WABAUNSEE COUNTY , Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Department and Newton Police were a part of a three-day special operation in Wabaunsee County that targeted major criminals and resulted in multiple arrests.

In addition to the arrests, there were several cases where large amounts of narcotics were seized according to a news release. As a result over 120 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of over $4,400,000, were seized.&nbsp;

Along with local law enforcement the agencies that participated included the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office, Osage County Sheriff's Office, Junction City Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff Tip Line, Salina Police, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, Cloud County Sheriff's Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Pratt Police Department, Rossville Police Department, Clarke County Sheriffs and the Department of Homeland Security.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658779121017.png" alt="Photo Wabaunsee County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wabaunsee County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY , Kan. — The McPherson County Sheriff's Department and Newton Police were a part of a three-day special operation in Wabaunsee County that targeted major criminals and resulted in multiple arrests.In addition to the arrests, there were several cases where large amounts of narcotics were seized according to a news release. As a result over 120 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of over $4,400,000, were seized.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658830515741.png" alt="Photo Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Along with local law enforcement the agencies that participated included the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office, Osage County Sheriff's Office, Junction City Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff Tip Line, Salina Police, Dickinson County Sheriff's Office, Cloud County Sheriff's Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Pratt Police Department, Rossville Police Department, Clarke County Sheriffs and the Department of Homeland Security.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Area law enforcement part of 3-day drug operation in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire crews responded to the Central Kansas Gun Club at 7804 N. Lorraine for a structure fire Monday morning.&nbsp;

Crews were called out around 8:20 a.m. and arrived to find a pole style barn burning at the rear of the structure. Extra units were called in to fight the fire before it was eventually brought under control. The building is a total loss. The fire marshal is on the scene and the investigation into the fire is under way. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641488830033.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire crews responded to the Central Kansas Gun Club at 7804 N. Lorraine for a structure fire Monday morning.&nbsp;Crews were called out around 8:20 a.m. and arrived to find a pole style barn burning at the rear of the structure. Extra units were called in to fight the fire before it was eventually brought under control. The building is a total loss. The fire marshal is on the scene and the investigation into the fire is under way. There were no injuries.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Fire destroys building at local gun club

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A sign that shopping may be slowing in the area, July sales tax revenue for Reno County fell by more than $84,000 from the previous month.&nbsp;

Total receipts for the county topped out at $410,690. It's the first time in at least five years that July revenue did not top June numbers. It’s also about $27,000 less than July numbers in 2021.&nbsp;

It’s the second time in three months that total sales tax revenue could not beat 2021 numbers. To date, the county has taken in a total of $3.104 million.

Sales tax collections for the month of July reflect shopping trends for the month of May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565223563029.png" alt="Sales Tax" />
 <figcaption>Sales Tax</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A sign that shopping may be slowing in the area, July sales tax revenue for Reno County fell by more than $84,000 from the previous month.&nbsp;Total receipts for the county topped out at $410,690. It's the first time in at least five years that July revenue did not top June numbers. It’s also about $27,000 less than July numbers in 2021.&nbsp;It’s the second time in three months that total sales tax revenue could not beat 2021 numbers. To date, the county has taken in a total of $3.104 million.Sales tax collections for the month of July reflect shopping trends for the month of May.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Reno County sales tax revenue falls in July from previous year

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Monday that a portion of Fountain Green Road between Dean and Whiteside Roads is closed due to bridge damage.

The area is located four miles north of Pretty Prairie. Public Works says the bridge will be closed until further notice.

If you need information on this or any other county road matter, contact Reno County Public Works at 620-694-2976.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658762514268.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Public Works announced Monday that a portion of Fountain Green Road between Dean and Whiteside Roads is closed due to bridge damage.The area is located four miles north of Pretty Prairie. Public Works says the bridge will be closed until further notice.If you need information on this or any other county road matter, contact Reno County Public Works at 620-694-2976.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.

Fountain Green Road closed just north of Pretty Prairie

The Reno County Commission Republican primary candidates are visiting the KWBW Morning Show to talk to Nick Gosnell about their campaigns. Below is a transcript of Cris Corey's answers from July 25, 2022.

Good morning, Nick. I'm doing great. Thanks for having me.

You bet. So talk to us about who you are and where you came from and why you want to be a Reno County commissioner.

Okay. Well, Nick I was born and raised here in Reno County, in Hutchinson. Let's see. I've just, this community means a lot to me and this county means a lot to me. I've always had great pride in this county. My wife and I moved back here in 2005. I've owned a small business here for the past 17 years here in Hutchinson. I've got a small family. Well, I guess a young family, I've got two boys and a girl and they are, what are they now? They are now five, seven and almost 12. So anyhow, I guess I'm very vested or I know I'm extremely vested in this community being a small business owner and having raising kids in this, in this community, I want what's best for the community, cause that obviously is what's best for my business, my family, my friends, and ultimately all of us. So I just, I wanted to get involved at a much grander scale and in this county commissioner position it gives me that opportunity.

Sure. So what should county government do and what should the private sector or nonprofit organizations or churches or so on, do based on what you've seen so far, what should county government do? What should they stick to, as far as the scope of county government.

As far as the scope of county government? I think we need to actually be more inclusive with the city commissions and that's all city commissions across our county. A little more collaboration, kind of a shared vision for Reno County as a whole. Of course, Hutchinson makes up 60% of that county. So we definitely need their involvement, but involvement from all the other small communities in our, in our county. And like I said, a shared vision I think would go a long way. And again that's through talking, through collaboration. And I think with all that, getting all people on board that can move us forward as a county.

Okay. So explain how you understand the role of the county administrator.

Let's see. Well, Randy Partington, he is, from what I've seen and what I've heard from the current commissioners and from attending all of the meetings here for the past year or so, he's a treasure. I mean, he is doing great things there. His reports back to the county are very concise, are very educational. He does his due diligence in bringing things before the commissioners. And he basically, he manages everything with the county and then brings it back to the commissioners, the commissioners you know, either get more information for him or he usually has enough for them to make their decisions based off of what he brings back. Cause he, he's just, he's very good at what he does and we're very pleased to have him.

All right. So as I understood Ron sellers to say, he believes that the county commission's job is to oversee the county administrator and be sure that that person's effective in their job, but it's the county administrator's job to oversee the day to day operation of the departments. Is that how you understand it to be?

Yes, that is my understanding of how that works. I do take it a step further and will because I like to meet with people I like to see and to meet with the people that are affected daily by the things we do or don't do within the county and where those funds go, where our taxpayer dollars go. I want to see how that works and talk with the people. And again, it's all about communication and collaboration.

Chris, a lot of departments in the county are controlled, not necessarily by county officials, but by state statute, particularly those where the official at the top of the department is also elected like the county sheriff, right. And the county clerk and the county treasurer and the register of deeds. And just on down the line, there are several of those departments that are like that. However, they still have to talk to you about the budget and talk to the county administrator and so on. How do you interact with them with, with those department heads that sometimes the answer to, well, why can't we do this is because state statute says we can't.

So what, what's an answer to that when you go to talk to those department heads that are their own elected officials, that are accountable to the people.

That's a good question. But I honestly look at them no different than anybody else within the county. I sit down, have a conversation try to see what, you know, what their issue is or what our issue is you know, with them or why we're actually talking. And again, just having that conversation and seeing what matters to them, what's needed. And if there's some state statute and we can't get around it, we can't get around it, you know, or maybe we can find a way to do so, but I, I don't know, I'll take that as it comes.

Sure. So given the truth in taxation law that passed in the recent years in the legislature, the county can't just keep the mill levy flat and count on increased valuations to help them keep up with inflation, because now there there's additional reporting to the voters about if the valuation for the whole county goes up, then the amount of tax dollars collected goes up, right. It's what's called the revenue neutral rate. And I've tried to explain that six ways to Sunday on this morning show, but what do you think about the idea of trying to stick to the same number of dollars and where do you think that maybe it's you just try to keep the mill levy flat and allow inflation to let all boats rise? Where do you fall on that?

Okay, that's again, great question. But and I've said this over and over again, but there are three things that we can do as county commissioners. One that's raise taxes, two that's cut services, or three grow the tax base, you know, raising taxes, not popular, not something I want to do. Cut services, again, same thing, not popular, something I'm not looking to do, but that third one, growing the tax base, that is something I am looking to do. And I think that's something. And I know that's something that most people least at the county level, county commission level, city commission levels, the chamber here that's what they're looking to do. And they're, they've got a lot of great things in place and things are coming down down the pipeline for us, but we've gotta grow the tax base and that comes with the economic growth and development. And that is the biggest thing on my platform.

