selected to design it. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 2 of 1900. It took almost a year for construction at a final cost of $54,000.It opened June 25, 1901. The first photo shows the courthouse finished with the jail immediately behind it at 15 E. Ave. B. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678889832275.jpeg" alt="Reno County Court House &amp; Reno County Jail - S. E. Cor. Ave. B &amp; Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno County Court House &amp; Reno County Jail - S. E. Cor. Ave. B &amp; Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>Everything went along fine until 1924 when the courthouse started developing large cracks in the brick and limestone walls due to settling.It was decided that the settling was being caused by the Carey Salt brine plant south of the courthouse. The courthouse was abandoned in 1927 and offices were scattered around the city until a replacement courthouse was built. After the property was cleared, Dillons purchased it and built a new Dillons Food Market #1 in 1933. The second photo shows that store about 1950. This store was here from 1934 to 1979. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678890115089.jpeg" alt="Reno County Court House - Dillons Food Market Store #1 - 200 S. Main - Ave B &amp; Main c. 1950 (1934 to 1979).&nbsp;Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno County Court House - Dillons Food Market Store #1 - 200 S. Main - Ave B &amp; Main c. 1950 (1934 to 1979).&nbsp;Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 1981, Dillons worked a deal with The Salvation Army to open a thrift store in the old building. The third photo shows the 200 S. Main property today, still housing The Salvation Army Thrift Store, overseen by Maj. Paul James from their home at 700 N. Walnut.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678890261350.jpeg" alt="Reno County Court House - Salvation Army Thrift Store - 200 S. Main - 2-09-2023.&nbsp;Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection." />
 <figcaption>Reno County Court House - Salvation Army Thrift Store - 200 S. Main - 2-09-2023.&nbsp;Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.</figcaption>
 </figure>To purchase a print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:<a href="https://gambinospizza.com/">Gambino's Pizza</a> <a href="https://www.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: Hutch - Then & Now Collection - Vol. 9

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory until 1 a.m. Friday.

South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are  expected over portions of central and eastern Kansas ahead of the cold front, then north winds 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph are expected behind the cold front.

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle, and secure outdoor objects.

<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/2023/3/1678962793906.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Wind Advisory until 1 a.m. Friday.South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected over portions of central and eastern Kansas ahead of the cold front, then north winds 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph are expected behind the cold front.Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle, and secure outdoor objects.<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;

Wind Advisory in effect until Friday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents in South Hutchinson have requested to have the garage sale and annual clean up day occur in April when it is cooler, instead of June, due to the heat.

The city agreed, so this year the garage sale and clean up day in South Hutch will be the weekend of April 21-22. 

In 2022, the city created a Google sign up sheet where residents participating in the garage sale could provide the day, time, address, and types of items they were planning on selling so that garage sale enthusiasts could plan their weekend.

In the near future, the city will post a link to the sheet on its social media pages so that residents can sign up and advertise a sale.

Dumpsters for the city cleanup will be stationed over at the ball diamonds like they were the last two years.&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/2022/9/1663601059046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents in South Hutchinson have requested to have the garage sale and annual clean up day occur in April when it is cooler, instead of June, due to the heat.The city agreed, so this year the garage sale and clean up day in South Hutch will be the weekend of April 21-22. In 2022, the city created a Google sign up sheet where residents participating in the garage sale could provide the day, time, address, and types of items they were planning on selling so that garage sale enthusiasts could plan their weekend.In the near future, the city will post a link to the sheet on its social media pages so that residents can sign up and advertise a sale.Dumpsters for the city cleanup will be stationed over at the ball diamonds like they were the last two years.&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;

South Hutch garage sale day next month

TOPEKA — A new website created by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, in collaboration with industry experts, provides a close-up look at all 140 public-use airports across the state and their impact on the communities they serve. Online dashboards provide the conditions of airport runways, economic impact data, future airport needs and more.

According to the dashboard, the Hutchinson Airport as of 2022 has an economic output of $22,534,223, supports 155 jobs and $6,047,638 in wages. This is an extrapolation from a 2016 study conducted by Burns &amp; McDonnell.

&nbsp;“Every airport serves a unique and important role for their community,” said Bob Brock, KDOT Director of Aviation. “It is this uniqueness that makes credible data on individual airports even more important to local, state and national decision-makers.”

&nbsp;The Division of Aviation worked with aviation industry leaders to publish key airport performance data online. Two new tools on this website offer precise aviation economic impact data for each community as well as current information on the status of airport pavement health used to program long-term airport investments.

The airport pavement health condition of the Hutchinson Airport is consistently below state averages for runways, taxiways, apron and taxilane. There are 13 total recommended projects for the airport on the website from 2023 to 2025.

&nbsp;The website address is:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTUuNzMzOTg4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FpcmthbnNhcy5rc2RvdC5nb3YvQWlyUGVyZkRhc2guaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fMzpxZt6RFPUB6KJto8_WdiN03H6tKRVMg65Si9c8HQ/s/2129667343/br/156206047134-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/AirPerfDash.html</a>

&nbsp;“With this combination of data for every airport, KDOT expects significant improvement in projects that deliver the most positive impact for the community as well as increased capacity to complete projects more efficiently,” Brock said.

&nbsp;The KDOT Aviation website includes information on how communities and airport operators can apply for grants, most notably through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program. For 22 years, KAIP grants have enabled communities to partner with KDOT on 820-plus airport improvement projects totaling nearly $200 million in value. In turn, these Kansas public-use airports support nearly 34,000 jobs and roughly $11 billion of on-airport economic impact within the state.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643373407439.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — A new website created by the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, in collaboration with industry experts, provides a close-up look at all 140 public-use airports across the state and their impact on the communities they serve. Online dashboards provide the conditions of airport runways, economic impact data, future airport needs and more.According to the dashboard, the Hutchinson Airport as of 2022 has an economic output of $22,534,223, supports 155 jobs and $6,047,638 in wages. This is an extrapolation from a 2016 study conducted by Burns &amp; McDonnell.&nbsp;“Every airport serves a unique and important role for their community,” said Bob Brock, KDOT Director of Aviation. “It is this uniqueness that makes credible data on individual airports even more important to local, state and national decision-makers.”&nbsp;The Division of Aviation worked with aviation industry leaders to publish key airport performance data online. Two new tools on this website offer precise aviation economic impact data for each community as well as current information on the status of airport pavement health used to program long-term airport investments.The airport pavement health condition of the Hutchinson Airport is consistently below state averages for runways, taxiways, apron and taxilane. There are 13 total recommended projects for the airport on the website from 2023 to 2025.&nbsp;The website address is:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAzMTUuNzMzOTg4MjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2FpcmthbnNhcy5rc2RvdC5nb3YvQWlyUGVyZkRhc2guaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fMzpxZt6RFPUB6KJto8_WdiN03H6tKRVMg65Si9c8HQ/s/2129667343/br/156206047134-l" target="_blank">https://airkansas.ksdot.gov/AirPerfDash.html</a>&nbsp;“With this combination of data for every airport, KDOT expects significant improvement in projects that deliver the most positive impact for the community as well as increased capacity to complete projects more efficiently,” Brock said.&nbsp;The KDOT Aviation website includes information on how communities and airport operators can apply for grants, most notably through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program. For 22 years, KAIP grants have enabled communities to partner with KDOT on 820-plus airport improvement projects totaling nearly $200 million in value. In turn, these Kansas public-use airports support nearly 34,000 jobs and roughly $11 billion of on-airport economic impact within the state.<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;

