PRATT, Kan. — A Pratt man who was arrested on sex crime charges in May has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in the case.

According to a release Monday from Pratt Police Detective Jeff Ward, 62-year-old Larry Beireis was arrested in May, charged and convicted in Pratt County District Court this fall on charges of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 14.

According to the release, the conviction was in September and the sentencing was in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668710654343.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT, Kan. — A Pratt man who was arrested on sex crime charges in May has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in the case.According to a release Monday from Pratt Police Detective Jeff Ward, 62-year-old Larry Beireis was arrested in May, charged and convicted in Pratt County District Court this fall on charges of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 14.According to the release, the conviction was in September and the sentencing was in October.

Pratt police release information on sex crime case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Republican caucus chose a generally urban slate for its House leadership on Monday, and it is heavy on Sedgwick County members.

McPherson Republican Les Mason is the lone non Sedgwick or Johnson County member of House leadership.

Wichita Republican Dan Hawkins is Speaker,&nbsp;Chris Croft from Olathe is Majority Leader, Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter is from Wichita, Mason is Assistant Majority Leader, Majority Whip is Andover's Kristey Williams, and Majority Caucus Chair is Wichita's Susan Estes.

Estes is the member of leadership with the least House experience, but&nbsp;is the wife of U.S. Congressman Ron Estes from Wichita.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Republican caucus chose a generally urban slate for its House leadership on Monday, and it is heavy on Sedgwick County members.McPherson Republican Les Mason is the lone non Sedgwick or Johnson County member of House leadership.Wichita Republican Dan Hawkins is Speaker,&nbsp;Chris Croft from Olathe is Majority Leader, Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter is from Wichita, Mason is Assistant Majority Leader, Majority Whip is Andover's Kristey Williams, and Majority Caucus Chair is Wichita's Susan Estes.Estes is the member of leadership with the least House experience, but&nbsp;is the wife of U.S. Congressman Ron Estes from Wichita.<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;

Republican House leadership elections give urban legislators leverage

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Democrat Rep. Jason Probst will be a member of his party's rank and file for the next two years.

"I was running to retain my position as Assistant Minority Leader," Probst said. "I was unsuccessful in that effort."

Probst has been in two straight close elections in District 102, but he doesn't believe that's a factor.

"The things that factor in more are age, geography, racial diversity," Probst said. "I think those things play a bigger part in leadership elections than looking out for a vulnerable member."

The leadership election loss may be good news for the centrists in Probst's district.

"I think what the leadership election shows me is I'm, 'not Democrat enough'," Probst said. "It won't really change my approach, but I won't have to worry really about the caucus and I can focus exclusively on the district."

Probst has served in the Kansas House since 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665505897161.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Democrat Rep. Jason Probst will be a member of his party's rank and file for the next two years."I was running to retain my position as Assistant Minority Leader," Probst said. "I was unsuccessful in that effort."Probst has been in two straight close elections in District 102, but he doesn't believe that's a factor."The things that factor in more are age, geography, racial diversity," Probst said. "I think those things play a bigger part in leadership elections than looking out for a vulnerable member."The leadership election loss may be good news for the centrists in Probst's district."I think what the leadership election shows me is I'm, 'not Democrat enough'," Probst said. "It won't really change my approach, but I won't have to worry really about the caucus and I can focus exclusively on the district."Probst has served in the Kansas House since 2017.<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;

House Democrat leadership elections leave Probst out

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that gas prices are going where they've been before, but it has been a while.

"We have reached a milestone here in Kansas today, hitting $2.99 a gallon for the statewide average for a gallon of gas," Steward said. "That's the first time that we have been sub $3 since January 18th of this year. It's been a while. Another interesting point is that we're exactly where we were, $2.99 a gallon, from one year ago today. That's big news considering the record highs we saw in the middle of this year, a trend that drivers certainly are appreciating, I think."

Area counties are on both sides of the average. Reno County is at $2.97, McPherson County at $2.95, Harvey County at $2.91, Sedgwick County at $2.89, Kingman County at $3.10, Rice County is at $3.10, with Stafford County at $3.05. The highest county is Morton County at $3.52, the lowest is Brown County at $2.81.

"The main thing is low crude oil prices," Steward said. "We've been seeing that for the past couple of months. Crude oil generally makes up 50 to 60% of the price of a gallon of gas that we see at the pumps. We've been seeing crude oil prices at or below $80 per barrel."

Crude prices at their height in mid-June were at $130 per barrel. Kansas is 9th least expensive for gas in the nation as of Monday.

"This past weekend, OPEC+, a group of oil producing nations, they decided to maintain their output cuts of 2 million barrels per day or about 2 percent of world demand. The purpose of that move is to boost the global oil price, which has fallen recently on fears of economic weakness."

It still remains to be seen what the world will ultimately do with the Russian oil that is already out there and if the $60 per barrel price agreed to by the G7 holds and depresses overall prices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631897543449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that gas prices are going where they've been before, but it has been a while."We have reached a milestone here in Kansas today, hitting $2.99 a gallon for the statewide average for a gallon of gas," Steward said. "That's the first time that we have been sub $3 since January 18th of this year. It's been a while. Another interesting point is that we're exactly where we were, $2.99 a gallon, from one year ago today. That's big news considering the record highs we saw in the middle of this year, a trend that drivers certainly are appreciating, I think."Area counties are on both sides of the average. Reno County is at $2.97, McPherson County at $2.95, Harvey County at $2.91, Sedgwick County at $2.89, Kingman County at $3.10, Rice County is at $3.10, with Stafford County at $3.05. The highest county is Morton County at $3.52, the lowest is Brown County at $2.81."The main thing is low crude oil prices," Steward said. "We've been seeing that for the past couple of months. Crude oil generally makes up 50 to 60% of the price of a gallon of gas that we see at the pumps. We've been seeing crude oil prices at or below $80 per barrel."Crude prices at their height in mid-June were at $130 per barrel. Kansas is 9th least expensive for gas in the nation as of Monday."This past weekend, OPEC+, a group of oil producing nations, they decided to maintain their output cuts of 2 million barrels per day or about 2 percent of world demand. The purpose of that move is to boost the global oil price, which has fallen recently on fears of economic weakness."It still remains to be seen what the world will ultimately do with the Russian oil that is already out there and if the $60 per barrel price agreed to by the G7 holds and depresses overall prices.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas average gas prices drop past $3 a gallon mark

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is going to bring a special class on business growth to the Salt City in 2023.

