HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved on Tuesday on a 3-2 vote, the slimmed down project list inside the Reno County Courthouse at its meeting. The price tag, even with the cuts, will be $1,867,025, according to agenda documents provided by the sole bidder, Ward Davis Builders.&nbsp;

In January and February, Commissioners Ron Hirst and Don Bogner met with Harlen Depew and Randy Partington to discuss items in the original bid that could be removed to lower the overall cost. 

Hirst, Bogner and commission chair Daniel Friesen voted to approve the money. Commissioners John Whitesel and Randy Parks voted against the proposal.

Below is the remaining Reno County Courthouse Space Utilization Project Scope, according to Ward Davis Builders documents provided as part of the agenda packet.

• 1A – First Floor North Offices $ 142,171

o Demo walls, platform, existing flooring and sink

o Drywall, paint, doors, flooring (including adhesive removal and prep),

o Electrical – lights, switches, outlets and special devices (data conduit)

o Mechanical – relocate sink to new break room, add one new FCU and

• 1B – 1 1st Floor East Office and File $ 28,245

o Drywall, paint, doors, flooring, AT ceiling

o Electrical – lights, switches, outlets and special devices

• 1F W – 1 1st Floor - Flooring only in Work Area $ 50,573

o Flooring only in center open work area – roughly inside of perimeter

o Removal of existing flooring, adhesives. Existing cork floor

o Prep floor for new flooring, new carpet and base trim

• 1F D – 1st Floor - Flooring only in Southeast Deliberation and Office $6,789

o Flooring only in southeast deliberation and office

o Removal of existing flooring, adhesives

• 2F M – 2nd Floor Mezzanine flooring plus outlets $ 30,789

o Provide 7 power stations through floor and feed through 1st floor ceiling

(may require additional work if 1st North Offices are not utilized)

• 3A and 3F J – 3rd Floor Witness room $ 49,642

o Combine 2 small witness rooms into single room

o Structural steel beam and post up to 3rd floor

o Protect adjacent courtroom and surfaces, work around court schedule.

• 4 F L – 4rth Floor Legal Flooring $ 8,284

• 4/5 Stair – Stair for 4rth to fifth floor $ 222,450

o New steel stair through existing concrete floor

o Temporarily support existing concrete floor, sawcut and remove concrete floor.

o New structural steel stair up to 5th floor. Weld steel and fasten embeds.

o Doors on 4rth floor and 3rd floor for corridor.

• 5 A – DA offices 500-512 $ 1,221,694

o Level existing concrete floor up to nearly 5”

o Electrical – New service from ground level with conduit up to 5th floor,

transformer, lighting, power and special devices.

o Plumbing – Gas line from ground level surface up to fifth floor to feed roof top units

o HVAC - 5 Roof top units plus 2 DSS units on roof

o Roof curbs and patching for roof top units.

o Nearly all material on 5th floor goes up on crane.

• 5 F DA – 5th Floor DA - Flooring only in Existing DA $ 46,388

- Historic Work on Registered Landmark Building

- Significant work on the 5th floor with very little access other than with a crane through a window.

- Work around court in session schedules.

Both Whitesel and Parks expressed concerns about spending the money now, especially if the county continues to lose population and if business conditions do not improve to allow for additional tax base growth.

<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/2023/3/1678209868236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners approved on Tuesday on a 3-2 vote, the slimmed down project list inside the Reno County Courthouse at its meeting. The price tag, even with the cuts, will be $1,867,025, according to agenda documents provided by the sole bidder, Ward Davis Builders.&nbsp;In January and February, Commissioners Ron Hirst and Don Bogner met with Harlen Depew and Randy Partington to discuss items in the original bid that could be removed to lower the overall cost. Hirst, Bogner and commission chair Daniel Friesen voted to approve the money. Commissioners John Whitesel and Randy Parks voted against the proposal.Below is the remaining Reno County Courthouse Space Utilization Project Scope, according to Ward Davis Builders documents provided as part of the agenda packet.• 1A – First Floor North Offices $ 142,171o Offices 105 -113o Demo walls, platform, existing flooring and sinko Frame walls at offices 111-113o Drywall, paint, doors, flooring (including adhesive removal and prep),ACT ceiling, counter and cabinetso Electrical – lights, switches, outlets and special devices (data conduit)o Mechanical – relocate sink to new break room, add one new FCU andthermostats, plumbing in basement• 1B – 1 1st Floor East Office and File $ 28,245o Office 103 and File 104o Demo flooring with adhesiveso Frame walls at officeso Drywall, paint, doors, flooring, AT ceilingo Electrical – lights, switches, outlets and special deviceso Mechanical –thermostats• 1F W – 1 1st Floor - Flooring only in Work Area $ 50,573o Flooring only in center open work area – roughly inside of perimetercountero Removal of existing flooring, adhesives. Existing cork flooro Prep floor for new flooring, new carpet and base trim• 1F D – 1st Floor - Flooring only in Southeast Deliberation and Office $6,789o Flooring only in southeast deliberation and officeo Removal of existing flooring, adhesiveso Prep floor for new flooring, new carpet and base trim• 2F M – 2nd Floor Mezzanine flooring plus outlets $ 30,789o Remove/encapsulate existing flooringo Provide 7 power stations through floor and feed through 1st floor ceiling(may require additional work if 1st North Offices are not utilized)o New flooring with base• 3A and 3F J – 3rd Floor Witness room $ 49,642o Combine 2 small witness rooms into single roomo Temporary brace for wall removalo Structural steel beam and post up to 3rd flooro Weld steel and mount posto Patch walls and ceilingo Doors, paint walls, flooring with baseo Lighting and powero Protect adjacent courtroom and surfaces, work around court schedule.o Flooring in adjacent Jury room• 4 F L – 4rth Floor Legal Flooring $ 8,284o Flooring only in 3 offices and hallo Removal of existing flooring, adhesiveso Prep floor for new flooring, new carpet and base trim• 4/5 Stair – Stair for 4rth to fifth floor $ 222,450o New steel stair through existing concrete flooro Temporarily support existing concrete floor, sawcut and remove concrete floor.o Remove debris from 5th flooro New structural steel stair up to 5th floor. Weld steel and fasten embeds.o Poured concrete landing and stair panso Paint, patch wallso Flooringo Doors on 4rth floor and 3rd floor for corridor.o Lighting• 5 A – DA offices 500-512 $ 1,221,694o Level existing concrete floor up to nearly 5”o Frame walls, insulate, drywallo Doors, frames hardwareo Paint walls and doorso Flooringo Electrical – New service from ground level with conduit up to 5th floor,transformer, lighting, power and special devices.o Plumbing – Gas line from ground level surface up to fifth floor to feed roof top unitso HVAC - 5 Roof top units plus 2 DSS units on roofo Roof curbs and patching for roof top units.o Nearly all material on 5th floor goes up on crane.o Trash chute for debris• 5 F DA – 5th Floor DA - Flooring only in Existing DA $ 46,388o Flooring removal, prepo New flooring and baseRevised Total: $ 1,867,025Special considerations include:- Historic Work on Registered Landmark Building- Significant work on the 5th floor with very little access other than with a crane through a window.- Work around court in session schedules.- $5 mil umbrella insuranceBoth Whitesel and Parks expressed concerns about spending the money now, especially if the county continues to lose population and if business conditions do not improve to allow for additional tax base growth.<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;

Commissioners approve renovations on 3-2 vote

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; As part of a longer presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer and Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar both said landowners aren't getting serious about helping make it safe for firefighters to help them save their homes.