Website gives airport impact stats, construction needs

While overall prospects for the 2023 Kansas wheat harvest remain dim due to sustained drought conditions, producers who have received timely moisture are encouraged to enter the 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest.&nbsp;

“No one can deny Mother Nature has not been kind to this year’s winter wheat crop in Kansas,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin. “Even with the drought, we encourage producers to enter the National Wheat Yield Contest to demonstrate how their management practices maximize moisture when available and improve both yields and quality.”&nbsp;

The National Wheat Yield Contest is organized by the National Wheat Foundation (NWF). The contest is divided into two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated.&nbsp;

Entries for winter wheat are open until May 15, 2023, with each entry costing $100. Each contestant must save an eight-pound sample of their wheat. The 24 national winners will send in their samples for analysis of milling and baking characteristics. Depending on the class, wheat samples must also exceed 57 or 58 pound test weight to compete.&nbsp;

Kansas farmers must be members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers to enter the national contest. Learn more about membership at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcast2r4s5HwzLPUJvP91J2FDDaP9JP8ejD6Di9B817uGOhdOzl_zhTA7kjTyL0HZsbfLmGrUL-vS5v-6n0Wua1w==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/join</a>.&nbsp;

The 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest will recognize the top 24 individual winners, each of whom will be recognized at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, with quality winners also recognized per class and eligible for an extra cash award.&nbsp;

Last year’s state winners were no strangers to a lack of rainfall. Fifth-generation farmer Brett Oelke raised triple-digit wheat in northwest Kansas with only four inches of moisture — entering a plot of WestBred Grainfield near Hoxie that yielded 106.34 bushels per acre in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. The entry earned him the top spot in Kansas for dryland winter wheat and fifth nationally in percent increase over the county average. Read Oelke’s full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcmBBh_WToSmQC7Q5iXsWEt_uQhuiIOOLv7E6BuAZwdMOvVG_K2VJS_Sch5h7ezod3eF5Y6_QGd6ThJ-64gVrLEA==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/oelke</a>.&nbsp;

Rain also doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, so David Leonard has learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre. Read Leonard’s full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcrRFUeBpz1FfYBtXZitUTPBKSGTpGWvBjk2buCsXkbrSi1Qh3d28NFg2ClXLyR5dOTy6tD5ZVMa5WUatJAbLyfQ==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/leonard</a>.&nbsp;

And brothers John and Matt Grabbe put Schoenchen, Kansas, near Hays, on the map with two of the top three entries in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. John placed second in Kansas in the winter wheat dryland category with an entry of WestBred WB4422 that yielded 103.24 bushels per acre. Brother Matt took third in the same category with an entry of WestBred WB4792 that yielded 97.88 bushels per acre. Read their full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypc6O6yRqYB-uOKwdGntWeT1DTU3lHpKEh59eFlXGX8IkpywxSFQC324Xm4pfzAMQT8ydvAs2Ay_btgTj9cEYYi7Q==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/grabbebros</a>.&nbsp;

“We’re proud to see our growers continue to reach for higher and better yields, even when moisture is limited,” Gilpin said. “We can’t control the weather, but last year’s winners demonstrated how variety selection and management decisions help utilize the full potential of wheat genetics, even under challenging growing conditions.”

WestBred, John Deere, U.S. Wheat Associates, BASF, The McGregor Companies, Croplan, Eastman, AgriMaxx, Ardent Mills, DynaGro, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, PlainsGold, UPL, Ohio Corn &amp; Wheat, Mennel Milling, FarmLogs powered by Bushel, GrainSense, Miller Milling, North Carolina Small Grain Growers, Grain Craft, Grow Pro Genetics, Michigan Wheat, Kansas Wheat, Northern Crops Institute and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator are all supporting this year’s contest.&nbsp;