We are going to bring this program called Growing Rural Business to Reno County in the Spring," said Jackson Swearer with StartUp Hutch. "It's really designed for existing business owners who are looking to expand or grow their business, or even just take some time out to, instead of working in their business, work on their business, with a cohort of other people."

The certificate program provides practical, applied information and examples necessary for today’s rural communities. The Growing Rural Businesses Model is an eight-week certificate program customized for rural businesses.

"It's once a week on Thursday evenings," said Nancy Kersenbrock with the&nbsp;Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University. "Once a week, on Thursday evenings, we're going to cover different topics and how they relate to you. For instance, on one of them that's really focusing on your marketing, but using Google to market your business. The trainer will actually look at everybody's websites prior to the training and be able to give specific insight and be able to look at, here's what you are doing right, but here are some things that can enhance this to drive more business to you."

The cost of the eight-week course is $300. One of the nights will have legal advice for your business, and the retainer for such a lawyer would likely cost more than that, so it's definitely a good use of time for the class, though size will be limited.

"We're going to cap registrations for this training at 25 people," Swearer said. "We don't want it to get too big. We want people to be willing to share and have an opportunity to do so. We are only going to run the class if we can get at least 12 people to sign up."

To find out details, give Swearer a call at StartUp Hutch at (620) 665-3319.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670260820106.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — StartUp Hutch is going to bring a special class on business growth to the Salt City in 2023.We are going to bring this program called Growing Rural Business to Reno County in the Spring," said Jackson Swearer with StartUp Hutch. "It's really designed for existing business owners who are looking to expand or grow their business, or even just take some time out to, instead of working in their business, work on their business, with a cohort of other people."The certificate program provides practical, applied information and examples necessary for today’s rural communities. The Growing Rural Businesses Model is an eight-week certificate program customized for rural businesses."It's once a week on Thursday evenings," said Nancy Kersenbrock with the&nbsp;Center for Entrepreneurship at Wichita State University. "Once a week, on Thursday evenings, we're going to cover different topics and how they relate to you. For instance, on one of them that's really focusing on your marketing, but using Google to market your business. The trainer will actually look at everybody's websites prior to the training and be able to give specific insight and be able to look at, here's what you are doing right, but here are some things that can enhance this to drive more business to you."The cost of the eight-week course is $300. One of the nights will have legal advice for your business, and the retainer for such a lawyer would likely cost more than that, so it's definitely a good use of time for the class, though size will be limited."We're going to cap registrations for this training at 25 people," Swearer said. "We don't want it to get too big. We want people to be willing to share and have an opportunity to do so. We are only going to run the class if we can get at least 12 people to sign up."To find out details, give Swearer a call at StartUp Hutch at (620) 665-3319.

StartUp Hutch hosting class for mature businesses to grow in 2023

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas schools can livestream with astronaut John Herrington, Chickasaw, on Dec. 6, 2022, when he is in Hutchinson.

At 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Commander John Herrington will livestream a very special story time for K-3rd grade classrooms in Kansas. He will read from his own book for young children, “Mission to Space,” published by Chickasaw press and available for purchase in the <a href="https://ticketing.cosmo.org/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=1003857">Cosmosphere gift shop</a>.

<a href="https://bit.ly/3V5Lxmw?fbclid=IwAR2nC5awaqpB7Ru78E6i1eMSAlmfFihyhiv-V6C4l3OA1EpPWBGGXd2gR5c" target="_blank"></a>Twenty years ago, John Herrington became the first Native American to fly in space. Available only through the Cosmosphere, Herrington will provide a STEM-ed livestream FREE to Kansas schools Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m. in addition to the 1:30 p.m. story time.

To register, email <a href="mailto:schools@cosmo.org">schools@cosmo.org</a> or call (620) 665-9334.

Want to learn more about bringing STEM education to your classroom? Visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchnext.org%2Flaunchlearning%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR10jGqkE8tGxKWFuBNg3wUBqTB8eRUlBmifx4WxI5Ev4Z7Q5L33iPvgZWA&amp;h=AT0mHnSYLPQX-mAKxm-C5oEqZDkd74BBLok0vk9K-d0UyCt9wjdZO7_H2QpPKPRrmBdy-lsCnqGyV-xk3An_H8gmXVS6YDR4zECqAEoo7QF7C2-Lx1mbVmXs31I-gdnUWg&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2YE64aySDAg9vWYTqVW_OhdYpLV0IWzQ9LV_7-tSmtQHAP0-uAScUlegEFdHi82ulNtsB3cGMbr0n1aCbRfhP4S1fu1AwbB9HZ_49fFLu3d9oMnvmjSSHqV8PV6D-Ki7ypKZAjxuW4pbn1ZNohW4KlN7nJpbT31uVJH-wzUcAZDEOT91Crk6lxWwMls2rx9TyizPB5czbT" target="_blank">www.launchnext.org/launchlearning</a> to find out how.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670257422843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas schools can livestream with astronaut John Herrington, Chickasaw, on Dec. 6, 2022, when he is in Hutchinson.At 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Commander John Herrington will livestream a very special story time for K-3rd grade classrooms in Kansas. He will read from his own book for young children, “Mission to Space,” published by Chickasaw press and available for purchase in the <a href="https://ticketing.cosmo.org/GiftShopItem.aspx?I=1003857">Cosmosphere gift shop</a>.<a href="https://bit.ly/3V5Lxmw?fbclid=IwAR2nC5awaqpB7Ru78E6i1eMSAlmfFihyhiv-V6C4l3OA1EpPWBGGXd2gR5c" target="_blank"></a>Twenty years ago, John Herrington became the first Native American to fly in space. Available only through the Cosmosphere, Herrington will provide a STEM-ed livestream FREE to Kansas schools Dec. 6 at 10:00 a.m. in addition to the 1:30 p.m. story time. To register, email <a href="mailto:schools@cosmo.org">schools@cosmo.org</a> or call (620) 665-9334.Want to learn more about bringing STEM education to your classroom? Visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.launchnext.org%2Flaunchlearning%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR10jGqkE8tGxKWFuBNg3wUBqTB8eRUlBmifx4WxI5Ev4Z7Q5L33iPvgZWA&amp;h=AT0mHnSYLPQX-mAKxm-C5oEqZDkd74BBLok0vk9K-d0UyCt9wjdZO7_H2QpPKPRrmBdy-lsCnqGyV-xk3An_H8gmXVS6YDR4zECqAEoo7QF7C2-Lx1mbVmXs31I-gdnUWg&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2YE64aySDAg9vWYTqVW_OhdYpLV0IWzQ9LV_7-tSmtQHAP0-uAScUlegEFdHi82ulNtsB3cGMbr0n1aCbRfhP4S1fu1AwbB9HZ_49fFLu3d9oMnvmjSSHqV8PV6D-Ki7ypKZAjxuW4pbn1ZNohW4KlN7nJpbT31uVJH-wzUcAZDEOT91Crk6lxWwMls2rx9TyizPB5czbT" target="_blank">www.launchnext.org/launchlearning</a> to find out how.

