HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that keeping the information on what the county is doing flowing into the hands of the new members of the county commission as they start in January will be really important.

"I think that's what our job is as staff members, is to make sure that all the commissioners have the appropriate information, all the information they need to make a decision one way or the other," Partington said. "We don't want to sway them. We want to basically give them, here are your options, here's the facts, here's the data. Then, the politics, they make the decision that they feel is best for their constituents."

It will take awhile for the commissioners to get up to speed, especially with a majority of the body being new.

"I think it really takes six months to a year," Partington said. "I would say a year, just because of that learning curve and understanding the processes and then what goes to the county commission and what is just administrative. Kind of that understanding just takes awhile. I've met with all three of the new commissioners. I think they will all kind of hit the ground running and be eager to get the information. I'm happy to work with them."

The new commissioners are all Republicans, Randy Parks in District 1, Mark Reese in the new District 4 and Don Bogner in the new District 5. Ron Hirst and Daniel Friesen will remain on the body as they are in the middle of their terms.

<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/2019/12/1576860275809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that keeping the information on what the county is doing flowing into the hands of the new members of the county commission as they start in January will be really important."I think that's what our job is as staff members, is to make sure that all the commissioners have the appropriate information, all the information they need to make a decision one way or the other," Partington said. "We don't want to sway them. We want to basically give them, here are your options, here's the facts, here's the data. Then, the politics, they make the decision that they feel is best for their constituents."It will take awhile for the commissioners to get up to speed, especially with a majority of the body being new."I think it really takes six months to a year," Partington said. "I would say a year, just because of that learning curve and understanding the processes and then what goes to the county commission and what is just administrative. Kind of that understanding just takes awhile. I've met with all three of the new commissioners. I think they will all kind of hit the ground running and be eager to get the information. I'm happy to work with them."The new commissioners are all Republicans, Randy Parks in District 1, Mark Reese in the new District 4 and Don Bogner in the new District 5. Ron Hirst and Daniel Friesen will remain on the body as they are in the middle of their terms.<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;

As commission expands, informing new members will be key

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A wrong way driver from Wichita died in an accident just south of Newton on I-135 just after midnight Sunday.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by 45-year-old Jeremy Sagerty of Wichita was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the highway when the Altima collided head-on with a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter driven by 50-year-old Christian Walker of San Francisco, California.&nbsp;

Sagerty was killed in the accident. Walker was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664333938376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A wrong way driver from Wichita died in an accident just south of Newton on I-135 just after midnight Sunday.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by 45-year-old Jeremy Sagerty of Wichita was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the highway when the Altima collided head-on with a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter driven by 50-year-old Christian Walker of San Francisco, California.&nbsp;Sagerty was killed in the accident. Walker was taken to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.<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;

Fatal accident in Harvey County Sunday morning kills Wichita man

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. — One of the more popular and unique small airplanes is the Cirrus. 

The small, single-engine airplane became a news headline when it became the first aircraft to sport its own parachute, which can bring the aircraft down if it becomes disabled and can’t glide or fly.

In Hutchinson, Wells Aircraft, Inc., is the area service center for the Cirrus as well as the service provider for the Hutchinson Airport.&nbsp;

Wells has been in business for more than 70 years in Hutchinson. There is a second location in Branson West, Missouri.&nbsp;

Wells also provides service for pilots, including a lounge and meeting room, while their clients are doing business in the area. 

That includes fueling and taking care of the aircraft. 

It also includes a contract with the military for fueling aircraft, including the numerous Army helicopters you see at the airport from time to time. The company also provides charter service if you have a trip for business or pleasure.&nbsp;

But it is the service and maintenance where Wells Aircraft excels. The company is the only Authorized Cirrus Service Center in the state of Kansas. Since 2008, Wells Aircraft has worked exclusively on Cirrus aircraft.

The service center is also stocked with genuine Cirrus parts provided directly from the factory. The company has an adjacent hangar to store aircraft out of the elements if needed.

The company also believes in taking care of its passengers and pilots with courtesy cars for short trips and catering for small groups. 

Pilots also have access to clean restrooms, a comfortable pilots lounge, wireless internet, fresh coffee, water, and a flight planning station equipped with a weather computer for any flight planning needs.

A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669533548124.jpeg" 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.By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of the more popular and unique small airplanes is the Cirrus. <div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/1um4ZEeI-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Wells" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The small, single-engine airplane became a news headline when it became the first aircraft to sport its own parachute, which can bring the aircraft down if it becomes disabled and can’t glide or fly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148480296.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Hutchinson, Wells Aircraft, Inc., is the area service center for the Cirrus as well as the service provider for the Hutchinson Airport.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152906259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wells has been in business for more than 70 years in Hutchinson. There is a second location in Branson West, Missouri.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148830093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wells also provides service for pilots, including a lounge and meeting room, while their clients are doing business in the area. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665153085466.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>That includes fueling and taking care of the aircraft. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665148906045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It also includes a contract with the military for fueling aircraft, including the numerous Army helicopters you see at the airport from time to time. The company also provides charter service if you have a trip for business or pleasure.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665149068884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But it is the service and maintenance where Wells Aircraft excels. The company is the only Authorized Cirrus Service Center in the state of Kansas. Since 2008, Wells Aircraft has worked exclusively on Cirrus aircraft.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152831891.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The service center is also stocked with genuine Cirrus parts provided directly from the factory. The company has an adjacent hangar to store aircraft out of the elements if needed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152934947.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The company also believes in taking care of its passengers and pilots with courtesy cars for short trips and catering for small groups. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665152874651.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pilots also have access to clean restrooms, a comfortable pilots lounge, wireless internet, fresh coffee, water, and a flight planning station equipped with a weather computer for any flight planning needs.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/a-day-in-the-life">CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL SERIES</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.

🎥 A Day In The Life: Wells Aircraft

NICK GOSNELL and CHARLES JOHNSTON Hutch Post

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Market South Hutch Business of the Month for October is Wichita Tractor. Manager Jesse McCullough is keeping the family tradition alive.

"I was kind of born into it," McCullough said. "My grandfather started the company back in 1971. Last year in December was our 50th year in business. We're going on 51 years this year. I kind of grew up in the shop as a technician, wrenching on things when I wasn't playing baseball throughout the years. Grew up a little bit, went to college and started selling for Dad in '09, doing the tractors and the Bad Boy Mowers down there in the Wichita platform. At that time we had owned a smaller dealership up here in Pleasantview for a matter of years. 2015 comes along and we approach Polaris for some off-road opportunities in the side-by-side world, which they granted us December of 2015. That, then prompted a new location, which we built here in South Hutch, moved the whole facility and all of our people over here and we've been growing ever since."

The South Hutch location deals mainly in the Polaris off road equipment and the Bad Boy mowers.

"The off road world, now that I manage the South Hutch store, is my bread and butter," McCullough said. "I eat, sleep and breathe everything this store does."

If you want an off-road vehicle, Wichita Tractor's South Hutch location is the place you can get it.

"Out of this store in South Hutch, we are the largest Polaris RZR dealership in this state and we are the second largest Ranger utility dealer in the state," McCullough said. "We're a pretty big volume mover out of this store."

The South Hutch store runs fairly lean with six employees and COVID forced them to run leaner on inventory for awhile than they did beforehand, but that is starting to swing back the other way.

"Pre-orders have kind of slowed down," McCullough said. "We're getting a lot more stocking inventory. You don't have to preorder and wait six months on the majority of it. We're now seeing a steady influx of stock stuff."

Parts availability for repairs depends a lot on the age of the vehicle.