Learn more about the National Wheat Yield Contest and enter at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcpJ19DJlFM09gXhQvAxth4f5SeSoBek9WNJbUaLIU8xT_jA2UAMqt4hBhKxva4ZIaRvvtjU6ugOqpgT4futBvRq7MfDTjqd0_9sJHDZU0d-0=&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">www.yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatWhile overall prospects for the 2023 Kansas wheat harvest remain dim due to sustained drought conditions, producers who have received timely moisture are encouraged to enter the 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest.&nbsp;“No one can deny Mother Nature has not been kind to this year’s winter wheat crop in Kansas,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin. “Even with the drought, we encourage producers to enter the National Wheat Yield Contest to demonstrate how their management practices maximize moisture when available and improve both yields and quality.”&nbsp;The National Wheat Yield Contest is organized by the National Wheat Foundation (NWF). The contest is divided into two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated.&nbsp;Entries for winter wheat are open until May 15, 2023, with each entry costing $100. Each contestant must save an eight-pound sample of their wheat. The 24 national winners will send in their samples for analysis of milling and baking characteristics. Depending on the class, wheat samples must also exceed 57 or 58 pound test weight to compete.&nbsp;Kansas farmers must be members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers to enter the national contest. Learn more about membership at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcast2r4s5HwzLPUJvP91J2FDDaP9JP8ejD6Di9B817uGOhdOzl_zhTA7kjTyL0HZsbfLmGrUL-vS5v-6n0Wua1w==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/join</a>.&nbsp;The 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest will recognize the top 24 individual winners, each of whom will be recognized at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston, Texas, with quality winners also recognized per class and eligible for an extra cash award.&nbsp;Last year’s state winners were no strangers to a lack of rainfall. Fifth-generation farmer Brett Oelke raised triple-digit wheat in northwest Kansas with only four inches of moisture — entering a plot of WestBred Grainfield near Hoxie that yielded 106.34 bushels per acre in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. The entry earned him the top spot in Kansas for dryland winter wheat and fifth nationally in percent increase over the county average. Read Oelke’s full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcmBBh_WToSmQC7Q5iXsWEt_uQhuiIOOLv7E6BuAZwdMOvVG_K2VJS_Sch5h7ezod3eF5Y6_QGd6ThJ-64gVrLEA==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/oelke</a>.&nbsp;Rain also doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, so David Leonard has learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre. Read Leonard’s full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcrRFUeBpz1FfYBtXZitUTPBKSGTpGWvBjk2buCsXkbrSi1Qh3d28NFg2ClXLyR5dOTy6tD5ZVMa5WUatJAbLyfQ==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/leonard</a>.&nbsp;And brothers John and Matt Grabbe put Schoenchen, Kansas, near Hays, on the map with two of the top three entries in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. John placed second in Kansas in the winter wheat dryland category with an entry of WestBred WB4422 that yielded 103.24 bushels per acre. Brother Matt took third in the same category with an entry of WestBred WB4792 that yielded 97.88 bushels per acre. Read their full story at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypc6O6yRqYB-uOKwdGntWeT1DTU3lHpKEh59eFlXGX8IkpywxSFQC324Xm4pfzAMQT8ydvAs2Ay_btgTj9cEYYi7Q==&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/grabbebros</a>.&nbsp;“We’re proud to see our growers continue to reach for higher and better yields, even when moisture is limited,” Gilpin said. “We can’t control the weather, but last year’s winners demonstrated how variety selection and management decisions help utilize the full potential of wheat genetics, even under challenging growing conditions.”WestBred, John Deere, U.S. Wheat Associates, BASF, The McGregor Companies, Croplan, Eastman, AgriMaxx, Ardent Mills, DynaGro, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, PlainsGold, UPL, Ohio Corn &amp; Wheat, Mennel Milling, FarmLogs powered by Bushel, GrainSense, Miller Milling, North Carolina Small Grain Growers, Grain Craft, Grow Pro Genetics, Michigan Wheat, Kansas Wheat, Northern Crops Institute and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator are all supporting this year’s contest.&nbsp;Learn more about the National Wheat Yield Contest and enter at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ww--NnFFzWxeBWbuR5WJL298B2hlPHu-rdzIXEESRrKTE27xtaTwvMikk7UI6ypcpJ19DJlFM09gXhQvAxth4f5SeSoBek9WNJbUaLIU8xT_jA2UAMqt4hBhKxva4ZIaRvvtjU6ugOqpgT4futBvRq7MfDTjqd0_9sJHDZU0d-0=&amp;c=A7SYTNLkRts1-FSJu9LOed_jC7GWgOacxmJ60jlLnYJEJKMCKCkbug==&amp;ch=v6t37JywNF6aYqwJ8mqAjInhu9veL08ApjpC2pR2ZHF38Xh8EHKAQA==" target="_blank">www.yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org</a>.

Wheat Scoop:  National Wheat Yield Contest is open for 2023 entries

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

3/15/2023 10:12 PM-Samuel	Othon Christians-Failure to Appear

3/15/2023 6:44 PM-Heath	Edward Jenks-Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof;450g to &lt; 30Kg; Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

3/15/2023 2:45 PM-Jamon	James Cotton-Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure; Robbery; AGGRAVATED, Dangerous Weapon; Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation

3/15/2023 11:19 AM-Caleb	Zander Ybarra-Failure to Appear

3/15/2023 10:33 AM-Alexander	Chase Belote-Failure to Appear

3/15/2023 5:07 AM-Mikayla	Renee Schartz-Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Transmit/commun false info to req emerg srvc

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;3/15/2023 10:12 PM-Samuel	Othon Christians-Failure to Appear3/15/2023 6:44 PM-Heath	Edward Jenks-Drugs; Distribute Marijuana or Analog thereof;450g to &lt; 30Kg; Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body3/15/2023 2:45 PM-Jamon	James Cotton-Agg battery; Knowingly cause angry phys contact; Agg assault; w/ deadly weapon; Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure; Robbery; AGGRAVATED, Dangerous Weapon; Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation3/15/2023 11:19 AM-Caleb	Zander Ybarra-Failure to Appear3/15/2023 10:33 AM-Alexander	Chase Belote-Failure to Appear3/15/2023 5:07 AM-Mikayla	Renee Schartz-Battery on LEO; Phys contact county/city LEO; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant; Transmit/commun false info to req emerg srvc

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://starexpos.net/" target="_blank">Star Expos</a> and <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">Kansas State Fair</a> are partnering up to bring a brand-new expo to the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, scheduled for March 30 through April 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Partnering with the Kansas State Fair and <a href="https://www.visithutch.com/" target="_blank">Visit Hutch</a> gives the Kansas Ag Expo the opportunity to showcase a more diverse expo to include manufacturers and a wide variety of products and services for all to enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The expo is new, but the Star Expos team is far from new, especially to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Previously named the Great Bend Farm &amp; Ranch Expo, Star Expos are excited to move their network from Great Bend, Kansas to a more ideal trade location in Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chance Koetter, Star Expos president, said the main reason for moving the expo from Great Bend to Hutchinson, “is to just promote growth within the show itself, then kind of find a venue that is promoting itself.” 

“We think that the [Kansas] State Fairgrounds shows a lot of potential in taking care of its own vendors and affiliates,” Koetter said. “It seems to be growing and so we want to be part of that if we can, and then also put an ag show together for everybody involved in agriculture within central Kansas. &nbsp;

Koetter hopes that people will see the benefits of the new venue in Hutchinson as worth traveling to. &nbsp;

“Great Bend was a good town, we met a lot of good people back there, but sometimes it's just time for a change,” Koetter said. “This is just a little better set up with the lanes and it’s not so spread out, so everyone can be grouped together a little better. &nbsp;