Kansas schools to livestream with Native astronaut

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/daily_democrat/fm-siemens-plant-to-resume-production/article_42d89c50-065c-5795-a639-7caf553c1f8c.html">A Fort Madison, Iowa newspaper is reporting </a>&nbsp;that its Siemens Gamesa facility is hiring again to restart production.

Hutch Post reached out to a spokesperson for Siemens to ask if they knew the timeline yet for the Hutchinson plant.

"Due to the different production processes between the two facilities, the Hutchinson, Kansas facility ramp-up is not yet at that same point in the process," said spokesperson Andrew Luther. "A public statement about re-hiring at that facility will be made at the appropriate time."

The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, combined with the pursuit of new orders, has allowed the company to begin re-hiring in Fort Madison.

The Hutchinson plant closed this past summer.&nbsp;The closing affected 92 workers at the Hutchinson plant. The Fort Madison plant had 171 employees at the time of its closure.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595968398587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/daily_democrat/fm-siemens-plant-to-resume-production/article_42d89c50-065c-5795-a639-7caf553c1f8c.html">A Fort Madison, Iowa newspaper is reporting </a>&nbsp;that its Siemens Gamesa facility is hiring again to restart production.Hutch Post reached out to a spokesperson for Siemens to ask if they knew the timeline yet for the Hutchinson plant."Due to the different production processes between the two facilities, the Hutchinson, Kansas facility ramp-up is not yet at that same point in the process," said spokesperson Andrew Luther. "A public statement about re-hiring at that facility will be made at the appropriate time."The passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, combined with the pursuit of new orders, has allowed the company to begin re-hiring in Fort Madison.The Hutchinson plant closed this past summer.&nbsp;The closing affected 92 workers at the Hutchinson plant. The Fort Madison plant had 171 employees at the time of its closure.&nbsp;

Siemens: Fort Madison announcement independent of Hutchinson process

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kelly Willis runs Open Arms Child Care in South Hutchinson and she is looking to rezone her place of business to residential as a daycare is not a permitted use in its current zoning district.

Child care providers across Reno County have been leaving the business lately. According to the Reno County child care survey conducted by Kansas State University's Bradford Wiles, Reno County has lost one center and six home care providers since June alone.

The South Hutchinson Planning Board meets at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657229191715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kelly Willis runs Open Arms Child Care in South Hutchinson and she is looking to rezone her place of business to residential as a daycare is not a permitted use in its current zoning district.Child care providers across Reno County have been leaving the business lately. According to the Reno County child care survey conducted by Kansas State University's Bradford Wiles, Reno County has lost one center and six home care providers since June alone.The South Hutchinson Planning Board meets at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall in South Hutchinson.

South Hutch Planning Board to hear from daycare provider Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Join StartUp Hutch on Wednesday, December 7th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peel Center to celebrate Dave Dukart.

Dave has been an integral part of StartUp Hutch for nearly ten years, serving the community as the director of the Quest Center for Entrepreneurs and the program administrator of StartUp Hutch.&nbsp;

Dave will be retiring from StartUp Hutch at the end of the year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599831307342.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Join StartUp Hutch on Wednesday, December 7th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peel Center to celebrate Dave Dukart. Dave has been an integral part of StartUp Hutch for nearly ten years, serving the community as the director of the Quest Center for Entrepreneurs and the program administrator of StartUp Hutch.&nbsp; Dave will be retiring from StartUp Hutch at the end of the year.&nbsp;

Longtime StartUp Hutch employee retiring, event is Wednesday

Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kim Baldwin, McPherson County farmer and rancher The rush is on as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ramps up! It seems like there’s never enough hours in the days, or days in the weeks leading up to Christmas. &nbsp; As a parent, small business owner, community member and farmer, there’s just a lot to accomplish immediately after washing the dishes from our Thanksgiving meal. &nbsp; As a parent, keeping track of the Christmas parties and holiday-themed school days for my two young children requires organization and focus.&nbsp; &nbsp; Throughout the year, I keep track of the "normal" school things needed to be done like the minutes we read nightly, the weekly spelling words needing attention at home, and making sure the kids have their library books read and ready to return on their assigned library days.&nbsp; &nbsp; But this month I’m hyper alert to knowing when “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day”&nbsp;is compared to when “Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown Day”&nbsp;is to ensure my kids participate in at least some of their school’s countdown to Christmas Break spirit days – 15 themed spirit days in all.&nbsp; &nbsp; One of my greatest fears this month has become the thought of sending the kids to school wearing their pajamas for “Dream a Little Dream Day”&nbsp;when they should be wearing a scarf for “Deck Your Neck Day” or forgetting to dig out Hawaiian shirts for “Christmas Vacation Day”.&nbsp; &nbsp; I’ve concluded that if there are prizes for most spirited this month at school, the Baldwin kids probably won’t make the cut. I’ll consider it a win if I remember to send lunch money on the day the school serves their Christmas ham meal later this month! &nbsp; On the farm, there’s a list of things we try to get done every December. Currently, that list has us trying to get fields fertilized before any potential snow falls. This responsibility mainly falls on my husband as I dedicate my days fulfilling holiday orders and making multiple trips to the post office for our small business.&nbsp; &nbsp; There are parties and practices and community events and performances and games and top-secret shopping trips also on my December calendar. &nbsp; My December started out with an incredibly busy day, which transitioned into an equally busy evening consisting of shuttling kids from school to basketball practice and then home for showers and food, only to drive them back to town to practice their church Christmas program. I was able to briefly catch my breath after handing the kids off to my husband before making my way to choir practice.&nbsp; &nbsp; Getting home shortly before 9 that night, I collapsed on the couch ready to unwind from a busy, busy day. However, I got a phone call from my father-in-law instead.&nbsp; &nbsp; It turned out my day was not done just yet. Instead, I put on my coveralls and headed out to the barn to watch over a ewe who had just lambed.&nbsp; &nbsp; Peeking into the lambing pen that was now occupied by the ewe with her tiny, wet lamb with wobbly legs brought me a calm I had not experienced that day.&nbsp; &nbsp; Under a clear, dark December sky with stars shining bright above us, a new mother with her newborn lying in a bed of straw reminded me of the true spirit of this season. And all was calm. &nbsp; May you have at least one moment this month which causes you to pause amongst the holiday hustle and bustle in order to experience the true spirit of the season."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: The Spirit of the Season

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058226312283">put out on his Facebook page</a> on Sunday a list of the Republican candidates that are vying for House leadership positions to be voted on Monday in Topeka.

