ST. JOHN, Kan. — The Stafford County Child Care Committee said progress on their building at 413 N. Pearl Street in St. John that will be a child care center continues.

"The building has been assembled," the group said Thursday. "The skirting and decking are installed. Utilities have been getting hooked up this week."

The facility is still several months from being operational. 

"The state fire marshal should complete their inspection this month," the group said.&nbsp; 

In order to have a licensed facility, anyone who is hired will need to become licensed by KDHE which is a 90+ day process.&nbsp;If you are interested in applying, email your resume and three references by December 30 to <a href="mailto:staffordcochildcare@gmail.com">staffordcochildcare@gmail.com</a>.

While the licensing process is underway, necessary modifications will be made to the building.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670595145977.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. JOHN, Kan. — The Stafford County Child Care Committee said progress on their building at 413 N. Pearl Street in St. John that will be a child care center continues."The building has been assembled," the group said Thursday. "The skirting and decking are installed. Utilities have been getting hooked up this week."The facility is still several months from being operational. "The state fire marshal should complete their inspection this month," the group said.&nbsp; In order to have a licensed facility, anyone who is hired will need to become licensed by KDHE which is a 90+ day process.&nbsp;If you are interested in applying, email your resume and three references by December 30 to <a href="mailto:staffordcochildcare@gmail.com">staffordcochildcare@gmail.com</a>.While the licensing process is underway, necessary modifications will be made to the building.&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;

Stafford County Child Care Committee reports on building

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Knocknasheega?__cft__[0]=AZW36Rhux3Ab4Ph0PvBY1tuFNyWjqeuauJtrHhDXR53NPRs63HS7stHlneMbBEXO732WqvuVonfL3FarGTlsnMLMv249UehPp9LUHltMCD-gI93z3SlJmLrvAPy-3SHuRO81HfFRjMXsgB8j7sYPA-FtII_l2qNBWea2ScSp6wxgQdl9d3Dn3hIYvv8aSsKIAMk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Knocknasheega</a> Celtic Band will be returning for their third time to perform with the Hutchinson Symphony for their Christmas Concert this weekend. The concert is sponsored by First National Bank.

The concert is Sunday, December 11th, at 3 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.

Area high school choirs and Anderson Concerto Winners will also be part of the program.

You can purchase tickets at the Fox box office during regular business hours, online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hutchsymphony.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2gyPThl5Is1j20UvA223hJ1jPn4O8oKYsfZxjvTE9USazIOCfmqq2c3Vs&amp;h=AT3P9itcsmeHBNBcT6VSXCzkyI9FTvO-oqBde0_M2J25uFG-3dFmhOCKzoVIQMVKW5OkoCuHhCHINEZ5t6HWfSutKqZEP1Qoe9oEBv0xTaNph_d9IHlopJTCbhwhv5BEug&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1Cejqs3ah1UIQSF9rJ-N_jBToA5lw5hYRWGeSyNiWD_aWvKzRI59wYwNr5riciopsQZdAUxLMaSZ0RXL4_yE2Gy7Sl1hvDBYA27-FE9CLgmE0nzQYzlGJ_zTag-d6RA6beBS_gQqeMYtmKXLxQuM_o3Gmyl1Dlph3lu2i5LUFN_2lqWpJdMhtPpuazfUiPbbYisjdiKPHG" target="_blank">www.hutchsymphony.org</a> or before the concert.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670589848311.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Knocknasheega?__cft__[0]=AZW36Rhux3Ab4Ph0PvBY1tuFNyWjqeuauJtrHhDXR53NPRs63HS7stHlneMbBEXO732WqvuVonfL3FarGTlsnMLMv249UehPp9LUHltMCD-gI93z3SlJmLrvAPy-3SHuRO81HfFRjMXsgB8j7sYPA-FtII_l2qNBWea2ScSp6wxgQdl9d3Dn3hIYvv8aSsKIAMk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Knocknasheega</a> Celtic Band will be returning for their third time to perform with the Hutchinson Symphony for their Christmas Concert this weekend. The concert is sponsored by First National Bank.The concert is Sunday, December 11th, at 3 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.Area high school choirs and Anderson Concerto Winners will also be part of the program.You can purchase tickets at the Fox box office during regular business hours, online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hutchsymphony.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2gyPThl5Is1j20UvA223hJ1jPn4O8oKYsfZxjvTE9USazIOCfmqq2c3Vs&amp;h=AT3P9itcsmeHBNBcT6VSXCzkyI9FTvO-oqBde0_M2J25uFG-3dFmhOCKzoVIQMVKW5OkoCuHhCHINEZ5t6HWfSutKqZEP1Qoe9oEBv0xTaNph_d9IHlopJTCbhwhv5BEug&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1Cejqs3ah1UIQSF9rJ-N_jBToA5lw5hYRWGeSyNiWD_aWvKzRI59wYwNr5riciopsQZdAUxLMaSZ0RXL4_yE2Gy7Sl1hvDBYA27-FE9CLgmE0nzQYzlGJ_zTag-d6RA6beBS_gQqeMYtmKXLxQuM_o3Gmyl1Dlph3lu2i5LUFN_2lqWpJdMhtPpuazfUiPbbYisjdiKPHG" target="_blank">www.hutchsymphony.org</a> or before the concert.&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;

Symphony Christmas Concert coming up

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Zion Burgess is the 2023 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgchutch?__cft__[0]=AZXRkhNoXQB4bgIP0nQMPyW5HIIwPBtZPLe4LuZYH-mSiFx0dkBz-Funl86KZuvWeCgLgBczQThDs6lyVKVhaNP49zxNsTLThT9TXxxWPRqjbnPIj8UpJZx-p0dRBjr-8DP4hTzJnAddAv6mxE6zSelzjFPWsgZTbAykunRxLjWDlQEIjA1rVftIOUf7PjGyy1U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson</a> Youth of the Year.&nbsp; The award was announced Thursday at the annual banquet at the Burt in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

Burgess is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 5 years. Zion plays football for Hutchinson High School and is active in Club programs such as Passport 2 Manhood, Keystone Club, and Road Code. Zion enjoys helping kids break out of their shells and encouraging them to have a voice.

As the local Youth of the Year, Burgess will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the local Club. Burgess will receive a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Heartland Credit Union and will compete in the Kansas Youth of the Year competition next spring.

