BUHLER –&nbsp;&nbsp;A nearly 400-mile span of U.S. Highway 83 between Liberal and Scott City — dotted with dozens of feed yards and farms and hundreds of unserved homes— will soon have fiber internet thanks to a $7.9 million Kansas Capital Project Funds broadband grant.

On Thursday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly awarded the funding to IdeaTek Telcom — a Kansas-owned and Buhler-based Internet provider with a mission of delivering fiber to rural areas. The project will help connect 1,085 households and farming operations, plus about two dozen feed yards located along the major High Plains agriculture corridor.&nbsp;

The IdeaTek grant aims to solve the digital divide. U.S. Highway 83 between Liberal and Scott City is sparsely populated, making broadband deployment exceptionally challenging for service providers without grant funding and strong community partnerships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, IdeaTek’s unique project combines rural economic vitality, intelligent transportation infrastructure and next-generation scalable fiber-to-the-farm broadband for a remote area. The project also represents a collaborative partnership between the region’s agriculture sector and a rural internet provider, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovations officer.

“Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe all Kansans should have access to ultra-speed fiber broadband – no matter if you live in a city or on a remote farm or ranch,” Friesen said. “Residents and businesses along the U.S. 83 corridor have never experienced true broadband technology. Most of these homes directly support our state’s agricultural economy. Giving our farmers and ranchers reliable and advanced access for precision agriculture and other advanced tools is long overdue considering the critical impact they deliver to Kansas.

“Bridging the digital divide in Kansas wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development,” Friesen said. “This grant will allow us to provide an important agricultural area with an affordable, future-proof communication infrastructure.”&nbsp;

Friesen added the project would not be possible without the support from the residents who live along the route, as well as their local government leaders and community stakeholders. Financial contributions were pledged from the Seward County Commission, Finney County Commission and High Choice Feeders.

The grant will change the lives of Seward County residents, said Eli Svaty, executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation.&nbsp;

“We are a rural county and the cost of bringing high-speed internet to our farmers and ranchers has kept companies from investing in those areas,” he said. “IdeaTek has proven that they are willing to make those investments, and we’re thrilled that the State of Kansas and the Office of Broadband Development are willing to share in that investment.&nbsp;

Svaty said county leaders have been working towards broadband improvements for more than a decade. State and federal investments over the past few years have finally begun to answer those calls.&nbsp;

“Industrial agriculture grows more complex each year, and it is critical that farmers and ranchers have download and upload speeds that support the work they are doing to feed the world,” he said. “This broadband expansion along US-83 will provide that resource and ensure we stay competitive as a region.&nbsp;

“While this grant award won’t completely cover the county, it gets us significantly closer, and we’re excited to continue working with IdeaTek and the Office of Broadband Development to do more.”&nbsp;

Several western Kansas lawmakers also supported the project, including Rep. Shannon Francis, who represents Seward County.

“Rural broadband expansion is a critical part of economic development, educational advancement and agribusiness growth,” Francis said. “The High Plains Corridor is a major agriculture region, and this grant provides important funding to build state-of-the-art fiber internet in an area that would not have been possible otherwise. That’s an absolute game-changer.”

Having broadband speeds is critical in the livestock industry where animal health information and security are of high importance, said Doug Claussen, chief executive officer at High Choice Feeders located in southern Scott County.

That’s why the feed yard pledged funding toward the project. Claussen said the operation uses a tremendous amount of technology such as software to record animal health data, as well as GPS coordinates for each pen. However, unreliable internet makes it tough to share the information with veterinarians, nutritionists or even just between his two locations.

“High Choice Feeders has been negatively impacted by unreliable internet service in this region, and it has limited our ability to grow,” Claussen said.&nbsp;

Claussen has been working for years to get a provider to invest in the region. He found IdeaTek had a solution.&nbsp;

“We chose to partner with IdeaTek because they have a proven track record of solving similar problems for other areas of rural Kansas,” he said. “For generations, agriculture in western Kansas has succeeded because of its natural resources and the pioneering spirit of its people. That success will only continue if agriculture business operators have access to the latest technology, which requires a fast and reliable internet connection.&nbsp;

“We want to thank the Kansas Department of Commerce for funding this application and making this investment in rural broadband in Western Kansas. This will help ensure that agriculture in this region has every tool at its disposal to continue to efficiently feed a growing global population.”

Opportunity to grow precision agriculture

For western Kansas, this also means improved use of limited water resources, according to Susan Metzger, associate director for agriculture and extension at Kansas State University who wrote a letter of support for the project.

“This investment in fiber connectivity along the Highway 83 corridor is also an investment in the state’s largest economic driver — agriculture — and our rural Kansas communities,” she said. “Adoption of precision agricultural technology is key to improved management of crop and livestock.”&nbsp;

Metzger added, “High-speed connectivity is essential to the accelerated adoption of precision agricultural technology and practices that will help us extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.”&nbsp;

Reliable internet is needed to operate today’s farming operations with 21st-century technology, said Brian Vulgamore, a fifth-generation farmer in southern Scott County.&nbsp;

Efficiency, driven by technology, is key in the semi-arid High Plains. Tools like precision weed control, intensive field scouting and irrigation management help farmers save money and be more efficient. Additionally, the use of video conferencing and innovative cloud-based software opens the doors to widespread collaboration.

“In the past 10 years, the advent of cloud-based software allows farmers to manage their farms at a more precise level in real-time. While this increases productivity, it also allows them to become better stewards of their land by conserving the use of irrigation water, herbicides, and fertilizer,” he said. “You can’t take advantage of cloud-based technology without reliable broadband. That’s imperative.”

Vulgamore is excited about partnering with IdeaTek because the company shares the same work-related values.

“While talking with Daniel, we became excited about potential opportunities on our farm,” he said. “They run their company the same way we do – they don’t want to be stagnant; they strive to become better and more efficient. When they hit a barrier, they don’t quit. That is what we do on our farm — we are continually innovating to help us break through barriers and solve problems.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation is developing a dig-once policy that enables partnerships with broadband providers like IdeaTek. This will help deploy intelligent transportation infrastructure while also deploying broadband infrastructure. KDOT’s policy should be in place before the deployment starts in order to improve the ability to stretch tax dollars associated with improved highway safety and technology innovations along Kansas highways.

