MARION COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1 p.m. Tuesday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a White farm tractor driven by Kyson L&nbsp;Gawith, 15, Hillsboro, was southbound on Kansas 15 three miles north of Hillsboro.

A southbound 2007 Kenworth semi driven by Myrta M. Lopez, 39, Wichita, attempted to pass the tractor as Gawith started to turn left into a residence.

The semi struck the front of the farm tractor. After impact the semi traveled off the road and rolled. The tractor came to rest in the southbound lanes of the highway.

EMS transported Gawith to&nbsp;Hillsboro Community Hospital and&nbsp;Lopez to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636209377817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1 p.m. Tuesday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a White farm tractor driven by Kyson L&nbsp;Gawith, 15, Hillsboro, was southbound on Kansas 15 three miles north of Hillsboro.A southbound 2007 Kenworth semi driven by Myrta M. Lopez, 39, Wichita, attempted to pass the tractor as Gawith started to turn left into a residence.The semi struck the front of the farm tractor. After impact the semi traveled off the road and rolled. The tractor came to rest in the southbound lanes of the highway.EMS transported Gawith to&nbsp;Hillsboro Community Hospital and&nbsp;Lopez to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen among 2 injured after semi, farm tractor crash

KATIE BROKER Hutchinson Public Library

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Library is pleased to announce an upcoming Author Talk scheduled for July 24, 2024. Author David Sebben, hailing from Rock Island, IL, will be present to discuss his book titled "Nothing Great is Easily Won: The Solomon Butler Story." The event will delve into Sebben's research process, writing journey, and Solomon Butler's profound connection to Hutchinson, KS, and Rock Island, IL.

Solomon Butler, a little-known but notable figure in the early 1900s, was a student and athlete at Hutchinson High School. He later moved to Rock Island, IL, where he completed his education at Rock Island High School. Butler continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Dubuque University, where he achieved acclaim by earning 12 varsity letters across track, football, and baseball. Notably, he participated in the 1919 Inter-Allied Games, recognized as a military substitute for the Olympics.

Butler made significant contributions as the second black quarterback in the NFL, playing for teams including the Rock Island Independents and the Canton Bulldogs. Post-NFL, he played professional baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs and was the sports editor for two esteemed Chicago black newspapers, the Chicago Bee and the Defender. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in establishing what is now known as the Harlem Globetrotters. Throughout his life and career, Butler encountered numerous adversities, which he courageously confronted. David Sebben has articulated Butler's journey, emphasizing his triumphs and noting, "He (Solomon Butler) met racism head-on... A lot of people, even in this day, looked up to him."

David Sebben discussed the project that ultimately inspired him to write his book and share Solomon Butler’s story. He was working with two RIHS alumni, Doug Frazier and Rick Miers on the book “Rock Solid - Our History”, an exclusive history of Rock Island High School. “Because of that book, I realized that the Solomon Butler story needed to be told. The research and writing has been extremely rewarding, very eye-opening, and at times, very emotional. I'm pretty sure Sol would be humbled by the attention he is currently receiving”, David stated.

Prior to planning the upcoming visit, David Sebben recently visited Hutchinson to deliver his presentation titled "Solomon Butler: The Greatest Athlete You've Never Heard Of" at Hutchinson High School. During his visit, he and former Hutchinson High School Football coach and author of "Huddle Up Hutch," Steve Miller, graciously shared their insights at the library. We deeply appreciate Sebben's diligent research in uncovering Solomon Butler's history and fostering connections between the communities of Hutchinson and Rock Island.

The Author Talk featuring David Sebben is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hutchinson Public Library. This date holds particular significance as it precedes the kick-off of the 2024 Summer Olympics, honoring Butler's participation in the 1919 Inter-Allied Games. The event welcomes the public to engage with David Sebben, gain insights into Solomon Butler's life from his formative years to his legacy, and participate in a meaningful discussion on the relevance of history both in the past and present.

We would like to thank David Sebben and Steve Miller for connecting with us and sharing their research so that others may access it, as well as the Friends of the Library for making this Author Talk possible for our community.

<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/2020/7/1594153681276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KATIE BROKER Hutchinson Public LibraryHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Public Library is pleased to announce an upcoming Author Talk scheduled for July 24, 2024. Author David Sebben, hailing from Rock Island, IL, will be present to discuss his book titled "Nothing Great is Easily Won: The Solomon Butler Story." The event will delve into Sebben's research process, writing journey, and Solomon Butler's profound connection to Hutchinson, KS, and Rock Island, IL.Solomon Butler, a little-known but notable figure in the early 1900s, was a student and athlete at Hutchinson High School. He later moved to Rock Island, IL, where he completed his education at Rock Island High School. Butler continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Dubuque University, where he achieved acclaim by earning 12 varsity letters across track, football, and baseball. Notably, he participated in the 1919 Inter-Allied Games, recognized as a military substitute for the Olympics.Butler made significant contributions as the second black quarterback in the NFL, playing for teams including the Rock Island Independents and the Canton Bulldogs. Post-NFL, he played professional baseball with the Kansas City Monarchs and was the sports editor for two esteemed Chicago black newspapers, the Chicago Bee and the Defender. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in establishing what is now known as the Harlem Globetrotters. Throughout his life and career, Butler encountered numerous adversities, which he courageously confronted. David Sebben has articulated Butler's journey, emphasizing his triumphs and noting, "He (Solomon Butler) met racism head-on... A lot of people, even in this day, looked up to him."David Sebben discussed the project that ultimately inspired him to write his book and share Solomon Butler’s story. He was working with two RIHS alumni, Doug Frazier and Rick Miers on the book “Rock Solid - Our History”, an exclusive history of Rock Island High School. “Because of that book, I realized that the Solomon Butler story needed to be told. The research and writing has been extremely rewarding, very eye-opening, and at times, very emotional. I'm pretty sure Sol would be humbled by the attention he is currently receiving”, David stated.Prior to planning the upcoming visit, David Sebben recently visited Hutchinson to deliver his presentation titled "Solomon Butler: The Greatest Athlete You've Never Heard Of" at Hutchinson High School. During his visit, he and former Hutchinson High School Football coach and author of "Huddle Up Hutch," Steve Miller, graciously shared their insights at the library. We deeply appreciate Sebben's diligent research in uncovering Solomon Butler's history and fostering connections between the communities of Hutchinson and Rock Island.The Author Talk featuring David Sebben is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hutchinson Public Library. This date holds particular significance as it precedes the kick-off of the 2024 Summer Olympics, honoring Butler's participation in the 1919 Inter-Allied Games. The event welcomes the public to engage with David Sebben, gain insights into Solomon Butler's life from his formative years to his legacy, and participate in a meaningful discussion on the relevance of history both in the past and present.We would like to thank David Sebben and Steve Miller for connecting with us and sharing their research so that others may access it, as well as the Friends of the Library for making this Author Talk possible for our community.<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;

Author to talk about Hutch High athlete Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is looking for volunteers for the Salty Dog + Pup Triathlon, Saturday, August 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

You will be standing, directing traffic, manning water stations, encouraging &amp; cheering on participants.

Reach out to Kelsey Loutensock if interested at <a href="mailto:kloutensock@hutchrec.com">kloutensock@hutchrec.com</a> or at (620) 663-6179.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721748897352.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutch RecHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is looking for volunteers for the Salty Dog + Pup Triathlon, Saturday, August 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.You will be standing, directing traffic, manning water stations, encouraging &amp; cheering on participants.Reach out to Kelsey Loutensock if interested at <a href="mailto:kloutensock@hutchrec.com">kloutensock@hutchrec.com</a> or at (620) 663-6179.<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;

Volunteers needed for triathlon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Get the best price on Midway Wristbands for the 2024 Fair. On July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Midway Wristbands will be just $25. Regular price is $35. &nbsp;Midway Wristbands provide unlimited rides for one person on one Wristband Day during the Kansas State Fair.