"There are some challenging pieces where you get some age on a machine, ten plus years out, you can be pretty limited," McCullough said. "There are dealerships that will not work on anything that's ten plus years old, due to limited availability to get parts. That business is business we welcome, as we're not afraid to work on the older stuff."

The goal is not high pressure, but caring for customers and treating them as part of the family and that they are here for them.&nbsp;

Wichita Tractor's Polaris dealership is at 309 S Main St in South Hutchinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669469221235.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL and CHARLES JOHNSTON Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Market South Hutch Business of the Month for October is Wichita Tractor. Manager Jesse McCullough is keeping the family tradition alive."I was kind of born into it," McCullough said. "My grandfather started the company back in 1971. Last year in December was our 50th year in business. We're going on 51 years this year. I kind of grew up in the shop as a technician, wrenching on things when I wasn't playing baseball throughout the years. Grew up a little bit, went to college and started selling for Dad in '09, doing the tractors and the Bad Boy Mowers down there in the Wichita platform. At that time we had owned a smaller dealership up here in Pleasantview for a matter of years. 2015 comes along and we approach Polaris for some off-road opportunities in the side-by-side world, which they granted us December of 2015. That, then prompted a new location, which we built here in South Hutch, moved the whole facility and all of our people over here and we've been growing ever since."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669469178806.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The South Hutch location deals mainly in the Polaris off road equipment and the Bad Boy mowers."The off road world, now that I manage the South Hutch store, is my bread and butter," McCullough said. "I eat, sleep and breathe everything this store does."If you want an off-road vehicle, Wichita Tractor's South Hutch location is the place you can get it."Out of this store in South Hutch, we are the largest Polaris RZR dealership in this state and we are the second largest Ranger utility dealer in the state," McCullough said. "We're a pretty big volume mover out of this store."The South Hutch store runs fairly lean with six employees and COVID forced them to run leaner on inventory for awhile than they did beforehand, but that is starting to swing back the other way."Pre-orders have kind of slowed down," McCullough said. "We're getting a lot more stocking inventory. You don't have to preorder and wait six months on the majority of it. We're now seeing a steady influx of stock stuff."Parts availability for repairs depends a lot on the age of the vehicle."There are some challenging pieces where you get some age on a machine, ten plus years out, you can be pretty limited," McCullough said. "There are dealerships that will not work on anything that's ten plus years old, due to limited availability to get parts. That business is business we welcome, as we're not afraid to work on the older stuff."The goal is not high pressure, but caring for customers and treating them as part of the family and that they are here for them.&nbsp;Wichita Tractor's Polaris dealership is at 309 S Main St in South Hutchinson.

Wichita Tractor in South Hutch is off road volume dealer

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will look at a rezoning request from&nbsp;Richardson Brothers Construction at its meeting on Tuesday.

The applicant is requesting a zone change of its property at 2400 Line Road from C-4 Special Commercial District to I-3 Heavy Industrial District. If approved, the applicant will then request a Special Use to allow Motor Vehicle Repair (Heavy) on the site. 

The subject property is generally located southwest of Blanchard Avenue and Line Road. The site is currently developed with a metal building and a storage yard.

According to Section 27-406 of the Zoning Regulations, Motor Vehicle Repair (Heavy) is allowed in the I-3 Heavy Industrial District with a Special Use.

The applicants plan to construct an addition to the east side of the existing building.&nbsp;Approval of the proposed Zoning Amendment and Special Use would bring the property back into zoning compliance and allow the expansion of the existing use.

The Hutchinson Planning Commission will meet Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. in the&nbsp;City Council Chamber at 125 E Avenue B.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669459833835.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Planning Commission will look at a rezoning request from&nbsp;Richardson Brothers Construction at its meeting on Tuesday.The applicant is requesting a zone change of its property at 2400 Line Road from C-4 Special Commercial District to I-3 Heavy Industrial District. If approved, the applicant will then request a Special Use to allow Motor Vehicle Repair (Heavy) on the site. The subject property is generally located southwest of Blanchard Avenue and Line Road. The site is currently developed with a metal building and a storage yard.According to Section 27-406 of the Zoning Regulations, Motor Vehicle Repair (Heavy) is allowed in the I-3 Heavy Industrial District with a Special Use.The applicants plan to construct an addition to the east side of the existing building.&nbsp;Approval of the proposed Zoning Amendment and Special Use would bring the property back into zoning compliance and allow the expansion of the existing use.The Hutchinson Planning Commission will meet Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. in the&nbsp;City Council Chamber at 125 E Avenue B.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Planning Commission to meet Tuesday

MARION COUNTY, Kan. — Three women died in an accident in Marion County Friday afternoon. 

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by 52-year-old Charlotte Sue Cole of Moundridge was traveling north on K-256 when the van pulled out in front of a 2016 Ford Taurus going west on U.S. 56 just before 1:30 p.m. Friday.

The car hit the minivan on the passenger side and both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.

Cole and a 19-year-old passenger in the minivan died, as well as a passenger in the Taurus, 85-year-old Wanda L. Richmond of Marion. The driver of the car, a 36-year-old woman from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, suffered a non-life-threatening injury. A second passenger, a 58-year-old woman from Salina, was seriously injured.

All of the people involved were buckled up, according to the report.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664333938376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MARION COUNTY, Kan. — Three women died in an accident in Marion County Friday afternoon. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by 52-year-old Charlotte Sue Cole of Moundridge was traveling north on K-256 when the van pulled out in front of a 2016 Ford Taurus going west on U.S. 56 just before 1:30 p.m. Friday.The car hit the minivan on the passenger side and both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.Cole and a 19-year-old passenger in the minivan died, as well as a passenger in the Taurus, 85-year-old Wanda L. Richmond of Marion. The driver of the car, a 36-year-old woman from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, suffered a non-life-threatening injury. A second passenger, a 58-year-old woman from Salina, was seriously injured.All of the people involved were buckled up, according to the report.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Three killed in Marion County accident Friday

&nbsp;By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Meeting Santa Claus is a time-honored tradition for many families throughout the holiday season. Sometimes tracking him down can be a little difficult, he appears in so many places. 

To remedy that, Eagle Media reporters have compiled a small list to help parents track down where Old Saint Nick will be located in Hutchinson. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Santa pays attention to all children and wants to meet every child he can. Sometimes, however, meeting Santa can be a bit much. &nbsp;

That is why one of his first stops will be at <a href="https://ozchiroinhutch.com/" target="_blank">Oz Chiropractic</a> and <a href="https://clothedincompassion.org/" target="_blank">Clothed in Compassion</a> for <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b5809d59-f4e1-4c57-9179-cfb717e0d8e7" target="_blank">Sensory and Santa</a> on Dec. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For kids with disabilities accompanied with sensory issues, such as autism or social anxiety disorders, holiday activities, such as meeting Santa, can be a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’ll have Santa. It’ll be a nice sensory opportunity for our kiddos who might otherwise not be super excited about engaging with Santa and so it’ll be nice and quiet, in a calm environment, that’ll adjust one family at a time,” Clothed in Compassion’s Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, said. “We’ll also have ornament decorating, some snacks, and then some short activities they can do in the sensory gym to kind of experience what supports pediatric occupation therapy can offer families.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dr. Bartley explained that the places where one might normally see Santa Claus, such as malls or parades can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons, including loud sounds, bright lights, and places with a dense amount of people.&nbsp;

Sensory and Santa will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Both&nbsp;Oz Chiropractic and Clothed in Compassion&nbsp;are located at 1529 E. 30th Ave. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Santa’s second pre-Christmas Eve stop in Hutchinson,&nbsp;will be at <a href="https://www.bookendshutch.com/" target="_blank">Bookends</a> and <a href="https://www.splintersnrust.com/" target="_blank">Splinters-N-Rust DIY Workshop</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 15, where he will be joined by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/5143850942382807/" target="_blank">Mrs. Claus, and special friend, Frosty the Snowman</a>. &nbsp;

On that, Third Thursday in downtown Hutchinson,&nbsp;families can bring kids for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Bookends, and Frosty the Snowman at Splinters-N-Rust.&nbsp;

The first 70 children will receive a holiday coloring book from Frosty the Snowman.

