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.

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<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.

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<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.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619315681251.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.”

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.

<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;

South Hutch city administrator leaving

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Thursday, March 16 Coffee at the Cosmo will talk about the 'moon buggy' that made much of its exploration possible.

"This month is The Amazing Rover," said Mimi Meredith with Cosmosphere. "Our curator, Shannon Whetzel, is one of the favorite presenters at Coffee at the Cosmo. She is going to share some information she's recently been researching about the lunar rover."

Coffee at the Cosmo is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

"The greatest exploration we did of the moon was only possible because of that little vehicle," Meredith said. "How did engineers create something so light and so easily folded into a small package that it could be transported to the moon? Shannon's going to tell everyone about that and some of the stories that go along with those different exploration missions."

The LRV allowed Apollo 15, 16, and 17 astronauts to push the frontier of human exploration by traversing a mountainous area on the Moon the size of Manhattan.&nbsp;

Coffee at the Cosmo can be enjoyed in-person at the Cosmosphere or live online&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cosmomeeting.org/" target="_blank">via&nbsp;Zoom</a>&nbsp;from anywhere!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678794656159.jpeg" alt="Lunar Rover-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere" />
 <figcaption>Lunar Rover-Photo Courtesy Cosmosphere</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Thursday, March 16 Coffee at the Cosmo will talk about the 'moon buggy' that made much of its exploration possible."This month is The Amazing Rover," said Mimi Meredith with Cosmosphere. "Our curator, Shannon Whetzel, is one of the favorite presenters at Coffee at the Cosmo. She is going to share some information she's recently been researching about the lunar rover."Coffee at the Cosmo is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m."The greatest exploration we did of the moon was only possible because of that little vehicle," Meredith said. "How did engineers create something so light and so easily folded into a small package that it could be transported to the moon? Shannon's going to tell everyone about that and some of the stories that go along with those different exploration missions."The LRV allowed Apollo 15, 16, and 17 astronauts to push the frontier of human exploration by traversing a mountainous area on the Moon the size of Manhattan.&nbsp;

Coffee at the Cosmo can be enjoyed in-person at the Cosmosphere or live online&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cosmomeeting.org/" target="_blank">via&nbsp;Zoom</a>&nbsp;from anywhere!<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;

Coffee at the Cosmo about lunar rover

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Eligibility reviews for KanCare, the state's health insurance that combines Medicaid and the SCHIP program have paused since March 2020 and are resuming in April due to changes in federal law.

"In the federal spending bill that passed, Congress decided to end this continuous eligibility provision on March 31, 2023, so in a couple of weeks," said Heather Braum with Kansas Action for Children. "States would then begin their regular redetermination processes, over a time period determined by each state. Kansas will take a year to work through this process."

The most important thing current KanCare users can do is be sure the state knows how to contact you.

"If you haven't already, you need to update, if your contact information details have changed over the last three years," Braum said. "You need to update that information with the state so they can reach you. You can do that in two different ways. You can call the KanCare Clearinghouse phone number at 1-800-792-4884, or you can go to <a href="https://www.kancare.ks.gov/">kancare.ks.gov</a>. There's a little red chat bubble at the bottom right of the screen that you can click on and update your contact information online."

If you don't tell them how to get a hold of you by mail to prove you are still eligible, you could lose coverage.

"There may be people who lose coverage because of red tape, administrative burdens, or they didn't open their mail like they needed to," Braum said. "They are going to remain eligible. For kids, this is of particular concern."

KanCare will let you know when to renew your Kansas Medicaid or SCHIP eligibility. Be on the lookout for your notice in the mail and respond immediately to requests for information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678798157940.png" alt="KanCare-Image Courtesy KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KanCare-Image Courtesy KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Eligibility reviews for KanCare, the state's health insurance that combines Medicaid and the SCHIP program have paused since March 2020 and are resuming in April due to changes in federal law."In the federal spending bill that passed, Congress decided to end this continuous eligibility provision on March 31, 2023, so in a couple of weeks," said Heather Braum with Kansas Action for Children. "States would then begin their regular redetermination processes, over a time period determined by each state. Kansas will take a year to work through this process."The most important thing current KanCare users can do is be sure the state knows how to contact you."If you haven't already, you need to update, if your contact information details have changed over the last three years," Braum said. "You need to update that information with the state so they can reach you. You can do that in two different ways. You can call the KanCare Clearinghouse phone number at 1-800-792-4884, or you can go to <a href="https://www.kancare.ks.gov/">kancare.ks.gov</a>. There's a little red chat bubble at the bottom right of the screen that you can click on and update your contact information online."If you don't tell them how to get a hold of you by mail to prove you are still eligible, you could lose coverage."There may be people who lose coverage because of red tape, administrative burdens, or they didn't open their mail like they needed to," Braum said. "They are going to remain eligible. For kids, this is of particular concern."KanCare will let you know when to renew your Kansas Medicaid or SCHIP eligibility. Be on the lookout for your notice in the mail and respond immediately to requests for information.<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;

KanCare recipients need to let the state know how to contact them

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education approved a change that shifts the students on the east side of 61 highway from Graber boundary to McCandless boundary effective for the 2023-24 school year as part of its meeting on Monday.&nbsp;Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young, presented the boundary shift to Board members for discussion. 

According to USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson, the change is due to an enrollment imbalance between the two centers.