How it works: Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=f3930c1b20&amp;e=3291b91fe2">etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the ticket "Wristband Flash Sale" will allow you to purchase $25 unlimited ride&nbsp;Midway Wristbands.&nbsp;Each Midway Wristband grants one person unlimited rides on one Midway Wristband Day during the Kansas State Fair.

You can purchase Midway Wristbands online July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., or visit/call the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. that same day. Limit six $25 Midway Wristbands per person. You will receive a voucher for each wristband that can be redeemed at the Midway Ticket Booths during the Fair. Gate admission is not included.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721747261001.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State FairHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Get the best price on Midway Wristbands for the 2024 Fair. On July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Midway Wristbands will be just $25. Regular price is $35. &nbsp;Midway Wristbands provide unlimited rides for one person on one Wristband Day during the Kansas State Fair.How it works: Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasstatefair.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3e8ba81fdd03d1e38c02c0ae6&amp;id=f3930c1b20&amp;e=3291b91fe2">etix.com/ticket/v/12251/kansas-state-fair</a>&nbsp;on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the ticket "Wristband Flash Sale" will allow you to purchase $25 unlimited ride&nbsp;Midway Wristbands.&nbsp;Each Midway Wristband grants one person unlimited rides on one Midway Wristband Day during the Kansas State Fair.You can purchase Midway Wristbands online July 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., or visit/call the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. that same day. Limit six $25 Midway Wristbands per person. You will receive a voucher for each wristband that can be redeemed at the Midway Ticket Booths during the Fair. Gate admission is not included.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Midway wristband day is July 30

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County was higher for the month of June 2024.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county went up five tenths of a percent to 3.8%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2023 was 3.0%.

There were 1,113 county residents out of work.&nbsp;

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in June. This is an increase from 2.9% in May and an increase from 2.6% in June 2023.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,600 from May.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 2,200 over the month, while government increased by 5,400.

Since June 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 17,900. This change is due to an increase of 15,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,600 government jobs.

“In June 2024, the average hourly pay for private sector workers increased by 5.2% over the year reaching $30.61,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “With inflation slowing down, the actual purchasing power of wages in Kansas increased by 2.6% over the year, while the average number of hours worked stayed the same.”

The July 2024 Labor Report will be released Friday, August 16.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Department of LaborHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County was higher for the month of June 2024.According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county went up five tenths of a percent to 3.8%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2023 was 3.0%.There were 1,113 county residents out of work.&nbsp;Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in June. This is an increase from 2.9% in May and an increase from 2.6% in June 2023.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,600 from May.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 2,200 over the month, while government increased by 5,400.Since June 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 17,900. This change is due to an increase of 15,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,600 government jobs.“In June 2024, the average hourly pay for private sector workers increased by 5.2% over the year reaching $30.61,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “With inflation slowing down, the actual purchasing power of wages in Kansas increased by 2.6% over the year, while the average number of hours worked stayed the same.”The July 2024 Labor Report will be released Friday, August 16.<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;

Unemployment up in June

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Planner Mark Vonachen released on Monday the agenda for a special meeting of the Reno County Planning Commission, which will meet for the purposes of a public hearing on solar issues in the county, Monday, July 29.

A request by the Reno County Planning Commission for a series of text amendments to the Reno County Zoning Regulations to create Article 15-105(58a), which clarifies a Solar Energy System (Limited scale commercial) requires a conditional use permit, create Article 15-109 (1)(L) and Article 15-109 (2)(H) to establish private groundmounted solar energy system regulations, amend Article 15-109(2)(A) to eliminate the term “Solar collectors”, and create Article 15-111(8) which prohibits a commercial solar energy system in the zoned area of the County.

If you wish to comment on the item, public comments will be accepted on this agenda item only. Comments are limited to the agenda item for a maximum of five minutes per person. Comments not addressing this agenda item are prohibited.

The Reno County Planning Commission meets Monday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">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/2023/5/1683731181866.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Planner Mark Vonachen released on Monday the agenda for a special meeting of the Reno County Planning Commission, which will meet for the purposes of a public hearing on solar issues in the county, Monday, July 29.The agenda item is listed as follows:A request by the Reno County Planning Commission for a series of text amendments to the Reno County Zoning Regulations to create Article 15-105(58a), which clarifies a Solar Energy System (Limited scale commercial) requires a conditional use permit, create Article 15-109 (1)(L) and Article 15-109 (2)(H) to establish private groundmounted solar energy system regulations, amend Article 15-109(2)(A) to eliminate the term “Solar collectors”, and create Article 15-111(8) which prohibits a commercial solar energy system in the zoned area of the County.If you wish to comment on the item, public comments will be accepted on this agenda item only. Comments are limited to the agenda item for a maximum of five minutes per person. Comments not addressing this agenda item are prohibited.The Reno County Planning Commission meets Monday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Reno County Public Works facility at 600 Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Agenda for solar public hearing released

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lance Patterson with the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson is excited about the upcoming Adult Recess fundraiser August 2 at Shadduck Park.

"This is a great opportunity, if you want to relive your childhood a little bit," Patterson said. "We're going to play some volleyball. We're going to have some karaoke and make some friendship bracelets, just have some fun, be a kid again, explore the&nbsp;Boys and Girls Club a little bit and just, you know, have a lot of time to just enjoy spending time with your friends and hanging out and doing all that, while supporting the Boys and Girls Club in all the great things that we're doing."

This is an adult event, but you don't have to be a young adult to enjoy.

"This is for everyone," Patterson said. "As long as you're 21 and older, you can participate in this."

The reason you have to be 21 is that City Beverage is providing adult beverages for the event.

"We're excited to partner with the Young Professionals, First National Bank and City Beverage to make it happen," said Lindsey Fields with the club. "Tickets are $50. $40 if you are a Young Professional member. You can get those at <a href="http://bgchutch.com">bgchutch.com.</a>&nbsp;The event is Friday, Aug. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

All proceeds from Adult Recess will benefit the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, helping to fund programs that provide local youth with a safe and enriching environment.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720836548656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Lance Patterson with the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson is excited about the upcoming Adult Recess fundraiser August 2 at Shadduck Park."This is a great opportunity, if you want to relive your childhood a little bit," Patterson said. "We're going to play some volleyball. We're going to have some karaoke and make some friendship bracelets, just have some fun, be a kid again, explore the&nbsp;Boys and Girls Club a little bit and just, you know, have a lot of time to just enjoy spending time with your friends and hanging out and doing all that, while supporting the Boys and Girls Club in all the great things that we're doing."This is an adult event, but you don't have to be a young adult to enjoy."This is for everyone," Patterson said. "As long as you're 21 and older, you can participate in this."The reason you have to be 21 is that City Beverage is providing adult beverages for the event."We're excited to partner with the Young Professionals, First National Bank and City Beverage to make it happen," said Lindsey Fields with the club. "Tickets are $50. $40 if you are a Young Professional member. You can get those at <a href="http://bgchutch.com">bgchutch.com.</a>&nbsp;The event is Friday, Aug. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.All proceeds from Adult Recess will benefit the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, helping to fund programs that provide local youth with a safe and enriching environment.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.</a>

Adult Recess fundraiser coming up Aug. 2

PRATT COUNTY —&nbsp; A K-42 pavement reconstruction will start soon at Sawyer, in Pratt County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation project will be from the K-42/U.S. 281 junction to the east city limits of Sawyer.

The work is expected to begin around Monday, July 29, and be completed around Oct. 9.

During the work, K-42 will be closed through Sawyer, and motorists will be directed to an official state detour on U.S. 281, U.S. 54/400 and K-14.

KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.

The first map below shows the approximate project location, marked with the red dot. The second map shows the detour route.

Vogts-Parga Construction, of Moundridge, is the primary contractor for the $1,597,038 project.