With over 35 trade expos under their belt, Star Expos is a familiar face to the trade show world. Star Expos is a Kansas owned company that brings professionalism and a tremendous network of vendors to agriculture and the western industry. &nbsp; &nbsp; “We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with Star Expos and the Kansas State Fairgrounds to host the Kansas Ag Expo in Hutchinson for the next three years,” Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales &amp; Sports Events for Visit Hutch, said. “The Kansas Ag Expo will bring another large event to the community and further help showcase the importance of ag tourism as an economic driver Hutchinson.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The show will be located in the Meadowlark, Sunflower South, and Sunflower North buildings of the Kansas State Fairgrounds, along with numerous outdoor exhibits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The venue will boast over 92,000 square feet of exhibit space as well as additional exhibits outside on the runway.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Exhibit booths will include exhibitors from 27 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and England. The Kansas Ag Expo is on track to be one of the largest farm shows in the U.S. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The show staff is excited about the new venue that will be able to house various seminars and demonstrations. It will be a premier livestock, farm equipment, and manufacturers show in the High Plains. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Star Expos said there will be something for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information contact the show office at (866) 685-0989, or by email at <a href="mailto:info@starexpos.net" target="_blank">info@starexpos.net</a>.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673903808356.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://starexpos.net/" target="_blank">Star Expos</a> and <a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">Kansas State Fair</a> are partnering up to bring a brand-new expo to the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, scheduled for March 30 through April 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Partnering with the Kansas State Fair and <a href="https://www.visithutch.com/" target="_blank">Visit Hutch</a> gives the Kansas Ag Expo the opportunity to showcase a more diverse expo to include manufacturers and a wide variety of products and services for all to enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The expo is new, but the Star Expos team is far from new, especially to Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Previously named the Great Bend Farm &amp; Ranch Expo, Star Expos are excited to move their network from Great Bend, Kansas to a more ideal trade location in Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chance Koetter, Star Expos president, said the main reason for moving the expo from Great Bend to Hutchinson, “is to just promote growth within the show itself, then kind of find a venue that is promoting itself.” “We think that the [Kansas] State Fairgrounds shows a lot of potential in taking care of its own vendors and affiliates,” Koetter said. “It seems to be growing and so we want to be part of that if we can, and then also put an ag show together for everybody involved in agriculture within central Kansas. &nbsp;Koetter hopes that people will see the benefits of the new venue in Hutchinson as worth traveling to. &nbsp;“Great Bend was a good town, we met a lot of good people back there, but sometimes it's just time for a change,” Koetter said. “This is just a little better set up with the lanes and it’s not so spread out, so everyone can be grouped together a little better. &nbsp;With over 35 trade expos under their belt, Star Expos is a familiar face to the trade show world. Star Expos is a Kansas owned company that brings professionalism and a tremendous network of vendors to agriculture and the western industry. &nbsp; &nbsp; “We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with Star Expos and the Kansas State Fairgrounds to host the Kansas Ag Expo in Hutchinson for the next three years,” Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales &amp; Sports Events for Visit Hutch, said. “The Kansas Ag Expo will bring another large event to the community and further help showcase the importance of ag tourism as an economic driver Hutchinson.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The show will be located in the Meadowlark, Sunflower South, and Sunflower North buildings of the Kansas State Fairgrounds, along with numerous outdoor exhibits.&nbsp;&nbsp;The venue will boast over 92,000 square feet of exhibit space as well as additional exhibits outside on the runway.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibit booths will include exhibitors from 27 U.S. states, Canada, Australia, and England. The Kansas Ag Expo is on track to be one of the largest farm shows in the U.S. &nbsp; &nbsp;The show staff is excited about the new venue that will be able to house various seminars and demonstrations. It will be a premier livestock, farm equipment, and manufacturers show in the High Plains. &nbsp; &nbsp;Star Expos said there will be something for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information contact the show office at (866) 685-0989, or by email at <a href="mailto:info@starexpos.net" target="_blank">info@starexpos.net</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Ag Expo coming up at the end of the month 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Michelle Guthrie from Reno County Head Start is the Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month. She finds working with preschoolers and their families to get them ready for kindergarten very rewarding.

"I absolutely love my program," Guthrie said. "I get to work with, not only all the kids, but I get to work with their families. I love that piece because they help me as much as I help them and then, the child is just the one who benefits from that team."

For Guthrie, the key to kindergarten readiness is being able to get learning across, by any means necessary.

"We're the dancing class," Guthrie said. "We dance, we do all kinds of things. We run around. We do whatever it takes. Learning is in their play. The more you play, the more they learn."

It really starts with making Head Start a place kids want to be.

"My goal every day is to take a child who may not have security and safety and I bring them into the classroom," Guthrie said. "I help them learn how to sit. I help them learn how to be a good friend. I help them have the social skills to go into kindergarten. If I get the alphabet and the letters and the numbers in there, then that's my bonus. I'm not sure everybody sees it as that, but if I've helped a child have a love for school, then they will learn it, and they do."

Samantha Ratley nominated Guthrie for the award. Part of her entry said, "I believe that she deserves this award because of her hard work, dedication and drive to always do better."

<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/2023/3/1678892688551.jpeg" alt="Michelle Guthrie is the March Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Guthrie is the March Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Michelle Guthrie from Reno County Head Start is the Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month. She finds working with preschoolers and their families to get them ready for kindergarten very rewarding."I absolutely love my program," Guthrie said. "I get to work with, not only all the kids, but I get to work with their families. I love that piece because they help me as much as I help them and then, the child is just the one who benefits from that team."For Guthrie, the key to kindergarten readiness is being able to get learning across, by any means necessary."We're the dancing class," Guthrie said. "We dance, we do all kinds of things. We run around. We do whatever it takes. Learning is in their play. The more you play, the more they learn."It really starts with making Head Start a place kids want to be."My goal every day is to take a child who may not have security and safety and I bring them into the classroom," Guthrie said. "I help them learn how to sit. I help them learn how to be a good friend. I help them have the social skills to go into kindergarten. If I get the alphabet and the letters and the numbers in there, then that's my bonus. I'm not sure everybody sees it as that, but if I've helped a child have a love for school, then they will learn it, and they do."Samantha Ratley nominated Guthrie for the award. Part of her entry said, "I believe that she deserves this award because of her hard work, dedication and drive to always do better."<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;

Teacher of the Month happy giving kids a Head Start

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For those whose residential valuation has gone up in recent years, it's about how much your neighbors were able to get for their places when they sold, much more so than any improvements you made or didn't make.

"It's all about the local sales market," said Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank. "We don't care what things are selling for in Johnson County or in Sedgwick County or in Sherman County. Reno County's our jurisdiction, so that's the sales we are looking at."

<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch79/079_005_0003a.html">The relevant statute is Kansas Statute 79-503a</a>. Below is how it defines fair market value.

"Fair market value" means the amount in terms of money that a well informed buyer is justified in paying and a well informed seller is justified in accepting for property in an open and competitive market, assuming that the parties are acting without undue compulsion. In the determination of fair market value of any real property which is subject to any special assessment, such value shall not be determined by adding the present value of the special assessment to the sales price. For the purposes of this definition it will be assumed that consummation of a sale occurs as of January 1.

Sales in and of themselves shall not be the sole criteria of fair market value but shall be used in connection with cost, income and other factors including but not by way of exclusion:

(a) The proper classification of lands and improvements;

(d) depreciation, including physical deterioration or functional, economic or social obsolescence;

(e) cost of reproduction of improvements;

(f) productivity taking into account all restrictions imposed by the state or federal government and local governing bodies, including, but not limited to, restrictions on property rented or leased to low income individuals and families as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended;

(g) earning capacity as indicated by lease price, by capitalization of net income or by absorption or sell-out period;

(h) rental or reasonable rental values or rental values restricted by the state or federal government or local governing bodies, including, but not limited to, restrictions on property rented or leased to low income individuals and families, as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended;

(i) sale value on open market with due allowance to abnormal inflationary factors influencing such values;

(j) restrictions or requirements imposed upon the use of real estate by the state or federal government or local governing bodies, including zoning and planning boards or commissions, and including, but not limited to, restrictions or requirements imposed upon the use of real estate rented or leased to low income individuals and families, as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended; and

(k) comparison with values of other property of known or recognized value. The assessment-sales ratio study shall not be used as an appraisal for appraisal purposes.

