HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Wichita woman is jailed in Reno County on potential drug and traffic charges.

Hutchinson police arrested 30-year-old Nichole Chaffin around 12:30 Tuesday morning. According to law enforcement, a car Chaffin was in was stopped for a traffic violation near 4th and Plum. As Chaffin was asked to get out of the vehicle, she jumped into the driver's seat and took off at a high rate of speed. The chase ended when Chaffin struck four parked vehicles in the 600 block of North Pershing. She was taken to the hospital, then to the Reno County Correctional Facility.

Chaffin faces possible charges of felony flee and elude, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, DUI and driving while suspended.

Chaffin is also wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of Meade County. Her bond has been set at $19,500.

<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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662492084034.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Wichita woman is jailed in Reno County on potential drug and traffic charges.Hutchinson police arrested 30-year-old Nichole Chaffin around 12:30 Tuesday morning. According to law enforcement, a car Chaffin was in was stopped for a traffic violation near 4th and Plum. As Chaffin was asked to get out of the vehicle, she jumped into the driver's seat and took off at a high rate of speed. The chase ended when Chaffin struck four parked vehicles in the 600 block of North Pershing. She was taken to the hospital, then to the Reno County Correctional Facility.Chaffin faces possible charges of felony flee and elude, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, DUI and driving while suspended.Chaffin is also wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of Meade County. Her bond has been set at $19,500.<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.

Wichita woman arrested after chase


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Attorney General’s office will provide Kansans with consumer protection and public safety information at the Kansas State Fair, which opens Friday.

The booth will be in the Meadowlark Building on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Staff from the attorney general’s office will be available throughout the fair to answer questions.

The Kansas State Fair opens Friday, September 9, and runs through Sunday, September 18. 

More information is available at the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas Attorney General’s office will provide Kansans with consumer protection and public safety information at the Kansas State Fair, which opens Friday.The booth will be in the Meadowlark Building on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Staff from the attorney general’s office will be available throughout the fair to answer questions.The Kansas State Fair opens Friday, September 9, and runs through Sunday, September 18. More information is available at the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

AG's office to hold regular State Fair booth for consumer questions


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearings for the City of Hutchinson were held Tuesday.

City Manager Gary Meagher met with department heads earlier this year and they were able to find more than $1.2 million in cuts to close out 2022 and for 2023.

They include holding some open positions vacant in the police department saving about $493,000, cutting $238,000 from the motor and equipment reserve fund, and making another $245,000 in cuts in department operating expenses. It also includes more than $224,000 in cuts to the street department.

The city made the cuts to keep the mill levy at 41.556 mills. The cuts offset a 7% increase in valuations for 2023 and will, if nothing else changes, keep the budget at revenue neutral for the coming year. 

There was some pushback from the local SEIU representation that holding the line on revenue neutrality would not leave them enough money for raises to keep up with inflation, but ultimately, the council voted unanimously to pass the budget.

The city held the&nbsp;Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and passed an exceeding resolution just in case an emergency event or a miscalculation by another agency would inadvertently push them above a flat actual collection, because if that happened and they didn't hold the hearing, they would have to give the excess back.

The city budget also includes the Hutchinson Recreation Commission budget with a 2023 mill levy rate of 3.613, which is above revenue neutral for them, but they have held the required hearings.

Since the budget was discussed, the opioid fund was added, because there was some money passed down from the state. Police department salaries were increased by $24,262 for the FOP negotiations and a $2 million transfer happened from the stormwater fund to the CIP fund to pay for the Mine Road project. Estimated costs on that are about $1.9 million.

The budget as passed is the most that can be spent by the city, but they can always spend less if they can find areas to save as the year goes along.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearings for the City of Hutchinson were held Tuesday.City Manager Gary Meagher met with department heads earlier this year and they were able to find more than $1.2 million in cuts to close out 2022 and for 2023.They include holding some open positions vacant in the police department saving about $493,000, cutting $238,000 from the motor and equipment reserve fund, and making another $245,000 in cuts in department operating expenses. It also includes more than $224,000 in cuts to the street department.The city made the cuts to keep the mill levy at 41.556 mills. The cuts offset a 7% increase in valuations for 2023 and will, if nothing else changes, keep the budget at revenue neutral for the coming year. There was some pushback from the local SEIU representation that holding the line on revenue neutrality would not leave them enough money for raises to keep up with inflation, but ultimately, the council voted unanimously to pass the budget.The city held the&nbsp;Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and passed an exceeding resolution just in case an emergency event or a miscalculation by another agency would inadvertently push them above a flat actual collection, because if that happened and they didn't hold the hearing, they would have to give the excess back.The city budget also includes the Hutchinson Recreation Commission budget with a 2023 mill levy rate of 3.613, which is above revenue neutral for them, but they have held the required hearings.Since the budget was discussed, the opioid fund was added, because there was some money passed down from the state. Police department salaries were increased by $24,262 for the FOP negotiations and a $2 million transfer happened from the stormwater fund to the CIP fund to pay for the Mine Road project. Estimated costs on that are about $1.9 million.The budget as passed is the most that can be spent by the city, but they can always spend less if they can find areas to save as the year goes along.

City passes budget with intent to stay revenue neutral Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The removal of the 30th and Lucille stoplight was the big topic in public comment at the Hutchinson City Council meeting Tuesday, with more than an hour of comment and both pro-traffic light and anti-traffic light people represented. 

One council member believes a light should be there. Steve Garza was a senior technician working on traffic lights during his career with the city.

"I do believe they need a light, just based off of my experience," Garza said. "I was a certified traffic signal technician for a long time. They do need a light. Those cars coming off that one from the school, ain't no way they can get across, especially that time of day, and I can see the bus problem."

The traffic study done last spring before school got out said not enough cars go through there to warrant a light.

"What a warrant for a traffic signal is, I guess I should explain that," said consultant Jim Tobaben with JEO Consulting Group. "That is a threshhold condition. It's not a requirement to put a signal in if you meet those traffic volumes, but it is at that point or above, you can consider whether a traffic signal is the right device. In this case, we looked at three different warrants."

