HUTCHINSON, Kan. —All USD 308 schools will be closed to the public for winter break, December 19, 2022, through January 3, 2023.

Staff return for a professional development day on January 3, 2023, but there will be no school for students. School resumes on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, for all grade levels.&nbsp;

All district operations buildings will be closed during winter break as well, excluding the Administrative Center, which will be open to the public Monday, December 19, through Thursday, December 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147159618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —All USD 308 schools will be closed to the public for winter break, December 19, 2022, through January 3, 2023.Staff return for a professional development day on January 3, 2023, but there will be no school for students. School resumes on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, for all grade levels.&nbsp;All district operations buildings will be closed during winter break as well, excluding the Administrative Center, which will be open to the public Monday, December 19, through Thursday, December 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 buildings to be closed starting next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/" target="_blank">Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections</a> seeks to be downtown Hutchinson’s sweet-treats that cannot be beat. &nbsp;

“I started in July of 2017,” Malynda Jarrett, owner of Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections, said.&nbsp;“I just had this storefront here, where I just did baked items, decorated cookies, cakes, baked cookies, cupcakes, any custom order.” &nbsp;

Entering Sugartime Confections invokes the spirit of the retro sweets and cookie parlors of yesteryear.&nbsp;

It all stems from a beloved childhood memory of Jarrett’s.&nbsp;

“Back when I was sixteen, my dad and I went to Branson together on a trip, with Al’s Honda, and it was a motorcycle trip, and we went down, and after our&nbsp;show, we went to Cakes and Creams,” Jarrett said. “Cakes and Creams has the same feel of a 1950s diner, it has the jukebox, it has the same color scheme and so forth. I grew up taking my kids there and now I’ve taken my grandkids there.”&nbsp;

Jarrett recalled her time at Cakes and Creams as memorable, fondly reminiscing about the various desserts over the years and the retro diner atmosphere. &nbsp;

“They just recently expanded in the last couple of years as well, so it’s nice to see that,” Jarrett said. “That it’s still there and it’s the nostalgic feeling of my childhood.”&nbsp;

Sugartime Confections expansion last year reinforces the 50s and 60s vibe. Especially with the “groovy” van, sitting in the shop. &nbsp;

“This is a custom 1969 Volkswagen van that we cut in half and made it into a custom counter where we cook off of the back, I do our crepes off of the back,” Jarrett said.&nbsp;

 The “far out” expansion also added&nbsp;a second kitchen just for lunch menu items, such as panini sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, and toasted subs. &nbsp;

 Jarrett said she always intended to make her crepes in the second kitchen, but the addition of sandwiches came when a local deli downtown closed. &nbsp;

Jarrett usually comes in on Tuesdays to prepare the shop for the week. &nbsp;

 In addition to sweets and sandwiches, Sugartime Confections also serves boba tea. &nbsp;

Jarrett attributed selling boba tea as the reason Sugartime Confections was able to stay open during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;

However, Sugartime Confections' real business, and the primary reason many set foot into the shop, is their cookies and sweets.&nbsp;

“I took a leave of absence from a professional position, and I was asked what I love to do, and I said, ‘I love to decorate cookies,’” Jarrett explained. “They said, ‘well, then do that.’ I said, ‘well, I can’t replace my income on a cookie,’ and they said the magical words to me: ‘why not?’ This is why I’m here, ‘why not?’” &nbsp;

For the first two years, Jarrett did business from the converted garage of her family home.&nbsp;

Sugartime Confections' number one seller, according to Jarrett, is their “Cloud Nine” cookie. &nbsp;

“It has a special story with&nbsp;it,” Jarrett said. “Jan was a business owner here on this other side for thirty years, she owned and operated a beauty shop, and she was diagnosed with terminal cancer the same time&nbsp;as my dad.” &nbsp;

Jarrett continued, “We became very close, and one day she got out of the hospital and said she wanted to give me her recipe. The icing for the Cloud Nine cookie is her mother’s recipe. To me, it’s a legacy of her family, and a legacy of her mother’s love for decorating cookies as well.”&nbsp;

 The monster cookie is Sugartime Confections' other big seller. &nbsp;

“The monster cookie is a four-ounce cookie, that is naturally gluten free, aside that I do not use certified oats in it, but it is naturally gluten free,” Jarrett said. “It’s made with oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&amp;Ms, and a lot of sugary goodness. It is as large as a small toddler’s face.” &nbsp;

A variety of winter-perfect hot cocoa bombs, shaved ice for the summer, and other sweet and crumbly confectionaries all year round, are Jarrett's specialties, no matter the season.

Malynda Jarrett considers Sugartime Confections her role in the Hutchinson community. &nbsp;

“I personally believe, I offer a place to create sweet memories,” Jarret said. “That’s been my mission. It gives a place for people to come and create some of the same nostalgia, I had in my childhood.” &nbsp;

Sugartime Confections' welcoming, fun, and inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of reading an Archie comic book. &nbsp;

A simpler time, where getting a sweet treat was more than just reaching into a cookie jar. &nbsp;

Visit Sugartime Confections’ <a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/deli-cafe/" target="_blank">website to peek at their menu</a>. &nbsp;

For questions or call-in orders, Sugartime Confections can be reached at (620) 694-9053, or through their <a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact form on their website</a>. People can also visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sugartimeconfections" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;

Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is located at 29 S. Main St. in Hutchinson, Kan.&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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670867551381.jpeg" alt="Malynda Jarrett offers sweet times, with a retro feel at Aunt P's Sugartime Confections in Hutchinson. [Photo: Judd Weil]" />
 <figcaption>Malynda Jarrett offers sweet times, with a retro feel at Aunt P's Sugartime Confections in Hutchinson. [Photo: Judd Weil]</figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/" target="_blank">Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections</a> seeks to be downtown Hutchinson’s sweet-treats that cannot be beat. &nbsp;“I started in July of 2017,” Malynda Jarrett, owner of Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections, said.&nbsp;“I just had this storefront here, where I just did baked items, decorated cookies, cakes, baked cookies, cupcakes, any custom order.” &nbsp;Entering Sugartime Confections invokes the spirit of the retro sweets and cookie parlors of yesteryear.&nbsp;It all stems from a beloved childhood memory of Jarrett’s.&nbsp;“Back when I was sixteen, my dad and I went to Branson together on a trip, with Al’s Honda, and it was a motorcycle trip, and we went down, and after our&nbsp;show, we went to Cakes and Creams,” Jarrett said. “Cakes and Creams has the same feel of a 1950s diner, it has the jukebox, it has the same color scheme and so forth. I grew up taking my kids there and now I’ve taken my grandkids there.”&nbsp;Jarrett recalled her time at Cakes and Creams as memorable, fondly reminiscing about the various desserts over the years and the retro diner atmosphere. &nbsp;“They just recently expanded in the last couple of years as well, so it’s nice to see that,” Jarrett said. “That it’s still there and it’s the nostalgic feeling of my childhood.”&nbsp;Sugartime Confections expansion last year reinforces the 50s and 60s vibe. Especially with the “groovy” van, sitting in the shop. &nbsp;“This is a custom 1969 Volkswagen van that we cut in half and made it into a custom counter where we cook off of the back, I do our crepes off of the back,” Jarrett said.&nbsp; The “far out” expansion also added&nbsp;a second kitchen just for lunch menu items, such as panini sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, and toasted subs. &nbsp; Jarrett said she always intended to make her crepes in the second kitchen, but the addition of sandwiches came when a local deli downtown closed. &nbsp;Jarrett usually comes in on Tuesdays to prepare the shop for the week. &nbsp; In addition to sweets and sandwiches, Sugartime Confections also serves boba tea. &nbsp;Jarrett attributed selling boba tea as the reason Sugartime Confections was able to stay open during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;However, Sugartime Confections' real business, and the primary reason many set foot into the shop, is their cookies and sweets.&nbsp;“I took a leave of absence from a professional position, and I was asked what I love to do, and I said, ‘I love to decorate cookies,’” Jarrett explained. “They said, ‘well, then do that.’ I said, ‘well, I can’t replace my income on a cookie,’ and they said the magical words to me: ‘why not?’ This is why I’m here, ‘why not?’” &nbsp;For the first two years, Jarrett did business from the converted garage of her family home.&nbsp;Sugartime Confections' number one seller, according to Jarrett, is their “Cloud Nine” cookie. &nbsp;“It has a special story with&nbsp;it,” Jarrett said. “Jan was a business owner here on this other side for thirty years, she owned and operated a beauty shop, and she was diagnosed with terminal cancer the same time&nbsp;as my dad.” &nbsp;Jarrett continued, “We became very close, and one day she got out of the hospital and said she wanted to give me her recipe. The icing for the Cloud Nine cookie is her mother’s recipe. To me, it’s a legacy of her family, and a legacy of her mother’s love for decorating cookies as well.”&nbsp; The monster cookie is Sugartime Confections' other big seller. &nbsp;“The monster cookie is a four-ounce cookie, that is naturally gluten free, aside that I do not use certified oats in it, but it is naturally gluten free,” Jarrett said. “It’s made with oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&amp;Ms, and a lot of sugary goodness. It is as large as a small toddler’s face.” &nbsp;A variety of winter-perfect hot cocoa bombs, shaved ice for the summer, and other sweet and crumbly confectionaries all year round, are Jarrett's specialties, no matter the season.Malynda Jarrett considers Sugartime Confections her role in the Hutchinson community. &nbsp;“I personally believe, I offer a place to create sweet memories,” Jarret said. “That’s been my mission. It gives a place for people to come and create some of the same nostalgia, I had in my childhood.” &nbsp;Sugartime Confections' welcoming, fun, and inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of reading an Archie comic book. &nbsp;A simpler time, where getting a sweet treat was more than just reaching into a cookie jar. &nbsp;Visit Sugartime Confections’ <a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/deli-cafe/" target="_blank">website to peek at their menu</a>. &nbsp;For questions or call-in orders, Sugartime Confections can be reached at (620) 694-9053, or through their <a href="https://sugartimeconfections.com/contacts/" target="_blank">contact form on their website</a>. People can also visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sugartimeconfections" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;Aunt P’s Sugartime Confections is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is located at 29 S. Main St. in Hutchinson, Kan.&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;&nbsp;

Sugartime Confections is downtown sweet spot

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ruth Powell is the&nbsp;Interrelated Teacher at South Hutch Elementary and she loves her kids.

"We don't have the handicapped children or the kids that are very medically needy, those are in a different school," Powell said. "We have the kids that, some of them just need a boost, some of them will have special ed all their school year, but they are not so low that they can't be in the classroom most of the day."

Powell is relatively late in her working years, but still fairly fresh in her teaching career.

"I am very odd," Powell said. "I'll be 62 this month. I always wanted to be a special ed teacher, just didn't do it, life took a different turn, I had kids. I decided I was really going to go back and do it, so I did. This is my seventh year of teaching." 

Teachers who work with Individualized Education Program requirements have all sorts of documentation and paperwork. A lot of teachers have trouble with that part of the job.

"It's a legal document," Powell said. "Sometimes, it's kind of unnerving to make sure you've got it all right and they get their services like they should, but I love it. I like the underdog. I want to help them be better."

Powell has a special place in her heart for kids with Autism, as well.

"I think most of them are really pretty smart," Powell said. "It's just getting it out of them that's hard. A lot of people just don't understand that and they think, well, they are just being brats. They're not. That's how their world is."

Keeping routine and helping them emotionally regulate is one of the parts of Powell's job that she sees as positive. She makes her room a safe place for her kids to leave the classroom, come down, get back to calm and move on with their day.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671038371402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ruth Powell is the&nbsp;Interrelated Teacher at South Hutch Elementary and she loves her kids."We don't have the handicapped children or the kids that are very medically needy, those are in a different school," Powell said. "We have the kids that, some of them just need a boost, some of them will have special ed all their school year, but they are not so low that they can't be in the classroom most of the day."Powell is relatively late in her working years, but still fairly fresh in her teaching career."I am very odd," Powell said. "I'll be 62 this month. I always wanted to be a special ed teacher, just didn't do it, life took a different turn, I had kids. I decided I was really going to go back and do it, so I did. This is my seventh year of teaching." Teachers who work with Individualized Education Program requirements have all sorts of documentation and paperwork. A lot of teachers have trouble with that part of the job."It's a legal document," Powell said. "Sometimes, it's kind of unnerving to make sure you've got it all right and they get their services like they should, but I love it. I like the underdog. I want to help them be better."Powell has a special place in her heart for kids with Autism, as well."I think most of them are really pretty smart," Powell said. "It's just getting it out of them that's hard. A lot of people just don't understand that and they think, well, they are just being brats. They're not. That's how their world is."Keeping routine and helping them emotionally regulate is one of the parts of Powell's job that she sees as positive. She makes her room a safe place for her kids to leave the classroom, come down, get back to calm and move on with their day.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teacher of the Month: Mid-career change rewarding for Powell

HAVEN, Kan. — Haven Grade School Prinicipal Laurel Scott said that her students are trying to help one of their own this week.