The appraisal process utilized in the valuation of all real and tangible personal property for ad valorem tax purposes shall conform to generally accepted appraisal procedures and standards which are consistent with the definition of fair market value unless otherwise specified by law.

"We're looking at sales on an annual basis, and we're adjusting values accordingly," Plank said. "Things that sold for $45,000 three years ago are now selling for $60,000. That's being reflected in the values of the homes that don't sell, but that's the way we have to do it."

Since Reno County uses the last three years of sales data in its comparison sales approach, it's important to note that from 2020-22 the percent change in sales prices across the county has been up just over 12%.

"We're getting a lot of appeals along the lines of, well, I haven't done anything to my property, but you've adjusted it $10,000, or whatever the case is," Plank said. "You don't have to make changes to the property for the valuation to change. The upward market forces over the last several years, supply, demand, interest rates, inflation, all those things that go into...some of those are more local than others. We, obviously can't control inflation here in Reno County, but the local supply and demand market has just been very low supply, very high demand the last several years. With the historically low interest rates, that affected the sales prices of homes.&nbsp; Those upward market forces have been strong enough over the last several years to overcome, significantly overcome any downward pressure, such as depreciation."

You can appeal the decision of the appraiser on your value, but you need to make those appeals soon. The way to start the process is to give Plank's office a call at (620) 694-2915.

<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/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For those whose residential valuation has gone up in recent years, it's about how much your neighbors were able to get for their places when they sold, much more so than any improvements you made or didn't make."It's all about the local sales market," said Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank. "We don't care what things are selling for in Johnson County or in Sedgwick County or in Sherman County. Reno County's our jurisdiction, so that's the sales we are looking at."<a href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch79/079_005_0003a.html">The relevant statute is Kansas Statute 79-503a</a>. Below is how it defines fair market value."Fair market value" means the amount in terms of money that a well informed buyer is justified in paying and a well informed seller is justified in accepting for property in an open and competitive market, assuming that the parties are acting without undue compulsion. In the determination of fair market value of any real property which is subject to any special assessment, such value shall not be determined by adding the present value of the special assessment to the sales price. For the purposes of this definition it will be assumed that consummation of a sale occurs as of January 1.Sales in and of themselves shall not be the sole criteria of fair market value but shall be used in connection with cost, income and other factors including but not by way of exclusion:(a) The proper classification of lands and improvements;(b) the size thereof;(c) the effect of location on value;(d) depreciation, including physical deterioration or functional, economic or social obsolescence;(e) cost of reproduction of improvements;(f) productivity taking into account all restrictions imposed by the state or federal government and local governing bodies, including, but not limited to, restrictions on property rented or leased to low income individuals and families as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended;(g) earning capacity as indicated by lease price, by capitalization of net income or by absorption or sell-out period;(h) rental or reasonable rental values or rental values restricted by the state or federal government or local governing bodies, including, but not limited to, restrictions on property rented or leased to low income individuals and families, as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended;(i) sale value on open market with due allowance to abnormal inflationary factors influencing such values;(j) restrictions or requirements imposed upon the use of real estate by the state or federal government or local governing bodies, including zoning and planning boards or commissions, and including, but not limited to, restrictions or requirements imposed upon the use of real estate rented or leased to low income individuals and families, as authorized by section 42 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended; and(k) comparison with values of other property of known or recognized value. The assessment-sales ratio study shall not be used as an appraisal for appraisal purposes.The appraisal process utilized in the valuation of all real and tangible personal property for ad valorem tax purposes shall conform to generally accepted appraisal procedures and standards which are consistent with the definition of fair market value unless otherwise specified by law."We're looking at sales on an annual basis, and we're adjusting values accordingly," Plank said. "Things that sold for $45,000 three years ago are now selling for $60,000. That's being reflected in the values of the homes that don't sell, but that's the way we have to do it."Since Reno County uses the last three years of sales data in its comparison sales approach, it's important to note that from 2020-22 the percent change in sales prices across the county has been up just over 12%."We're getting a lot of appeals along the lines of, well, I haven't done anything to my property, but you've adjusted it $10,000, or whatever the case is," Plank said. "You don't have to make changes to the property for the valuation to change. The upward market forces over the last several years, supply, demand, interest rates, inflation, all those things that go into...some of those are more local than others. We, obviously can't control inflation here in Reno County, but the local supply and demand market has just been very low supply, very high demand the last several years. With the historically low interest rates, that affected the sales prices of homes.&nbsp; Those upward market forces have been strong enough over the last several years to overcome, significantly overcome any downward pressure, such as depreciation."You can appeal the decision of the appraiser on your value, but you need to make those appeals soon. The way to start the process is to give Plank's office a call at (620) 694-2915.<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;

County Appraiser: Residential valuation is set by sales

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The YP Annual Meeting is Friday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Clayworks at Disability Supports, 1125 N Main in Hutchinson.

No membership is required to attend. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.yprenocounty.com/annual-meeting">www.yprenocounty.com/annual-meeting</a>.

“Our Annual Meeting has traditionally been later in the year. However, we are holding it in the first quarter this year so that we can recap our 2022 efforts and look forward to 2023. This is always a fun event and draws a diverse crowd of professionals; our members and guests. There is no age cap to attend our annual meeting,” Lucas Singleton, Young Professionals Reno County Chair.

Guest speakers will include Action Team chairs and Hutchinson Mayor Jon Richardson. Richardson will speak about his vision for the City of Hutchinson, and how young professionals play an integral part in that vision. Attendees will be served a catered meal from Hickory Stik, including drinks and desserts. There will also be door prizes and the chance to bid on gift baskets donated by community businesses.

“While our name says ‘Young Professionals’ we are an open networking group. Our core demographic is those between 21-40 years old, but we want to encourage networking and mentorship among all members. We have an exciting evening planned and look forward to recapping 2022 and hearing from Mayor Jon Richardson,” Lucas Singleton, Young Professionals Reno County Chair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678880895327.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The YP Annual Meeting is Friday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Clayworks at Disability Supports, 1125 N Main in Hutchinson.No membership is required to attend. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance at <a href="http://www.yprenocounty.com/annual-meeting">www.yprenocounty.com/annual-meeting</a>.“Our Annual Meeting has traditionally been later in the year. However, we are holding it in the first quarter this year so that we can recap our 2022 efforts and look forward to 2023. This is always a fun event and draws a diverse crowd of professionals; our members and guests. There is no age cap to attend our annual meeting,” Lucas Singleton, Young Professionals Reno County Chair.Guest speakers will include Action Team chairs and Hutchinson Mayor Jon Richardson. Richardson will speak about his vision for the City of Hutchinson, and how young professionals play an integral part in that vision. Attendees will be served a catered meal from Hickory Stik, including drinks and desserts. There will also be door prizes and the chance to bid on gift baskets donated by community businesses.“While our name says ‘Young Professionals’ we are an open networking group. Our core demographic is those between 21-40 years old, but we want to encourage networking and mentorship among all members. We have an exciting evening planned and look forward to recapping 2022 and hearing from Mayor Jon Richardson,” Lucas Singleton, Young Professionals Reno County Chair.<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;

YP annual meeting coming up

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dr. Mildred Edwards will speak at Hutchinson Community College's Shears Technology Center on Thursday, March 23 at 6 p.m. on CRAFTING OUR WAY FORWARD: A Roadmap for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Edwards is being invited by the P and P (Parson &amp; Pope) Show, the Hutchinson chapter of the NAACP, HutchCC Social Sciences and the Hutchinson Human Relations Commission.