Wichita Republican Dan Hawkins appears poised for the Speakership. Chris Croft of Olathe, Susan	Humphries of Wichita and Sean Tarwater of Olathe are running for Majority Leader.

Wichita Rep. Blake Carpenter, Coldwater Rep. Kyle Hoffman, North Newton Rep. Stephen Owens, Weskan Rep. Adam Smith and Gardner Rep. Bill Sutton are all aiming for Speaker Pro Tem.

Les Mason of McPherson is looking to be Assistant Majority Leader.

Kristy Williams of Andover and Patrick Penn of Wichita are vying for Majority Whip.

Susan Estes of Wichita and Barb Wasinger of Hays are running for Majority Caucus Chair.

Waggoner calls leadership elections the real start of the 2023 session. He released the names and a snapshot of their voting records in an effort to give more information to freshman colleagues who may not know the people.

The House will officially start in January.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587035426296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100058226312283">put out on his Facebook page</a> on Sunday a list of the Republican candidates that are vying for House leadership positions to be voted on Monday in Topeka.Wichita Republican Dan Hawkins appears poised for the Speakership. Chris Croft of Olathe, Susan	Humphries of Wichita and Sean Tarwater of Olathe are running for Majority Leader.Wichita Rep. Blake Carpenter, Coldwater Rep. Kyle Hoffman, North Newton Rep. Stephen Owens, Weskan Rep. Adam Smith and Gardner Rep. Bill Sutton are all aiming for Speaker Pro Tem.Les Mason of McPherson is looking to be Assistant Majority Leader.Kristy Williams of Andover and Patrick Penn of Wichita are vying for Majority Whip.Susan Estes of Wichita and Barb Wasinger of Hays are running for Majority Caucus Chair.Waggoner calls leadership elections the real start of the 2023 session. He released the names and a snapshot of their voting records in an effort to give more information to freshman colleagues who may not know the people.The House will officially start in January.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Waggoner lists those vying for House Republican leadership

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Alex Jones, APRN with Hutchinson Primary Care Associates inside the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has been seeing COVID-19, the flu and RSV this fall.

"All three of them have really amped up, especially after the holiday season," Jones said. "This past week, after everybody was hanging out for Thanksgiving, we've seen a great increase in the flu, COVID again and RSV in both kids and adults, which is a little less common."

Some of this is due to everything getting back to pre-2020 normal, as respiratory mitigation measures aren't being taken as much as they have the last two years.

"People were masking, they were taking different precautions, as far as being exposed to as many people as we previously were," Jones said. "People were more vaccinated and being a little more cautious. Now that some of those precautions have lifted a little bit, I think things are spreading a little more rampantly than they were."

If you have underlying conditions, it is still okay to take those additional precautions.

"Especially if you are immunocompromised, make sure you are washing your hands a lot," Jones said. "Make sure that you are wearing masks. Try to social distance when you can. If you're feeling unwell, try to social distance just to keep everybody else safe. Immunizations are always very, very important. There's a flu shot and a COVID shot. That can really help reduce your risk."

The Reno County Health Department has access to both COVID and flu vaccine, if you need it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670084675787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Alex Jones, APRN with Hutchinson Primary Care Associates inside the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has been seeing COVID-19, the flu and RSV this fall."All three of them have really amped up, especially after the holiday season," Jones said. "This past week, after everybody was hanging out for Thanksgiving, we've seen a great increase in the flu, COVID again and RSV in both kids and adults, which is a little less common."Some of this is due to everything getting back to pre-2020 normal, as respiratory mitigation measures aren't being taken as much as they have the last two years."People were masking, they were taking different precautions, as far as being exposed to as many people as we previously were," Jones said. "People were more vaccinated and being a little more cautious. Now that some of those precautions have lifted a little bit, I think things are spreading a little more rampantly than they were."If you have underlying conditions, it is still okay to take those additional precautions."Especially if you are immunocompromised, make sure you are washing your hands a lot," Jones said. "Make sure that you are wearing masks. Try to social distance when you can. If you're feeling unwell, try to social distance just to keep everybody else safe. Immunizations are always very, very important. There's a flu shot and a COVID shot. That can really help reduce your risk."The Reno County Health Department has access to both COVID and flu vaccine, if you need it.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jones notes viruses are going around in Reno County

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Nick Gosnell, News Director at Hutch Post and Eagle Radio in Hutchinson, was the first-place winner in the Audio/Video News Story category in the 2nd Annual Agricultural Reporting Award competition with the&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;The award was presented Sunday in Manhattan at the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

To be eligible, journalists must cover agriculture in Kansas and their story must have been published or aired in a professional capacity with byline or credit between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. The <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/54b1f4fb-28d6-43b1-8dcb-301dfb6b94eb">story</a>&nbsp;contained Gosnell's reporting on what Rep. Tracey Mann called the 'farm-killer tax' proposed in the 2023 federal budget.

This is Gosnell's first award from the Kansas Farm Bureau.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670240627613.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — Nick Gosnell, News Director at Hutch Post and Eagle Radio in Hutchinson, was the first-place winner in the Audio/Video News Story category in the 2nd Annual Agricultural Reporting Award competition with the&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau.&nbsp;The award was presented Sunday in Manhattan at the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670342911803.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To be eligible, journalists must cover agriculture in Kansas and their story must have been published or aired in a professional capacity with byline or credit between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022. The <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/54b1f4fb-28d6-43b1-8dcb-301dfb6b94eb">story</a>&nbsp;contained Gosnell's reporting on what Rep. Tracey Mann called the 'farm-killer tax' proposed in the 2023 federal budget.This is Gosnell's first award from the Kansas Farm Bureau.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Gosnell wins Agricultural Reporting Award from Kansas Farm Bureau

Correction: Agenda documents provided to Hutch Post incorrectly listed the hotel as a 165-room facility. It will actually be 100 rooms, with 65 of them having two beds. Hutch Post regrets the error.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A hotel proposal to address the city's needs for additional rooms to retain large events like the NJCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is on the agenda for the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday. 