"We've got a couple of dress up days and some fun stuff going on, but we also have some change wars," said Scott. "Usually we'll pick either a charitable organization, the food bank or something that we can focus on. This year, we're focusing on one of our students who is going through chemotherapy. He's struggling with leukemia. So, we're going to do some change wars and hopefully, on Friday, present their family with a large check. It's kind of exciting, something for the kids to work for. The winning grade level will get a pizza party."

Jack McMillian is the student to benefit from the change, but bills will change the equation for the kids, according to Scott.

"It's a little different," Scott said. "The banks in town, they've been, in the past, they've gotten a little like, oh, my goodness, we cannot do any more pennies. We have done cash, it takes you negative. So, this makes it a little bit fun. A student, say a first grader, can put a $10 bill in the sixth grade and that will take the sixth grade $10 negative, so they always want to put change in their buckets, but they can put cash in another grade levels bucket and take them into the negative, so that's a lot of fun."

Friday at Haven Grade will include building wide caroling and a check presentation to the McMillian family shortly after announcements in the gym.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670858640492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHAVEN, Kan. — Haven Grade School Prinicipal Laurel Scott said that her students are trying to help one of their own this week."We've got a couple of dress up days and some fun stuff going on, but we also have some change wars," said Scott. "Usually we'll pick either a charitable organization, the food bank or something that we can focus on. This year, we're focusing on one of our students who is going through chemotherapy. He's struggling with leukemia. So, we're going to do some change wars and hopefully, on Friday, present their family with a large check. It's kind of exciting, something for the kids to work for. The winning grade level will get a pizza party."Jack McMillian is the student to benefit from the change, but bills will change the equation for the kids, according to Scott."It's a little different," Scott said. "The banks in town, they've been, in the past, they've gotten a little like, oh, my goodness, we cannot do any more pennies. We have done cash, it takes you negative. So, this makes it a little bit fun. A student, say a first grader, can put a $10 bill in the sixth grade and that will take the sixth grade $10 negative, so they always want to put change in their buckets, but they can put cash in another grade levels bucket and take them into the negative, so that's a lot of fun."Friday at Haven Grade will include building wide caroling and a check presentation to the McMillian family shortly after announcements in the gym.&nbsp;

Haven Grade School raising money for one of their own

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 309 Police, Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Haven PD, Buhler PD and South Hutch PD all worked together in December for the Shop with a Cop program. 

Police delivered on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 to families throughout Reno County. Police delivered to a total of 21 different families throughout Reno County giving presents to 56 kids.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670625176804.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — USD 309 Police, Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Haven PD, Buhler PD and South Hutch PD all worked together in December for the Shop with a Cop program. Police delivered on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 to families throughout Reno County. Police delivered to a total of 21 different families throughout Reno County giving presents to 56 kids.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shop with a Cop helps Reno County families

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday. Patchy visibilities one-half mile or less are possible over portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

Hazardous driving conditions are possible due to low visibility.

Ensure low beam headlights are on if dense  fog is encountered.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670847320852.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday. Patchy visibilities one-half mile or less are possible over portions of Central and South Central Kansas.Hazardous driving conditions are possible due to low visibility.Ensure low beam headlights are on if dense fog is encountered.If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Dense fog Monday morning

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 Board of Education will consider a contract with McPherson-based architect Plan4 Architecture Design to work up a scope of building plans for consideration of a bond in 2023 as part of its meeting on Monday.

Should the contract be approved, those plans would be presented to the board in January.

The Buhler USD 313 Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the Burkholder Administrative Center in Buhler.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584543839140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler USD 313 Board of Education will consider a contract with McPherson-based architect Plan4 Architecture Design to work up a scope of building plans for consideration of a bond in 2023 as part of its meeting on Monday.Should the contract be approved, those plans would be presented to the board in January.The Buhler USD 313 Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the Burkholder Administrative Center in Buhler.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Buhler USD 313 Board to consider hiring architect

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Dave Coonce has decided that&nbsp;McKenzie Paint &amp; Body is going to do the little things right, and that's a daily task.

"My father bought the business from Larry McKenzie in 1986 and I bought it from my dad in 2015," Coonce said. "Larry was like family."

The business has been at&nbsp;45 Kansas Ave in South Hutchinson since 1998. Doing body work in the days of computerized everything related to cars isn't easy, but it's what Coonce has committed to.

"Every day, I find myself irritated at something, but I try my best to take care of the customers," Coonce said. "Anything else just doesn't matter."

If you're coming for body work, you're likely frustrated in the first place, either because you messed up, or because another driver did.

"You've got to make sure everybody's happy, all the time," Coonce said. You've got to do your best, every day. We need repeat customers, or it just doesn't keep going."

Whether you're blessed enough to not need them for decades, or whether you need them twice in a winter, the point is that they'll be there, as they have been for decades.

"All that we do is react to problems, all day," Coonce said. "The fact that you wrecked your car is a problem we have to react to and then, everything it takes to get it done, it's a whole other list."

The job, especially with supplies of parts a struggle, is to keep figuring out ways to solve problems and let people know that you are trying to get them their car back as quickly as possible, but that right doesn't always mean quick.

"Every day is different, every manufacturer," Coonce said. "Any one of them can hang you out to dry at any time and there's nothing you can do to make your customer happy, but they won't have a car for three months."

Coonce feels the weight of keeping the eight people that work there going, but it really is more art than science, sometimes.

"You can go to school all you want, but it's kind of hard to find somebody who had an interest and got great at it and can prove it."