IdeaTek will begin construction in early 2023. For more information on the project or to sign up for service, visit <a href="https://ideatek.com/">ideatek.com</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584960838544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER –&nbsp;&nbsp;A nearly 400-mile span of U.S. Highway 83 between Liberal and Scott City — dotted with dozens of feed yards and farms and hundreds of unserved homes— will soon have fiber internet thanks to a $7.9 million Kansas Capital Project Funds broadband grant.On Thursday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly awarded the funding to IdeaTek Telcom — a Kansas-owned and Buhler-based Internet provider with a mission of delivering fiber to rural areas. The project will help connect 1,085 households and farming operations, plus about two dozen feed yards located along the major High Plains agriculture corridor.&nbsp;The IdeaTek grant aims to solve the digital divide. U.S. Highway 83 between Liberal and Scott City is sparsely populated, making broadband deployment exceptionally challenging for service providers without grant funding and strong community partnerships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, IdeaTek’s unique project combines rural economic vitality, intelligent transportation infrastructure and next-generation scalable fiber-to-the-farm broadband for a remote area. The project also represents a collaborative partnership between the region’s agriculture sector and a rural internet provider, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovations officer.“Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe all Kansans should have access to ultra-speed fiber broadband – no matter if you live in a city or on a remote farm or ranch,” Friesen said. “Residents and businesses along the U.S. 83 corridor have never experienced true broadband technology. Most of these homes directly support our state’s agricultural economy. Giving our farmers and ranchers reliable and advanced access for precision agriculture and other advanced tools is long overdue considering the critical impact they deliver to Kansas.“Bridging the digital divide in Kansas wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development,” Friesen said. “This grant will allow us to provide an important agricultural area with an affordable, future-proof communication infrastructure.”&nbsp;PartnershipsFriesen added the project would not be possible without the support from the residents who live along the route, as well as their local government leaders and community stakeholders. Financial contributions were pledged from the Seward County Commission, Finney County Commission and High Choice Feeders.The grant will change the lives of Seward County residents, said Eli Svaty, executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation.&nbsp;“We are a rural county and the cost of bringing high-speed internet to our farmers and ranchers has kept companies from investing in those areas,” he said. “IdeaTek has proven that they are willing to make those investments, and we’re thrilled that the State of Kansas and the Office of Broadband Development are willing to share in that investment.&nbsp;Svaty said county leaders have been working towards broadband improvements for more than a decade. State and federal investments over the past few years have finally begun to answer those calls.&nbsp;“Industrial agriculture grows more complex each year, and it is critical that farmers and ranchers have download and upload speeds that support the work they are doing to feed the world,” he said. “This broadband expansion along US-83 will provide that resource and ensure we stay competitive as a region.&nbsp;“While this grant award won’t completely cover the county, it gets us significantly closer, and we’re excited to continue working with IdeaTek and the Office of Broadband Development to do more.”&nbsp;Several western Kansas lawmakers also supported the project, including Rep. Shannon Francis, who represents Seward County.“Rural broadband expansion is a critical part of economic development, educational advancement and agribusiness growth,” Francis said. “The High Plains Corridor is a major agriculture region, and this grant provides important funding to build state-of-the-art fiber internet in an area that would not have been possible otherwise. That’s an absolute game-changer.”High-tech on the rangeHaving broadband speeds is critical in the livestock industry where animal health information and security are of high importance, said Doug Claussen, chief executive officer at High Choice Feeders located in southern Scott County.That’s why the feed yard pledged funding toward the project. Claussen said the operation uses a tremendous amount of technology such as software to record animal health data, as well as GPS coordinates for each pen. However, unreliable internet makes it tough to share the information with veterinarians, nutritionists or even just between his two locations.“High Choice Feeders has been negatively impacted by unreliable internet service in this region, and it has limited our ability to grow,” Claussen said.&nbsp;Claussen has been working for years to get a provider to invest in the region. He found IdeaTek had a solution.&nbsp;“We chose to partner with IdeaTek because they have a proven track record of solving similar problems for other areas of rural Kansas,” he said. “For generations, agriculture in western Kansas has succeeded because of its natural resources and the pioneering spirit of its people. That success will only continue if agriculture business operators have access to the latest technology, which requires a fast and reliable internet connection.&nbsp;“We want to thank the Kansas Department of Commerce for funding this application and making this investment in rural broadband in Western Kansas. This will help ensure that agriculture in this region has every tool at its disposal to continue to efficiently feed a growing global population.”Opportunity to grow precision agricultureFor western Kansas, this also means improved use of limited water resources, according to Susan Metzger, associate director for agriculture and extension at Kansas State University who wrote a letter of support for the project.“This investment in fiber connectivity along the Highway 83 corridor is also an investment in the state’s largest economic driver — agriculture — and our rural Kansas communities,” she said. “Adoption of precision agricultural technology is key to improved management of crop and livestock.”&nbsp;Metzger added, “High-speed connectivity is essential to the accelerated adoption of precision agricultural technology and practices that will help us extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.”&nbsp;Reliable internet is needed to operate today’s farming operations with 21st-century technology, said Brian Vulgamore, a fifth-generation farmer in southern Scott County.&nbsp;Efficiency, driven by technology, is key in the semi-arid High Plains. Tools like precision weed control, intensive field scouting and irrigation management help farmers save money and be more efficient. Additionally, the use of video conferencing and innovative cloud-based software opens the doors to widespread collaboration.“In the past 10 years, the advent of cloud-based software allows farmers to manage their farms at a more precise level in real-time. While this increases productivity, it also allows them to become better stewards of their land by conserving the use of irrigation water, herbicides, and fertilizer,” he said. “You can’t take advantage of cloud-based technology without reliable broadband. That’s imperative.”Vulgamore is excited about partnering with IdeaTek because the company shares the same work-related values.“While talking with Daniel, we became excited about potential opportunities on our farm,” he said. “They run their company the same way we do – they don’t want to be stagnant; they strive to become better and more efficient. When they hit a barrier, they don’t quit. That is what we do on our farm — we are continually innovating to help us break through barriers and solve problems.”The Kansas Department of Transportation is developing a dig-once policy that enables partnerships with broadband providers like IdeaTek. This will help deploy intelligent transportation infrastructure while also deploying broadband infrastructure. KDOT’s policy should be in place before the deployment starts in order to improve the ability to stretch tax dollars associated with improved highway safety and technology innovations along Kansas highways.IdeaTek will begin construction in early 2023. For more information on the project or to sign up for service, visit <a href="https://ideatek.com/">ideatek.com</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ideatek to receive just under $8 million in state funds

NORWICH, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Kansas Christy Davis announced on Thursday USDA is investing $479,553 in critical infrastructure to save energy across rural Kansas.

&nbsp;“USDA Rural Development is expanding access to renewable energy infrastructure, creating good jobs and saving people money on their energy costs,” Davis said.

&nbsp;A&nbsp;$9,808 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install new refrigeration equipment at&nbsp;Norwich&nbsp;Fresh Market. The project is estimated to save 39,292 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, equating to 29.61% of their energy usage which is enough energy to power three homes. Norwich Fresh Market currently has six employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647358702037.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NORWICH, Kan. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Kansas Christy Davis announced on Thursday USDA is investing $479,553 in critical infrastructure to save energy across rural Kansas.&nbsp;“USDA Rural Development is expanding access to renewable energy infrastructure, creating good jobs and saving people money on their energy costs,” Davis said.&nbsp;A&nbsp;$9,808 grant&nbsp;will help purchase and install new refrigeration equipment at&nbsp;Norwich&nbsp;Fresh Market. The project is estimated to save 39,292 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, equating to 29.61% of their energy usage which is enough energy to power three homes. Norwich Fresh Market currently has six employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USDA program saving money at Kingman Co. grocery

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno and McPherson County WIC Coordinator Heather Peterson notes that they have more moms and babies to serve this year than they have in the past.&nbsp;

"We have definitely seen an increase in our caseload, the number of people that are participating," Peterson said. "We've actually seen an increase of 150 participants in the last six months alone."

Also, the long-time issue regarding infant formula supplies remains.

"Honestly, it is still an issue for families," Peterson said. "At this point, we are, the state of Kansas and nationally, are allowing substitutions and so while our contract is with Similac, families are able to purchase Enfamil or Gerber, or even some of the formulas that have been shipped in from Europe and also from Mexico."

Peterson praised her staff for their ability to handle the additional need in 2022.

"My staff has done just an outstanding job of getting families scheduled in," Peterson said. "Whether they are brand new to the WIC program or if they are coming back on after being off for a little bit of time, we've been crazy busy."