<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/2022/12/1670585650346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Zion Burgess is the 2023 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bgchutch?__cft__[0]=AZXRkhNoXQB4bgIP0nQMPyW5HIIwPBtZPLe4LuZYH-mSiFx0dkBz-Funl86KZuvWeCgLgBczQThDs6lyVKVhaNP49zxNsTLThT9TXxxWPRqjbnPIj8UpJZx-p0dRBjr-8DP4hTzJnAddAv6mxE6zSelzjFPWsgZTbAykunRxLjWDlQEIjA1rVftIOUf7PjGyy1U&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson</a> Youth of the Year.&nbsp; The award was announced Thursday at the annual banquet at the Burt in Hutchinson.&nbsp;The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.Burgess is a junior at Hutchinson High School and has been a Club member for 5 years. Zion plays football for Hutchinson High School and is active in Club programs such as Passport 2 Manhood, Keystone Club, and Road Code. Zion enjoys helping kids break out of their shells and encouraging them to have a voice.As the local Youth of the Year, Burgess will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the local Club. Burgess will receive a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Heartland Credit Union and will compete in the Kansas Youth of the Year competition next spring.<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;

Burgess is 2023 Youth of the Year

MCPHERSON, Kan. — On Thursday, McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. 

Assistant Chief Todd Martens wrote in a release that Chief Golden began training at the FBI National Academy 10 weeks ago, in mid-October and successfully completed the training this week. Chief Golden’s training included classroom instruction, physical fitness, and more. 

Golden has dedicated over 15 years of law enforcement service to the McPherson community. He joined the McPherson Police Department in October 2006 as a Patrol Officer. While attending the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center - Class 189, his classmates voted him Class President. 

In 2008, Chief Golden was promoted to Detective and was selected for the Police Specialty Team. Assignments included the McPherson Drug Task Force in 2010 followed by the Assistant Team Leader for the Emergency Response Team in 2018. 

Chief Golden was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police and Commander of the Emergency Response Team in April 2018. On September 30, 2019, Chief Golden was promoted to Chief of Police. 

Chief Golden is a member of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Peace Officers Association. He has served on professional boards including the Kansas Gang Investigator Association (Regional Representative), Kansas Narcotics Officer Association (Regional Representative), McPherson County Crime Stoppers (Coordinator), McPherson Police Department Benefit Association (President) and City of McPherson Safety Committee. 

Chief Golden holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in Criminal Justice and in Business Organizational Leadership from Central Christian College of Kansas. He is also a graduate of FBI-LEEDA (Trilogy), the Kansas Police Administrators Seminar, Leadership McPherson, and the KU Law Enforcement Leadership Academy.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670541640510.jpeg" alt="GoldenFBIAcademy" />
 <figcaption>GoldenFBIAcademy</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. — On Thursday, McPherson Police Chief Mikel Golden graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Assistant Chief Todd Martens wrote in a release that Chief Golden began training at the FBI National Academy 10 weeks ago, in mid-October and successfully completed the training this week. Chief Golden’s training included classroom instruction, physical fitness, and more. Golden has dedicated over 15 years of law enforcement service to the McPherson community. He joined the McPherson Police Department in October 2006 as a Patrol Officer. While attending the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center - Class 189, his classmates voted him Class President. In 2008, Chief Golden was promoted to Detective and was selected for the Police Specialty Team. Assignments included the McPherson Drug Task Force in 2010 followed by the Assistant Team Leader for the Emergency Response Team in 2018. Chief Golden was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police and Commander of the Emergency Response Team in April 2018. On September 30, 2019, Chief Golden was promoted to Chief of Police. Chief Golden is a member of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Peace Officers Association. He has served on professional boards including the Kansas Gang Investigator Association (Regional Representative), Kansas Narcotics Officer Association (Regional Representative), McPherson County Crime Stoppers (Coordinator), McPherson Police Department Benefit Association (President) and City of McPherson Safety Committee. Chief Golden holds Bachelor of Science Degrees in Criminal Justice and in Business Organizational Leadership from Central Christian College of Kansas. He is also a graduate of FBI-LEEDA (Trilogy), the Kansas Police Administrators Seminar, Leadership McPherson, and the KU Law Enforcement Leadership Academy.&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;

McPherson Police Chief completes FBI Academy

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Donors to the Salvation Army's red kettles this weekend in Hutchinson can double their money. 

Major Paul James tells Hutch Post that individual donors and Kiwanis are matching dollar for dollar for donations put in kettles around town.&nbsp; 

Their goal is to challenge the rest of the community to continue donating to The Salvation Army’s red kettles around town.&nbsp; 

The cost of food for Christmas Food Baskets has increased significantly and the order for food has already been placed.&nbsp; The Salvation Army also has a long way to go to ensure that every child in need this season will receive gifts.&nbsp; 

Also, if you are able, pick up a tag on the angel tree at Walmart to help make sure every child receives a toy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1564176522240.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Donors to the Salvation Army's red kettles this weekend in Hutchinson can double their money. Major Paul James tells Hutch Post that individual donors and Kiwanis are matching dollar for dollar for donations put in kettles around town.&nbsp; Their goal is to challenge the rest of the community to continue donating to The Salvation Army’s red kettles around town.&nbsp; The cost of food for Christmas Food Baskets has increased significantly and the order for food has already been placed.&nbsp; The Salvation Army also has a long way to go to ensure that every child in need this season will receive gifts.&nbsp; Also, if you are able, pick up a tag on the angel tree at Walmart to help make sure every child receives a toy.<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;

Red kettle donations doubled this weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The holiday festivities continue in Hutchinson, as <a href="https://www.rchcks.org/" target="_blank">Reno County Homeschool Connection (RCHC)</a> and the Oaks Academy of Arts (OAA) will perform their third White Christmas production, starting today, Dec. 8 until Dec. 10 at Memorial Hall.&nbsp;

Described as a variety show&nbsp;akin to&nbsp;Branson, Mo. productions, around 100 area homeschool students will be singing, dancing, playing instruments and doing dramatic scenes. &nbsp;

“This is our third time doing this show, we do it every other year,” Stephanie Miller, vice president of Reno County Homeschool Connection, said. “We started in 2018, with a group of kids who had very little experience working together with music. Some of them had some musical experience, but not a whole lot as whole group.” &nbsp;

Miller said, the first production featured 50 kids. &nbsp;