Okay. So I'm gonna ask a follow up on that then. What to you is the the best way for government to stick their hands in when it comes to economic development? Is it incentives for large employers? Is it small business helping small businesses get created, grow and thrive? Is it both and what do you think about that?

I think it's both. You gotta have both, you know, we've gotta have our you know, our small businesses here in town. I'm a huge proponent for Main Street. But I know it's all, it's about incentives. It's about helping people get to that position where they can have a thriving business. And it is also bringing in large, large businesses as well, if they make sense for our county. But you know, again, that grows the tax base, but we've gotta have things in place to do that. And I think with what the county's currently doing with their ARPA funds and the three buckets of money that they have is, is imperative in doing that. You've got childcare, huge. You have to have childcare. So when people are bringing their families, small families in to work for these different businesses, they've gotta have childcare so they can be at work. The other thing they have to have of course is the housing, which is another one of the buckets. You know, if you don't have a place to live that's, that's kind of tough. So desirable housing, childcare, and then the third one of course, is the economic growth that we're talking about. And you have to have all these together in order to move this forward and to have that economic growth.

So I, I guess it's hard, because I asked this of...forgive me for harping too much on the economic growth piece, but government can only do so much with that at the county level. The state has done legislation to allow them to do a whole lot more at the state level. That's how the Panasonic plant ended up in DeSoto. But, in the limited scope of what the county can do, what do you necessarily see as the most important thing?

For economic growth? Yeah. From the county, well currently, yeah, it's those, those ARPA funds that we're putting into economic growth and housing and childcare and again, you cannot have one without the other. And I think we've got the money in the right places. Now, you can go back and forth on how much each individual bucket gets. You know, and that's what they're dealing with right now. And that's, that's not an easy choice, because there's so many organizations that are vying for the same money and they're all, they all have value obviously, but we have got to do or commissioners have to do with their due diligence and to put those in order of most important, most vital to our county. And that's what they're doing. That's what they haven't done.

Okay. So I I allowed Randy to talk a little bit about endorsements. You have a relatively high profile one that came out last week. Okay. Ron Sellers actually put on Facebook that he was gonna support you in your campaign for county commissioner. Are there, is there anybody else that maybe has said, you know, what, I wanna support you that, that you think the public should know?

Well the ones that are, that are public that are out there are out there on my Facebook page and are there for all to see. You know, I do have well, thankfully I'm grateful that I do have a lot of a lot of support, a lot of support from the business community small business, large business. But as far as individuals you know, Ron, he's a big one. He, you know, I've spoken with Ron quite a bit as I realized his seat, you know, he wasn't running or for reelection. And that's, you know, that's kind of why I'm here. Cause, he's obviously my district, when I heard that was open, you know, I talked to him more about it, you know, what, what do we do at the county level and started going to meetings and that has really opened my eyes because I didn't want to go anywhere just to balance a budget, you know, just to sit there and run numbers. I wanted to have impact on this community. I want to move this community and county forward. And we've got again, a lot of great things going for us right now and a lot of great people and great places doing just that. I just want to be part of that and hopefully give the input that I have to move us forward and to be a big part of helping realize our potential.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658762562140.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County Commission Republican primary candidates are visiting the KWBW Morning Show to talk to Nick Gosnell about their campaigns. Below is a transcript of Cris Corey's answers from July 25, 2022.Nick Gosnell:Good morning, Cris, how are you?Cris Corey:Good morning, Nick. I'm doing great. Thanks for having me.Nick Gosnell:You bet. So talk to us about who you are and where you came from and why you want to be a Reno County commissioner.Cris Corey:Okay. Well, Nick I was born and raised here in Reno County, in Hutchinson. Let's see. I've just, this community means a lot to me and this county means a lot to me. I've always had great pride in this county. My wife and I moved back here in 2005. I've owned a small business here for the past 17 years here in Hutchinson. I've got a small family. Well, I guess a young family, I've got two boys and a girl and they are, what are they now? They are now five, seven and almost 12. So anyhow, I guess I'm very vested or I know I'm extremely vested in this community being a small business owner and having raising kids in this, in this community, I want what's best for the community, cause that obviously is what's best for my business, my family, my friends, and ultimately all of us. So I just, I wanted to get involved at a much grander scale and in this county commissioner position it gives me that opportunity.Nick Gosnell:Sure. So what should county government do and what should the private sector or nonprofit organizations or churches or so on, do based on what you've seen so far, what should county government do? What should they stick to, as far as the scope of county government.Cris Corey:As far as the scope of county government? I think we need to actually be more inclusive with the city commissions and that's all city commissions across our county. A little more collaboration, kind of a shared vision for Reno County as a whole. Of course, Hutchinson makes up 60% of that county. So we definitely need their involvement, but involvement from all the other small communities in our, in our county. And like I said, a shared vision I think would go a long way. And again that's through talking, through collaboration. And I think with all that, getting all people on board that can move us forward as a county.Nick Gosnell:Okay. So explain how you understand the role of the county administrator.Cris Corey:Oh, the county administrator. Yeah.Nick Gosnell:What does he do?Cris Corey:Let's see. Well, Randy Partington, he is, from what I've seen and what I've heard from the current commissioners and from attending all of the meetings here for the past year or so, he's a treasure. I mean, he is doing great things there. His reports back to the county are very concise, are very educational. He does his due diligence in bringing things before the commissioners. And he basically, he manages everything with the county and then brings it back to the commissioners, the commissioners you know, either get more information for him or he usually has enough for them to make their decisions based off of what he brings back. Cause he, he's just, he's very good at what he does and we're very pleased to have him.Nick Gosnell:All right. So as I understood Ron sellers to say, he believes that the county commission's job is to oversee the county administrator and be sure that that person's effective in their job, but it's the county administrator's job to oversee the day to day operation of the departments. Is that how you understand it to be?Cris Corey:Yes, that is my understanding of how that works. I do take it a step further and will because I like to meet with people I like to see and to meet with the people that are affected daily by the things we do or don't do within the county and where those funds go, where our taxpayer dollars go. I want to see how that works and talk with the people. And again, it's all about communication and collaboration.Nick Gosnell:Chris, a lot of departments in the county are controlled, not necessarily by county officials, but by state statute, particularly those where the official at the top of the department is also elected like the county sheriff, right. And the county clerk and the county treasurer and the register of deeds. And just on down the line, there are several of those departments that are like that. However, they still have to talk to you about the budget and talk to the county administrator and so on. How do you interact with them with, with those department heads that sometimes the answer to, well, why can't we do this is because state statute says we can't.Cris Corey:Right.Nick Gosnell:So what, what's an answer to that when you go to talk to those department heads that are their own elected officials, that are accountable to the people.Cris Corey:That's a good question. But I honestly look at them no different than anybody else within the county. I sit down, have a conversation try to see what, you know, what their issue is or what our issue is you know, with them or why we're actually talking. And again, just having that conversation and seeing what matters to them, what's needed. And if there's some state statute and we can't get around it, we can't get around it, you know, or maybe we can find a way to do so, but I, I don't know, I'll take that as it comes.Nick Gosnell:Sure. So given the truth in taxation law that passed in the recent years in the legislature, the county can't just keep the mill levy flat and count on increased valuations to help them keep up with inflation, because now there there's additional reporting to the voters about if the valuation for the whole county goes up, then the amount of tax dollars collected goes up, right. It's what's called the revenue neutral rate. And I've tried to explain that six ways to Sunday on this morning show, but what do you think about the idea of trying to stick to the same number of dollars and where do you think that maybe it's you just try to keep the mill levy flat and allow inflation to let all boats rise? Where do you fall on that?Cris Corey:Okay, that's again, great question. But and I've said this over and over again, but there are three things that we can do as county commissioners. One that's raise taxes, two that's cut services, or three grow the tax base, you know, raising taxes, not popular, not something I want to do. Cut services, again, same thing, not popular, something I'm not looking to do, but that third one, growing the tax base, that is something I am looking to do. And I think that's something. And I know that's something that most people least at the county level, county commission level, city commission levels, the chamber here that's what they're looking to do. And they're, they've got a lot of great things in place and things are coming down down the pipeline for us, but we've gotta grow the tax base and that comes with the economic growth and development. And that is the biggest thing on my platform.Nick Gosnell:Okay. So I'm gonna ask a follow up on that then. What to you is the the best way for government to stick their hands in when it comes to economic development? Is it incentives for large employers? Is it small business helping small businesses get created, grow and thrive? Is it both and what do you think about that?Cris Corey:I think it's both. You gotta have both, you know, we've gotta have our you know, our small businesses here in town. I'm a huge proponent for Main Street. But I know it's all, it's about incentives. It's about helping people get to that position where they can have a thriving business. And it is also bringing in large, large businesses as well, if they make sense for our county. But you know, again, that grows the tax base, but we've gotta have things in place to do that. And I think with what the county's currently doing with their ARPA funds and the three buckets of money that they have is, is imperative in doing that. You've got childcare, huge. You have to have childcare. So when people are bringing their families, small families in to work for these different businesses, they've gotta have childcare so they can be at work. The other thing they have to have of course is the housing, which is another one of the buckets. You know, if you don't have a place to live that's, that's kind of tough. So desirable housing, childcare, and then the third one of course, is the economic growth that we're talking about. And you have to have all these together in order to move this forward and to have that economic growth.Nick Gosnell:So I, I guess it's hard, because I asked this of...forgive me for harping too much on the economic growth piece, but government can only do so much with that at the county level. The state has done legislation to allow them to do a whole lot more at the state level. That's how the Panasonic plant ended up in DeSoto. But, in the limited scope of what the county can do, what do you necessarily see as the most important thing?Cris Corey:For economic growth? Yeah. From the county, well currently, yeah, it's those, those ARPA funds that we're putting into economic growth and housing and childcare and again, you cannot have one without the other. And I think we've got the money in the right places. Now, you can go back and forth on how much each individual bucket gets. You know, and that's what they're dealing with right now. And that's, that's not an easy choice, because there's so many organizations that are vying for the same money and they're all, they all have value obviously, but we have got to do or commissioners have to do with their due diligence and to put those in order of most important, most vital to our county. And that's what they're doing. That's what they haven't done.Nick Gosnell:Okay. So I I allowed Randy to talk a little bit about endorsements. You have a relatively high profile one that came out last week. Okay. Ron Sellers actually put on Facebook that he was gonna support you in your campaign for county commissioner. Are there, is there anybody else that maybe has said, you know, what, I wanna support you that, that you think the public should know?Cris Corey:Well the ones that are, that are public that are out there are out there on my Facebook page and are there for all to see. You know, I do have well, thankfully I'm grateful that I do have a lot of a lot of support, a lot of support from the business community small business, large business. But as far as individuals you know, Ron, he's a big one. He, you know, I've spoken with Ron quite a bit as I realized his seat, you know, he wasn't running or for reelection. And that's, you know, that's kind of why I'm here. Cause, he's obviously my district, when I heard that was open, you know, I talked to him more about it, you know, what, what do we do at the county level and started going to meetings and that has really opened my eyes because I didn't want to go anywhere just to balance a budget, you know, just to sit there and run numbers. I wanted to have impact on this community. I want to move this community and county forward. And we've got again, a lot of great things going for us right now and a lot of great people and great places doing just that. I just want to be part of that and hopefully give the input that I have to move us forward and to be a big part of helping realize our potential.