"Graber Elementary has 273 students and McCandless Elementary has 201 students," Johnson said. "As a result of the growth in housing capacity at Commerce Gardens, our student population in the area south of K-61 is growing.  We currently bus students from south of K-61 to Graber Elementary, so if we made a change and bussed to McCandless Elementary, our costs would remain relatively the same."

The intent is to get as many students as possible into classes with their individual grade.

"As a result of lower enrollment at McCandless, we have three combined-level classes," Johnson said. "We have one class that comprises both first and second graders, one class comprised of both third and fourth graders, and one class comprised of both fifth and sixth graders.  We would like to create some equity in class sizes in order to provide a quality education for all students at each grade level.  The rigor of our new language arts curriculum scaffolds learning from one year to the next, so having combined classrooms makes both teaching and learning an additional challenge. "

The district is working on a longer-term study and committee process to better use its buildings that will be continuing over the next year. The results of that study will be presented to the board once it is complete.

<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/2023/3/1678466926008.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Elementary School Boundary change map" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Elementary School Boundary change map</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson USD 308 Board of Education approved a change that shifts the students on the east side of 61 highway from Graber boundary to McCandless boundary effective for the 2023-24 school year as part of its meeting on Monday.&nbsp;Deputy Superintendent Krystal Young, presented the boundary shift to Board members for discussion. According to USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson, the change is due to an enrollment imbalance between the two centers."Graber Elementary has 273 students and McCandless Elementary has 201 students," Johnson said. "As a result of the growth in housing capacity at Commerce Gardens, our student population in the area south of K-61 is growing. We currently bus students from south of K-61 to Graber Elementary, so if we made a change and bussed to McCandless Elementary, our costs would remain relatively the same."The intent is to get as many students as possible into classes with their individual grade."As a result of lower enrollment at McCandless, we have three combined-level classes," Johnson said. "We have one class that comprises both first and second graders, one class comprised of both third and fourth graders, and one class comprised of both fifth and sixth graders. We would like to create some equity in class sizes in order to provide a quality education for all students at each grade level. The rigor of our new language arts curriculum scaffolds learning from one year to the next, so having combined classrooms makes both teaching and learning an additional challenge. "The district is working on a longer-term study and committee process to better use its buildings that will be continuing over the next year. The results of that study will be presented to the board once it is complete.<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;

USD 308 board shifts Graber and McCandless boundaries

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

3/13/2023 11:17 PM-Jorge	Alberto	Menjivar Alvarez Jr.-Failure to Appear

3/13/2023 9:39 PM-Tener	Ray Hightower-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear; Viol protection order; Stalking/sex asslt/hmn traf

3/13/2023 7:43 PM-Heriberto Martinez Jr.-Failure to Appear

3/13/2023 7:11 PM-Jessica	Marie Byard-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body

3/13/2023 4:50 PM-Ryan	Allen Currie-Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); 10 to &lt; 100 dosage units; Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substance

3/13/2023 3:20 PM-William	Daniel Lemens-Failure to Appear

3/13/2023 2:17 PM-Zachariah	Quentin Steven Cullison-Failure to Appear

3/13/2023 10:07 AM-Francis	Sue Gardner-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

3/13/2023 10:00 AM-Ellen	Jean Miller-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3/13/2023 11:17 PM-Jorge	Alberto	Menjivar Alvarez Jr.-Failure to Appear3/13/2023 9:39 PM-Tener	Ray Hightower-Probation Violation; Failure to Appear; Viol protection order; Stalking/sex asslt/hmn traf3/13/2023 7:43 PM-Heriberto Martinez Jr.-Failure to Appear3/13/2023 7:11 PM-Jessica	Marie Byard-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body3/13/2023 4:50 PM-Ryan	Allen Currie-Drugs; Distribute Substance designated in 65-4105,4107,4109,4111(Oxy, Hydrocodone); 10 to &lt; 100 dosage units; Possession of Parapernalia with Intent to Manufacture/Plant/Cultivate/Distribute Controlled Substance; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Manufacture Controlled Substance3/13/2023 3:20 PM-William	Daniel Lemens-Failure to Appear3/13/2023 2:17 PM-Zachariah	Quentin Steven Cullison-Failure to Appear3/13/2023 10:07 AM-Francis	Sue Gardner-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv3/13/2023 10:00 AM-Ellen	Jean Miller-Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv

Daily Bookings

<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, 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.

Railroad: Broken wheel likely caused McPherson Co. derailment

YODER, Kan. — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach and the Honorable Kate E. Brubacher, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas were at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Monday, March 13, to announce the launch of a new training program and center.

"Ultimately, it will support a person from the time they enter into a leadership position, until the time they get to a senior leadership position as chief or sheriff," said KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck. It will support each of those different levels with a certificate program supporting each different level."

The Center for Public Safety Leadership (CPSL) brings the resources of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) and the University of Kansas together to develop law enforcement training, education, and assessments.&nbsp;

Under a $2 million federal grant, the newly created CPSL will establish the infrastructure necessary to eventually operate in a in a self-supporting business environment. The program's director, Troy Livingston, is uniquely qualified to create the new programming.

"I retired from the Wichita Police Department just a few years ago as a deputy chief," Livingston said. "I went back recently and I was the interim chief there for three months. I went up through the ranks. What makes this special for me is, actually, before I went to Wichita, I was an officer in Liberal, Kansas and actually went through the Law Enforcement Training Center. I'm very familiar with small and mid-sized agencies and the struggles they have. Once I retired from Wichita PD, I came here to be an instructor for three years before I went back to be the interim chief."