“The second year, we did it during COVID,” Miller said. “That was a tough year to do any theatre.”&nbsp;

 The Oaks Academy of Arts side of Reno County Homeschool Connection was started two years ago. &nbsp;

“We wanted our homeschool kids to be able to have a place where they can do the arts, including private music lessons, dance lessons,” Miller said. &nbsp;

Janice Marcum, RCHC treasurer,&nbsp;added, “boxing, wrestling, martial arts.” &nbsp;

 Miller continued, “things like that that would be really hard for homeschoolers to get on the side, because as a mom you’re with all of your kids, it’s not like you drop them and they get to do that stuff at school.” &nbsp;

Before, homeschool parents would have to travel around the local area to drop kids off at extracurricular activities. Miller called OAA a more efficient and affordable alternative for the homeschool community enrolled in RCHC. &nbsp;

“I think we save parents about 30% for enrolling their kids in just a dance class,” Miller said.&nbsp;

  The schedule for OAA, tries to tailor to parent work schedules so that families are able to spend more time together at home, which is important to the RCHC.&nbsp;

Overall, RCHC strives to defeat the loneliness that can come through homeschooling, by being a community-driven homeschool co-op, when giving kids and families a place to come together. &nbsp;

This is reflected in programs, like the White Christmas production.&nbsp;

“The theme of our White Christmas this year, is that when we work together you actually have a better outcome,” Miller said. “Whether we’re doing co-op here or we’re doing White Christmas together, you have a better outcome when you have people to do it with and our kids have connections with other kids.&nbsp;

Miller is also the director of the White Christmas production, while Marcum is the assistant director. &nbsp;

 Miller said, she envisions the White Christmas productions as more than a Christmas program. &nbsp;

“What we do, is we start planning about a year in advance for this,” Miller said. “We start thinking about what kids do we have, what skills do they have, or what skills are they willing to grow in over the next year to where we can use them in a program to make it a Branson-style show. Which means, it’s not just the choir getting up, it’s not just the dance team getting up, it’s usually a mixture of all of our people.”&nbsp;

Additionally, kids who have participated in past productions mentor current participants. &nbsp;

The storyline weaved through the performance is all about togetherness.

The production will feature 27 songs, various dance routines, bluegrass performances, orchestral performances, solo performers, and more. &nbsp;

Kids and parents have been heavily involved in the choreography and writing process of the production.&nbsp;

There will be photo opportunities with the White Christmas performers. &nbsp;

People will also be able to visit the Oaks Christmas Store and Vendor Village in Memorial&nbsp;Hall for Christmas shopping. &nbsp;

Tickets can still be <a href="https://www.rchcks.org/white-christmas-productions-2022" target="_blank">ordered online</a> for the next three days, and are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. People can&nbsp;call&nbsp;(620) 440-6009 for table tickets.&nbsp;

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the performance at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Memorial Hall is located at 101 S. Walnut St. in Hutchinson. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670531555943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JUDD WEIL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The holiday festivities continue in Hutchinson, as <a href="https://www.rchcks.org/" target="_blank">Reno County Homeschool Connection (RCHC)</a> and the Oaks Academy of Arts (OAA) will perform their third White Christmas production, starting today, Dec. 8 until Dec. 10 at Memorial Hall.&nbsp;Described as a variety show&nbsp;akin to&nbsp;Branson, Mo. productions, around 100 area homeschool students will be singing, dancing, playing instruments and doing dramatic scenes. &nbsp;“This is our third time doing this show, we do it every other year,” Stephanie Miller, vice president of Reno County Homeschool Connection, said. “We started in 2018, with a group of kids who had very little experience working together with music. Some of them had some musical experience, but not a whole lot as whole group.” &nbsp;Miller said, the first production featured 50 kids. &nbsp;“The second year, we did it during COVID,” Miller said. “That was a tough year to do any theatre.”&nbsp; The Oaks Academy of Arts side of Reno County Homeschool Connection was started two years ago. &nbsp;“We wanted our homeschool kids to be able to have a place where they can do the arts, including private music lessons, dance lessons,” Miller said. &nbsp;Janice Marcum, RCHC treasurer,&nbsp;added, “boxing, wrestling, martial arts.” &nbsp; Miller continued, “things like that that would be really hard for homeschoolers to get on the side, because as a mom you’re with all of your kids, it’s not like you drop them and they get to do that stuff at school.” &nbsp;Before, homeschool parents would have to travel around the local area to drop kids off at extracurricular activities. Miller called OAA a more efficient and affordable alternative for the homeschool community enrolled in RCHC. &nbsp;“I think we save parents about 30% for enrolling their kids in just a dance class,” Miller said.&nbsp; The schedule for OAA, tries to tailor to parent work schedules so that families are able to spend more time together at home, which is important to the RCHC.&nbsp;Overall, RCHC strives to defeat the loneliness that can come through homeschooling, by being a community-driven homeschool co-op, when giving kids and families a place to come together. &nbsp;This is reflected in programs, like the White Christmas production.&nbsp;“The theme of our White Christmas this year, is that when we work together you actually have a better outcome,” Miller said. “Whether we’re doing co-op here or we’re doing White Christmas together, you have a better outcome when you have people to do it with and our kids have connections with other kids.&nbsp;Miller is also the director of the White Christmas production, while Marcum is the assistant director. &nbsp; Miller said, she envisions the White Christmas productions as more than a Christmas program. &nbsp;“What we do, is we start planning about a year in advance for this,” Miller said. “We start thinking about what kids do we have, what skills do they have, or what skills are they willing to grow in over the next year to where we can use them in a program to make it a Branson-style show. Which means, it’s not just the choir getting up, it’s not just the dance team getting up, it’s usually a mixture of all of our people.”&nbsp;Additionally, kids who have participated in past productions mentor current participants. &nbsp;The storyline weaved through the performance is all about togetherness.The production will feature 27 songs, various dance routines, bluegrass performances, orchestral performances, solo performers, and more. &nbsp;Kids and parents have been heavily involved in the choreography and writing process of the production.&nbsp;There will be photo opportunities with the White Christmas performers. &nbsp;People will also be able to visit the Oaks Christmas Store and Vendor Village in Memorial&nbsp;Hall for Christmas shopping. &nbsp;Tickets can still be <a href="https://www.rchcks.org/white-christmas-productions-2022" target="_blank">ordered online</a> for the next three days, and are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. People can&nbsp;call&nbsp;(620) 440-6009 for table tickets.&nbsp;Doors open at 6 p.m., with the pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the performance at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Memorial Hall is located at 101 S. Walnut St. in Hutchinson. &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;

Homeschool group presenting "White Christmas"

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;AAA urges everyone to prioritize safety when transporting a live Christmas tree and preventing it from becoming a fire hazard.