The WIC office is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call them at (620) 259-8442.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610565879660.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno and McPherson County WIC Coordinator Heather Peterson notes that they have more moms and babies to serve this year than they have in the past.&nbsp;"We have definitely seen an increase in our caseload, the number of people that are participating," Peterson said. "We've actually seen an increase of 150 participants in the last six months alone."Also, the long-time issue regarding infant formula supplies remains."Honestly, it is still an issue for families," Peterson said. "At this point, we are, the state of Kansas and nationally, are allowing substitutions and so while our contract is with Similac, families are able to purchase Enfamil or Gerber, or even some of the formulas that have been shipped in from Europe and also from Mexico."Peterson praised her staff for their ability to handle the additional need in 2022."My staff has done just an outstanding job of getting families scheduled in," Peterson said. "Whether they are brand new to the WIC program or if they are coming back on after being off for a little bit of time, we've been crazy busy."The WIC office is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., or call them at (620) 259-8442.<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;

WIC with greater need in 2022

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heather Peterson, RDN, LD WIC Coordinator at the Reno County Health Department, has been chosen by the National WIC Association to be the local and state proponent for the new updates to the WIC Food Package. 

Peterson has been the Kansas representative to the National WIC Board for the past four years and during that time she has represented families in Reno and McPherson Counties.

Peterson has a passion for helping families through the WIC program. Peterson said, “I absolutely adore talking with families, helping them learn to eat healthy. I enjoy talking with mothers, helping them to breast feed their babies to get them off to a good start.” 

Peterson said that the WIC program has an economic impact on Reno County with foods purchased locally giving a boost to local vendors.

The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has announced proposed changes to the foods prescribed to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC. The WIC food packages are specifically designed to supplement the foods and beverages participants already consume and fill in key nutritional gaps to support healthy growth and development.

WIC is enhancing participants’ purchasing power and providing more flexibility with the updated food packages. A proposed change includes increasing cash-value benefits for fruits and vegetables, offering other forms such as canned or frozen. For example, Peterson said that part of the proposed changes being recommended are that participants would be able to exchange the juice benefit for additional fresh fruits and vegetables. 

“This is a request we receive from a lot of WIC families; they want to reduce the sugary beverages offered in their home,” said Peterson. 

An additional change being proposed would be adding a new option to offer tuna or salmon to children over the age of two, pregnant women and postpartum women.

“Growing healthy kids is expensive. We know the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, but anyone that has been to the grocery store lately can see that $1 doesn’t buy many bananas. The WIC food package is based on scientific evidence that promotes healthy pregnancies and supports the needs of infants and children as they grow. We strongly support the USDA’s efforts to update the WIC food packages and bolster the WIC benefit to strengthen the program’s proven public health outcomes,” said Peterson.

More information from USDA is available <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-0250.22">here</a>.&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Heather Peterson, RDN, LD WIC Coordinator at the Reno County Health Department, has been chosen by the National WIC Association to be the local and state proponent for the new updates to the WIC Food Package. Peterson has been the Kansas representative to the National WIC Board for the past four years and during that time she has represented families in Reno and McPherson Counties.Peterson has a passion for helping families through the WIC program. Peterson said, “I absolutely adore talking with families, helping them learn to eat healthy. I enjoy talking with mothers, helping them to breast feed their babies to get them off to a good start.” Peterson said that the WIC program has an economic impact on Reno County with foods purchased locally giving a boost to local vendors.The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has announced proposed changes to the foods prescribed to participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC. The WIC food packages are specifically designed to supplement the foods and beverages participants already consume and fill in key nutritional gaps to support healthy growth and development.WIC is enhancing participants’ purchasing power and providing more flexibility with the updated food packages. A proposed change includes increasing cash-value benefits for fruits and vegetables, offering other forms such as canned or frozen. For example, Peterson said that part of the proposed changes being recommended are that participants would be able to exchange the juice benefit for additional fresh fruits and vegetables. “This is a request we receive from a lot of WIC families; they want to reduce the sugary beverages offered in their home,” said Peterson. An additional change being proposed would be adding a new option to offer tuna or salmon to children over the age of two, pregnant women and postpartum women.“Growing healthy kids is expensive. We know the benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, but anyone that has been to the grocery store lately can see that $1 doesn’t buy many bananas. The WIC food package is based on scientific evidence that promotes healthy pregnancies and supports the needs of infants and children as they grow. We strongly support the USDA’s efforts to update the WIC food packages and bolster the WIC benefit to strengthen the program’s proven public health outcomes,” said Peterson.More information from USDA is available <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-0250.22">here</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Peterson chosen to teach about WIC updates

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission again discussed the idea of an independently elected mayor at their meeting Tuesday.

Newton currently operates under a Commission-Manager form, with five elected at-large City Commissioners. City elections take place in the fall of odd-numbered years. The top two vote-getters are elected to four-year terms, and the third-place vote-getter serves a two-year term.

A mayor is appointed each year from within the Commission. Commission policy is that the highest vote-getter in the last election is appointed vice mayor and becomes mayor the following year. Following that policy, during the annual reorganization on Tuesday night, Leroy Koehn, the top vote-getter in the 2021 election, was selected as mayor for the ensuing year. Rod Kreie, the second-place vote-getter, was selected as vice mayor.

The mayor conducts Commission meetings and executes contracts on behalf of the City but has no&nbsp;additional authority or voting powers. The Commission hires a professional city manager to serve as the City’s chief executive officer, carrying out the day-to-day operations of the City and working to implement the long-term vision established by the Commission.

Commissioners said they see value in a mayor serving a longer term – perhaps two years – providing continuity of leadership and more time to accomplish goals.

Changing the City’s form of government would require either a citywide election or a Charter Ordinance, which could still be put to a public vote if a protest petition were filed. The Commission also could choose simply to maintain the Commission-Manager form and change Commission policy to extend the length of the mayor’s term.

The Commission directed City staff to work with the City’s new survey provider, FlashVote, to create a community survey to gauge residents’ interest in changing the form of government.

Residents can sign up to participate in FlashVote surveys by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTQuNjgyNTE0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZsYXNodm90ZS5jb20vTmV3dG9uS1MifQ.e7OwcjczobNIp1YhOYz5KaCE9zVo6MLEMLzB_mV-5as/s/2592705315/br/150524605092-l" target="_blank">www.flashvote.com/NewtonKS</a>&nbsp;or calling 775-235-2240. Sign-up takes less than one minute, and survey data is anonymous. Personal or demographic information collected by FlashVote is never shared with the&nbsp;City&nbsp;or anyone else. When residents sign up, they can determine how their surveys are received – whether by email, text or phone call.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671104789014.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission again discussed the idea of an independently elected mayor at their meeting Tuesday.Newton currently operates under a Commission-Manager form, with five elected at-large City Commissioners. City elections take place in the fall of odd-numbered years. The top two vote-getters are elected to four-year terms, and the third-place vote-getter serves a two-year term.A mayor is appointed each year from within the Commission. Commission policy is that the highest vote-getter in the last election is appointed vice mayor and becomes mayor the following year. Following that policy, during the annual reorganization on Tuesday night, Leroy Koehn, the top vote-getter in the 2021 election, was selected as mayor for the ensuing year. Rod Kreie, the second-place vote-getter, was selected as vice mayor.The mayor conducts Commission meetings and executes contracts on behalf of the City but has no&nbsp;additional authority or voting powers. The Commission hires a professional city manager to serve as the City’s chief executive officer, carrying out the day-to-day operations of the City and working to implement the long-term vision established by the Commission.Commissioners said they see value in a mayor serving a longer term – perhaps two years – providing continuity of leadership and more time to accomplish goals.Changing the City’s form of government would require either a citywide election or a Charter Ordinance, which could still be put to a public vote if a protest petition were filed. The Commission also could choose simply to maintain the Commission-Manager form and change Commission policy to extend the length of the mayor’s term.The Commission directed City staff to work with the City’s new survey provider, FlashVote, to create a community survey to gauge residents’ interest in changing the form of government.Residents can sign up to participate in FlashVote surveys by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTQuNjgyNTE0NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmZsYXNodm90ZS5jb20vTmV3dG9uS1MifQ.e7OwcjczobNIp1YhOYz5KaCE9zVo6MLEMLzB_mV-5as/s/2592705315/br/150524605092-l" target="_blank">www.flashvote.com/NewtonKS</a>&nbsp;or calling 775-235-2240. Sign-up takes less than one minute, and survey data is anonymous. Personal or demographic information collected by FlashVote is never shared with the&nbsp;City&nbsp;or anyone else. When residents sign up, they can determine how their surveys are received – whether by email, text or phone call.<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;