The CPSL is a unit of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center located near Hutchinson, with regional sites in Dodge City and Hays. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the genesis for the money that resulted in the CPSL came from discussions with his chief colleague across the aisle.

"I serve as the vice chairman, the lead Republican on the appropriations committee that funds the Department of Justice," Moran said. "I serve in that capacity. I've been chairman in the days of Republican majorities and when we're in the minority, I'm the lead Republican and vice versa with my Democratic colleague. When there was a lot of conversation across the country about defunding the police, we reached the conclusion that we ought to be funding the police more and help them have better training, better able to hire officers with expertise. Officers that were able to protect themselves and the citizens and this is an example of dollars that we put into a grant program at the Department of Justice that helps, in this case, train, particularly rural law enforcement officers and to try to give them, certainly, the normal law enforcement training that they need to do their jobs, but also, here at KLETC, to provide the leadership aspect of becoming one of the most important people in many communities across Kansas."

KLETC’s Hutchinson location consists of 173 acres with fifteen buildings including two multi-story residential student dormitories.&nbsp; 

The current campus master plan approved by the Kansas Board of Regents calls for a $230 million expansion over the next eight years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678740409276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostYODER, Kan. — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Steven Dettelbach and the Honorable Kate E. Brubacher, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas were at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center on Monday, March 13, to announce the launch of a new training program and center."Ultimately, it will support a person from the time they enter into a leadership position, until the time they get to a senior leadership position as chief or sheriff," said KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck. It will support each of those different levels with a certificate program supporting each different level."The Center for Public Safety Leadership (CPSL) brings the resources of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) and the University of Kansas together to develop law enforcement training, education, and assessments.&nbsp;Under a $2 million federal grant, the newly created CPSL will establish the infrastructure necessary to eventually operate in a in a self-supporting business environment. The program's director, Troy Livingston, is uniquely qualified to create the new programming."I retired from the Wichita Police Department just a few years ago as a deputy chief," Livingston said. "I went back recently and I was the interim chief there for three months. I went up through the ranks. What makes this special for me is, actually, before I went to Wichita, I was an officer in Liberal, Kansas and actually went through the Law Enforcement Training Center. I'm very familiar with small and mid-sized agencies and the struggles they have. Once I retired from Wichita PD, I came here to be an instructor for three years before I went back to be the interim chief."The CPSL is a unit of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center located near Hutchinson, with regional sites in Dodge City and Hays. Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said the genesis for the money that resulted in the CPSL came from discussions with his chief colleague across the aisle."I serve as the vice chairman, the lead Republican on the appropriations committee that funds the Department of Justice," Moran said. "I serve in that capacity. I've been chairman in the days of Republican majorities and when we're in the minority, I'm the lead Republican and vice versa with my Democratic colleague. When there was a lot of conversation across the country about defunding the police, we reached the conclusion that we ought to be funding the police more and help them have better training, better able to hire officers with expertise. Officers that were able to protect themselves and the citizens and this is an example of dollars that we put into a grant program at the Department of Justice that helps, in this case, train, particularly rural law enforcement officers and to try to give them, certainly, the normal law enforcement training that they need to do their jobs, but also, here at KLETC, to provide the leadership aspect of becoming one of the most important people in many communities across Kansas."KLETC’s Hutchinson location consists of 173 acres with fifteen buildings including two multi-story residential student dormitories.&nbsp; The current campus master plan approved by the Kansas Board of Regents calls for a $230 million expansion over the next eight years.&nbsp;&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;

KLETC launches Center for Public Safety Leadership Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Galaxy Hops and Hoops, scheduled for Friday, March 17 at the Cosmosphere has been canceled due to low ticket sales. 

Those who purchased a ticket should call 620.665.9333 to leave a message and a staff member will return their call as quickly as possible. 

The event, which was a March Madness viewing party, was sponsored jointly by Cosmosphere and YP of Reno County. 

They look forward to collaborating on other events in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678742184189.jpeg" alt="Hops and Hoops" />
 <figcaption>Hops and Hoops</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Galaxy Hops and Hoops, scheduled for Friday, March 17 at the Cosmosphere has been canceled due to low ticket sales. Those who purchased a ticket should call 620.665.9333 to leave a message and a staff member will return their call as quickly as possible. The event, which was a March Madness viewing party, was sponsored jointly by Cosmosphere and YP of Reno County. They look forward to collaborating on other events in the future.&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;

Hops and Hoops called off

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced the appointment of Jed Liuzza as the new Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, effective March 13. &nbsp;

Liuzza assumes the role following the retirement of Kevin Chiles earlier this month after&nbsp;eight years of&nbsp;leading HR initiatives across HRHS. &nbsp;

HRHS said Liuzza is a seasoned HR executive with more than 25 years of experience in various leadership roles in healthcare delivery systems. &nbsp;

As Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Liuzza will be responsible for leading and directing all aspects of human resources management, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and leadership development. He will also work closely with executive leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives that promote employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and positive workplace culture.&nbsp;

Most recently, Liuzza was the Regional Vice President-Human Resources for SSM Health in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Before working for SSM Health, he was the Chief Human Resources Officer for OU Health, overseeing all aspects of HR including strategic planning, operations, total rewards, talent management, and talent acquisition.&nbsp;

Liuzza holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of New Orleans and a master’s degree in health administration from Capella University, as well as two post-graduate certifications in Human Resources.&nbsp;