McKenzie Paint &amp; Body, Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670689496639.jpeg" alt="McKenzie Paint and Body 1-Photo by Charles Johnston" />
 <figcaption>McKenzie Paint and Body 1-Photo by Charles Johnston</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Dave Coonce has decided that&nbsp;McKenzie Paint &amp; Body is going to do the little things right, and that's a daily task."My father bought the business from Larry McKenzie in 1986 and I bought it from my dad in 2015," Coonce said. "Larry was like family."The business has been at&nbsp;45 Kansas Ave in South Hutchinson since 1998. Doing body work in the days of computerized everything related to cars isn't easy, but it's what Coonce has committed to.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670689519318.jpeg" alt="McKenzie Paint and Body 2-Photo by Charles Johnston" />
 <figcaption>McKenzie Paint and Body 2-Photo by Charles Johnston</figcaption>
 </figure>"Every day, I find myself irritated at something, but I try my best to take care of the customers," Coonce said. "Anything else just doesn't matter."If you're coming for body work, you're likely frustrated in the first place, either because you messed up, or because another driver did."You've got to make sure everybody's happy, all the time," Coonce said. You've got to do your best, every day. We need repeat customers, or it just doesn't keep going."Whether you're blessed enough to not need them for decades, or whether you need them twice in a winter, the point is that they'll be there, as they have been for decades."All that we do is react to problems, all day," Coonce said. "The fact that you wrecked your car is a problem we have to react to and then, everything it takes to get it done, it's a whole other list."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670689536126.jpeg" alt="McKenzie Paint and Body 3-Photo by Charles Johnston" />
 <figcaption>McKenzie Paint and Body 3-Photo by Charles Johnston</figcaption>
 </figure>The job, especially with supplies of parts a struggle, is to keep figuring out ways to solve problems and let people know that you are trying to get them their car back as quickly as possible, but that right doesn't always mean quick."Every day is different, every manufacturer," Coonce said. "Any one of them can hang you out to dry at any time and there's nothing you can do to make your customer happy, but they won't have a car for three months."Coonce feels the weight of keeping the eight people that work there going, but it really is more art than science, sometimes."You can go to school all you want, but it's kind of hard to find somebody who had an interest and got great at it and can prove it."McKenzie Paint &amp; Body, Inc. is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

McKenzie Paint & Body, Inc. keeps it simple in South Hutch

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales &amp; Sports Events for Visit Hutch has been elected to serve as President of SportsKS for a two-year term beginning in January 2023.

SportsKS is a statewide coalition of sports sales professionals at Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO’s) that collaborate to bring awareness to Kansas as being a destination for national sporting events. The 25+ member coalition was formed in 2015 and has grown to be one of the premier statewide sports coalitions in the country. SportsKS works closely with the Kansas Department of Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

In addition to the volunteer duties as SportsKS President, Leiker will also serve as the Kansas representative on the State Association Leadership Committee that is facilitated by SportsETA (the national trade association for sports destinations and rightsholders). 

This committee is comprised of members from over 30 of the recognized state sports coalitions across the country. 

Leiker joined the executive committee of SportsKS in 2019, serving two years as secretary and is currently serving as Vice President.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670811939383.jpeg" alt="Holly Leiker" />
 <figcaption>Holly Leiker</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Holly Leiker, Director of National Sales &amp; Sports Events for Visit Hutch has been elected to serve as President of SportsKS for a two-year term beginning in January 2023.SportsKS is a statewide coalition of sports sales professionals at Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO’s) that collaborate to bring awareness to Kansas as being a destination for national sporting events. The 25+ member coalition was formed in 2015 and has grown to be one of the premier statewide sports coalitions in the country. SportsKS works closely with the Kansas Department of Tourism and the Kansas Department of Commerce.In addition to the volunteer duties as SportsKS President, Leiker will also serve as the Kansas representative on the State Association Leadership Committee that is facilitated by SportsETA (the national trade association for sports destinations and rightsholders). This committee is comprised of members from over 30 of the recognized state sports coalitions across the country. Leiker joined the executive committee of SportsKS in 2019, serving two years as secretary and is currently serving as Vice President.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leiker to be president of SportsKS

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 39th annual Hyde Park Christmas Luminaria is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17.&nbsp;

New event coordinator Angie Rice provided Hutch Post a schedule of activities.

5:30 - Closing of the streets around Hyde Park (20th&nbsp;&amp; 22nd) 6:00 - Lighting of the luminaries and park activities begin:&nbsp; musical entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and cider and cookies at the tent.&nbsp; Stop by and see Santa on the southwest corner of 20th&nbsp;and Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 - Park activities close down.&nbsp; 9:30 - All streets reopen to regular vehicular traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Grace Episcopal Church Youth Group will be serving a soup dinner for a free will donation.&nbsp; 

RCAT will be providing free bus rides through Hyde Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The neighborhood has requested and the city council approved that&nbsp;the unit &amp; 100 blocks of West 20th Avenue are converted to a one-way street for westbound traffic only and that the unit and 100 blocks of West 22nd Avenue are converted to a one-way street for eastbound traffic between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. the evening of the event, with the event scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The area around Hyde Park will be lit up with more than 14,000 luminaries along with other Christmas decorations.

Boy Scouts are helping out with the set up around the park.

Motorists are asked not to park in the area of the Luminaries to preserve the beauty of the event.

If the weather is not conducive on Saturday, the event will be held on Sunday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670339717216.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 39th annual Hyde Park Christmas Luminaria is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17.&nbsp;New event coordinator Angie Rice provided Hutch Post a schedule of activities.5:30 - Closing of the streets around Hyde Park (20th&nbsp;&amp; 22nd) 6:00 - Lighting of the luminaries and park activities begin:&nbsp; musical entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and cider and cookies at the tent.&nbsp; Stop by and see Santa on the southwest corner of 20th&nbsp;and Washington.&nbsp;&nbsp; 9:00 - Park activities close down.&nbsp; 9:30 - All streets reopen to regular vehicular traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp; Grace Episcopal Church Youth Group will be serving a soup dinner for a free will donation.&nbsp; RCAT will be providing free bus rides through Hyde Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;The neighborhood has requested and the city council approved that&nbsp;the unit &amp; 100 blocks of West 20th Avenue are converted to a one-way street for westbound traffic only and that the unit and 100 blocks of West 22nd Avenue are converted to a one-way street for eastbound traffic between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. the evening of the event, with the event scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.The area around Hyde Park will be lit up with more than 14,000 luminaries along with other Christmas decorations.Boy Scouts are helping out with the set up around the park.Motorists are asked not to park in the area of the Luminaries to preserve the beauty of the event.If the weather is not conducive on Saturday, the event will be held on Sunday.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Hyde Park Luminaria scheduled this weekend

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until Noon Sunday. Visibility is one quarter mile or less in dense fog in portions of Central, South Central and Southeast Kansas.