Dr. Mildred Edwards is an explorer who is passionate about helping others navigate their course through life and leadership.

Edwards does coaching and integrates the Kansas Leadership Center's ideas with Dare to Lead and Measuring Organizational Trust to drive the accomplishment of individual and organizational leadership, diversity, equity, justice and inclusion goals.&nbsp;

Dr. Edwards holds her PhD in Community Psychology from Wichita State University and an International Coach Federation credential. Edwards is also Chair of the Kansas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Kansas delegate to the Drexel University Vision 2020 initiative and volunteers with other women's service organizations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678875146866.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dr. Mildred Edwards will speak at Hutchinson Community College's Shears Technology Center on Thursday, March 23 at 6 p.m. on CRAFTING OUR WAY FORWARD: A Roadmap for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.Edwards is being invited by the P and P (Parson &amp; Pope) Show, the Hutchinson chapter of the NAACP, HutchCC Social Sciences and the Hutchinson Human Relations Commission.Dr. Mildred Edwards is an explorer who is passionate about helping others navigate their course through life and leadership.Edwards does coaching and integrates the Kansas Leadership Center's ideas with Dare to Lead and Measuring Organizational Trust to drive the accomplishment of individual and organizational leadership, diversity, equity, justice and inclusion goals.&nbsp;Dr. Edwards holds her PhD in Community Psychology from Wichita State University and an International Coach Federation credential. Edwards is also Chair of the Kansas Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Kansas delegate to the Drexel University Vision 2020 initiative and volunteers with other women's service organizations.<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;

Community organizations to host event with KLC coach

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson chapter of Women for Kansas is hosting Kansas Reflector editor-in-chief Sherman Smith and opinion editor Clay Wirestone for a discussion Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. March 20.&nbsp;

The pair will speak about journalism as a public service and&nbsp;provide a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at the Statehouse and answer audience questions.

The event will be in the&nbsp;auditorium of the Shears Technology Center at Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678838727487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson chapter of Women for Kansas is hosting Kansas Reflector editor-in-chief Sherman Smith and opinion editor Clay Wirestone for a discussion Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. March 20.&nbsp;The pair will speak about journalism as a public service and&nbsp;provide a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at the Statehouse and answer audience questions.The event will be in the&nbsp;auditorium of the Shears Technology Center at Hutchinson Community College.&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;

Kansas Reflector reporters to speak in Hutchinson

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

3/14/2023 11:09 PM-Dylan	Kenneth	Willard-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order

3/14/2023 7:45 PM-Barbara	Jean Crowe Chavez-Failure to Appear

3/14/2023 6:33 PM-Daniel	Lee Swanson Jr.-Direct Contempt

3/14/2023 4:40 PM-Samuel	Grover Gross-Probation Violation

3/14/2023 4:08 PM-Robert	Eugene Lyons-Probation Violation

3/14/2023 1:25 PM-Anthony	Marcess Hastings-Unlawful Sexual Relations; Unknown Circumstances

3/14/2023 9:18 AM-Flint Morrison-Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/14/2023 11:09 PM-Dylan	Kenneth	Willard-Viol protection order; Pre-trial order3/14/2023 7:45 PM-Barbara	Jean Crowe Chavez-Failure to Appear3/14/2023 6:33 PM-Daniel	Lee Swanson Jr.-Direct Contempt3/14/2023 4:40 PM-Samuel	Grover Gross-Probation Violation3/14/2023 4:08 PM-Robert	Eugene Lyons-Probation Violation3/14/2023 1:25 PM-Anthony	Marcess Hastings-Unlawful Sexual Relations; Unknown Circumstances3/14/2023 9:18 AM-Flint Morrison-Criminal Discharge of a Firearm; Recklessly at occupied dwelling, building or structure

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson will be searching for a new police chief.&nbsp;

According to the <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/214/Police-Department">city's website</a>, Alan Stoecklein is the Interim Chief.

City Manager Kendal Francis told Hutch Post that the city does not comment on personnel matters, but Hutch Post personnel saw then Chief Jeff Hooper in uniform at the KLETC event Monday afternoon.

According to a screenshot of an email to police employees provided to Hutch Post, Hooper was terminated, effective immediately, on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591796149452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson will be searching for a new police chief.&nbsp;According to the <a href="https://www.hutchgov.com/214/Police-Department">city's website</a>, Alan Stoecklein is the Interim Chief.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678879871707.png" alt="As of Tuesday afternoon, the city's website lists Alan Stoecklein as the Interim Chief of Police." />
 <figcaption>As of Tuesday afternoon, the city's website lists Alan Stoecklein as the Interim Chief of Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>City Manager Kendal Francis told Hutch Post that the city does not comment on personnel matters, but Hutch Post personnel saw then Chief Jeff Hooper in uniform at the KLETC event Monday afternoon.According to a screenshot of an email to police employees provided to Hutch Post, Hooper was terminated, effective immediately, on Tuesday.<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;

UPDATED: Jeff Hooper no longer with City of Hutchinson

YODER, Kan. — Nitrate levels are again above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area.

The last nitrate level test was collected on March 6, 2023. The level tested at 10.5 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas and Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems.

Nitrate levels in water resources have increased in many areas due to applications of inorganic fertilizer and animal manure in agricultural areas.

On August 12, 2020, Reno County received a precautionary public notice for acute nitrate violation from KDHE. A warning was then sent to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent on September 3, 2020, due to additional testing. A third precautionary public notice sent on October 27, 2020, requiring bottled water to be provided, upon request, to any household with members at increased risk from the nitrates, such as infants, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.

On May 7, 2021, Reno County received a precautionary public drinking water advisory of potential nitrate water quality from KDHE. A warning was then sent out on May 17, 2021, to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent to residents on September 23, 2021, due to additional testing and a third notice was sent out October 4, 2021, due to additional testing as well.

A fourth notice was sent out on December 29, 2021, due to additional testing that was completed.