“I am confident that Jed’s proven track record of leading successful HR initiatives will ensure the continued success of our talent and culture objectives,” Jeff Egbert, HRHS Interim, said. “He will play a critical role in helping us attract, retain, and develop top talent while strengthening our operational excellence.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678726123365.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System's new interim hire, Jed Liuzza, has made a career in human resources. [Submitted Photo: HRHS]&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System's new interim hire, Jed Liuzza, has made a career in human resources. [Submitted Photo: HRHS]&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) announced the appointment of Jed Liuzza as the new Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, effective March 13. &nbsp;Liuzza assumes the role following the retirement of Kevin Chiles earlier this month after&nbsp;eight years of&nbsp;leading HR initiatives across HRHS. &nbsp;HRHS said Liuzza is a seasoned HR executive with more than 25 years of experience in various leadership roles in healthcare delivery systems. &nbsp;As Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Liuzza will be responsible for leading and directing all aspects of human resources management, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and leadership development. He will also work closely with executive leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives that promote employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and positive workplace culture.&nbsp;Most recently, Liuzza was the Regional Vice President-Human Resources for SSM Health in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Before working for SSM Health, he was the Chief Human Resources Officer for OU Health, overseeing all aspects of HR including strategic planning, operations, total rewards, talent management, and talent acquisition.&nbsp;Liuzza holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of New Orleans and a master’s degree in health administration from Capella University, as well as two post-graduate certifications in Human Resources.&nbsp;“I am confident that Jed’s proven track record of leading successful HR initiatives will ensure the continued success of our talent and culture objectives,” Jeff Egbert, HRHS Interim, said. “He will play a critical role in helping us attract, retain, and develop top talent while strengthening our operational excellence.”&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;

HRHS hires new interim chief human resources officer

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Cleanup work continued Monday at the site of the train derailment in McPherson County.

Main Street and 14th Avenue were back open, according to the sheriff's department. Iron Horse and 14th Avenue on the north and south end of the train tracks will remain closed until further notice, according the McPherson County Fire Department.

Crews worked through the night off loading contents from the rail cars.

Around 10 a.m. Sunday, approximately 12 cars on a Union Pacific train derailed inside the CHS Refinery on the western edge of McPherson,&nbsp; according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser.

As a result, two rail cars carrying alcohol were involved in the derailment. No one was injured, according to Tyvser. No waterways were impacted. A HAZMAT team was on site. There was also a small grass fire. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Authorities in McPherson County were at the scene of a Union Pacific train derailment on Sunday and working to clean up a leak of "denatured alcohol," according to a media release McPherson County 911.&nbsp;

As a result, two rail cars carrying alcohol were involved in the derailment. No one was injured, according to Tyvser. No waterways were impacted. A HAZMAT team is on site. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

MCPHERSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from McPherson County 911, a train derailed and caused a leak Sunday morning on the south end of McPherson. 

The post said that at 09:42 a.m. Sunday McPherson County 911 dispatched units to the 1200 block of S Main to respond to a report of a small grass fire caused by a train. 

A derailment did occur, and there was a leak from the train, though dispatch did not say what was leaking. They say there is no threat to the community. Mitigation to contain the leak and cleanup has started.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678726304652.png" alt="Crews worked through the night off loading contents from the rail cars." />
 <figcaption>Crews worked through the night off loading contents from the rail cars.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Cleanup work continued Monday at the site of the train derailment in McPherson County.Main Street and 14th Avenue were back open, according to the sheriff's department. Iron Horse and 14th Avenue on the north and south end of the train tracks will remain closed until further notice, according the McPherson County Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678726069453.png" alt="The cause of the incident is under investigation.- photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the incident is under investigation.- photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Crews worked through the night off loading contents from the rail cars.Around 10 a.m. Sunday, approximately 12 cars on a Union Pacific train derailed inside the CHS Refinery on the western edge of McPherson,&nbsp; according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser.As a result, two rail cars carrying alcohol were involved in the derailment. No one was injured, according to Tyvser. No waterways were impacted. A HAZMAT team was on site. There was also a small grass fire. The cause of the incident is under investigation.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.----------------------------MCPHERSON COUNTY —Authorities in McPherson County were at the scene of a Union Pacific train derailment on Sunday and working to clean up a leak of "denatured alcohol," according to a media release McPherson County 911.&nbsp;Around 10 a.m. Sunday, approximately 12 cars on a Union Pacific train derailed inside the CHS Refinery on the western edge of McPherson,&nbsp; according to Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tyvser.As a result, two rail cars carrying alcohol were involved in the derailment. No one was injured, according to Tyvser. No waterways were impacted. A HAZMAT team is on site. The cause of the incident is under investigation.-----------MCPHERSON, Kan. — According to a social media post from McPherson County 911, a train derailed and caused a leak Sunday morning on the south end of McPherson. The post said that at 09:42 a.m. Sunday McPherson County 911 dispatched units to the 1200 block of S Main to respond to a report of a small grass fire caused by a train. A derailment did occur, and there was a leak from the train, though dispatch did not say what was leaking. They say there is no threat to the community. Mitigation to contain the leak and cleanup has started.<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;

Cleanup continues at train derailment in McPherson County

Release Courtesy University of Kansas

LAWRENCE — Average groundwater levels across western and south-central Kansas fell by nearly 2 feet in 2022, according to preliminary data compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey.