Newton City Commission talks about mayor changes

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Central Model Railroaders are holding their Grand Central Station Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The free event is at the regular clubhouse at 16 East 3rd in Hutchinson, where the public can watch the club's model trains operate on their own layouts at the clubhouse.

In addition to the Saturday event, the clubhouse is generally open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascentralmodelrailroaders.com/">kansascentralmodelrailroaders.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671103149871.jpeg" alt="KCMRCLogo.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>KCMRCLogo.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas Central Model Railroaders are holding their Grand Central Station Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.The free event is at the regular clubhouse at 16 East 3rd in Hutchinson, where the public can watch the club's model trains operate on their own layouts at the clubhouse.In addition to the Saturday event, the clubhouse is generally open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kansascentralmodelrailroaders.com/">kansascentralmodelrailroaders.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Model train open house Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Andrew D. Patterson, 24, Hutchinson, is set to appear in Reno County District Court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. &nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3425b749-e395-46f5-9bfd-539d9c683275" target="_blank">Patterson was charged with attempted terrorism in June</a>, following threats he made against his workplace and a school.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If convicted, he could get up to 50 years in prison without parole.&nbsp;

A previous complaint filed in the case, alleged a threat against Hutchinson Middle School-8 (HMS-8), and a separate threat against the Dillons distribution center.&nbsp;

Additionally, Patterson allegedly made a further threat against a specific individual.&nbsp;

The terrorism charge is founded in the HMS-8 threat.&nbsp;

Patterson was detained during a May 31 traffic stop after law enforcement received information that Patterson had made the threatening comments.&nbsp;

During the stop, police found detailed plans in Patterson’s vehicle to carry out an act of mass violence.&nbsp;

A search warrant was executed at his residence where additional evidence related to the plan was collected.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669857427972.jpeg" alt="Andrew D. Patterson" />
 <figcaption>Andrew D. Patterson</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Andrew D. Patterson, 24, Hutchinson, is set to appear in Reno County District Court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3425b749-e395-46f5-9bfd-539d9c683275" target="_blank">Patterson was charged with attempted terrorism in June</a>, following threats he made against his workplace and a school.&nbsp;&nbsp;If convicted, he could get up to 50 years in prison without parole.&nbsp;A previous complaint filed in the case, alleged a threat against Hutchinson Middle School-8 (HMS-8), and a separate threat against the Dillons distribution center.&nbsp;Additionally, Patterson allegedly made a further threat against a specific individual.&nbsp;The terrorism charge is founded in the HMS-8 threat.&nbsp;Patterson was detained during a May 31 traffic stop after law enforcement received information that Patterson had made the threatening comments.&nbsp;During the stop, police found detailed plans in Patterson’s vehicle to carry out an act of mass violence.&nbsp;A search warrant was executed at his residence where additional evidence related to the plan was collected.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Preliminary hearing set for Patterson

RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and officials with Buhler USD 313 are investigating a conversation involving guns at school.

At the end of the day on Tuesday, a student reported overhearing a conversation in the hallway.  In this conversation, a Prairie Hills Middle School student shared they had guns at home and could bring them to school.

Superintendent Cindy Couchman said there was no specific threat made to students or staff.  The students have not been able to be identified and the administration is continuing to investigate the situation. 

 If your student heard this conversation and could have information regarding it, please contact the Hutchinson Police department and/or Buhler Schools immediately. 

 As a precautionary measure, law enforcement are present at Prairie Hills Middle School, 3200 Lucille Drive, as officials complete the investigation. 

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities and officials with Buhler USD 313 are investigating a conversation involving guns at school.At the end of the day on Tuesday, a student reported overhearing a conversation in the hallway. In this conversation, a Prairie Hills Middle School student shared they had guns at home and could bring them to school.Superintendent Cindy Couchman said there was no specific threat made to students or staff. The students have not been able to be identified and the administration is continuing to investigate the situation. If your student heard this conversation and could have information regarding it, please contact the Hutchinson Police department and/or Buhler Schools immediately. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement are present at Prairie Hills Middle School, 3200 Lucille Drive, as officials complete the investigation. <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;

Additional security at Prairie Hills Middle School Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Volunteer elves in the Salt City have been busy at work this week, constructing 1,200 gingerbread houses in preparation for Hutch Rec’s Gingerbread House Decorating Event this weekend.

In addition to the gingerbread house decorating, the following activities will be available for the public to enjoy at Memorial Hall on Saturday:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Carriage Rides provided outside of Memorial Hall, sponsored by Downtown Hutch and Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery. Salt City Chiller will be set-up outside selling hot cocoa as participants wait for carriage rides.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: A holiday photo booth will be set up for families to take pictures as they finish their gingerbread house creations.

Hutchinson Art Center will be on-hand providing supplies to make Christmas cards that will then be delivered to area retirement homes.

Students from Wiley Elementary School’s Sweet Treats Shop will be selling sweets and treats inside Memorial Hall.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Santa will be on the stage at Memorial Hall, available for pictures and visits. As families wait in line, bEpic Events will have interactive games.

This free community event will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Hall and is Hutch Rec’s gift to the community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671040327499.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Volunteer elves in the Salt City have been busy at work this week, constructing 1,200 gingerbread houses in preparation for Hutch Rec’s Gingerbread House Decorating Event this weekend.In addition to the gingerbread house decorating, the following activities will be available for the public to enjoy at Memorial Hall on Saturday:9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Carriage Rides provided outside of Memorial Hall, sponsored by Downtown Hutch and Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery. Salt City Chiller will be set-up outside selling hot cocoa as participants wait for carriage rides.9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: A holiday photo booth will be set up for families to take pictures as they finish their gingerbread house creations.Hutchinson Art Center will be on-hand providing supplies to make Christmas cards that will then be delivered to area retirement homes.Students from Wiley Elementary School’s Sweet Treats Shop will be selling sweets and treats inside Memorial Hall.10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Santa will be on the stage at Memorial Hall, available for pictures and visits. As families wait in line, bEpic Events will have interactive games.This free community event will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Hall and is Hutch Rec’s gift to the community.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutch Rec to host annual gingerbread house decorating event

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual Remember Me Tree fundraiser continues in Hutchinson to benefit Hospice and Homecare of Reno County.

"We will again have our Willow Tree angels and our ceramic ornaments," said Tara Dahlstrom with Hospice. "For a donation of $75, you get a beautiful Willow Tree angel. For $40, there is an ornament this year, as well. Lots of people have been collecting these things year after year. They are able to have beautiful trees with these ornaments on them."