"We are just one day away from another disaster," Chief Beer said. "It's as simple as that. Until these recommendations get implemented, we are one day away from, not 36 homes, we're talking hundreds of homes. It's real."

There were six to eight professional agencies that sat down for the last nine months to give the county recommendations on best practices.

"We're talking planning, zoning changes," Beer said. "We're talking all of this stuff where we're going to make changes, if we're going to address the true underlying issues in the county."

Weishaar noted that without cooperation between landowners and the county to allow firebreaks to be created, it's just going to be rinse and repeat.

"We're trying to burn the right of ways off at these key hinge points," Beer said. "Even when we burn the right of ways off, there's one thing with our mitigation burns, we're never going to know how many fires we didn't start from a cigarette or a chain rigging or whatever down the road."

The mitigation burning gives them something to anchor off of and to work with. The problem is, in the areas of the county without a paid firefighting force, having the volunteers be available on the right day to do such burning is logistically impossible, even if they had the right training. It's taken about three months of work to get one good burning day that the city could use for its mitigation work.

"It used to just be in the spring," Beer said. "It starts six days after the first frost in the fall. It's pretty much sometime in October all the way through green up here in the spring."

Beer told commissioners that just the City of Hutchinson went on 154 brush fires this last year. Most of those never get on the news, because if they contain them to under five acres and there is no property damage other than the burning of the grass, we'll likely never know about it.

However, on days with 50 mile per hour winds and low humidity, those small fires are impossible to contain. Beer said they saw it last year, they saw it with The Highlands fire in 2017 and they will see it again.

His chief concern is a fire that starts in the Sandhills State Park area with a north wind that pushes the fire across 43rd. If such a fire happened it could be catastrophic. 

He said the homeowners that talk to him don't have the money to maintain the properties and also the property there is used for hunting leases, and hunters want that ground cover to attract wildlife.

"We're not asking people to mitigate and cut down every single tree on their property," Beer said. "We're asking these people to maintain 100 feet. Two hundred would be great, but 100 foot perimeter around their home."

The areas that are burned in fire district two for mitigation purposes are those that GIS has mapped where fires over the last 20 years have crossed the roads.&nbsp;

The tension is, when the landowners don't have the money, or just don't want anyone on their land at all, what is the county's responsibility to keep the fire from spreading to the next property and what is a situation where they just have to allow the owner to assume the risk.

<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/2023/3/1678206773820.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; As part of a longer presentation to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer and Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar both said landowners aren't getting serious about helping make it safe for firefighters to help them save their homes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207701315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We are just one day away from another disaster," Chief Beer said. "It's as simple as that. Until these recommendations get implemented, we are one day away from, not 36 homes, we're talking hundreds of homes. It's real."There were six to eight professional agencies that sat down for the last nine months to give the county recommendations on best practices."We're talking planning, zoning changes," Beer said. "We're talking all of this stuff where we're going to make changes, if we're going to address the true underlying issues in the county."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207724858.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Weishaar noted that without cooperation between landowners and the county to allow firebreaks to be created, it's just going to be rinse and repeat."We're trying to burn the right of ways off at these key hinge points," Beer said. "Even when we burn the right of ways off, there's one thing with our mitigation burns, we're never going to know how many fires we didn't start from a cigarette or a chain rigging or whatever down the road."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207748393.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The mitigation burning gives them something to anchor off of and to work with. The problem is, in the areas of the county without a paid firefighting force, having the volunteers be available on the right day to do such burning is logistically impossible, even if they had the right training. It's taken about three months of work to get one good burning day that the city could use for its mitigation work."It used to just be in the spring," Beer said. "It starts six days after the first frost in the fall. It's pretty much sometime in October all the way through green up here in the spring."Beer told commissioners that just the City of Hutchinson went on 154 brush fires this last year. Most of those never get on the news, because if they contain them to under five acres and there is no property damage other than the burning of the grass, we'll likely never know about it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207772641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>However, on days with 50 mile per hour winds and low humidity, those small fires are impossible to contain. Beer said they saw it last year, they saw it with The Highlands fire in 2017 and they will see it again.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654951436825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>His chief concern is a fire that starts in the Sandhills State Park area with a north wind that pushes the fire across 43rd. If such a fire happened it could be catastrophic. He said the homeowners that talk to him don't have the money to maintain the properties and also the property there is used for hunting leases, and hunters want that ground cover to attract wildlife."We're not asking people to mitigate and cut down every single tree on their property," Beer said. "We're asking these people to maintain 100 feet. Two hundred would be great, but 100 foot perimeter around their home."The areas that are burned in fire district two for mitigation purposes are those that GIS has mapped where fires over the last 20 years have crossed the roads.&nbsp;The tension is, when the landowners don't have the money, or just don't want anyone on their land at all, what is the county's responsibility to keep the fire from spreading to the next property and what is a situation where they just have to allow the owner to assume the risk.<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;

Wildfire mitigation will take years and cooperation

A McPherson business with deep roots in the community is making a significant investment in McPherson College’s most ambitious building campaign. Peoples Bank and Trust has committed $500,000 toward the college’s signature building project – the Campus Commons. In appreciation of the gift, the third-floor Welcome Center in the building will be named the People’s Bank and Trust Welcome Center.

Peoples Bank and Trust’s pledge propels McPherson College closer to completing fundraising for the Campus Commons. The bank’s pledge also boosts McPherson College toward securing a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

“This gift recognizes the special relationship between McPherson College and Peoples Bank and Trust,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “It’s fitting that the gift comes during the bank’s 125th&nbsp;anniversary and supports a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”

Once completed, the Campus Commons will stand as one of the most prominent buildings in McPherson, serving students, employees, and community members. The 55,000-square-foot building will serve as the beating heart of student life on campus, providing a state-of-the-art event venue, service hub, and place to grab a bite—while passing through a three-story atrium with classic cars on display, celebrating McPherson’s one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration degree program. “The Commons” will be a true signature facility that will accommodate McPherson College’s growth and provide a new “front door” to the campus and a welcome to the city of McPherson.

"We are extremely pleased to partner with McPherson College on their&nbsp;Campus Commons project," said Tom Pruitt, president and CEO of Peoples Bank and Trust.&nbsp;"We have&nbsp;worked alongside McPherson College since the bank began in 1898.&nbsp; Our founder, F.A. Vaniman established a relationship with the college when he moved to town and began Peoples State Bank.&nbsp; That relationship has continued to grow over the past 125 years. We are very excited for the impact the&nbsp;new Campus Commons project will have on the college, as well as the community."

The gift is part of the successful $60 million&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;comprehensive campaign, which is the catalyst of the college’s largest-ever investment in new buildings in its 135-year history.&nbsp;In addition to new structures, nearly half of the $60 million in new funding will directly support educational initiatives on campus, such as student scholarships, Health Science, Automotive Restoration, and other academic programs and growth areas.