For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.org/">www.kandrive.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721691723458.png" alt="PRATT COUNTY K-42 PROJECT-COURTESY KDOT" />
 <figcaption>PRATT COUNTY K-42 PROJECT-COURTESY KDOT</figcaption>
 </figure>TIM POTTER KDOTPRATT COUNTY —&nbsp; A K-42 pavement reconstruction will start soon at Sawyer, in Pratt County.The Kansas Department of Transportation project will be from the K-42/U.S. 281 junction to the east city limits of Sawyer.The work is expected to begin around Monday, July 29, and be completed around Oct. 9.During the work, K-42 will be closed through Sawyer, and motorists will be directed to an official state detour on U.S. 281, U.S. 54/400 and K-14.KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.The first map below shows the approximate project location, marked with the red dot. The second map shows the detour route.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721691820875.png" alt="K-42 DETOUR" />
 <figcaption>K-42 DETOUR</figcaption>
 </figure>Vogts-Parga Construction, of Moundridge, is the primary contractor for the $1,597,038 project.For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.org/">www.kandrive.gov</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-42 pavement reconstruction scheduled soon

Editor's Note: Below is a transcript of the conversation between Nick Gosnell and Tim Davies on KWBW on July 22, 2024. Davies opponent, Ron Vincent was offered the opportunity for a similar interview and declined that opportunity.

Nick Gosnell: We have candidate Tim Davies with us. He is running for the Reno County Commission for the northeastern part of the county. The seat currently held by Daniel Friesen, but Daniel has stepped aside. He is not going to be running this time around. Ron Vincent is the other candidate in this race, and he was offered an opportunity to speak, but chose to decline that opportunity this morning. And so we'll talk to Tim, and then we've got another guest at 745, but so wanted to chat with Tim Davies this morning. Good morning, sir. 

Nick Gosnell: All right. So first of all, what is the experience that you believe makes you qualified to serve on the Reno County Commission? 

Tim Davies: Well, I started my career in accounting as an auditor, okay, with Bartlett Settle and Edgeley here in Hutchinson. And I did audit Reno County and several other counties in Kansas cities and school districts. And from there, I went on to be corporate controller for Collins Industries and left there in 2005 because they moved their corporate headquarters to Texas, and in that period of time, I worked as the fiscal administrator for Reno County, where I did prepare the budget and acted as a counselor to the county commissioners. And then subsequent to that, I went to Collins Bus and worked there from 2008 until I retired in 2020. 

Nick Gosnell: Okay, so what's your top priority should you win and end up elected to the office? 

Tim Davies: To be a representative for the people of my district and the whole county. I feel like people really need to be heard and people are really sometimes struggling to make ends meet. So if they have somebody who was acting as a representative that can help them express their opinions and control the costs, it's better.

Nick Gosnell: All right. What is one thing you think the should spend less money on? 

Tim Davies: Wow. That's a tough question. There are lots of things the county could spend less money on, but I don't know that it's a matter of picking just one item. There's so many items that the cost could be controlled better if there was a little foresight and planning. 

Nick Gosnell: Now, the other side of the coin, what should the county spend more money on? These are the decisions the commissioners make because now that they have a professional administrator in place, a lot of that other day-to-day stuff that the commissioners handled back when you were helping them before they had a professional administrator isn't done that way anymore. Right? 

Tim Davies: Well, that's true. That's true. But the county commissioners are still the ultimate authority when it comes to authorizing the use of the funds.

Nick Gosnell: And so I guess that's because budgeting is all about priorities. It's not about that one thing is necessarily better or worse than the other, or one use of a dollar is better or worse than the other. It's that you have to decide as a board what the priorities are going to be.

Tim Davies: Well, the priorities for the county should be growth. Okay. And by growth, there needs to be more manufacturing. And you had a piece on this morning about an advertising campaign potentially to air on public television through the use of the economic development funds. I think last year's budget, that was 450,000. This year it's 400,000. But is it the best use of funds? I don't know that much about this project at this point because this morning was the first time I'd heard about it. But my inclination would be given that it's going to air on public TV, is it the best use of funds? 

Nick Gosnell: Right. Because although lots of folks watch public television, are the people that are going to be watching public television the ones that you want to draw with a piece like this? And that's the policy conversation they've got to have on Wednesday.

Nick Gosnell: And again, it's not that there's any right or wrong way of handling a specific thing. They could decide either way and it could be the right decision. We don't have the information yet, but the point of the matter is that having those conversations, which they do in public, that's the point of the commission. 

Tim Davies: Well, true. And there has to be a give and take, a back and forth. And there has to be a lot of study. I mean, when we had the debate, the question came up on solar. And some of the information that I had was probably not completely correct in that debate. But subsequent study has led me to believe that it could be a good thing for Reno County. But by the same token, we have to consider the consequences. That's the whole thing with a leadership position. You want to do your research to make the best decision. 

Nick Gosnell: Tim is running against Ron Vincent in the Republican primary for that seat. And again, the primary is August 6th, but you can already vote in advance at the Reno County Annex if you would like to do so. And we do have the video of the county commission forum so that you can go take a look at that if you'd like to before you go vote. Tim, you know, this is really a situation where it's tough on all governing bodies because inflation has absolutely hit every sector of the economy, including government. And so there are simple cost increases that have happened. But how do you shape a budget when you really may not know if things are going to cost the same in January as they do in December of a given year? 

Tim Davies: Well, that is difficult. Inflation really hurts everybody, not just an individual, but also city and state governments and local governments. The best way to do that, when I was the fiscal administrator, we were kind of in a period of inflation, maybe not quite as bad as what it is right now. But one of the things that we did look at and do was we forward contracted natural gas. When we set the budget, we knew what the price of the gas was. And it was at the, you know, it was at the best time to lock in on about 80 percent of the usage. Kind of wanted to do that for gasoline too, because that protects your cost. If you set a budget at so many dollars and you know that the landfill and the sheriff's department and the Department of Transportation is going to use X amount of gallons of gasoline throughout the year, and you can lock those expenditures in at the beginning of the year at maybe the best price that you're going to get, you don't know. It's always a gamble. But if you can lock those costs, you're better off. 

Nick Gosnell: Yeah. And it's really hard because those variable costs are the ones that really, really can get you at the end of the year. The county is, speaking relatively at the moment, doing okay in terms of cash balances. But the idea is always to have at least a couple of months of expenses back. How do you make a conscious effort to continue to save when those costs are continuing to rise? 

Tim Davies: Well, that's true, because currently I think the balance is about four and a half million dollars, which is approximately two and a half months, where I know that the city is running really close. Okay. But the way that you can do that is every expenditure is budgeted at the beginning of the year. But if you see that the budget is not going to cover all of the costs for all of the programs that you want to or need to have in place, then you have to make the tough decision, is there going to be something that we're not going to do to preserve those funds? 

Nick Gosnell: And that often comes in the form of long-term projects getting either put off for another year or trimmed down or whatever that might look like, because that is a whole lot easier than saying to somebody who had a budgeted expenditure, guess what? You're not going to get to do the thing that we agreed you were going to get to do if, say, you figure out in June that it's not going to work and there's a large expenditure that hasn't happened yet, to walk into a department head's office and say, yeah, you're not going to get, and this would almost never happen, but just as an example to the sheriff's office, yeah, you're not going to get your new vehicle because we don't have the money. That's going to be a lot more difficult than doing it in the budgeting process. 

Tim Davies: It's difficult, but that's what a leadership position is about, because sometimes somebody has to make the hard decision to say, I mean, it's just like if you're running your budget at your home. If you're struggling to put groceries on the table, you're not going to run out and buy a new car.

Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Now, if you had to say just for, I'm going to give you, you have about two minutes left. This is why when you go in and vote on August 6th, you should do so, you should check the box next to my name or fill in the oval or whatever it is. What would you say? 