Temperatures remain below freezing in some areas and may create slick spots on bridges and other elevated surfaces. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until Noon Sunday. Visibility is one quarter mile or less in dense fog in portions of Central, South Central and Southeast Kansas.Temperatures remain below freezing in some areas and may create slick spots on bridges and other elevated surfaces. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

Dense fog Sunday morning 

Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.

HUTCHINSON, Kan.— After starting as a company to fill a niche in school transportation, Collins Bus has grown and endured as one of the nation's leading small bus manufacturers.&nbsp;

Founded by Don Collins Sr. as E-CON-O Conversion in Kansas, the company built the first Type A School Bus. Five years later the company moved to Hutchinson as Collins Industry. Through the 1980’s Collins quickly became the leader in small special needs transportation.

There are many steps to building a school bus. It all starts with the materials. They are housed in a pre-assembly area. The parts are made to order and shaped, including the steel skin of the bus. 

Giant mechanical punches cut through the steel skin and bend it into shape. At the same time the inner assembly is being put together as welders assemble the steel roll cages and roof. 

The skin is both riveted and glued into place with a strong adhesive.&nbsp;

A third area is preparing the chassis for final assembly. The parts all converge on an assembly line where the skin and the cage are brought together. 

The assembly is painted to color and all of the internal parts are placed inside the vehicle body including seats, windows and mechanical components and fixtures. 

Once all of that is finished, the entire body assembly is lifted onto the chassis.&nbsp;

Once that is finished, the product goes through a number of quality control steps and the finishing touches are put on the bus such as decals, an undercoating to protect the chassis and any remaining touches that are unique to that order.&nbsp;

Collins has been able to adapt to the changing needs of its industry, including E-buses, propane powered vehicles and even emergency vehicles for a time. 

The plant also has continued following a purchase by REV Group in 2006. Collins has become the largest chassis inventory of Type A bus products.

Collins is still looking for assembly and skilled workers and the hope is that they can increase workforce numbers and keep assembly moving forward.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665171952069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.ROD ZOOK Hutch Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172216404.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.— After starting as a company to fill a niche in school transportation, Collins Bus has grown and endured as one of the nation's leading small bus manufacturers.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172187404.jpeg" alt="One of the first type A buses that eventually became&nbsp; commonplace for Collins Industries." />
 <figcaption>One of the first type A buses that eventually became&nbsp; commonplace for Collins Industries.</figcaption>
 </figure>Founded by Don Collins Sr. as E-CON-O Conversion in Kansas, the company built the first Type A School Bus. Five years later the company moved to Hutchinson as Collins Industry. Through the 1980’s Collins quickly became the leader in small special needs transportation.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/ld3Lt1qJ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Collins Bus" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>There are many steps to building a school bus. It all starts with the materials. They are housed in a pre-assembly area. The parts are made to order and shaped, including the steel skin of the bus. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172257908.jpeg" alt="Assembly begins with steel components and the steel skin that will make up the body of the bus." />
 <figcaption>Assembly begins with steel components and the steel skin that will make up the body of the bus.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172270412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Giant mechanical punches cut through the steel skin and bend it into shape. At the same time the inner assembly is being put together as welders assemble the steel roll cages and roof. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172333956.jpeg" alt="Welders assemble the roll cages that form the body of the bus. The cage must meet standards for safety.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Welders assemble the roll cages that form the body of the bus. The cage must meet standards for safety.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The skin is both riveted and glued into place with a strong adhesive.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172300548.jpeg" alt="While the cage is being assembled the skin that makes out the exterior of the bus is shaped and cut to specifications. A giant punch places the rivet holes and other openings that parts and pieces will fit into on final assembly." />
 <figcaption>While the cage is being assembled the skin that makes out the exterior of the bus is shaped and cut to specifications. A giant punch places the rivet holes and other openings that parts and pieces will fit into on final assembly.</figcaption>
 </figure>A third area is preparing the chassis for final assembly. The parts all converge on an assembly line where the skin and the cage are brought together. The assembly is painted to color and all of the internal parts are placed inside the vehicle body including seats, windows and mechanical components and fixtures. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172871336.jpeg" alt="The shell of the bus makes its way through the paint booth. Once it makes the trip the paint is fully cured and ready for final assembly." />
 <figcaption>The shell of the bus makes its way through the paint booth. Once it makes the trip the paint is fully cured and ready for final assembly.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once all of that is finished, the entire body assembly is lifted onto the chassis.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172726265.jpeg" alt="The cages make their way down the assembly line where the outer skin of the bus is attached." />
 <figcaption>The cages make their way down the assembly line where the outer skin of the bus is attached.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once that is finished, the product goes through a number of quality control steps and the finishing touches are put on the bus such as decals, an undercoating to protect the chassis and any remaining touches that are unique to that order.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172749240.jpeg" alt="After all of the components are assembled and the body is mounted to the chassis, the final assembly takes place. This is where decals, lights and other fixtures are put in place. The chassis is also undercoated to protect the underside of the vehicle." />
 <figcaption>After all of the components are assembled and the body is mounted to the chassis, the final assembly takes place. This is where decals, lights and other fixtures are put in place. The chassis is also undercoated to protect the underside of the vehicle.</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins has been able to adapt to the changing needs of its industry, including E-buses, propane powered vehicles and even emergency vehicles for a time. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172776456.jpeg" alt="The undercoat is applied. This helps both in corrosion protection and provides a quieter ride." />
 <figcaption>The undercoat is applied. This helps both in corrosion protection and provides a quieter ride.</figcaption>
 </figure>The plant also has continued following a purchase by REV Group in 2006. Collins has become the largest chassis inventory of Type A bus products.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665172815240.jpeg" alt="The bus goes through its last check pint before being shipped to its customer." />
 <figcaption>The bus goes through its last check pint before being shipped to its customer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Collins is still looking for assembly and skilled workers and the hope is that they can increase workforce numbers and keep assembly moving forward.&nbsp;

A Day In The Life: Collins Bus

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Agritourism Program has partnered with Kansas Farm Bureau to hold a one-day agritourism summit on Jan. 5, 2023 in Manhattan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center.

This summit is for members of the Agritourism Program and agriculture producers interested in finding out more about the Agritourism Program.&nbsp;The goal of the summit is to bring producers together for the day, for a chance to network, learn, gather resources, and ask questions.

Kansas Agritourism is an important staple to the state’s tourism and economic development. Agritourism helps to sustain the rural way of life and keep more producers on Kansas land.