Peoples Bank and Trust was founded in 1898 by F.A. Vaniman. The bank, known then as Peoples State Bank, was in downtown McPherson in the same location today. Over the years, the bank has supported McPherson College in various ways, a partnership that has reaped benefits for both organizations while serving the people of McPherson. Notably, in 1959 the Vaniman family home was donated to the college and used as a dormitory, and later as the McPherson Museum. In addition to the Vanimans, Sargent family members held prominent roles in the bank, with many attending and graduating from McPherson College. The Houghton family — current bank owners — have been highly involved with McPherson College by serving on its board of trustees and supporting the development of new academic programs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207229455.jpeg" alt="Architect’s rendering of the Welcome Center located in the Campus Commons building. The expected completion is in 2025." />
 <figcaption>Architect’s rendering of the Welcome Center located in the Campus Commons building. The expected completion is in 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>TINA GOODWIN McPherson CollegeA McPherson business with deep roots in the community is making a significant investment in McPherson College’s most ambitious building campaign. Peoples Bank and Trust has committed $500,000 toward the college’s signature building project – the Campus Commons. In appreciation of the gift, the third-floor Welcome Center in the building will be named the People’s Bank and Trust Welcome Center.Peoples Bank and Trust’s pledge propels McPherson College closer to completing fundraising for the Campus Commons. The bank’s pledge also boosts McPherson College toward securing a $2 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.“This gift recognizes the special relationship between McPherson College and Peoples Bank and Trust,” said McPherson College President Michael Schneider. “It’s fitting that the gift comes during the bank’s 125th&nbsp;anniversary and supports a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”Once completed, the Campus Commons will stand as one of the most prominent buildings in McPherson, serving students, employees, and community members. The 55,000-square-foot building will serve as the beating heart of student life on campus, providing a state-of-the-art event venue, service hub, and place to grab a bite—while passing through a three-story atrium with classic cars on display, celebrating McPherson’s one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration degree program. “The Commons” will be a true signature facility that will accommodate McPherson College’s growth and provide a new “front door” to the campus and a welcome to the city of McPherson."We are extremely pleased to partner with McPherson College on their&nbsp;Campus Commons project," said Tom Pruitt, president and CEO of Peoples Bank and Trust.&nbsp;"We have&nbsp;worked alongside McPherson College since the bank began in 1898.&nbsp; Our founder, F.A. Vaniman established a relationship with the college when he moved to town and began Peoples State Bank.&nbsp; That relationship has continued to grow over the past 125 years. We are very excited for the impact the&nbsp;new Campus Commons project will have on the college, as well as the community."The gift is part of the successful $60 million&nbsp;Building Community&nbsp;comprehensive campaign, which is the catalyst of the college’s largest-ever investment in new buildings in its 135-year history.&nbsp;In addition to new structures, nearly half of the $60 million in new funding will directly support educational initiatives on campus, such as student scholarships, Health Science, Automotive Restoration, and other academic programs and growth areas.Peoples Bank and Trust was founded in 1898 by F.A. Vaniman. The bank, known then as Peoples State Bank, was in downtown McPherson in the same location today. Over the years, the bank has supported McPherson College in various ways, a partnership that has reaped benefits for both organizations while serving the people of McPherson. Notably, in 1959 the Vaniman family home was donated to the college and used as a dormitory, and later as the McPherson Museum. In addition to the Vanimans, Sargent family members held prominent roles in the bank, with many attending and graduating from McPherson College. The Houghton family — current bank owners — have been highly involved with McPherson College by serving on its board of trustees and supporting the development of new academic programs.<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;

Peoples Bank and Trust pledges $500K to major McPherson College building project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the council comments period at Tuesday morning's Hutchinson City Council meeting, Mayor John Richardson suggested that those who received property valuation notices in the mail that they may not agree with reach out to the County Appraiser's office.

"I would advise people to educate themselves on the process," Richardson said. "If they want to dispute their property valuations with the Reno County Appraiser's Office, I think you can <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/pvdappealpup.pdf">go online and see how to do that</a>, if you think your property is not valuated correctly."

Hutch Post has reached out to county staff to set up a meeting with County Appraiser&nbsp;Michael Plank for a future story to go over how those decisions are made. We plan to publish that as soon as we have the information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678203401878.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the council comments period at Tuesday morning's Hutchinson City Council meeting, Mayor John Richardson suggested that those who received property valuation notices in the mail that they may not agree with reach out to the County Appraiser's office."I would advise people to educate themselves on the process," Richardson said. "If they want to dispute their property valuations with the Reno County Appraiser's Office, I think you can <a href="https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/pvdappealpup.pdf">go online and see how to do that</a>, if you think your property is not valuated correctly."Hutch Post has reached out to county staff to set up a meeting with County Appraiser&nbsp;Michael Plank for a future story to go over how those decisions are made. We plan to publish that as soon as we have the information.

Mayor: Work through process on property valuations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tucky Allen with Kansas WorkforceONE said that businesses letting people go without notice without letting his office know is not really the way that his agency would like to work, because they have resources people can use even before their employment ends.

"The procedure we would like to see, because it is most beneficial to those employees being affected is to know ahead of time," Allen said. "The 60-day WARN notice is a great tool if used correctly. It does give those employees 60 days to absorb the news and begin to think, what's their next move? Things like that. Also, it allows us to get in there and conduct rapid response meetings."

Unfortunately, the last couple of layoffs in Hutchinson haven't given that advance notice.

"The hospital, they refused our service, basically," Allen said. "I haven't heard back from them. They haven't provided any information regarding the job seekers that are being laid off. What I get is from the media, as well. Then, I was able to get information with the Department of Labor on some of those that will file unemployment. Then, we can reach out one on one, but Sonoco, yes, they did lay off without notice. However, from what I'm being told, they are getting the 60 days of WARN pay. They're not going to be working, but they still have that 60 days of pay to plan accordingly what their next move is."

<a href="http://ksworkforceone.org/english-rapid-response/">Here is a link to the rapid resource packet generally given to those laid off.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Allen said, if a business is small enough not to be required to give a WARN notice, he may not know about a layoff.

"Some small ones that shut down, restaurant type, retail, things that we never even hear about, they would qualify too," Allen said. "We need them to come to the workforce center or give us a call if they are outside the area and we'll work with them virtually, or whatever is best for them."

