HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved grant applications for the workforce development portion of the city's ARPA allocations, a total of $394,000.

"On Nov. 7, we posted the notice of funding availability on our website," said City Finance Director Angela Richard. "On Dec. 7 and Dec. 18, we held grant workshops to go over the application process with those who were interested. Then, the grant submissions were due Dec. 30."

Seven well-qualified potential grantees submitted applications and the city agreed to fund five of those projects.

Those five projects all received the total amount they requested.

This leaves a little money left over from that original allocation.

"That's going to leave about $25,000 left over, which we could roll over into the small business assistance or another program, as you desire," Richard said.&nbsp;

The allocation of funds was approved unanimously Tuesday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674052965433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved grant applications for the workforce development portion of the city's ARPA allocations, a total of $394,000."On Nov. 7, we posted the notice of funding availability on our website," said City Finance Director Angela Richard. "On Dec. 7 and Dec. 18, we held grant workshops to go over the application process with those who were interested. Then, the grant submissions were due Dec. 30."Seven well-qualified potential grantees submitted applications and the city agreed to fund five of those projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674052154544.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Those five projects all received the total amount they requested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674052572029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This leaves a little money left over from that original allocation."That's going to leave about $25,000 left over, which we could roll over into the small business assistance or another program, as you desire," Richard said.&nbsp;The allocation of funds was approved unanimously Tuesday.<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 City Council approves ARPA grants

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer spoke to the city council on Tuesday about a training program his department will start soon.

"Starting Feb. 1, for a six month time period, we're going to be doing a pilot study with our first responder program," Beer said. "Right now, all your firefighters are EMT certified, Emergency Medical Technician certified. There's one level above that, basically, an EMT-A advanced program. That allows us to do a few different medications, use different types of equipment and medications. This pilot study is going to definitely have an impact on our citizens. Hopefully, we have some positive outcomes. Back in 2017, when I arrived in Hutchinson, your fire department was doing 50% of the skills allowed under their EMT licenses. Five years later, we're doing 100% of the skills allowed under the Kansas licensure of our EMT program."&nbsp;

Captain Rebecca Mendoza is going to lead the training program to take it to the next level, but every firefighter can already do certain skills.

"As an EMT, you're able to do these basic life support skills, which gives you a chance to give medications," Mendoza said. "For a cardiac, you can give nitro and aspirin. For those opioid overdoses, we're giving naloxone and for breathing difficulty, we are giving DuoNeb. I found out that 90% of our calls that we go on that are medical, we are there approximately seven to eight minutes before EMS arrives."

The difference between an EMT and an EMT-A is in the scope of other interventions they can do. It's the next natural step in the progression for those who already have the EMT training.

"It's advanced life support, which involves being able to start IVs, it's more invasive," Mendoza said. "Being able to give more medications that go through the IV for our critical patients. We need to make sure that we're helping them and helping the citizens as quickly as we can. At one point, we just did vitals."

EMT-A is the level between EMT and paramedic and it's particularly important in rural areas where response times may be even a greater difference than what is experienced here in the city of Hutchinson. There is no additional cost to taxpayers for firefighters to receive the additional training. The reason it is a pilot program is that they want to take a look at the data after six months to see if it is really making a difference in patient outcomes.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674050355575.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer spoke to the city council on Tuesday about a training program his department will start soon."Starting Feb. 1, for a six month time period, we're going to be doing a pilot study with our first responder program," Beer said. "Right now, all your firefighters are EMT certified, Emergency Medical Technician certified. There's one level above that, basically, an EMT-A advanced program. That allows us to do a few different medications, use different types of equipment and medications. This pilot study is going to definitely have an impact on our citizens. Hopefully, we have some positive outcomes. Back in 2017, when I arrived in Hutchinson, your fire department was doing 50% of the skills allowed under their EMT licenses. Five years later, we're doing 100% of the skills allowed under the Kansas licensure of our EMT program."&nbsp;Captain Rebecca Mendoza is going to lead the training program to take it to the next level, but every firefighter can already do certain skills."As an EMT, you're able to do these basic life support skills, which gives you a chance to give medications," Mendoza said. "For a cardiac, you can give nitro and aspirin. For those opioid overdoses, we're giving naloxone and for breathing difficulty, we are giving DuoNeb. I found out that 90% of our calls that we go on that are medical, we are there approximately seven to eight minutes before EMS arrives."The difference between an EMT and an EMT-A is in the scope of other interventions they can do. It's the next natural step in the progression for those who already have the EMT training."It's advanced life support, which involves being able to start IVs, it's more invasive," Mendoza said. "Being able to give more medications that go through the IV for our critical patients. We need to make sure that we're helping them and helping the citizens as quickly as we can. At one point, we just did vitals."EMT-A is the level between EMT and paramedic and it's particularly important in rural areas where response times may be even a greater difference than what is experienced here in the city of Hutchinson. There is no additional cost to taxpayers for firefighters to receive the additional training. The reason it is a pilot program is that they want to take a look at the data after six months to see if it is really making a difference in patient outcomes.<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;

Firefighters to go to 'next level' in EMT training

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch High science teacher John Brown is retiring next month after 59 years in the district. Though obviously there have been many changes over a career that stretches back to before the moon landing, he does believe there are some things that are the same.

"Kids are kids," Brown said. "There's more distractions for a student today. You've got your cellphone, you have your internet, you have your social media, so they have a different span of interest. They move around a lot. But, as far as actually changing, students are students. The first students I had, what I can remember that far back, I don't see a lot of difference."

Brown teaches 9th grade honors Earth Science. He sees those students mature a lot over the course of that year.

"When they first come in, the maturity level is different than what a high school level is," Brown said. "Within about a month or month and a half, you start to see a large change in students. Of course, every student changes at a different rate. I guess I should say, matures in education at a different rate. Right now, I have a second trimester class and they are high school students."

The first group of students Brown taught are now 73 years old.

"I'm still close with a lot of the people I had in my first years," Brown said. "I keep wanting to say kids, but we're not kids. I still keep close tabs on some of them and it's very enjoyable. They are great people. It is hard to think about. It didn't hit me that they were that age until I started thinking about it here a few months ago."

Brown is looking forward to tinkering with some classic cars he owns in his retirement time. His last day with USD 308 is Feb. 24.