"We recommend, first of all, having the right kind of vehicle to transport it," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We recommend a vehicle with a roof rack. If you don't have a roof rack on your vehicle, use the bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, or inside a van or minivan, so you can fit the tree inside with all the doors closed."

According to AAA,&nbsp;44% of Americans who plan to purchase a real Christmas tree will transport the tree using unsafe methods.

"If you do need to fix it to the top of your vehicle, put down a blanket to protect your vehicle's paint from getting scratched," Steward said. "We don't recommend tying twine or rope through the window openings, because that can damage your windows, weather stripping inside your doors can be damaged from that."

Also, the tree on the roof changes the aerodynamics of the vehicle, so it might be good to take a different route.

"We strongly recommend, if you can, take a route on your way home with the tree that's going to be slower speeds, maybe less traffic," Steward said. "That drag that's created by the tree on the top of your vehicle can cause an issue, we just want to make sure that we don't need to travel as fast."

Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670528216707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;AAA urges everyone to prioritize safety when transporting a live Christmas tree and preventing it from becoming a fire hazard."We recommend, first of all, having the right kind of vehicle to transport it," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We recommend a vehicle with a roof rack. If you don't have a roof rack on your vehicle, use the bed of a pickup truck or an SUV, or inside a van or minivan, so you can fit the tree inside with all the doors closed."According to AAA,&nbsp;44% of Americans who plan to purchase a real Christmas tree will transport the tree using unsafe methods."If you do need to fix it to the top of your vehicle, put down a blanket to protect your vehicle's paint from getting scratched," Steward said. "We don't recommend tying twine or rope through the window openings, because that can damage your windows, weather stripping inside your doors can be damaged from that."Also, the tree on the roof changes the aerodynamics of the vehicle, so it might be good to take a different route."We strongly recommend, if you can, take a route on your way home with the tree that's going to be slower speeds, maybe less traffic," Steward said. "That drag that's created by the tree on the top of your vehicle can cause an issue, we just want to make sure that we don't need to travel as fast."Before you leave the lot, give the tree several strong tugs from various directions to make sure it is secured in place and will not blow away.<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;

AAA: Be careful when transporting Christmas trees

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Appointments were made to non-elected city boards and commissions on Tuesday, after lots of work from city staff to both streamline and make consistent the appointments to those boards.

"It makes us do a little bit more work," said Human Relations Officer Dave Sotelo. "There's more work on the council to review those applications, since we have so many and work on Linda to send out all those applications to the people that need to see them. It just makes us be more conscious of how we are recruiting. I don't have initial numbers of what the make up of those applications and then of the commissions are like. I'm hoping to do that after the beginning of the year."

The point of the new process was to make all boards that the city controls end on the calendar year, so that no matter your expertise, you'd know that if you want to serve on a city board, October is the time to apply for the coming January.

"I'm grateful for the partnerships in trying to recruit people to serve on those commissions," Sotelo said. "You probably saw that we did a lot of marketing efforts to try to increase awareness of those boards and commissions. One thing that I'm learning, which I think you mentioned early on in this process, asking people to serve is still so important."

The importance is to not limit yourself to only having those who are currently serving ask, but make more of a general appeal to the community.

"There was competition in some of these open positions," Sotelo said. "It made it fun for us to just see those applications and try to figure out who fits where. We hope that interest in our city boards and commissions continues."

Below are the appointments, as approved by the City Council:

Nathan DeBerry, 2 West 21st Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, (General

Contractor), to fill the expired term of Brett Leiker, for a two-year

Ryan King, 705 East 39th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, (Plumbing

Contractor position) to fill the expired term of Josh Barkley, for a

two-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.

Joel Davenport, 812 Bannock Burn Road, Hutchinson, Kansas, (Citizen-atLarge position) to fill the expired term of Paul Phillips, for a two-year

Carissa Paxton, 13 East 27th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, to replace

Nathan DeBerry, for a first full three-year term beginning

Jesse Ediger, 4513 Panorama Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointed

to fill the unexpired term of Charles Johnston for the term beginning

Daijah Fuller, 201 North Park Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointed

to fill the unexpired term of Auhneiyce Grissom for the term

Kristen Armstrong, 508 East 25th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, for

reappointment to a first full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023

Anthony Frischenmeyer, 511 East Avenue C, Hutchinson, Kansas, for

Jesse Juma, 2708 Westminster Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, for

reappointment to a second full three-year term beginning

Jeffrey Corrick, 429 East 1st Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas (historic

homeowner), to be appointed to a first full three-year term

Amanda Enslinger, 330 East 11th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be

appointed to a first full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to

Robert Summers, 411 Hyde Park, Hutchinson, Kansas (historian – grain

industry), to be appointed to a first full three-year term beginning

Katie Broker, 1200 East 11th Avenue #E7, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be

reappointed to a second full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023

Janice Richardson, 3401 Radcliff Terrace, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be

appointed to fill the expired term of Kari Mailloux, for a first full

three-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.

Brady Scott, 707 Idlewild, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointed to fill the

unexpired term of Larry McLain for a term beginning 1/01/2023 to

Ann Sellers, 3400 Thunderbird Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointed

to fill the expired term of Lovella Kelley, for a first full three-year

Angelica Vargas, 918 North Plum, Hutchinson, Kansas, to fill the expired

term of Jim Heck, for a first full three-year term beginning

Robert Sawyer, 425 East 15th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, for a first full three year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.