From the legal description of the land involved, it would be on parcels behind the Olive Garden and Mattress Firm where Waldron curves around between Aldi and 23rd.

According to agenda documents, the City of Hutchinson has been in need of additional hotel accommodations for the activities and events which occur within its City limits. Further, the City of Hutchinson is in need of a functioning conference center for meeting space for community groups and guests of hotel properties. Multiple studies and attempts to develop a hotel and conference center within the City have been made over the past several years without success.

The Resolution and Development Agreement before the council Tuesday proposes the construction of a hotel, conference center and restaurant by Amber Hotel, LLC. The developer will make an initial investment of at least Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00) to construct an upper mid-scale hotel with 100 sleeping rooms, with 65 of them double-bedded, a conference room of a minimum 15,000 sq. ft. including pre-function space and a franchise sit-down restaurant.

The City of Hutchinson will commit to the following:

1. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) will be paid to the developer upon the completed construction of the hotel, conference center and franchise restaurant.

2. The City will approve a Community Improvement District for the hotel project of two percent (2%).

3. The City will issue a Letter of Intent to issue Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00) in Industrial Revenue Bonds.

4. The City shall pay to the developer Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) per year for the first three (3) years of operation of the hotel after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

5. The City of Hutchinson will pay three percent (3%) of the seven percent (7%) transient guest taxes to the developer as long as the facility is operated as an upper mid-scale hotel pursuant to the Smith Travel Research Standards.

The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670074988246.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: Agenda documents provided to Hutch Post incorrectly listed the hotel as a 165-room facility. It will actually be 100 rooms, with 65 of them having two beds. Hutch Post regrets the error.NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A hotel proposal to address the city's needs for additional rooms to retain large events like the NJCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is on the agenda for the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday. From the legal description of the land involved, it would be on parcels behind the Olive Garden and Mattress Firm where Waldron curves around between Aldi and 23rd.According to agenda documents, the City of Hutchinson has been in need of additional hotel accommodations for the activities and events which occur within its City limits. Further, the City of Hutchinson is in need of a functioning conference center for meeting space for community groups and guests of hotel properties. Multiple studies and attempts to develop a hotel and conference center within the City have been made over the past several years without success.The Resolution and Development Agreement before the council Tuesday proposes the construction of a hotel, conference center and restaurant by Amber Hotel, LLC. The developer will make an initial investment of at least Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00) to construct an upper mid-scale hotel with 100 sleeping rooms, with 65 of them double-bedded, a conference room of a minimum 15,000 sq. ft. including pre-function space and a franchise sit-down restaurant.The City of Hutchinson will commit to the following:1. One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) will be paid to the developer upon the completed construction of the hotel, conference center and franchise restaurant.2. The City will approve a Community Improvement District for the hotel project of two percent (2%).3. The City will issue a Letter of Intent to issue Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00) in Industrial Revenue Bonds.4. The City shall pay to the developer Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) per year for the first three (3) years of operation of the hotel after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.5. The City of Hutchinson will pay three percent (3%) of the seven percent (7%) transient guest taxes to the developer as long as the facility is operated as an upper mid-scale hotel pursuant to the Smith Travel Research Standards.The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Proposal for $18 million hotel and conference center on Tuesday city agenda

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jo Mora with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County is looking for donors who want to make additional impact in December.

"Between now and the end of the year, we are doubling <a href="https://www.4kidsake.org/gg/Donate">every donation</a> that comes in over $50," Mora said. "Give in the name of a mentor. If you do give in the name of a mentor, then your mentor is going to receive a personalized thank you."

There's also a constant need for mentors in the program.

"There will always be more kids needing more Bigs," Mora said. "We have had a substantial number of Bigs come in this year, but the waiting list will always be there and it's really hard for us to match young boys, as well as those boys over the age of 12."

You can meet with Littles at the Boys and Girls Club or at school, or you can take them for other activities outside of those places, but first you have to pass a background check.

"We will do a background check and we will go visit your home if you're going to do the community-based, but if you do the site-based, then you don't have to do the home visit," Mora said. "We're not trying to be invasive into people's lives, we just want to make sure that Bigs and Littles are both very safe while they are having their visits."&nbsp; 

Visit <a href="http://kansasbigs.org/?fbclid=IwAR0jjqRVXdCioibtdYkCaraliyqM2zre1UPo2Q46F2Zqrnnjbci_Wkg-S3I" target="_blank">kansasbigs.org</a> today to begin the process of becoming a Big for 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634396506288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Jo Mora with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County is looking for donors who want to make additional impact in December."Between now and the end of the year, we are doubling <a href="https://www.4kidsake.org/gg/Donate">every donation</a> that comes in over $50," Mora said. "Give in the name of a mentor. If you do give in the name of a mentor, then your mentor is going to receive a personalized thank you."There's also a constant need for mentors in the program."There will always be more kids needing more Bigs," Mora said. "We have had a substantial number of Bigs come in this year, but the waiting list will always be there and it's really hard for us to match young boys, as well as those boys over the age of 12."You can meet with Littles at the Boys and Girls Club or at school, or you can take them for other activities outside of those places, but first you have to pass a background check."We will do a background check and we will go visit your home if you're going to do the community-based, but if you do the site-based, then you don't have to do the home visit," Mora said. "We're not trying to be invasive into people's lives, we just want to make sure that Bigs and Littles are both very safe while they are having their visits."&nbsp; Visit <a href="http://kansasbigs.org/?fbclid=IwAR0jjqRVXdCioibtdYkCaraliyqM2zre1UPo2Q46F2Zqrnnjbci_Wkg-S3I" target="_blank">kansasbigs.org</a> today to begin the process of becoming a Big for 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chance to double gifts to BBBS through December

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will consider the official resolution to put in place the water rate changes they agreed upon earlier this year at its meeting on Tuesday.

In May 2022, a water rate study was completed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of revenue under existing rates to meet future funding requirements and where needed, provide recommendations for revenue increases to address projected shortfalls.

• Revenue increases are necessary but align well with industry averages

• Proposed rate increases maintain targeted reserve balance and fund needed infrastructure improvements

• Typical residential bills remain regionally competitive

Proposed water rates for 2023 through 2027 were discussed with the City Council in study sessions on May 24, 2022, and June 13, 2022. Staff recommended adopting a 5-year rate plan, with the opportunity to revisit the plan with Council if required during the annual budget process. 