One was an eight hour traffic volume warrant, another was a four hour warrant and a third was a peak hour warrant. None of the three warrants had high enough traffic even using absolute peak numbers on both 30th and Lucille, even though both streets did not have peaks on the same day. Nonetheless, the council does want to be sure the numbers it is basing its decisions on are correct, so another study will likely be ordered, but not for a couple of months, because they want to let traffic get used to not having the light and see how the patterns shift before looking at the numbers again. A recommendation on that date will be set by the next council meeting on September 20th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662479258113.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The removal of the 30th and Lucille stoplight was the big topic in public comment at the Hutchinson City Council meeting Tuesday, with more than an hour of comment and both pro-traffic light and anti-traffic light people represented. One council member believes a light should be there. Steve Garza was a senior technician working on traffic lights during his career with the city."I do believe they need a light, just based off of my experience," Garza said. "I was a certified traffic signal technician for a long time. They do need a light. Those cars coming off that one from the school, ain't no way they can get across, especially that time of day, and I can see the bus problem."The traffic study done last spring before school got out said not enough cars go through there to warrant a light."What a warrant for a traffic signal is, I guess I should explain that," said consultant Jim Tobaben with JEO Consulting Group. "That is a threshhold condition. It's not a requirement to put a signal in if you meet those traffic volumes, but it is at that point or above, you can consider whether a traffic signal is the right device. In this case, we looked at three different warrants."One was an eight hour traffic volume warrant, another was a four hour warrant and a third was a peak hour warrant. None of the three warrants had high enough traffic even using absolute peak numbers on both 30th and Lucille, even though both streets did not have peaks on the same day. Nonetheless, the council does want to be sure the numbers it is basing its decisions on are correct, so another study will likely be ordered, but not for a couple of months, because they want to let traffic get used to not having the light and see how the patterns shift before looking at the numbers again. A recommendation on that date will be set by the next council meeting on September 20th.

Another study to come on 30th and Lucille light

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tickets are now on sale for the Hutch Rec annual Brewfest. This year's event is set for Saturday, Oct. 1 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. as part of the Fall Festival.

This year's event will kick off in front of the Fox Theatre.&nbsp; Participants will get a chance to sample the best in craft beers from across Kansas.

Tickets are available for $40 with non-drinking tickets just $5. Proceeds from Hutch Brewfest will go to the Hutch Rec Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support Hutch Rec through parks and recreation fundraising efforts in the community.

For more information contact Hutch Rec at 620-663-6179 or go to <a href="http://hutchrec.com">hutchrec.com</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645129742985.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Tickets are now on sale for the Hutch Rec annual Brewfest. This year's event is set for Saturday, Oct. 1 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. as part of the Fall Festival.This year's event will kick off in front of the Fox Theatre.&nbsp; Participants will get a chance to sample the best in craft beers from across Kansas.Tickets are available for $40 with non-drinking tickets just $5. Proceeds from Hutch Brewfest will go to the Hutch Rec Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support Hutch Rec through parks and recreation fundraising efforts in the community.For more information contact Hutch Rec at 620-663-6179 or go to <a href="http://hutchrec.com">hutchrec.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Tickets available for Hutch Rec event Oct. 1

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Patrons in&nbsp; Pretty Prairie USD 311 are going to the polls today to vote on a $10.4 million bond issue.

The bond funds would be used to make major renovations and repairs to all three of the district's buildings plus make major renovations to the middle school gymnasium making it the main indoor sports venue for the district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657626013131.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Patrons in&nbsp; Pretty Prairie USD 311 are going to the polls today to vote on a $10.4 million bond issue.The bond funds would be used to make major renovations and repairs to all three of the district's buildings plus make major renovations to the middle school gymnasium making it the main indoor sports venue for the district.The polls are open until 7 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

USD 311 bond vote is today

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Reno County man suffered minor injuries in a single vehicle accident over the weekend.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Department reports that 30-year-old Austin Vanatta of Abbyville was going east on K-96 around 12:50 p.m. Sunday when he suffered a medical condition. His pick up went into the median and struck a guardrail.&nbsp;

Vanatta was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of the medical condition and minor injuries.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647617731060.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Reno County man suffered minor injuries in a single vehicle accident over the weekend.The Reno County Sheriff’s Department reports that 30-year-old Austin Vanatta of Abbyville was going east on K-96 around 12:50 p.m. Sunday when he suffered a medical condition. His pick up went into the median and struck a guardrail.&nbsp;Vanatta was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment of the medical condition and minor injuries.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Abbyville man injured in single vehicle accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several advisory boards which serve to guide the work of the Kansas Department of Agriculture will meet on Thursday, September 15, at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The meetings will be held on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, and are open to the public.

The boards which will meet on September 15 are:

Kansas Board of Agriculture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

9:00 a.m. to noon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State Fair Administrative Office Boardroom

Contact: Brittney Grother,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Brittney.Grother@ks.gov" target="_blank">Brittney.Grother@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6797

Kansas Board of Animal Health&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Contact: Justin Smith,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Justin.Smith@ks.gov" target="_blank">Justin.Smith@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6601

Kansas Marketing Advisory Board&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Contact: Russell Plaschka,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov" target="_blank">Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-7466

State Conservation Commission&nbsp;&nbsp;

8:00 a.m. to noon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cottonwood Court building: upstairs meeting room

Contact: Division of Conservation,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.doc.@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.doc.@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6620

The meetings are open to the public. Individuals who have questions about any of the meetings can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-564-6700 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584390700468.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Several advisory boards which serve to guide the work of the Kansas Department of Agriculture will meet on Thursday, September 15, at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. The meetings will be held on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, and are open to the public.The boards which will meet on September 15 are:Kansas Board of Agriculture&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9:00 a.m. to noon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State Fair Administrative Office BoardroomContact: Brittney Grother,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Brittney.Grother@ks.gov" target="_blank">Brittney.Grother@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6797Kansas Board of Animal Health&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prairie Pavilion conference roomContact: Justin Smith,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Justin.Smith@ks.gov" target="_blank">Justin.Smith@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6601Kansas Marketing Advisory Board&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State Fair Administrative Office BoardroomContact: Russell Plaschka,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov" target="_blank">Russell.Plaschka@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-7466State Conservation Commission&nbsp;&nbsp;8:00 a.m. to noon&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cottonwood Court building: upstairs meeting roomContact: Division of Conservation,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.doc.@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.doc.@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or 785-564-6620The meetings are open to the public. Individuals who have questions about any of the meetings can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture at 785-564-6700 for more information.