<a href="https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/events/kansas-agritourism-summit/registration/">Registration is $25. The deadline to register is&nbsp;Dec. 22</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670681912358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Agritourism Program has partnered with Kansas Farm Bureau to hold a one-day agritourism summit on Jan. 5, 2023 in Manhattan from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center.This summit is for members of the Agritourism Program and agriculture producers interested in finding out more about the Agritourism Program.&nbsp;The goal of the summit is to bring producers together for the day, for a chance to network, learn, gather resources, and ask questions.Kansas Agritourism is an important staple to the state’s tourism and economic development. Agritourism helps to sustain the rural way of life and keep more producers on Kansas land.<a href="https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/events/kansas-agritourism-summit/registration/">Registration is $25. The deadline to register is&nbsp;Dec. 22</a>.

Agritourism summit coming up next month

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 School Board will discuss a policy for the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) in the case of opioid overdose at its meeting on Monday.

The Reno County Health Department has a Suspected Drug Overdose Dashboard and from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, there were 680 overdoses and 46 fatalities in the county. 

Naloxone was given approximately 129 times during that same time frame.&nbsp; 

District Nurse D'ana Henlein said in a note provided to the board for Monday's meeting, "I would rather be safe than sorry.&nbsp; I'd be ecstatic if we got the Naloxone (Narcan) for our buildings and never had to use them, but I would forever feel responsible if something happened and I lost someone because I didn't have it."

School districts across the state are approving such policies, with Salina, DeSoto and Topeka Seaman all approving new policies this fall. Buhler USD 313 approved a policy in Oct. 2021.&nbsp;Schools can get Narcan for free.

The USD 309 school board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at South Hutchinson Elementary at&nbsp;405 South Poplar in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620675218233.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 School Board will discuss a policy for the administration of Naloxone (Narcan) in the case of opioid overdose at its meeting on Monday.The Reno County Health Department has a Suspected Drug Overdose Dashboard and from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, there were 680 overdoses and 46 fatalities in the county. Naloxone was given approximately 129 times during that same time frame.&nbsp; District Nurse D'ana Henlein said in a note provided to the board for Monday's meeting, "I would rather be safe than sorry.&nbsp; I'd be ecstatic if we got the Naloxone (Narcan) for our buildings and never had to use them, but I would forever feel responsible if something happened and I lost someone because I didn't have it."School districts across the state are approving such policies, with Salina, DeSoto and Topeka Seaman all approving new policies this fall. Buhler USD 313 approved a policy in Oct. 2021.&nbsp;Schools can get Narcan for free.The USD 309 school board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at South Hutchinson Elementary at&nbsp;405 South Poplar in South Hutchinson.

USD 309 school board to look at Narcan policy

NEWTON, Kan. — Michael Llamas was sworn in as a judge for the Ninth Judicial District in Newton on Friday. 

Llamas was sworn in to the judgeship by Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder. Prior to being nominated and selected to become a judge, Llamas operated a local law practice for more than a decade.&nbsp; 

Llamas also has experience as a municipal judge. Llamas was born and raised in Newton.

"I wanted to serve this community," Llamas said. "I wanted to help people, and that's why I chose the profession that I did."

During the ceremony, Llamas took a moment to recognize the memory of his mother for her encouragement and support throughout his career.

The Ninth Judicial District includes Harvey and McPherson counties. 

Llamas fills a new judge position in the Ninth Judicial District.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670681196724.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — Michael Llamas was sworn in as a judge for the Ninth Judicial District in Newton on Friday. Llamas was sworn in to the judgeship by Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder. Prior to being nominated and selected to become a judge, Llamas operated a local law practice for more than a decade.&nbsp; Llamas also has experience as a municipal judge. Llamas was born and raised in Newton."I wanted to serve this community," Llamas said. "I wanted to help people, and that's why I chose the profession that I did."During the ceremony, Llamas took a moment to recognize the memory of his mother for her encouragement and support throughout his career."Mom, I made it," he said. The Ninth Judicial District includes Harvey and McPherson counties. Llamas fills a new judge position in the Ninth Judicial District.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New judge sworn in Friday in Newton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Effective December 9, 2022, the chief strategy officer position at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) has been eliminated as part of an executive team reorganization.

The restructure impacted Charles (Chuck) Welch who served as the health system’s chief strategy officer. Welch joined the organization in April 2019 as the vice president and chief development officer before being promoted to CSO in October 2021. 

As chief strategy officer, Welch was responsible for developing and implementing key strategic initiatives, market positioning, and business unit growth and development consistent with the mission and strategic plan.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Chuck, who has been an integral part of furthering our strategic plan the past three years, which will help set the stage for our future,” said Acting CEO and Chief Quality Officer Nick Baldetti. “On behalf of the board and executive team, I thank Chuck for his leadership, vision and dedication to HRHS and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

The executive team will continue to work closely together to maintain the continuity of day-to-day operations for the health system. The board will continue its nationwide search for the next chief executive officer, replacing Ken Johnson, who resigned last month. 

Until a replacement is selected, Nick Baldetti will continue serving as Acting CEO and Chief Quality Officer for the healthcare system.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670679141271.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Effective December 9, 2022, the chief strategy officer position at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS) has been eliminated as part of an executive team reorganization.The restructure impacted Charles (Chuck) Welch who served as the health system’s chief strategy officer. Welch joined the organization in April 2019 as the vice president and chief development officer before being promoted to CSO in October 2021. As chief strategy officer, Welch was responsible for developing and implementing key strategic initiatives, market positioning, and business unit growth and development consistent with the mission and strategic plan.“I would like to express my gratitude to Chuck, who has been an integral part of furthering our strategic plan the past three years, which will help set the stage for our future,” said Acting CEO and Chief Quality Officer Nick Baldetti. “On behalf of the board and executive team, I thank Chuck for his leadership, vision and dedication to HRHS and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”The executive team will continue to work closely together to maintain the continuity of day-to-day operations for the health system. The board will continue its nationwide search for the next chief executive officer, replacing Ken Johnson, who resigned last month. Until a replacement is selected, Nick Baldetti will continue serving as Acting CEO and Chief Quality Officer for the healthcare system.

Welch out at Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Eagle Media and Allen Samuels CDJR came together again on Friday evening for the 2022 Adopt a Child turn in party.&nbsp;

Throughout the holiday season, Country 102.9 and the Hutchinson Eagle Media stations called on the community to adopt 214 children from Reno, Harvey and McPherson counties whose families needed assistance to give them a better Christmas. The stations were given the names thanks to the Kansas Department of Children and Families.