The City Council agreed to the proposed water rates. The new water rates would become effective on January 1, 2023.

The table below shows the proposed water rates for a residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water per month.

The graph below shows a regional comparison of residential water bills assuming a water use of 500 cubic feet per month. Hutchinson’s rates are regionally competitive.

On the sewer side, in July 2020, a sewer rate study was completed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of revenue under existing rates to meet future funding requirements and where needed, provide recommendations for revenue increases to address projected shortfalls.

Proposed sewer rates for 2023 through 2027 were discussed with the City Council in a study session on May 24, 2022. Staff recommended adopting a 5-year rate plan, with the opportunity to revisit the plan with Council if required during the annual budget process.

The new sewer rates would become effective on January 1, 2023.

The table below shows the proposed sewer rates for a residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water per month.

The graph below shows a regional comparison of residential sewer bills assuming a water use of 500 cubic feet per month. Hutchinson’s rates are regionally competitive.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663688144197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will consider the official resolution to put in place the water rate changes they agreed upon earlier this year at its meeting on Tuesday.In May 2022, a water rate study was completed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of revenue under existing rates to meet future funding requirements and where needed, provide recommendations for revenue increases to address projected shortfalls.Summary of study findings:• Revenue increases are necessary but align well with industry averages• Proposed rate increases maintain targeted reserve balance and fund needed infrastructure improvements• Typical residential bills remain regionally competitiveProposed water rates for 2023 through 2027 were discussed with the City Council in study sessions on May 24, 2022, and June 13, 2022. Staff recommended adopting a 5-year rate plan, with the opportunity to revisit the plan with Council if required during the annual budget process. The City Council agreed to the proposed water rates. The new water rates would become effective on January 1, 2023.The table below shows the proposed water rates for a residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water per month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670071272852.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The graph below shows a regional comparison of residential water bills assuming a water use of 500 cubic feet per month. Hutchinson’s rates are regionally competitive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670071387947.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On the sewer side, in July 2020, a sewer rate study was completed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of revenue under existing rates to meet future funding requirements and where needed, provide recommendations for revenue increases to address projected shortfalls.Summary of study findings:• Revenue increases are necessary but align well with industry averages• Proposed rate increases maintain targeted reserve balance and fund needed infrastructure improvements• Typical residential bills remain regionally competitiveProposed sewer rates for 2023 through 2027 were discussed with the City Council in a study session on May 24, 2022. Staff recommended adopting a 5-year rate plan, with the opportunity to revisit the plan with Council if required during the annual budget process.The new sewer rates would become effective on January 1, 2023.The table below shows the proposed sewer rates for a residential customer using 500 cubic feet of water per month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670071631991.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The graph below shows a regional comparison of residential sewer bills assuming a water use of 500 cubic feet per month. Hutchinson’s rates are regionally competitive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670071721622.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson City Council meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall.<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;

Official resolution to increase Hutch water and sewer rates on Tuesday agenda

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (11-0) and No. 4 Coffeyville (8-3) got off to an inauspicious start for the Dragons Saturday afternoon.

Both teams entered with top five defenses for points allowed in the country.

Coffeyville took the ball to start the game and reached the Hutchinson 24-yard line on the third play of the game when J.R. Martin hit Mario Sanchez on a 40-yard strike.

Hutchinson tightened its defense before giving up a critical 3rd &amp; 1.

Martin's five-yard rush set the Red Ravens up with 1st &amp; Goal.

Coffeyville nearly fumbled the ball away before settling for a short field-goal attempt on 4th &amp; Goal from the 15.

Hutchinson's Jerrell Boykin's Jr. got his hands up and blocked the kick. The defense held despite bending for the first drive of the game — or so the Dragons and their fans thought.

A flag from the middle of the defense was identified as a rare "roughing the snapper penalty" and gave the Red Ravens new life.

That half-the-distance penalty got a half-the-distance penalty tacked onto it when head coach Drew Dallas questioned the call.

Another penalty for a facemask on running back Romal Webb put the Red Ravens on Hutchinson's 2. Webb got the ball again and put the first points on the board in a drive that officially took 10 plays and 5:42 off the clock.

Quick to match, the Hutchinson offense used nine plays over the course of 4:19 to cover 85 yards and tie the score with just under five minutes left in the first quarter.

Martin then took a Coffeyville broken play 62 yards to the house. Fortunately, the Red Ravens were called for an illegal shift, negating the points and lead.

That's when things got really interesting.

Martin was sacked on third down to stop the Coffeyville drive, but Ja'Mez Drummer was called for a facemask.

The Hutchinson defense forced another third down, but penalties by both teams were offset, resulting in another third down.

Walter Bob Jr. stopped Jacqez Barksdale after a one-yard gain, finally forcing a fourth down since no penalties were observed on the play.

That stop brought the first quarter to an end with the game tied at 7.

Hutchinson would fight to a 10-7 lead by the break, despite three more scoring opportunities.

Hutchinson drove to the Red Raven 12 before being forced into a 29-yard field goal. Mr. Consistency, Cole Segraves, finally saw his kick-streak come to an end after going wide left.

Two minutes later, Segraves connected from 39, but then missed a would-be school record from 52 with 20 seconds left in the half.

After giving up the first seven points of the game, the Dragons would ultimately go on to score 38 unanswered.

Running back Dylan Kedzior slowly broke through the stout Red Raven defense with each run that ended in a two-yard gain or loss.

For three quarters and despite a 29-yard romp earlier in the contest, Kedzior was held to runs of nine yards or fewer.

That was, until he sliced through the Raven defense on a 74-yard, game-changing play.

The run was set up by a third-quarter, 65-yard bomb from Laible to the nation's top recruit, Malik Benson, to put the Dragons up 10.

Kedzior provided even more breathing room on a run that should have been stopped in the backfield. Kedzior side-stepped a defender and proceeded down the sideline.

Just as he looked cornered after a big gain and was about to be ushered out of bounds, Kedzior took another jump-cut and ran to daylight.

Nearly nine minutes later, Benson would score again, this time on an 11-yard pass from Laible.

Colin Shields entered the contest and put the finishing touches on a Dragon 31-point victory with his 4th &amp; Goal run from the 4.

FINAL: HUTCHINSON 38 COFFEYVILLE 7

Hutchinson committed 12 total turnovers the last two times these teams met. The Dragons lost in 2021 (17-10) but won earlier this season (14-9).

On Saturday, Hutchinson fumbled once, but the ball rolled harmlessly out of bounds.