Department of Ag boards to meet at Fair

RENO COUNTY — Sunday afternoon, Reno County Fire District # 8 Firefighters were kept busy with two calls for service. 

The department reports that the first call was for a motor vehicle accident with injury in the area of K-96 and Yoder Road at approximately 12;50 p.m.  A single vehicle hit a guard rail.  The patient was able to get out on their own, and was transported by Haven EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. 

  South Hutchinson Fire Department was requested by Fire District # 8 for a K12 Rescue Saw to cut the guard rail away from the vehicle so that it could be towed.   Two apparatus and 9 volunteer firefighters responded for the accident.

A second page occurred for the same department at about 4:30 p.m. for a corn field fire in the area of Red Rock and Switzer.  Approximately 6 acres of corn was burned.  The fire was brought under control by about 5:15 p.m.  Fire District # 8 units remained on scene until 6 p.m. looking for hot spots and mopping up.  Reno County Fire District # 9 was called for mutual aid.   Eight apparatus and 12 volunteers responded for the incident. 

  The field fire was caused by a control burn that got out of hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662463869880.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Sunday afternoon, Reno County Fire District # 8 Firefighters were kept busy with two calls for service. The department reports that the first call was for a motor vehicle accident with injury in the area of K-96 and Yoder Road at approximately 12;50 p.m. A single vehicle hit a guard rail. The patient was able to get out on their own, and was transported by Haven EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. South Hutchinson Fire Department was requested by Fire District # 8 for a K12 Rescue Saw to cut the guard rail away from the vehicle so that it could be towed. Two apparatus and 9 volunteer firefighters responded for the accident.A second page occurred for the same department at about 4:30 p.m. for a corn field fire in the area of Red Rock and Switzer. Approximately 6 acres of corn was burned. The fire was brought under control by about 5:15 p.m. Fire District # 8 units remained on scene until 6 p.m. looking for hot spots and mopping up. Reno County Fire District # 9 was called for mutual aid. Eight apparatus and 12 volunteers responded for the incident. The field fire was caused by a control burn that got out of hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rural fire district 8 with two Sunday calls

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County EMS Director Dave Johnston knows that his agency is the one that needs to be ready to help on the Fairgrounds for 10 days each September.

"We really push our staffing up during that 10 day period," Johnston said. "For us, the prep for that fair really starts September of last year. We go through and we look at the issues we encounter the previous year and we start prepping. Last year, we encountered a really high call volume."

With that in mind, they will have lots of resources on the fairgrounds.

"At the high volume times, we're going to have two roving units out there, along with our first aid station staffed," Johnston said. "Then, we'll have a supervisor on scene out there to help, kind of direct the calls as they occur out on the fairgrounds."

These aren't ambulances, they're just conveyances to get someone to the ambulance.

"We have an ATV or UTV style cart," said special projects chief Monika Heller. "That allows us to get around the fairgrounds a little bit easier. These carts allow us to transport patients to the gates, carry all the equipment that we need and respond in a safe manner on the fairgrounds."

Through the weekends and on dollar day on Monday, they will have two carts running, with plans for a single cart on the other days. In addition to the EMS staff, the firefighters that work the fair are also well trained and can help in an emergency. The main way to avoid most types of emergency on the fairgrounds is simple, drink enough water.

"If you know you're headed out the next day, it would be best to start out your hydration that evening, so you're hydrated well," Johnston said. "The fair has done some good things this year. There are four refill points for water bottles out on the fairgrounds this year. That's going to expand, I understand, to eleven next year."

Also, if you're drinking an alcoholic beverage as you walk around the fair, once you've had one, have a couple of bottles of water before having another, if at all possible, so that you can stay safe with that additional activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574087274920.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County EMS Director Dave Johnston knows that his agency is the one that needs to be ready to help on the Fairgrounds for 10 days each September."We really push our staffing up during that 10 day period," Johnston said. "For us, the prep for that fair really starts September of last year. We go through and we look at the issues we encounter the previous year and we start prepping. Last year, we encountered a really high call volume."With that in mind, they will have lots of resources on the fairgrounds."At the high volume times, we're going to have two roving units out there, along with our first aid station staffed," Johnston said. "Then, we'll have a supervisor on scene out there to help, kind of direct the calls as they occur out on the fairgrounds."These aren't ambulances, they're just conveyances to get someone to the ambulance."We have an ATV or UTV style cart," said special projects chief Monika Heller. "That allows us to get around the fairgrounds a little bit easier. These carts allow us to transport patients to the gates, carry all the equipment that we need and respond in a safe manner on the fairgrounds."Through the weekends and on dollar day on Monday, they will have two carts running, with plans for a single cart on the other days. In addition to the EMS staff, the firefighters that work the fair are also well trained and can help in an emergency. The main way to avoid most types of emergency on the fairgrounds is simple, drink enough water."If you know you're headed out the next day, it would be best to start out your hydration that evening, so you're hydrated well," Johnston said. "The fair has done some good things this year. There are four refill points for water bottles out on the fairgrounds this year. That's going to expand, I understand, to eleven next year."Also, if you're drinking an alcoholic beverage as you walk around the fair, once you've had one, have a couple of bottles of water before having another, if at all possible, so that you can stay safe with that additional activity.

Reno County EMS preparing for start of fair Friday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An agricultural tax law professor from Washburn University doesn't see a whole lot of positives in the government expansion bill euphemized as the inflation reduction act.

"This is an example of government picking winners and losers,"&nbsp;said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. "If you're in a certain type of industry, if you're into renewables, so called green energy, you are being favored. If you're in the oil and gas industry, if you are a major manufacturer of the old style economic system of production in this country, you are disfavored."

McEowen sees the economics behind the legislation as detached from reality.

