HUTCHINSON, Kan. — November is National Homecare and Hospice Month and the holidays are a good time to talk about end of life decisions before there is a health crisis.

"Hopefully, families are having this conversation," said Darla Wilson with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County. "Thanksgiving is actually, frankly, a very good time to do that. As you are talking with each other and how things happen, many families are seeing their parents for the first time in a long time and just kind of bringing up those conversations. What if X happened? What would you want done?"

Keeping the desires of the patient in mind can really increase their quality of life.

"Being open to talk about, what is it you really want," Wilson said. "Not assuming that someone wants to go back to the hospital, that somebody wants to have another treatment, that they want to have this done. They may want to just simply stay home and have that Thanksgiving dinner with their family and enjoy that time."

Hospice care can, at times, not only increase the quality of life, but also the length of time at the end of life.

"Studies show that when someone starts hospice services versus without, often times they live longer, because of hospice," Wilson said. "We're reviewing those medications, getting rid of the meds they don't need, really focusing on what is important to them and getting rid of a lot of that and the extra treatments oftentimes does give them more time. It may be short, but it's better time and it truly is longer."

If you have questions, feel free to call Hospice and Homecare of Reno County at (620) 665-2473.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668791093891.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — November is National Homecare and Hospice Month and the holidays are a good time to talk about end of life decisions before there is a health crisis."Hopefully, families are having this conversation," said Darla Wilson with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County. "Thanksgiving is actually, frankly, a very good time to do that. As you are talking with each other and how things happen, many families are seeing their parents for the first time in a long time and just kind of bringing up those conversations. What if X happened? What would you want done?"Keeping the desires of the patient in mind can really increase their quality of life."Being open to talk about, what is it you really want," Wilson said. "Not assuming that someone wants to go back to the hospital, that somebody wants to have another treatment, that they want to have this done. They may want to just simply stay home and have that Thanksgiving dinner with their family and enjoy that time."Hospice care can, at times, not only increase the quality of life, but also the length of time at the end of life."Studies show that when someone starts hospice services versus without, often times they live longer, because of hospice," Wilson said. "We're reviewing those medications, getting rid of the meds they don't need, really focusing on what is important to them and getting rid of a lot of that and the extra treatments oftentimes does give them more time. It may be short, but it's better time and it truly is longer."If you have questions, feel free to call Hospice and Homecare of Reno County at (620) 665-2473.

Holidays are a good time for conversations about end of life issues

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Based in Hutchinson, the TECH organization provides services and programs to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Reno County to live the fullest lives possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TECH has been serving Reno County for almost 50 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The organization was started as a work opportunity agency by a group of parents that wanted to give the same opportunities everyone else had to succeed to their children with disabilities as they were about to graduate high school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By listening to the community, TECH grew to include day services programs, and even residential houses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“We actually celebrate our fiftieth anniversary next year,” Lacey Mills, TECH Director of Marketing and Foundation Development, said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Mills, the TECH organization employs over 100 people, and serves around 225 adults in Hutchinson and Reno County.&nbsp;

“It’s a pretty large operation,” Mills said. &nbsp;

There are a couple of options for people and families served by TECH.&nbsp;

One is participating in day services, with either the ALS program or the TECH work program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The TECH Art Gallery, located at 10 E. 1st Ave., is part of the ALS program. &nbsp;

“TECH opened the TECH Art Gallery, when we moved into the Wiley Building, which happened in 2018”, Mills said. “We had had our TECH art program happening over at the ALS, in the art studio for a couple of years, and there was all of this wonderful, fabulous work that our artist were doing but we didn’t really have a place to be able to sell it to the public.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mills explained the vision of TECH’s CEO at the time, was to provide a community place where their artists would be appreciated and supported, and where people can see and buy their art.&nbsp;

All proceeds from art sales benefit TECH artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another option, is the TECH work program, at their facility located at 3000 E. Ave. B. &nbsp;

“Individuals that work at the work center, they earn a paycheck,” Mills said.&nbsp;“We have contracts with local companies here in town, and we do just oddball jobs, things that you would never even think of. &nbsp;

“We work on stuff for Hubco, Shield Ag., Pipeline Consortium.” 

TECH also offers residential housing. They currently have nine residential homes throughout Reno County.&nbsp;

“We also have independent living,” Mills said. “If somebody is a little bit more independent and they want that ability to come and go on their own but still need a little help, we have apartments or the Link.” &nbsp;

While TECH works exclusively in Reno County, they are part of a Kansas coalition called InterHab. 

Based in Topeka, InterHab provides services to intellectually and developmentally disabled Kansans and has done so for over 50 years. &nbsp;

“That’s the other thing, I think people don’t understand about TECH,” Mill said. “We not only provide services, but we work really hard to advocate for people with disabilities at a state and at a national level, through our CEO participating in things, but also InterHab advocating on behalf of people with disabilities here in Reno County and in Kansas.” &nbsp;

In the past year, TECH had one of the largest increases in Kansas history for reimbursement for their over 20-year effort in advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. &nbsp;

People can get involved in TECH by participating in events, like their upcoming <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e9645268-ca23-43e5-89f8-c72aa323b79a" target="_blank">Holiday Open House at the TECH Art Gallery</a>. &nbsp;

TECH, a nonprofit, also accepts donations, and is always looking for volunteers. &nbsp;

“If you go to our website, there’s a <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E163064&amp;id=8">give now</a> button, and you can look at the different ways that you can support our agency based on what your interests are,” Mills said. “It changes throughout the year, based on what we have going on or what our needs are.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re actually getting ready to initiate an Amazon wish list. We had one of our parents say, “have you ever thought of doing this,” and we just haven’t, so we’re getting ready to put one of those up.” &nbsp;

TECH is also trying to get the word out about their TECH&nbsp;Foundation.  &nbsp;

“That’s in place to help us preserve what we have going on now for the future,” Mills said. “So, we have people who may be in their&nbsp;end of life and are looking for ways to give back to their community and leave a legacy. The Foundation is a great way to do that.” &nbsp;