Additionally, the&nbsp;Hutchinson Mountain Dulcimer Players and Friends will also be inside Bookends performing holiday music.&nbsp;

Bookends is located at 123 N. Main Street and Splinters-N-Rust is located at 125 N. Main Street. &nbsp;

Santa’s next known stop will be at <a href="https://saltycycles.us/" target="_blank">Salty Cycles</a> for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/813166559799279/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Harley Holidays</a> on Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. &nbsp;

Hot behind their part in the recently successful <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cd53f1ba-977b-4665-b181-28042d88f1a5" target="_blank">Reno County Toy Run</a>, Salty Cycles continues to give this holiday season, by&nbsp;opening their doors to the community for an afternoon of merriment.&nbsp;

&nbsp; “What we really do, we bring in Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and there’s a photo opportunity for people to bring their kids down to have pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” said Scott Marshall, owner of Salty Cycles. “We usually do alternate setting. If they want to do it with a motorcycle, we do it with a motorcycle. If they want to do it traditional in the Santa chair on the backdrop, they do it that way too.”&nbsp;

Harley Holidays at Salty Cycles will also have free&nbsp;snacks and refreshments, as well as a few store specials, giveaways, and gift bags for the kids. &nbsp;

Salty Cycles is located 129 E. Sherman Street. &nbsp;

The last place, so far, on Eagle Media’s Santa appearance list, is at Memorial Hall on Dec. 17.&nbsp;

In addition to meeting Santa, kids and families will be able to gather and decorate hundreds of premade graham-cracker gingerbread houses.&nbsp;

Santa will arrive and take the stage, lit up and decorated for&nbsp;holiday photo opportunities. &nbsp;

Children can visit with him before or after they have&nbsp;decorated their&nbsp;gingerbread house.&nbsp;

“We'll have some new activities to add to this year's event, which are in the works,” said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission" target="_blank">Hutch Rec</a> on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/698276058139942/" target="_blank">event page</a>. “So stay tuned.” &nbsp;

Memorial Hall is located at 101 S. Walnut Street. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669396292141.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Meeting Santa Claus is a time-honored tradition for many families throughout the holiday season. Sometimes tracking him down can be a little difficult, he appears in so many places. To remedy that, Eagle Media reporters have compiled a small list to help parents track down where Old Saint Nick will be located in Hutchinson. &nbsp;&nbsp;Santa pays attention to all children and wants to meet every child he can. Sometimes, however, meeting Santa can be a bit much. &nbsp;That is why one of his first stops will be at <a href="https://ozchiroinhutch.com/" target="_blank">Oz Chiropractic</a> and <a href="https://clothedincompassion.org/" target="_blank">Clothed in Compassion</a> for <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b5809d59-f4e1-4c57-9179-cfb717e0d8e7" target="_blank">Sensory and Santa</a> on Dec. 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;For kids with disabilities accompanied with sensory issues, such as autism or social anxiety disorders, holiday activities, such as meeting Santa, can be a lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’ll have Santa. It’ll be a nice sensory opportunity for our kiddos who might otherwise not be super excited about engaging with Santa and so it’ll be nice and quiet, in a calm environment, that’ll adjust one family at a time,” Clothed in Compassion’s Dr. Megan Bartley, OTD, OTR/L, said. “We’ll also have ornament decorating, some snacks, and then some short activities they can do in the sensory gym to kind of experience what supports pediatric occupation therapy can offer families.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Dr. Bartley explained that the places where one might normally see Santa Claus, such as malls or parades can be overwhelming for a variety of reasons, including loud sounds, bright lights, and places with a dense amount of people.&nbsp;Sensory and Santa will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.&nbsp; &nbsp;Both&nbsp;Oz Chiropractic and Clothed in Compassion&nbsp;are located at 1529 E. 30th Ave. &nbsp; &nbsp;Santa’s second pre-Christmas Eve stop in Hutchinson,&nbsp;will be at <a href="https://www.bookendshutch.com/" target="_blank">Bookends</a> and <a href="https://www.splintersnrust.com/" target="_blank">Splinters-N-Rust DIY Workshop</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 15, where he will be joined by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/5143850942382807/" target="_blank">Mrs. Claus, and special friend, Frosty the Snowman</a>. &nbsp;On that, Third Thursday in downtown Hutchinson,&nbsp;families can bring kids for free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Bookends, and Frosty the Snowman at Splinters-N-Rust.&nbsp;The first 70 children will receive a holiday coloring book from Frosty the Snowman.Additionally, the&nbsp;Hutchinson Mountain Dulcimer Players and Friends will also be inside Bookends performing holiday music.&nbsp;Bookends is located at 123 N. Main Street and Splinters-N-Rust is located at 125 N. Main Street. &nbsp;Santa’s next known stop will be at <a href="https://saltycycles.us/" target="_blank">Salty Cycles</a> for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/813166559799279/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Harley Holidays</a> on Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. &nbsp;Hot behind their part in the recently successful <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/cd53f1ba-977b-4665-b181-28042d88f1a5" target="_blank">Reno County Toy Run</a>, Salty Cycles continues to give this holiday season, by&nbsp;opening their doors to the community for an afternoon of merriment.&nbsp;&nbsp; “What we really do, we bring in Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and there’s a photo opportunity for people to bring their kids down to have pictures taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus,” said Scott Marshall, owner of Salty Cycles. “We usually do alternate setting. If they want to do it with a motorcycle, we do it with a motorcycle. If they want to do it traditional in the Santa chair on the backdrop, they do it that way too.”&nbsp;Harley Holidays at Salty Cycles will also have free&nbsp;snacks and refreshments, as well as a few store specials, giveaways, and gift bags for the kids. &nbsp;Salty Cycles is located 129 E. Sherman Street. &nbsp;The last place, so far, on Eagle Media’s Santa appearance list, is at Memorial Hall on Dec. 17.&nbsp;In addition to meeting Santa, kids and families will be able to gather and decorate hundreds of premade graham-cracker gingerbread houses.&nbsp;Santa will arrive and take the stage, lit up and decorated for&nbsp;holiday photo opportunities. &nbsp;Children can visit with him before or after they have&nbsp;decorated their&nbsp;gingerbread house.&nbsp;“We'll have some new activities to add to this year's event, which are in the works,” said <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonrecreationcommission" target="_blank">Hutch Rec</a> on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/698276058139942/" target="_blank">event page</a>. “So stay tuned.” &nbsp;Memorial Hall is located at 101 S. Walnut Street. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Santa Claus appearing all over Hutchinson

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that consumable resources are taking a bite into the county budget.

"Asphalt road work, we actually did fewer miles this year than planned, because of inflation, which will have a lasting impact for future years," Partington said. "The same thing may happen next year. Gasoline is another one that's really hurting us this year. The sheriff's office, their budget is pretty tight, but a lot of it is fuel."

The Sheriff's Office has been trying to mitigate this a bit with the use of hybrid vehicles, where it makes sense.

"Public safety, having law enforcement out on the streets, we're the third largest county in size, so it is very important for the Sheriff's Office to continue to operate," Partington said. "We have some hybrids, the Ford Interceptors, look like Explorers, so we do have a few of those out on the road, but we also have the traditional gas models."