"This whole bill is based on&nbsp;Modern Monetary Theory, which, in essence, is just simply warmed over Keynesianism from 90 years ago," McEowen said. "It didn't prove true then. It won't prove true now. What that theory means is, we can spend, the government can spend as much money as it wants and has no impact on inflation. That's again, trying to redefine the laws of economics. It doesn't work."

He goes further to say that renewable energy is parasitic in nature, feeding the urban needs at the cost of rural America.

"This is cost shifting problems from the urban areas to you," McEowen said. "They don't have space to put up wind farms in urban areas. They find space out here. They use your land. They scar the aesthetics of the countryside and then they ship that electricity back to them."

The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation also says that average tax rates will increase for nearly every income category in 2023. 

According to McEowen's <a href="https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/agriculturallaw/2022/09/declaring-inflation-reduced-and-being-forgiving-recent-developments-in-tax-and-law.html">blog post</a>, the JCT says that taxes will rise by $16.7 billion in 2023 on those earning less than $200,000 annually and those making between $200,000 and $500,000 will pay $14.1 billion more. The JCT also concluded that 61 percent of taxpayers making between $40,000 and $50,000 will see a tax increase, and that 91 percent of taxpayers making between $100,000 and $200,000 will see higher taxes.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584977157818.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — An agricultural tax law professor from Washburn University doesn't see a whole lot of positives in the government expansion bill euphemized as the inflation reduction act."This is an example of government picking winners and losers,"&nbsp;said Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law. "If you're in a certain type of industry, if you're into renewables, so called green energy, you are being favored. If you're in the oil and gas industry, if you are a major manufacturer of the old style economic system of production in this country, you are disfavored."McEowen sees the economics behind the legislation as detached from reality."This whole bill is based on&nbsp;Modern Monetary Theory, which, in essence, is just simply warmed over Keynesianism from 90 years ago," McEowen said. "It didn't prove true then. It won't prove true now. What that theory means is, we can spend, the government can spend as much money as it wants and has no impact on inflation. That's again, trying to redefine the laws of economics. It doesn't work."He goes further to say that renewable energy is parasitic in nature, feeding the urban needs at the cost of rural America."This is cost shifting problems from the urban areas to you," McEowen said. "They don't have space to put up wind farms in urban areas. They find space out here. They use your land. They scar the aesthetics of the countryside and then they ship that electricity back to them."The non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation also says that average tax rates will increase for nearly every income category in 2023. According to McEowen's <a href="https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/agriculturallaw/2022/09/declaring-inflation-reduced-and-being-forgiving-recent-developments-in-tax-and-law.html">blog post</a>, the JCT says that taxes will rise by $16.7 billion in 2023 on those earning less than $200,000 annually and those making between $200,000 and $500,000 will pay $14.1 billion more. The JCT also concluded that 61 percent of taxpayers making between $40,000 and $50,000 will see a tax increase, and that 91 percent of taxpayers making between $100,000 and $200,000 will see higher taxes.&nbsp;

McEowen: New bill picks 'winners and losers'

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Fire Department is holding a meet and greet event at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10,2022. The event will give prospective firefighters the opportunity to experience hands on fire operations, learn what it is like to be a firefighter and what opportunities are available at McPherson Fire.

If you are interested in future Full-Time or Paid-Call opportunities with McPherson Fire, this is the event to attend. Spots are limited and lunch is provided.

Sign up by calling (620) 245-2505, you must be 18 years of age or older.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609186739365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Fire Department is holding a meet and greet event at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10,2022. The event will give prospective firefighters the opportunity to experience hands on fire operations, learn what it is like to be a firefighter and what opportunities are available at McPherson Fire. If you are interested in future Full-Time or Paid-Call opportunities with McPherson Fire, this is the event to attend. Spots are limited and lunch is provided. Sign up by calling (620) 245-2505, you must be 18 years of age or older.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McPherson Fire holding meet and greet Saturday, Sept. 10

HAVEN, Kan. —The City of Haven will hold its Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearings at its meeting on Tuesday. 

The budget was based on keeping the mill levy the same as it was last year at 60.851 mills. In 2022, that yields around $458,816.54. Because the City’s assessed valuation has increased from $7,540,732 to $8,065,691, in 2023, 60.851 mills will yield around $490,763.31. 

Keeping the mill levy the same means the City will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. The motion to do that passed unanimously in July.

Also on the agenda will be bids for tree trimming in Haven, a resolution in support of a Moderate-Income Housing Grant Application, a look at the revised Financial Policies &amp; Procedures Manual and prospective changes to an ordinance regarding golf carts and work site utility vehicles.

The council will also continue discussions on the ongoing pool related litigation with its attorney in an executive session.

The Haven City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the city offices at 120 South Kansas Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. —The City of Haven will hold its Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearings at its meeting on Tuesday. The budget was based on keeping the mill levy the same as it was last year at 60.851 mills. In 2022, that yields around $458,816.54. Because the City’s assessed valuation has increased from $7,540,732 to $8,065,691, in 2023, 60.851 mills will yield around $490,763.31. Keeping the mill levy the same means the City will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate. The motion to do that passed unanimously in July.Also on the agenda will be bids for tree trimming in Haven, a resolution in support of a Moderate-Income Housing Grant Application, a look at the revised Financial Policies &amp; Procedures Manual and prospective changes to an ordinance regarding golf carts and work site utility vehicles.The council will also continue discussions on the ongoing pool related litigation with its attorney in an executive session.The Haven City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the city offices at 120 South Kansas Avenue.

Haven to hold required budget hearings Tuesday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will discuss water and sewer rates as part of its meeting on Tuesday. 

According to Joseph Turner, City Administrator, South Hutchinson's water rates are some of the lowest in the state. 

"We will need to make extensive investments in the future to ensure we have enough water to meet our growing needs," Turner said in documents prepared for the council. "We will also need to explore capital intensive options to improve the quality of our water as it gradually deteriorates, and government regulations become more onerous."

Utility rates in South Hutchinson are slated for review in the fall of each year. 

The city ordinance currently calls for a 1.5% per year increase in the minimum base charge for water rates but does not regularly increase the per gallon usage rate. 