"We had so many bicycles this year, we had to put some of them in a separate room," said organizer and Country 102.9 Program Director, Randy McKay. "The generosity of Eagle Media listeners is always so humbling. We are happy to be able to help this year and every year."

Adopt A Child recipient parents will pick up gifts next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670635378723.jpeg" alt="2022 Adopt A Child-Eagle Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>2022 Adopt A Child-Eagle Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Eagle Media and Allen Samuels CDJR came together again on Friday evening for the 2022 Adopt a Child turn in party.&nbsp;Throughout the holiday season, Country 102.9 and the Hutchinson Eagle Media stations called on the community to adopt 214 children from Reno, Harvey and McPherson counties whose families needed assistance to give them a better Christmas. The stations were given the names thanks to the Kansas Department of Children and Families."We had so many bicycles this year, we had to put some of them in a separate room," said organizer and Country 102.9 Program Director, Randy McKay. "The generosity of Eagle Media listeners is always so humbling. We are happy to be able to help this year and every year."Adopt A Child recipient parents will pick up gifts next week.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle Media Adopt-A-Child a success once again

Scott David Conklin, Sr., 62, died December 8, 2022, surrounded by his family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 17, 1960, in Hutchinson, to Stuart “Joe” Frazier and Mary Ann (Kaaz) Conklin.&nbsp;

Scott graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1978 and Kansas University with a Bachelors of Business Administration. He grew up working in the family business, Conklin Cars, started by his grandfather.

After graduating from KU, he returned to Hutchinson to work in the family business alongside his father and brothers, becoming a partner in 1982. On July 23, 1983, Scott married Kathryn Meeks of Kirkwood (St. Louis), MO. They enjoyed 39 years of marriage.

Scott became the “face” of Conklin Cars around 2005, taking over the advertising after his father passed away, though never becoming comfortable with the attention that brought. He served in various ways in the community, most recently serving on the board of the Hutchinson YMCA. While the family had a dealership location in Kansas City, MO, he served as president on MainCor, a revitalization and economic development board in the area. Gardening was a passion of Scott’s; he loved all kinds of plants and landscaping. Scott was an active member of Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson, where he led the ministry of Grace for Orphans. The church was where he most desired to serve due to his strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp;

Scott is survived by: his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Conklin of Hutchinson; children and grandchildren, Sarah Lill (Jeremy) and their children, Genevieve and Kate of Lawrence, KS, Mary Hoover (Tony) and their children, Emme and Penelope of Hutchinson, Scott Conklin, Jr. (Paige) and their children, Scott David III, Eloise, Josephine, and Arthur of Hutchinson; and Ann Conklin of Bentonville, AR; mother, Mary Ann Conklin of Hutchinson; siblings, Stuart F. Conklin (Fran) of Hutchinson, Steven A. Conklin of Watertown, WI, and Susan Fangman (Joe) of Houston, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Jr.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private family burial will take place following the service in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Scott’s full obituary can be viewed on Elliott Mortuary’s website.&nbsp; His service will be livestreamed by clicking on the link,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams</a>.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Bible Church (to benefit the Grace for Orphans program) or the Hutchinson YMCA, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501

Scott David Conklin, Sr., 62, died December 8, 2022, surrounded by his family at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born February 17, 1960, in Hutchinson, to Stuart “Joe” Frazier and Mary Ann (Kaaz) Conklin.&nbsp;Scott graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1978 and Kansas University with a Bachelors of Business Administration. He grew up working in the family business, Conklin Cars, started by his grandfather.After graduating from KU, he returned to Hutchinson to work in the family business alongside his father and brothers, becoming a partner in 1982. On July 23, 1983, Scott married Kathryn Meeks of Kirkwood (St. Louis), MO. They enjoyed 39 years of marriage.Scott became the “face” of Conklin Cars around 2005, taking over the advertising after his father passed away, though never becoming comfortable with the attention that brought. He served in various ways in the community, most recently serving on the board of the Hutchinson YMCA. While the family had a dealership location in Kansas City, MO, he served as president on MainCor, a revitalization and economic development board in the area. Gardening was a passion of Scott’s; he loved all kinds of plants and landscaping. Scott was an active member of Grace Bible Church, Hutchinson, where he led the ministry of Grace for Orphans. The church was where he most desired to serve due to his strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp;Scott is survived by: his wife, Kathryn “Kathy” Conklin of Hutchinson; children and grandchildren, Sarah Lill (Jeremy) and their children, Genevieve and Kate of Lawrence, KS, Mary Hoover (Tony) and their children, Emme and Penelope of Hutchinson, Scott Conklin, Jr. (Paige) and their children, Scott David III, Eloise, Josephine, and Arthur of Hutchinson; and Ann Conklin of Bentonville, AR; mother, Mary Ann Conklin of Hutchinson; siblings, Stuart F. Conklin (Fran) of Hutchinson, Steven A. Conklin of Watertown, WI, and Susan Fangman (Joe) of Houston, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.He was proceeded in death by his father, Stuart “Joe” Conklin, Jr.Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Grace Bible Church, 1221 E. 33rd, Hutchinson.&nbsp; Private family burial will take place following the service in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary.Scott’s full obituary can be viewed on Elliott Mortuary’s website.&nbsp; His service will be livestreamed by clicking on the link,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams">https://www.youtube.com/@gbchutch6811/streams</a>.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Bible Church (to benefit the Grace for Orphans program) or the Hutchinson YMCA, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS&nbsp; 67501

Scott David Conklin, Sr. |1960-2022|

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impact of the pipeline outage resulting from the leak in Kansas on Wednesday isn't known yet, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.

"The closure in the Keystone pipeline that we've seen the last few days due to the leak in northern Kansas has certainly got the industry watching," Steward said. "We're not sure exactly what the impact of that will be yet. It will certainly depend on how long that pipeline is shut down."

Before the leak, fundamentals were looking really good to keep gas prices dropping across the country.

"Demand has been low for a while," Steward said. "We're at about 7% lower than where we were a year ago in terms of gasoline demand. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly in the most recent reporting period. You couple those things together and you're seeing a pretty strong decline in gas prices over the last month or two. We're at $2.94 a gallon on average in Kansas today, that's down five cents just from Monday."

Area counties continue to be on either side of the average:

The drop in demand is what was typical pre-pandemic.