The KANSASWORKS office in Hutchinson is at 609 E. 14th Avenue. You can call them at (620) 665-3559.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581097217584.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tucky Allen with Kansas WorkforceONE said that businesses letting people go without notice without letting his office know is not really the way that his agency would like to work, because they have resources people can use even before their employment ends."The procedure we would like to see, because it is most beneficial to those employees being affected is to know ahead of time," Allen said. "The 60-day WARN notice is a great tool if used correctly. It does give those employees 60 days to absorb the news and begin to think, what's their next move? Things like that. Also, it allows us to get in there and conduct rapid response meetings."Unfortunately, the last couple of layoffs in Hutchinson haven't given that advance notice."The hospital, they refused our service, basically," Allen said. "I haven't heard back from them. They haven't provided any information regarding the job seekers that are being laid off. What I get is from the media, as well. Then, I was able to get information with the Department of Labor on some of those that will file unemployment. Then, we can reach out one on one, but Sonoco, yes, they did lay off without notice. However, from what I'm being told, they are getting the 60 days of WARN pay. They're not going to be working, but they still have that 60 days of pay to plan accordingly what their next move is."<a href="http://ksworkforceone.org/english-rapid-response/">Here is a link to the rapid resource packet generally given to those laid off.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Allen said, if a business is small enough not to be required to give a WARN notice, he may not know about a layoff."Some small ones that shut down, restaurant type, retail, things that we never even hear about, they would qualify too," Allen said. "We need them to come to the workforce center or give us a call if they are outside the area and we'll work with them virtually, or whatever is best for them."The KANSASWORKS office in Hutchinson is at 609 E. 14th Avenue. You can call them at (620) 665-3559.<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;

Allen: If you've been laid off, Kansas WorkforceONE can help

Dark clouds roll in and the wind picks up…the sound of thunder can be heard from the distance. Severe storms are a common occurrence in Kansas.It’s important to know how to identify severe storms and take measures to stay safe when they occur.

Big thanks to KAKE-TV for this humorous look at a serious topic:

That’s the basics…a watch means the ingredients are right: sufficient moisture, heat, and a mechanism to lift that moist air from near the ground to higher in the sky.

The storm modes are listed generally in the order of increasing risk of damage.

Also called pop-up or popcorn storms. These typically last 10-45 minutes, and can cause brief heavy rain and small hail. Their main damage-causing risk is straight-line wind, most frequently generated as they fall apart when the atmosphere can no longer sustain the storm.

These tend to be stronger, because the environment among the clusters tend to keep things going longer. This allows hail to make multiple up and down trips in the storm updraft, which leads to larger, potentially damaging hail stones. These tend to be more frequent in the eastern half of Kansas due to better moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, but can be seen anywhere. Again they present a wind damage risk as they die out (and are potentially replaced by another storm). Very heavy, flooding rain is possible if storms fire repeatedly in the same area, a situation known as “training.”

In these systems, the storms form a line, a bow, or similar structure. From the ground you see a shelf cloud — often going horizon to horizon.

They are formed when an advancing cold front forms a wedge and pushes warm. moist air into the middle levels of the atmosphere where it condenses and causes heavy rain. The wind form the descending rain-cooled air pushes the front forward and the cycle continues. The event that impacted most of Kansas on February 26, 2023 was an example of a linear system.

“The worst is first, then comes the rain”

“Supercell” Courtesy of Wallpaper Cave

These are the Daddy of all storms. The stronger storms can actually create their own mini-environment. These are the storms where you can see a tower of bubbling cloud miles in the distance, extending from near the ground to an anvil top high in the sky. Warm moist air flows in at ground level, usually from the southeast or south, and rises until it can rise no more. The air condenses as it rises, and the falling air, which is cooler than the nearby rising air, begins a process of “rolling” in the atmosphere. The roll takes on a tilt, partly due to the motion of the storm and partly because it is getting spin imparted from winds that get faster and turn around the clock from southeast at the low level to westerly at the top.

When a severe storm is on the horizon, it’s important to take steps to stay safe. The first is to stay indoors and away from windows. Close all windows and curtains, and unplug any electronic devices in order to protect them from a power surge. If possible, move to an interior room on the lowest level of the home. Additionally, avoid contact with any metal objects as they can conduct electricity.

Safety messages from National Weather Service:

Have multiple ways to receive the warning

<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/M7SHE4Wr-23-Severe-Weather-Awareness-Week-TUESDAY-STORY-HEADER.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2019-0517-Fowler-Area-Lightning.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SCOTT ROBERTS KSStorm.InfoDark clouds roll in and the wind picks up…the sound of thunder can be heard from the distance. Severe storms are a common occurrence in Kansas.It’s important to know how to identify severe storms and take measures to stay safe when they occur.<h2>Watch vs. Warning</h2>Big thanks to KAKE-TV for this humorous look at a serious topic:<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/FB_IMG_1677921046984.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That’s the basics…a watch means the ingredients are right: sufficient moisture, heat, and a mechanism to lift that moist air from near the ground to higher in the sky.<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/SPC-Risk-Categories.png" alt="Courtesy: Storm Prediction Center" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy: Storm Prediction Center</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Types of Severe Storms</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/J2dxDEzu-Mode.gif" alt="Convective Modes-(images licensed from MetGraphics)" />
 <figcaption>Convective Modes-(images licensed from MetGraphics)</figcaption>
 </figure>The storm modes are listed generally in the order of increasing risk of damage.<h2>Pulse Storms</h2>Also called pop-up or popcorn storms. These typically last 10-45 minutes, and can cause brief heavy rain and small hail. Their main damage-causing risk is straight-line wind, most frequently generated as they fall apart when the atmosphere can no longer sustain the storm.<h2>Multi-cell storms</h2>These tend to be stronger, because the environment among the clusters tend to keep things going longer. This allows hail to make multiple up and down trips in the storm updraft, which leads to larger, potentially damaging hail stones. These tend to be more frequent in the eastern half of Kansas due to better moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, but can be seen anywhere. Again they present a wind damage risk as they die out (and are potentially replaced by another storm). Very heavy, flooding rain is possible if storms fire repeatedly in the same area, a situation known as “training.”<h2>Linear Storms</h2>In these systems, the storms form a line, a bow, or similar structure. From the ground you see a shelf cloud — often going horizon to horizon.<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/NUxSazqg-long-white-shelf-cloud.jpg" alt="White Shelf Cloud-Courtesy Public Domain Pictures" />
 <figcaption>White Shelf Cloud-Courtesy Public Domain Pictures</figcaption>
 </figure>They are formed when an advancing cold front forms a wedge and pushes warm. moist air into the middle levels of the atmosphere where it condenses and causes heavy rain. The wind form the descending rain-cooled air pushes the front forward and the cycle continues. The event that impacted most of Kansas on February 26, 2023 was an example of a linear system.<ul>
 <li>While tornadoes can occur on a linear system, they are most commonly very short-lived (often dissipating before a warning can be issued) and weak. Occasionally EF-2 damage can be seen from these. We used to call them gustnadoes.</li><li>The risk on a linear system is two-fold: strong to extreme wind as the line passes, followed by torrential rain and sometimes hail.</li><li>A line of storms that sustains for hours and impacts multiple states may be termed a “derecho” (dur-AY-cho) — there is a technical definition, but you just need to know if you hear that term it is causing substantial impact for a lot of people.</li>
 </ul><h2>“The worst is first, then comes the rain”</h2><h2>Discrete Supercells</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/Z4ObScoC-supercell1-wallpaper-cave.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Supercell” Courtesy of Wallpaper CaveThese are the Daddy of all storms. The stronger storms can actually create their own mini-environment. These are the storms where you can see a tower of bubbling cloud miles in the distance, extending from near the ground to an anvil top high in the sky. Warm moist air flows in at ground level, usually from the southeast or south, and rises until it can rise no more. The air condenses as it rises, and the falling air, which is cooler than the nearby rising air, begins a process of “rolling” in the atmosphere. The roll takes on a tilt, partly due to the motion of the storm and partly because it is getting spin imparted from winds that get faster and turn around the clock from southeast at the low level to westerly at the top.<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2023/03/EmUy2Dn0-supercell-wallpaper-national-geographic.jpg" alt="Supercell (c) National Geographic. Downloaded at Wallpaper Cave, used under Fair Use principles." />
 <figcaption>Supercell (c) National Geographic. Downloaded at Wallpaper Cave, used under Fair Use principles.</figcaption>
 </figure>When a severe storm is on the horizon, it’s important to take steps to stay safe. The first is to stay indoors and away from windows. Close all windows and curtains, and unplug any electronic devices in order to protect them from a power surge. If possible, move to an interior room on the lowest level of the home. Additionally, avoid contact with any metal objects as they can conduct electricity.Safety messages from National Weather Service:<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/lightning_temperature.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/Slide8a-1.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://storage.ksstorm.info/2022/05/KzLvYbbp-images_wrn_social_media_2017_SpendingTimeOutdoors.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Have multiple ways to receive the warning</h2>We recommend the following:<ul>
 <li>Weather app on your mobile device, we have covered some&nbsp;<a href="https://ksstorm.info/severe-weather-season-gears-up-this-week-are-you-prepared/">previously</a>. Any of the apps offered by the local TV stations are also good. Be sure to set the apps to track your location, so you will be notified only when warnings apply to you</li><li>NOAA All-Hazards alert radio:&nbsp;We used to call these “weather alert radios.” They can be programmed so you are only alerted when a warning is issued for your county.</li><li>Broadcast TV/Radio&nbsp;(although unfortunately in Wichita and some other areas, the live coverage of storms on radio is less than it once was.) All three Wichita TV stations also do a good job. I’m partial to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwch.com/weather/" target="_blank">Storm Team 12</a>, of course, due to my relationship with them, and we're proud to partner with Eagle Media in Hutchinson, where they do severe weather coverage on all three stations, KHUT, KHMY and KWBW.</li>
 </ul>