The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the Kansas Department of Agriculture measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and south-central Kansas. Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 1.89 feet last year.

Most parts of the region saw well-below-average precipitation throughout the year. Some areas in Kansas were the driest ever based on historical records, some of which go back to the late 1800s. Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, primarily for irrigation, which in turn typically cause greater declines in water levels.

“We anticipated and saw declines pretty much across the aquifer,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. “Because of the ongoing drought, the pumping season lasted a little longer this past year, and there were a notable number of wells pumping in January and February. As such, some of the measured declines will likely be slightly excessive given the aquifer didn’t have its normal time to recover.”

The overall average decline of 1.89 feet in 2022 is the third largest in 25 years, on a par with the last notable dry years of 2011 (when water levels fell 1.93 feet) and 2012 (a decline of 2.01 feet). It also marked the third straight year of overall declines. Overall levels fell 1 foot in 2021 and 0.89 feet in 2020. Both 2020 and 2021 were abnormally dry years.

At the end of 2022, all 105 counties in Kansas were under a drought watch, warning or emergency status. As of the end of February, the western and southern parts of the state covered by the groundwater monitoring program were experiencing severe to exceptional drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor maps produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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

Most of the wells in the network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the state's five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to address water-resources issues.

In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average groundwater levels dropped 2.77 feet in 2022, following declines of 2.08 feet in 2021 and 1.25 feet in 2020. The region experienced the most severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas receiving 50 to 75 percent of long-term precipitation averages.

“Precipitation, or the lack thereof this year, is just one variable that goes into water-level changes,” said Wilson. “Soil types, evaporation, water availability and a variety of aquifer conditions are all key factors in how water is used across our state. Southwest Kansas tends to have higher rates of decline but also has some of the greatest thicknesses in the aquifer.”

Aquifer thickness is the vertical amount of aquifer that is saturated with water and is an indicator of how much water is in storage.

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

Western Kansas GMD 1 saw the smallest drop in 2022 groundwater levels at 1.27 feet. Levels fell 0.57 feet in 2021 and 0.59 in 2020. GMD 1 includes portions of Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties, where the majority of wells are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer.

“The aquifer in GMD 1 was never overly thick compared to areas north and south and was one of the first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 1940s and ’50s. There have been a lot of water conservation activities occurring recently in GMD 1 in response to water levels in much of the district falling to a point that yields from wells have greatly diminished,” Wilson said.

Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw well-below-average precipitation in 2022, experienced a drop of 1.31 feet in 2022 groundwater levels after declines of 0.53 feet in 2021 and 0.70 feet in 2020. GMD 4 covers Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan and parts of Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Graham, Wallace, Logan and Gove counties. Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow alluvial sources associated with streams. Even the well-known Sheridan 6 Local Enhanced Management Area, the first area of its kind of organized, local groundwater conservation efforts, struggled this year with larger water-level declines.

In contrast to the overall long-term declines observed in western Kansas GMDs, increases and decreases in water levels in Great Bend GMD 5 and Equus Beds GMD 2 in the south-central part of the state tend to even out over time. This year, however, both districts saw larger than normal decline rates.

Water levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, fell 2.45 feet, the biggest drop in the district since 2011, a drought year, when levels fell 2.92 feet. GMD 5 levels declined 0.82 feet in 2021 and 0.69 feet in 2020 but increased 1.75 feet in 2019.

GMD 5 includes Stafford and Pratt counties and parts of Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Reno and Rice counties.

Equus Beds GMD 2, a major source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and surrounding towns, saw a decline of 2.03 feet, its largest drop since 2016, when levels fell 2.12 feet. Levels fell 0.13 feet in 2021 and 1.8 feet in 2020. GMD 2 covers portions of Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and McPherson counties.

“The aquifer in GMDs 2 and 5 tends to be closer to the land surface, the area receives progressively more precipitation as you move eastward, and much of it is covered by dune sand. So even though both districts had notable drops this year, the area has a much greater potential to recharge itself once the rains return,” Wilson said.