Cris Corey transcript from KWBW Morning Show

The Reno County Commission Republican primary candidates are visiting the KWBW Morning Show to talk to Nick Gosnell about their campaigns. Below is a transcript of Randy Parks answers from July 25, 2022.

Randy Parks is our first guest. Cris Corey will join us at 7:45, but Randy, thank you for coming in and good morning.

Well, good morning. Thank you for having me.

All right. So first of all, just let people know who you are, where you come from and why you want to be a county commissioner.

Well, I'm Randy Parks. I was born and raised here in Hutchinson, Kansas. Basically have raised our kids here, wife of 41 years. We've had a vested interest in the community for a long time and our church families that we've been with and other people around us in the neighborhoods and we were out of town for probably about 12 years off and on, pursuing some other endeavors. We moved back in 2012 because we had a death in the family on two sides and needed to take care of parents. And so when we got back, I began to pay a lot more attention to what was going on in the local government. I really hadn't until I got married when I was real young at 18 years old. And I started to realize as a family man, you need to have more vested interest in what goes on. But, in 2012, I really had this burning in my heart to start getting more involved in local government. And it just didn't really surface until this year. And I decided this was the year to run. I felt like it was a thing that needed to happen. There was some things I see that go on that I just felt like we probably need to address a little bit further.

So, this is a big question, but hopefully you'll be able to condense it down into kind of your philosophy, which is what should county government do and what should they let the private sector and families and churches and those kind of folks do.

That's a good question. I believe county government basically is funded by the people to oversee the infrastructure and take care of and maintain that infrastructure. Then also to fund emergency services, which I think probably needs some help as well. We'll talk about that probably here in a minute. You talk about the private sector and the churches. I know that county gives an awful lot of money to charitable organizations in the county. I don't know how many there was somebody told me at last count, I don't know how many they fund a hundred twenty some of 'em, I think it is. I don't know how many that we participate in as a county, but I've been involved in a board of several of those organizations over the years. I know that there was a time when their mission was to enlist funds from people privately and probably some grants from the state, but it appears to me as I've watched over time that we continue to fund more and more of those things and the voices that I've heard back from people, they're not very happy with some of the funding going to some of those organizations, because they're beginning to stand for some of the things that people just morally don't care for.

I think we need to revisit and look at some of those things. I do believe that that there's a lot of great faith-based organizations that do great work, but I think there are some that need to be examined and looked at just a little bit more.

All right. So explain how you understand the role of the county administrator. I know what the current three kind of have left for him, but what do you think?

Well, I got some information on that right after I got into the campaign. I had worked at the county some years ago when they brought the first county administrator on, and I think the role of that county administrator has kind of changed a little bit since I was there. As I understand it, he has the authority over the directors of the departments and the county employees to the degree of, basically hiring recruiting and possibly terminating if it need be at some point. He is the liaison between the county commissioners and the employees.

So, basically the county commissioners..as Ron Sellers who currently holds district one has explained it in public meetings, what he's said is that the commission hires the administrator, the administrator runs the day to day. Is that how you understand it too?

That's how I understood it as well. I've sat in on several meetings since I've been in this. I decided to get involved and listen, and I've watched it. He does a lot of presentations as well for the departments, helps work up the budget and things like that. I, you know, in my opinion, I think the commissioners need to be more involved, on a level to communicate at times with the directors. I've had some feedback from several of them that feel like that it would be a good thing to communicate just a little bit more with them.

A lot of departments in the county are controlled, not by county officials, but rather by state statute. Let me give some examples. One of them that I know you're going to talk about is the county sheriff, but also the treasurer and the county clerk are some other examples of those, so talk about just how you help those departments. And to what degree you just have to say, okay, this is what statute says and how do you deal with them?

Well, I understand, yeah, some things are statutory that have to be funded. That's handed down from the state, but having visited with, again, like I said, several of the directors, and then I spent some time visiting with the Sheriff's department, the captains down there, and they have some real concerns about some funding issues as well. I know that that the sheriff is an elected official. However, we do fund equipment. We do fund the personnel and they're very short at this time right now, very stressed. And I think that is something we need to be involved with, seeing that the times that we're in are really a different time. And I think there's a lot going on that demands from that department. And they they're short on help. They're long on hours. I sat in a meeting one night where they were all yawning because they'd worked a very long shift and they had a tough time paying attention. Not to bag on 'em at all of not doing that, but I felt really sorry for 'em to have to sit and listen to all of us, talk to 'em that evening when they needed to go home and rest. And I think it's a security issue in that particular sense for the people of Reno County and certainly for them that they need to be protected.

Well, and the thing about the Sheriff's department specifically is Reno County is one of the largest area wise counties in the state. So getting somebody out to, if something happens out in the county can be difficult, especially when you have relatively low staffing levels.

That's exactly right. You take communities like Nickerson, Kansas, you take, 'em like Sylvia, Kansas. You start looking at some of the small communities that don't have police forces anymore. They have to respond to all that stuff at any given time. I understand there's only about four patrol officers in the largest land mass county in Kansas. And in my opinion, I don't think we want to just spend county money frivolously, but I think that's not a frivolous expenditure. I think we need to probably have twice that many or a little more on the road at any given time, they'll respond within the city to help as well. If you're at both corners of it, it's virtually impossible to help the other officer in need.