They are available lots of different ways.

"We will have these available at our office," Dahlstrom said. "You can order online at <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/hospice-homecare-of-reno-county/events/remember-me-tree/">hospicerenocounty.com</a>, and you can also view these at Dillons Marketplace where we have our tree right outside of First National Bank."

They gave out about 250 angels and ornaments combined last year.

"It's a way to remember your loved one during the holiday season," said Darla Wilson with Hospice. "You're not gifting them. You're gifting to their memory and holding them close to you during that season, whether you're just making a donation in their memory, or you are receiving a token to commemorate their being with you that year."

Many people give to the Remember Me Tree without asking for the item, as just the act of writing the check to donate brings the memory of their loved one close.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669473872216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The annual Remember Me Tree fundraiser continues in Hutchinson to benefit Hospice and Homecare of Reno County."We will again have our Willow Tree angels and our ceramic ornaments," said Tara Dahlstrom with Hospice. "For a donation of $75, you get a beautiful Willow Tree angel. For $40, there is an ornament this year, as well. Lots of people have been collecting these things year after year. They are able to have beautiful trees with these ornaments on them."They are available lots of different ways."We will have these available at our office," Dahlstrom said. "You can order online at <a href="https://www.hutchregional.com/hospice-homecare-of-reno-county/events/remember-me-tree/">hospicerenocounty.com</a>, and you can also view these at Dillons Marketplace where we have our tree right outside of First National Bank."They gave out about 250 angels and ornaments combined last year."It's a way to remember your loved one during the holiday season," said Darla Wilson with Hospice. "You're not gifting them. You're gifting to their memory and holding them close to you during that season, whether you're just making a donation in their memory, or you are receiving a token to commemorate their being with you that year."Many people give to the Remember Me Tree without asking for the item, as just the act of writing the check to donate brings the memory of their loved one close.<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;

Annual Remember Me Tree fundraiser going until year end

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Donors to the Boys and Girls Club can get additional impact for their donations in December.

"We have a matching donor who has given us $10,000 to match dollar for dollar up to that $10,000 through the end of the year," said Lindsey Fields with Boys and Girls Club. "We want to be able to tell that couple that, yes, every single one of those dollars was raised this year to support kids."

The Club needs donations to be able to continue its mission.

"At the Boys and Girls Club, we don't turn any child or teen away who wants to be a club member, based on finances," Fields said. "Because of that, that means we have to make up that difference through community support. We come to everyone in Hutchinson and ask them to make sure that kids in Hutchinson have a safe and fun place to spend their out of school hours. We're asking you to make that possible with a year end gift.

The easiest way to do that is on the Boys and Girls Club website.

"You can make your gift online at <a href="https://www.bgchutch.com/">bgchutch.com</a>, you can give us a call at (620) 665-7171 or you can drop that in the mail to PO Box 1967, Hutchinson, KS 67504-1967," Fields said.

Since 1990 the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson has been serving local youth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584740557772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Donors to the Boys and Girls Club can get additional impact for their donations in December."We have a matching donor who has given us $10,000 to match dollar for dollar up to that $10,000 through the end of the year," said Lindsey Fields with Boys and Girls Club. "We want to be able to tell that couple that, yes, every single one of those dollars was raised this year to support kids."The Club needs donations to be able to continue its mission."At the Boys and Girls Club, we don't turn any child or teen away who wants to be a club member, based on finances," Fields said. "Because of that, that means we have to make up that difference through community support. We come to everyone in Hutchinson and ask them to make sure that kids in Hutchinson have a safe and fun place to spend their out of school hours. We're asking you to make that possible with a year end gift.The easiest way to do that is on the Boys and Girls Club website."You can make your gift online at <a href="https://www.bgchutch.com/">bgchutch.com</a>, you can give us a call at (620) 665-7171 or you can drop that in the mail to PO Box 1967, Hutchinson, KS 67504-1967," Fields said.Since 1990 the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson has been serving local youth.<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;

Matching gift opportunity for Boys and Girls Club

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The announcement Tuesday of the intent by Kansas Attorney General-elect Kris Kobach to appoint a man who lost to him in the primary to the top post at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was a long time in the making.

"I reached out to Kris the night of the election and congratulated him, of course," Tony Mattivi said. "We went to lunch not long after. The more we talked, one of the things that we found is, when it comes to criminal justice issues, there's really just not any daylight between Kris and me. He's a conservative. He's also a law and order guy. The same is true for me. He's excited about doing what we can do to bring the crime rate down. He's anxious to tackle violent crime and the fentanyl crisis. He wants to make sure that law enforcement has the support that they need. We're just completely in alignment on those issues. Over time, this just sort of fell into place."

The KBI is brought to the forefront in investigations where an outside agency is needed for additional resources, particularly in the state's smaller counties, but that's not all that they do.

"They do criminal justice record keeping," Mattivi said. "Whether it's criminal histories or sex offender registries or fingerprint databases, it's the KBI's task to maintain all of that information for the state, that's one. Secondly, they have a laboratory, that's forensic examination and analysis. Whether it's a DUI or a drug case, fingerprints, DNA, firearm and tool mark analysis. There's a unit of the KBI that does that kind of work. Oftentimes, when you're investigating complex criminal organizations, some of the most valuable information that you gather, isn't gathered by an agent. It's gathered by an analyst. The KBI has a division devoted to criminal intelligence analysis. Then, finally, they have the investigations division."

Mattivi will be looking at the KBI from the perspective of a prosecutor, and he believes that has value.

A prosecutor is sort of the end user of all of those products created by the KBI," Mattivi said. "The criminal history information. That's something a prosecutor uses in making a charging decision. The forensic lab, over the course of my career, I can't even count the number of times I put a KBI chemist or analyst on the stand to talk about DNA evidence or fingerprint evidence. The criminal intelligence analysis? Again, that's some of the most important information that's gathered for a prosecutor. Then, finally, the agents. I had KBI agents testify in so many of my cases over the years."

Mattivi is subject to Kansas Senate confirmation, which will be scheduled after the session gets started in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658251336825.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The announcement Tuesday of the intent by Kansas Attorney General-elect Kris Kobach to appoint a man who lost to him in the primary to the top post at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation was a long time in the making."I reached out to Kris the night of the election and congratulated him, of course," Tony Mattivi said. "We went to lunch not long after. The more we talked, one of the things that we found is, when it comes to criminal justice issues, there's really just not any daylight between Kris and me. He's a conservative. He's also a law and order guy. The same is true for me. He's excited about doing what we can do to bring the crime rate down. He's anxious to tackle violent crime and the fentanyl crisis. He wants to make sure that law enforcement has the support that they need. We're just completely in alignment on those issues. Over time, this just sort of fell into place."The KBI is brought to the forefront in investigations where an outside agency is needed for additional resources, particularly in the state's smaller counties, but that's not all that they do."They do criminal justice record keeping," Mattivi said. "Whether it's criminal histories or sex offender registries or fingerprint databases, it's the KBI's task to maintain all of that information for the state, that's one. Secondly, they have a laboratory, that's forensic examination and analysis. Whether it's a DUI or a drug case, fingerprints, DNA, firearm and tool mark analysis. There's a unit of the KBI that does that kind of work. Oftentimes, when you're investigating complex criminal organizations, some of the most valuable information that you gather, isn't gathered by an agent. It's gathered by an analyst. The KBI has a division devoted to criminal intelligence analysis. Then, finally, they have the investigations division."Mattivi will be looking at the KBI from the perspective of a prosecutor, and he believes that has value.A prosecutor is sort of the end user of all of those products created by the KBI," Mattivi said. "The criminal history information. That's something a prosecutor uses in making a charging decision. The forensic lab, over the course of my career, I can't even count the number of times I put a KBI chemist or analyst on the stand to talk about DNA evidence or fingerprint evidence. The criminal intelligence analysis? Again, that's some of the most important information that's gathered for a prosecutor. Then, finally, the agents. I had KBI agents testify in so many of my cases over the years."Mattivi is subject to Kansas Senate confirmation, which will be scheduled after the session gets started in January.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mattivi sees from unique perspective as KBI director nominee

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Pretty Prairie USD 311 Superintendent Ashley Anderson has an important meeting on the upcoming bond issue in the district.