Tim Davies: Well, I would say that my main goal to take this job is to bring some vision to Reno County and to help the constituents of Reno County have representation. I'm an open-minded person who if I get a piece of information, I'm going to consider that piece of information and study that information and try to make the best decision that I can make. I'm not a perfect person. I never will be, but I will do what I feel is in the best interest of everybody in Reno County. Tim Davies is running for Reno County Commission for the northeastern portion of the county. He's running against Ron Vincent in the August primary on the Republican side.

Nick Gosnell: Tim, thank you so much for your time. We sure appreciate it. Thank you.

<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/2024/7/1721654330866.jpeg" alt="Tim Davies" />
 <figcaption>Tim Davies</figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's Note: Below is a transcript of the conversation between Nick Gosnell and Tim Davies on KWBW on July 22, 2024. Davies opponent, Ron Vincent was offered the opportunity for a similar interview and declined that opportunity.Nick Gosnell: We have candidate Tim Davies with us. He is running for the Reno County Commission for the northeastern part of the county. The seat currently held by Daniel Friesen, but Daniel has stepped aside. He is not going to be running this time around. Ron Vincent is the other candidate in this race, and he was offered an opportunity to speak, but chose to decline that opportunity this morning. And so we'll talk to Tim, and then we've got another guest at 745, but so wanted to chat with Tim Davies this morning. Good morning, sir. Tim Davies: Good morning. Nick Gosnell: All right. So first of all, what is the experience that you believe makes you qualified to serve on the Reno County Commission? Tim Davies: Well, I started my career in accounting as an auditor, okay, with Bartlett Settle and Edgeley here in Hutchinson. And I did audit Reno County and several other counties in Kansas cities and school districts. And from there, I went on to be corporate controller for Collins Industries and left there in 2005 because they moved their corporate headquarters to Texas, and in that period of time, I worked as the fiscal administrator for Reno County, where I did prepare the budget and acted as a counselor to the county commissioners. And then subsequent to that, I went to Collins Bus and worked there from 2008 until I retired in 2020. Nick Gosnell: Okay, so what's your top priority should you win and end up elected to the office? Tim Davies: To be a representative for the people of my district and the whole county. I feel like people really need to be heard and people are really sometimes struggling to make ends meet. So if they have somebody who was acting as a representative that can help them express their opinions and control the costs, it's better.Nick Gosnell: All right. What is one thing you think the should spend less money on? Tim Davies: Wow. That's a tough question. There are lots of things the county could spend less money on, but I don't know that it's a matter of picking just one item. There's so many items that the cost could be controlled better if there was a little foresight and planning. Nick Gosnell: Now, the other side of the coin, what should the county spend more money on? These are the decisions the commissioners make because now that they have a professional administrator in place, a lot of that other day-to-day stuff that the commissioners handled back when you were helping them before they had a professional administrator isn't done that way anymore. Right? Tim Davies: Well, that's true. That's true. But the county commissioners are still the ultimate authority when it comes to authorizing the use of the funds.Nick Gosnell: And so I guess that's because budgeting is all about priorities. It's not about that one thing is necessarily better or worse than the other, or one use of a dollar is better or worse than the other. It's that you have to decide as a board what the priorities are going to be.Tim Davies: Well, the priorities for the county should be growth. Okay. And by growth, there needs to be more manufacturing. And you had a piece on this morning about an advertising campaign potentially to air on public television through the use of the economic development funds. I think last year's budget, that was 450,000. This year it's 400,000. But is it the best use of funds? I don't know that much about this project at this point because this morning was the first time I'd heard about it. But my inclination would be given that it's going to air on public TV, is it the best use of funds? Nick Gosnell: Right. Because although lots of folks watch public television, are the people that are going to be watching public television the ones that you want to draw with a piece like this? And that's the policy conversation they've got to have on Wednesday.Tim Davies: Correct. Nick Gosnell: And again, it's not that there's any right or wrong way of handling a specific thing. They could decide either way and it could be the right decision. We don't have the information yet, but the point of the matter is that having those conversations, which they do in public, that's the point of the commission. Tim Davies: Well, true. And there has to be a give and take, a back and forth. And there has to be a lot of study. I mean, when we had the debate, the question came up on solar. And some of the information that I had was probably not completely correct in that debate. But subsequent study has led me to believe that it could be a good thing for Reno County. But by the same token, we have to consider the consequences. That's the whole thing with a leadership position. You want to do your research to make the best decision. Nick Gosnell: Tim is running against Ron Vincent in the Republican primary for that seat. And again, the primary is August 6th, but you can already vote in advance at the Reno County Annex if you would like to do so. And we do have the video of the county commission forum so that you can go take a look at that if you'd like to before you go vote. Tim, you know, this is really a situation where it's tough on all governing bodies because inflation has absolutely hit every sector of the economy, including government. And so there are simple cost increases that have happened. But how do you shape a budget when you really may not know if things are going to cost the same in January as they do in December of a given year? Tim Davies: Well, that is difficult. Inflation really hurts everybody, not just an individual, but also city and state governments and local governments. The best way to do that, when I was the fiscal administrator, we were kind of in a period of inflation, maybe not quite as bad as what it is right now. But one of the things that we did look at and do was we forward contracted natural gas. When we set the budget, we knew what the price of the gas was. And it was at the, you know, it was at the best time to lock in on about 80 percent of the usage. Kind of wanted to do that for gasoline too, because that protects your cost. If you set a budget at so many dollars and you know that the landfill and the sheriff's department and the Department of Transportation is going to use X amount of gallons of gasoline throughout the year, and you can lock those expenditures in at the beginning of the year at maybe the best price that you're going to get, you don't know. It's always a gamble. But if you can lock those costs, you're better off. Nick Gosnell: Yeah. And it's really hard because those variable costs are the ones that really, really can get you at the end of the year. The county is, speaking relatively at the moment, doing okay in terms of cash balances. But the idea is always to have at least a couple of months of expenses back. How do you make a conscious effort to continue to save when those costs are continuing to rise? Tim Davies: Well, that's true, because currently I think the balance is about four and a half million dollars, which is approximately two and a half months, where I know that the city is running really close. Okay. But the way that you can do that is every expenditure is budgeted at the beginning of the year. But if you see that the budget is not going to cover all of the costs for all of the programs that you want to or need to have in place, then you have to make the tough decision, is there going to be something that we're not going to do to preserve those funds? Nick Gosnell: And that often comes in the form of long-term projects getting either put off for another year or trimmed down or whatever that might look like, because that is a whole lot easier than saying to somebody who had a budgeted expenditure, guess what? You're not going to get to do the thing that we agreed you were going to get to do if, say, you figure out in June that it's not going to work and there's a large expenditure that hasn't happened yet, to walk into a department head's office and say, yeah, you're not going to get, and this would almost never happen, but just as an example to the sheriff's office, yeah, you're not going to get your new vehicle because we don't have the money. That's going to be a lot more difficult than doing it in the budgeting process. Tim Davies: It's difficult, but that's what a leadership position is about, because sometimes somebody has to make the hard decision to say, I mean, it's just like if you're running your budget at your home. If you're struggling to put groceries on the table, you're not going to run out and buy a new car.Nick Gosnell: Fair enough. Now, if you had to say just for, I'm going to give you, you have about two minutes left. This is why when you go in and vote on August 6th, you should do so, you should check the box next to my name or fill in the oval or whatever it is. What would you say? Tim Davies: Well, I would say that my main goal to take this job is to bring some vision to Reno County and to help the constituents of Reno County have representation. I'm an open-minded person who if I get a piece of information, I'm going to consider that piece of information and study that information and try to make the best decision that I can make. I'm not a perfect person. I never will be, but I will do what I feel is in the best interest of everybody in Reno County. Tim Davies is running for Reno County Commission for the northeastern portion of the county. He's running against Ron Vincent in the August primary on the Republican side.Nick Gosnell: Tim, thank you so much for your time. We sure appreciate it. Thank you.Tim Davies: Get out and vote, everybody.<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;

Transcript: Tim Davies

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Amb. Francis Rooney believes that a change in the White House could prompt changes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"I think if Trump wins with J.D. Vance as his V.P., they have expressed clearly the need to get some kind of solution on the table here for this thing instead of just dishing out money," Rooney said. "I think that the countries of the world, including Russia, are going to fear Trump a whole lot more than they do Biden."