Well, and that's a big issue as things go along. If there's more than one thing happening at once out in the county. Now, speaking of kind of taxes a little bit more generally in the budget, given the truth in taxation law the past in recent years in the legislature. We've talked about this several times, the phrase revenue neutral rate is basically what people will remember from that. The county can't just keep the mill levy flat and count on increased valuations to help them keep up with inflation. Because now there's additional reporting that basically tells people the valuation on your property has gone up and the valuation on all the property in the county has gone up. So the county is either going to, or not going to collect more actual taxes, more dollars from you. So, with that in mind, do you believe trying to be revenue neutral? In other words, keep the dollars the same even valuation goes up is a goal you should try to reach, or do you think that keeping the mill levy flat is the primary goal and revenue neutral, you know, would be something that would be nice to do?

Well, I think it'd be a great thing to do. I've talked to, I can't tell you how many people across the county that know that their taxes are going up, some of 'em pretty significantly and mine did as well. I mean, I don't, I don't mind paying my fair share, but sometimes people feel like it's not their fair share. It's too much. I talked to a couple of commissioners the other day before the meeting, and they talked about the fact that they didn't think they'd probably be able to hold the revenue neutral this year, that they may increase the taxes. And I advised them by the, the feelings of the people that I visited with. They want it to stay the same and in fact go down. I think there's ways that you can adjust that down. I think there's cuts that can be made. And that just has to be examined to see what we can do. I mean, after all, look at the expenses of things are so extremely high right now for people and their cost of living is up. And then we want to tax 'em again and burden. 'em a little bit further. I, I think they're having a tough time swallowing that.

So any specifics that you would know about that, where you'd start or something like that?

Well, it's difficult to cut road and bridge type repairs. We don't want them to go on for several years beyond that and become, uh, to a point where they can't be maintained and they have to be replaced. There's certain things in that that just have to be a given from year to year. Having had a maintenance background, I certainly understand those things completely. However, I think we need to look at outside agencies. I think we need to look at some other expenditures that we do that are things that are not essential actual county functions within the framework of either employees of Reno County, the equipment, the departments, and, and look first there, whether there's some cuts that can be made and certainly with insight, not to not to compromise services at all.

Well, the one major endorsement we posted on Hutch Post that you received, Randy, is from City Councilwoman, Sarah Bagwell. Are there any, is there anybody else that has said, hey, we wanna support you in district one.

Yeah. I've had several people do that. I don't know if you're familiar with the Hedricks and Nickerson. I know you are. Aaron has been a great proponent of it. I've had actually Andy Fry, which is in State Farm Insurance, which has really come alongside me and helped me with fundraising and things like that. Mark Steffen has been a great proponent of mine. He's in fact, these folks have all commented on my site on Facebook and one of the state representatives has really cheered me on as well to do that. And so there's many other people on there. If people go to that site and look, you can find those things.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658759317917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Reno County Commission Republican primary candidates are visiting the KWBW Morning Show to talk to Nick Gosnell about their campaigns. Below is a transcript of Randy Parks answers from July 25, 2022.Nick Gosnell:Randy Parks is our first guest. Cris Corey will join us at 7:45, but Randy, thank you for coming in and good morning.Randy Parks:Well, good morning. Thank you for having me.Nick Gosnell:All right. So first of all, just let people know who you are, where you come from and why you want to be a county commissioner.Randy Parks:Well, I'm Randy Parks. I was born and raised here in Hutchinson, Kansas. Basically have raised our kids here, wife of 41 years. We've had a vested interest in the community for a long time and our church families that we've been with and other people around us in the neighborhoods and we were out of town for probably about 12 years off and on, pursuing some other endeavors. We moved back in 2012 because we had a death in the family on two sides and needed to take care of parents. And so when we got back, I began to pay a lot more attention to what was going on in the local government. I really hadn't until I got married when I was real young at 18 years old. And I started to realize as a family man, you need to have more vested interest in what goes on. But, in 2012, I really had this burning in my heart to start getting more involved in local government. And it just didn't really surface until this year. And I decided this was the year to run. I felt like it was a thing that needed to happen. There was some things I see that go on that I just felt like we probably need to address a little bit further.Nick Gosnell:So, this is a big question, but hopefully you'll be able to condense it down into kind of your philosophy, which is what should county government do and what should they let the private sector and families and churches and those kind of folks do.Randy Parks:That's a good question. I believe county government basically is funded by the people to oversee the infrastructure and take care of and maintain that infrastructure. Then also to fund emergency services, which I think probably needs some help as well. We'll talk about that probably here in a minute. You talk about the private sector and the churches. I know that county gives an awful lot of money to charitable organizations in the county. I don't know how many there was somebody told me at last count, I don't know how many they fund a hundred twenty some of 'em, I think it is. I don't know how many that we participate in as a county, but I've been involved in a board of several of those organizations over the years. I know that there was a time when their mission was to enlist funds from people privately and probably some grants from the state, but it appears to me as I've watched over time that we continue to fund more and more of those things and the voices that I've heard back from people, they're not very happy with some of the funding going to some of those organizations, because they're beginning to stand for some of the things that people just morally don't care for.I think we need to revisit and look at some of those things. I do believe that that there's a lot of great faith-based organizations that do great work, but I think there are some that need to be examined and looked at just a little bit more.Nick Gosnell:All right. So explain how you understand the role of the county administrator. I know what the current three kind of have left for him, but what do you think?Randy Parks:Well, I got some information on that right after I got into the campaign. I had worked at the county some years ago when they brought the first county administrator on, and I think the role of that county administrator has kind of changed a little bit since I was there. As I understand it, he has the authority over the directors of the departments and the county employees to the degree of, basically hiring recruiting and possibly terminating if it need be at some point. He is the liaison between the county commissioners and the employees.Nick Gosnell:So, basically the county commissioners..as Ron Sellers who currently holds district one has explained it in public meetings, what he's said is that the commission hires the administrator, the administrator runs the day to day. Is that how you understand it too?Randy Parks:That's how I understood it as well. I've sat in on several meetings since I've been in this. I decided to get involved and listen, and I've watched it. He does a lot of presentations as well for the departments, helps work up the budget and things like that. I, you know, in my opinion, I think the commissioners need to be more involved, on a level to communicate at times with the directors. I've had some feedback from several of them that feel like that it would be a good thing to communicate just a little bit more with them.Nick Gosnell:A lot of departments in the county are controlled, not by county officials, but rather by state statute. Let me give some examples. One of them that I know you're going to talk about is the county sheriff, but also the treasurer and the county clerk are some other examples of those, so talk about just how you help those departments. And to what degree you just have to say, okay, this is what statute says and how do you deal with them?Randy Parks:Well, I understand, yeah, some things are statutory that have to be funded. That's handed down from the state, but having visited with, again, like I said, several of the directors, and then I spent some time visiting with the Sheriff's department, the captains down there, and they have some real concerns about some funding issues as well. I know that that the sheriff is an elected official. However, we do fund equipment. We do fund the personnel and they're very short at this time right now, very stressed. And I think that is something we need to be involved with, seeing that the times that we're in are really a different time. And I think there's a lot going on that demands from that department. And they they're short on help. They're long on hours. I sat in a meeting one night where they were all yawning because they'd worked a very long shift and they had a tough time paying attention. Not to bag on 'em at all of not doing that, but I felt really sorry for 'em to have to sit and listen to all of us, talk to 'em that evening when they needed to go home and rest. And I think it's a security issue in that particular sense for the people of Reno County and certainly for them that they need to be protected.Nick Gosnell:Well, and the thing about the Sheriff's department specifically is Reno County is one of the largest area wise counties in the state. So getting somebody out to, if something happens out in the county can be difficult, especially when you have relatively low staffing levels.Randy Parks:That's exactly right. You take communities like Nickerson, Kansas, you take, 'em like Sylvia, Kansas. You start looking at some of the small communities that don't have police forces anymore. They have to respond to all that stuff at any given time. I understand there's only about four patrol officers in the largest land mass county in Kansas. And in my opinion, I don't think we want to just spend county money frivolously, but I think that's not a frivolous expenditure. I think we need to probably have twice that many or a little more on the road at any given time, they'll respond within the city to help as well. If you're at both corners of it, it's virtually impossible to help the other officer in need.Nick Gosnell:Well, and that's a big issue as things go along. If there's more than one thing happening at once out in the county. Now, speaking of kind of taxes a little bit more generally in the budget, given the truth in taxation law the past in recent years in the legislature. We've talked about this several times, the phrase revenue neutral rate is basically what people will remember from that. The county can't just keep the mill levy flat and count on increased valuations to help them keep up with inflation. Because now there's additional reporting that basically tells people the valuation on your property has gone up and the valuation on all the property in the county has gone up. So the county is either going to, or not going to collect more actual taxes, more dollars from you. So, with that in mind, do you believe trying to be revenue neutral? In other words, keep the dollars the same even valuation goes up is a goal you should try to reach, or do you think that keeping the mill levy flat is the primary goal and revenue neutral, you know, would be something that would be nice to do?Randy Parks:Well, I think it'd be a great thing to do. I've talked to, I can't tell you how many people across the county that know that their taxes are going up, some of 'em pretty significantly and mine did as well. I mean, I don't, I don't mind paying my fair share, but sometimes people feel like it's not their fair share. It's too much. I talked to a couple of commissioners the other day before the meeting, and they talked about the fact that they didn't think they'd probably be able to hold the revenue neutral this year, that they may increase the taxes. And I advised them by the, the feelings of the people that I visited with. They want it to stay the same and in fact go down. I think there's ways that you can adjust that down. I think there's cuts that can be made. And that just has to be examined to see what we can do. I mean, after all, look at the expenses of things are so extremely high right now for people and their cost of living is up. And then we want to tax 'em again and burden. 'em a little bit further. I, I think they're having a tough time swallowing that.Nick Gosnell:So any specifics that you would know about that, where you'd start or something like that?Randy Parks:Well, it's difficult to cut road and bridge type repairs. We don't want them to go on for several years beyond that and become, uh, to a point where they can't be maintained and they have to be replaced. There's certain things in that that just have to be a given from year to year. Having had a maintenance background, I certainly understand those things completely. However, I think we need to look at outside agencies. I think we need to look at some other expenditures that we do that are things that are not essential actual county functions within the framework of either employees of Reno County, the equipment, the departments, and, and look first there, whether there's some cuts that can be made and certainly with insight, not to not to compromise services at all.Nick Gosnell:Well, the one major endorsement we posted on Hutch Post that you received, Randy, is from City Councilwoman, Sarah Bagwell. Are there any, is there anybody else that has said, hey, we wanna support you in district one.Randy Parks:Yeah. I've had several people do that. I don't know if you're familiar with the Hedricks and Nickerson. I know you are. Aaron has been a great proponent of it. I've had actually Andy Fry, which is in State Farm Insurance, which has really come alongside me and helped me with fundraising and things like that. Mark Steffen has been a great proponent of mine. He's in fact, these folks have all commented on my site on Facebook and one of the state representatives has really cheered me on as well to do that. And so there's many other people on there. If people go to that site and look, you can find those things.