"I actually meet with the architect today to just kind of revamp some of the ideas that we had with the middle school gym remodel and a new addition there, with a lobby and concession stand and restrooms," Anderson said. "We're trying to keep our price tag at something that's you know, doable in the community, as well as planning for the future and stretching a little bit."

There are several strategies that will be discussed, but having the gym be more sized to the typical crowd than to the KSHSAA minimum to host substate is on the table.

"If we try to get the capacity to host something like substate, what is the price tag on something like that, compared to, we bring in crowds of 600," Anderson said. "Is it 750? Is that enough for us? Is that going to be large enough for what we're going to do here? Being able to host tournaments would be great for us."

It's also not a guarantee that everything will be rolled into one question, either.

"We ran a $10.4 million bond issue in September," Anderson said. "It failed by about 70 votes. We know we've got to be under that. Another strategy is separating questions. Maybe do a maintenance package and then a gym expansion as a second question. There's some strategy there that can also be played with. Really, until we know the square footage of the addition and have a solidified plan for what we want that addition to truly be, we can't put a price tag to anything."

The plan is to have a proposal for the school board in January.

<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 Superintendent Ashley Anderson has an important meeting on the upcoming bond issue in the district."I actually meet with the architect today to just kind of revamp some of the ideas that we had with the middle school gym remodel and a new addition there, with a lobby and concession stand and restrooms," Anderson said. "We're trying to keep our price tag at something that's you know, doable in the community, as well as planning for the future and stretching a little bit."There are several strategies that will be discussed, but having the gym be more sized to the typical crowd than to the KSHSAA minimum to host substate is on the table."If we try to get the capacity to host something like substate, what is the price tag on something like that, compared to, we bring in crowds of 600," Anderson said. "Is it 750? Is that enough for us? Is that going to be large enough for what we're going to do here? Being able to host tournaments would be great for us."It's also not a guarantee that everything will be rolled into one question, either."We ran a $10.4 million bond issue in September," Anderson said. "It failed by about 70 votes. We know we've got to be under that. Another strategy is separating questions. Maybe do a maintenance package and then a gym expansion as a second question. There's some strategy there that can also be played with. Really, until we know the square footage of the addition and have a solidified plan for what we want that addition to truly be, we can't put a price tag to anything."The plan is to have a proposal for the school board in January.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Anderson to meet with architect on bond issue details

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Students at Hutchinson High School used their newly renovated kitchen classroom to prepare a full holiday meal on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.&nbsp;

In August of 2022, the USD 308 Board of Education approved renovation plans for one of the kitchen classrooms at Hutchinson High School. The plans included updates that support the needs of students with disabilities.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, students were able to use the kitchen for the first time and prepared a full holiday meal to share with district leaders.&nbsp;

The new space will be used by 40 students across the Hutchinson High School campus.&nbsp;

Staff at HHS were able to give input on the project in order to incorporate the needs of students.

“We have lots of responsibilities as educators, one of them is to provide academic skills for the here and now, but also to prepare them for a life after high school. The kitchen gives the opportunity for our students to practice skills that they’ll need after they leave us," said USD 308 Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Jessica Engelland.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670966010279.jpeg" alt="HHS Kitchen 1.jpg" />
 <figcaption>HHS Kitchen 1.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MARISSA MEIS USD 308HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Students at Hutchinson High School used their newly renovated kitchen classroom to prepare a full holiday meal on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670966017823.jpeg" alt="HHS Kitchen 2.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>HHS Kitchen 2.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>In August of 2022, the USD 308 Board of Education approved renovation plans for one of the kitchen classrooms at Hutchinson High School. The plans included updates that support the needs of students with disabilities.&nbsp;On Tuesday, students were able to use the kitchen for the first time and prepared a full holiday meal to share with district leaders.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670966026311.jpeg" alt="HHS Kitchen 3.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>HHS Kitchen 3.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>The new space will be used by 40 students across the Hutchinson High School campus.&nbsp;Staff at HHS were able to give input on the project in order to incorporate the needs of students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670966035838.jpeg" alt="HHS Kitchen 4.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>HHS Kitchen 4.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have lots of responsibilities as educators, one of them is to provide academic skills for the here and now, but also to prepare them for a life after high school. The kitchen gives the opportunity for our students to practice skills that they’ll need after they leave us," said USD 308 Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Jessica Engelland.<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;

Hutch High students use new kitchen classroom

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Evening holiday events in Hutchinson will be plentiful on Thursday, Dec. 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starting at 5 p.m., the <a href="https://www.renocomuseum.org/" target="_blank">Reno County Museum</a> will hold Christmas in the Courtyard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This [Christmas in the Courtyard] has been going on for several years, it’s just a fun, festive way for us to kick off the holiday season, and a good way for the Reno County Museum to give back to the community,” Penny Bettles, Reno County Museum Event Coordinator, said. “What is new this year though, is that we will have reindeer.” &nbsp;

The live reindeer are sponsored by <a href="https://www.byinjurylaw.com/?utm_source=GMB&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=hutchinson" target="_blank">Bretz Injury Law</a>. &nbsp;

At Christmas in the Courtyard, people can expect family activities like cookie decorating, ornament decorating, make-and-take crafts, a hot cocoa bar, and photo opportunities with the reindeer, as well as Santa Claus. &nbsp;

“It’s free to attend, we will have donation boxes set up,” Bettles said. “It’s suggested donation only, certainly not mandatory or required, but that just kind of helps us offset the cost of the event.” &nbsp;

Bettles said Christmas in the Courtyard has been a tradition in Reno County for many years, and it is their way of giving back to the community during the holidays. &nbsp;

Those seeking a Biblical activity that Thursday evening, can visit Eagle Media Center Park for a Live Nativity. &nbsp;

“We have actors that will be coming from Crossroads Christian Church, and so they will be out on our lawn there,” Nancy Swain, <a href="https://eagleradio.net/" target="_blank">Eagle Media Hutchinson</a> General Manager, said. “We have live animals that will be there. We have three camels, a donkey, a calf, and several sheep.” &nbsp;

The Christmas story from the Bible will be told every 30 minutes at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;

“It just gives people a chance to sit on a straw bale, and just really reflect on the meaning of Christmas, “Swain said. “It’s in a quiet little area, where it’s tucked away from all the craziness going up and down Main Street.” &nbsp;

There will also be hot chocolate provided by Spangles, at the Live Nativity. &nbsp;

Additionally, Christmas light tours around Hutchinson, courtesy of <a href="https://www.renogov.org/222/Reno-County-Area-Transit-RCAT" target="_blank">Reno County Area Transportation (RCAT)</a>, will be available to people once they are done experiencing the Live Nativity. &nbsp;

Of course, people can also spend their evening, Dec. 15 in downtown Hutchinson for Third Thursday. &nbsp;