Rooney believes Trump's previous record actually could be an asset here.

"He displayed some pretty decisive leadership in dealing with Israel and moving the embassy," Rooney said. "He roughed up Europe about their contributions to NATO. He's proven that he's willing to delve into these things and try to make a difference, and I know he was pretty cozy with Putin. But I think now it's going to be more of a use that relationship to find a solution."

Will Trump talk tough with Russia? Rooney thinks so.

"He can say, look, Russia, we'll put you in a box," Rooney said. "We will cut you off even more than you're cut off now. We will increase the sanctions. We'll grab all your billionaires and throw them in jail. You know, there's a lot of things that we could be doing, and we keep taking these baby steps."

From 2005 to 2008 Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, appointed by President George W. Bush.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721662017811.jpeg" alt="Fmr. Ambassador Francis Rooney" />
 <figcaption>Fmr. Ambassador Francis Rooney</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Amb. Francis Rooney believes that a change in the White House could prompt changes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict."I think if Trump wins with J.D. Vance as his V.P., they have expressed clearly the need to get some kind of solution on the table here for this thing instead of just dishing out money," Rooney said. "I think that the countries of the world, including Russia, are going to fear Trump a whole lot more than they do Biden."Rooney believes Trump's previous record actually could be an asset here."He displayed some pretty decisive leadership in dealing with Israel and moving the embassy," Rooney said. "He roughed up Europe about their contributions to NATO. He's proven that he's willing to delve into these things and try to make a difference, and I know he was pretty cozy with Putin. But I think now it's going to be more of a use that relationship to find a solution."Will Trump talk tough with Russia? Rooney thinks so."He can say, look, Russia, we'll put you in a box," Rooney said. "We will cut you off even more than you're cut off now. We will increase the sanctions. We'll grab all your billionaires and throw them in jail. You know, there's a lot of things that we could be doing, and we keep taking these baby steps."From 2005 to 2008 Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, appointed by President George W. Bush.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.</a>

Rooney: Trump win could change Russia-Ukraine conflict

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Tuesday that – three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year – it has granted benefits to 1.1 million Veterans and their survivors, an all-time record. In total, VA has awarded $137B in benefits, including $127 billion in compensation and pension benefits, to Veterans and survivors this year.

To reach this milestone, VA has processed more than 2 million claims in 2024 – another all-time record, on pace to surpass last year’s record by more than 27%. The grant rate for these claims is 64.6% and the average overall disability rating granted to Veterans this year to-date is 70%, equating to over $20,000 per year in disability compensation.

President Biden made supporting Veterans a key pillar in his Unity Agenda for the nation, noting that we&nbsp;have a sacred obligation to care for Veterans and make sure they get the benefits they have earned. VA has been able to deliver more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before largely thanks to the PACT Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 and represents the largest expansion of Veteran care and benefits in generations. Of the claims granted so far in FY2024, 655,808 were PACT Act-related.

“Our goal is to make sure every Veteran and every survivor gets the benefits they’ve earned for their service to this country,” said VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “These&nbsp;Veterans and survivors are now receiving monthly payments for the conditions that followed them home from war or took the lives of their loved ones – and there is nothing, nothing more important than that.”

Overall, VA is now delivering more care and more benefits to Veterans in a variety of ways:

• More Veterans are using VA health care: VA is on pace to deliver approximately 127 million health care appointments in 2024, surpassing last year’s all-time record of 120 million appointments. This is partly a result of VA expanding access to VA care for these Veterans and decreasing wait times by offering more night clinics, weekend clinics, and appointment slots.

• More Veterans are enrolling in VA health care: 412,867 Veterans have enrolled in VA care over the last 365 days, an increase of 27% year over year – and the most since 2017. In total, since the PACT Act was passed, more than 710,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care, which represents a more than 34% increase in Veterans enrolling compared to an equivalent period&nbsp;before the legislation was signed.

• More Veterans are applying for VA benefits than ever before: Thanks to the largest outreach campaign in VA history, Veterans submitted 2,433,729 claims applications in 2023 – an all-time record and 39% more than in 2022. Thus far this year, Veterans are on pace to submit even more claims – outpacing last year’s record by 2.9%.

• More Veterans report trusting VA: Veteran trust in VA has reached an all-time high of 80.4% — up from 55% when the survey began in 2016. This is based on a survey of Veterans who use a wide range of VA services, including health care, disability compensation benefits, memorial affairs, the GI Bill, home loans, and more.

• When Veterans apply for benefits, they are more likely to have their claims granted:

Whenever a Veteran applies for benefits, our goal is to work with them to gather the evidence to get to yes. Due to this approach, VA has been able to grant benefits for 64.6% of claims, including 75% of PACT Act related claims, a sharp increase from previous years.

Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to&nbsp;VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to learn more about VA and apply for their world-class health care and earned benefits today.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">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/2022/4/1650578121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Veterans AffairsWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Tuesday that – three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year – it has granted benefits to 1.1 million Veterans and their survivors, an all-time record. In total, VA has awarded $137B in benefits, including $127 billion in compensation and pension benefits, to Veterans and survivors this year.To reach this milestone, VA has processed more than 2 million claims in 2024 – another all-time record, on pace to surpass last year’s record by more than 27%. The grant rate for these claims is 64.6% and the average overall disability rating granted to Veterans this year to-date is 70%, equating to over $20,000 per year in disability compensation.President Biden made supporting Veterans a key pillar in his Unity Agenda for the nation, noting that we&nbsp;have a sacred obligation to care for Veterans and make sure they get the benefits they have earned. VA has been able to deliver more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before largely thanks to the PACT Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 and represents the largest expansion of Veteran care and benefits in generations. Of the claims granted so far in FY2024, 655,808 were PACT Act-related.“Our goal is to make sure every Veteran and every survivor gets the benefits they’ve earned for their service to this country,” said VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. “These&nbsp;Veterans and survivors are now receiving monthly payments for the conditions that followed them home from war or took the lives of their loved ones – and there is nothing, nothing more important than that.”Overall, VA is now delivering more care and more benefits to Veterans in a variety of ways:• More Veterans are using VA health care: VA is on pace to deliver approximately 127 million health care appointments in 2024, surpassing last year’s all-time record of 120 million appointments. This is partly a result of VA expanding access to VA care for these Veterans and decreasing wait times by offering more night clinics, weekend clinics, and appointment slots.• More Veterans are enrolling in VA health care: 412,867 Veterans have enrolled in VA care over the last 365 days, an increase of 27% year over year – and the most since 2017. In total, since the PACT Act was passed, more than 710,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care, which represents a more than 34% increase in Veterans enrolling compared to an equivalent period&nbsp;before the legislation was signed.• More Veterans are applying for VA benefits than ever before: Thanks to the largest outreach campaign in VA history, Veterans submitted 2,433,729 claims applications in 2023 – an all-time record and 39% more than in 2022. Thus far this year, Veterans are on pace to submit even more claims – outpacing last year’s record by 2.9%.• More Veterans report trusting VA: Veteran trust in VA has reached an all-time high of 80.4% — up from 55% when the survey began in 2016. This is based on a survey of Veterans who use a wide range of VA services, including health care, disability compensation benefits, memorial affairs, the GI Bill, home loans, and more.• When Veterans apply for benefits, they are more likely to have their claims granted:Whenever a Veteran applies for benefits, our goal is to work with them to gather the evidence to get to yes. Due to this approach, VA has been able to grant benefits for 64.6% of claims, including 75% of PACT Act related claims, a sharp increase from previous years.Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to&nbsp;VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to learn more about VA and apply for their world-class health care and earned benefits today.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

PACT Act results in record number of VA beneficiaries

BUHLER, Kan. — IdeaTek, a leading fiber internet provider in Kansas, is taking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Marion and Butler counties thanks to a $900,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

The grant will fund the construction of approximately 40 miles of new fiber network infrastructure, connecting over 600 residents and businesses — including the previously underserved communities of Elbing, Whitewater and Burns — to reliable, high-speed fiber internet service for the first time.&nbsp;

The grant award is a critical step forward for Burns, a community of 300 residents, said City Councilman Travis Bailey. Recognizing the urgent need for connectivity, Bailey initiated contact with IdeaTek to explore solutions for the city.