Randy Parks transcript from KWBW Morning Show

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson received the grant to get money for a police patrol vehicle that was applied for <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b097135a-a048-43ad-9516-ec6dd3ae5f06">back in December</a>.

South Hutchinson applied for grant funding with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Rural Development Community Facilities Program.

Under the program, the USDA will provide up to 55% percent of the funding for an eligible project. The city applied for up to $55,000 and the USDA is providing $30,200. That amount was awarded, as of a Monday announcement from the USDA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657229191715.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson received the grant to get money for a police patrol vehicle that was applied for <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/b097135a-a048-43ad-9516-ec6dd3ae5f06">back in December</a>.South Hutchinson applied for grant funding with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Rural Development Community Facilities Program.Under the program, the USDA will provide up to 55% percent of the funding for an eligible project. The city applied for up to $55,000 and the USDA is providing $30,200. That amount was awarded, as of a Monday announcement from the USDA.

South Hutch police vehicle grant approved

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Just after 1 p.m. Sunday, Hutchinson firefighters were called to 4901 North Monroe on the report of a house fire.&nbsp;

The fire was put out in the room of origin and no one was hurt. It took 2700 feet of 5 inch hose to get from a hydrant to the home.

Fire crews were rotated through due to the heat. They made sure firefighters had water and that their temperature was not too elevated.

The firefighters wear approximately an additional 70 pounds of protective gear, which makes it exceedingly hard on them physically in the heat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658710270310.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Just after 1 p.m. Sunday, Hutchinson firefighters were called to 4901 North Monroe on the report of a house fire.&nbsp;The fire was put out in the room of origin and no one was hurt. It took 2700 feet of 5 inch hose to get from a hydrant to the home.Fire crews were rotated through due to the heat. They made sure firefighters had water and that their temperature was not too elevated.The firefighters wear approximately an additional 70 pounds of protective gear, which makes it exceedingly hard on them physically in the heat.

Hutch Firefighters deal with extreme heat at house fire Sunday


NEWTON,
Kan. —Newton’s new public swimming pool was named a 2022 Dream Designs Award winner by Aquatics International. 

The awards recognize innovative and cost-effective designs for pools and water parks around the world. A short write-up about the project can be found on page 44 of the organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MjIuNjExODM2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xzYy1wYWdlcHJvLm15ZGlnaXRhbHB1YmxpY2F0aW9uLmNvbS9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi8_bT0yMTA0MiZpPTc1MjUzMCZwPTEmdmVyPWh0bWw1In0.zKy1pGHgsmJtzN4b_4SKVPUPAG9d_GAnQh8c8FATXNk/s/2592705315/br/141483227567-l" target="_blank">July-August magazine</a>.

The new pool has proven to be a big hit with Newton this summer, with attendance numbers up about 40% over 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658579983818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
NEWTON,
Kan. —Newton’s new public swimming pool was named a 2022 Dream Designs Award winner by Aquatics International. The awards recognize innovative and cost-effective designs for pools and water parks around the world. A short write-up about the project can be found on page 44 of the organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA3MjIuNjExODM2ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xzYy1wYWdlcHJvLm15ZGlnaXRhbHB1YmxpY2F0aW9uLmNvbS9wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi8_bT0yMTA0MiZpPTc1MjUzMCZwPTEmdmVyPWh0bWw1In0.zKy1pGHgsmJtzN4b_4SKVPUPAG9d_GAnQh8c8FATXNk/s/2592705315/br/141483227567-l" target="_blank">July-August magazine</a>. The new pool has proven to be a big hit with Newton this summer, with attendance numbers up about 40% over 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New Newton pool recognized

Eagle Radio operates&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">nine Post news sites</a>&nbsp;in communities across Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.

Here is a sampling of stories from last week:

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/47bfcabf-afa7-4c3b-94e5-afff2ed581fd">202 pints of blood donated during 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive in MHK</a> From Little Apple Post

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/518365f3-5540-4182-81a8-87fafd6e53d9#//">Farm economy faces obstacles, says Missouri Agriculture Director</a> From St. Joseph Post

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/21dda4a8-df38-4c4f-9eb5-4928d4a64113">🎥 A Day in the Life: Reno County 911</a> From Hutch Post

<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/80726806-85fd-46a3-a28f-b9ceccfce8e0">North Platte resident returns home to find couple rummaging through fridge</a> From North Platte Post

<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/90c5767a-c60d-48db-b868-aa81ef0413ec">Authorities report arrest in Enfinnity Hayes Lawson homicide case</a> From JC Post

<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/bee5c059-bff3-4521-a6d4-0a311d20bb79">Brothers restaurant brings togetherness in Scottsbluff</a> From Panhandle Post

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5d2b0b9e-9302-43c5-a90c-9032ac895f72">Hoisington residents using new pool to beat summer heat wave</a> From Great Bend Post

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e153a0fc-fe06-4de4-b5c7-d6f0d57fa59b">Hays USD 489 to revisit dress code after parent complains about satanism ban</a> From Hays Post

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8eb22de0-0264-4ac0-87bd-4407f223638c">Pursuit through west, south Salina includes bags of weed being tossed</a> From Salina Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Radio operates&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">nine Post news sites</a>&nbsp;in communities across Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.Here is a sampling of stories from last week:<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/47bfcabf-afa7-4c3b-94e5-afff2ed581fd">202 pints of blood donated during 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive in MHK</a> From Little Apple Post<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/518365f3-5540-4182-81a8-87fafd6e53d9#//">Farm economy faces obstacles, says Missouri Agriculture Director</a> From St. Joseph Post<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/21dda4a8-df38-4c4f-9eb5-4928d4a64113">🎥 A Day in the Life: Reno County 911</a> From Hutch Post<a href="https://northplattepost.com/posts/80726806-85fd-46a3-a28f-b9ceccfce8e0">North Platte resident returns home to find couple rummaging through fridge</a> From North Platte Post<a href="https://jcpost.com/posts/90c5767a-c60d-48db-b868-aa81ef0413ec">Authorities report arrest in Enfinnity Hayes Lawson homicide case</a> From JC Post<a href="https://panhandlepost.com/posts/bee5c059-bff3-4521-a6d4-0a311d20bb79">Brothers restaurant brings togetherness in Scottsbluff</a> From Panhandle Post<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5d2b0b9e-9302-43c5-a90c-9032ac895f72">Hoisington residents using new pool to beat summer heat wave</a> From Great Bend Post<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e153a0fc-fe06-4de4-b5c7-d6f0d57fa59b">Hays USD 489 to revisit dress code after parent complains about satanism ban</a> From Hays Post<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/8eb22de0-0264-4ac0-87bd-4407f223638c">Pursuit through west, south Salina includes bags of weed being tossed</a> From Salina Post

News From Around the Post News Network

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) concluded investigations training Friday at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).