The decision on which way to go with vehicles when purchase time comes is a complicated one.

"We're looking at all options for fuel efficiency and what we can do to, I guess, keep the costs contained for the citizens. The most recent order that we're looking for on patrol vehicles are not hybrids. Part of that is cost. Cost of vehicles, as that cost goes up and hybrids are more, we have to choose wisely as to how we spend those funds."

The hope is to be able to hold the line on the mill levy, but the impacts of inflation on the 2023 budget as a whole will definitely be a topic of discussion for the new five member commission when they are installed in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576599188284.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that consumable resources are taking a bite into the county budget."Asphalt road work, we actually did fewer miles this year than planned, because of inflation, which will have a lasting impact for future years," Partington said. "The same thing may happen next year. Gasoline is another one that's really hurting us this year. The sheriff's office, their budget is pretty tight, but a lot of it is fuel."The Sheriff's Office has been trying to mitigate this a bit with the use of hybrid vehicles, where it makes sense."Public safety, having law enforcement out on the streets, we're the third largest county in size, so it is very important for the Sheriff's Office to continue to operate," Partington said. "We have some hybrids, the Ford Interceptors, look like Explorers, so we do have a few of those out on the road, but we also have the traditional gas models."The decision on which way to go with vehicles when purchase time comes is a complicated one."We're looking at all options for fuel efficiency and what we can do to, I guess, keep the costs contained for the citizens. The most recent order that we're looking for on patrol vehicles are not hybrids. Part of that is cost. Cost of vehicles, as that cost goes up and hybrids are more, we have to choose wisely as to how we spend those funds."The hope is to be able to hold the line on the mill levy, but the impacts of inflation on the 2023 budget as a whole will definitely be a topic of discussion for the new five member commission when they are installed in January.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Partington: Prices of consumables having negative effect on budget

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that gas prices are a little higher on average statewide this year than last at $3.20 a gallon as of Friday.

"A year ago, we were at $3.07 a gallon," Steward said. "Slightly up, but when you think about it, it's not a huge increase and shouldn't have a major impact on most people's plans to drive."

Central Kansas counties are below average and a lot closer to the 2021 number with Reno County at $3.10 and Harvey County at $3.07. McPherson County is at $3.13 and Sedgwick is at $3.04. The highest county average is Morton County at $3.72 with the lowest in Crawford County at $3.00.

&nbsp;"We're usually one of the lowest in the country, which is nice to have," Steward said. "The lower plains, basically from here to Texas and then the southeast U.S. across to South Carolina, those regions have the cheapest prices in gas across the country right now."

Gas prices traditionally drop as winter approaches, with the exception of holiday periods, due to reduced demand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631897543449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas notes that gas prices are a little higher on average statewide this year than last at $3.20 a gallon as of Friday."A year ago, we were at $3.07 a gallon," Steward said. "Slightly up, but when you think about it, it's not a huge increase and shouldn't have a major impact on most people's plans to drive."Central Kansas counties are below average and a lot closer to the 2021 number with Reno County at $3.10 and Harvey County at $3.07. McPherson County is at $3.13 and Sedgwick is at $3.04. The highest county average is Morton County at $3.72 with the lowest in Crawford County at $3.00.&nbsp;"We're usually one of the lowest in the country, which is nice to have," Steward said. "The lower plains, basically from here to Texas and then the southeast U.S. across to South Carolina, those regions have the cheapest prices in gas across the country right now."Gas prices traditionally drop as winter approaches, with the exception of holiday periods, due to reduced demand.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

AAA: Gas prices remain volatile into holiday season

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Blue Dragon fans make their plans for the NJCAA National Semifinal football game to be held Saturday Dec. 3 at Gowans Stadium at 2 p.m., it's important to note that they will need to go through the national office to get their tickets.

"<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">The links and stuff are already up for the semifinal game</a>," Gooch said. "It's $15 advance or $18 at the gate, so you can catch a little break by purchasing your ticket ahead of time. All seating is general admission. There's no reserved seating. For those that have bought reserved seating, my recommendation is to get in line early, walk in and go sit in the seats that you normally have."

It's a matchup between two Kansas teams, so as long as the weather is good, the crowd should be good, too.

"All the money that the NJCAA makes off the semifinal games goes into a pool to offset the costs of the teams that have to travel," Gooch said. "Coffeyville, which isn't a large travel, it will help offset the cost of their travel. Iowa Western is playing NW Mississippi in the other semifinal. Iowa Western has quite a bit bigger travel. It will cost them a pretty penny to travel."

The winners of the semifinal matchups will go to Arkansas for the championship game on Wednesday, December 14.

"It's Wednesday, December 14 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas," Gooch said. "That's the same site where we won our first national championship a couple years back. We would leave early, a couple days early. I think there's a banquet tied to the game. It's an 8 p.m. kickoff. It will be on ESPNU."

Hutchinson came out on top 14-9 in their meeting with the Red Ravens in Coffeyville on Sept. 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669390533588.jpeg" alt="NJCAA FB playoffs 2022.jpg" />
 <figcaption>NJCAA FB playoffs 2022.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Blue Dragon fans make their plans for the NJCAA National Semifinal football game to be held Saturday Dec. 3 at Gowans Stadium at 2 p.m., it's important to note that they will need to go through the national office to get their tickets."<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">The links and stuff are already up for the semifinal game</a>," Gooch said. "It's $15 advance or $18 at the gate, so you can catch a little break by purchasing your ticket ahead of time. All seating is general admission. There's no reserved seating. For those that have bought reserved seating, my recommendation is to get in line early, walk in and go sit in the seats that you normally have."It's a matchup between two Kansas teams, so as long as the weather is good, the crowd should be good, too."All the money that the NJCAA makes off the semifinal games goes into a pool to offset the costs of the teams that have to travel," Gooch said. "Coffeyville, which isn't a large travel, it will help offset the cost of their travel. Iowa Western is playing NW Mississippi in the other semifinal. Iowa Western has quite a bit bigger travel. It will cost them a pretty penny to travel."The winners of the semifinal matchups will go to Arkansas for the championship game on Wednesday, December 14."It's Wednesday, December 14 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas," Gooch said. "That's the same site where we won our first national championship a couple years back. We would leave early, a couple days early. I think there's a banquet tied to the game. It's an 8 p.m. kickoff. It will be on ESPNU."Hutchinson came out on top 14-9 in their meeting with the Red Ravens in Coffeyville on Sept. 24.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Gooch: National Semifinal using NJCAA ticketing platform

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann sees the designation of the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the lesser prairie-chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act as about more than just that bird.

"The&nbsp;lesser prairie-chicken lives in areas from really western Kansas, eastern Colorado, down through the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle into New Mexico," Mann said. "At the end of the day though, this is a proxy war against our oil and gas producers and against agriculture as we know it. We've been fighting this thing tooth and nail and we will continue to. It was very disappointing to hear that news from the Biden Administration."

The point is that drilling projects like the one currently ongoing in Pratt County would be much more difficult to execute with the additional regulation that comes with the lesser&nbsp;prairie-chicken designation.