All South Hutchinson water customers pay the same per gallon rate regardless of residential or commercial classification, pipe diameter, or total usage.

The city's sewer rates have not increased since January 1, 2018.

The South Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661214848798.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will discuss water and sewer rates as part of its meeting on Tuesday. According to Joseph Turner, City Administrator, South Hutchinson's water rates are some of the lowest in the state. "We will need to make extensive investments in the future to ensure we have enough water to meet our growing needs," Turner said in documents prepared for the council. "We will also need to explore capital intensive options to improve the quality of our water as it gradually deteriorates, and government regulations become more onerous."Utility rates in South Hutchinson are slated for review in the fall of each year. The city ordinance currently calls for a 1.5% per year increase in the minimum base charge for water rates but does not regularly increase the per gallon usage rate. All South Hutchinson water customers pay the same per gallon rate regardless of residential or commercial classification, pipe diameter, or total usage.The city's sewer rates have not increased since January 1, 2018.The South Hutchinson City Council will meet Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the city offices at 2 South Main.

South Hutchinson City Council to discuss water and sewer rates Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/06fe71fc-dc32-4eef-a95f-a8edad6cae14">fire in the grandstand during the 2021 Kansas State Fair</a>, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer is doing everything his department can to make sure that doesn't happen this year.

"When I pulled up on scene, there was flames coming out of the vent at the grandstand," Beer said. "It was all hands on deck. We're out there trying to educate the volunteers that work out there at the fair during that time period. My community risk reduction division, Wednesday and Thursday, they will be out there trying to educate people."

There are all kinds of potential hazards that firefighters see that we don't.

"Even on the EMS side of things, it could be grease burns," Beer said. "Propane tanks that aren't chained together. We see overloaded outlets, hidden exit signs. You name it, we see it up there, blocked exits. We just want to be proactive, talk to the residents, talk to the community members up there and just do a great educational period."

The hope is if they can get all of that dealt with while setup is going on, then when the fair is on, they don't have to be noticed at all.

"Sometimes, there's a 20 amp circuit, but we have it way overloaded with different machines in different outlets and different electrical appliances that are all plugged in there," Beer said. "These systems are typically older in some of these buildings and they are just not rated for that capacity."

The firefighters will do their best to explain to vendors another way to get their business needs accomplished without creating either fire or potential exit issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632137511353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/06fe71fc-dc32-4eef-a95f-a8edad6cae14">fire in the grandstand during the 2021 Kansas State Fair</a>, Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer is doing everything his department can to make sure that doesn't happen this year."When I pulled up on scene, there was flames coming out of the vent at the grandstand," Beer said. "It was all hands on deck. We're out there trying to educate the volunteers that work out there at the fair during that time period. My community risk reduction division, Wednesday and Thursday, they will be out there trying to educate people."There are all kinds of potential hazards that firefighters see that we don't."Even on the EMS side of things, it could be grease burns," Beer said. "Propane tanks that aren't chained together. We see overloaded outlets, hidden exit signs. You name it, we see it up there, blocked exits. We just want to be proactive, talk to the residents, talk to the community members up there and just do a great educational period."The hope is if they can get all of that dealt with while setup is going on, then when the fair is on, they don't have to be noticed at all."Sometimes, there's a 20 amp circuit, but we have it way overloaded with different machines in different outlets and different electrical appliances that are all plugged in there," Beer said. "These systems are typically older in some of these buildings and they are just not rated for that capacity."The firefighters will do their best to explain to vendors another way to get their business needs accomplished without creating either fire or potential exit issues.

Hutchinson Fire Chief looking to be proactive to keep Fair safe

MCPHERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2008 Mercury Sable driven by Ashlynn J.&nbsp;Hamiliton, 19, Wichita, was eastbound on Kansas 4 at 15th Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of Lindsborg.

 The driver made a left turn in front of a westbound 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Bryan N Hernandez, 53, Salina.&nbsp;

The motorcycle struck the car on the right passenger side and overturned. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Center.

&nbsp;EMS transported Hamiliton and a passenger in the car&nbsp;Howard, Aubrey M. Howard, 19, Wichita, to Lindsborg Community Hospital. Two other passengers in the car were not injured.

Hernandez was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in McPherson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 2008 Mercury Sable driven by Ashlynn J.&nbsp;Hamiliton, 19, Wichita, was eastbound on Kansas 4 at 15th Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of Lindsborg. The driver made a left turn in front of a westbound 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Bryan N Hernandez, 53, Salina.&nbsp;The motorcycle struck the car on the right passenger side and overturned. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Center.&nbsp;EMS transported Hamiliton and a passenger in the car&nbsp;Howard, Aubrey M. Howard, 19, Wichita, to Lindsborg Community Hospital. Two other passengers in the car were not injured.Hernandez was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kan. man dies after McPherson Co. motorcycle, car crash

IOWA FALLS, Iowa — Through two games, the No. 3 Dragons (2-0) have given up just one touchdown.&nbsp;

Technically, the Dragons have given up two. But a punt returned for a touchdown by Ellsworth (0-2) was called back for an illegal block.&nbsp;

Hutchinson allowed just 80 rushing yards one week ago against Navarro.&nbsp;

After accounting for sack yardage Saturday, Hutchinson pushed Ellsworth back for negative 44 yards. The Dragons sacked Panther quarterback Joshua Bauer seven times.&nbsp;

Bauer went 17 of 44 with three interceptions, but had one long connection to Darrius Jackson for 54 yards and a score. At that time with 57 seconds left in the quarter, Ellsworth cut the Hutchinson lead to 14-7.&nbsp;

The Dragons got on the scoreboard early for the second week. Darby Roper took a short punt from the Panther 32 and darted down the sideline for the game's first touchdown. It came with less than three minutes of game time gone.&nbsp;

For the second straight week, Rontavious Richmond provided the first offensive TD.