On June 13, 2022, Reno County received a nitrate result of 11.3 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems. A warning was then sent out on June 15, 2022, to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent to residents on September 6, 2022, due to additional testing.

Reno County Public Works is currently in discussions with the City of Hutchinson, the City of South Hutchinson, and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce regarding a possible water trunk line to be located approximately two miles south of South Hutchinson on K-96 for an Industrial Park. 

Reno County’s involvement in creating a line to the Industrial Park will determine if the Yoder water source will come from the Industrial Park or a direct line from the City of Hutchinson down Yoder Rd. The engineering firm Schwab Eaton has been hired to design the water line that will service the Yoder Water District 101.

<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/2021/9/1632929474544.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>YODER, Kan. — Nitrate levels are again above allowable limits in Rural Water District 101, which serves the Yoder area.The last nitrate level test was collected on March 6, 2023. The level tested at 10.5 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas and Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems.Nitrate levels in water resources have increased in many areas due to applications of inorganic fertilizer and animal manure in agricultural areas.On August 12, 2020, Reno County received a precautionary public notice for acute nitrate violation from KDHE. A warning was then sent to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent on September 3, 2020, due to additional testing. A third precautionary public notice sent on October 27, 2020, requiring bottled water to be provided, upon request, to any household with members at increased risk from the nitrates, such as infants, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.On May 7, 2021, Reno County received a precautionary public drinking water advisory of potential nitrate water quality from KDHE. A warning was then sent out on May 17, 2021, to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent to residents on September 23, 2021, due to additional testing and a third notice was sent out October 4, 2021, due to additional testing as well.A fourth notice was sent out on December 29, 2021, due to additional testing that was completed.On June 13, 2022, Reno County received a nitrate result of 11.3 mg/L, which exceeds the Kansas Federal (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 mg/L for public water supply systems. A warning was then sent out on June 15, 2022, to Yoder residents to limit water usage, especially for infants under six months. A second notice was sent to residents on September 6, 2022, due to additional testing.Reno County Public Works is currently in discussions with the City of Hutchinson, the City of South Hutchinson, and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce regarding a possible water trunk line to be located approximately two miles south of South Hutchinson on K-96 for an Industrial Park. Reno County’s involvement in creating a line to the Industrial Park will determine if the Yoder water source will come from the Industrial Park or a direct line from the City of Hutchinson down Yoder Rd. The engineering firm Schwab Eaton has been hired to design the water line that will service the Yoder Water District 101.<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;

Nitrate levels remain high in RWD 101, firm hired to study water line

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Monday, March 13, The City of Hutchinson Water Maintenance crew repaired a water line break in the northeast corner of E 17th Ave. and N Plum St. The repair has been completed and the street repair process has begun.

The pavement repair will affect westbound traffic on 17th Ave. The right turn lane for westbound traffic at Plum St has been closed, and no right turns will be allowed.

The expected opening date of the closed lane is set for Friday, March 24th, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576261366986.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Monday, March 13, The City of Hutchinson Water Maintenance crew repaired a water line break in the northeast corner of E 17th Ave. and N Plum St. The repair has been completed and the street repair process has begun.The pavement repair will affect westbound traffic on 17th Ave. The right turn lane for westbound traffic at Plum St has been closed, and no right turns will be allowed.The expected opening date of the closed lane is set for Friday, March 24th, 2023.<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;

17th and Plum street repairs ongoing

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Workers continue to make progress on the site of the weekend train derailment in McPherson County.

Monday night, Union Pacific completed removal of all of the derailed cars from the right-of-way, and staged them off the site for removal, according to&nbsp;spokesperson Robynn Tyvser.

Crews continue to clean up the site around CHS refinery in McPherson. Union Pacific expects to have the rail line open for business sometime Tuesday, according to Tyvser.

MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Union Pacific officials believe that a broken wheel likely caused this weekend's derailment that spilled denatured alcohol inside a Kansas refinery.

Railroad spokeswoman Kristen South said crews continued to clean up the site of the derailment inside the CHS refinery in McPherson on Monday — one day after 13 cars came off the tracks.

Two of the derailed cars leaked alcohol into a ditch after the Sunday morning crash. But South said the McPherson fire department and staff at the refinery were able to quickly contain the spill.

“There is no reason to have cause for concern,” McPherson Fire Chief TJ Wyssmann said. “The product did get into a tributary and we quickly, with some assistance, got the tributary (contained) ... So we stopped that product from getting into Wolf Creek or further from the actual site of the incident.”

By Monday evening, five of the 13 cars that derailed had been cleared from the site, and the railroad's hazardous materials team worked to clean up the alcohol.

South said Union Pacific will report what it found about the broken wheel to the Federal Railroad Administration. She said none of the trackside detectors in the area near the derailment identified any problems beforehand.

Railroad safety has been in the spotlight ever since last month's fiery derailment outside East Palestine, Ohio. The major freight railroads have announced a number of steps they are taking to strengthen the network of detectors alongside tracks they use to spot mechanical problems before they can cause a derailment. But federal regulators have said the railroads need to do more than they have announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678726069453.png" alt="Two of the derailed cars leaked alcohol into a ditch after the Sunday morning crash.-KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Two of the derailed cars leaked alcohol into a ditch after the Sunday morning crash.-KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Workers continue to make progress on the site of the weekend train derailment in McPherson County.Monday night, Union Pacific completed removal of all of the derailed cars from the right-of-way, and staged them off the site for removal, according to&nbsp;spokesperson Robynn Tyvser.Crews continue to clean up the site around CHS refinery in McPherson. Union Pacific expects to have the rail line open for business sometime Tuesday, according to Tyvser.-------------MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) — Union Pacific officials believe that a broken wheel likely caused this weekend's derailment that spilled denatured alcohol inside a Kansas refinery.Railroad spokeswoman Kristen South said crews continued to clean up the site of the derailment inside the CHS refinery in McPherson on Monday — one day after 13 cars came off the tracks.Two of the derailed cars leaked alcohol into a ditch after the Sunday morning crash. But South said the McPherson fire department and staff at the refinery were able to quickly contain the spill.“There is no reason to have cause for concern,” McPherson Fire Chief TJ Wyssmann said. “The product did get into a tributary and we quickly, with some assistance, got the tributary (contained) ... So we stopped that product from getting into Wolf Creek or further from the actual site of the incident.”By Monday evening, five of the 13 cars that derailed had been cleared from the site, and the railroad's hazardous materials team worked to clean up the alcohol.South said Union Pacific will report what it found about the broken wheel to the Federal Railroad Administration. She said none of the trackside detectors in the area near the derailment identified any problems beforehand.Railroad safety has been in the spotlight ever since last month's fiery derailment outside East Palestine, Ohio. The major freight railroads have announced a number of steps they are taking to strengthen the network of detectors alongside tracks they use to spot mechanical problems before they can cause a derailment. But federal regulators have said the railroads need to do more than they have announced.