<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/2022/12/1670521613849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Appointments were made to non-elected city boards and commissions on Tuesday, after lots of work from city staff to both streamline and make consistent the appointments to those boards."It makes us do a little bit more work," said Human Relations Officer Dave Sotelo. "There's more work on the council to review those applications, since we have so many and work on Linda to send out all those applications to the people that need to see them. It just makes us be more conscious of how we are recruiting. I don't have initial numbers of what the make up of those applications and then of the commissions are like. I'm hoping to do that after the beginning of the year."The point of the new process was to make all boards that the city controls end on the calendar year, so that no matter your expertise, you'd know that if you want to serve on a city board, October is the time to apply for the coming January."I'm grateful for the partnerships in trying to recruit people to serve on those commissions," Sotelo said. "You probably saw that we did a lot of marketing efforts to try to increase awareness of those boards and commissions. One thing that I'm learning, which I think you mentioned early on in this process, asking people to serve is still so important."The importance is to not limit yourself to only having those who are currently serving ask, but make more of a general appeal to the community."There was competition in some of these open positions," Sotelo said. "It made it fun for us to just see those applications and try to figure out who fits where. We hope that interest in our city boards and commissions continues."Below are the appointments, as approved by the City Council:BUILDING TRADES BOARD:Nathan DeBerry, 2 West 21st Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, (GeneralContractor), to fill the expired term of Brett Leiker, for a two-yearterm beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.Ryan King, 705 East 39th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, (PlumbingContractor position) to fill the expired term of Josh Barkley, for atwo-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.Joel Davenport, 812 Bannock Burn Road, Hutchinson, Kansas, (Citizen-atLarge position) to fill the expired term of Paul Phillips, for a two-yearterm beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.HOUSING COMMISSIONCarissa Paxton, 13 East 27th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, to replaceNathan DeBerry, for a first full three-year term beginning1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSIONJesse Ediger, 4513 Panorama Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointedto fill the unexpired term of Charles Johnston for the term beginning1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.Daijah Fuller, 201 North Park Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointedto fill the unexpired term of Auhneiyce Grissom for the termbeginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2024.Kristen Armstrong, 508 East 25th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, forreappointment to a first full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023to 12/31/2025.Anthony Frischenmeyer, 511 East Avenue C, Hutchinson, Kansas, forreappointment to a first full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023to 12/31/2025.Jesse Juma, 2708 Westminster Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, forreappointment to a second full three-year term beginning1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.LANDMARKS COMMISSIONJeffrey Corrick, 429 East 1st Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas (historichomeowner), to be appointed to a first full three-year termbeginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.Amanda Enslinger, 330 East 11th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, to beappointed to a first full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to12/31/2025.Robert Summers, 411 Hyde Park, Hutchinson, Kansas (historian – grainindustry), to be appointed to a first full three-year term beginning1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.PUBLIC ART DESIGN COUNCILKatie Broker, 1200 East 11th Avenue #E7, Hutchinson, Kansas, to bereappointed to a second full three-year term beginning 1/01/2023to 12/31/2025.Janice Richardson, 3401 Radcliff Terrace, Hutchinson, Kansas, to beappointed to fill the expired term of Kari Mailloux, for a first fullthree-year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.Brady Scott, 707 Idlewild, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointed to fill theunexpired term of Larry McLain for a term beginning 1/01/2023 to12/31/2023.Ann Sellers, 3400 Thunderbird Drive, Hutchinson, Kansas, to be appointedto fill the expired term of Lovella Kelley, for a first full three-yearterm beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.Angelica Vargas, 918 North Plum, Hutchinson, Kansas, to fill the expiredterm of Jim Heck, for a first full three-year term beginning1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.TREE BOARDRobert Sawyer, 425 East 15th Avenue, Hutchinson, Kansas, for a first full three year term beginning 1/01/2023 to 12/31/2025.<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;

New City board appointment process seems to work

NEWTON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/newtonmurals?__cft__[0]=AZWzqKg3usvC0Y2WxjTJVJHOkBMLw7m9Cg3jgKZVkc7t6dNgU38WQjioIqNBcqDm97CNAZ2FtPZ9rHuuThxEfmmhFZ-_TziYnL_NxuzQoHtFBKka3Adv3CLavvestscsYLqfeqxpgadWs5zHWIslWdCfYkAaG61nWwvtB7CDMUh49EkQ3-hG8WSSveacbpuVOG6TFUUOdLCW0otGGVQeLhf5&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Newton Murals and Arts Project</a>&nbsp;put a Newton flag mural on the historic ice house building, to mark Newton's 150th anniversary.

It was dedicated on Thursday, with help from the Newton Chamber.  

The mural is visible to Amtrak passengers coming into Newton on the train.

<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/2022/12/1670518850073.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/newtonmurals?__cft__[0]=AZWzqKg3usvC0Y2WxjTJVJHOkBMLw7m9Cg3jgKZVkc7t6dNgU38WQjioIqNBcqDm97CNAZ2FtPZ9rHuuThxEfmmhFZ-_TziYnL_NxuzQoHtFBKka3Adv3CLavvestscsYLqfeqxpgadWs5zHWIslWdCfYkAaG61nWwvtB7CDMUh49EkQ3-hG8WSSveacbpuVOG6TFUUOdLCW0otGGVQeLhf5&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Newton Murals and Arts Project</a>&nbsp;put a Newton flag mural on the historic ice house building, to mark Newton's 150th anniversary. It was dedicated on Thursday, with help from the Newton Chamber. The mural is visible to Amtrak passengers coming into Newton on the train.<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;

Mural in Newton dedicated Thursday

By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

Hutchinson, Kan. –&nbsp;Before his reception on Dec. 8, and <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/34f2563b-c84b-425b-bc69-c3d26300c1de" target="_blank">retirement as Director of Sports</a> on Dec. 31, Randy Carter talked about his time and experience with the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/" target="_blank">Hutchinson Recreation Commission</a> (Hutch Rec).&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I believe I’ve accomplished the growth of&nbsp;group sports,” Carter said of his achievements during his last 15 years with Hutch Rec.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carter started with Hutch Rec in November 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“[Youth sports] here in Hutchinson, Kansas, has got quite large,” Carter said.&nbsp;“I think Hutch Rec and the team we’ve put together for youth sports has developed a very large base in the community to support youth sports.”&nbsp;

Emphasis on younger, small children, specifically ages three to six, was a big part of the youth sports programs’ beginning, according to Carter. &nbsp;

“In all of our sports, we’ve been able to do that, and what happens is they stay with us all the way through until they’re about fifth or sixth grade,” Carter said. “Then once they go into junior high, it becomes a little harder.” &nbsp;

Carter said when he first started with youth sports, Hutch Rec had between 1,000 and 1,500 kids. Hutch Rec now serves a little under 4,000 kids. &nbsp;

Carter highlighted the achievement of Hutch Rec being able to gather enough community support to increase the recreational youth sports, as well as create separate competitive leagues. &nbsp;