More information about the <a href="https://techinc.org/techartgallery" target="_blank">TECH Art Gallery,</a> the <a href="https://techinc.org/services/tech-work-center/" target="_blank">TECH work program,</a> and other TECH services, &nbsp;can be found at the <a href="https://techinc.org/" target="_blank">TECH website</a>. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668707211044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Based in Hutchinson, the TECH organization provides services and programs to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Reno County to live the fullest lives possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;TECH has been serving Reno County for almost 50 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The organization was started as a work opportunity agency by a group of parents that wanted to give the same opportunities everyone else had to succeed to their children with disabilities as they were about to graduate high school.&nbsp;&nbsp;By listening to the community, TECH grew to include day services programs, and even residential houses. &nbsp;&nbsp;“We actually celebrate our fiftieth anniversary next year,” Lacey Mills, TECH Director of Marketing and Foundation Development, said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Mills, the TECH organization employs over 100 people, and serves around 225 adults in Hutchinson and Reno County.&nbsp;“It’s a pretty large operation,” Mills said. &nbsp;There are a couple of options for people and families served by TECH.&nbsp;One is participating in day services, with either the ALS program or the TECH work program.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The TECH Art Gallery, located at 10 E. 1st Ave., is part of the ALS program. &nbsp;“TECH opened the TECH Art Gallery, when we moved into the Wiley Building, which happened in 2018”, Mills said. “We had had our TECH art program happening over at the ALS, in the art studio for a couple of years, and there was all of this wonderful, fabulous work that our artist were doing but we didn’t really have a place to be able to sell it to the public.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Mills explained the vision of TECH’s CEO at the time, was to provide a community place where their artists would be appreciated and supported, and where people can see and buy their art.&nbsp;All proceeds from art sales benefit TECH artists.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another option, is the TECH work program, at their facility located at 3000 E. Ave. B. &nbsp;“Individuals that work at the work center, they earn a paycheck,” Mills said.&nbsp;“We have contracts with local companies here in town, and we do just oddball jobs, things that you would never even think of. &nbsp;“We work on stuff for Hubco, Shield Ag., Pipeline Consortium.” TECH also offers residential housing. They currently have nine residential homes throughout Reno County.&nbsp;“We also have independent living,” Mills said. “If somebody is a little bit more independent and they want that ability to come and go on their own but still need a little help, we have apartments or the Link.” &nbsp;While TECH works exclusively in Reno County, they are part of a Kansas coalition called InterHab. Based in Topeka, InterHab provides services to intellectually and developmentally disabled Kansans and has done so for over 50 years. &nbsp;“That’s the other thing, I think people don’t understand about TECH,” Mill said. “We not only provide services, but we work really hard to advocate for people with disabilities at a state and at a national level, through our CEO participating in things, but also InterHab advocating on behalf of people with disabilities here in Reno County and in Kansas.” &nbsp;In the past year, TECH had one of the largest increases in Kansas history for reimbursement for their over 20-year effort in advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. &nbsp;People can get involved in TECH by participating in events, like their upcoming <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e9645268-ca23-43e5-89f8-c72aa323b79a" target="_blank">Holiday Open House at the TECH Art Gallery</a>. &nbsp;TECH, a nonprofit, also accepts donations, and is always looking for volunteers. &nbsp;“If you go to our website, there’s a <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E163064&amp;id=8">give now</a> button, and you can look at the different ways that you can support our agency based on what your interests are,” Mills said. “It changes throughout the year, based on what we have going on or what our needs are.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re actually getting ready to initiate an Amazon wish list. We had one of our parents say, “have you ever thought of doing this,” and we just haven’t, so we’re getting ready to put one of those up.” &nbsp;TECH is also trying to get the word out about their TECH&nbsp;Foundation. &nbsp;“That’s in place to help us preserve what we have going on now for the future,” Mills said. “So, we have people who may be in their&nbsp;end of life and are looking for ways to give back to their community and leave a legacy. The Foundation is a great way to do that.” &nbsp;More information about the <a href="https://techinc.org/techartgallery" target="_blank">TECH Art Gallery,</a> the <a href="https://techinc.org/services/tech-work-center/" target="_blank">TECH work program,</a> and other TECH services, &nbsp;can be found at the <a href="https://techinc.org/" target="_blank">TECH website</a>. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

TECH serving an inclusive community

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — SCKEDD will be entering into an agreement with Reno County this week to use ARPA funds to rehabilitate housing in the area through the SCKEDD Community Housing Resurgence Program.

The purpose of this revolving program is to expand the financial opportunity for low-to-moderate income households to attain affordable home ownership and create personal wealth.

SCKEDD will rehabilitate donated, vacated, or abandoned homes that currently have the ability to be revitalized. 

Licensed and experienced inspectors with SCKEDD will assess each potential property to determine if it will be feasible for the program. 

​SCKEDD will work with local community groups, civic leaders, and real estate agencies to market the newly rehabilitated residential properties to low-to-moderate income buyers in an effort to meet housing needs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1604073199111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — SCKEDD will be entering into an agreement with Reno County this week to use ARPA funds to rehabilitate housing in the area through the SCKEDD Community Housing Resurgence Program.The purpose of this revolving program is to expand the financial opportunity for low-to-moderate income households to attain affordable home ownership and create personal wealth.SCKEDD will rehabilitate donated, vacated, or abandoned homes that currently have the ability to be revitalized. Licensed and experienced inspectors with SCKEDD will assess each potential property to determine if it will be feasible for the program. ​SCKEDD will work with local community groups, civic leaders, and real estate agencies to market the newly rehabilitated residential properties to low-to-moderate income buyers in an effort to meet housing needs.

SCKEDD to work on program to rehab homes

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center will be featuring a wonderful selection of arts and crafts by local and national artists at its Holiday Open House on Saturday.

"We get artist vendors in our front gallery space," said Jace Chambers with the Art Center. "There's tables all set up with all their goodies, all their wares. There's jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, paintings. I could go on and on."

The Art Center is always selling local art, but Saturday is special.

"The way we see it is, we take our gift shop, we double it, we feature local artists and we get people in to buy their stuff, connect with the artists and have a good time with some holiday snacks and beverages," Chambers said. "It's just a really cozy event."

It's also a great place to go after the Christmas parade on Main Street on Saturday.

"There's that human connection when you meet the artist and you buy something from them, because you love the work that they make, but also because you really connect with the artist, or the messages that they tell through their work," Chambers said. "They become family traditions. Maybe not every art piece does, but they are the prime opportunity for that connection with your loved ones as the generations grow up and belongings are passed down."

&nbsp;The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 405 North Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668786026003.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center will be featuring a wonderful selection of arts and crafts by local and national artists at its Holiday Open House on Saturday."We get artist vendors in our front gallery space," said Jace Chambers with the Art Center. "There's tables all set up with all their goodies, all their wares. There's jewelry, ceramics, cards, prints, paintings. I could go on and on."The Art Center is always selling local art, but Saturday is special."The way we see it is, we take our gift shop, we double it, we feature local artists and we get people in to buy their stuff, connect with the artists and have a good time with some holiday snacks and beverages," Chambers said. "It's just a really cozy event."It's also a great place to go after the Christmas parade on Main Street on Saturday."There's that human connection when you meet the artist and you buy something from them, because you love the work that they make, but also because you really connect with the artist, or the messages that they tell through their work," Chambers said. "They become family traditions. Maybe not every art piece does, but they are the prime opportunity for that connection with your loved ones as the generations grow up and belongings are passed down."&nbsp;The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 405 North Washington.

Holiday Open House is Saturday at Hutchinson Art Center

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County rose for the month of October.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county rose three tenths of one percent to 2.9%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2021 was 2.6%.

There were 855 county residents out of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2022%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.8% in October. This was an increase from 2.6% in September and a decrease from 2.9% in October 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County rose for the month of October.According to the Kansas Department of Labor, the jobless rate for the county rose three tenths of one percent to 2.9%. The jobless rate for the same period in 2021 was 2.6%.There were 855 county residents out of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&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 statewide&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Oct2022%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.8% in October. This was an increase from 2.6% in September and a decrease from 2.9% in October 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unemployment rises in October, still below 3%

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Erica Romero is the Family Support Specialist Liaison with Hutchinson USD 308. This is a pilot program designed to help kids before their family situations get bad enough to need DCF referral.

"There are those needs that are just financial or a tangible resource," Romero said. "Then there are also, the school might be seeing some behaviors that is needing a little bit more assistance with the family to work together. Maybe the family has reached out and asked for help with how they handle certain behaviors of their own, so that's when I step in and hopefully try to get the kid's needs met as best as possible, so that when they come to school, they are able to thrive and be in the class getting their education."

The need just seems to be greater as the school year goes along.

"I haven't really done a count for November," Romero said. "But, in October, I was at 56 kids. Then, for August and September together, it was 74. I didn't have them separated in my mind. I'm not sure. It was higher in September than August. That changes and that grows every day."