Prepare 2023: Severe Thunderstorms


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Rise Up Reno Prevention Network is having their fundraiser event Mar. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Memorial Hall called Shamrocker Hutch 2023. 

A selection of Salt City Microbrews available for purchase and Signature green drinks

A silent and live auction featuring experiences, trips, and goodies from local businesses

Great music by The Soul Preachers - a three piece classic rock band with plenty of energy

All proceeds will go to Rise Up Reno Prevention Network, a local 501(c)3 that promotes healthy behaviors for youth in Reno County, working with schools to provide drug and alcohol prevention for youth.

Rise Up Reno also houses the Reno County Suicide Prevention Coalition that provides suicide prevention strategies for all ages. Tickets are $25. Get your tickets here&nbsp;<a href="https://ticketstripe.com/SHAMROCKER2023?fbclid=IwAR1ICrD3kjlbNSAUiMmbFLlFZ980p1gOXO6uW5FTDhl1tx3nKnkaZMRUEac" target="_blank">https://ticketstripe.com/SHAMROCKER2023</a>

All attendees must be 21+ years of age.



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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676983120857.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Rise Up Reno Prevention Network is having their fundraiser event Mar. 10 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Memorial Hall called Shamrocker Hutch 2023. 

This year's event includes: A selection of Salt City Microbrews available for purchase and Signature green drinks A silent and live auction featuring experiences, trips, and goodies from local businesses Great music by The Soul Preachers - a three piece classic rock band with plenty of energy All proceeds will go to Rise Up Reno Prevention Network, a local 501(c)3 that promotes healthy behaviors for youth in Reno County, working with schools to provide drug and alcohol prevention for youth. Rise Up Reno also houses the Reno County Suicide Prevention Coalition that provides suicide prevention strategies for all ages. Tickets are $25. Get your tickets here&nbsp;<a href="https://ticketstripe.com/SHAMROCKER2023?fbclid=IwAR1ICrD3kjlbNSAUiMmbFLlFZ980p1gOXO6uW5FTDhl1tx3nKnkaZMRUEac" target="_blank">https://ticketstripe.com/SHAMROCKER2023</a> All attendees must be 21+ years of age.

<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;

Shamrocker coming up

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson announced on March 6, the water line on 17th Ave., east of Apple Lane, has been repaired, and subsequent street repair has begun. &nbsp;

The&nbsp;water line break was <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fa451f4f-e39f-4e21-8e14-b694719e2561" target="_blank">reported on Feb. 28</a>. The break was&nbsp;on a 10-inch water line that was installed in 1967. It appeared to be the second such break on that line in February.

The Street Division plans to complete the street repair by Monday, March 13. Weather permitting, the road will be opened Monday, March 20 after allowing the concrete to properly cure.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678147745915.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson announced on March 6, the water line on 17th Ave., east of Apple Lane, has been repaired, and subsequent street repair has begun. &nbsp;The&nbsp;water line break was <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/fa451f4f-e39f-4e21-8e14-b694719e2561" target="_blank">reported on Feb. 28</a>. The break was&nbsp;on a 10-inch water line that was installed in 1967. It appeared to be the second such break on that line in February.The Street Division plans to complete the street repair by Monday, March 13. Weather permitting, the road will be opened Monday, March 20 after allowing the concrete to properly cure.&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;

Water line repaired, street repair underway 

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;——————————————

3/7/2023 12:10 AM-Gregory	Maurice	Thompson Sr.-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; DUI; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving

3/6/2023 9:22 PM-Christopher	Tomas Sainz-Contribute Child Misconduct; Shelter or conceal runaway

3/6/2023 8:58 PM-Richard	Irven Reed-Sodomy; AGGRAVATED; Non-Consensual, Victim incapable of consent because of Mental/Drug/Alcohol

3/6/2023 5:23 PM-Jonas	Joshua Schmidt-Probation Violation

3/6/2023 4:01 PM-Lytell	Bernard	Gentry-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Probation Violation	

3/6/2023 3:11 PM-James	Jay McDonald-Probation Violation

3/6/2023 3:04 PM-Glynn	Allen Dilbeck-Probation Violation

3/6/2023 3:02 PM-Zane	Cosme Mountain-Probation Violation

3/6/2023 10:01 AM-Caitlynn	Emily Roepke-Probation Violation

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;——————————————3/7/2023 12:10 AM-Gregory	Maurice	Thompson Sr.-Poss of marijuana; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; DUI; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving3/6/2023 9:22 PM-Christopher	Tomas Sainz-Contribute Child Misconduct; Shelter or conceal runaway3/6/2023 8:58 PM-Richard	Irven Reed-Sodomy; AGGRAVATED; Non-Consensual, Victim incapable of consent because of Mental/Drug/Alcohol3/6/2023 5:23 PM-Jonas	Joshua Schmidt-Probation Violation3/6/2023 4:01 PM-Lytell	Bernard	Gentry-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Probation Violation	3/6/2023 3:11 PM-James	Jay McDonald-Probation Violation3/6/2023 3:04 PM-Glynn	Allen Dilbeck-Probation Violation3/6/2023 3:02 PM-Zane	Cosme Mountain-Probation Violation3/6/2023 10:01 AM-Caitlynn	Emily Roepke-Probation Violation

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sonoco Paper employees were laid off Monday morning at a meeting at the Hutchinson plant.