The KGS measured 615 wells in western Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and Stafford measured 221, 263 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners' permission.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667836108882.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release Courtesy University of KansasLAWRENCE — Average groundwater levels across western and south-central Kansas fell by nearly 2 feet in 2022, according to preliminary data compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey.The KGS, based at the University of Kansas, and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) of the Kansas Department of Agriculture measure about 1,400 wells every year to monitor the health of the High Plains aquifer and other aquifers in western and south-central Kansas. Those measurements showed an overall average decline of 1.89 feet last year.Most parts of the region saw well-below-average precipitation throughout the year. Some areas in Kansas were the driest ever based on historical records, some of which go back to the late 1800s. Dry years lead to increased pumping demands, primarily for irrigation, which in turn typically cause greater declines in water levels.“We anticipated and saw declines pretty much across the aquifer,” said Brownie Wilson, KGS water-data manager. “Because of the ongoing drought, the pumping season lasted a little longer this past year, and there were a notable number of wells pumping in January and February. As such, some of the measured declines will likely be slightly excessive given the aquifer didn’t have its normal time to recover.”The overall average decline of 1.89 feet in 2022 is the third largest in 25 years, on a par with the last notable dry years of 2011 (when water levels fell 1.93 feet) and 2012 (a decline of 2.01 feet). It also marked the third straight year of overall declines. Overall levels fell 1 foot in 2021 and 0.89 feet in 2020. Both 2020 and 2021 were abnormally dry years.At the end of 2022, all 105 counties in Kansas were under a drought watch, warning or emergency status. As of the end of February, the western and southern parts of the state covered by the groundwater monitoring program were experiencing severe to exceptional drought, according to U.S. Drought Monitor maps produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The High Plains aquifer is a network of water-bearing rock that extends into eight states. In Kansas, the aquifer comprises three components — the Ogallala aquifer, the Great Bend Prairie aquifer and the Equus Beds. Of these, the Ogallala aquifer underlies most of western Kansas and consists mainly of the Ogallala Formation, a geologic unit that formed from sediment eroded off the uplifting Rocky Mountains.Most of the wells in the network monitored by the KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the state's five Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which are organized and governed by area landowners and local water users to address water-resources issues.In Southwest Kansas GMD 3, average groundwater levels dropped 2.77 feet in 2022, following declines of 2.08 feet in 2021 and 1.25 feet in 2020. The region experienced the most severe drought conditions in the state in 2022, with widespread areas receiving 50 to 75 percent of long-term precipitation averages.“Precipitation, or the lack thereof this year, is just one variable that goes into water-level changes,” said Wilson. “Soil types, evaporation, water availability and a variety of aquifer conditions are all key factors in how water is used across our state. Southwest Kansas tends to have higher rates of decline but also has some of the greatest thicknesses in the aquifer.”Aquifer thickness is the vertical amount of aquifer that is saturated with water and is an indicator of how much water is in storage.GMD 3 includes all or part of Grant, Haskell, Gray, Finney, Stanton, Ford, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Hamilton, Kearny and Meade counties. Most of the wells monitored in the district are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer, except in a few areas where they can also draw from the deeper Dakota aquifer.Western Kansas GMD 1 saw the smallest drop in 2022 groundwater levels at 1.27 feet. Levels fell 0.57 feet in 2021 and 0.59 in 2020. GMD 1 includes portions of Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties, where the majority of wells are drilled into the Ogallala aquifer.“The aquifer in GMD 1 was never overly thick compared to areas north and south and was one of the first areas of the state to have large-capacity wells drilled in the 1940s and ’50s. There have been a lot of water conservation activities occurring recently in GMD 1 in response to water levels in much of the district falling to a point that yields from wells have greatly diminished,” Wilson said.Northwest Kansas GMD 4, which saw well-below-average precipitation in 2022, experienced a drop of 1.31 feet in 2022 groundwater levels after declines of 0.53 feet in 2021 and 0.70 feet in 2020. GMD 4 covers Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan and parts of Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Graham, Wallace, Logan and Gove counties. Groundwater there is pumped from the Ogallala aquifer and shallow alluvial sources associated with streams. Even the well-known Sheridan 6 Local Enhanced Management Area, the first area of its kind of organized, local groundwater conservation efforts, struggled this year with larger water-level declines.In contrast to the overall long-term declines observed in western Kansas GMDs, increases and decreases in water levels in Great Bend GMD 5 and Equus Beds GMD 2 in the south-central part of the state tend to even out over time. This year, however, both districts saw larger than normal decline rates.Water levels in Big Bend GMD 5, centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, fell 2.45 feet, the biggest drop in the district since 2011, a drought year, when levels fell 2.92 feet. GMD 5 levels declined 0.82 feet in 2021 and 0.69 feet in 2020 but increased 1.75 feet in 2019.GMD 5 includes Stafford and Pratt counties and parts of Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Reno and Rice counties.Equus Beds GMD 2, a major source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and surrounding towns, saw a decline of 2.03 feet, its largest drop since 2016, when levels fell 2.12 feet. Levels fell 0.13 feet in 2021 and 1.8 feet in 2020. GMD 2 covers portions of Reno, Sedgwick, Harvey and McPherson counties.“The aquifer in GMDs 2 and 5 tends to be closer to the land surface, the area receives progressively more precipitation as you move eastward, and much of it is covered by dune sand. So even though both districts had notable drops this year, the area has a much greater potential to recharge itself once the rains return,” Wilson said.The KGS measured 615 wells in western Kansas, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and Stafford measured 221, 263 and 350 wells, respectively, in western and south-central Kansas. Most of the wells, spread over 49 counties, are used for irrigation and have been measured for decades with landowners' permission.Measurements are taken primarily in January, when water levels are least likely to fluctuate due to seasonal irrigation. The measurement results, available on the KGS&nbsp;<a href="https://geohydro.kgs.ku.edu/geohydro/wizard/" target="_blank">Water Well Levels web page</a>, are provisional and subject to revision based on additional analysis.<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;

Groundwater levels fall across western and south-central Kansas

By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The <a href="https://kansashonorflight.org/">Kansas Honor Flight</a>&nbsp;said their Pancake Fundraiser was a success March 11 as they were able to fund four veterans to go on a Kansas Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials. &nbsp;

“We had 300 people attend even though we were competing with the KU Basketball game on television,” Steve Bowman with Kansas Honor Flight said.  &nbsp;

Kansas Honor Flight’s next big event will be their community Applebee’s Fundraiser on April 18. &nbsp;

“We had done a couple fundraisers with the Hutchinson Applebee’s and they were very successful,” Bowman said. “Wade Phillips, the Applebee’s Regional Manager, contacted us about doing it at all 15 of their locations.”&nbsp;