"It's a little farther west from there, but let's just say that same company was doing that in Scott County, or you know, in Finney County, or one of our Kansas Independent Oil and Gas producers, if they want to drill a well, once this goes into effect, it's more paperwork," Mann said. "More fees to pay, more hoops to jump through, more people that can say no. We ought to be making it easier for our domestic oil and gas producers to do what they do best. With record high gas prices and with this war on fossil fuels that we're in, which makes absolutely no sense to me, let's make it easier for our ag producers and let's make it easier for our oil and gas producers."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mann is also a co-sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VWEg0Kw2bG5hQYHKAJspPMH2uHtU-kKxtHOALRNc-oTuRacEYLudgFhQqewuaa24tdnXHaDJlldasQrMo2dvo7KWUxQdc9FwbMZdV7ImmiDYbN2sIhXs8HDmdJzLAFVBJ-qpnPos7-S1KftmL1kNlaBJXNuY6KZzG9APeKZBoAZ-YSTHCmgGEIY6ecxTzI3nTUQQmaVkIghXRvIMFlPDCyJww_jbR49krO4B-Ye4FmrBg0MUxl_G6EXnhSXqzQs0wrNZrZvPmoYLKR_Ms1JMUqJfIo1XoMNMGdQyCjwKOan3Jr8DWm5chFeEGmHHCcNqlpOQ60c8lzAL1DdnjiTBUEaFpjtFQMRiyCozlYy2D8_aR4VV1ScyxVecvEw0fgGhBozsryNCcC1XICU5KILl_fHWJIWR0OJEdeS8xOgRyrQMEuocZsViqzrAl80MgQ_tx-7cWx18UAiY2QPoMOhZidVojUE69Z2V&amp;c=CJXWYRFfN9TIlUfwvA0GxRRFCr-F3-ARWdE_M34-FgfgTaR7DAOl_g==&amp;ch=qS20CUInLDrNviAxg5hqD82vDqvNW06wmFOc1C0FKu-RVuh5d84IsA==" target="_blank">H.R. 4370, the Listing Reform Act</a>&nbsp;which would prohibit the Department of Interior from using any federal funding to list the Lesser Prairie-Chicken on the endangered species list.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668724822944.png" alt="Photo Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann sees the designation of the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the lesser prairie-chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act as about more than just that bird."The&nbsp;lesser prairie-chicken lives in areas from really western Kansas, eastern Colorado, down through the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle into New Mexico," Mann said. "At the end of the day though, this is a proxy war against our oil and gas producers and against agriculture as we know it. We've been fighting this thing tooth and nail and we will continue to. It was very disappointing to hear that news from the Biden Administration."The point is that drilling projects like the one currently ongoing in Pratt County would be much more difficult to execute with the additional regulation that comes with the lesser&nbsp;prairie-chicken designation."It's a little farther west from there, but let's just say that same company was doing that in Scott County, or you know, in Finney County, or one of our Kansas Independent Oil and Gas producers, if they want to drill a well, once this goes into effect, it's more paperwork," Mann said. "More fees to pay, more hoops to jump through, more people that can say no. We ought to be making it easier for our domestic oil and gas producers to do what they do best. With record high gas prices and with this war on fossil fuels that we're in, which makes absolutely no sense to me, let's make it easier for our ag producers and let's make it easier for our oil and gas producers."&nbsp; &nbsp;Mann is also a co-sponsor of&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VWEg0Kw2bG5hQYHKAJspPMH2uHtU-kKxtHOALRNc-oTuRacEYLudgFhQqewuaa24tdnXHaDJlldasQrMo2dvo7KWUxQdc9FwbMZdV7ImmiDYbN2sIhXs8HDmdJzLAFVBJ-qpnPos7-S1KftmL1kNlaBJXNuY6KZzG9APeKZBoAZ-YSTHCmgGEIY6ecxTzI3nTUQQmaVkIghXRvIMFlPDCyJww_jbR49krO4B-Ye4FmrBg0MUxl_G6EXnhSXqzQs0wrNZrZvPmoYLKR_Ms1JMUqJfIo1XoMNMGdQyCjwKOan3Jr8DWm5chFeEGmHHCcNqlpOQ60c8lzAL1DdnjiTBUEaFpjtFQMRiyCozlYy2D8_aR4VV1ScyxVecvEw0fgGhBozsryNCcC1XICU5KILl_fHWJIWR0OJEdeS8xOgRyrQMEuocZsViqzrAl80MgQ_tx-7cWx18UAiY2QPoMOhZidVojUE69Z2V&amp;c=CJXWYRFfN9TIlUfwvA0GxRRFCr-F3-ARWdE_M34-FgfgTaR7DAOl_g==&amp;ch=qS20CUInLDrNviAxg5hqD82vDqvNW06wmFOc1C0FKu-RVuh5d84IsA==" target="_blank">H.R. 4370, the Listing Reform Act</a>&nbsp;which would prohibit the Department of Interior from using any federal funding to list the Lesser Prairie-Chicken on the endangered species list.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mann sees lesser prairie-chicken designation as 'proxy war'

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people were taken to the hospital on Thanksgiving just before noon after an accident at US-50 and Buhler Road.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2017 Toyota Corolla was southbound on Buhler Road and failed to yield the right of way at the posted stop sign at US-50 and was struck by an eastbound 2004 Chevy Tahoe.

The driver of the Corolla, 71-year-old Claire E. Gadberry and his passenger, 37-year-old Eva M. Gadberry were checked out for possible injuries, with the younger Gadberry taken to Hutchinson Regional. 

The driver of the Tahoe, 43-year-old Abbie M. Capps was also taken to the hospital with possible injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664333938376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Two people were taken to the hospital on Thanksgiving just before noon after an accident at US-50 and Buhler Road.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a 2017 Toyota Corolla was southbound on Buhler Road and failed to yield the right of way at the posted stop sign at US-50 and was struck by an eastbound 2004 Chevy Tahoe.The driver of the Corolla, 71-year-old Claire E. Gadberry and his passenger, 37-year-old Eva M. Gadberry were checked out for possible injuries, with the younger Gadberry taken to Hutchinson Regional. The driver of the Tahoe, 43-year-old Abbie M. Capps was also taken to the hospital with possible injuries.

Accident on Thanksgiving sends two to hospital

NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday’s meeting, the Newton City Commission approved final plans for the new Newton Public Library and moved ahead toward construction.

According to city manager Kelly McElroy, the new library will be 25,000 square feet on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building. After construction of the new building, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished. A large green space will be created west of the building in the park. The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.

The new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.

The project cost estimate including design and construction is $10.7 million. The City has committed to fund $4.5 million toward the project, and the Library Board has pledged provide $1.2 million in cash if needed to cover budget shortfalls once final bids are received. This is in addition to the board’s original commitment of $1.3 million spread out over the life of the 20-year bonds.

A volunteer fundraising committee so far has raised $3,267,454.40 in private funds for the project. Over $1.4 million came from foundations, businesses or organizations, and $100,000 was donated by the City of North Newton. About $1.8 million was from individual donors. There are still additional donation requests on the table, and the committee continues to raise more funds. The committee is led by co-chairs Angela Becker and Ann Adrian and Library Director Cari Cusick in partnership with fundraising consultant Swanson House.

The Commission set a bid date of 11 a.m. Dec. 21. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669379732525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday’s meeting, the Newton City Commission approved final plans for the new Newton Public Library and moved ahead toward construction.According to city manager Kelly McElroy, the new library will be 25,000 square feet on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building. After construction of the new building, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished. A large green space will be created west of the building in the park. The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.The new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.The project cost estimate including design and construction is $10.7 million. The City has committed to fund $4.5 million toward the project, and the Library Board has pledged provide $1.2 million in cash if needed to cover budget shortfalls once final bids are received. This is in addition to the board’s original commitment of $1.3 million spread out over the life of the 20-year bonds.A volunteer fundraising committee so far has raised $3,267,454.40 in private funds for the project. Over $1.4 million came from foundations, businesses or organizations, and $100,000 was donated by the City of North Newton. About $1.8 million was from individual donors. There are still additional donation requests on the table, and the committee continues to raise more funds. The committee is led by co-chairs Angela Becker and Ann Adrian and Library Director Cari Cusick in partnership with fundraising consultant Swanson House.The Commission set a bid date of 11 a.m. Dec. 21. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Plans approved for new Newton Public Library

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The holiday season is in full swing and so is the Downtown Hutch Holiday Window Decorating Contest. 