“I think another thing we really worked hard at, and that&nbsp;I worked hard at, is bringing back Fun Valley,” Carter said. &nbsp;

Carter said the City of Hutchinson reached out to Hutch Rec about eight years ago to be the operating arm of the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/sports-facilities/" target="_blank">Fun Valley Sports Complex and Hobart-Detter Field</a>.&nbsp;

Under Hutch Rec’s direction, subsidies&nbsp;for Fun Valley and Hobart-Detter were dropped&nbsp;substantially. In the last three years, Hutch Rec has not had to subsidize at all. &nbsp;

Carter said both facilities will be staples to the Hutchinson community after he retires.&nbsp;

He added, he will miss watching kids and adults play softball and baseball at Fun Valley and Hobart-Detter. &nbsp;

During Carter’s tenure, Hutch Rec was able to add two community gyms under their operation to the Hutchinson Sports Arena, which he calls a “big plus.” &nbsp;

Various youth and adult Hutch Rec volleyball and basketball programs, as well as other sports, are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena. &nbsp;

“I don’t like to say ‘me,’ because it wasn’t just me," Carter said. "We’ve worked hard, but I think with the leadership I’ve been able to give to the sports division of Hutch Rec, I think it’s been a big positive sign for everyone in the community."&nbsp;

Carter called being the Director of Sports for Hutch Rec his dream job. &nbsp;

“It’s fun to see the kids grow and get better, and I think that’s been a big thing for myself,” Carter said. “Just to see the kids having fun and being able to participate in multiple sports here at Hutch Rec.”&nbsp;

During his time with Hutch Rec, Carter said he has enjoyed watching youth he has coached, or have been part of the sports programs, come back in their adulthood. Over the years, several people have come back to Hutch Rec to referee games or be scorekeepers, and even work part time or full time positions, pending availability. &nbsp;

Carter attributes part of his success as Director of Sports&nbsp;to his predecessor and mentor, Mark Trent. &nbsp;

“I really give a big shout out to him,” Carter said. “Since then, our new director came here, Tony Finlay, and it’s been absolutely great.  His leadership skills and everything he’s done&nbsp;for Hutch Rec here in the community has been fantastic. He’s really made it easy for myself to be able to succeed even further than what we have before.” &nbsp;

Carter added, “With his leadership, we’ve been able to do a lot of things in the community not just in sports, but in multiple facets that have really made Hutch Rec the staple of stuff here in the community.” &nbsp;

Carter was in charge of 52 projects in his department, consisting of multiple sports in both the recreation and competitive side, including a local adult softball league.&nbsp;

“One of the reasons I am retiring basically is, number one, my family,” Carter said. “My mom lives with us and she’s got first stages of dementia and Parkinson's, that has been one thing."&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Number two, I think one of things is that I’ve been thinking about this all the years I’ve been doing this, and things I’ve done in the past, and now I’m financially able to quit and enjoy retirement,” Carter continued. “I think I’ve done a lot here and I think it’s time for a change, it’s time to give&nbsp;somebody the opportunity to be able to enjoy the stuff I’ve been able to enjoy and make it even better.” &nbsp;

While Carter and his family moved to Hutchinson in 1987, his initial career was not in sports.&nbsp;

“I used to own the Godfather’s Pizzas here in town,” Carter said. “I was a district manager when I first started out.” &nbsp;

During his time with Godfather’s Pizza, Carter sponsored many Hutchinson area sports teams. &nbsp;

“From 1987 to 2007, I was already working for the Hutch Rec, but not full time,” Carter said. “I was actually providing pizza parties for their youth. We were heavily involved in sponsoring high school football for kids for Hutch High, Nickerson, Buhler.”&nbsp;

Carter attributes his time with Godfather’s Pizza as his way of connecting to the community. &nbsp;

 Following his time in the food industry, Carter accepted a position as a sports programmer with Hutch Rec. &nbsp;

“I did that for about seven years, then these last eight years I’ve been here as the Sports Director of Hutch Rec,” Carter said. “It was a dream come true to get to do something I like to do, which is sports.” &nbsp;

Carter said his love for sports stems from his time playing baseball as a youth and 35 years of coaching, especially coaching his daughter, as well as refereeing and umpiring. Carter added, he has probably coached every sport Hutch Rec provides. &nbsp;

“I think that’s a lot of it,” Carter explained. “As long as you wake up every day and you enjoy what you do, you keep doing it. I’ve enjoyed all 15 years of this.” &nbsp;

Carter said it is getting harder to do some of things he used to as he grows older. &nbsp;

“I mean I’ve done my time, and I think I’ve given everything I’ve got to sports and to the community, and I’ve been able to work at Hutch Rec and be part of a great team,” Carter said. “I feel good leaving.” &nbsp;

Carter thanks the people of his past and present who have helped him in his career at Hutch Rec.&nbsp;

“It’s pretty easy for me to walk away, because I know that there is going to be good people behind me to take my spot,” Carter said. &nbsp;

The most valuable lesson Carter said he has learned from working with Hutch Rec, is patience and flexibility. &nbsp;

“I would say that probably the hardest thing for us, is the parent issues. It is a huge problem,” Carter said. “I feel like we really do a really good job of managing the parents. The more you communicate with these parents and these coaches, the better.” &nbsp;

Carter said the patience in dealing with situations from parents was hard for him, but feels he has imparted the lesson of patience to his Hutch Rec team. &nbsp;

“You’ve got to be patient, but you’ve got to be flexible,” Carter said. “You’ve got to listen more, and that’s basically what we try to tell our officials. To listen and hear what the other side says, especially with the problems and issues we have in the parents' world of&nbsp;youth sports.” &nbsp;

With his retirement, Randy Carter intends to spend more time with his wife, Sherry Carter; their son, his wife, and their three kids; and his daughter, her husband, and their child. &nbsp;

“It’s going to be fun to be able spend more time with them, but like everybody, I’m going to be retiring but I won’t be retiring from work,” Carter said. “I will be doing some part time stuff.” &nbsp;

Carter will be working for Perfect Game, the world's largest baseball and softball scouting organization. He has already been involved with Perfect Game for three years. &nbsp;

Carter said, he also anticipates calls to officiate for Hutch Rec sporting events. &nbsp;