On April 18, these 15 Kansas Applebee’s locations will take part in the fundraiser with the Kansas Honor Flight:  Hutchinson, McPherson, Newton, Andover, Salina, Park City, Hays, Great Bend, Liberal, Garden City, Dodge City, Derby, and three Wichita locations at Ridge Road, S. Broadway, and North Rock Road. &nbsp;

When customers order, they will be able to choose from five items added to the special fundraiser menu. Kansas Honor Flight will receive 50% of the revenue from those items. That revenue will be used to send a veteran on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.  &nbsp;

The fundraiser will run all day for dine-in, delivery, and to-go orders. Additionally, Kansas Honor Flight volunteers will be at each location during lunch and dinner times to tell patrons&nbsp;about Kansas Honor Flight and the Applebee’s Fundraiser.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information about the Kansas Honor Flight and to make a donation, visit <a href="https://kansashonorflight.org/">kansashonorflight.org</a>.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678718383578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The <a href="https://kansashonorflight.org/">Kansas Honor Flight</a>&nbsp;said their Pancake Fundraiser was a success March 11 as they were able to fund four veterans to go on a Kansas Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to see their memorials. &nbsp;“We had 300 people attend even though we were competing with the KU Basketball game on television,” Steve Bowman with Kansas Honor Flight said. &nbsp;Kansas Honor Flight’s next big event will be their community Applebee’s Fundraiser on April 18. &nbsp;“We had done a couple fundraisers with the Hutchinson Applebee’s and they were very successful,” Bowman said. “Wade Phillips, the Applebee’s Regional Manager, contacted us about doing it at all 15 of their locations.”&nbsp;On April 18, these 15 Kansas Applebee’s locations will take part in the fundraiser with the Kansas Honor Flight: Hutchinson, McPherson, Newton, Andover, Salina, Park City, Hays, Great Bend, Liberal, Garden City, Dodge City, Derby, and three Wichita locations at Ridge Road, S. Broadway, and North Rock Road. &nbsp;When customers order, they will be able to choose from five items added to the special fundraiser menu. Kansas Honor Flight will receive 50% of the revenue from those items. That revenue will be used to send a veteran on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. &nbsp;The fundraiser will run all day for dine-in, delivery, and to-go orders. Additionally, Kansas Honor Flight volunteers will be at each location during lunch and dinner times to tell patrons&nbsp;about Kansas Honor Flight and the Applebee’s Fundraiser.&nbsp; &nbsp;For more information about the Kansas Honor Flight and to make a donation, visit <a href="https://kansashonorflight.org/">kansashonorflight.org</a>.&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;

Honor Flight pancake feed a success, Applebee's fundraiser soon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The long-time pregnancy care center in Hutchinson is changing its name and adding additional services. Open Door Pregnancy Care Center is now Open Door Health Services.

"Open Door has been a resource for Hutchinson and surrounding towns for 20 years now and for 20 years has served as Open Door Pregnancy Care Center, with our focus primarily being on providing free diapers, free pregnancy tests and free sonograms," said Executive Director Kristi Busatti. "We are blessed beyond measure that we have been able to provide those services. We know that with the free sonograms, that 80% of the time, when someone sees their baby and hears the heartbeat, they choose life. Those are very powerful, free services that we offer. But, this year, in 2023, we are expanding our services, particularly our medical services, by offering free testing and treatment for STDs and STIs, sexually transmitted diseases and infections."

They are also going beyond their physical location in Hutchinson.

"There are many, many things to worry about with an STD or an STI, especially for a pregnant mom and the unborn baby," Busatti said. "We are starting these new services, we are partnering with HutchCC. Starting March 28, our mobile unit will be on campus every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., parked in the Student Union parking lot, to provide all of the services we provide at our center, right there on the mobile unit."

All the STI testing services will be free of charge.

"They'll do a free test," Busatti said. "One week later, they can come back to the mobile unit with the results. If it is positive, we'll have the free treatment right there on the mobile unit. They won't have to travel to a pharmacy or anything like that. We'll have it right there. All of that is free. We just want to let them know that we love them and they are not alone, and we are there, again, to inform, encourage and support them."

Call Open Door for more information at&nbsp;(620) 728-2229.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678721238743.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The long-time pregnancy care center in Hutchinson is changing its name and adding additional services. Open Door Pregnancy Care Center is now Open Door Health Services."Open Door has been a resource for Hutchinson and surrounding towns for 20 years now and for 20 years has served as Open Door Pregnancy Care Center, with our focus primarily being on providing free diapers, free pregnancy tests and free sonograms," said Executive Director Kristi Busatti. "We are blessed beyond measure that we have been able to provide those services. We know that with the free sonograms, that 80% of the time, when someone sees their baby and hears the heartbeat, they choose life. Those are very powerful, free services that we offer. But, this year, in 2023, we are expanding our services, particularly our medical services, by offering free testing and treatment for STDs and STIs, sexually transmitted diseases and infections."They are also going beyond their physical location in Hutchinson."There are many, many things to worry about with an STD or an STI, especially for a pregnant mom and the unborn baby," Busatti said. "We are starting these new services, we are partnering with HutchCC. Starting March 28, our mobile unit will be on campus every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., parked in the Student Union parking lot, to provide all of the services we provide at our center, right there on the mobile unit."All the STI testing services will be free of charge."They'll do a free test," Busatti said. "One week later, they can come back to the mobile unit with the results. If it is positive, we'll have the free treatment right there on the mobile unit. They won't have to travel to a pharmacy or anything like that. We'll have it right there. All of that is free. We just want to let them know that we love them and they are not alone, and we are there, again, to inform, encourage and support them."Call Open Door for more information at&nbsp;(620) 728-2229.<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;

Open Door updating name, adding services

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

Recently I attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Fusion Conference, which is a joint event between the Women’s, Programing &amp; Education, and Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers committees, in Jacksonville, Fla. One of my Collegiate Farm Bureau students won the state discussion meet and competed in the national event.