According to Tucky Allen from Kansas Workforce One, he received a WARN notice of the plant's closing on Monday. He told Hutch Post that the layoff will include 116 employees.

Sonoco has owned the paper mill since 2001, when it purchased the mill from&nbsp;Republic Group LLC.

Sonoco was the mill's largest customer at the time of their acquisition of the plant, purchasing paperboard for composite cans, primarily for refrigerated dough products, and for tubes.

More information coming on Hutch Post as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678134569880.jpeg" alt="Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sonoco Paper employees were laid off Monday morning at a meeting at the Hutchinson plant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678133954167.jpeg" alt="Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Tucky Allen from Kansas Workforce One, he received a WARN notice of the plant's closing on Monday. He told Hutch Post that the layoff will include 116 employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678134027333.jpeg" alt="Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>Sonoco has owned the paper mill since 2001, when it purchased the mill from&nbsp;Republic Group LLC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678134063797.jpeg" alt="Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>Sonoco was the mill's largest customer at the time of their acquisition of the plant, purchasing paperboard for composite cans, primarily for refrigerated dough products, and for tubes.More information coming on Hutch Post as it becomes available.

Developing: Sonoco Paper plant in Hutchinson closed

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is holding its first-ever Coffee in the County later this month. 

The event will be hosted by Wildflower Inn on March 31st from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This new event is in partnership with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. 

Join StartUp Hutch at 406 W Ave. A in Buhler at the Wildflower Inn to kick off this great new event. Blueberry cinnamon rolls, raspberry crumb cookies, and banana bread are sure to start your morning off right.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599831307342.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is holding its first-ever Coffee in the County later this month. The event will be hosted by Wildflower Inn on March 31st from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This new event is in partnership with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. Join StartUp Hutch at 406 W Ave. A in Buhler at the Wildflower Inn to kick off this great new event. Blueberry cinnamon rolls, raspberry crumb cookies, and banana bread are sure to start your morning off right.<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;

Coffee in the County coming Mar. 31

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The study session on the 30th and Lucille intersection has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor John Richardson notes that the now full five person council is going to do a study session on the issue to get the new members, Stacy Goss and Stuart Conklin, up to speed.&nbsp;

"It's really digging into all of the different factors going into making a decision on what can happen with that intersection," Richardson said. "It's a public meeting, but it's really there for, especially the new council members to learn more about the history of this situation."

A temporary traffic light was put up at 30th and Lucille during the construction of the 43rd Avenue bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks. During that period, the pandemic and a shortage of bus drivers got more parents than ever in the habit of driving their kids to Prairie Hills Middle School, which is on Lucille between 30th and 43rd.

"The light that was put in, is not to KDOT standards, as I understand it," Richardson said. "It was not a full time designed light. It was just a temporary situation."

According to traffic studies, there is not enough traffic for enough hours of the day to warrant a full time light and even putting in a part-time light runs up against logistical concerns, because the city doesn't own all the land necessary to do that.

"What are we going to do moving forward in regard to having a study done, or engineering done on how that design would look for that intersection?" Richardson said. "To me, it's more of a question and answer for some of the new City Council members, with the engineering firm, with City engineering, on what can be done at this intersection."

Again, the meeting is Tuesday at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678117675565.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The study session on the 30th and Lucille intersection has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor John Richardson notes that the now full five person council is going to do a study session on the issue to get the new members, Stacy Goss and Stuart Conklin, up to speed.&nbsp;"It's really digging into all of the different factors going into making a decision on what can happen with that intersection," Richardson said. "It's a public meeting, but it's really there for, especially the new council members to learn more about the history of this situation."A temporary traffic light was put up at 30th and Lucille during the construction of the 43rd Avenue bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks. During that period, the pandemic and a shortage of bus drivers got more parents than ever in the habit of driving their kids to Prairie Hills Middle School, which is on Lucille between 30th and 43rd."The light that was put in, is not to KDOT standards, as I understand it," Richardson said. "It was not a full time designed light. It was just a temporary situation."According to traffic studies, there is not enough traffic for enough hours of the day to warrant a full time light and even putting in a part-time light runs up against logistical concerns, because the city doesn't own all the land necessary to do that."What are we going to do moving forward in regard to having a study done, or engineering done on how that design would look for that intersection?" Richardson said. "To me, it's more of a question and answer for some of the new City Council members, with the engineering firm, with City engineering, on what can be done at this intersection."Again, the meeting is Tuesday at 5 p.m. at City Hall in Hutchinson.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mayor: 30th and Lucille meeting will inform new members

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher

As spring slowly approaches, my two children and I have spent a considerable amount of time in vehicles as of late getting to or from practices well into the evenings. While in town, light poles illuminate our Main Street, a flashing red light brightens the main intersection, light streams from the windows of local businesses, and porch lights brighten otherwise dark sidewalks.&nbsp; But as we get further from town and closer to our farm, the warmth of those lights fade. With every mile, the surrounding countryside becomes blacker and blacker until it is engulfed in darkness. Aside from some tiny glows coming from either front porches or distant yard lights, the blacktop leading my family home many nights is only visible because of the blazing headlights of our vehicle.&nbsp; In the daytime, it feels as if there’s more blue sky in the country compared to that same sky seen in town. At night, the sky seems infinitely larger than the one viewed in town perhaps because there are no obstructions. There are no buildings or houses or billboards blocking our views of the night’s yonder as we drive home out in the country. It’s just wide-open sky. Driving myself and my two children home recently, while I kept my eyes on the road and remained vigilant with regard to deer crossing my path, my two backseat passengers noticed two bright objects in the night sky. None of us had noticed these lights even 10 minutes before as we had driven through town; but the presence of these gleaming objects before us once within the darkness of the country kept their attention and called them to keep looking. At first, my son thought they were satellites while my daughter suggested they were mysterious balloons. As we drove further from town and got closer to home, we decided that the two lights they’d been watching throughout the duration of our drive were not blinking and were not moving. Helicopters, airplanes, drones, balloons were quickly removed from our list of potential sources of the lights. I questioned out loud whether these orbs in the sky might be planets. After getting home and doing a little internet searching, we discovered that it was in fact Jupiter and Venus showing off in the night sky. The kids and I gazed at the lights above and talked about how far these planets were from us and how impressive it was to be seen by us so clearly and vividly within the heavens. A few days later, people on social media began either commenting or started inquiring about these strange lights in the evening sky. The news began mentioning the newly observed celestial glows and more and more people learned about the two planets catching everyone’s attention. While listening to the morning news as the kids were readying themselves for school, my daughter pointed out that we had seen those lights days ago, and it was nothing new. I had to remind her that nights are a lot darker out on the farm than in town, which was perhaps why we spotted them sooner.&nbsp;&nbsp; In the wisdom that only a 7-year-old can articulate, my daughter decided that while the dark in the country might be bigger (and maybe scarier at times) than it is in town, it lets us see things a little earlier than others, and that’s pretty cool.&nbsp; Yes, my little one, that is pretty cool. Here’s to those many dark nights out in the country and all the heavenly wonders that especially appear throughout the year from our view on the farm. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575904358712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancherAs spring slowly approaches, my two children and I have spent a considerable amount of time in vehicles as of late getting to or from practices well into the evenings. While in town, light poles illuminate our Main Street, a flashing red light brightens the main intersection, light streams from the windows of local businesses, and porch lights brighten otherwise dark sidewalks.&nbsp; But as we get further from town and closer to our farm, the warmth of those lights fade. With every mile, the surrounding countryside becomes blacker and blacker until it is engulfed in darkness. Aside from some tiny glows coming from either front porches or distant yard lights, the blacktop leading my family home many nights is only visible because of the blazing headlights of our vehicle.&nbsp; In the daytime, it feels as if there’s more blue sky in the country compared to that same sky seen in town. At night, the sky seems infinitely larger than the one viewed in town perhaps because there are no obstructions. There are no buildings or houses or billboards blocking our views of the night’s yonder as we drive home out in the country. It’s just wide-open sky. Driving myself and my two children home recently, while I kept my eyes on the road and remained vigilant with regard to deer crossing my path, my two backseat passengers noticed two bright objects in the night sky. None of us had noticed these lights even 10 minutes before as we had driven through town; but the presence of these gleaming objects before us once within the darkness of the country kept their attention and called them to keep looking. At first, my son thought they were satellites while my daughter suggested they were mysterious balloons. As we drove further from town and got closer to home, we decided that the two lights they’d been watching throughout the duration of our drive were not blinking and were not moving. Helicopters, airplanes, drones, balloons were quickly removed from our list of potential sources of the lights. I questioned out loud whether these orbs in the sky might be planets. After getting home and doing a little internet searching, we discovered that it was in fact Jupiter and Venus showing off in the night sky. The kids and I gazed at the lights above and talked about how far these planets were from us and how impressive it was to be seen by us so clearly and vividly within the heavens. A few days later, people on social media began either commenting or started inquiring about these strange lights in the evening sky. The news began mentioning the newly observed celestial glows and more and more people learned about the two planets catching everyone’s attention. While listening to the morning news as the kids were readying themselves for school, my daughter pointed out that we had seen those lights days ago, and it was nothing new. I had to remind her that nights are a lot darker out on the farm than in town, which was perhaps why we spotted them sooner.&nbsp;&nbsp; In the wisdom that only a 7-year-old can articulate, my daughter decided that while the dark in the country might be bigger (and maybe scarier at times) than it is in town, it lets us see things a little earlier than others, and that’s pretty cool.&nbsp; Yes, my little one, that is pretty cool. Here’s to those many dark nights out in the country and all the heavenly wonders that especially appear throughout the year from our view on the farm. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp; &nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Heavenly views on the farm