“Just being able to kick back and enjoy life for a little while, without everything being so stressed,” Carter said. “I think that’s a big deal nowadays.”&nbsp;

“I come from that era of ‘work, work, work,’ that’s the way it was. I’m learning more and more, that it's not about work, but whenever you do get that time to spend with your family or significant other,” Carter continued. “You do need to spend that time with them&nbsp;and make that time for them. That’s probably some of the things I did miss throughout all the years, that I wish I would have done better. Don’t forget about your family.” &nbsp;

A public come-and-go reception for Randy Carter will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hutch Rec located at&nbsp;17 E. 1st Ave. in downtown Hutchinson. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670462726329.jpeg" alt="Randy Carter calls Hutch Rec his dream job. [Photo: Judd Weil]" />
 <figcaption>Randy Carter calls Hutch Rec his dream job. [Photo: Judd Weil]</figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHutchinson, Kan. –&nbsp;Before his reception on Dec. 8, and <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/34f2563b-c84b-425b-bc69-c3d26300c1de" target="_blank">retirement as Director of Sports</a> on Dec. 31, Randy Carter talked about his time and experience with the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/" target="_blank">Hutchinson Recreation Commission</a> (Hutch Rec).&nbsp;&nbsp;“I believe I’ve accomplished the growth of&nbsp;group sports,” Carter said of his achievements during his last 15 years with Hutch Rec.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carter started with Hutch Rec in November 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;“[Youth sports] here in Hutchinson, Kansas, has got quite large,” Carter said.&nbsp;“I think Hutch Rec and the team we’ve put together for youth sports has developed a very large base in the community to support youth sports.”&nbsp;Emphasis on younger, small children, specifically ages three to six, was a big part of the youth sports programs’ beginning, according to Carter. &nbsp;“In all of our sports, we’ve been able to do that, and what happens is they stay with us all the way through until they’re about fifth or sixth grade,” Carter said. “Then once they go into junior high, it becomes a little harder.” &nbsp;Carter said when he first started with youth sports, Hutch Rec had between 1,000 and 1,500 kids. Hutch Rec now serves a little under 4,000 kids. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670462885414.jpeg" alt="Hutch Rec provides youth and adult sports opportunities throughout the community. [Photo: Judd Weil]" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Rec provides youth and adult sports opportunities throughout the community. [Photo: Judd Weil]</figcaption>
 </figure>Carter highlighted the achievement of Hutch Rec being able to gather enough community support to increase the recreational youth sports, as well as create separate competitive leagues. &nbsp;“I think another thing we really worked hard at, and that&nbsp;I worked hard at, is bringing back Fun Valley,” Carter said. &nbsp;Carter said the City of Hutchinson reached out to Hutch Rec about eight years ago to be the operating arm of the <a href="https://www.hutchrec.com/sports-facilities/" target="_blank">Fun Valley Sports Complex and Hobart-Detter Field</a>.&nbsp;Under Hutch Rec’s direction, subsidies&nbsp;for Fun Valley and Hobart-Detter were dropped&nbsp;substantially. In the last three years, Hutch Rec has not had to subsidize at all. &nbsp;Carter said both facilities will be staples to the Hutchinson community after he retires.&nbsp;He added, he will miss watching kids and adults play softball and baseball at Fun Valley and Hobart-Detter. &nbsp;During Carter’s tenure, Hutch Rec was able to add two community gyms under their operation to the Hutchinson Sports Arena, which he calls a “big plus.” &nbsp;Various youth and adult Hutch Rec volleyball and basketball programs, as well as other sports, are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena. &nbsp;“I don’t like to say ‘me,’ because it wasn’t just me," Carter said. "We’ve worked hard, but I think with the leadership I’ve been able to give to the sports division of Hutch Rec, I think it’s been a big positive sign for everyone in the community."&nbsp;Carter called being the Director of Sports for Hutch Rec his dream job. &nbsp;“It’s fun to see the kids grow and get better, and I think that’s been a big thing for myself,” Carter said. “Just to see the kids having fun and being able to participate in multiple sports here at Hutch Rec.”&nbsp;During his time with Hutch Rec, Carter said he has enjoyed watching youth he has coached, or have been part of the sports programs, come back in their adulthood. Over the years, several people have come back to Hutch Rec to referee games or be scorekeepers, and even work part time or full time positions, pending availability. &nbsp;Carter attributes part of his success as Director of Sports&nbsp;to his predecessor and mentor, Mark Trent. &nbsp;“I really give a big shout out to him,” Carter said. “Since then, our new director came here, Tony Finlay, and it’s been absolutely great. His leadership skills and everything he’s done&nbsp;for Hutch Rec here in the community has been fantastic. He’s really made it easy for myself to be able to succeed even further than what we have before.” &nbsp;Carter added, “With his leadership, we’ve been able to do a lot of things in the community not just in sports, but in multiple facets that have really made Hutch Rec the staple of stuff here in the community.” &nbsp;Carter was in charge of 52 projects in his department, consisting of multiple sports in both the recreation and competitive side, including a local adult softball league.&nbsp;“One of the reasons I am retiring basically is, number one, my family,” Carter said. “My mom lives with us and she’s got first stages of dementia and Parkinson's, that has been one thing."&nbsp;&nbsp;“Number two, I think one of things is that I’ve been thinking about this all the years I’ve been doing this, and things I’ve done in the past, and now I’m financially able to quit and enjoy retirement,” Carter continued. “I think I’ve done a lot here and I think it’s time for a change, it’s time to give&nbsp;somebody the opportunity to be able to enjoy the stuff I’ve been able to enjoy and make it even better.” &nbsp;While Carter and his family moved to Hutchinson in 1987, his initial career was not in sports.&nbsp;“I used to own the Godfather’s Pizzas here in town,” Carter said. “I was a district manager when I first started out.” &nbsp;During his time with Godfather’s Pizza, Carter sponsored many Hutchinson area sports teams. &nbsp;“From 1987 to 2007, I was already working for the Hutch Rec, but not full time,” Carter said. “I was actually providing pizza parties for their youth. We were heavily involved in sponsoring high school football for kids for Hutch High, Nickerson, Buhler.”&nbsp;Carter attributes his time with Godfather’s Pizza as his way of connecting to the community. &nbsp; Following his time in the food industry, Carter accepted a position as a sports programmer with Hutch Rec. &nbsp;“I did that for about seven years, then these last eight years I’ve been here as the Sports Director of Hutch Rec,” Carter said. “It was a dream come true to get to do something I like to do, which is sports.” &nbsp;Carter said his love for sports stems from his time playing baseball as a youth and 35 years of coaching, especially coaching his daughter, as well as refereeing and umpiring. Carter added, he has probably coached every sport Hutch Rec provides. &nbsp;“I think that’s a lot of it,” Carter explained. “As long as you wake up every day and you enjoy what you do, you keep doing it. I’ve enjoyed all 15 years of this.” &nbsp;Carter said it is getting harder to do some of things he used to as he grows older. &nbsp;“I mean I’ve done my time, and I think I’ve given everything I’ve got to sports and to the community, and I’ve been able to work at Hutch Rec and be part of a great team,” Carter said. “I feel good leaving.” &nbsp;Carter thanks the people of his past and present who have helped him in his career at Hutch Rec.&nbsp;“It’s pretty easy for me to walk away, because I know that there is going to be good people behind me to take my spot,” Carter said. &nbsp;The most valuable lesson Carter said he has learned from working with Hutch Rec, is patience and flexibility. &nbsp;“I would say that probably the hardest thing for us, is the parent issues. It is a huge problem,” Carter said. “I feel like we really do a really good job of managing the parents. The more you communicate with these parents and these coaches, the better.” &nbsp;Carter said the patience in dealing with situations from parents was hard for him, but feels he has imparted the lesson of patience to his Hutch Rec team. &nbsp;“You’ve got to be patient, but you’ve got to be flexible,” Carter said. “You’ve got to listen more, and that’s basically what we try to tell our officials. To listen and hear what the other side says, especially with the problems and issues we have in the parents' world of&nbsp;youth sports.” &nbsp;With his retirement, Randy Carter intends to spend more time with his wife, Sherry Carter; their son, his wife, and their three kids; and his daughter, her husband, and their child. &nbsp;“It’s going to be fun to be able spend more time with them, but like everybody, I’m going to be retiring but I won’t be retiring from work,” Carter said. “I will be doing some part time stuff.” &nbsp;Carter will be working for Perfect Game, the world's largest baseball and softball scouting organization. He has already been involved with Perfect Game for three years. &nbsp;Carter said, he also anticipates calls to officiate for Hutch Rec sporting events. &nbsp;“Just being able to kick back and enjoy life for a little while, without everything being so stressed,” Carter said. “I think that’s a big deal nowadays.”&nbsp;“I come from that era of ‘work, work, work,’ that’s the way it was. I’m learning more and more, that it's not about work, but whenever you do get that time to spend with your family or significant other,” Carter continued. “You do need to spend that time with them&nbsp;and make that time for them. That’s probably some of the things I did miss throughout all the years, that I wish I would have done better. Don’t forget about your family.” &nbsp;A public come-and-go reception for Randy Carter will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hutch Rec located at&nbsp;17 E. 1st Ave. in downtown Hutchinson. &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;