“The City of Burns is thrilled that IdeaTek will be installing fiber-optic internet in our community,” Bailey said. “Quality high-speed internet is vital to a community’s success in today’s online landscape. Connectivity is required from educational opportunities to medical content to business access. We appreciate IdeaTek and the Kansas Office of Broadband Development for the opportunity to ensure rural communities like ours stay connected. Thank you for giving our city a fighting chance to retain and grow into the modern era.”

IdeaTek’s grant is part of the state’s broader effort to expand broadband access to all Kansans. Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that IdeaTek was one of 12 recipients in this round of funding, which provides over $10 million in broadband investment to 14 Kansas communities. These areas lacked access to internet speeds exceeding 25/5 Mbps, falling far short of the national standard.&nbsp;

James Krstolich, IdeaTek’s Community and Public Relations Manager said collaboration and significant community support was instrumental in securing the grant.&nbsp;

“The grant is a culmination of months of collaboration to understand the wants and needs of various stakeholders across both Marion and Butler counties,” he said. “That included residents, businesses and schools. This is proof that when counties and cities partner together, innovative solutions can come to fruition. The support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development is instrumental in our effort to bridge the digital divide in these counties.”

The project's potential for success is further bolstered by the commitment of matching funds from Marion County, the city of Burns, and others, Krstolich added. He emphasized that these matching funds not only demonstrate confidence in the project but also significantly impact how the grant funds can be leveraged.

"Marion County appreciates the importance of high-speed internet access, especially for our rural communities," said Randy Dallke, County Commissioner. "It will ensure everyone in Marion County has the opportunity to utilize reliable internet service. This is crucial in today's world, where remote work and online learning are increasingly common. We hope this will stimulate further growth in our county."

IdeaTek’s grant award is an investment in the future of Butler and Marion counties, said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen.

“A dirt road is no longer an excuse for poor broadband service,” Friesen said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We are prepared to seize every opportunity to provide residents with the connectivity they deserve.”&nbsp;

Compared to the other awardees, Friesen said IdeaTek's project will connect the most residents and businesses. Coupled with IdeaTek’s private investment of nearly $1M, IdeaTek is proud to be the recipient of this program with the largest number of connected locations and the lowest total cost, continuing our efforts to efficiently utilize Kansas taxpayer dollars.

Based in Buhler, IdeaTek’s mission is to help deliver fiber internet to every Kansas doorstep, no matter where they live or their situation. This commitment is reflected in their investment of over $175 million in Kansas so far. Celebrating its 25th year this year, IdeaTek has built fiber networks in over 60 communities across the state, from Garden City to Chase County.

IdeaTek has already made significant private investments in both Marion and Butler counties. This includes delivering fiber to Goessel, Benton, Towanda and Augusta.

Building fiber takes time, but soon residents can look forward to:

To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s build and to sign up for service, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com/" target="_blank">hookmeup.ideatek.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721725993333.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>AMY BICKEL IdeaTekBUHLER, Kan. — IdeaTek, a leading fiber internet provider in Kansas, is taking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Marion and Butler counties thanks to a $900,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.The grant will fund the construction of approximately 40 miles of new fiber network infrastructure, connecting over 600 residents and businesses — including the previously underserved communities of Elbing, Whitewater and Burns — to reliable, high-speed fiber internet service for the first time.&nbsp;The grant award is a critical step forward for Burns, a community of 300 residents, said City Councilman Travis Bailey. Recognizing the urgent need for connectivity, Bailey initiated contact with IdeaTek to explore solutions for the city.“The City of Burns is thrilled that IdeaTek will be installing fiber-optic internet in our community,” Bailey said. “Quality high-speed internet is vital to a community’s success in today’s online landscape. Connectivity is required from educational opportunities to medical content to business access. We appreciate IdeaTek and the Kansas Office of Broadband Development for the opportunity to ensure rural communities like ours stay connected. Thank you for giving our city a fighting chance to retain and grow into the modern era.”IdeaTek’s grant is part of the state’s broader effort to expand broadband access to all Kansans. Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that IdeaTek was one of 12 recipients in this round of funding, which provides over $10 million in broadband investment to 14 Kansas communities. These areas lacked access to internet speeds exceeding 25/5 Mbps, falling far short of the national standard.&nbsp;Community supportJames Krstolich, IdeaTek’s Community and Public Relations Manager said collaboration and significant community support was instrumental in securing the grant.&nbsp;“The grant is a culmination of months of collaboration to understand the wants and needs of various stakeholders across both Marion and Butler counties,” he said. “That included residents, businesses and schools. This is proof that when counties and cities partner together, innovative solutions can come to fruition. The support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development is instrumental in our effort to bridge the digital divide in these counties.”The project's potential for success is further bolstered by the commitment of matching funds from Marion County, the city of Burns, and others, Krstolich added. He emphasized that these matching funds not only demonstrate confidence in the project but also significantly impact how the grant funds can be leveraged."Marion County appreciates the importance of high-speed internet access, especially for our rural communities," said Randy Dallke, County Commissioner. "It will ensure everyone in Marion County has the opportunity to utilize reliable internet service. This is crucial in today's world, where remote work and online learning are increasingly common. We hope this will stimulate further growth in our county."IdeaTek’s grant award is an investment in the future of Butler and Marion counties, said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen.“A dirt road is no longer an excuse for poor broadband service,” Friesen said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We are prepared to seize every opportunity to provide residents with the connectivity they deserve.”&nbsp;Compared to the other awardees, Friesen said IdeaTek's project will connect the most residents and businesses. Coupled with IdeaTek’s private investment of nearly $1M, IdeaTek is proud to be the recipient of this program with the largest number of connected locations and the lowest total cost, continuing our efforts to efficiently utilize Kansas taxpayer dollars.IdeaTek’s vision for KansasBased in Buhler, IdeaTek’s mission is to help deliver fiber internet to every Kansas doorstep, no matter where they live or their situation. This commitment is reflected in their investment of over $175 million in Kansas so far. Celebrating its 25th year this year, IdeaTek has built fiber networks in over 60 communities across the state, from Garden City to Chase County.IdeaTek has already made significant private investments in both Marion and Butler counties. This includes delivering fiber to Goessel, Benton, Towanda and Augusta.Building fiber takes time, but soon residents can look forward to:<ul>
 <li>Symmetrical upload and download speeds</li><li>Unlimited data</li><li>No throttling, interruptions or lag time</li><li>No annual contracts</li><li>Friendly, Kansas-based customer service</li>
 </ul>To see if your home is in IdeaTek’s build and to sign up for service, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com/" target="_blank">hookmeup.ideatek.com</a>.

Grant will help IdeaTek connect rural Marion, Butler counties

It’s no secret small talk often revolves around the weather, but it’s been happening far longer than most suspect. Though the Greeks and Romans observed July and August to be downright miserable as summer reached its peak, they attributed the sweltering heat to a celestial coincidence that included a nearby star and our Sun.

The additional star is Sirius, or the dog star, because it’s part of the “Greater Dog” constellation. It’s how the stretch of summer from early July to mid-August became known as the “dog days” in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, Sirius appears to rise and set alongside the Sun, leading the Greeks to believe the additional light it provided caused the heat, humidity, drought and general discomfort associated with summer.