Head Downtown this holiday season to vote for your favorite holiday window. You can vote daily <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyVCs_aK5Qp_6A78mWk2J7PVyxD5tfafjNB27ebduALXYWrQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2TL6yIHN10HDZuOWhqv859PoR15fnoeT8r3cG1FBepgbILANTRg7_hHj4">online</a>.

The winner will be announced on December 3rd Thursday live on the Downtown Hutch Facebook page.&nbsp; 

Cast a vote and you could win H-bucks for participating. 

<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyVCs_aK5Qp_6A78mWk2J7PVyxD5tfafjNB27ebduALXYWrQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2TL6yIHN10HDZuOWhqv859PoR15fnoeT8r3cG1FBepgbILANTRg7_hHj4">Check out all the info on participants and cast your vote</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669377539325.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The holiday season is in full swing and so is the Downtown Hutch Holiday Window Decorating Contest. Head Downtown this holiday season to vote for your favorite holiday window. You can vote daily <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyVCs_aK5Qp_6A78mWk2J7PVyxD5tfafjNB27ebduALXYWrQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2TL6yIHN10HDZuOWhqv859PoR15fnoeT8r3cG1FBepgbILANTRg7_hHj4">online</a>. The winner will be announced on December 3rd Thursday live on the Downtown Hutch Facebook page.&nbsp; Cast a vote and you could win H-bucks for participating. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyVCs_aK5Qp_6A78mWk2J7PVyxD5tfafjNB27ebduALXYWrQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2TL6yIHN10HDZuOWhqv859PoR15fnoeT8r3cG1FBepgbILANTRg7_hHj4">Check out all the info on participants and cast your vote</a>.

Vote online for the Downtown Hutch Holiday Window Decorating Contest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On November 28th, Elite Pro Services will begin installing a new fire line at 10 South Main St. in Hutchinson. 

This project will require closing Main Street to through traffic from Avenue A to Sherman. Parking will be open and accessible to traffic within the block, but traffic will not be able to cross the work zone at 10 South Main. 

The fire line installation and street repair (including concrete cure time) will be complete by the end of the day on December 9th.

For more information call Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669115135437.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On November 28th, Elite Pro Services will begin installing a new fire line at 10 South Main St. in Hutchinson. This project will require closing Main Street to through traffic from Avenue A to Sherman. Parking will be open and accessible to traffic within the block, but traffic will not be able to cross the work zone at 10 South Main. The fire line installation and street repair (including concrete cure time) will be complete by the end of the day on December 9th.For more information call Public Works at 620-694-1900.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Project after holiday will close South Main

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Sunday, November 27, 2022, over 1,800 museum stores representing all fifty states, 24 countries, and five continents will offer shopping at museums and cultural institutions. 

The Cosmosphere Gift Store will participate and join museum stores worldwide by offering quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value.

Sunday, November 27, there is a special discount at the Cosmosphere gift store. Just show the offer on your phone to staff when checking out.

You can receive 25% off in the Cosmosphere Gift Store in-store and online on Sunday only (Online code: MSS22)

Receive 25% off in the Cosmosphere Café Receive 25% off a Hall of Space Museum admission

Also, November 25-December 24, you can receive a FREE gift with a $25.00 purchase in person at the Cosmosphere Gift Store, while supplies last.

Cosmosphere is also a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. 

You can drop off your new, unwrapped toys at the Cosmosphere Gift Store now through the holiday season.

If you can't make it in person, check them out online at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.cosmo.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0pDeULVQk64P3B5QbN5I94E1TyI97cjp38lFZJ-jYmNbdLbB55Q0a-cjs&amp;h=AT2GMwqtKh-eNn9enIwimXQtONRUilJuQDamEDxR6GnY6EKNqVy0JxumEglmIHKu1IlToiMtQruepLgoazvC_0tsAeS8TU78XfCHJsu1fzvlnhQsXAdb93YUART8hzQ1pw&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank">shop.cosmo.org</a>. For more information on Museum Store Sunday, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.museumstoresunday.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3r01ELV7q0z_BRdIWoZ51qYwoVfBrNZ_cjPaIOA2_9PuNV-yOIOLGj3bo&amp;h=AT0bmzEs-tLHlnKUGeZ9nKjMzTOLDuHXGrEft9ns7duoqmzmnO7FBxL_pob1kmVBqxSpm4M7XHm8PzxZ4lEA-RBcPbo5Hhio2rgDb_gpEQ8xambRk6m10aJs8q6Ae4_lOg&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank">www.museumstoresunday.org</a>

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.museumstoresunday.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3r01ELV7q0z_BRdIWoZ51qYwoVfBrNZ_cjPaIOA2_9PuNV-yOIOLGj3bo&amp;h=AT0bmzEs-tLHlnKUGeZ9nKjMzTOLDuHXGrEft9ns7duoqmzmnO7FBxL_pob1kmVBqxSpm4M7XHm8PzxZ4lEA-RBcPbo5Hhio2rgDb_gpEQ8xambRk6m10aJs8q6Ae4_lOg&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank"></a>The discount does not include shipping. Some exclusions apply. 25% off discount does not include clearance items.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669117472188.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — On Sunday, November 27, 2022, over 1,800 museum stores representing all fifty states, 24 countries, and five continents will offer shopping at museums and cultural institutions. The Cosmosphere Gift Store will participate and join museum stores worldwide by offering quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value.Sunday, November 27, there is a special discount at the Cosmosphere gift store. Just show the offer on your phone to staff when checking out.You can receive 25% off in the Cosmosphere Gift Store in-store and online on Sunday only (Online code: MSS22) Receive 25% off in the Cosmosphere Café Receive 25% off a Hall of Space Museum admissionAlso, November 25-December 24, you can receive a FREE gift with a $25.00 purchase in person at the Cosmosphere Gift Store, while supplies last.Cosmosphere is also a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. You can drop off your new, unwrapped toys at the Cosmosphere Gift Store now through the holiday season.If you can't make it in person, check them out online at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.cosmo.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0pDeULVQk64P3B5QbN5I94E1TyI97cjp38lFZJ-jYmNbdLbB55Q0a-cjs&amp;h=AT2GMwqtKh-eNn9enIwimXQtONRUilJuQDamEDxR6GnY6EKNqVy0JxumEglmIHKu1IlToiMtQruepLgoazvC_0tsAeS8TU78XfCHJsu1fzvlnhQsXAdb93YUART8hzQ1pw&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank">shop.cosmo.org</a>. For more information on Museum Store Sunday, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.museumstoresunday.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3r01ELV7q0z_BRdIWoZ51qYwoVfBrNZ_cjPaIOA2_9PuNV-yOIOLGj3bo&amp;h=AT0bmzEs-tLHlnKUGeZ9nKjMzTOLDuHXGrEft9ns7duoqmzmnO7FBxL_pob1kmVBqxSpm4M7XHm8PzxZ4lEA-RBcPbo5Hhio2rgDb_gpEQ8xambRk6m10aJs8q6Ae4_lOg&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank">www.museumstoresunday.org</a><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.museumstoresunday.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3r01ELV7q0z_BRdIWoZ51qYwoVfBrNZ_cjPaIOA2_9PuNV-yOIOLGj3bo&amp;h=AT0bmzEs-tLHlnKUGeZ9nKjMzTOLDuHXGrEft9ns7duoqmzmnO7FBxL_pob1kmVBqxSpm4M7XHm8PzxZ4lEA-RBcPbo5Hhio2rgDb_gpEQ8xambRk6m10aJs8q6Ae4_lOg&amp;__tn__=q&amp;c[0]=AT3GnNbma50JdamcYa7p3BGhzRUPqdzyjdT5JkhTPHFlShVs7ypuQGBff29puoNtxztnxfYX84WAnfpI5Nm1zEns-0HZAUlSHsTjR-7dt9S9R0GKiU_k8azjLxLbOpHtjzdJVGnllPJgr7y0_XzhNHiOms6y" target="_blank"></a>The discount does not include shipping. Some exclusions apply. 25% off discount does not include clearance items.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Cosmosphere participating in Museum Store Sunday