Meanwhile, Coffeyville fumbled twice (recovered both) and threw an interception in Dragon territory.

The Dragons held Coffeyville to 35 rushing yards on 30 attempts while racking up 289 yards on the ground themselves.

Kedzior rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns of 2 and 74 yards. Kediri, the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year, became the second-straight Blue Dragon running back to surpass 1,000 yards for a season. Kediri now has 1,056 rushing yards this season.

Benson finished with seven catches for 114 yards, his 10th career game with 100 or more receiving yards in a game. Benson caught touchdowns of 74 and 11 yards. Benson, for the season, now has 51 receptions for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those marks rank 10th, seventh and a tie for sixth, respectively, in Blue Dragon single-season history.

The Blue Dragon defense gave up 75 yards in the opening quarter and limited the Red Ravens to 35 total yards and four first downs over the final three quarters. Coffeyville had season lows of 35 rushing yards and 77 passing yards.

Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied David Wheeler for fifth place on the Blue Dragon coaching list with 28 wins. Dallas is now 28-2 on the Blue Dragon sideline.

Blue Dragon freshman kicker Cole Seagraves tied a Blue Dragon single-season record with his 14th field goal of the season, matching the 2012 mark of Michael Mesh. Seagraves kicked a 39-yard field goal with 1:59 to play in the second quarter that gave the Dragons a 10-7 lead.

The Blue Dragons rolled up 460 total yards (289 rushing, 171 passing) and had no turnovers on Saturday. The Dragons had 12 turnovers in the last two games against the Red Ravens.

Blue Dragon quarterback Dylan Liable completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns.

Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;and Jamari Morris had five tackles each. Morris added a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Leading 10-7 at halftime, the Blue Dragon struck quickly when Benson caught a short pass from Liable and sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Dragons a 17-7 lead with 10:09 to play in the third quarter.

After Morris' interception early in the fourth quarter gave Hutchinson the ball at its own 14, two plays later, Kediri burst through the Raven defense for a 74-yard touchdown run and a 24-7 lead with 14:15 to play in the fourth quarter.

Benson made it 31-7 with an 11-yard touchdown strike from Liable with 5:52 to play. Back-up quarterback Collin Shields closed the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining in the game.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Making their 25th NJCAA postseason appearance, the Blue Dragons are now 16-7-2 with five-straight postseason wins. … The Dragons are now 32-56-4 all-time vs. Coffeyville. … Liable upped his career passing yards total to 5,810 yards and his career touchdown passes record to 65. … Benson extended his career receiving yards streak to 2,153 yards.

No. 1 Hutchinson now awaits the Sunday winner of No. 2 Northwest Mississippi and No. 4 Iowa Western.

The national championship game will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. local time.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622958325615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNN Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — No. 1 Hutchinson (11-0) and No. 4 Coffeyville (8-3) got off to an inauspicious start for the Dragons Saturday afternoon.Both teams entered with top five defenses for points allowed in the country.Coffeyville took the ball to start the game and reached the Hutchinson 24-yard line on the third play of the game when J.R. Martin hit Mario Sanchez on a 40-yard strike.Hutchinson tightened its defense before giving up a critical 3rd &amp; 1.Martin's five-yard rush set the Red Ravens up with 1st &amp; Goal.Coffeyville nearly fumbled the ball away before settling for a short field-goal attempt on 4th &amp; Goal from the 15.Hutchinson's Jerrell Boykin's Jr. got his hands up and blocked the kick. The defense held despite bending for the first drive of the game — or so the Dragons and their fans thought.A flag from the middle of the defense was identified as a rare "roughing the snapper penalty" and gave the Red Ravens new life.That half-the-distance penalty got a half-the-distance penalty tacked onto it when head coach Drew Dallas questioned the call.Another penalty for a facemask on running back Romal Webb put the Red Ravens on Hutchinson's 2. Webb got the ball again and put the first points on the board in a drive that officially took 10 plays and 5:42 off the clock.Quick to match, the Hutchinson offense used nine plays over the course of 4:19 to cover 85 yards and tie the score with just under five minutes left in the first quarter.Martin then took a Coffeyville broken play 62 yards to the house. Fortunately, the Red Ravens were called for an illegal shift, negating the points and lead.That's when things got really interesting.Martin was sacked on third down to stop the Coffeyville drive, but Ja'Mez Drummer was called for a facemask.The Hutchinson defense forced another third down, but penalties by both teams were offset, resulting in another third down.Walter Bob Jr. stopped Jacqez Barksdale after a one-yard gain, finally forcing a fourth down since no penalties were observed on the play.That stop brought the first quarter to an end with the game tied at 7.Hutchinson would fight to a 10-7 lead by the break, despite three more scoring opportunities.Hutchinson drove to the Red Raven 12 before being forced into a 29-yard field goal. Mr. Consistency, Cole Segraves, finally saw his kick-streak come to an end after going wide left.Two minutes later, Segraves connected from 39, but then missed a would-be school record from 52 with 20 seconds left in the half.After giving up the first seven points of the game, the Dragons would ultimately go on to score 38 unanswered.Running back Dylan Kedzior slowly broke through the stout Red Raven defense with each run that ended in a two-yard gain or loss.For three quarters and despite a 29-yard romp earlier in the contest, Kedzior was held to runs of nine yards or fewer.That was, until he sliced through the Raven defense on a 74-yard, game-changing play.The run was set up by a third-quarter, 65-yard bomb from Laible to the nation's top recruit, Malik Benson, to put the Dragons up 10.Kedzior provided even more breathing room on a run that should have been stopped in the backfield. Kedzior side-stepped a defender and proceeded down the sideline.Just as he looked cornered after a big gain and was about to be ushered out of bounds, Kedzior took another jump-cut and ran to daylight.Nearly nine minutes later, Benson would score again, this time on an 11-yard pass from Laible.Colin Shields entered the contest and put the finishing touches on a Dragon 31-point victory with his 4th &amp; Goal run from the 4.FINAL: HUTCHINSON 38 COFFEYVILLE 7Hutchinson committed 12 total turnovers the last two times these teams met. The Dragons lost in 2021 (17-10) but won earlier this season (14-9).On Saturday, Hutchinson fumbled once, but the ball rolled harmlessly out of bounds.Meanwhile, Coffeyville fumbled twice (recovered both) and threw an interception in Dragon territory.The Dragons held Coffeyville to 35 rushing yards on 30 attempts while racking up 289 yards on the ground themselves.Kedzior rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns of 2 and 74 yards. Kediri, the 2022 Jayhawk Conference Offensive Player of the Year, became the second-straight Blue Dragon running back to surpass 1,000 yards for a season. Kediri now has 1,056 rushing yards this season.Benson finished with seven catches for 114 yards, his 10th career game with 100 or more receiving yards in a game. Benson caught touchdowns of 74 and 11 yards. Benson, for the season, now has 51 receptions for 923 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those marks rank 10th, seventh and a tie for sixth, respectively, in Blue Dragon single-season history.The Blue Dragon defense gave up 75 yards in the opening quarter and limited the Red Ravens to 35 total yards and four first downs over the final three quarters. Coffeyville had season lows of 35 rushing yards and 77 passing yards.Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas tied David Wheeler for fifth place on the Blue Dragon coaching list with 28 wins. Dallas is now 28-2 on the Blue Dragon sideline.Blue Dragon freshman kicker Cole Seagraves tied a Blue Dragon single-season record with his 14th field goal of the season, matching the 2012 mark of Michael Mesh. Seagraves kicked a 39-yard field goal with 1:59 to play in the second quarter that gave the Dragons a 10-7 lead.The Blue Dragons rolled up 460 total yards (289 rushing, 171 passing) and had no turnovers on Saturday. The Dragons had 12 turnovers in the last two games against the Red Ravens.Blue Dragon quarterback Dylan Liable completed 14 of 24 passes for 171 yards with two touchdowns.Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/jackson_dasheen_tva1">Dasheen Jackson</a>&nbsp;and Jamari Morris had five tackles each. Morris added a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.Leading 10-7 at halftime, the Blue Dragon struck quickly when Benson caught a short pass from Liable and sprinted 63 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Dragons a 17-7 lead with 10:09 to play in the third quarter.After Morris' interception early in the fourth quarter gave Hutchinson the ball at its own 14, two plays later, Kediri burst through the Raven defense for a 74-yard touchdown run and a 24-7 lead with 14:15 to play in the fourth quarter.Benson made it 31-7 with an 11-yard touchdown strike from Liable with 5:52 to play. Back-up quarterback Collin Shields closed the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining in the game.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– Making their 25th NJCAA postseason appearance, the Blue Dragons are now 16-7-2 with five-straight postseason wins. … The Dragons are now 32-56-4 all-time vs. Coffeyville. … Liable upped his career passing yards total to 5,810 yards and his career touchdown passes record to 65. … Benson extended his career receiving yards streak to 2,153 yards.No. 1 Hutchinson now awaits the Sunday winner of No. 2 Northwest Mississippi and No. 4 Iowa Western.The national championship game will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. local time.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 FB: Dragons headed to the 'ship

JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Windy conditions and potential crew fatigue caused multiple departments to come to assist South Hutchinson firefighters on a fire in the roof of Tyson Foods Friday night.

Chief Shae Barajas-Brooks said they got the initial call a little before 7 p.m.

"The fire was actually running through the roof," the chief said. "The roof has got several layers on it, between tin and styrofoam and the composites, the different layers. The fire had gotten down into the roof and was running along it, so you had a good section, probably about 10 feet by 30 feet that we were trying to get to."

Units from Yoder, Hutchinson and Nickerson assisted due to the 50 to 55 mile per hour gusts at the time. Employees were temporarily evacuated, but no one was hurt. 

The fire is out and the investigation continues, initial physical damage appears to be minimal, other than a little water and the damaged roof section, but investigators still need to assess any potential mechanical damage.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670040865020.jpeg" alt="Tyson Fire12022022-Photo by Judd Weil" />
 <figcaption>Tyson Fire12022022-Photo by Judd Weil</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL and NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Windy conditions and potential crew fatigue caused multiple departments to come to assist South Hutchinson firefighters on a fire in the roof of Tyson Foods Friday night.Chief Shae Barajas-Brooks said they got the initial call a little before 7 p.m."The fire was actually running through the roof," the chief said. "The roof has got several layers on it, between tin and styrofoam and the composites, the different layers. The fire had gotten down into the roof and was running along it, so you had a good section, probably about 10 feet by 30 feet that we were trying to get to."Units from Yoder, Hutchinson and Nickerson assisted due to the 50 to 55 mile per hour gusts at the time. Employees were temporarily evacuated, but no one was hurt. The fire is out and the investigation continues, initial physical damage appears to be minimal, other than a little water and the damaged roof section, but investigators still need to assess any potential mechanical damage.<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;

No one hurt in roof fire at South Hutch Tyson plant

Editor's Note: A previous version of the headline was inaccurate. The sentencing was for second-degree murder and battery. Hutch Post regrets the error. This story was corrected was updated approximately 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

McPHERSON, Kan. — A McPherson woman was sentenced on Dec. 2, to more than 36 years in prison for her conviction on charges of second-degree reckless murder and battery on a law enforcement officer in connection with the death of a McPherson man in 2020, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

Tina Nicole Brown, 36, was sentenced in McPherson County District Court by Judge John B. Klenda to 442 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility for one count of second-degree reckless murder. 

She was also sentenced to 12 months in the county jail for battery of a law enforcement officer, to be served concurrently with the prison sentence. 

Brown was also sentenced to 36 months of post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a violent offender. Brown pleaded no contest to the charges in April.

The charges stemmed from an investigation into the death of Kelly G. Peterson in February 2020. 

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the McPherson Police Department.

Deputy Attorney General Steven Karrer and Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668710654343.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's Note: A previous version of the headline was inaccurate. The sentencing was for second-degree murder and battery. Hutch Post regrets the error. This story was corrected was updated approximately 2 p.m. Dec. 7.McPHERSON, Kan. — A McPherson woman was sentenced on Dec. 2, to more than 36 years in prison for her conviction on charges of second-degree reckless murder and battery on a law enforcement officer in connection with the death of a McPherson man in 2020, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.Tina Nicole Brown, 36, was sentenced in McPherson County District Court by Judge John B. Klenda to 442 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility for one count of second-degree reckless murder. She was also sentenced to 12 months in the county jail for battery of a law enforcement officer, to be served concurrently with the prison sentence. Brown was also sentenced to 36 months of post-release supervision and lifetime registration as a violent offender. Brown pleaded no contest to the charges in April.The charges stemmed from an investigation into the death of Kelly G. Peterson in February 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the McPherson Police Department.Deputy Attorney General Steven Karrer and Assistant Attorney General Stacy Edwards of Schmidt’s office prosecuted the case.<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;

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