The 80-hour course, Basic Law Enforcement for Fire Investigators, gave participants a basic overview of law enforcement rules, regulations and practices, and was designed to give firefighters a better understanding of how law enforcement officers conduct investigations.

"This is an important partnership between KLETC and the IAAI," KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck said. "Allowing law enforcement officers and firefighters to be better prepared to work together benefits not just the professions, but also the communities they serve."

The 28 participants that completed this course will have the opportunity to become a Certified Fire Investigator through the Fire Marshal's Office upon the completion of an additional two-week course at KLETC in November that covers basic fire investigation. That course will be open to certified law enforcement officers as well.

<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/2022/7/1658512422226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) concluded investigations training Friday at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).The 80-hour course, Basic Law Enforcement for Fire Investigators, gave participants a basic overview of law enforcement rules, regulations and practices, and was designed to give firefighters a better understanding of how law enforcement officers conduct investigations."This is an important partnership between KLETC and the IAAI," KLETC Executive Director Darin Beck said. "Allowing law enforcement officers and firefighters to be better prepared to work together benefits not just the professions, but also the communities they serve."The 28 participants that completed this course will have the opportunity to become a Certified Fire Investigator through the Fire Marshal's Office upon the completion of an additional two-week course at KLETC in November that covers basic fire investigation. That course will be open to certified law enforcement officers as well.<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.

Arson training concludes at law enforcement training center

Editor's note: This story was originally posted with an incorrect first name for Derrick Borecky. Hutch Post regrets the error.

NICK GOSNELL and RICK KRAUS Hutch Post

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Tom &amp; Dan's Tire Service is the Market South Hutch Business of the Month. They do more than their name implies.

"We do a lot more than tires," said Derrick Borecky with the shop. "We work on front ends, alignments, brakes, struts, all that kind of stuff, but we do mainly focus on tires."

This is a family business, like so many in South Hutch are.

"We always try to give back," Borecky said. "Community is everything to us here. This was my dad's shop. Borecky's my last name, but Tom Swafford is my stepdad. He's the owner of this place. Really, I'm second generation here. He did a lot of my raising. I attribute my whole life to him, to be honest. Everything I have, I can thank to him. My son is 14, he'll come over to the shop. He really wants to be a part of it when he gets old enough. My wife Sarah runs the front and my dog, Burton, runs the show."

Tom Swafford worked for Cooper Tire and he wanted to go into business for himself 23 years ago. That attitude continues into the next generation.

"He wanted to make South Hutch his home," Borecky said. "He put his shop here. We grew up a few blocks away. Now, he lives just a few miles south of town, still here in South Hutch, still local. I guess tires was always his passion and growing up around it, it became mine. It's what I saw. It's what I learned. Mechanics has always been in my wheelhouse. My family's always grown up on the racetrack. We've always been around cars. That's why we always try to support the races and do what we can there."

It's about being honest and hardworking and giving value to customers for the trust they have put into Tom and Dan's over the years.

"If you come through with something that we can fix, I'm going to be honest and we're going to fix it," Borecky said. "But, if it's something that's over our head or it's too deep, I'm going to be honest with you there, too, I'm going to say, hey, let's take this someplace else and have someone else work on it. I'm not just going to sit there and take your money."

"This is the kind of job where you feel like a hero," Borecky said. "People pull in off the road, they're like, hey, I blew out a tire, can you help me? You feel like you're tossing on a cape to go out and help them. You almost get a little emotional thinking about it, sometimes."

From brand new drivers to people who can't do the physical work any more, Tom and Dan's takes pride in helping, even if it's to add air to a tire for free. It really is costing a lot more for the oil that goes into an oil change. Their goal is not to make it cost-prohibitive, but they have to pay for the oil and for their employees time. Also, they have tires on hand, but where they are getting them from has changed.

Tom &amp; Dan's Tire Service is running a special right now where if you get four new tires, alignment is half off. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Call them at (620) 664-5152.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658586215820.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: This story was originally posted with an incorrect first name for Derrick Borecky. Hutch Post regrets the error.NICK GOSNELL and RICK KRAUS Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Tom &amp; Dan's Tire Service is the Market South Hutch Business of the Month. They do more than their name implies."We do a lot more than tires," said Derrick Borecky with the shop. "We work on front ends, alignments, brakes, struts, all that kind of stuff, but we do mainly focus on tires."This is a family business, like so many in South Hutch are."We always try to give back," Borecky said. "Community is everything to us here. This was my dad's shop. Borecky's my last name, but Tom Swafford is my stepdad. He's the owner of this place. Really, I'm second generation here. He did a lot of my raising. I attribute my whole life to him, to be honest. Everything I have, I can thank to him. My son is 14, he'll come over to the shop. He really wants to be a part of it when he gets old enough. My wife Sarah runs the front and my dog, Burton, runs the show."Tom Swafford worked for Cooper Tire and he wanted to go into business for himself 23 years ago. That attitude continues into the next generation."He wanted to make South Hutch his home," Borecky said. "He put his shop here. We grew up a few blocks away. Now, he lives just a few miles south of town, still here in South Hutch, still local. I guess tires was always his passion and growing up around it, it became mine. It's what I saw. It's what I learned. Mechanics has always been in my wheelhouse. My family's always grown up on the racetrack. We've always been around cars. That's why we always try to support the races and do what we can there."It's about being honest and hardworking and giving value to customers for the trust they have put into Tom and Dan's over the years."If you come through with something that we can fix, I'm going to be honest and we're going to fix it," Borecky said. "But, if it's something that's over our head or it's too deep, I'm going to be honest with you there, too, I'm going to say, hey, let's take this someplace else and have someone else work on it. I'm not just going to sit there and take your money."It's rewarding for Borecky, for sure."This is the kind of job where you feel like a hero," Borecky said. "People pull in off the road, they're like, hey, I blew out a tire, can you help me? You feel like you're tossing on a cape to go out and help them. You almost get a little emotional thinking about it, sometimes."From brand new drivers to people who can't do the physical work any more, Tom and Dan's takes pride in helping, even if it's to add air to a tire for free. It really is costing a lot more for the oil that goes into an oil change. Their goal is not to make it cost-prohibitive, but they have to pay for the oil and for their employees time. Also, they have tires on hand, but where they are getting them from has changed.Tom &amp; Dan's Tire Service is running a special right now where if you get four new tires, alignment is half off. They are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Call them at (620) 664-5152.

Tom & Dan's Tire Service is Market South Hutch Business of the Month

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The announcement of <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e570eb3-b453-4ca6-b82d-5855bb85d638">what was the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo now coming to the Kansas State Fairgrounds</a> and the <a href="https://salinacountryclub.com/2022-senior-lpga-championship/">proof that big time golf still sees Kansas as viable with the Senior LPGA in Salina</a> are both reasons that State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz would love to see the hotel developers who have said they are interested in building in Hutch actually come through with more rooms.

"We've got such a beautiful campus," Schulz said. "Once we get the additional hotel rooms within the Hutchinson area, I think that's going to draw even more organizations wanting to come in."

As for any firm plans on where the next hotel will be, Schulz says not yet.

"We're still kind of at square one," Schulz said. "We've met with a developer and we will be having a few more meetings in the next few weeks, just to see what the possibility is and potential locations. It really hasn't made a whole lot of movement right yet, but conversations are being had."

This month marks 20 years since Prairie Dunes hosted the 2002 U.S. Women's Open, won by Juli Inkster. Inkster, Annika Sorenstam and the Senior LPGA were in Kansas through Sunday for the Senior LPGA Championship at the Salina Country Club. An event like that can't come back without better hotel accommodations.