He started the day by taking a Dylan Laible pass 15 yards for the score.&nbsp;

With the TD throw and 150 yards on the day, Laible is second all-time in touchdown passes (49) and passing yardage (4,071). He trails Luke Barnes (50 and 4,706) in both categories.&nbsp;

Despite the milestones, Laible went 11 of 21, a far cry from his five incompletions and five touchdowns last week.&nbsp;

The day belonged to Richmond and the Dragon defense.&nbsp;

Richmond found the end zone three times: once through the air and twice on the ground.&nbsp;

Richmond registered his best day as a Dragon with 158 yards, 139 on two plays.&nbsp;

Richmond's runs of 64 and 75 yards came in the second and third quarters, respectively. He went nearly untouched on both scampers. Blockers put him one-on-one with the safety both times. Richmond side-stepped the safety once and broke out of his tackle the other time.&nbsp;

Jaheim Simmons capped a six-play, 60-yard drive in the second quarter with a one-yard run. After the first Richmond rushing touchdown and a 49-yard pick-six from Ja'Maric Morris (his second interception of the season), Hutchinson took a 35-7 advantage into the locker room.&nbsp;

The 75-yard Richmond run in the third pushed the lead to 42-7.&nbsp;

After three quarters, the Dragon backups got a chance to shine.&nbsp;

Collin Shields entered for Laible while Tre Bess and Ed Williams shared touches out of the backfield.&nbsp;

Bess scored on a 16-yard run. Williams got in from three yards out. Shields punched the ball in on a one-yard sneak.&nbsp;

The Dragons scored a fourth time in the fourth quarter after Blake Durham blocked a Bauer punt. Jakari Foster picked the ball up in the end zone for the easy scoop-six.&nbsp;

The Dragons gave up only 154 yards while racking up 495.&nbsp;

R.J. Evans led the Dragons in tackling. He had four tackles, three for loss.&nbsp;

The defense tallied three interceptions once again (Desheen Jackson, Ja'Maric Morris and Javar Strong).

No. 3 Hutchinson is home Sept. 10 against No. 9 Iowa Central (2-0) for a 1 p.m. kickoff.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662239022218.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAREN DUNNHutch PostIOWA FALLS, Iowa — Through two games, the No. 3 Dragons (2-0) have given up just one touchdown.&nbsp;Technically, the Dragons have given up two. But a punt returned for a touchdown by Ellsworth (0-2) was called back for an illegal block.&nbsp;Hutchinson allowed just 80 rushing yards one week ago against Navarro.&nbsp;After accounting for sack yardage Saturday, Hutchinson pushed Ellsworth back for negative 44 yards. The Dragons sacked Panther quarterback Joshua Bauer seven times.&nbsp;Bauer went 17 of 44 with three interceptions, but had one long connection to Darrius Jackson for 54 yards and a score. At that time with 57 seconds left in the quarter, Ellsworth cut the Hutchinson lead to 14-7.&nbsp;The Dragons got on the scoreboard early for the second week. Darby Roper took a short punt from the Panther 32 and darted down the sideline for the game's first touchdown. It came with less than three minutes of game time gone.&nbsp;For the second straight week, Rontavious Richmond provided the first offensive TD.He started the day by taking a Dylan Laible pass 15 yards for the score.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662238968119.jpeg" alt="Dylan Laible threw for 150 yards Saturday. He is second all-time in Blue Dragon history for TD passes (49) and passing yardage (4,071). He trails only Luke Barnes in both categories (50 TD passes and 4,706 yards)." />
 <figcaption>Dylan Laible threw for 150 yards Saturday. He is second all-time in Blue Dragon history for TD passes (49) and passing yardage (4,071). He trails only Luke Barnes in both categories (50 TD passes and 4,706 yards).</figcaption>
 </figure>With the TD throw and 150 yards on the day, Laible is second all-time in touchdown passes (49) and passing yardage (4,071). He trails Luke Barnes (50 and 4,706) in both categories.&nbsp;Despite the milestones, Laible went 11 of 21, a far cry from his five incompletions and five touchdowns last week.&nbsp;The day belonged to Richmond and the Dragon defense.&nbsp;Richmond found the end zone three times: once through the air and twice on the ground.&nbsp;Richmond registered his best day as a Dragon with 158 yards, 139 on two plays.&nbsp;Richmond's runs of 64 and 75 yards came in the second and third quarters, respectively. He went nearly untouched on both scampers. Blockers put him one-on-one with the safety both times. Richmond side-stepped the safety once and broke out of his tackle the other time.&nbsp;Jaheim Simmons capped a six-play, 60-yard drive in the second quarter with a one-yard run. After the first Richmond rushing touchdown and a 49-yard pick-six from Ja'Maric Morris (his second interception of the season), Hutchinson took a 35-7 advantage into the locker room.&nbsp;The 75-yard Richmond run in the third pushed the lead to 42-7.&nbsp;After three quarters, the Dragon backups got a chance to shine.&nbsp;Collin Shields entered for Laible while Tre Bess and Ed Williams shared touches out of the backfield.&nbsp;Bess scored on a 16-yard run. Williams got in from three yards out. Shields punched the ball in on a one-yard sneak.&nbsp;The Dragons scored a fourth time in the fourth quarter after Blake Durham blocked a Bauer punt. Jakari Foster picked the ball up in the end zone for the easy scoop-six.&nbsp;FINAL: Hutchinson 70 Ellsworth 7The Dragons gave up only 154 yards while racking up 495.&nbsp;R.J. Evans led the Dragons in tackling. He had four tackles, three for loss.&nbsp;The defense tallied three interceptions once again (Desheen Jackson, Ja'Maric Morris and Javar Strong).No. 3 Hutchinson is home Sept. 10 against No. 9 Iowa Central (2-0) for a 1 p.m. kickoff.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download"> CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

FB: Richmond runs rampant; Dragon D dominates

NEWTON, Kan. —Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy announced that three Harvey County fire/EMS departments have been awarded a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant worth nearly half a million dollars to purchase radio equipment. 

Newton Fire/EMS will receive $370,000, Halstead Fire/EMS will receive $71,000 and Sedgwick Fire Department will receive $54,000 as part of the regional grant.

Each handheld radio costs about $7,500 today. At Newton Fire/EMS, firefighters have been carrying aging and broken mobile radios, many of which the department purchased used almost 10 years ago. This grant will allow the department to purchase 50 new handheld radios along with 10 new apparatus radios and three base station radios.