Below is a link to the interview with Brown.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674045635704.jpeg" alt="John Brown-Photo Courtesy USD 308" />
 <figcaption>John Brown-Photo Courtesy USD 308</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch High science teacher John Brown is retiring next month after 59 years in the district. Though obviously there have been many changes over a career that stretches back to before the moon landing, he does believe there are some things that are the same."Kids are kids," Brown said. "There's more distractions for a student today. You've got your cellphone, you have your internet, you have your social media, so they have a different span of interest. They move around a lot. But, as far as actually changing, students are students. The first students I had, what I can remember that far back, I don't see a lot of difference."Brown teaches 9th grade honors Earth Science. He sees those students mature a lot over the course of that year."When they first come in, the maturity level is different than what a high school level is," Brown said. "Within about a month or month and a half, you start to see a large change in students. Of course, every student changes at a different rate. I guess I should say, matures in education at a different rate. Right now, I have a second trimester class and they are high school students."The first group of students Brown taught are now 73 years old."I'm still close with a lot of the people I had in my first years," Brown said. "I keep wanting to say kids, but we're not kids. I still keep close tabs on some of them and it's very enjoyable. They are great people. It is hard to think about. It didn't hit me that they were that age until I started thinking about it here a few months ago."Brown is looking forward to tinkering with some classic cars he owns in his retirement time. His last day with USD 308 is Feb. 24.Below is a link to the interview with Brown.<div><iframe title="Hutch High Teacher John Brown" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=if6p8-1367e8b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div><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;

Brown: Students are students, even after 59 years

BRAD BILES American Legion Boys State

The&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is taking registrations for its 2023 session. The event is scheduled to be held Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall. Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the 2023 program is Sunday, April 30; registrations are accepted after that date on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>.

Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674051329256.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BRAD BILES American Legion Boys StateThe&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">American Legion Boys State of Kansas</a>&nbsp;is taking registrations for its 2023 session. The event is scheduled to be held Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall. Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of registrants for this year’s session to include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $350; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the program should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;to register. The deadline to register to guarantee a spot in the 2023 program is Sunday, April 30; registrations are accepted after that date on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate/">ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate</a>. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@ksbstate.org">info@ksbstate.org</a>&nbsp;or (785) 550-6492.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boys State taking 2023 registrations

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission will hear from Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper at its meeting Wednesday.

The meeting is at 4 p.m. at City Hall at 125 East Ave. B in Hutchinson, or you can join the meeting <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84838168321?pwd=YWpFWDVpRytrelNsK1lDQjk3TnZKQT09">on Zoom</a>.

The Commission functions in an advisory capacity to the mayor and the governing body of the City on problems affecting human and inter-group relations.

The focus of this Commission is eliminating and preventing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations regardless of which legally protected form it may take.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674036797662.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Human Relations Commission will hear from Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper at its meeting Wednesday.The meeting is at 4 p.m. at City Hall at 125 East Ave. B in Hutchinson, or you can join the meeting <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84838168321?pwd=YWpFWDVpRytrelNsK1lDQjk3TnZKQT09">on Zoom</a>.The Commission functions in an advisory capacity to the mayor and the governing body of the City on problems affecting human and inter-group relations.The focus of this Commission is eliminating and preventing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations regardless of which legally protected form it may take.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Human Relations Commission to hear from police chief

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) announced they arrested a man on Jan. 17, on drug charges, including one resulting in a fatal overdose. &nbsp;

Harry W. Ocon, 23,&nbsp;Hutchinson, was arrested on a probable cause warrant for distribution of a controlled substance causing death and distribution of a controlled substance. &nbsp;

HPD said the arrest is the result of an investigation into a fatal fentanyl-related overdose that occurred in Hutchinson in June 2022.&nbsp;

Those with information regarding this case, are asked to&nbsp;contact the Hutchinson Police Department at (620) 665-7144. &nbsp;

Those with any information regarding the distribution of illegal narcotics can contact Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, their&nbsp;local law enforcement agency, or use the P3Tips App on their&nbsp;smartphones.&nbsp;

All defendants are innocent until and unless they are found guilty in court. &nbsp;

People can direct any questions regarding this case to the Office of the District Attorney at (620) 694-2715.&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/2023/1/1673994256169.jpeg" alt="Harry W. Ocon was arrested in connection to a fatal overdose. [Submitted Photo: Hutchinson Police Department]&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Harry W. Ocon was arrested in connection to a fatal overdose. [Submitted Photo: Hutchinson Police Department]&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) announced they arrested a man on Jan. 17, on drug charges, including one resulting in a fatal overdose. &nbsp;Harry W. Ocon, 23,&nbsp;Hutchinson, was arrested on a probable cause warrant for distribution of a controlled substance causing death and distribution of a controlled substance. &nbsp;HPD said the arrest is the result of an investigation into a fatal fentanyl-related overdose that occurred in Hutchinson in June 2022.&nbsp;Those with information regarding this case, are asked to&nbsp;contact the Hutchinson Police Department at (620) 665-7144. &nbsp;Those with any information regarding the distribution of illegal narcotics can contact Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, their&nbsp;local law enforcement agency, or use the P3Tips App on their&nbsp;smartphones.&nbsp;All defendants are innocent until and unless they are found guilty in court. &nbsp;People can direct any questions regarding this case to the Office of the District Attorney at (620) 694-2715.&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;

Hutchinson man arrested in connection to fatal overdose

The names of the victims in the Saturday night fire in Arlington have been released. According to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt, 75-year-old John M. Schaffter and his 74-year old wife, Sally A. Schaffter died in the fire. The Office of the State Fire Marshal said the cause of the fire is still undetermined.

ARLINGTON, Kan. — Two people died at the scene of a house fire in Arlington Saturday night.

According to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt, at 9:51 p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Reno County Fire Districts 4, 8, and Pretty Prairie Fire were dispatched to the 200 block of north Broadway Street in Arlington, KS for a structure fire. 

When they arrived, fire crews were told of two possible occupants that were still in the house. Firefighters encountered heavy fire with the fire venting through the roof before they got there. 

Crews made entry into the home and located the two occupants and were able to remove them. Lifesaving efforts were made, however both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The fire was brought under control around 1 a.m. Sunday with crews remaining on scene for several hours conducting overhaul. 

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and ATF responded and investigated. 

The fire has been classified as undetermined but is not suspicious in nature. The names of the two victims will not be released at this time. 