Downtown Hutchinson turns into a celebration of local art, music, and community, starting at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. &nbsp;

People can stroll the streets of Downtown Hutchinson and take in the local music and art scene while shopping, dining, and enjoying December’s&nbsp;featured activities and events. &nbsp;

Reno County Museum is located at 100 S. Walnut St. For questions about Christmas in the Courtyard, call (620) 662-1184.&nbsp;

Eagle Media is located at 825 N. Main St. For questions about the live Nativity in Eagle Media Center Park, call (620) 662-4486.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670955835573.jpeg" alt="Christmas in the Courtyard at Reno County Museum is a Hutchinson tradition. [Photo: Judd Weil]" />
 <figcaption>Christmas in the Courtyard at Reno County Museum is a Hutchinson tradition. [Photo: Judd Weil]</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Evening holiday events in Hutchinson will be plentiful on Thursday, Dec. 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;Starting at 5 p.m., the <a href="https://www.renocomuseum.org/" target="_blank">Reno County Museum</a> will hold Christmas in the Courtyard.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This [Christmas in the Courtyard] has been going on for several years, it’s just a fun, festive way for us to kick off the holiday season, and a good way for the Reno County Museum to give back to the community,” Penny Bettles, Reno County Museum Event Coordinator, said. “What is new this year though, is that we will have reindeer.” &nbsp;The live reindeer are sponsored by <a href="https://www.byinjurylaw.com/?utm_source=GMB&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=hutchinson" target="_blank">Bretz Injury Law</a>. &nbsp;At Christmas in the Courtyard, people can expect family activities like cookie decorating, ornament decorating, make-and-take crafts, a hot cocoa bar, and photo opportunities with the reindeer, as well as Santa Claus. &nbsp;“It’s free to attend, we will have donation boxes set up,” Bettles said. “It’s suggested donation only, certainly not mandatory or required, but that just kind of helps us offset the cost of the event.” &nbsp;Bettles said Christmas in the Courtyard has been a tradition in Reno County for many years, and it is their way of giving back to the community during the holidays. &nbsp;Those seeking a Biblical activity that Thursday evening, can visit Eagle Media Center Park for a Live Nativity. &nbsp;“We have actors that will be coming from Crossroads Christian Church, and so they will be out on our lawn there,” Nancy Swain, <a href="https://eagleradio.net/" target="_blank">Eagle Media Hutchinson</a> General Manager, said. “We have live animals that will be there. We have three camels, a donkey, a calf, and several sheep.” &nbsp;The Christmas story from the Bible will be told every 30 minutes at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;“It just gives people a chance to sit on a straw bale, and just really reflect on the meaning of Christmas, “Swain said. “It’s in a quiet little area, where it’s tucked away from all the craziness going up and down Main Street.” &nbsp;There will also be hot chocolate provided by Spangles, at the Live Nativity. &nbsp;Additionally, Christmas light tours around Hutchinson, courtesy of <a href="https://www.renogov.org/222/Reno-County-Area-Transit-RCAT" target="_blank">Reno County Area Transportation (RCAT)</a>, will be available to people once they are done experiencing the Live Nativity. &nbsp;Of course, people can also spend their evening, Dec. 15 in downtown Hutchinson for Third Thursday. &nbsp;Downtown Hutchinson turns into a celebration of local art, music, and community, starting at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. &nbsp;People can stroll the streets of Downtown Hutchinson and take in the local music and art scene while shopping, dining, and enjoying December’s&nbsp;featured activities and events. &nbsp;Reno County Museum is located at 100 S. Walnut St. For questions about Christmas in the Courtyard, call (620) 662-1184.&nbsp;Eagle Media is located at 825 N. Main St. For questions about the live Nativity in Eagle Media Center Park, call (620) 662-4486.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Holiday happenings in Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is in search of a full-time professional that embraces collaboration, innovation, and community involvement as the Neighborhood Development Manager,&nbsp;a position that is a collaboration between Hutch Rec and the City of Hutchinson.

The Neighborhood Development Manager will work collaboratively with residents, community partners, and service/community organizations in the development and implementation of innovative neighborhood development strategies and programs to encourage and provide opportunities for investments that will create pride in all Hutchinson neighborhoods. The manager will manage the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (HHNI), including direct supervision of Hutch Rec’s full-time HHNI Coordinator.

HHNI is a collaborative approach to improve the marketability of area neighborhoods, making them an attractive place residents and newcomers choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. Thriving neighborhoods come from healthy communities. Hutch Rec wants to ensure our community is an attractive place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Those are all aspects of the vision to inspire all residents to enjoy healthy living while strengthening community spirit. HHNI has six featured neighborhoods and has recently begun work in a seventh featured neighborhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For a full job description on the Neighborhood Development Manager position and how to apply, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/employment/" target="_blank">https://www.hutchrec.com/employment/</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670955442371.png" alt="HHNIPhoto.png" />
 <figcaption>HHNIPhoto.png</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch Rec is in search of a full-time professional that embraces collaboration, innovation, and community involvement as the Neighborhood Development Manager,&nbsp;a position that is a collaboration between Hutch Rec and the City of Hutchinson.The Neighborhood Development Manager will work collaboratively with residents, community partners, and service/community organizations in the development and implementation of innovative neighborhood development strategies and programs to encourage and provide opportunities for investments that will create pride in all Hutchinson neighborhoods. The manager will manage the Hutchinson Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (HHNI), including direct supervision of Hutch Rec’s full-time HHNI Coordinator.HHNI is a collaborative approach to improve the marketability of area neighborhoods, making them an attractive place residents and newcomers choose to live for an enhanced quality of life. Thriving neighborhoods come from healthy communities. Hutch Rec wants to ensure our community is an attractive place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Those are all aspects of the vision to inspire all residents to enjoy healthy living while strengthening community spirit. HHNI has six featured neighborhoods and has recently begun work in a seventh featured neighborhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;For a full job description on the Neighborhood Development Manager position and how to apply, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/employment/" target="_blank">https://www.hutchrec.com/employment/</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Addition to neighborhood development sought

WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”

The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.

The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.

The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.

The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.

“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”

Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.

There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950063249.png" alt="Photos by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950106330.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950085913.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

Gov. announces more than $40M for 33 bridge projects across Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners has reached a consensus on a new burn resolution for the county at their meeting on Tuesday, but they will put the formal vote on the next meeting's consent agenda, so that Commissioner Ron Hirst can work through the technical side of the once a year permitting process before they have a final vote.

The proposed resolution has been reviewed and edited by all of the fire chiefs in Reno County, the Kansas Forest Service, NRCS, Conservation District, District Attorney's Office, County Counselor and Emergency Management.

The biggest changes to the burn resolution are:

1. Requiring a burn permit before initiating a burn, on each parcel of land, though they were trying to figure out what software changes to make in future years to make that process easier. A free burn permit can be acquired by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/593/Controlled-Burn-Guidelines">filling it out on the County's website.</a>

2. Due to large fires in 2022, stand alone brush piles also have more stringent requirements than the previous resolution.

3. Violation of the charter resolution, if passed, upon conviction, is a class B misdemeanor.

The resolution would take effect 60 days after publication, unless a&nbsp; petition demanding a vote of the electors is signed and filed in the office of the County Election Officer.

Below are the relevant new sections of the ordinance to be considered.

SECTION 1 – DEFINITIONS: “Open burning” shall mean for purposes of this Resolution the burning of brush, structures and construction debris, trash, and debris piles.