Romero said truancy issues and literally getting kids to school is one of the top issues for her, in addition to the financial needs some families have.

"I work with pre-K, so Early Head Start, Head Start, all the way through 12th grade," Romero said. "I would say it's more common right now for referrals to be at the elementary age, but we also know that they are with one teacher that whole day. That teacher is really seeing those patterns and behavior changes and they make a really strong bond with families. I do have the high schoolers and middle schoolers as well."

Early data from the Emporia school district seems to be encouraging in terms of reducing DCF referrals, so the hope is that after this year, the data will show that getting to kids early saves the state money and that the program can be expanded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Erica Romero is the Family Support Specialist Liaison with Hutchinson USD 308. This is a pilot program designed to help kids before their family situations get bad enough to need DCF referral."There are those needs that are just financial or a tangible resource," Romero said. "Then there are also, the school might be seeing some behaviors that is needing a little bit more assistance with the family to work together. Maybe the family has reached out and asked for help with how they handle certain behaviors of their own, so that's when I step in and hopefully try to get the kid's needs met as best as possible, so that when they come to school, they are able to thrive and be in the class getting their education."The need just seems to be greater as the school year goes along."I haven't really done a count for November," Romero said. "But, in October, I was at 56 kids. Then, for August and September together, it was 74. I didn't have them separated in my mind. I'm not sure. It was higher in September than August. That changes and that grows every day."Romero said truancy issues and literally getting kids to school is one of the top issues for her, in addition to the financial needs some families have."I work with pre-K, so Early Head Start, Head Start, all the way through 12th grade," Romero said. "I would say it's more common right now for referrals to be at the elementary age, but we also know that they are with one teacher that whole day. That teacher is really seeing those patterns and behavior changes and they make a really strong bond with families. I do have the high schoolers and middle schoolers as well."Early data from the Emporia school district seems to be encouraging in terms of reducing DCF referrals, so the hope is that after this year, the data will show that getting to kids early saves the state money and that the program can be expanded.

New position at USD 308 to help kids stay with their families

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local Hutchinson medical practices, Oz Chiropractic and Clothed in Compassion are partnering up for Sensory and Santa on Dec. 10.&nbsp;

For kids with disabilities accompanied with sensory issues, such as autism or social anxiety disorders, holiday activities, such as meeting Santa, can be a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Something that a lot of people tend to forget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’ll have Santa. It’ll be a nice sensory opportunity for our kiddos who might otherwise not be super excited about engaging with Santa and so it’ll be nice and quiet, in a calm environment, that’ll adjust one family at a time,” Clothed in Compassion’s Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, said. “We’ll also have ornament decorating, some snacks, and then some short activities they can do in the sensory gym to kind of experience what supports pediatric occupation therapy can offer families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Bartley explained that the places where one might normally see Santa Claus, such as malls or parades can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons, including loud sounds, bright lights, and places with a dense amount of people.&nbsp;

“So, our kiddos that have sensory processing disorders, tend to need less stimulus, less input, to help them process what’s really going on,” explained Dr. Bartley. “We want to make an environment where they feel safe and welcomed and comfortable, so we’re really going to be mindful about how many people are around when they’re engaging with Santa, we’re going to do our best to make sure it’s calm and inviting.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The way Dr. Bartley and Oz Chiropractic’s Dr. Leslie Osborn, approach includes using soft lights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sensory and Santa will also have a photographer present. Kids will able to take their pictures with Santa in a way that is comfortable to them, be it standing or sitting next to him, no physical contact necessary.&nbsp;

“We’re taking donations towards pictures with Santa,” Dr. Osborn, said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Comfort is a major emphasis in this inclusive measure to a holiday classic, ensuring every child has a chance to enjoy their meeting with Santa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The sensory idea is that when you’re overwhelmed you can’t do what you want to do,” Osborn said. “So, when you take that out of it, and you’re comfortable in your situation, then you can participate and interact better.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first Sensory and Santa took place in 2019, and was hosted by Dr. Osborn and another chiropractor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Then COVID hit and we had parents ask if we were going to do it again, but because of COVID we didn’t do it,” Dr. Osborn said. “This is our second time doing this, but since Dr. Bartley is here, we’re co-hosting it this year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Clothed in Compassion opened on Oct. 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have open spaces, so if there are kiddos or families who would like to seek pediatric OT services outside of the schools, they are welcome to contact us,” Dr. Bartley said.&nbsp;“We’re here, we want to be here for the community, and we’re really excited to be able to partner with Oz Chiropractic. Not only in this way but just on a daily basis, using this space.” &nbsp;

Sensory and Santa will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. &nbsp;

More information about what Clothed in Compassion does can be found at their <a href="https://clothedincompassion.org/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClothedinCompassionHutch" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, can be reached at <a href="mailto:clothedincompassionoffice@gmail.com" target="_blank">clothedincompassionoffice@gmail.com</a> or&nbsp;(620) 741-6677. &nbsp;

More information about Oz Chiropractic can be found at their <a href="https://ozchiroinhutch.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OzChiropractic" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Dr. Leslie Osborn can be reached at <a href="mailto:ozchiroinhutch@gmail.com" target="_blank">ozchiroinhutch@gmail.com</a> or&nbsp;(620) 665-5100. &nbsp;

Both offices are located at 1529 E. 30th Ave. &nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668740731514.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Local Hutchinson medical practices, Oz Chiropractic and Clothed in Compassion are partnering up for Sensory and Santa on Dec. 10.&nbsp;For kids with disabilities accompanied with sensory issues, such as autism or social anxiety disorders, holiday activities, such as meeting Santa, can be a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Something that a lot of people tend to forget.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’ll have Santa. It’ll be a nice sensory opportunity for our kiddos who might otherwise not be super excited about engaging with Santa and so it’ll be nice and quiet, in a calm environment, that’ll adjust one family at a time,” Clothed in Compassion’s Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, said. “We’ll also have ornament decorating, some snacks, and then some short activities they can do in the sensory gym to kind of experience what supports pediatric occupation therapy can offer families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Bartley explained that the places where one might normally see Santa Claus, such as malls or parades can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons, including loud sounds, bright lights, and places with a dense amount of people.&nbsp;“So, our kiddos that have sensory processing disorders, tend to need less stimulus, less input, to help them process what’s really going on,” explained Dr. Bartley. “We want to make an environment where they feel safe and welcomed and comfortable, so we’re really going to be mindful about how many people are around when they’re engaging with Santa, we’re going to do our best to make sure it’s calm and inviting.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The way Dr. Bartley and Oz Chiropractic’s Dr. Leslie Osborn, approach includes using soft lights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sensory and Santa will also have a photographer present. Kids will able to take their pictures with Santa in a way that is comfortable to them, be it standing or sitting next to him, no physical contact necessary.&nbsp;“We’re taking donations towards pictures with Santa,” Dr. Osborn, said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Comfort is a major emphasis in this inclusive measure to a holiday classic, ensuring every child has a chance to enjoy their meeting with Santa.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The sensory idea is that when you’re overwhelmed you can’t do what you want to do,” Osborn said. “So, when you take that out of it, and you’re comfortable in your situation, then you can participate and interact better.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The first Sensory and Santa took place in 2019, and was hosted by Dr. Osborn and another chiropractor.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Then COVID hit and we had parents ask if we were going to do it again, but because of COVID we didn’t do it,” Dr. Osborn said. “This is our second time doing this, but since Dr. Bartley is here, we’re co-hosting it this year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Clothed in Compassion opened on Oct. 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have open spaces, so if there are kiddos or families who would like to seek pediatric OT services outside of the schools, they are welcome to contact us,” Dr. Bartley said.&nbsp;“We’re here, we want to be here for the community, and we’re really excited to be able to partner with Oz Chiropractic. Not only in this way but just on a daily basis, using this space.” &nbsp;Sensory and Santa will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. &nbsp;More information about what Clothed in Compassion does can be found at their <a href="https://clothedincompassion.org/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClothedinCompassionHutch" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, can be reached at <a href="mailto:clothedincompassionoffice@gmail.com" target="_blank">clothedincompassionoffice@gmail.com</a> or&nbsp;(620) 741-6677. &nbsp;More information about Oz Chiropractic can be found at their <a href="https://ozchiroinhutch.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OzChiropractic" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Dr. Leslie Osborn can be reached at <a href="mailto:ozchiroinhutch@gmail.com" target="_blank">ozchiroinhutch@gmail.com</a> or&nbsp;(620) 665-5100. &nbsp;Both offices are located at 1529 E. 30th Ave. &nbsp;