By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch Post

Hutchinson, Kan. –&nbsp;New Beginnings’ Noel Lodge Emergency Housing is a light for many experiencing homelessness in the Hutchinson community. &nbsp;

“Noel stands for “New Beginnings Overnight Emergency Lodge,” and it was created at Christmas time as a way in which people could give to something that they believe in and make a gift for Christmas,” New Beginnings President and CEO, Shara Gonzales said. “It was a group of churches that started it.” &nbsp;

Noel Lodge began providing services in 2013. &nbsp;

“Up until that time we had had transitional shelter, which is longer term,” Gonzales explained. “But because it was taking so long, people were backlogged, and so the churches wanted to have an overnight emergency shelter. &nbsp;

A building, located at 400 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite C, owned by New Beginnings was remodeled to create Noel Lodge. &nbsp;

“Noel Lodge opens at four-o'clock in the afternoon, and closes at seven in the morning as it is a federally-designated shelter,” Gonzales said. “And like I said, it’s the backup to our transitional shelter.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

 According to Gonzales, emergency shelter is 30 days and is overnight shelter. &nbsp;

Noel Lodge hosts 22 available beds, made up of men's dorms, women's dorms, and family rooms, and operates on a first-come and first serve basis.  &nbsp;

“However, that does not mean it will every night hold twenty-two&nbsp;people,” Gonzales said. “I have to explain this, because it depends on the makeup. For example, sometimes we’ve had no women, but we’ve had a lot of single men, so we’ve used both dorms for the gentlemen.” &nbsp;

Noel Lodge can be reached at (620) 259-7769 and is located at 400 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite C. More information about New Beginnings and their other services can be found at their <a href="https://www.newbeginnings-inc.org/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newbeginningshutch" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669244054698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHutchinson, Kan. –&nbsp;New Beginnings’ Noel Lodge Emergency Housing is a light for many experiencing homelessness in the Hutchinson community. &nbsp;“Noel stands for “New Beginnings Overnight Emergency Lodge,” and it was created at Christmas time as a way in which people could give to something that they believe in and make a gift for Christmas,” New Beginnings President and CEO, Shara Gonzales said. “It was a group of churches that started it.” &nbsp;Noel Lodge began providing services in 2013. &nbsp;“Up until that time we had had transitional shelter, which is longer term,” Gonzales explained. “But because it was taking so long, people were backlogged, and so the churches wanted to have an overnight emergency shelter. &nbsp;A building, located at 400 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite C, owned by New Beginnings was remodeled to create Noel Lodge. &nbsp;“Noel Lodge opens at four-o'clock in the afternoon, and closes at seven in the morning as it is a federally-designated shelter,” Gonzales said. “And like I said, it’s the backup to our transitional shelter.” &nbsp; &nbsp; According to Gonzales, emergency shelter is 30 days and is overnight shelter. &nbsp;Noel Lodge hosts 22 available beds, made up of men's dorms, women's dorms, and family rooms, and operates on a first-come and first serve basis. &nbsp;“However, that does not mean it will every night hold twenty-two&nbsp;people,” Gonzales said. “I have to explain this, because it depends on the makeup. For example, sometimes we’ve had no women, but we’ve had a lot of single men, so we’ve used both dorms for the gentlemen.” &nbsp;Noel Lodge can be reached at (620) 259-7769 and is located at 400 W. 2nd Avenue, Suite C. More information about New Beginnings and their other services can be found at their <a href="https://www.newbeginnings-inc.org/" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newbeginningshutch" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. &nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Noel Lodge helps people get on their feet

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Family Community Theatre presents its seasonal show for 2022 over the next two weekends on November 25 through 27 and December 1-4. Elf the Musical is Based on the Will Ferrell hit movie.&nbsp;Ian J. Diaz-Ortega plays Buddy in the FCT production.

"This baby boy that somehow crawled into Santa's toy sack and made his way up to the North Pole," Diaz-Ortega said. "You've got Buddy, who believes to his heart that he was an elf and comes to the realization that I'm actually human. As the story goes on, he keeps finding out, how do they not believe in Santa? Like, I grew up with it my whole life."

The Family Children’s Theatre production has a cast of 26. The actors come from Inman, Hutchinson, McPherson, and Sterling.&nbsp;Benjamin Blakley plays Buddy's half-brother, Michael.

"I think that Buddy figures out, not everybody is expected to think that singing loud for all to hear is what everybody wants," Blakley said.&nbsp;

Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.&nbsp;

Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store, online at <a href="http://www.familycommunitytheater.org">www.familycommunitytheater.org</a> and at the Flag Theatre 1 hour prior to the show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669226268650.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Family Community Theatre presents its seasonal show for 2022 over the next two weekends on November 25 through 27 and December 1-4. Elf the Musical is Based on the Will Ferrell hit movie.&nbsp;Ian J. Diaz-Ortega plays Buddy in the FCT production."This baby boy that somehow crawled into Santa's toy sack and made his way up to the North Pole," Diaz-Ortega said. "You've got Buddy, who believes to his heart that he was an elf and comes to the realization that I'm actually human. As the story goes on, he keeps finding out, how do they not believe in Santa? Like, I grew up with it my whole life."The Family Children’s Theatre production has a cast of 26. The actors come from Inman, Hutchinson, McPherson, and Sterling.&nbsp;Benjamin Blakley plays Buddy's half-brother, Michael."I think that Buddy figures out, not everybody is expected to think that singing loud for all to hear is what everybody wants," Blakley said.&nbsp;Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.&nbsp;Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store, online at <a href="http://www.familycommunitytheater.org">www.familycommunitytheater.org</a> and at the Flag Theatre 1 hour prior to the show.

Elf, the Musical on Flag Theatre stage for holidays

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho said the two in person interviews conducted by the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday are the culmination of a months-long process using a Kansas based firm for the national search along with public input from stakeholder groups.

"We convened three different community groups from the non-profit sector, the business sector and the faith and diversity, equity and inclusion sector to get input on what are the qualities and values you would like to see in your future city manager?" Piros de Carvalho said. "From that, we put together a recruitment brochure that was shared out widely and were very pleased to have quite a response. We had more than 40 applications to this role. A ton of them were very, very good."

Once they did the initial sifting, they did brief video interviews with eleven candidates.

"Council met in executive session a few weeks ago and each of us selected our top three,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "There was some overlap, but we were still only down to about seven or eight applicants and didn't want to bring in more than three. We did decide on three and over the course of a week, ended up eliminating one of those and decided we've got two really strong candidates, and we're going to bring them in, so that's what we did."

"We're already planning a joint meeting with the Hutchinson Recreation Commission next Thursday," Piros de Carvalho said. "I do hope to have an executive session immediately following that to hammer out any additional details of a contract so that we can put that together and have it on the agenda for the following week."