“Agricultural Open Burning” shall mean the open burning of vegetation such as grass, woody species, crop residue and other dry plant residue for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, wildlife, or other watershed management.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661441956328.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners has reached a consensus on a new burn resolution for the county at their meeting on Tuesday, but they will put the formal vote on the next meeting's consent agenda, so that Commissioner Ron Hirst can work through the technical side of the once a year permitting process before they have a final vote.The proposed resolution has been reviewed and edited by all of the fire chiefs in Reno County, the Kansas Forest Service, NRCS, Conservation District, District Attorney's Office, County Counselor and Emergency Management.The biggest changes to the burn resolution are:1. Requiring a burn permit before initiating a burn, on each parcel of land, though they were trying to figure out what software changes to make in future years to make that process easier. A free burn permit can be acquired by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.renogov.org/593/Controlled-Burn-Guidelines">filling it out on the County's website.</a>2. Due to large fires in 2022, stand alone brush piles also have more stringent requirements than the previous resolution.3. Violation of the charter resolution, if passed, upon conviction, is a class B misdemeanor.The resolution would take effect 60 days after publication, unless a&nbsp; petition demanding a vote of the electors is signed and filed in the office of the County Election Officer.Below are the relevant new sections of the ordinance to be considered.SECTION 1 – DEFINITIONS: “Open burning” shall mean for purposes of this Resolution the burning of brush, structures and construction debris, trash, and debris piles.“Agricultural Open Burning” shall mean the open burning of vegetation such as grass, woody species, crop residue and other dry plant residue for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, wildlife, or other watershed management.“Recreational Burning” shall mean burning conducted in a safe container with cover sufficient to prevent embers from escaping, outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits. This shall not include cooking fires or burning for ceremonial purposes; provided, such fires are manageable and attended by a responsible person.“Reasonable Person” shall mean a responsible, competent individual of majority age who is not under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.SECTION 2 – This Resolution shall be applicable in the unincorporated area of Reno County, Kansas. This resolution may be adopted by any incorporated city inside the county. Burning within the boundaries of a Kansas State Park or federally owned land conducted in compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by such State Park or federally owned land shall be presumed safe in the absence of evidence to the contrary.a. Prior to commencement of Open Burning or Agricultural Open burning, the party responsible for the burn shall obtain a burn permit for each parcel they intend to burn. The commission asked that there be some further clarification and simplification of the process on renewals of permits from year to year.The permit can be obtained from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.renogov.org/">www.renogov.org</a>. Each burn permit is valid from the date of issuance through the whole year, expiring December 31 of the year in which it is issued.b. The holder of the burn permit shall notify Hutchinson/Reno County Emergency Communications Center (HRCEC) by telephone at 620-694-2800 of his or her intent to burn and shall provide his or her name, address, telephone number, permit number, and the location, nature, and circumstances of the proposed burn. Failure to provide prior notification of intent to burn as herein provided shall constitute a violation of this Resolution and subject the violator upon conviction to the penalties specified at Section 7.HRCEC personnel shall advise the caller of the existence of any burn ban then in effect in Reno County and if the weather conditions are not favorable for burning.c. The location for Open Burning, Agricultural Open Burning, and Recreational Burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.d. Open Burning, Agricultural Open Burning, and Recreational Burning are prohibited when any of the following factors are applicable, to wit:1) When a burn ban is in effect;2) When the wind speed is more than 15 mph as applied to Open Burning only;3) When the grassland fire danger index is VERY HIGH; OR ABOVE anytime during the day of the burn;4) When Open Burning or Agricultural Burning will commence earlier than one hour before sunrise or later than two hours prior to sunset;5) When a burn creates a safety hazard at an airport or a traffic safety hazard.e. Stand alone brush piles may not be commenced when the fire index is forecasted to be VERY HIGH or ABOVE anytime during the 72 hours after ignition. Brush piles will have at least a one hundred (100) foot fire break from any combustible material or structures. City and County owned brush sites may be exempt from Section 3d, provided the jurisdiction having authority conducts a site inspection and approves the burn.f. No open burning or agricultural open burning may be commenced later than thirty (30) minutes following notification of the proposed burn to the Emergency Communications Center.g. For Agricultural Open Burning, brush piles within the burn area must be a minimum one hundred (100) feet from all property lines. A fire break of at least thirty (30) feet on all sides of the field proposed to be burned shall be provided by the responsible person.h. For Open Burns, adequate clearance from combustible materials unintended for burning and a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from all structures shall be provided and maintained by the responsible party.i. Open Burning materials shall not include heavy smoke-producing materials, such as heavy oils, tires, pallets, railroad, and bridge lumber, treated lumber, plastics, or rubber.j. The responsible person shall ensure that all Open Burning, Agricultural Open Burning, and Recreational Burning conducted shall be supervised at all times by a reasonable person until the threat of fire has been eliminated.k. In any prosecution for violation of this Resolution made pursuant to Section 7 below, it shall be prima facie evidence that the person who owns or controls the property on which burning occurs has caused or permitted the open burning.SECTION 4 – TEMPORARY BURN BAN: In addition to other burn ban authority, the County Emergency Management Director (the “Director”) or the County Fire Administrator (the “Fire Administrator”) in the absence of said Director, shall have the authority to issue a Temporary Burn Ban Order to be effective for up to twelve (12) hours. Said Order may be issued when in the discretion of the Director or the Fire Administrator insufficient fire apparatus or fire response personnel are available for emergency response. Temporary Burn Ban Orders shall be issued in written form and provided to HRCECC by hand delivery, by e-mail, or by fax. A District Fire Chief or his/her designee may temporarily prohibit an individual from burning for the remainder of the day if that individual was unable to properly maintain their burn.SECTION 5 – BURN BAN: A burn ban can be put in place in the form of a local disaster declaration by the Board of County Commissioners. This burn ban shall pertain to all open burning and agricultural open burning in the unincorporated areas of the county.SECTION 6 – No District Fire Chief or his designee shall have the authority to waive or contravene the provision of this regulation; PROVIDED, fire suppression activities supervised by Fire District personnel during an emergency response shall be exempt from the requirements of this regulation.SECTION 7 – PENALTY. Any person or other entity who violates this Resolution shall upon conviction be guilty of a class B misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than One&nbsp;Thousand Dollars($1,000) or confinement in the Reno County Correctional Facility (Jail) for a period not to exceed 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment.Further, in the discretion of the presiding Judge, any person convicted for violating this Resolution shall make restitution to property owners for actual damages and also to any Fire District for costs and expenses incurred by the Fire District&nbsp;and other firefighting and emergency personnel responding to the scene of the burn due to the conduct constituting the violation.SECTION 8 – This Resolution supersedes and repeals Reno County Resolution 2017-12.SECTION 9 – This Charter Resolution shall be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official county newspaper. This Charter Resolution shall take effect 60 days&nbsp;after final publication unless a petition signed by a number of electors in Reno County equal to not less than 2% of the number of electors who voted in the last November election or 100 electors, whichever is greater, shall be filed in the office of the County Election Officer demanding that such&nbsp;Resolution be submitted to a vote of the electors. An election, if called, shall be called within 30 days, and held within 90 days after filing the petition with the county election officer. The Board of County Commissioners shall, by Resolution, call the election and fix the date, which Resolution shall&nbsp;be published once each week for three consecutive weeks in the official county newspaper.SECTION 10. This Charter Resolution shall be recorded by the Reno County Clerk in a book maintained for that purpose.Again, the final vote on the resolution will be on the consent agenda at the commission's next meeting in two weeks.<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.