Medical practices partner for holiday fun

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month, Faris Elementary 2nd grade teacher Kristen Christner, she's trying to help get kids who haven't had a normal school year yet to grow into what they need to be later in elementary and catch up for some of the learning loss from the last couple of years.

"They are needing some extra help with their reasoning skills and higher level thinking," Christner said. "A lot of them have that base knowledge of being able to add and subtract within 100 and read short passages, but being able to go deeper with their knowledge and being able to apply it into everyday life."

Second grade is a pivotal year for kids in their learning journey.

"Kindergarten through second grade is learning to read," Christner said. "After second grade, it's reading to learn. We're really making sure that we have those reading skills and that they can be proficient readers. We are also doing a lot with addition and subtraction fluency and having some basic number sense and math skills. That way, they are ready to apply it in harder work, starting in 3rd grade."

Christner wants her classroom to be the place kids want to be.

"I would say, just being able to love on these kids and provide a safe and fun loving environment for them," Christner said. "Academics is important and I want my kids to be able to learn how to read and I want them to be proficient in academics, but my main focus is being able to meet their emotional needs and provide a safe and fun environment for them to be at. I grew up in kind of a rough home life and I know some of these kids do also, and school was my safe place as a kid. I want to be able to provide that for my students, of them just feeling so safe and so loved here at school, so that they can thrive as a whole child, not just as a student."

Christner acknowledges that it will continue to be an effort to know where the holes in learning are for each child until we have enough normal years in a row to have kids get back into a routine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668782810784.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month, Faris Elementary 2nd grade teacher Kristen Christner, she's trying to help get kids who haven't had a normal school year yet to grow into what they need to be later in elementary and catch up for some of the learning loss from the last couple of years."They are needing some extra help with their reasoning skills and higher level thinking," Christner said. "A lot of them have that base knowledge of being able to add and subtract within 100 and read short passages, but being able to go deeper with their knowledge and being able to apply it into everyday life."Second grade is a pivotal year for kids in their learning journey."Kindergarten through second grade is learning to read," Christner said. "After second grade, it's reading to learn. We're really making sure that we have those reading skills and that they can be proficient readers. We are also doing a lot with addition and subtraction fluency and having some basic number sense and math skills. That way, they are ready to apply it in harder work, starting in 3rd grade."Christner wants her classroom to be the place kids want to be."I would say, just being able to love on these kids and provide a safe and fun loving environment for them," Christner said. "Academics is important and I want my kids to be able to learn how to read and I want them to be proficient in academics, but my main focus is being able to meet their emotional needs and provide a safe and fun environment for them to be at. I grew up in kind of a rough home life and I know some of these kids do also, and school was my safe place as a kid. I want to be able to provide that for my students, of them just feeling so safe and so loved here at school, so that they can thrive as a whole child, not just as a student."Christner acknowledges that it will continue to be an effort to know where the holes in learning are for each child until we have enough normal years in a row to have kids get back into a routine.

Teacher of the Month: Christner's main focus is meeting emotional needs

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; People are invited to pursue their holiday shopping at the TECH Art Gallery’s&nbsp;Holiday Open House on Dec. 3 in Hutchinson. &nbsp;

“This is an event where we unveil our TECH Christmas original artwork for the first time,” Lacey Mills, TECH Director of Marketing and Foundation Development, said. “We’ve kind of started leaking out some glimpses of what that is, but we don’t put it for sale until that first Saturday, and you can purchase it&nbsp;at the art gallery open house.”  &nbsp;

 The Holiday Open House will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp;Refreshments will be included. &nbsp;

“We also have an appearance from the “big man” himself," Mills said. "Santa Claus, I understand is going to be joining us for a little bit, I think from ten to noon."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Attendees will be able to meet the TECH Art Gallery artists. &nbsp;Several pieces of new original artwork will be for sale at the TECH Art Gallery Holiday Open House. &nbsp;

“If you haven’t done holiday shopping or you&nbsp;just are looking for something that’s unique and represents Hutch, you know if you’re looking for a unique gift to give to somebody that represents our community, it’s a great place to stop in and support the people that we serve,” Mills said. &nbsp;

Some of the new originals are already hanging at the TECH Art Gallery, located at 10 E. 1st Ave. &nbsp;

People unable to make it but still wish to support local artists, can visit the <a href="https://techinc.org/techartgallery" target="_blank">TECH Art Gallery</a> page on the <a href="https://techinc.org/" target="_blank">TECH website</a> to purchase art pieces. &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/2022/11/1668707211044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; People are invited to pursue their holiday shopping at the TECH Art Gallery’s&nbsp;Holiday Open House on Dec. 3 in Hutchinson. &nbsp;“This is an event where we unveil our TECH Christmas original artwork for the first time,” Lacey Mills, TECH Director of Marketing and Foundation Development, said. “We’ve kind of started leaking out some glimpses of what that is, but we don’t put it for sale until that first Saturday, and you can purchase it&nbsp;at the art gallery open house.” &nbsp; The Holiday Open House will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.&nbsp;Refreshments will be included. &nbsp;“We also have an appearance from the “big man” himself," Mills said. "Santa Claus, I understand is going to be joining us for a little bit, I think from ten to noon."&nbsp; &nbsp;Attendees will be able to meet the TECH Art Gallery artists. &nbsp;Several pieces of new original artwork will be for sale at the TECH Art Gallery Holiday Open House. &nbsp;“If you haven’t done holiday shopping or you&nbsp;just are looking for something that’s unique and represents Hutch, you know if you’re looking for a unique gift to give to somebody that represents our community, it’s a great place to stop in and support the people that we serve,” Mills said. &nbsp;Some of the new originals are already hanging at the TECH Art Gallery, located at 10 E. 1st Ave. &nbsp;People unable to make it but still wish to support local artists, can visit the <a href="https://techinc.org/techartgallery" target="_blank">TECH Art Gallery</a> page on the <a href="https://techinc.org/" target="_blank">TECH website</a> to purchase art pieces. &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;

TECH Art Gallery Holiday Art Show opens Dec. 3

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 brought 20 community leaders into its buildings on Thursday for its second annual Educator for a Day event in celebration of American Education Week.