Newton Deputy Chief Cory Lehman wrote the grant last year in conjunction with Sedgwick Chief Zane Hansen and Halstead Chief Jim VanSchaick (now retired).

This is the third-largest grant Newton Fire/EMS has ever received, with the largest being $2.9 million for the construction of Station 3 in 2010, and a SAFER grant worth $650,000 for additional personnel in 2009.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584475841056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. —Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy announced that three Harvey County fire/EMS departments have been awarded a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant worth nearly half a million dollars to purchase radio equipment. Newton Fire/EMS will receive $370,000, Halstead Fire/EMS will receive $71,000 and Sedgwick Fire Department will receive $54,000 as part of the regional grant.Each handheld radio costs about $7,500 today. At Newton Fire/EMS, firefighters have been carrying aging and broken mobile radios, many of which the department purchased used almost 10 years ago. This grant will allow the department to purchase 50 new handheld radios along with 10 new apparatus radios and three base station radios.Newton Deputy Chief Cory Lehman wrote the grant last year in conjunction with Sedgwick Chief Zane Hansen and Halstead Chief Jim VanSchaick (now retired).This is the third-largest grant Newton Fire/EMS has ever received, with the largest being $2.9 million for the construction of Station 3 in 2010, and a SAFER grant worth $650,000 for additional personnel in 2009.&nbsp;

Harvey County fire departments to upgrade radios

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson seeks to hire a utilities clerk/deputy city clerk.&nbsp;

Primary responsibilities include all aspects of utility billing, general clerical and office duties as the primary point-of-initial-contact at City Hall, and assisting the City Clerk as needed.

Employee must also perform general clerical duties for the department. 

<a href="https://clients.municipalimpact.com/documents/414/Employment_Application.pdf">If you are interested in applying</a> and have any questions about the position, please contact City Clerk Denise McCue at (620) 663-7104 or email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:denisem@southhutch.com">denisem@southhutch.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661214848798.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson seeks to hire a utilities clerk/deputy city clerk.&nbsp;Primary responsibilities include all aspects of utility billing, general clerical and office duties as the primary point-of-initial-contact at City Hall, and assisting the City Clerk as needed.Employee must also perform general clerical duties for the department. <a href="https://clients.municipalimpact.com/documents/414/Employment_Application.pdf">If you are interested in applying</a> and have any questions about the position, please contact City Clerk Denise McCue at (620) 663-7104 or email her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:denisem@southhutch.com">denisem@southhutch.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

City of South Hutchinson hiring deputy city clerk

NEWTON, Kan. —According to Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy, design work by HBM Architects continues for the new Newton Public Library building.

The campaign for the new building received a $50,000 gift announced <a href="https://www.newtonplks.org/2022/08/new-library-campaign-receives-major-gift/">on the library's blog</a> August 31 from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., of Lebo, Kansas. This moves the campaign past the $2.4 million mark in total funds raised.

Lewis Humphreys was a farmer, rancher and World War II veteran. His trust was established years ago to help youth and to advance education.

The campaign's goal is to raise $2.7 million to help fund the construction of a new Newton Public Library.&nbsp;

The proposed new library will be built immediately adjacent to the existing library in Military Park, near downtown Newton. The City of Newton and Newton Public Library have committed funds to the project, with private donations needed to fund the balance.

<a href="https://www.newtonplks.org/new-library-building/">Features of the new library</a>&nbsp;will include updated children and teen areas, private study rooms, an additional youth meeting room, and a drive-through service window.

Those wishing to participate as a donor can contact library director Cari Cusick at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ccusick@newtonplks.org" target="_blank">ccusick@newtonplks.org</a>, or 316-283-2890.

Completed construction plans are anticipated for presentation to the City Commission in November. The project will be put out for competitive bids in December/January, and construction will begin in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662206383072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. —According to Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy, design work by HBM Architects continues for the new Newton Public Library building.The campaign for the new building received a $50,000 gift announced <a href="https://www.newtonplks.org/2022/08/new-library-campaign-receives-major-gift/">on the library's blog</a> August 31 from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., of Lebo, Kansas. This moves the campaign past the $2.4 million mark in total funds raised.Lewis Humphreys was a farmer, rancher and World War II veteran. His trust was established years ago to help youth and to advance education.The campaign's goal is to raise $2.7 million to help fund the construction of a new Newton Public Library.&nbsp;The proposed new library will be built immediately adjacent to the existing library in Military Park, near downtown Newton. The City of Newton and Newton Public Library have committed funds to the project, with private donations needed to fund the balance.<a href="https://www.newtonplks.org/new-library-building/">Features of the new library</a>&nbsp;will include updated children and teen areas, private study rooms, an additional youth meeting room, and a drive-through service window.Those wishing to participate as a donor can contact library director Cari Cusick at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ccusick@newtonplks.org" target="_blank">ccusick@newtonplks.org</a>, or 316-283-2890.Completed construction plans are anticipated for presentation to the City Commission in November. The project will be put out for competitive bids in December/January, and construction will begin in 2023.

Newton Public Library progress continues

HEATHER LANSDOWNE Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Grain growers in central Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2022, filing deadline. The 2023 election will cover districts four, five, and six; or the central third of Kansas. &nbsp;

To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.

Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2023 ballot. No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.

Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.t-sd5v3PIckrkUS_4W6waDO9TIV8bSl5UZ4xESe-cew/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.

Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585000314642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HEATHER LANSDOWNE Kansas Department of AgricultureMANHATTAN, Kansas — Grain growers in central Kansas who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the state’s five grain commodity commissions — corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers — should be gathering petition signatures now to meet the November 30, 2022, filing deadline. The 2023 election will cover districts four, five, and six; or the central third of Kansas. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>District Four&nbsp;includes Clay, Cloud, Jewell, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Smith and Washington counties.</li><li>District Five&nbsp;includes Barton, Dickinson, Ellis, Ellsworth, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Rice, Rush, Russell and Saline counties.</li><li>District Six&nbsp;includes Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Kiowa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Sedgwick, Stafford and Sumner counties.</li>
 </ul>To be eligible to run for any of the five commodity commissions, the candidate must have been actively engaged in growing that commodity (corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat or sunflowers) within the preceding five years and may only represent the district of their primary residence.Candidates must gather 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2023 ballot. No more than five signatures from any one county can be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and who have grown corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat for the last three years.Candidates may choose to complete their petition online, by paper, or a combination of both. The online portal is available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.t-sd5v3PIckrkUS_4W6waDO9TIV8bSl5UZ4xESe-cew/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a>.&nbsp;Once the candidate has created an account and petition, the candidate will then have a unique URL to share with signors who can then enter their contact information and sign the petition.Paper candidate registration packets are also available from the Kansas Department of Agriculture or directly from the grain commodity commissions.<ul>
 <li>Kansas Department of Agriculture: 785-564-6726 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFncmljdWx0dXJlLmtzLmdvdi9rZ2N2b3Rlcj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.bC8dlqZ7QV6go0NagZZfHaW_fZLbrDOsGgWzBfqZvTQ/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">agriculture.ks.gov/kgcvoter</a></li><li>Kansas Corn Commission: 785-410-5009 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzY29ybi5jb20va2NjLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.omLkI3QMbxe2RUS-Rv6RnRlDFI5gN2Vre744QoGpSMA/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">com/kcc</a></li><li>Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission: 785-477-9474 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2tzZ3JhaW5zb3JnaHVtLm9yZy9jb21taXNzaW9uLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.vpgBFuNcN64fiFTnlzlKy4TYi_vNUxwJZbY24Xpo0Qw/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">org/commission</a></li><li>Kansas Soybean Commission: 785-271-1040 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2thbnNhc3NveWJlYW5zLm9yZy9hYm91dC10aGUtY29tbWlzc2lvbi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.DFurEu6kqE-a_1PW0m1AYo_gAFhjD_PH3OJBNoH1ZhQ/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">org/about-the-commission</a></li><li>Kansas Sunflower Commission: 785-452-1519 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Karlesping@msn.com" target="_blank">karlesping@msn.com</a></li><li>Kansas Wheat Commission: 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA5MDIuNjMxNjM0MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3N3aGVhdC5jb20vYWJvdXQva2Fuc2FzLXdoZWF0LWNvbW1pc3Npb24_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.buPfZHciRxx-wt2Kwnaem1ciq8XzFkmlLPIFTd7qfEw/s/1377891908/br/143478516391-l" target="_blank">com/about/kansas-wheat-commission</a></li>
 </ul>

Commodity Commission Candidates Must File by Nov. 30


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Instructors from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) concluded their two-week Use of Force Instructor Training Program Friday at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).

The program provided the attending officers with foundational information and skills to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate others making critical decisions related to using force. The first week of the program covered constitutional foundations, in conjunction with the Constitution's Fourth Amendment, and how previous Supreme Court rulings play into the use of force.

"There is no more important topic in law enforcement training than the constitutional limits on the use of force," said KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck. "We appreciated our federal partners coming to Kansas to train experienced officers in not only the latest law but the most effective instructional methods."

"The first couple of days of the program is a refresher for the officers," said FLETC Lead Instructor Christopher Lair. "We travel with an in-house attorney and specifically discuss these cases and how they apply to police uses of force."

Lair said the Supreme Court Case Graham v. Connor is the foundational playbook for what law enforcement officers can do regarding the use of force. The 1989 Supreme Court ruling outlined several factors used to determine whether police force is reasonable, including the "severity of the crime at issue," "whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others," and "whether he is actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest by flight."

The second week of the program became more dynamic and involved the use of force scenarios, some of which were designed by the participants. Paul Sullivan, a Senior Instructor for FLETC and a graduate of KLETC's 126th Basic Training Class, said that the instructors ran the students through FLETC scenarios before having them write their own.

"They were able to get hands-on experience," he said. "It's not only about the student going through a scenario use of force encounter, but how that student can write one and then take their classmates and run them through the scenarios."

Officer Faith Jolly of the Gardner Police Department enjoyed the program and commented that there was a lot of valuable information. She found that the practical scenarios were particularly applicable and realistic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662146155634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JASON LEVY KLETC
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Instructors from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) concluded their two-week Use of Force Instructor Training Program Friday at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).The program provided the attending officers with foundational information and skills to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate others making critical decisions related to using force. The first week of the program covered constitutional foundations, in conjunction with the Constitution's Fourth Amendment, and how previous Supreme Court rulings play into the use of force."There is no more important topic in law enforcement training than the constitutional limits on the use of force," said KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck. "We appreciated our federal partners coming to Kansas to train experienced officers in not only the latest law but the most effective instructional methods.""The first couple of days of the program is a refresher for the officers," said FLETC Lead Instructor Christopher Lair. "We travel with an in-house attorney and specifically discuss these cases and how they apply to police uses of force."Lair said the Supreme Court Case Graham v. Connor is the foundational playbook for what law enforcement officers can do regarding the use of force. The 1989 Supreme Court ruling outlined several factors used to determine whether police force is reasonable, including the "severity of the crime at issue," "whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officers or others," and "whether he is actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest by flight."The second week of the program became more dynamic and involved the use of force scenarios, some of which were designed by the participants. Paul Sullivan, a Senior Instructor for FLETC and a graduate of KLETC's 126th Basic Training Class, said that the instructors ran the students through FLETC scenarios before having them write their own."They were able to get hands-on experience," he said. "It's not only about the student going through a scenario use of force encounter, but how that student can write one and then take their classmates and run them through the scenarios."Officer Faith Jolly of the Gardner Police Department enjoyed the program and commented that there was a lot of valuable information. She found that the practical scenarios were particularly applicable and realistic."The practice exercises really stood out," said Jolly. "The realistic training over real-life scenarios will be crucial when training officers at my agency."To graduate, the participants must pass a written multiple-choice exam, answer and discuss questions related to the use of force, and successfully develop five graded practical exercises. The 21 participants who completed the course came from law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas and Missouri. They will take their knowledge from this program and instruct others at their agencies."We understand that two weeks is a big ask for a lot of these departments, and we are grateful for the class of 21 that we have," said Lair. "The time and dedication of the officers to attend such an intensive two-week course is a testament to their agencies.”

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