As the brightest star viewed from Earth, Sirius was noticed among other cultures and given varying meanings as well. For ancient Egyptians, it marked the flooding of the Nile, while for Polynesians living in the Southern Hemisphere, the star was a marker of winter and used for sailing around the Pacific.

The poet Virgil captured the thoughts of his fellow Romans in the Aeneid, writing “The dog star, that burning constellation, when he brings drought and diseases on sickly mortals, rises and saddens the sky with inauspicious light.”

On July 23, the Sun and Sirius will rise and set at nearly identical times for those of us north of the Equator. The dog days were said to run for 20 days both before and after this astronomical anomaly.

In Kansas, the dog days are more similar to Greece than Egypt or Polynesia. While Sirius is no more responsible for the heat we experience this time of year than county fairs are, the dog days are still very much a season unto themselves. Much like the Greeks, we also experience blazing days capable of driving men and dogs to madness. Luckily, we have air conditioning now.

I’ll gladly take the hot, long summer weather over the short, dark days of winter. Despite the heat, the dog days have some pretty good benefits, like sweet corn, watermelon and vine-ripened tomatoes.

Working through the dog days isn’t fun but scheduling around the sun helps. I remember getting up before dawn growing up to work cattle in the relative coolness of the morning before the Sun rose too far above the horizon. Work outside a tractor cab was limited to before lunch as well, and we always had plenty of water on hand.

Like every weather forecast, Sirius has never been a perfect predictor of what’s to come. When the dog days end in mid-August, each day will be more than an hour shorter than the summer solstice. But the threat of heat waves will stick around for another month or so.

Soon enough, however, the hot and humid dog days will shift to crisp and cool fall mornings that we’ll appreciate so much more because we’ve survived the heat of summer. That is, of course, provided we’re not driven mad before autumn arrives.

"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/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauIt’s no secret small talk often revolves around the weather, but it’s been happening far longer than most suspect. Though the Greeks and Romans observed July and August to be downright miserable as summer reached its peak, they attributed the sweltering heat to a celestial coincidence that included a nearby star and our Sun.The additional star is Sirius, or the dog star, because it’s part of the “Greater Dog” constellation. It’s how the stretch of summer from early July to mid-August became known as the “dog days” in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, Sirius appears to rise and set alongside the Sun, leading the Greeks to believe the additional light it provided caused the heat, humidity, drought and general discomfort associated with summer.As the brightest star viewed from Earth, Sirius was noticed among other cultures and given varying meanings as well. For ancient Egyptians, it marked the flooding of the Nile, while for Polynesians living in the Southern Hemisphere, the star was a marker of winter and used for sailing around the Pacific.The poet Virgil captured the thoughts of his fellow Romans in the Aeneid, writing “The dog star, that burning constellation, when he brings drought and diseases on sickly mortals, rises and saddens the sky with inauspicious light.”On July 23, the Sun and Sirius will rise and set at nearly identical times for those of us north of the Equator. The dog days were said to run for 20 days both before and after this astronomical anomaly.In Kansas, the dog days are more similar to Greece than Egypt or Polynesia. While Sirius is no more responsible for the heat we experience this time of year than county fairs are, the dog days are still very much a season unto themselves. Much like the Greeks, we also experience blazing days capable of driving men and dogs to madness. Luckily, we have air conditioning now.I’ll gladly take the hot, long summer weather over the short, dark days of winter. Despite the heat, the dog days have some pretty good benefits, like sweet corn, watermelon and vine-ripened tomatoes.Working through the dog days isn’t fun but scheduling around the sun helps. I remember getting up before dawn growing up to work cattle in the relative coolness of the morning before the Sun rose too far above the horizon. Work outside a tractor cab was limited to before lunch as well, and we always had plenty of water on hand.Like every weather forecast, Sirius has never been a perfect predictor of what’s to come. When the dog days end in mid-August, each day will be more than an hour shorter than the summer solstice. But the threat of heat waves will stick around for another month or so.Soon enough, however, the hot and humid dog days will shift to crisp and cool fall mornings that we’ll appreciate so much more because we’ve survived the heat of summer. That is, of course, provided we’re not driven mad before autumn arrives."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 © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: The dog days

EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30 a.m. Monday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Ronald R&nbsp;Crabb, 41, Raton, New Mexico, was eastbound on U.S. 50 five miles east of the U.S. 183 Junction.

The car traveled left of center and struck a westbound 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Trenton C.&nbsp;Winter, 36, Mount Hope.

Crabb was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. Winter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701954184129.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EDWARDS COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30 a.m. Monday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Ronald R&nbsp;Crabb, 41, Raton, New Mexico, was eastbound on U.S. 50 five miles east of the U.S. 183 Junction.The car traveled left of center and struck a westbound 2022 Peterbilt semi driven by Trenton C.&nbsp;Winter, 36, Mount Hope.Crabb was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. Winter was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.</a>

Man dies after car, semi crash with Kansas driver 

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;

7/23/2024 2:09 AM-Joyce	Marie Rempel-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;

7/23/2024 1:52 AM-Shane	Lyn Southard-Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation&nbsp;

7/23/2024 1:27 AM-Alan	Dale Wanek-Failure to Appear&nbsp;

7/22/2024 11:10 PM-Brandi	Lynn Harrington-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Failure to Appear

7/22/2024 8:39 PM-James	Monroe Smith-Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Flee &amp; Elude; Commits Five or More Moving Violations; Flee &amp; Elude; Reckless Driving (KSA 8-1566); Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard; Flee &amp; Elude; 2nd Offense; Reckless driving; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in a City; Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; MVA; Failure to Report an Accident; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear&nbsp;

7/22/2024 4:24 PM-Jacob	Taylor Mattox-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant	

7/22/2024 3:00 PM-Richard	Lavern Ehrlich-Probation Violation&nbsp;

7/22/2024 12:40 PM-Zachary	Michael Bahruth-Direct Contempt

7/22/2024 11:16 AM-Tracy	Lynn Lamunyon-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Assault; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)	

7/22/2024 10:47 AM-Tommy	Lorrae Alexander-Probation Violation&nbsp;

7/22/2024 10:01 AM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Failure to Appear

7/22/2024 9:51 AM-Jermaine	Terrell Wiley-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919611658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;——————————————&nbsp; &nbsp;7/23/2024 2:09 AM-Joyce	Marie Rempel-DUI; 1st conv; comp evidence of blood/breath .08+; Alcohol; Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage&nbsp;7/23/2024 1:52 AM-Shane	Lyn Southard-Criminal Threat; with Intent to Terrorize or cause Evacuation&nbsp;7/23/2024 1:27 AM-Alan	Dale Wanek-Failure to Appear&nbsp;7/22/2024 11:10 PM-Brandi	Lynn Harrington-Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; Poss of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant; Failure to Appear7/22/2024 8:39 PM-James	Monroe Smith-Failure to Appear; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Flee &amp; Elude; Commits Five or More Moving Violations; Flee &amp; Elude; Reckless Driving (KSA 8-1566); Registration Violation; Display or Possess a False, Cancelled, Suspended or Revoked Title, Plate, Decal, Placard; Flee &amp; Elude; 2nd Offense; Reckless driving; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Agg battery; Recklessly use deadly weapon; Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose; Felony Case, Execution of a Felony Warrant; Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in a City; Poss of stimulant; 1 prior conviction; Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body; MVA; Failure to Report an Accident; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misd; unknown conv; Failure to Appear&nbsp;7/22/2024 4:24 PM-Jacob	Taylor Mattox-Interference with Law Enforcement; Obstruct, Resist, Oppose, Misd case, Execution of Misd Warrant	7/22/2024 3:00 PM-Richard	Lavern Ehrlich-Probation Violation&nbsp;7/22/2024 12:40 PM-Zachary	Michael Bahruth-Direct Contempt7/22/2024 11:16 AM-Tracy	Lynn Lamunyon-Poss of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Assault; Domestic Battery; Knowingly Cause Physical Contact (1st conviction)	7/22/2024 10:47 AM-Tommy	Lorrae Alexander-Probation Violation&nbsp;7/22/2024 10:01 AM-Jennifer	Kay Coleman-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500; Failure to Appear7/22/2024 9:51 AM-Jermaine	Terrell Wiley-Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Daily Bookings

CAPT. DAYTON GATES Hutchinson Police Department

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Monday at approximately 3:20 p.m., agents with the Department of Corrections Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigation (EAI) Task Force located a wanted subject, James M. Smith, 36, of Hutchinson, near 11th Ave and Severance Street. Before they were able to make contact, Smith left the area in a vehicle and fled from officers with Hutchinson Police Department. Officers did not pursue Smith at that time due to Smith’s history of fleeing from law enforcement.