Fire crews were assisted at the scene by Reno County EMS, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, OSFM, and ATF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661441956328.jpeg" alt="Reno County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Tuesday 2:52 p.m.The names of the victims in the Saturday night fire in Arlington have been released. According to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt, 75-year-old John M. Schaffter and his 74-year old wife, Sally A. Schaffter died in the fire. The Office of the State Fire Marshal said the cause of the fire is still undetermined.ARLINGTON, Kan. — Two people died at the scene of a house fire in Arlington Saturday night.According to a release from Reno County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt, at 9:51 p.m. Saturday,&nbsp;Reno County Fire Districts 4, 8, and Pretty Prairie Fire were dispatched to the 200 block of north Broadway Street in Arlington, KS for a structure fire. When they arrived, fire crews were told of two possible occupants that were still in the house. Firefighters encountered heavy fire with the fire venting through the roof before they got there. Crews made entry into the home and located the two occupants and were able to remove them. Lifesaving efforts were made, however both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. The fire was brought under control around 1 a.m. Sunday with crews remaining on scene for several hours conducting overhaul. The Office of the State Fire Marshal and ATF responded and investigated. The fire has been classified as undetermined but is not suspicious in nature. The names of the two victims will not be released at this time. Fire crews were assisted at the scene by Reno County EMS, Reno County Sheriff’s Office, OSFM, and ATF.<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;

UPDATE: Names given in Arlington fatal fire

YODER — Twenty-two new law enforcement officers, including one from the Hutchinson Police Department, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Jan. 13 in a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, the commencement speaker for the ceremony, congratulated the graduates and expressed his deep appreciation for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. “Every day, brave law enforcement officers, like the ones on stage and in the audience today, make many sacrifices to keep our communities across Kansas safe.”

The son of a law enforcement officer, Marshall shared memories of growing up with a father in law enforcement and how his father taught him to respect and appreciate law and order, and those who uphold the laws of the land. “Without these laws and the officers who enforce these laws, it would never be safe to drive on our roads or leave our homes.”

Under the authority of Executive Director Darin Beck, graduates received certificates attesting to the satisfactory completion of a full-time basic course of instruction and certification as Kansas law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority.

The following are the graduates of the 303rd basic training class:

Ethan Ashley, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police

Joe Barrientos,&nbsp;Finney County Sheriff's Office

Tyler Burgen, Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Jesse Caraveo Lara, Leawood Police Department

Adam Comer,&nbsp;Hutchinson Police Department

Julie Conklin, Ness County Sheriff's Office

Nicolas Dugan, Riley County Police Department

Connor Eichinger, Parsons Police Department

*Connor Hasenbank, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office&nbsp; Director’s award for academic excellence

*Robert Hunter, Lawrence Police Department&nbsp; Class President

John Hurr,&nbsp;MTAA Police &amp; Fire Department

Joshua Nelson, Pratt County Sheriff's Office

Gregory Peterson, Ellis Police Department

Tyler Powelson, Allen County Sheriff's Office

Tyler Pradin, Johnson County Sheriff's Office

*Janson Robeson, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks&nbsp; Fitness

Caleb Roth,&nbsp;Leawood Police Department

Isaac Sell, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office

Natalie Soukup, Riley County Police Department

Brandon Stogsdill, Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Cody Tousey, Johnson County Sheriff's Office

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673985155626.png" alt="Sen. Roger Marshall and KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Roger Marshall and KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck</figcaption>
 </figure>YODER — Twenty-two new law enforcement officers, including one from the Hutchinson Police Department, graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) on Jan. 13 in a ceremony held in KLETC’s Integrity Auditorium.U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, the commencement speaker for the ceremony, congratulated the graduates and expressed his deep appreciation for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. “Every day, brave law enforcement officers, like the ones on stage and in the audience today, make many sacrifices to keep our communities across Kansas safe.”<figure>
 <img src="https://news.ku.edu/sites/news.ku.edu/files/images/general/2023_news/january/kletc-marshall-hunter-beck.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The son of a law enforcement officer, Marshall shared memories of growing up with a father in law enforcement and how his father taught him to respect and appreciate law and order, and those who uphold the laws of the land. “Without these laws and the officers who enforce these laws, it would never be safe to drive on our roads or leave our homes.”Under the authority of Executive Director Darin Beck, graduates received certificates attesting to the satisfactory completion of a full-time basic course of instruction and certification as Kansas law enforcement officers from the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, the state’s law enforcement licensing authority.The following are the graduates of the 303rd basic training class:*Award recipientEthan Ashley, Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal PoliceJoe Barrientos,&nbsp;Finney County Sheriff's OfficeTyler Burgen, Douglas County Sheriff's OfficeJesse Caraveo Lara, Leawood Police DepartmentAdam Comer,&nbsp;Hutchinson Police DepartmentJulie Conklin, Ness County Sheriff's OfficeNicolas Dugan, Riley County Police DepartmentConnor Eichinger, Parsons Police Department*Connor Hasenbank, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office&nbsp; Director’s award for academic excellence*Robert Hunter, Lawrence Police Department&nbsp; Class PresidentJohn Hurr,&nbsp;MTAA Police &amp; Fire DepartmentJoshua Nelson, Pratt County Sheriff's OfficeNoah Pena, Lawrence Police DepartmentGregory Peterson, Ellis Police DepartmentTyler Powelson, Allen County Sheriff's OfficeTyler Pradin, Johnson County Sheriff's Office*Janson Robeson, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks&nbsp; FitnessCaleb Roth,&nbsp;Leawood Police DepartmentIsaac Sell, Shawnee County Sheriff's OfficeNatalie Soukup, Riley County Police DepartmentBrandon Stogsdill, Douglas County Sheriff's OfficeCody Tousey, Johnson County Sheriff's Office<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;

303rd Basic Training class graduates at KLETC, hears from Marshall

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 308 has moved the monthly scheduled public comment section to the second Board of Education meeting each month.&nbsp;

USD 308 board meetings take place two times a month on the 2nd&nbsp;and 4th&nbsp;Mondays.&nbsp; In the past, space has been made available for public comments on the first board meeting of the month.&nbsp; However, the USD 308 BOE is moving public comments to the 2nd&nbsp;board meeting of the month, which is the 4th&nbsp;Monday of the month.