Director of Sports at Hutch Rec looks back 

NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton is taking <a href="https://www.newtonkansas.com/departments/police-department/law-enforcement-advisory-panel/leap-application">applications</a> for its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. The volunteer board’s purpose is to advise in policy development, education, community outreach, and communications related to bias-based policing; and to receive, review, and provide feedback to the Chief of Police on complaints related to bias-based policing.

LEAP membership shall include representation from the faith-based community, an established racial justice organization, a mental health professional, and two at-large members that represent Newton’s diversity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582670795079.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton is taking <a href="https://www.newtonkansas.com/departments/police-department/law-enforcement-advisory-panel/leap-application">applications</a> for its Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. The volunteer board’s purpose is to advise in policy development, education, community outreach, and communications related to bias-based policing; and to receive, review, and provide feedback to the Chief of Police on complaints related to bias-based policing.LEAP membership shall include representation from the faith-based community, an established racial justice organization, a mental health professional, and two at-large members that represent Newton’s diversity.&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;

Newton seeking members for LEAP

NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton is still seeking residents to join in ongoing surveys.&nbsp; 

Newton has contracted with FlashVote, an independent, scientific survey service provider, to engage the community and gather valuable resident feedback on city government matters.

In the next year, FlashVote will create a series of one-minute surveys about timely city issues that residents may choose to receive by email, phone call or text message.

These surveys will cover a range of topics, such as the budget, utilities, city projects and more.

Newton residents can sign up by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flashvote.com/newtonks">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 city&nbsp;or anyone else.

When residents sign up, they can determine how their surveys are received, whether by email, text or phone call.

After residents sign up, they will receive a notification whenever the city posts a new survey, and they will have 48 hours to participate before voting closes.

Once a survey is closed, everyone who participated will automatically receive a summary of the overall results and be able to see how their responses compare to the rest of the community.

City commissioners and staff will use the survey results to help shape city policy, projects and decisions in the coming year.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657751270616.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton is still seeking residents to join in ongoing surveys.&nbsp; Newton has contracted with FlashVote, an independent, scientific survey service provider, to engage the community and gather valuable resident feedback on city government matters.In the next year, FlashVote will create a series of one-minute surveys about timely city issues that residents may choose to receive by email, phone call or text message.These surveys will cover a range of topics, such as the budget, utilities, city projects and more.Newton residents can sign up by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flashvote.com/newtonks">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 city&nbsp;or anyone else.When residents sign up, they can determine how their surveys are received, whether by email, text or phone call.After residents sign up, they will receive a notification whenever the city posts a new survey, and they will have 48 hours to participate before voting closes.Once a survey is closed, everyone who participated will automatically receive a summary of the overall results and be able to see how their responses compare to the rest of the community.City commissioners and staff will use the survey results to help shape city policy, projects and decisions in the coming year.&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;

Newton still seeking residents for surveys

NEWTON, Kan. — KDOT plans to close two I-135 ramps in Newton for a pavement-marking project, but because of the coming rain, that has been put off.

The northbound ramp at First Street and the southbound ramp at Broadway will now be closed from around 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

They were originally to be closed sooner, but rain and fog is going to delay that.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669806232689.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — KDOT plans to close two I-135 ramps in Newton for a pavement-marking project, but because of the coming rain, that has been put off.The northbound ramp at First Street and the southbound ramp at Broadway will now be closed from around 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.They were originally to be closed sooner, but rain and fog is going to delay that.<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;

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