Smith was later located walking near 12th Ave and Milcon Street. Smith was armed with a handgun and fled from officers on foot. Kansas Highway Patrol located Smith after he got back in his vehicle and fled the area. A pursuit ensued at that time.

At approximately 3:48 p.m., Smith ran a stop sign at 4th Ave and Maple Street striking another vehicle that was occupied by one person. Smith fled on foot, and while doing so fired a shot from his handgun. It is believed that Smith was not firing the handgun at pursuing officers. Smith was taken into custody a short time later. During this incident, one citizen suffered minor injuries from the crash caused by Smith. No officers were injured.

Kansas Highway Patrol is the lead agency on the crash investigation and Hutchinson Police Department is the lead agency on the criminal investigation. Smith was arrested for 1) Felony Flee and Elude 2) Felon in Possession of a Firearm 3) Aggravated Battery 4) Felony Interference with Law Enforcement 5) Possession of Methamphetamine 6) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 7) Reckless Driving 8) Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and 9) Three Felony Warrants.

Smith is being held with no bond at this time.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721692841949.png" alt="Smith has previous convictions for drugs and Flee or elude LEO with five or more moving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Smith has previous convictions for drugs and Flee or elude LEO with five or more moving violations, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPT. DAYTON GATES Hutchinson Police DepartmentHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Monday at approximately 3:20 p.m., agents with the Department of Corrections Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigation (EAI) Task Force located a wanted subject, James M. Smith, 36, of Hutchinson, near 11th Ave and Severance Street. Before they were able to make contact, Smith left the area in a vehicle and fled from officers with Hutchinson Police Department. Officers did not pursue Smith at that time due to Smith’s history of fleeing from law enforcement.Smith was later located walking near 12th Ave and Milcon Street. Smith was armed with a handgun and fled from officers on foot. Kansas Highway Patrol located Smith after he got back in his vehicle and fled the area. A pursuit ensued at that time.At approximately 3:48 p.m., Smith ran a stop sign at 4th Ave and Maple Street striking another vehicle that was occupied by one person. Smith fled on foot, and while doing so fired a shot from his handgun. It is believed that Smith was not firing the handgun at pursuing officers. Smith was taken into custody a short time later. During this incident, one citizen suffered minor injuries from the crash caused by Smith. No officers were injured.Kansas Highway Patrol is the lead agency on the crash investigation and Hutchinson Police Department is the lead agency on the criminal investigation. Smith was arrested for 1) Felony Flee and Elude 2) Felon in Possession of a Firearm 3) Aggravated Battery 4) Felony Interference with Law Enforcement 5) Possession of Methamphetamine 6) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 7) Reckless Driving 8) Criminal Discharge of a Firearm and 9) Three Felony Warrants.Smith is being held with no bond at this time.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Arrest made after pursuit Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Animal Shelter had another successful Adopt-A-Pet event on Saturday at the EAGLE Media Center.&nbsp;

Eight of the 11 dogs that were brought to the event were adopted.

"We had eight volunteers and one staff member present on Saturday that made this event a success," Michaela Schommer with the Hutchinson Animal Shelter said.

Although the event had eight dogs adopted, Schommer still says the shelter has a high population.

"The flow of incoming animals never slows down, but our rate of adoptions seems to fluctuate," Schommer said. "No matter the day or time of year shelters need constant adoptions to maintain the population flow successfully."

The Hutchinson Animal Shelter is currently participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event through the end of July. All dogs at the shelter will have a $50 adoption fee, while all cats will have a $25 adoption fee.

"Thanks to all of those who stopped by and made this event possible," Schommer said. "Also thanks to our volunteers and EAGLE Media for hosting us."

The next Adopt-A-Pet event at EAGLE Media Center will be Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can find out more information about the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/zYrubJmzJdGN7oyY/">here</a>.

You can find more information about the Hutchinson Animal Shelter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonanimalshelter">here</a>.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">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/2024/7/1721670949046.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Animal Shelter" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Animal Shelter</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Animal Shelter had another successful Adopt-A-Pet event on Saturday at the EAGLE Media Center.&nbsp;Eight of the 11 dogs that were brought to the event were adopted."We had eight volunteers and one staff member present on Saturday that made this event a success," Michaela Schommer with the Hutchinson Animal Shelter said.Although the event had eight dogs adopted, Schommer still says the shelter has a high population."The flow of incoming animals never slows down, but our rate of adoptions seems to fluctuate," Schommer said. "No matter the day or time of year shelters need constant adoptions to maintain the population flow successfully."The Hutchinson Animal Shelter is currently participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event through the end of July. All dogs at the shelter will have a $50 adoption fee, while all cats will have a $25 adoption fee."Thanks to all of those who stopped by and made this event possible," Schommer said. "Also thanks to our volunteers and EAGLE Media for hosting us."The next Adopt-A-Pet event at EAGLE Media Center will be Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can find out more information about the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/zYrubJmzJdGN7oyY/">here</a>.You can find more information about the Hutchinson Animal Shelter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonanimalshelter">here</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Adopt-A-Pet event successful Saturday at EAGLE Media

Reno County Treasurer RENO COUNTY — The Reno County Treasurer would like to provide taxpayers with a list of 2023 real estate taxes remaining unpaid.

Please <a href="https://www.renocountyks.gov/media/Document%20Center/Departments/Treasurer's%20Office/2023%20Delinquent%20Real%20Estate%20Taxes%20by%20Name%20payoff%20good%20through%207.31.2024.pdf">check the list</a> to see if you still owe 2023 taxes on your real estate properties.

 Taxpayers have the opportunity to pay these past due 2023 taxes by 7/31/2024 and thereby avoid publication in the newspaper in August for delinquent taxes. 

 Tax payments made after 7/31/2024 will be subject to publication fees and additional interest.

You are welcome to call the Treasurer's office with questions.  620-694-2938.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629300596422.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Reno County Treasurer RENO COUNTY — The Reno County Treasurer would like to provide taxpayers with a list of 2023 real estate taxes remaining unpaid. Please <a href="https://www.renocountyks.gov/media/Document%20Center/Departments/Treasurer's%20Office/2023%20Delinquent%20Real%20Estate%20Taxes%20by%20Name%20payoff%20good%20through%207.31.2024.pdf">check the list</a> to see if you still owe 2023 taxes on your real estate properties. Taxpayers have the opportunity to pay these past due 2023 taxes by 7/31/2024 and thereby avoid publication in the newspaper in August for delinquent taxes. Tax payments made after 7/31/2024 will be subject to publication fees and additional interest.You are welcome to call the Treasurer's office with questions. 620-694-2938.Richele Calvert, Treasurer<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.</a>

Unpaid real estate tax list online

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson invites residents to participate in the Hutchinson and Reno County Housing Survey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683043073149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HutchinsonHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson invites residents to participate in the Hutchinson and Reno County Housing Survey.This survey is crucial for the housing assessment in the county. Your responses will help identify gaps and formulate an action plan that aligns with the community's needs. By sharing your thoughts, you directly contribute to shaping local housing initiatives for both current and future residents.Click <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GG6PKVB">the link </a>to begin the short survey and make a difference in the community's housing landscape.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app.</a> <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.</a>

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