"This is more than a tour," said USD 308 spokesperson Marissa Meis. "That's something that we really wanted to get across this year. School tours are something that happen all the time. You walk through, you see some classrooms, you see the buildings, kind of the technical things, but we wanted to show the real, adaptive challenges that happen inside our school buildings."

The purpose of the experience is they provide an opportunity to highlight the challenges and rewards of education and show how USD 308 is investing in their staff, students and families. &nbsp;

"Community members might read to a classroom, or might participate in a science experiment," Meis said. "They might do an art project with classes. They might be in a PE class. Those are the really exciting things."

This year’s Educator for a Day participants are:&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668705050718.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 brought 20 community leaders into its buildings on Thursday for its second annual Educator for a Day event in celebration of American Education Week."This is more than a tour," said USD 308 spokesperson Marissa Meis. "That's something that we really wanted to get across this year. School tours are something that happen all the time. You walk through, you see some classrooms, you see the buildings, kind of the technical things, but we wanted to show the real, adaptive challenges that happen inside our school buildings."The purpose of the experience is they provide an opportunity to highlight the challenges and rewards of education and show how USD 308 is investing in their staff, students and families. &nbsp;"Community members might read to a classroom, or might participate in a science experiment," Meis said. "They might do an art project with classes. They might be in a PE class. Those are the really exciting things."This year’s Educator for a Day participants are:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Kendra Fesler – HutchRec&nbsp;</li><li>Michelle Patton – Hutchinson Police Department&nbsp;</li><li>Cheryl Gonsalves – Hutchinson Clinic&nbsp;</li><li>Elicia Lance – Boys &amp; Girls Club of Hutchinson&nbsp;</li><li>Starla Wells – United Way of Reno County&nbsp;</li><li>Tonya Culp – Reno County Health Department&nbsp;</li><li>Jacelyn Chambers – Hutchinson Art Association, Inc.&nbsp;</li><li>Sarah Blake – Hutchinson Community Foundation&nbsp;</li><li>Randy Partington – Reno County Local Government&nbsp;</li><li>Nicolas Atanasio – Cosmosphere&nbsp;</li><li>Stefan Carlin - Cosmosphere&nbsp;</li><li>Cheryl Thompson – USD 308 Board of Education&nbsp;</li><li>Kail Denison – USD 308 Board of Education&nbsp;</li><li>Melissa McElheny – Reno County Emergency Communications&nbsp;</li><li>Nathan Towle – Hutchinson Public Library&nbsp;</li><li>Ashleigh Harris – Credit Union of America&nbsp;</li><li>Courtney Thompson – Keller Williams Hometown Partners&nbsp;</li><li>David Foster – Hutchinson YMCA&nbsp;</li><li>Darrin Regier – Hutchinson YMCA&nbsp;</li><li>Shane DeWeese – Hutchinson YMCA&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>

Educator for a Day going on Thursday in USD 308

Release from Kansas Farm Service Agency

Kansas Farm Service Agency announced Thursday Gwen Brown as a recipient of the Farm Service Agency Lifetime Achievement Award. This national level award recognizes individuals who have more than 30 years of service in FSA and have demonstrated and contributed to the improvement of the quality and service of FSA.

Gwen Brown is the epitome of the dedicated and diligent FSA County Employee. She started her career with the agency in Reno County, Kansas January 1987. Throughout the last thirty-six years, Gwen has been critical to the daily operations in the office. She is a staple in the lives of the farmers and ranchers of Reno County. She has been there from the first day many producers became a part of the agriculture community. She’s been there when they introduced their children to the world, and now she’s helping their grandchildren.

She is the genealogy tree of Reno County. Off the top of her head, Gwen can tell you with just a producer’s name, who they are married to, and their children’s name, spouse, and grandchildren. Her institutional knowledge of how a program started, what it has grown into and how even the technology of the agency has changed is irreplaceable. For her office she is the lead program technician for all reconstitutions and farm changes. So not only does she know our clients on a personal level, but she has watched the agricultural community in Reno County ebb and flow from family to family. She has made every change along the way.

Gwen has outlasted seven administrations, six farm bills, and multiple life changing events; the birth of her children, the Challenger exploding, the Oklahoma City Bombing and September 11th. Through every life changing, world tilting event, she remained a constant in her part of the world. Never wavering, always helpful, unfazed by the markets or mother nature, she was always there for the farmers and ranchers of Reno County. When her own world was shifting under her feet, threatening her health and existence, coming back to work was a focus of her rehabilitation. Even now, she puts the producer first. The day she decides to leave us, is a day that a legend will leave, and many will shed a tear because of the friendships she has built, the community she has aided, and the impression she has left on so many hearts and lives.

Without her dedicating her life to this agency and our producers her county office office would not be what it is today. She has set the standard of excellence for all of us who have come after her. She guides us through the daily struggles of handbook clarification. She is the person to provide guidance when we don’t know where to go in a unique or unknown situation because she has seen it and dealt with it before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596807915701.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Kansas Farm Service AgencyKansas Farm Service Agency announced Thursday Gwen Brown as a recipient of the Farm Service Agency Lifetime Achievement Award. This national level award recognizes individuals who have more than 30 years of service in FSA and have demonstrated and contributed to the improvement of the quality and service of FSA.Gwen Brown is the epitome of the dedicated and diligent FSA County Employee. She started her career with the agency in Reno County, Kansas January 1987. Throughout the last thirty-six years, Gwen has been critical to the daily operations in the office. She is a staple in the lives of the farmers and ranchers of Reno County. She has been there from the first day many producers became a part of the agriculture community. She’s been there when they introduced their children to the world, and now she’s helping their grandchildren.She is the genealogy tree of Reno County. Off the top of her head, Gwen can tell you with just a producer’s name, who they are married to, and their children’s name, spouse, and grandchildren. Her institutional knowledge of how a program started, what it has grown into and how even the technology of the agency has changed is irreplaceable. For her office she is the lead program technician for all reconstitutions and farm changes. So not only does she know our clients on a personal level, but she has watched the agricultural community in Reno County ebb and flow from family to family. She has made every change along the way.Gwen has outlasted seven administrations, six farm bills, and multiple life changing events; the birth of her children, the Challenger exploding, the Oklahoma City Bombing and September 11th. Through every life changing, world tilting event, she remained a constant in her part of the world. Never wavering, always helpful, unfazed by the markets or mother nature, she was always there for the farmers and ranchers of Reno County. When her own world was shifting under her feet, threatening her health and existence, coming back to work was a focus of her rehabilitation. Even now, she puts the producer first. The day she decides to leave us, is a day that a legend will leave, and many will shed a tear because of the friendships she has built, the community she has aided, and the impression she has left on so many hearts and lives.Without her dedicating her life to this agency and our producers her county office office would not be what it is today. She has set the standard of excellence for all of us who have come after her. She guides us through the daily struggles of handbook clarification. She is the person to provide guidance when we don’t know where to go in a unique or unknown situation because she has seen it and dealt with it before.

Brown receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Farm Service Agency

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kroger Co. announced on Thursday it will host its third quarter 2022 earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Kroger's management team will comment on financial and operational results for the third quarter 2022.

The parent company of Dillons had a strong second quarter.