This change will take effect on February 27, 2023.&nbsp; 

To view all scheduled USD 308 Board of Education meetings for the 2022-2023 school year, please&nbsp;<a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1814/USD_308/2264637/BOE_Dates_22-23_Draft_2__1_.pdf" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;

To view guidelines for public participation at a USD 308 Board of Education meeting, please&nbsp;<a href="https://5il.co/1ne7f" target="_blank">click here.&nbsp;</a>

The reason for moving public comment is to allow for the meetings of the facilities committee to happen on the 2nd Mondays after Board of Education meetings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>USD 308 Admin Building-Photo by Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>MARISSA MEIS USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 308 has moved the monthly scheduled public comment section to the second Board of Education meeting each month.&nbsp;USD 308 board meetings take place two times a month on the 2nd&nbsp;and 4th&nbsp;Mondays.&nbsp; In the past, space has been made available for public comments on the first board meeting of the month.&nbsp; However, the USD 308 BOE is moving public comments to the 2nd&nbsp;board meeting of the month, which is the 4th&nbsp;Monday of the month.This change will take effect on February 27, 2023.&nbsp; To view all scheduled USD 308 Board of Education meetings for the 2022-2023 school year, please&nbsp;<a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1814/USD_308/2264637/BOE_Dates_22-23_Draft_2__1_.pdf" target="_blank">click here.</a>&nbsp;To view guidelines for public participation at a USD 308 Board of Education meeting, please&nbsp;<a href="https://5il.co/1ne7f" target="_blank">click here.&nbsp;</a>The reason for moving public comment is to allow for the meetings of the facilities committee to happen on the 2nd Mondays after Board of Education meetings.

USD 308 moving public comment to 4th Monday meetings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is serving on the House Agriculture Committee again. That's important because this is a Farm Bill year.

"Our current Farm Bill, these are five-year bills, expires Sept. 30 of this year," Mann said. "Getting that right for agriculture and for rural Kansas will be incredibly important. We'll put a lot of effort and focus there. We have been and we'll continue to do that until we get that done."

The new Republican Agriculture Committee chair is&nbsp;Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson from Pennsylvania. Thompson visited Kansas last year.

"We toured a farm, feedyard and ethanol plant and had some other meetings around the district," Mann said. "I enjoyed introducing him to our ag producers. I'm excited for the Ag committee under his leadership."

Mann is hoping to get a legislative hearing in the Farm Bill process brought to Kansas.

"I'm optimistic that we'll be able to have a field hearing in our state," Mann said. "That's not a promise, but that's something I'm working towards. We are not going to like the Farm Bill we get if we don't have ag producers input and stakeholder input in it. It's incredibly important to me and we've been meeting with people and listening to folks."

Mann is back out on his Big First town hall meeting tour this week.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is serving on the House Agriculture Committee again. That's important because this is a Farm Bill year."Our current Farm Bill, these are five-year bills, expires Sept. 30 of this year," Mann said. "Getting that right for agriculture and for rural Kansas will be incredibly important. We'll put a lot of effort and focus there. We have been and we'll continue to do that until we get that done."The new Republican Agriculture Committee chair is&nbsp;Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson from Pennsylvania. Thompson visited Kansas last year."We toured a farm, feedyard and ethanol plant and had some other meetings around the district," Mann said. "I enjoyed introducing him to our ag producers. I'm excited for the Ag committee under his leadership."Mann is hoping to get a legislative hearing in the Farm Bill process brought to Kansas."I'm optimistic that we'll be able to have a field hearing in our state," Mann said. "That's not a promise, but that's something I'm working towards. We are not going to like the Farm Bill we get if we don't have ag producers input and stakeholder input in it. It's incredibly important to me and we've been meeting with people and listening to folks."Mann is back out on his Big First town hall meeting tour this week.<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;

Mann is back on Ag committee

McPherson County All Schools Day announces theme

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Circles of Hope - Reno County is holding an open house Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church at 1602 North Main.

Circles of Hope - Reno County is a community initiative to assist families with limited resources and empower them to better their circumstances. 

The program is a long-term solution to a long-term problem. It will take time and resources to create transformational change in Hutchinson. The program was developed by a group of local individuals who spearheaded this effort many years ago, when members from Trinity United Methodist Church attended a Kansas Leadership Center workshop and returned ​​to Hutchinson energized and determined to transform the community. 

After months of research and planning, this group invited key members of several non-profit agencies and organizations to join the work. From that, Circles was born. The group uses a concept called "the matched circle," which is where Circle Leaders set and achieve goals on the journey toward their future story.

Circles also provides resource-based support through Circles Resource Teams. Each of the five teams is comprised of community volunteers who offer their time and talents by providing connections to area resources the Circle Leaders need to reach financial stability. 

Circles offers many volunteer opportunities. You can become an Ally, sponsor a Circle Leader through the 14-week training course, gather your civic group and prepare one of the weekly meals, or make a monetary donation. Contact the church office with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673974827456.jpeg" alt="Circles of Hope-Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Circles of Hope-Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Circles of Hope - Reno County is holding an open house Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church at 1602 North Main.Circles of Hope - Reno County is a community initiative to assist families with limited resources and empower them to better their circumstances. The program is a long-term solution to a long-term problem. It will take time and resources to create transformational change in Hutchinson. The program was developed by a group of local individuals who spearheaded this effort many years ago, when members from Trinity United Methodist Church attended a Kansas Leadership Center workshop and returned ​​to Hutchinson energized and determined to transform the community. After months of research and planning, this group invited key members of several non-profit agencies and organizations to join the work. From that, Circles was born. The group uses a concept called "the matched circle," which is where Circle Leaders set and achieve goals on the journey toward their future story.Circles also provides resource-based support through Circles Resource Teams. Each of the five teams is comprised of community volunteers who offer their time and talents by providing connections to area resources the Circle Leaders need to reach financial stability. Circles offers many volunteer opportunities. You can become an Ally, sponsor a Circle Leader through the 14-week training course, gather your civic group and prepare one of the weekly meals, or make a monetary donation. Contact the church office with questions.

Circles of Hope Reno County holding open house

BUHLER, Kan. — IdeaTek expanded its fiber footprint into Colwich, giving businesses and households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices. The expansion furthers the company’s mission of providing Internet Freedom to Kansas communities, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunities this much-needed fiber investment will bring to Colwich,” he said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We look forward to providing residents and businesses with the world-class connectivity they deserve.”

In January, IdeaTek deployed wireless internet to the city and surrounding residences. It was developed as a temporary solution for remote areas.&nbsp;

Friesen said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today.”