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis is coming to the Fox in Hutchinson Friday night.

The evening begins with hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie, improv comedian from TV's Whose Line Is It Anyway to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized.

"It's a totally different experience," Mochrie said. "When I worked with the guys from Whose Line, even though we're making it up, I can usually tell what joke they are going to head for, what kind of ending they are going to head for in the scene. I don't have that with these people. They just immediately react to whatever is happening in the moment. They are all about the present, not about the future."

Friday's performance is the tour's only Kansas date and Mecci is excited about bringing the one of a kind style to the Sunflower State.

"How many more plays are you going to see? How many more musicals are you going to see?," Mecci said. "You will never, ever, and I guarantee this, see a show like Hyprov in your life, because it is completely unique. It is made up every single night. Our cast members are people from the audience, random volunteers from the audience who come up on stage, get hypnotized and then improvise with Colin Mochrie from Whose Line. It is like nothing you've ever seen before."

Being hypnotized is not the same for all who go under, but Mochrie and Mecci have ways of involving the subjects.

"We've tried to come up with games, that even the ones who may be under different types of hypnosis, sometimes they get very sluggish and their reactions are very slow," Mochrie said. "We've found ways that we can use everyone that ended up as part of the improv troupe, so everybody gets the chance to do something."

<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35908/pr/1127661/pe/11102589?deepLink=true&amp;overlay=true">Tickets are still available and you can book online</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114922340.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis is coming to the Fox in Hutchinson Friday night.The evening begins with hypnotist Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie, improv comedian from TV's Whose Line Is It Anyway to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized."It's a totally different experience," Mochrie said. "When I worked with the guys from Whose Line, even though we're making it up, I can usually tell what joke they are going to head for, what kind of ending they are going to head for in the scene. I don't have that with these people. They just immediately react to whatever is happening in the moment. They are all about the present, not about the future."Friday's performance is the tour's only Kansas date and Mecci is excited about bringing the one of a kind style to the Sunflower State."How many more plays are you going to see? How many more musicals are you going to see?," Mecci said. "You will never, ever, and I guarantee this, see a show like Hyprov in your life, because it is completely unique. It is made up every single night. Our cast members are people from the audience, random volunteers from the audience who come up on stage, get hypnotized and then improvise with Colin Mochrie from Whose Line. It is like nothing you've ever seen before."Being hypnotized is not the same for all who go under, but Mochrie and Mecci have ways of involving the subjects."We've tried to come up with games, that even the ones who may be under different types of hypnosis, sometimes they get very sluggish and their reactions are very slow," Mochrie said. "We've found ways that we can use everyone that ended up as part of the improv troupe, so everybody gets the chance to do something."<a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35908/pr/1127661/pe/11102589?deepLink=true&amp;overlay=true">Tickets are still available and you can book online</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Colin Mochrie and hypnotist together for show at Fox

\HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way and Reno County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster gave statistics of the help they have been able to give in the past year in the aftermath of the Cottonwood Complex Fire.

The VOAD assisted with 40 different properties. The work started with immediate needs assistance such as housing and personal items then helped fund 120 dumpsters with 964 tons of debris taken away to the rebuilding efforts such as 29 water wells completed, 30 homes hooked back up with electricity and leveraged over 1800 volunteer hours to help assist in all that needed to be done.

The VOAD has held several town hall meetings with residents over this year to bring education and resources to them. A last town hall meeting will be held this next week to honor our fire survivors and all that they have done to move forward.

The Reno County VOAD is made up of many organizations all working together for the betterment of our community during a disaster. Those organizations include the United Way of Reno County, The Salvation Army, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, Trinity United Methodist Church, New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno County Emergency Management, The Volunteer Center, Mennonite Disaster Services, Reno County Health Department, City of Hutchinson, Association of Chaplains, Red Cross and Disciples of Christ. If you would like to learn more about the Reno County VOAD, please contact <a href="mailto:lgleason@unitedwayofrenocounty.org">lgleason@unitedwayofrenocounty.org</a>.