&nbsp; Second Quarter Highlights &nbsp; &nbsp;• Identical Sales without fuel&nbsp;increased 5.8% &nbsp; &nbsp;• Operating Profit of $954 million; Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $1,110 million &nbsp; &nbsp;• EPS&nbsp;of $1.00; Adjusted EPS of $0.90 &nbsp; &nbsp;• Company is executing its go-to-market strategy to deliver value for customers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ° Our Brands&nbsp;identical sales increased 10.2% &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; °&nbsp;Digital sales grew 8% &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; °&nbsp;Accelerated our Fresh Produce Initiative with 864 stores now certified, driving higher identical sales&nbsp;&nbsp;

Total company sales were $34.6 billion in the second quarter, compared to $31.7 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel, sales increased 5.2% compared to the same period last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668699088726.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kroger Co. announced on Thursday it will host its third quarter 2022 earnings conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Kroger's management team will comment on financial and operational results for the third quarter 2022.The parent company of Dillons had a strong second quarter.&nbsp; Second Quarter Highlights &nbsp; &nbsp;• Identical Sales without fuel&nbsp;increased 5.8% &nbsp; &nbsp;• Operating Profit of $954 million; Adjusted FIFO Operating Profit of $1,110 million &nbsp; &nbsp;• EPS&nbsp;of $1.00; Adjusted EPS of $0.90 &nbsp; &nbsp;• Company is executing its go-to-market strategy to deliver value for customers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ° Our Brands&nbsp;identical sales increased 10.2% &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; °&nbsp;Digital sales grew 8% &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; °&nbsp;Accelerated our Fresh Produce Initiative with 864 stores now certified, driving higher identical sales&nbsp;&nbsp;Total company sales were $34.6 billion in the second quarter, compared to $31.7 billion for the same period last year. Excluding fuel, sales increased 5.2% compared to the same period last year.<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;

Kroger to issue 3Q information Dec. 1

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following numerous vandalism reports in the city's parks, cameras will be installed in the areas where infrastructure is close enough to allow for it, starting with Orchard Park.

Todd Davis. Director Of Information Technologies presented to the council at their meeting Tuesday.

"We're looking at like a multiple camera approach," said Davis. "Cameras need power all the time. We'll be able to refocus depending on any kind of a trouble spot later. We'll be able to see this incoming road, see people as they are leaving this section, be able to determine, if there was damage, what kind of a vehicle that was. We'll be able to keep kind of eyes on the playground area and also the restroom area."

Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho expressed some misgivings about the idea of the cameras being on during the day when children would be there to play, but understood that vandalism happens all the time.

"If I was here in the park and I was watching my children play, I'd actually feel safer," Davis said. "I would know that somebody's watching, so if I turn my head and my child disappears, I can see what happened."

The money for the cameras has been retained in Davis' existing budget, so it's not an additional expense for the city. In the photo with this story, the red camera is higher resolution and can move to any of the points of view within its triangles. The yellow cameras are wider and lower resolution shots. Also, wifi available to the public will be installed, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668698585369.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Following numerous vandalism reports in the city's parks, cameras will be installed in the areas where infrastructure is close enough to allow for it, starting with Orchard Park.Todd Davis. Director Of Information Technologies presented to the council at their meeting Tuesday."We're looking at like a multiple camera approach," said Davis. "Cameras need power all the time. We'll be able to refocus depending on any kind of a trouble spot later. We'll be able to see this incoming road, see people as they are leaving this section, be able to determine, if there was damage, what kind of a vehicle that was. We'll be able to keep kind of eyes on the playground area and also the restroom area."Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho expressed some misgivings about the idea of the cameras being on during the day when children would be there to play, but understood that vandalism happens all the time."If I was here in the park and I was watching my children play, I'd actually feel safer," Davis said. "I would know that somebody's watching, so if I turn my head and my child disappears, I can see what happened."The money for the cameras has been retained in Davis' existing budget, so it's not an additional expense for the city. In the photo with this story, the red camera is higher resolution and can move to any of the points of view within its triangles. The yellow cameras are wider and lower resolution shots. Also, wifi available to the public will be installed, as well.<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;

City of Hutchinson to install park surveillance cameras

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council continues to block the construction of a new cell tower at Crupper's Corner.

"The judge's court order basically said the city could not disapprove the application based off the setback requirements," said South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner. "We respectfully disagree, but our city attorney told us that we can't, unless we're going to appeal that one to a higher level of court, we had to take either action to approve the application or to reject it on new grounds, on different grounds. The council opted to reject the application on the grounds of aesthetics to send it back to the judge."

This would be a second tower on the property. One is already there that is owned by&nbsp; SBA Towers V, LLC, but AT&amp;T wants a new tower built by&nbsp; Harmoni Towers. 

Reno County Judge Keith Schroeder ruled on November 1 that&nbsp;the City of South Hutchinson had not consistently applied the setback requirements to previous applicants and further argued that the requirements in this instance were “unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious” because the proposed collapsible design of the tower would not negatively impact the health and safety of the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657229191715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council continues to block the construction of a new cell tower at Crupper's Corner."The judge's court order basically said the city could not disapprove the application based off the setback requirements," said South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner. "We respectfully disagree, but our city attorney told us that we can't, unless we're going to appeal that one to a higher level of court, we had to take either action to approve the application or to reject it on new grounds, on different grounds. The council opted to reject the application on the grounds of aesthetics to send it back to the judge."This would be a second tower on the property. One is already there that is owned by&nbsp; SBA Towers V, LLC, but AT&amp;T wants a new tower built by&nbsp; Harmoni Towers. Reno County Judge Keith Schroeder ruled on November 1 that&nbsp;the City of South Hutchinson had not consistently applied the setback requirements to previous applicants and further argued that the requirements in this instance were “unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious” because the proposed collapsible design of the tower would not negatively impact the health and safety of the 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;&nbsp;

South Hutch City Council rejects cell tower for new reasons

While triple-digit yields may have seemed impossible during this year’s drought, Kansas wheat producers exemplified how the right combination of genetics, management and luck pay off with the winning entries in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. National and state winners were recently released by the National Wheat Foundation, which has organized the competition for the past seven years.

“The National Wheat Yield Contest offers producers a chance to learn from counterparts from across the country how to maximize their management to improve yields and quality,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “Kansas wheat producers continually demonstrate they are up to the challenge by adopting new practices that utilize the full potential of top-of-the-line wheat genetics.”

The national contest was split into winter wheat and spring wheat and then divided into dryland and irrigated production. Contestants had to prove their wheat would grade at levels 1 or 2 to compete.

In the dryland winter wheat category, Brett Oelke from Hoxie took the top Kansas spot with an entry of WestBred Grainfield that yielded 106.34 bushels per acre. The entry also earned Oelke fifth place nationally for percentage increase over the county average.

As one of the 24 national winners, Oelke is shipping in a grain sample that will be analyzed for additional quality parameters. If the winning samples meet all the specified “customer-desired” quality targets, producers will receive a $500 award. In addition, national winners receive a trip to the Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida, in March 2023 and will be recognized at the National Wheat Foundation’s Winner’s Reception.

Hays producers John and Matt Grabbe took second and third place in Kansas with entries of WestBred WB4422 which yielded 103.24 bushels per acre, and WestBred WB4792 which yielded 97.88 bushels per acre, respectively.

In the irrigated winter wheat category, David Leonard from Goodland placed first in the state with an entry of PlainsGold Langin that yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Matt Brack from Hutchinson earned second with an entry of WestBred WB4401 that yielded 103.44 bushels per acre.

“We know that genetics, environment and management all need to be just right for wheat to thrive, and we are proud to see so many wheat growers continue to reach for higher and better yields, while also growing wheat that customers desire,” said Joe Kejr, National Wheat Foundation Chair and Kansas producer, in a national release.