With this rollout, IdeaTek will offer unlimited, uncapped, symmetrical speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. IdeaTek also does not require contracts.&nbsp;

To answer questions about IdeaTek fiber internet pricing and packages, the IdeaTek sales team will have an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Gambino’s Pizza, 339 S. First St. Light refreshments will be served.

Based in Buhler, IdeaTek was founded by Friesen and four high school friends in 1999. Today, the company employs over 140 Kansans and continues to grow. The team is dedicated to the mission of connecting underserved communities with affordable high-speed internet.&nbsp;

To date, IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,000 miles of fiber — plus built more than 100 fixed wireless towers — serving customers in more than 70 Kansas communities.&nbsp;

Residents and businesses interested in signing up for service can visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">http://hookmeup.ideatek.com</a> to enter their address and contact information. Or, they can call the IdeaTek sales team at 855-433-2835.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584960838544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — IdeaTek expanded its fiber footprint into Colwich, giving businesses and households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices. The expansion furthers the company’s mission of providing Internet Freedom to Kansas communities, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.“We are extremely excited for the opportunities this much-needed fiber investment will bring to Colwich,” he said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We look forward to providing residents and businesses with the world-class connectivity they deserve.”In January, IdeaTek deployed wireless internet to the city and surrounding residences. It was developed as a temporary solution for remote areas.&nbsp;Friesen said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today.”With this rollout, IdeaTek will offer unlimited, uncapped, symmetrical speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. IdeaTek also does not require contracts.&nbsp;To answer questions about IdeaTek fiber internet pricing and packages, the IdeaTek sales team will have an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Gambino’s Pizza, 339 S. First St. Light refreshments will be served.Based in Buhler, IdeaTek was founded by Friesen and four high school friends in 1999. Today, the company employs over 140 Kansans and continues to grow. The team is dedicated to the mission of connecting underserved communities with affordable high-speed internet.&nbsp;To date, IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,000 miles of fiber — plus built more than 100 fixed wireless towers — serving customers in more than 70 Kansas communities.&nbsp;Residents and businesses interested in signing up for service can visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">http://hookmeup.ideatek.com</a> to enter their address and contact information. Or, they can call the IdeaTek sales team at 855-433-2835.

IdeaTek puts fiber in Colwich

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council appointed Stuart Conklin to the Northeast District seat being vacated by Jade Piros de Carvalho and Stacy Goss to the At-Large seat on the council being vacated by Sara Bagwell in their meeting on Tuesday.

Mr. Conklin is a long-time partner in Conklin Cars in Hutchinson and is a lifelong resident and Hutch High graduate.

Stacy Goss is the Community Liaison with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County and&nbsp;holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a masters in HealthCare Leadership. 

She helped with Cris Corey's campaign for Reno County Commission.

Both candidates received all yes votes for their installation, though Jade Piros de Carvalho abstained from the vote for her own replacement.

The new council members will be installed Feb. 7.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673972679894.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council appointed Stuart Conklin to the Northeast District seat being vacated by Jade Piros de Carvalho and Stacy Goss to the At-Large seat on the council being vacated by Sara Bagwell in their meeting on Tuesday.Mr. Conklin is a long-time partner in Conklin Cars in Hutchinson and is a lifelong resident and Hutch High graduate.Stacy Goss is the Community Liaison with Hospice and Homecare of Reno County and&nbsp;holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a masters in HealthCare Leadership. She helped with Cris Corey's campaign for Reno County Commission.Both candidates received all yes votes for their installation, though Jade Piros de Carvalho abstained from the vote for her own replacement.The new council members will be installed Feb. 7.<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;

Conklin and Goss appointed to City Council

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is looking ahead to the future of the district and that is going to require lots of input from various directions.

"It would start with Vision, Mission, Core Values, we have those," Johnson said. "Now, we're going to put together a committee of about 25 people to help us refine those. That will probably be a bigger mix of internal staff with some external stakeholders as a part of that. We haven't quite put that committee together yet. With that, then, that will go into some strategic planning."

The strategic planning will happen with the Board of Education at their retreat and deciding how to use dollars to accomplish those strategic planning goals, which will likely include a facilities component.

"Where are we going in the future?," Johnson said. "We've talked about some of those things with reducing enrollment, just how we make sure that we're sustainable and viable for the next 150 years. We think we'll hear a lot about childcare. I think we'll hear about how our middle schools are set up. All of our facilities are outstanding, but we have a high school that went through that bond process 20 to 25 years ago and so, they were absolutely set up for the future. We just want to make sure that the rest of our buildings are meeting those needs."

The idea is to get this done relatively soon.

"We hope to have the first part of that vision and mission wrapped up by June, so we start the next year with that strategic plan and help really identify our priorities in our efforts," Johnson said. "Facility planning will take a little bit longer. We'll hope to have that wrapped up about this time next year."

With the long-term child care needs of the community, repurposing facilities is an idea that is on the table for the committee to discuss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson is looking ahead to the future of the district and that is going to require lots of input from various directions."It would start with Vision, Mission, Core Values, we have those," Johnson said. "Now, we're going to put together a committee of about 25 people to help us refine those. That will probably be a bigger mix of internal staff with some external stakeholders as a part of that. We haven't quite put that committee together yet. With that, then, that will go into some strategic planning."The strategic planning will happen with the Board of Education at their retreat and deciding how to use dollars to accomplish those strategic planning goals, which will likely include a facilities component."Where are we going in the future?," Johnson said. "We've talked about some of those things with reducing enrollment, just how we make sure that we're sustainable and viable for the next 150 years. We think we'll hear a lot about childcare. I think we'll hear about how our middle schools are set up. All of our facilities are outstanding, but we have a high school that went through that bond process 20 to 25 years ago and so, they were absolutely set up for the future. We just want to make sure that the rest of our buildings are meeting those needs."The idea is to get this done relatively soon."We hope to have the first part of that vision and mission wrapped up by June, so we start the next year with that strategic plan and help really identify our priorities in our efforts," Johnson said. "Facility planning will take a little bit longer. We'll hope to have that wrapped up about this time next year."With the long-term child care needs of the community, repurposing facilities is an idea that is on the table for the committee to discuss.<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;

Johnson: Time for input on district's future

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie USD 311 will have a bond issue on the ballot in May after one was defeated in September 2022.

"They approved their project list with our construction management company, which is DCS out of Wichita," USD 311 Superintendent Ashley Anderson said. "We met with our architect, which is Landmark out of Hutchinson. Our financial advisors this time around are Stifel out of Wichita. We had everybody in the room together to make sure that we were all on the same page."