Piros de Carvalho is pleased with the performance of interim manager Gary Meagher, but she and the council know that he has already served longer than was originally intended and that he will be available to assist anyone new as they come aboard.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669220377884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho said the two in person interviews conducted by the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday are the culmination of a months-long process using a Kansas based firm for the national search along with public input from stakeholder groups."We convened three different community groups from the non-profit sector, the business sector and the faith and diversity, equity and inclusion sector to get input on what are the qualities and values you would like to see in your future city manager?" Piros de Carvalho said. "From that, we put together a recruitment brochure that was shared out widely and were very pleased to have quite a response. We had more than 40 applications to this role. A ton of them were very, very good."Once they did the initial sifting, they did brief video interviews with eleven candidates."Council met in executive session a few weeks ago and each of us selected our top three,"&nbsp;Piros de Carvalho said. "There was some overlap, but we were still only down to about seven or eight applicants and didn't want to bring in more than three. We did decide on three and over the course of a week, ended up eliminating one of those and decided we've got two really strong candidates, and we're going to bring them in, so that's what we did."The two candidates are from Kansas."We're already planning a joint meeting with the Hutchinson Recreation Commission next Thursday," Piros de Carvalho said. "I do hope to have an executive session immediately following that to hammer out any additional details of a contract so that we can put that together and have it on the agenda for the following week."Piros de Carvalho is pleased with the performance of interim manager Gary Meagher, but she and the council know that he has already served longer than was originally intended and that he will be available to assist anyone new as they come aboard.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Mayor: New City Manager hire to be on December council meeting agenda

HESSTON, Kan. – Bluestem Communities announced on Nov. 23, they are preparing their Schowalter Villa life plan community for a series of leadership transitions through internal promotions that will be finalized in early 2023.&nbsp;

After 14 years in leadership at Schowalter Villa, Treva Greaser, BSN, RN, CRRN, C-NE, announced her resignation effective Jan. 6, 2023. &nbsp;

Schowalter Villa is just one of the communities comprising Bluestem Communities.&nbsp;

The Schowalter Villa life plan community offers living options for independent living, assisted living and skilled health care, as well as the Progressive Recovery Academy program for individuals needing short-term care following hospitalization and rehabilitation.&nbsp;

Greaser transitioned from Vice President of Health Services to the executive director role at Schowalter Villa as the life plan community merged with its counterpart, Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Kan., in 2012 to form Bluestem Communities.&nbsp;

Bluestern Communities is a non-profit organization that serves seniors through various living options, care settings and care-centered services. &nbsp;

Other communities comprising Bluestem Communities are&nbsp;Bluestem PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in McPherson, Kan. and Hutchinson, Kan. which provides services to older adults, allowing them to stay living in their own homes for as long as possible, and the Kidron Bethel Village life plan community in North Newton, Kan.&nbsp;

“Treva has been a tremendous asset to Schowalter Villa and Bluestem Communities over these last 14 years,” James Krehbiel, Bluestem Communities President and CEO said. “She helped create a smooth merger with Kidron Bethel Village 10 years ago, and exemplified outstanding leadership in navigating the complexities and ever-changing guidance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Treva has been instrumental in increasing Schowalter Villa’s success and continued excellent reputation for life plan communities. We wish her all the best in her future professional endeavors.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669218232937.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JUDD WEIL&nbsp; Hutch PostHESSTON, Kan. – Bluestem Communities announced on Nov. 23, they are preparing their Schowalter Villa life plan community for a series of leadership transitions through internal promotions that will be finalized in early 2023.&nbsp;After 14 years in leadership at Schowalter Villa, Treva Greaser, BSN, RN, CRRN, C-NE, announced her resignation effective Jan. 6, 2023. &nbsp;Schowalter Villa is just one of the communities comprising Bluestem Communities.&nbsp;The Schowalter Villa life plan community offers living options for independent living, assisted living and skilled health care, as well as the Progressive Recovery Academy program for individuals needing short-term care following hospitalization and rehabilitation.&nbsp;Greaser transitioned from Vice President of Health Services to the executive director role at Schowalter Villa as the life plan community merged with its counterpart, Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton, Kan., in 2012 to form Bluestem Communities.&nbsp;Bluestern Communities is a non-profit organization that serves seniors through various living options, care settings and care-centered services. &nbsp;Other communities comprising Bluestem Communities are&nbsp;Bluestem PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in McPherson, Kan. and Hutchinson, Kan. which provides services to older adults, allowing them to stay living in their own homes for as long as possible, and the Kidron Bethel Village life plan community in North Newton, Kan.&nbsp;“Treva has been a tremendous asset to Schowalter Villa and Bluestem Communities over these last 14 years,” James Krehbiel, Bluestem Communities President and CEO said. “She helped create a smooth merger with Kidron Bethel Village 10 years ago, and exemplified outstanding leadership in navigating the complexities and ever-changing guidance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Treva has been instrumental in increasing Schowalter Villa’s success and continued excellent reputation for life plan communities. We wish her all the best in her future professional endeavors.”&nbsp;During Greaser’s tenure, Schowalter Villa won numerous awards for quality and excellent care services. &nbsp;Recently, Greaser and her team helped Schowalter Villa earn the 2002-23 PEAK Award for Sustained Person-Centered Care Homes – Level 4 from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). &nbsp;She has also led Schowalter Villa to multiple 5-star quality ratings with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). &nbsp;Additionally, she led the staff through several deficiency-free surveys, including throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;“It’s been an honor to be a part of the Schowalter Villa team and to serve residents,” Greaser said. “I have built wonderful, meaningful relationships with both residents and staff, and leaving those relationships will be difficult. I am looking forward to new opportunities and continuing to use the knowledge and skills that have developed during my time here. Schowalter Villa has a strong team of staff, and I am confident that it will continue to thrive under new leadership.”&nbsp;Succeeding Greaser as Executive Director will be Jeff Ritcha, BSN, RN, MBA, who recently has served Schowalter Villa as Director of Nursing.&nbsp;Ritcha served at Schowalter Villa since April 2008 in a variety of roles in addition to Director of Nursing, including charge nurse and neighborhood nurse manager. &nbsp;As Greaser took on additional responsibilities in the past year, Ritcha provided support for the Executive Director role.&nbsp;“Jeff has demonstrated strong leadership and care for residents in his time at Schowalter Villa, and we are excited to welcome him to this leadership role for Schowalter Villa and Bluestem Communities,” Krehbiel said.&nbsp;Ritcha earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from Hesston College, as well as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Emporia (Kan.) State University. Ritcha also holds a nursing home administrator license.&nbsp;“I am looking forward to building on the strengths of Schowalter Villa and continuing the high quality of care that we are known for,” Ritcha said. “It’s a blessing to step into this position of leadership with such a strong team, and to provide the best care possible for the residents we serve.”&nbsp;Moving into the vacated Director of Nursing role will be Yeimi De La Mora, ADN. &nbsp;De La Mora has served at Showalter Villa since November 2010 in a variety of roles including Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Medication Aide (CMA), charge nurse and Neighborhood Case Manager. &nbsp;Over the last several months, De La Mora has assisted Ritcha with coverage of the Director Nursing role.&nbsp;“Yeimi has displayed a strong ability to create quality relationships with residents and co-workers, and we are excited to have her step into this next level of leadership,” Krehbiel said.&nbsp;De La Mora holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Butler Community College (El Dorado, Kan.) and is in progress toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Wichita (Kan.) State University. She previously earned a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree from Hutchinson&nbsp;Community College.&nbsp;“I am thankful to be part of an amazing team at Schowalter Villa that not only cares about providing exceptional care to residents, but also gives employees educational and career development opportunities,” De La Mora said. “It is an honor for me to transition into this leadership role in which I can lead the team to continue carrying out the mission of the organization and cultivate meaningful relationships with residents, families and staff.”&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;

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