In addition to coaching, I was a workshop presenter on the topic of work-life balance, with a former YFR leader from Florida that I am friends with.

As I was packing to leave for the event, Marc and I were discussing my planned agenda for the event and I mentioned the workshop with my friend Morgan. Marc got a slightly confused look on his face and asked, “Do I know this Morgan?”

That’s what is funny about the relationships we build at these events. Someone I have only known a few years, visit with at an occasional national event, and am friends with on Facebook feels like so much more than just a professional acquaintance. Morgan and I have a connection through our jobs, mutual respect as leaders and a shared understanding of our industry and lifestyle. Our friendship is easy because our lives are very similar.

I also caught up with my college advisor from California, who I rarely get to see in person and is probably the most impactful mentor of my life. I visited with a fellow presenter who I have judged with in the past and respect tremendously. The conference organizer is a friend with whom I have a long professional and personal relationship. I am motivated and encouraged by time shared with my “far-away friends.” I come home with an enthusiastic and renewed sense of purpose.

Great people are one of the reasons I love attending these conferences. In addition to seeing old friends, I love getting to know new people with interesting backgrounds, listen to the perspectives of speakers and learn what is happening in other places. The information gained through new connections increases my knowledge, challenges my current views and often helps me find new solutions for problems I wrestle with at home.

Early in my career, I remember discussing as a board member whether or not to support a staff member’s request to attend a national conference. The board was divided in support of professional development verses funding constraints. The decision eventually came down to the board chair, who chose to approve the request.

He told the group, “One of the most valuable things I have done in my career is attend conferences and meetings. I have always come away better and think there is tremendous value in participating.”

Coming back better is one of the reasons we step outside our normal zones. I recently read that one of the most accurate predictors of career attainment is continuous learning and skill development. People who never stop growing are better off that people who were rose to top positions early career and maintained that position.

There is tremendous value and opportunity that comes when you attend events like conferences, seminars and conventions. Sometimes you have to step away from your normal circle of interaction to find new and interesting things to bring back. 

If you have the chance to attend a conference or event, especially in a different part of the country, I hope you will embrace the opportunity, find people who make you better and gather lots of ideas that you can bring home to make your world just a little bit better.

"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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherRecently I attended the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Fusion Conference, which is a joint event between the Women’s, Programing &amp; Education, and Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers committees, in Jacksonville, Fla. One of my Collegiate Farm Bureau students won the state discussion meet and competed in the national event.In addition to coaching, I was a workshop presenter on the topic of work-life balance, with a former YFR leader from Florida that I am friends with.As I was packing to leave for the event, Marc and I were discussing my planned agenda for the event and I mentioned the workshop with my friend Morgan. Marc got a slightly confused look on his face and asked, “Do I know this Morgan?”That’s what is funny about the relationships we build at these events. Someone I have only known a few years, visit with at an occasional national event, and am friends with on Facebook feels like so much more than just a professional acquaintance. Morgan and I have a connection through our jobs, mutual respect as leaders and a shared understanding of our industry and lifestyle. Our friendship is easy because our lives are very similar.I also caught up with my college advisor from California, who I rarely get to see in person and is probably the most impactful mentor of my life. I visited with a fellow presenter who I have judged with in the past and respect tremendously. The conference organizer is a friend with whom I have a long professional and personal relationship. I am motivated and encouraged by time shared with my “far-away friends.” I come home with an enthusiastic and renewed sense of purpose.Great people are one of the reasons I love attending these conferences. In addition to seeing old friends, I love getting to know new people with interesting backgrounds, listen to the perspectives of speakers and learn what is happening in other places. The information gained through new connections increases my knowledge, challenges my current views and often helps me find new solutions for problems I wrestle with at home.Early in my career, I remember discussing as a board member whether or not to support a staff member’s request to attend a national conference. The board was divided in support of professional development verses funding constraints. The decision eventually came down to the board chair, who chose to approve the request.He told the group, “One of the most valuable things I have done in my career is attend conferences and meetings. I have always come away better and think there is tremendous value in participating.”Coming back better is one of the reasons we step outside our normal zones. I recently read that one of the most accurate predictors of career attainment is continuous learning and skill development. People who never stop growing are better off that people who were rose to top positions early career and maintained that position.There is tremendous value and opportunity that comes when you attend events like conferences, seminars and conventions. Sometimes you have to step away from your normal circle of interaction to find new and interesting things to bring back. If you have the chance to attend a conference or event, especially in a different part of the country, I hope you will embrace the opportunity, find people who make you better and gather lots of ideas that you can bring home to make your world just a little bit better."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.Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Connecting Across the Country

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will again take up the question of 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. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663601059046.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will again take up the question of 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 to spend at least an additional $25,000 in legal fees with an uncertain final outcome.If the governing body desires to suspend further legal action, the council is required to approve the conditional use permit and the building permit application. Those items are part of Monday night's council agenda.&nbsp;Also, the city will swear in a new city clerk, Michele Nightingale.The South Hutchinson City Council meeting is Monday at 6 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.<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;