The 2022 sponsors for the National Wheat Yield Contest included WestBred, John Deere, BASF, The McGregor Company, U.S. Wheat Associates, AgriMaXX, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, CoAxium, UPL, Ardent Mills, PlainsGold, Mennel, Dyna-Gro, Ohio Corn and Wheat, Croplan, Miller Milling, GrainCraft, Michigan Wheat, GrainSense, Elevate Ag, FarmLogs, Grow Pro

Genetics, Northern Crops Institute, and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator. The official publication of the contest is DTN/Progressive Farmer.

Follow Kansas Wheat in the coming weeks to learn more about the Kansas winners and their tips and tricks for success this year. Learn more about the National Wheat Yield Contest at&nbsp;<a href="http://yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org/</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Release from Kansas WheatWhile triple-digit yields may have seemed impossible during this year’s drought, Kansas wheat producers exemplified how the right combination of genetics, management and luck pay off with the winning entries in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. National and state winners were recently released by the National Wheat Foundation, which has organized the competition for the past seven years.“The National Wheat Yield Contest offers producers a chance to learn from counterparts from across the country how to maximize their management to improve yields and quality,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. “Kansas wheat producers continually demonstrate they are up to the challenge by adopting new practices that utilize the full potential of top-of-the-line wheat genetics.”The national contest was split into winter wheat and spring wheat and then divided into dryland and irrigated production. Contestants had to prove their wheat would grade at levels 1 or 2 to compete.In the dryland winter wheat category, Brett Oelke from Hoxie took the top Kansas spot with an entry of WestBred Grainfield that yielded 106.34 bushels per acre. The entry also earned Oelke fifth place nationally for percentage increase over the county average.As one of the 24 national winners, Oelke is shipping in a grain sample that will be analyzed for additional quality parameters. If the winning samples meet all the specified “customer-desired” quality targets, producers will receive a $500 award. In addition, national winners receive a trip to the Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida, in March 2023 and will be recognized at the National Wheat Foundation’s Winner’s Reception.Hays producers John and Matt Grabbe took second and third place in Kansas with entries of WestBred WB4422 which yielded 103.24 bushels per acre, and WestBred WB4792 which yielded 97.88 bushels per acre, respectively.In the irrigated winter wheat category, David Leonard from Goodland placed first in the state with an entry of PlainsGold Langin that yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Matt Brack from Hutchinson earned second with an entry of WestBred WB4401 that yielded 103.44 bushels per acre.“We know that genetics, environment and management all need to be just right for wheat to thrive, and we are proud to see so many wheat growers continue to reach for higher and better yields, while also growing wheat that customers desire,” said Joe Kejr, National Wheat Foundation Chair and Kansas producer, in a national release.The 2022 sponsors for the National Wheat Yield Contest included WestBred, John Deere, BASF, The McGregor Company, U.S. Wheat Associates, AgriMaXX, Limagrain Cereal Seeds, CoAxium, UPL, Ardent Mills, PlainsGold, Mennel, Dyna-Gro, Ohio Corn and Wheat, Croplan, Miller Milling, GrainCraft, Michigan Wheat, GrainSense, Elevate Ag, FarmLogs, Grow ProGenetics, Northern Crops Institute, and the North Dakota Mill and Elevator. The official publication of the contest is DTN/Progressive Farmer.Follow Kansas Wheat in the coming weeks to learn more about the Kansas winners and their tips and tricks for success this year. Learn more about the National Wheat Yield Contest at&nbsp;<a href="http://yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org/" target="_blank">http://yieldcontest.wheatfoundation.org/</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hutchinson farmer among winners in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff is at noon Thursday&nbsp;in front of the Sleep Shoppe on Main Street. 

Kevin from the Sleep Shoppe and Mark from Toy Depot will be there to help get the season started. The Salvation Army will be sharing some fun opportunities for Chiefs gear and the opportunity to win a pair of New Year's tickets for the Chiefs vs. Broncos game on New Year's Day in Kansas City.

Then, Thursday night at Third Thursday, The Salvation Army will be warming things up with Hot Chocolate, Hot Coffee and Cookies. At the Grasshopper Park located at Ave A and Main, they will we giving out warm drinks and cookies, and there will be a large brass band playing your favorite Christmas Carols. Come enjoy the treats and get into the holiday cheer with wonderful music from musicians around the community and The Salvation Army brass band.

Also, you'll get to see one of the world's largest kettle stands and kettles.

The Salvation Army transported one of three triplets that are displayed in the KC Plaza area for Thursday night's event. Mark Buckley from Toy Depot has been very generous with replacing the 3500 lights. Wray and Sons Roofing also helped the Salvation Army to set it up for Thursday.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff is at noon Thursday&nbsp;in front of the Sleep Shoppe on Main Street. Kevin from the Sleep Shoppe and Mark from Toy Depot will be there to help get the season started. The Salvation Army will be sharing some fun opportunities for Chiefs gear and the opportunity to win a pair of New Year's tickets for the Chiefs vs. Broncos game on New Year's Day in Kansas City.Then, Thursday night at Third Thursday, The Salvation Army will be warming things up with Hot Chocolate, Hot Coffee and Cookies. At the Grasshopper Park located at Ave A and Main, they will we giving out warm drinks and cookies, and there will be a large brass band playing your favorite Christmas Carols. Come enjoy the treats and get into the holiday cheer with wonderful music from musicians around the community and The Salvation Army brass band. Also, you'll get to see one of the world's largest kettle stands and kettles.The Salvation Army transported one of three triplets that are displayed in the KC Plaza area for Thursday night's event. Mark Buckley from Toy Depot has been very generous with replacing the 3500 lights. Wray and Sons Roofing also helped the Salvation Army to set it up for Thursday.&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;

Kettle Kickoff, one of world's largest kettles in Hutch Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a fire in a home that was being remodeled on Wednesday afternoon.

The department was called at 4:39 p.m. Wednesday to 409 West 6th, where they found a&nbsp;single-story home with heavy fire showing from the side of the home along with fire coming from the roof area. 

Fire crews first went defensive to knock the main fire down on the exterior before transitioning to an interior fire attack. 

HFD remained on scene for some time overhauling the structure ensuring that the fire was under control. No injuries were noted. 

The fire remains under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Marshal.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a fire in a home that was being remodeled on Wednesday afternoon.The department was called at 4:39 p.m. Wednesday to 409 West 6th, where they found a&nbsp;single-story home with heavy fire showing from the side of the home along with fire coming from the roof area. Fire crews first went defensive to knock the main fire down on the exterior before transitioning to an interior fire attack. HFD remained on scene for some time overhauling the structure ensuring that the fire was under control. No injuries were noted. The fire remains under investigation by the Hutchinson Fire Marshal.<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;

Firefighters put out fire in home being remodeled Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Boys and Girls Clubs are offering a vacation raffle that you can enter for your chance to win a trip to Mexico for 7 nights for two.

Tickets are $50 each and are available from November 1st through December 7th. There is no limit to how many you can buy. 

The Club will announce the winner at the Youth of the Year Banquet on December 8th!

Enjoy your choice of a resort in Mexico with a 7-night stay in a Grand Mayan Master Room.

The locations are 4 Diamond Luxury and Ocean Front properties. The room accommodates 2 adults and 2 children (12 years and under). The winner will have 12 months to book, and 18 months to travel with no blackout dates (subject to availability).

Potential destinations include Cabo San Lucas, Nuevo Vallarta, Acapulco, or Riviera Maya/Cancun. Nuevo Vallarta and Cancun-Riviera Maya locations include one-way airport-to-hotel shuttle transportation. 