Anderson explained that the scope of the project is a little smaller.

"The final list came through with windows and roofs at each of our main campuses, so all three buildings," Anderson said. "We also have an auditorium ceiling that needs repaired, so that made the list. The board decided to go with a middle school gym remodel, to do some additional seating. Expand like a competition gym, so that we don't have to use the one we're using now that's pretty small, with a restraining line. Our court needs some TLC, so they are going to go ahead and do a new gym remodel."

Those were the main projects that had been in the September bond, but at a smaller scale. There is also some additional classroom work.

"We added some different things this time around, took some things out," Anderson said. "We added a breezeway to connect the new middle school gym if it passes, and our current high school gym, just to keep those courts, I guess, not tracking all of the elements in with them, especially during the winter months of basketball. We did safe and secure entrances at each building and then we focused on our high school classrooms. Our ag shop just really needs an overhaul for electrical upgrades and ventilation and our high school science classroom needs ventilation, as well. They need some upgrades in there with gas lines and stuff like that. Those two classrooms made the cut. It looks like a final price tag of $7.9 million."

That is down from the $10.4 million proposal defeated in September.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662516584762.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostPRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie USD 311 will have a bond issue on the ballot in May after one was defeated in September 2022."They approved their project list with our construction management company, which is DCS out of Wichita," USD 311 Superintendent Ashley Anderson said. "We met with our architect, which is Landmark out of Hutchinson. Our financial advisors this time around are Stifel out of Wichita. We had everybody in the room together to make sure that we were all on the same page."Anderson explained that the scope of the project is a little smaller."The final list came through with windows and roofs at each of our main campuses, so all three buildings," Anderson said. "We also have an auditorium ceiling that needs repaired, so that made the list. The board decided to go with a middle school gym remodel, to do some additional seating. Expand like a competition gym, so that we don't have to use the one we're using now that's pretty small, with a restraining line. Our court needs some TLC, so they are going to go ahead and do a new gym remodel."Those were the main projects that had been in the September bond, but at a smaller scale. There is also some additional classroom work."We added some different things this time around, took some things out," Anderson said. "We added a breezeway to connect the new middle school gym if it passes, and our current high school gym, just to keep those courts, I guess, not tracking all of the elements in with them, especially during the winter months of basketball. We did safe and secure entrances at each building and then we focused on our high school classrooms. Our ag shop just really needs an overhaul for electrical upgrades and ventilation and our high school science classroom needs ventilation, as well. They need some upgrades in there with gas lines and stuff like that. Those two classrooms made the cut. It looks like a final price tag of $7.9 million."That is down from the $10.4 million proposal defeated in September.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bond resolution means scope of Pretty Prairie projects is less money

MCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The <a href="http://www.mcphersonchamber.org/" target="_blank">McPherson Chamber of Commerce</a> Agriculture Committee will host the 2023 Farm Forum in McPherson, Kansas, on Monday, Feb. 6. &nbsp;

The event will feature presenters to provide relevant and updated information about the business of agriculture, and bring rural community leaders, business representatives, and educators together.&nbsp;

The evening dinner event will include recognition of many individuals including Mike and Cathy Patrick, the 2022 Farm Family of the Year and Kim Baldwin, Friend of Ag recipient.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Additionally, the guest speakers from the <a href="https://karlprogram.com/about/" target="_blank">Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program</a> are Program President Jill Zimmerman and Vice-President Susan Sankey.

The McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee invites people for an evening of great food and conversations, and the opportunity to learn more about the KARL program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets are&nbsp;$20 a person and can be purchased at the McPherson Chamber of Commerce located at 306 N. Main St. in McPherson, Kansas. &nbsp;

Tickets will not be available at the door and must be purchased by Jan. 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If a&nbsp;business is interested in sponsoring the event to help with the overall Farm Forum expenses or would like to purchase tickets for their own customers or guests, they can contact the McPherson Chamber at (620) 241-3303 or email <a href="mailto:chamber@mcphersonks.org" target="_blank">chamber@mcphersonks.org</a> by Jan. 27.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673907234885.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The <a href="http://www.mcphersonchamber.org/" target="_blank">McPherson Chamber of Commerce</a> Agriculture Committee will host the 2023 Farm Forum in McPherson, Kansas, on Monday, Feb. 6. &nbsp;The event will feature presenters to provide relevant and updated information about the business of agriculture, and bring rural community leaders, business representatives, and educators together.&nbsp;The evening dinner event will include recognition of many individuals including Mike and Cathy Patrick, the 2022 Farm Family of the Year and Kim Baldwin, Friend of Ag recipient.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, the guest speakers from the <a href="https://karlprogram.com/about/" target="_blank">Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program</a> are Program President Jill Zimmerman and Vice-President Susan Sankey.The McPherson Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee invites people for an evening of great food and conversations, and the opportunity to learn more about the KARL program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tickets are&nbsp;$20 a person and can be purchased at the McPherson Chamber of Commerce located at 306 N. Main St. in McPherson, Kansas. &nbsp;Tickets will not be available at the door and must be purchased by Jan. 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;If a&nbsp;business is interested in sponsoring the event to help with the overall Farm Forum expenses or would like to purchase tickets for their own customers or guests, they can contact the McPherson Chamber at (620) 241-3303 or email <a href="mailto:chamber@mcphersonks.org" target="_blank">chamber@mcphersonks.org</a> by Jan. 27.&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;&nbsp;