The survivors are being brought together for a private meal in the coming days with the VOAD so that they can share stories with each other about how the recovery is going.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678110991246.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>\HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Way and Reno County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster gave statistics of the help they have been able to give in the past year in the aftermath of the Cottonwood Complex Fire.The VOAD assisted with 40 different properties. The work started with immediate needs assistance such as housing and personal items then helped fund 120 dumpsters with 964 tons of debris taken away to the rebuilding efforts such as 29 water wells completed, 30 homes hooked back up with electricity and leveraged over 1800 volunteer hours to help assist in all that needed to be done.The VOAD has held several town hall meetings with residents over this year to bring education and resources to them. A last town hall meeting will be held this next week to honor our fire survivors and all that they have done to move forward.The Reno County VOAD is made up of many organizations all working together for the betterment of our community during a disaster. Those organizations include the United Way of Reno County, The Salvation Army, Interfaith Housing and Community Services, Trinity United Methodist Church, New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Reno County Emergency Management, The Volunteer Center, Mennonite Disaster Services, Reno County Health Department, City of Hutchinson, Association of Chaplains, Red Cross and Disciples of Christ. If you would like to learn more about the Reno County VOAD, please contact <a href="mailto:lgleason@unitedwayofrenocounty.org">lgleason@unitedwayofrenocounty.org</a>.The survivors are being brought together for a private meal in the coming days with the VOAD so that they can share stories with each other about how the recovery is going.<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;

VOAD able to help on large scale, thanks to partnerships

Prepare 2023: Looking Back, Looking Forward

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of the larger discussion of long-term water policy for the state, the Kansas House passed a bill prior to turnaround to require additional accountability from the state's groundwater management districts.

"There are five groundwater managment districts," said Republican Rep. Kenny Titus, a water lawyer and member of the House Water Committee. "You have two of them that sort of border Reno County. GMD 5 in Stafford and GMD 2 in Halstead. They are all different and they are all doing different things. Some of them, over time, have done a lot more than others when it comes to reducing groundwater use, but basically, what this plan says, it gives the districts a specific mandate to develop plans and identify their worst areas. What are the highest priority areas, with the largest declines in groundwater. Then, they are directed to go out, talk to the locals and develop a plan to address that, so that we don't just mine that groundwater until it's gone."

A representative of the GMD board would be required to appear before a legislative committee, if requested. The deadline for the report each year is Jan. 31.

"If no action is taken, then the chief engineer is given some authority to step in and sort of move that planning process along," Titus said. "The important part of that is, it gives the locals every opportunity to step up&nbsp; and decide how they want to manage this resource going forward."

One thing some of the districts have already done is establish&nbsp;Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) with the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources.

"They set up a five-year plan," Titus said. "You can reduce water use, and your use is flexible from year to year, so if you save water at the beginning, you know it will be available at the end. They have varying levels of cuts based on how drastic the declines in groundwater level have been."

Titus said, once conservation is on the mind of all landowners, LEMAs seem to work.

"That's been my experience, looking at data at the state," Titus said. "People always set conservative goals. Once they really start paying attention to their water use and maybe changing their cropping patterns a little bit, we see revenue stay the same, but the amount of water used decreases dramatically. We see good signs where we can engage people."

The legislation requiring a plan does not require LEMAs to be implemented, but gives flexibility to the local districts. The bill has been referred to the Senate&nbsp;Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, but does not, as of March 3, have a scheduled hearing date.

<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/2022/11/1667836108882.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As part of the larger discussion of long-term water policy for the state, the Kansas House passed a bill prior to turnaround to require additional accountability from the state's groundwater management districts."There are five groundwater managment districts," said Republican Rep. Kenny Titus, a water lawyer and member of the House Water Committee. "You have two of them that sort of border Reno County. GMD 5 in Stafford and GMD 2 in Halstead. They are all different and they are all doing different things. Some of them, over time, have done a lot more than others when it comes to reducing groundwater use, but basically, what this plan says, it gives the districts a specific mandate to develop plans and identify their worst areas. What are the highest priority areas, with the largest declines in groundwater. Then, they are directed to go out, talk to the locals and develop a plan to address that, so that we don't just mine that groundwater until it's gone."A representative of the GMD board would be required to appear before a legislative committee, if requested. The deadline for the report each year is Jan. 31."If no action is taken, then the chief engineer is given some authority to step in and sort of move that planning process along," Titus said. "The important part of that is, it gives the locals every opportunity to step up&nbsp; and decide how they want to manage this resource going forward."One thing some of the districts have already done is establish&nbsp;Local Enhanced Management Areas (LEMAs) with the chief engineer of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources."They set up a five-year plan," Titus said. "You can reduce water use, and your use is flexible from year to year, so if you save water at the beginning, you know it will be available at the end. They have varying levels of cuts based on how drastic the declines in groundwater level have been."Titus said, once conservation is on the mind of all landowners, LEMAs seem to work."That's been my experience, looking at data at the state," Titus said. "People always set conservative goals. Once they really start paying attention to their water use and maybe changing their cropping patterns a little bit, we see revenue stay the same, but the amount of water used decreases dramatically. We see good signs where we can engage people."The legislation requiring a plan does not require LEMAs to be implemented, but gives flexibility to the local districts. The bill has been referred to the Senate&nbsp;Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, but does not, as of March 3, have a scheduled hearing date.<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;

KS House: Groundwater management districts need plans

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said even though he expects another rate hike from the Federal Reserve, he's a little more optimistic now than he was last month.

"The recession probabilities are lower, much lower than they were for the year of 2023," Goss said. "Inflation, the numbers there, tending to be much higher and the employment number, that's definitely a good thing. Normally, we have purchasing managers, supply managers telling us they have difficulty finding and hiring workers. Now, it seems like, at least for the month of February, they had less."

Goss is still concerned about the staring contest Congress and the administration appear to be ready to engage in regarding the debt ceiling.

"$31.5 trillion, we've reached the debt ceiling," Goss said. "If we don't see some raising of the debt ceiling in June, the first week of June, we're going to have some not so good consequences, if we don't raise that debt ceiling."

Republicans have insisted that a debt limit increase must be paired with spending cuts, but they are not looking to cut Social Security or Medicare.

"I do think there will be a solution to the debt ceiling," Goss said. "That would be madness, to not raise the debt ceiling, in my judgment. Jay Powell, head of the Federal Reserve, said the same thing."

How close to June the two sides will come before getting to that solution remains to be seen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622642233344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said even though he expects another rate hike from the Federal Reserve, he's a little more optimistic now than he was last month."The recession probabilities are lower, much lower than they were for the year of 2023," Goss said. "Inflation, the numbers there, tending to be much higher and the employment number, that's definitely a good thing. Normally, we have purchasing managers, supply managers telling us they have difficulty finding and hiring workers. Now, it seems like, at least for the month of February, they had less."Goss is still concerned about the staring contest Congress and the administration appear to be ready to engage in regarding the debt ceiling."$31.5 trillion, we've reached the debt ceiling," Goss said. "If we don't see some raising of the debt ceiling in June, the first week of June, we're going to have some not so good consequences, if we don't raise that debt ceiling."Republicans have insisted that a debt limit increase must be paired with spending cuts, but they are not looking to cut Social Security or Medicare."I do think there will be a solution to the debt ceiling," Goss said. "That would be madness, to not raise the debt ceiling, in my judgment. Jay Powell, head of the Federal Reserve, said the same thing."How close to June the two sides will come before getting to that solution remains to be seen.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Goss: Inflation a concern, but recession not as much

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;

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;3/6/2023 2:44 AM-Airel	Christine Halligan-Probation Violation; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant3/5/2023 5:18 PM-Brock	Alan Stewart-Failure to Appear3/5/2023 4:05 PM-Audrey	Rose Evans-Viol protection order; Abuse order; Criminal Trespass; Defiance of Order3/5/2023 10:22 AM-Tiffney	Dawn Groth-Failure to Appear