All of rail cars moved from site of McPherson Co. derailment

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council approved the conditional use permit and the building permit for a proposed cell tower at its meeting on Monday.

The City of South Hutchinson argued in court that Harmoni Towers was required to secure a variance in order to build a cell tower near the K-96 and K-17 junction because their project did not conform with set-back requirements outlined in city code.

The court ruled in the city's&nbsp;favor.

Harmoni Towers then requested a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA approved the variance.

In order to continue fighting the cell tower project, the City would have had to spend at least an additional $25,000 in legal fees with an uncertain final outcome.

Also, the city swore in a new city clerk, Michele Nightingale, at its meeting on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663601059046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council approved the conditional use permit and the building permit for a proposed cell tower at its meeting on Monday.The City of South Hutchinson argued in court that Harmoni Towers was required to secure a variance in order to build a cell tower near the K-96 and K-17 junction because their project did not conform with set-back requirements outlined in city code.The court ruled in the city's&nbsp;favor.Harmoni Towers then requested a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA approved the variance.In order to continue fighting the cell tower project, the City would have had to spend at least an additional $25,000 in legal fees with an uncertain final outcome.Also, the city swore in a new city clerk, Michele Nightingale, at its meeting on Monday.<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;

New cell tower approved by South Hutch

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The NJCAA Division I Men's basketball tournament is at the Hutchinson Sports Arena starting Monday and volunteers with the American Legion here in Hutchinson continue to make the tournament go behind the scenes.

"We've got about 200 volunteers out of the Legion that helps us," said Ron Chadwick, in his third time as tournament chairman. "It takes everybody to make the tournament go. Now, they are not out there at the same time, obviously, because it's a long week, we have volunteers and then we have guys that work all year long on the tournament, like our admissions staff out at the arena. They're there selling tickets. They are there every week of the year."

There's a new special deal on tickets for families that want to attend the tournament together.

"We're running a new deal this year, which is kind of cool," Chadwick said. "It's a family pack for $30 Monday through Thursday for the afternoon sessions, the day sessions. That's a little over $25 savings to the fans and you get four tickets. That's pretty cool this year."

Chadwick said even though he understands it's still going to be a couple more years, he's excited to see the new hotel project in Hutchinson happen from a tournament perspective.

"You don't know how excited I am," Chadwick said. "I have sleepless nights. You know, we've got teams staying over in Wichita. When they stay in Wichita, they practice over there, they may eat over there. We want to get them all back in Hutch. Plus, they want to be back in Hutch so they are closer to the arena and can get there quicker for their games."

The tournament begins at 10 a.m. Monday at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619315681251.jpeg" alt="Coffeyville Team Photo-2021 NJCAA Championship-Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Coffeyville Team Photo-2021 NJCAA Championship-Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The NJCAA Division I Men's basketball tournament is at the Hutchinson Sports Arena starting Monday and volunteers with the American Legion here in Hutchinson continue to make the tournament go behind the scenes."We've got about 200 volunteers out of the Legion that helps us," said Ron Chadwick, in his third time as tournament chairman. "It takes everybody to make the tournament go. Now, they are not out there at the same time, obviously, because it's a long week, we have volunteers and then we have guys that work all year long on the tournament, like our admissions staff out at the arena. They're there selling tickets. They are there every week of the year."There's a new special deal on tickets for families that want to attend the tournament together."We're running a new deal this year, which is kind of cool," Chadwick said. "It's a family pack for $30 Monday through Thursday for the afternoon sessions, the day sessions. That's a little over $25 savings to the fans and you get four tickets. That's pretty cool this year."Chadwick said even though he understands it's still going to be a couple more years, he's excited to see the new hotel project in Hutchinson happen from a tournament perspective."You don't know how excited I am," Chadwick said. "I have sleepless nights. You know, we've got teams staying over in Wichita. When they stay in Wichita, they practice over there, they may eat over there. We want to get them all back in Hutch. Plus, they want to be back in Hutch so they are closer to the arena and can get there quicker for their games."The tournament begins at 10 a.m. Monday at the Sports Arena.<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;

NJCAA tournament starts Monday, special deal for families

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson announced that City Administrator Joseph Turner is resigning his position effective July 15, 2023.

During his tenure, Turner modernized the City’s budgeting processes and brought financial stability to the organization. South Hutchinson’s general fund and reserve balances are at all-time highs and current projections show outstanding debt obligations entering FY 2024 to be at decade plus lows.

Under Turner’s leadership, South Hutchinson’s bond rating was upgraded by Moody’s Investor Service twice over an 11-month span and equals its best rating in its history. Turner oversaw changes in the public works department and overall operational efficiency while reducing staffing. Turner also collaborated with Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain to save South Hutchinson taxpayers more than $300,000 on the Scott Blvd. bridge replacement.

“Joe is one of the most creative and innovative city administrators in the business,” said Mayor Brian Garretson in a release. “The build out of the Ideatek fiber network is due solely to his efforts and that will pay dividends for decades to come.”

Ideatek is reportedly on pace to build out the entire citywide network by the end of 2023 and many residents have already become subscribers.

“I have had the good fortune of working with a fantastic set of councilmembers who were willing to explore unique solutions and innovative approaches,” stated City Administrator Joseph Turner. “Our success has truly been a team effort and the residents will enjoy the fruits of our teamwork.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663601059046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson announced that City Administrator Joseph Turner is resigning his position effective July 15, 2023.During his tenure, Turner modernized the City’s budgeting processes and brought financial stability to the organization. South Hutchinson’s general fund and reserve balances are at all-time highs and current projections show outstanding debt obligations entering FY 2024 to be at decade plus lows.Under Turner’s leadership, South Hutchinson’s bond rating was upgraded by Moody’s Investor Service twice over an 11-month span and equals its best rating in its history. Turner oversaw changes in the public works department and overall operational efficiency while reducing staffing. Turner also collaborated with Reno County Public Works Director Don Brittain to save South Hutchinson taxpayers more than $300,000 on the Scott Blvd. bridge replacement.“Joe is one of the most creative and innovative city administrators in the business,” said Mayor Brian Garretson in a release. “The build out of the Ideatek fiber network is due solely to his efforts and that will pay dividends for decades to come.”Ideatek is reportedly on pace to build out the entire citywide network by the end of 2023 and many residents have already become subscribers.“I have had the good fortune of working with a fantastic set of councilmembers who were willing to explore unique solutions and innovative approaches,” stated City Administrator Joseph Turner. “Our success has truly been a team effort and the residents will enjoy the fruits of our teamwork.”South Hutchinson had been without a city administrator for approximately three years until Turner began his tenure on June 6, 2021.According to Turner's resignation letter,&nbsp;his last day in the office is slated to be Friday, June 16th, then he will use his accrued vacation time.<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;

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