"That's what we're seeing this year," Steward said. "We tend to have fewer people out driving, especially when we start seeing winter weather. We haven't seen much of that yet in Kansas."

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route at <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">gasprices.aaa.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670612694147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The impact of the pipeline outage resulting from the leak in Kansas on Wednesday isn't known yet, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas."The closure in the Keystone pipeline that we've seen the last few days due to the leak in northern Kansas has certainly got the industry watching," Steward said. "We're not sure exactly what the impact of that will be yet. It will certainly depend on how long that pipeline is shut down."Before the leak, fundamentals were looking really good to keep gas prices dropping across the country."Demand has been low for a while," Steward said. "We're at about 7% lower than where we were a year ago in terms of gasoline demand. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose significantly in the most recent reporting period. You couple those things together and you're seeing a pretty strong decline in gas prices over the last month or two. We're at $2.94 a gallon on average in Kansas today, that's down five cents just from Monday."Area counties continue to be on either side of the average:Reno $2.87Harvey $2.81Sedgwick $2.88Kingman $3.02Pratt $3.18Stafford $2.99Rice $3.07McPherson $2.90The drop in demand is what was typical pre-pandemic."That's what we're seeing this year," Steward said. "We tend to have fewer people out driving, especially when we start seeing winter weather. We haven't seen much of that yet in Kansas."Drivers can find current gas prices along their route at <a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">gasprices.aaa.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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

AAA: Pipeline leak hasn't reached pumps yet

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Hutchinson is participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior® program again this year.

The program provides gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors. The program is made possible by the generous support of area nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community.

“There are so many seniors, right here in the Hutchinson area, who have nothing and no one,” said Cindy Miller, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office. “Through this program, we are able to show them that they are valuable members of our community and that people still care.”

Home Instead has partnered with First Bank Kansas, Boy Scout troop 306, Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and The Medicine Shoppe to help with the gift collection and distribution.

Participating retail locations will display the Be a Santa to a Senior Christmas trees that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the store.

Program partners and volunteers will take care of wrapping and distributing the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.

“We have seen, firsthand, how much this program means to local seniors,” said Miller. “Without it, there would be seniors for whom the holidays would pass without even a visit.”

You can find a Be A Santa To a Senior tree at First Bank Kansas at 1600 E. 17th and at The Medicine Shoppe at 1401 N. Main in Hutchinson.

For more information about the program, visit <a href="http://BeaSantatoaSenior.com">BeaSantatoaSenior.com</a> or call 620-662-5556.

<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/2022/12/1670607177235.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Hutchinson is participating in the Be a Santa to a Senior® program again this year.The program provides gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors. The program is made possible by the generous support of area nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community.“There are so many seniors, right here in the Hutchinson area, who have nothing and no one,” said Cindy Miller, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office. “Through this program, we are able to show them that they are valuable members of our community and that people still care.”Home Instead has partnered with First Bank Kansas, Boy Scout troop 306, Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson and The Medicine Shoppe to help with the gift collection and distribution.Participating retail locations will display the Be a Santa to a Senior Christmas trees that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the store.Program partners and volunteers will take care of wrapping and distributing the gifts to local seniors who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.“We have seen, firsthand, how much this program means to local seniors,” said Miller. “Without it, there would be seniors for whom the holidays would pass without even a visit.”You can find a Be A Santa To a Senior tree at First Bank Kansas at 1600 E. 17th and at The Medicine Shoppe at 1401 N. Main in Hutchinson.For more information about the program, visit <a href="http://BeaSantatoaSenior.com">BeaSantatoaSenior.com</a> or call 620-662-5556.<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;

Program to give senior citizens gifts continues

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler-based IdeaTek has expanded its footprint into Liberal, giving businesses and households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices.

The expansion furthers the company’s mission of providing Internet Freedom to Kansas communities, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.

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

Last year, IdeaTek deployed wireless internet to Liberal and surrounding area. It was developed as a temporary solution for remote areas. Friesen said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584960838544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler-based IdeaTek has expanded its footprint into Liberal, giving businesses and households access to gigabit speeds at affordable prices.The expansion furthers the company’s mission of providing Internet Freedom to Kansas communities, said Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer.“We are extremely excited for the opportunities this much-needed fiber investment will bring to Liberal,” he said. “Our mission of Internet Freedom means we believe everyone should have access to high-speed fiber internet – no matter where they live. We look forward to providing residents and businesses with the world-class connectivity they deserve.”Last year, IdeaTek deployed wireless internet to Liberal and surrounding area. It was developed as a temporary solution for remote areas. Friesen said that investment in fiber is a scalable solution for Kansas’ future growth. “Our mission is to build to the standards of the future, not today.”With this rollout, IdeaTek offers unlimited, uncapped, symmetrical speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. IdeaTek also does not require contracts.&nbsp;Eli Svaty, the executive director of the Seward County Development Corporation, added that IdeaTek already has a proven track record in southwest Kansas, bringing fiber internet to residents in the nearby communities of Kismet, Plains. Meade, Minneola, Fowler, Ford and Bucklin.“Rural Kansas has been historically left behind when it comes to fiber infrastructure development,” Svaty said. “These communities were suffering from a lack of committed and quality providers. As a homegrown company from Kansas, IdeaTek knows what it means to be a Kansan and why our people deserve the same high-speed internet as the rest of the country. Their mission of serving rural communities already sets an example.”IdeaTek will have a meet and greet and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, 4 Rock Island Road. The team will be available to answer questions about the construction build and about services.The current project is just part of IdeaTek's growth into Seward County. In May, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced IdeaTek was one of 11 recipients awarded a Broadband Acceleration Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The award allowed IdeaTek to build fiber to 220 rural homes in eastern Seward County. Based in Buhler, IdeaTek was founded by Daniel Friesen and four high school friends in 1999. Today, the company employs over 140 Kansans and is continuing to grow. The team is dedicated to the mission of connecting underserved communities with affordable high-speed internet.&nbsp;To date, IdeaTek has deployed more than 4,000 miles of fiber — plus built more than 100 fixed wireless towers — serving customers in nearly 70 Kansas communities.&nbsp;Residents and businesses interested in signing up for service can visit <a href="http://hookmeup.ideatek.com">http://hookmeup.ideatek.com</a> to enter their address and contact information. Or, they can call the IdeaTek sales team at 855-433-2835. To learn more about the construction process, visit <a href="http://ideatek.com/construction">ideatek.com/construction</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;

Local