2023 McPherson Chamber Farm Forum set for Feb. 6

Kansas Farm Bureau had a good 2022 as evidenced by the Pinnacle and New Horizon awards it received at the American Farm Bureau’s 104th convention recently. The Pinnacle award is the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can earn for program and membership achievement. KFB received the New Horizon award, which highlights innovative new programs, for the Casten Fellows Program, developed to honor the life of staffer Jill Casten-Downing through leadership development and international travel. The honors are well deserved, and it’s nice to take a few minutes to appreciate the amount of work required to go from the initial idea to implementation and execution. The destination is important, but so is the journey. There’s no shortage of challenges today in agriculture, as evidenced by just some of the ongoing work from last year, like KFB’s End Hunger campaign to ensure all our state’s residents have access to the food they need. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, individuals and businesses contributed more than $50,000 toward the campaign. That money will go to innovative programs run by county Farm Bureaus to address the needs they’ve identified locally. By no way is this problem solved, but progress is being made. Next year’s goal is to raise $75,000. Another ongoing project includes KFB’s purchase of Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) which allows our farm and ranch members to reach consumers in a new way. SKF founder Rick McNary is also helping communities develop local food systems to capture the full economic value from farm gates to dinner plates. Announced late last year, the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program will really get rolling in 2023 as the state’s first ever initiative to match agriculturists and rural business owners with a structured plan to train and retain employees. It’s not a silver bullet for the lack of help available in rural areas, but it’s the beginning of addressing a skills gap to meet our current and future workforce needs. As always, KFB will continue to ensure the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard in Topeka with a special focus on three topics: water, taxes and broadband. KFB will continue to support the basic tenets of Kansas water law, which have provided our members the ability to plan, invest and defend their private property rights for decades. KFB policy also supports the development of a Kansas Water Plan, either through the state general fund or dedicated statewide revenue sources. Any redesign of tax structures comes with the potential to shift taxes from one source to another with significant consequences. KFB will continue to steadfastly advocate for the constitutionally required use-value system that accurately and appropriately values agricultural lands and provides stable tax revenues to local units of government. Agricultural operations are businesses, and they should receive fair and equal tax treatment as it pertains to sales tax exemptions. Access to a vibrant, high-speed broadband network is essential to the future of both rural and urban Kansas. Statewide broadband deployment will provide new opportunities for the delivery of healthcare, education, entertainment, business development and enhance the capabilities of precision agriculture. Efforts by the state to facilitate telecommunications connectivity throughout Kansas should consider the technology-dependent nature of the agriculture industry, and its significant impact on the Kansas economy. For those paying attention, this isn’t a new list, and there’s a good chance it will be similar in 2024. There will be advancements on some fronts and setbacks on others. The key is stick to your priorities and have the patience to withstand the mundane and incremental nature of progress.

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

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm BureauKansas Farm Bureau had a good 2022 as evidenced by the Pinnacle and New Horizon awards it received at the American Farm Bureau’s 104th convention recently. The Pinnacle award is the highest honor a state Farm Bureau can earn for program and membership achievement. KFB received the New Horizon award, which highlights innovative new programs, for the Casten Fellows Program, developed to honor the life of staffer Jill Casten-Downing through leadership development and international travel. The honors are well deserved, and it’s nice to take a few minutes to appreciate the amount of work required to go from the initial idea to implementation and execution. The destination is important, but so is the journey. There’s no shortage of challenges today in agriculture, as evidenced by just some of the ongoing work from last year, like KFB’s End Hunger campaign to ensure all our state’s residents have access to the food they need. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, individuals and businesses contributed more than $50,000 toward the campaign. That money will go to innovative programs run by county Farm Bureaus to address the needs they’ve identified locally. By no way is this problem solved, but progress is being made. Next year’s goal is to raise $75,000. Another ongoing project includes KFB’s purchase of Shop Kansas Farms (SKF) which allows our farm and ranch members to reach consumers in a new way. SKF founder Rick McNary is also helping communities develop local food systems to capture the full economic value from farm gates to dinner plates. Announced late last year, the Rural Kansas Apprenticeship Program will really get rolling in 2023 as the state’s first ever initiative to match agriculturists and rural business owners with a structured plan to train and retain employees. It’s not a silver bullet for the lack of help available in rural areas, but it’s the beginning of addressing a skills gap to meet our current and future workforce needs. As always, KFB will continue to ensure the voices of farmers and ranchers are heard in Topeka with a special focus on three topics: water, taxes and broadband. KFB will continue to support the basic tenets of Kansas water law, which have provided our members the ability to plan, invest and defend their private property rights for decades. KFB policy also supports the development of a Kansas Water Plan, either through the state general fund or dedicated statewide revenue sources. Any redesign of tax structures comes with the potential to shift taxes from one source to another with significant consequences. KFB will continue to steadfastly advocate for the constitutionally required use-value system that accurately and appropriately values agricultural lands and provides stable tax revenues to local units of government. Agricultural operations are businesses, and they should receive fair and equal tax treatment as it pertains to sales tax exemptions. Access to a vibrant, high-speed broadband network is essential to the future of both rural and urban Kansas. Statewide broadband deployment will provide new opportunities for the delivery of healthcare, education, entertainment, business development and enhance the capabilities of precision agriculture. Efforts by the state to facilitate telecommunications connectivity throughout Kansas should consider the technology-dependent nature of the agriculture industry, and its significant impact on the Kansas economy. For those paying attention, this isn’t a new list, and there’s a good chance it will be similar in 2024. There will be advancements on some fronts and setbacks on others. The key is stick to your priorities and have the patience to withstand the mundane and incremental nature of progress."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Creating memories and leaders

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his historic I Have A Dream Speech in 1963, "We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."

For America in 2023, that means diversity, equity and inclusion. So, what does that mean in a Hutchinson context? Dr. Hence Parson, long-time professor at Hutchinson Community College, puts it this way, "We can integrate or desegregate all we want, but until we include people, in terms of, their ideas are important, their work is important, we're not going to go far."

Leader of the Hutchinson NAACP for over 50 years, Darrell Pope, wants to continue to focus on what brings people together, regardless of their background.

"The bottom line is we're all human," Pope said. "We all have the same needs and desires to experience life. When we understand that, well all these other things, I think, will come into play."

Pope believes that inclusion is a deliberate act. It will, and does, take effort.

"We do a lot of talking," Pope said. "We say, say what you mean and do what you say. I think that you have to quit talking and start doing. If we're deliberate in going out and including people that we know, that have not been included, or been at the table before."