Resorts, though they are not all-inclusive, have activities, entertainment, shopping, and many restaurants and bars available making it easy to never leave the property. 

Vidanta is a members only&nbsp;resort, not available to the general public. The winner of the raffle may be invited to tour the property for membership but may decline the offer as it's not a contingency of the package.

Go online to purchase tickets <a href="https://www.classy.org/event/7-nights-in-mexico-raffle/e435951">here</a>.

All proceeds will go to support programs at the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584740557772.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Boys and Girls Clubs are offering a vacation raffle that you can enter for your chance to win a trip to Mexico for 7 nights for two.Tickets are $50 each and are available from November 1st through December 7th. There is no limit to how many you can buy. The Club will announce the winner at the Youth of the Year Banquet on December 8th!Enjoy your choice of a resort in Mexico with a 7-night stay in a Grand Mayan Master Room.The locations are 4 Diamond Luxury and Ocean Front properties. The room accommodates 2 adults and 2 children (12 years and under). The winner will have 12 months to book, and 18 months to travel with no blackout dates (subject to availability).Potential destinations include Cabo San Lucas, Nuevo Vallarta, Acapulco, or Riviera Maya/Cancun. Nuevo Vallarta and Cancun-Riviera Maya locations include one-way airport-to-hotel shuttle transportation. Resorts, though they are not all-inclusive, have activities, entertainment, shopping, and many restaurants and bars available making it easy to never leave the property. Vidanta is a members only&nbsp;resort, not available to the general public. The winner of the raffle may be invited to tour the property for membership but may decline the offer as it's not a contingency of the package.Airfare is not included.Go online to purchase tickets <a href="https://www.classy.org/event/7-nights-in-mexico-raffle/e435951">here</a>.All proceeds will go to support programs at the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson.<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;

Raffle for Mexican vacation to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Monday, November 28th, PrairieStar’s new Pediatrics Clinic will open to both new and existing Pediatric patients. 

The clinic includes an expanded area with exam rooms, a laboratory, a vaccine room, and a procedure room that will be used for both medical procedures and integrated dental care. It also enables PrairieStar to have a space that can withstand nature’s worst in Reno County.

“We are excited to be able to offer families with young children and teenagers a state-of-the-art facility for their pediatric needs,” said Bryant Anderson, Chief Executive Officer. “This facility enables us to increase the number of pediatric patients we are able to serve, and adds several benefits to our facility in times of severe weather.”

The $2.1 million dollar project was funded through a $1 million dollar Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) competitive grant and by PrairieStar. Health Resources and Services Administration funds were made available through the Capital Assistance for Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts(CADRE) program, which was created by HRSA for facilities that lie in areas readily impacted by natural disasters that occurred during the 2019 calendar year. 

While tornadoes are the primary disaster that is considered in the Midwest, it was actually area wildfires that made PrairieStar eligible for the grant funds.

“This new expansion allows for PrairieStar to maintain operations in the event of a natural disaster while maintaining the excellent standard of care that our community is accustomed to receiving,” said Mona Broomfield, Chief Quality Officer.

The space is outfitted with an independent electrical system, plumbing, internet service, data servers, and concrete walls that will withstand an EF5 tornado. In the event of a natural disaster that would incapacitate or destroy the PrairieStar facility, the CADRE build enables PrairieStar to continue operations on an emergency basis within the 12-inch-thick walls of the new facility.

"Our new Pediatrics Clinic is just one more way that we are making sure our community has access to award winning healthcare when they need us most,” said Anderson.

PrairieStar provides care to both the insured and uninsured regardless of their ability to pay. PrairieStar Health Center has received 44 national quality awards from HRSA since 2015 for being a national quality leader in providing outstanding family medicine, pediatric care, increasing access, use of technology in a healthcare setting, and more. To learn more about PrairieStar visit <a href="https://www.pshcks.org/">pshcks.org</a>. To learn more about the CADRE grant, visit <a href="https://bit.ly/cadre-hrsa-pshc">https://bit.ly/cadre-hrsa-pshc</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668631408052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Monday, November 28th, PrairieStar’s new Pediatrics Clinic will open to both new and existing Pediatric patients. The clinic includes an expanded area with exam rooms, a laboratory, a vaccine room, and a procedure room that will be used for both medical procedures and integrated dental care. It also enables PrairieStar to have a space that can withstand nature’s worst in Reno County.“We are excited to be able to offer families with young children and teenagers a state-of-the-art facility for their pediatric needs,” said Bryant Anderson, Chief Executive Officer. “This facility enables us to increase the number of pediatric patients we are able to serve, and adds several benefits to our facility in times of severe weather.”The $2.1 million dollar project was funded through a $1 million dollar Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) competitive grant and by PrairieStar. Health Resources and Services Administration funds were made available through the Capital Assistance for Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts(CADRE) program, which was created by HRSA for facilities that lie in areas readily impacted by natural disasters that occurred during the 2019 calendar year. While tornadoes are the primary disaster that is considered in the Midwest, it was actually area wildfires that made PrairieStar eligible for the grant funds.“This new expansion allows for PrairieStar to maintain operations in the event of a natural disaster while maintaining the excellent standard of care that our community is accustomed to receiving,” said Mona Broomfield, Chief Quality Officer.The space is outfitted with an independent electrical system, plumbing, internet service, data servers, and concrete walls that will withstand an EF5 tornado. In the event of a natural disaster that would incapacitate or destroy the PrairieStar facility, the CADRE build enables PrairieStar to continue operations on an emergency basis within the 12-inch-thick walls of the new facility."Our new Pediatrics Clinic is just one more way that we are making sure our community has access to award winning healthcare when they need us most,” said Anderson.PrairieStar provides care to both the insured and uninsured regardless of their ability to pay. PrairieStar Health Center has received 44 national quality awards from HRSA since 2015 for being a national quality leader in providing outstanding family medicine, pediatric care, increasing access, use of technology in a healthcare setting, and more. To learn more about PrairieStar visit <a href="https://www.pshcks.org/">pshcks.org</a>. To learn more about the CADRE grant, visit <a href="https://bit.ly/cadre-hrsa-pshc">https://bit.ly/cadre-hrsa-pshc</a>.

New pediatrics clinic to open at PrairieStar Nov. 28

MCPHERSON, Kan. —McPherson residents should have a pamphlet related to future projects in USD 418 in their mailboxes this week. 

<figure>
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 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. —McPherson residents should have a pamphlet related to future projects in USD 418 in their mailboxes this week. Officials are asking residents to review the facilities challenges and the options proposed. Then, let the district know how best to future-proof USD 418 facilities by ﬁlling out a short survey. Patrons are asked to complete the survey by November 27, 2022. Please be detailed and specific in your feedback.If you did not receive a pamphlet and live in the USD 418 school district, you can either pick one up at Central Office at 514 N. Main in McPherson or review the information at <a href="https://www.418facilitiesplanning.com/?fbclid=IwAR3K0mRF3fudTdYr_jbReH7iBke72GgErxJNorOC96wuVu5gteINfPRhQiQ" target="_blank">https://www.418facilitiesplanning.com/</a>. Over the past ﬁve years, the USD 418 Board of Education has been evaluating the current buildings and looking at how facilities can help fuel student and community success for the next 50 years. Many buildings within the district, including the HVAC, electrical, and other systems within them, have exceeded their life expectancy.&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;