The Hutchinson City Council has an opportunity to do that with <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6e2d98f5-4542-4fe1-9c1f-16bd53ccad2a">seventeen applicants for its two vacancies that will be discussed on Tuesday</a>. They can choose to have people that think as the three current members do, or they can choose to bring new perspectives to the room. It is their choice to make.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673882749903.jpg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Martin Luther King, Jr. said in his historic I Have A Dream Speech in 1963, "We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back."For America in 2023, that means diversity, equity and inclusion. So, what does that mean in a Hutchinson context? Dr. Hence Parson, long-time professor at Hutchinson Community College, puts it this way, "We can integrate or desegregate all we want, but until we include people, in terms of, their ideas are important, their work is important, we're not going to go far."Leader of the Hutchinson NAACP for over 50 years, Darrell Pope, wants to continue to focus on what brings people together, regardless of their background."The bottom line is we're all human," Pope said. "We all have the same needs and desires to experience life. When we understand that, well all these other things, I think, will come into play."Pope believes that inclusion is a deliberate act. It will, and does, take effort."We do a lot of talking," Pope said. "We say, say what you mean and do what you say. I think that you have to quit talking and start doing. If we're deliberate in going out and including people that we know, that have not been included, or been at the table before."The Hutchinson City Council has an opportunity to do that with <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/6e2d98f5-4542-4fe1-9c1f-16bd53ccad2a">seventeen applicants for its two vacancies that will be discussed on Tuesday</a>. They can choose to have people that think as the three current members do, or they can choose to bring new perspectives to the room. It is their choice to make.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Inclusion is the key to continuing forward

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget plan was released this past week and education, including early childhood,&nbsp; remains a priority. The plan includes full funding of K-12 education with appropriate inflationary adjustments, as well as a five-year plan to phase in additional Special Education dollars. John Wilson with Kansas Action for Children is in support of those ideas.

"We've been advocating for increasing funding for special education," Wilson said. "Kansas is very fortunate right now to have a strong budget surplus, in addition to strong reserves. This is the time that we need to invest those dollars into education. We've done that in response to lawsuits in public education. Who we've left behind so far have been special education students. We are joining with other education partners to make sure that the Governor's recommendation of phased in funding to meet those obligations for special education happens."

Also a priority for KAC this session is fixing the wording of the state's CHIP legislation for kids who are low income, but do not qualify for Medicaid. The eligibility wording needs updated to account for inflation. 

That has political problems for those who don't want to see Medicaid expanded, because an amendment to a CHIP bill that actually sought Medicaid expansion would end up in what is called a germaneness challenge, where the body would have to take a vote on whether or not such an amendment applied to the statute at hand and leadership can't necessarily control how a vote goes on that and process has been the way that Medicaid expansion has been held up for the last several sessions.

"Kansas is one of just 11 states that still hasn't expanded their health insurance programs to support families," Wilson said. "That's not to say there aren't paths forward, they are just a little more narrow path to get this CHIP issue resolved."

In addition, KAC is interested in what comes out of the newly created early childhood task force, as the governor attempts to create the framework for a new cabinet-level position in that arena.

"There are, I think, four state agencies with touchpoints with early childhood programs in Kansas," Wilson said. "You have the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Environment, the Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Children's Cabinet. I think, currently, those agencies do a nice job collaborating, given the various funding streams that they are working with and programs that they have oversight of, but I think we can have an even stronger early childhood system in Kansas if there was a single agency to bring that all together."

For more information on Kansas Action for Children and their priorities for this legislative session, go online to <a href="https://www.kac.org/lawmakers_can_make_the_2023_session_a_win_for_kids">kac.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostTOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget plan was released this past week and education, including early childhood,&nbsp; remains a priority. The plan includes full funding of K-12 education with appropriate inflationary adjustments, as well as a five-year plan to phase in additional Special Education dollars. John Wilson with Kansas Action for Children is in support of those ideas."We've been advocating for increasing funding for special education," Wilson said. "Kansas is very fortunate right now to have a strong budget surplus, in addition to strong reserves. This is the time that we need to invest those dollars into education. We've done that in response to lawsuits in public education. Who we've left behind so far have been special education students. We are joining with other education partners to make sure that the Governor's recommendation of phased in funding to meet those obligations for special education happens."Also a priority for KAC this session is fixing the wording of the state's CHIP legislation for kids who are low income, but do not qualify for Medicaid. The eligibility wording needs updated to account for inflation. That has political problems for those who don't want to see Medicaid expanded, because an amendment to a CHIP bill that actually sought Medicaid expansion would end up in what is called a germaneness challenge, where the body would have to take a vote on whether or not such an amendment applied to the statute at hand and leadership can't necessarily control how a vote goes on that and process has been the way that Medicaid expansion has been held up for the last several sessions."Kansas is one of just 11 states that still hasn't expanded their health insurance programs to support families," Wilson said. "That's not to say there aren't paths forward, they are just a little more narrow path to get this CHIP issue resolved."In addition, KAC is interested in what comes out of the newly created early childhood task force, as the governor attempts to create the framework for a new cabinet-level position in that arena."There are, I think, four state agencies with touchpoints with early childhood programs in Kansas," Wilson said. "You have the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Environment, the Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Children's Cabinet. I think, currently, those agencies do a nice job collaborating, given the various funding streams that they are working with and programs that they have oversight of, but I think we can have an even stronger early childhood system in Kansas if there was a single agency to bring that all together."For more information on Kansas Action for Children and their priorities for this legislative session, go online to <a href="https://www.kac.org/lawmakers_can_make_the_2023_session_a_win_for_kids">kac.org</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Action for Children supports Kelly budget priorities in education

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission will have its organizational meeting on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

No action items are on the agenda, other than electing the 2023 Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the board.

There will also be planning commission training that day.

The Reno County Planning Commission meets at the Reno County Public Works building at 600 Scott Boulevard in South 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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Planning Commission will have its organizational meeting on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.No action items are on the agenda, other than electing the 2023 Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the board.There will also be planning commission training that day.The Reno County Planning Commission meets at the Reno County Public Works building at 600 Scott Boulevard in South 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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

County planning commission to organize

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Hutch Rec and the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative have a series of upcoming meetings for its featured neighborhoods.

The first of those meetings is for the Farmington Park neighborhood Tuesday night, Jan. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 140 East 30th. Ward Davis with Ward Davis Builders, who has been working on the Farmington Park project, plans to be at the meeting to give an update.

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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; Hutch Rec and the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative have a series of upcoming meetings for its featured neighborhoods.The first of those meetings is for the Farmington Park neighborhood Tuesday night, Jan. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 140 East 30th. Ward Davis with Ward Davis Builders, who has been working on the Farmington Park project, plans to be at the meeting to give an update.These annual meetings give neighborhood residents a chance to review 2022 and determine priorities for the year ahead.Residents wanting to attend the meetings may find out more details on each neighborhood’s Facebook page or the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative page. They may also contact Adam Stewart, neighborhood coordinator at Hutch Rec, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:astewart@hutchrec.com" target="_blank">astewart@hutchrec.com</a>&nbsp;or (620) 663-6179.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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