"You see that with all sporting events," Schulz said. "They don't want to have to play a game and then get on a bus and drive for 40 minutes again. They want to have access to their rooms. It is very imperative that the whole hotel situation is rectified. I just believe that more and more people will start using the facilities we have in Hutchinson."

There have been <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/29c75d7b-f780-4ff4-9c4b-54f0013e3d19">at least three developers to express interest</a> in building somewhere in Hutchinson in recent weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626269696039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The announcement of <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9e570eb3-b453-4ca6-b82d-5855bb85d638">what was the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo now coming to the Kansas State Fairgrounds</a> and the <a href="https://salinacountryclub.com/2022-senior-lpga-championship/">proof that big time golf still sees Kansas as viable with the Senior LPGA in Salina</a> are both reasons that State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz would love to see the hotel developers who have said they are interested in building in Hutch actually come through with more rooms."We've got such a beautiful campus," Schulz said. "Once we get the additional hotel rooms within the Hutchinson area, I think that's going to draw even more organizations wanting to come in."As for any firm plans on where the next hotel will be, Schulz says not yet."We're still kind of at square one," Schulz said. "We've met with a developer and we will be having a few more meetings in the next few weeks, just to see what the possibility is and potential locations. It really hasn't made a whole lot of movement right yet, but conversations are being had."This month marks 20 years since Prairie Dunes hosted the 2002 U.S. Women's Open, won by Juli Inkster. Inkster, Annika Sorenstam and the Senior LPGA were in Kansas through Sunday for the Senior LPGA Championship at the Salina Country Club. An event like that can't come back without better hotel accommodations."You see that with all sporting events," Schulz said. "They don't want to have to play a game and then get on a bus and drive for 40 minutes again. They want to have access to their rooms. It is very imperative that the whole hotel situation is rectified. I just believe that more and more people will start using the facilities we have in Hutchinson."There have been <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/29c75d7b-f780-4ff4-9c4b-54f0013e3d19">at least three developers to express interest</a> in building somewhere in Hutchinson in recent weeks.

State Fair GM: More hotel rooms 'imperative' to draw more events

NEWTON,
Kan. —Representatives from DLR, Gravity Works, and McCown Gordon will be at the Newton USD 373 board meeting on Monday to present and discuss options and dollar amounts associated with those options pertaining to the Santa Fe Campus renovation and repair, which includes work on Lindley Hall.

This will allow the BOE the opportunity to narrow or expand the focus of the project to have put into resolution form for the November 8 election. They will stand for any questions after their presentation.

The actual resolution to move forward will be adopted at the August 8, 2022 BOE meeting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649779215960.jpeg" alt="Newton Schools Larger Logo" />
 <figcaption>Newton Schools Larger Logo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEWTON,
Kan. —Representatives from DLR, Gravity Works, and McCown Gordon will be at the Newton USD 373 board meeting on Monday to present and discuss options and dollar amounts associated with those options pertaining to the Santa Fe Campus renovation and repair, which includes work on Lindley Hall.This will allow the BOE the opportunity to narrow or expand the focus of the project to have put into resolution form for the November 8 election. They will stand for any questions after their presentation.The actual resolution to move forward will be adopted at the August 8, 2022 BOE meeting.&nbsp;

Numbers on Lindley Hall/Santa Fe bond at Newton school board Mon.

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Speaking philosophically, South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner wants to help not only his city, but government generally, do what it must, but be limited in scope.

"My power, as a city manager, is not for me to be a tyrant or a dictator and do whatever I want to do," Turner said. "My power comes from a mandate given to me by my elected officials, my governing body. That's where the power rests. The people give their power to the governing body to be led. That's my job. Essentially, when it gets down to brass tacks of being an anti-federalist and a capitalist, I view my purpose in life as a city manager, city administrator, is to run the City of South Hutchinson as efficiently and effectively as possible within the mandate of objectives provided to me by my governing body."

Turner sees South Hutchinson's growth as being farther to the south in the coming years.

"Obviously, the growth pattern would be south along K-96," Turner said. "When you look at South Hutchinson, in the last 20 years or so, you would say the natural, inevitable growth pattern should be toward Wichita along the K-96 corridor."

The Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber of Commerce wants to put a new industrial park in that area, but South Hutchinson doesn't have enough water right now to let that growth happen.

"If we want to grow, I think we have to grow toward Wichita," Turner said. "There has to be some sort of recognition that we need to get water to that area in order for growth to occur. The question is, how is that done? Who pays for it? Who is responsible for it, so forth and so on. These are all difficult questions that need to be answered."

The city of Hutchinson has access to additional water, but the studies have not been done to see if there is enough surplus to send it that far south yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658258415978.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Speaking philosophically, South Hutchinson City Administrator Joseph Turner wants to help not only his city, but government generally, do what it must, but be limited in scope."My power, as a city manager, is not for me to be a tyrant or a dictator and do whatever I want to do," Turner said. "My power comes from a mandate given to me by my elected officials, my governing body. That's where the power rests. The people give their power to the governing body to be led. That's my job. Essentially, when it gets down to brass tacks of being an anti-federalist and a capitalist, I view my purpose in life as a city manager, city administrator, is to run the City of South Hutchinson as efficiently and effectively as possible within the mandate of objectives provided to me by my governing body."Turner sees South Hutchinson's growth as being farther to the south in the coming years."Obviously, the growth pattern would be south along K-96," Turner said. "When you look at South Hutchinson, in the last 20 years or so, you would say the natural, inevitable growth pattern should be toward Wichita along the K-96 corridor."The Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber of Commerce wants to put a new industrial park in that area, but South Hutchinson doesn't have enough water right now to let that growth happen."If we want to grow, I think we have to grow toward Wichita," Turner said. "There has to be some sort of recognition that we need to get water to that area in order for growth to occur. The question is, how is that done? Who pays for it? Who is responsible for it, so forth and so on. These are all difficult questions that need to be answered."The city of Hutchinson has access to additional water, but the studies have not been done to see if there is enough surplus to send it that far south yet.

Turner is 'capitalist', sees growth for South Hutch as toward Wichita

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Gas prices are moderating somewhat, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas, as the statewide average as of Saturday was $4.11. Reno County is within a penny of the state average, depending on where you go.

"That's down significantly recently, as you've probably noticed," Steward said. "Crude oil futures market prices have been dropping over the last four to five weeks, from a high approaching $130 a barrel back in mid-June. That's when we saw correspondingly record gas prices here and nationally."

More than half of what people pay at the pump comes from crude oil cost, so that continues to be the primary driver.

"The main factors going on globally are concerns with economic recession and interest rate hikes and those things putting a damper on gasoline demand," Steward said. 

The fancy word for that reticence to buy is demand erosion.

Fewer people are taking trips or more people are adapting their trips," Steward said. "Demand domestically for gasoline has been fairly low, with the exception of an uptick for the July 4 holiday week. Overall demand in the U.S. has been down about 10% compared to 2019, before the COVID pandemic began."

McPherson, Harvey and Sedgwick counties are all around $3.98 a gallon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631897543449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Gas prices are moderating somewhat, according to Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas, as the statewide average as of Saturday was $4.11. Reno County is within a penny of the state average, depending on where you go."That's down significantly recently, as you've probably noticed," Steward said. "Crude oil futures market prices have been dropping over the last four to five weeks, from a high approaching $130 a barrel back in mid-June. That's when we saw correspondingly record gas prices here and nationally."More than half of what people pay at the pump comes from crude oil cost, so that continues to be the primary driver."The main factors going on globally are concerns with economic recession and interest rate hikes and those things putting a damper on gasoline demand," Steward said. The fancy word for that reticence to buy is demand erosion.Fewer people are taking trips or more people are adapting their trips," Steward said. "Demand domestically for gasoline has been fairly low, with the exception of an uptick for the July 4 holiday week. Overall demand in the U.S. has been down about 10% compared to 2019, before the COVID pandemic began."McPherson, Harvey and Sedgwick counties are all around $3.98 a gallon.

AAA: Gas prices moderating as demand erodes

A Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday

Heat index values between 103 and 106 are expected across most of Kansas. 

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur. 

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.



Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658487206837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. SundayHeat index values between 103 and 106 are expected across most of Kansas. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
 illnesses to occur. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.&nbsp;

Heat advisory now extended through Sunday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work crews will begin replacing guardrails on K-14 at South Hutchinson next week.

The Kansas Department of Transportation project, just south of U.S. 50 on K-14, is expected to begin Wednesday, July 27, and be completed around Aug. 31.

During the project, traffic at times will be restricted to a single lane each way and motorists will be directed to drive at a reduced speed.

Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc. of Topeka is the primary contractor for the $311,580 project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1564755565813.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work crews will begin replacing guardrails on K-14 at South Hutchinson next week.The Kansas Department of Transportation project, just south of U.S. 50 on K-14, is expected to begin Wednesday, July 27, and be completed around Aug. 31.During the project, traffic at times will be restricted to a single lane each way and motorists will be directed to drive at a reduced speed.Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc. of Topeka is the primary contractor for the $311,580 project.<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.

K-14 work will restrict traffic starting next week

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The summer meal program for Hutchinson USD 308 has ended for the summer. The last meals were served Friday.&nbsp;

Two area school districts will run their programs through the end of next week. Meals will be served at Nickerson Elementary School for students in USD 309 until July 28 and at South Hutchinson Elementary School until July 29.

Summer meals in Haven USD 312 will run through July 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619205387108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The summer meal program for Hutchinson USD 308 has ended for the summer. The last meals were served Friday.&nbsp;Two area school districts will run their programs through the end of next week. Meals will be served at Nickerson Elementary School for students in USD 309 until July 28 and at South Hutchinson Elementary School until July 29.Summer meals in Haven USD 312 will run through July 29.<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.

Summer meal programs ending 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson state legislator Jason Probst and Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer have been named as part of a new Wildfire Task Force. The newly-formed group will meet to create recommendations for how Kansas communities can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The task force met for the first time Wednesday over Zoom.

The task force will take a comprehensive look at mitigating wildfire threats, review the role that local governments and state officials play in responding to such emergencies, and address how these entities can provide more support to communities impacted by devastating wildfires.

Critical issues that will be assessed and addressed by the task force include the circumstances that can lead to wildfires and cause them to expand, specific regions or locations within Kansas that are most vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires, and ways that officials can better respond to wildfires in the future.

The task force will be led by Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648666788683.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson state legislator Jason Probst and Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer have been named as part of a new Wildfire Task Force. The newly-formed group will meet to create recommendations for how Kansas communities can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The task force met for the first time Wednesday over Zoom.The task force will take a comprehensive look at mitigating wildfire threats, review the role that local governments and state officials play in responding to such emergencies, and address how these entities can provide more support to communities impacted by devastating wildfires.Critical issues that will be assessed and addressed by the task force include the circumstances that can lead to wildfires and cause them to expand, specific regions or locations within Kansas that are most vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires, and ways that officials can better respond to wildfires in the future.The task force will be led by Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.<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.

Hutchinson fire chief and local legislator appointed to Wildfire Task Force

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Interfaith Housing &amp; Community Services, Inc. is requesting a joint venture with Reno County that it hopes will provide funding to deal with environmental issues at the old St. Elizabeth Hospital property. The agency hopes to secure $5 million for the project.

Since acquiring the property in June 2016, Interfaith has experienced two non-awarded Kansas Housing Resources Corporation grants and is now resolved to secure a 2022 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant keyed on full environmental remediation of the 55,000-square-foot structure.&nbsp;

Interfaith says that, in its current state, the property has been reduced to land value only and does little to benefit the overall county tax base. Additionally, the deteriorating structure poses an ever-increasing risk to the neighborhood and to the overly-adventurous youth making their way into the building. If the property can be improved upon, Interfaith says it has no less than three available redevelopment options for improving the property

In the agreement, Interfaith will cover all expenses associated with the EPA application and preliminary requirements and will make reasonable efforts to maintain building and site security at all times. The agency will also complete the full 2022 EPA application and work directly with the EPA Region 7 and Kansas Department of Health and Environment throughout the process.&nbsp;

The matter will be taken up during Tuesday's Reno County Commission meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658501149701.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Interfaith Housing &amp; Community Services, Inc. is requesting a joint venture with Reno County that it hopes will provide funding to deal with environmental issues at the old St. Elizabeth Hospital property. The agency hopes to secure $5 million for the project.Since acquiring the property in June 2016, Interfaith has experienced two non-awarded Kansas Housing Resources Corporation grants and is now resolved to secure a 2022 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant keyed on full environmental remediation of the 55,000-square-foot structure.&nbsp;Interfaith says that, in its current state, the property has been reduced to land value only and does little to benefit the overall county tax base. Additionally, the deteriorating structure poses an ever-increasing risk to the neighborhood and to the overly-adventurous youth making their way into the building. If the property can be improved upon, Interfaith says it has no less than three available redevelopment options for improving the propertyIn the agreement, Interfaith will cover all expenses associated with the EPA application and preliminary requirements and will make reasonable efforts to maintain building and site security at all times. The agency will also complete the full 2022 EPA application and work directly with the EPA Region 7 and Kansas Department of Health and Environment throughout the process.&nbsp;The matter will be taken up during Tuesday's Reno County Commission meeting.<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.

Interfaith looking for funds to deal with St. Elizabeth property

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County inched up 3/10ths of one percent in June. According to figures released from the Department of Labor, the jobless rate in the county increased to 2.9%.&nbsp;The jobless rate for June of 2021 was 3.6%. There were 872 county residents out of work.&nbsp;

The labor force did increase in the county for the first time in several months, gaining 358 workers to 29,862, as students returned home for the summer break and found work.&nbsp;

The state's unemployment rate increased a fraction at 2.4%.

<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/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The unemployment rate in Reno County inched up 3/10ths of one percent in June. According to figures released from the Department of Labor, the jobless rate in the county increased to 2.9%.&nbsp;The jobless rate for June of 2021 was 3.6%. There were 872 county residents out of work.&nbsp;The labor force did increase in the county for the first time in several months, gaining 358 workers to 29,862, as students returned home for the summer break and found work.&nbsp;The state's unemployment rate increased a fraction at 2.4%.<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;

Reno Co. unemployment rate increases in June

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — New Chief Nursing Officer with Hutchinson Regional, Dr. Jonna Jenkins has worked in nursing at every level in her career in Austin, Texas.

"I actually started my career as a patient care tech, working night shift while I put myself through nursing school," Jenkins said. "After graduation, I stayed on the same unit that I had worked as a patient care tech. It was a pulmonary renal unit, so lungs and kidneys. I did that for 13 years, became the night shift supervisor, flipped over to day shift, which was a big change, but real quickly, within a couple of months, took on the manager role of that unit and then advanced to the acute care director. I was over quite a few units and then took on the emergency department during that time. Right when COVID hit, I added the emergency department. I worked as the interim Chief Nursing Officer there and then as the Director of Clinical Operations."

Jenkins understands why there is a nursing shortage.

"When I went through nursing school, I was not prepared to practice in a world where it felt like everything you are doing is futile and all of these people are going to die anyway," Jenkins said. "Some people, they just don't have the capacity to continue to do that day after day. I think that, while we need them in nursing, I think that we also have to be gracious and understand that, for some people, this just was absolutely too much. I would like to encourage any nurse who left the profession. Definitely seek professional counseling. It can be super helpful."

Jenkins sees herself as an advocate for all of those who touch patients.

"I need to work for all of the nurses and all of the healthcare workers in the hospital, to give them the best place to work, so that what they are doing when they are there every day, just thinking about how to provide the most excellent patient care possible," Jenkins said. "For me, it's taking care of the people who work at Hutch Regional, so that they can take excellent care of anyone who comes through those doors."

Jenkins was selected following a national search. She started July 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658486997929.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — New Chief Nursing Officer with Hutchinson Regional, Dr. Jonna Jenkins has worked in nursing at every level in her career in Austin, Texas."I actually started my career as a patient care tech, working night shift while I put myself through nursing school," Jenkins said. "After graduation, I stayed on the same unit that I had worked as a patient care tech. It was a pulmonary renal unit, so lungs and kidneys. I did that for 13 years, became the night shift supervisor, flipped over to day shift, which was a big change, but real quickly, within a couple of months, took on the manager role of that unit and then advanced to the acute care director. I was over quite a few units and then took on the emergency department during that time. Right when COVID hit, I added the emergency department. I worked as the interim Chief Nursing Officer there and then as the Director of Clinical Operations."Jenkins understands why there is a nursing shortage."When I went through nursing school, I was not prepared to practice in a world where it felt like everything you are doing is futile and all of these people are going to die anyway," Jenkins said. "Some people, they just don't have the capacity to continue to do that day after day. I think that, while we need them in nursing, I think that we also have to be gracious and understand that, for some people, this just was absolutely too much. I would like to encourage any nurse who left the profession. Definitely seek professional counseling. It can be super helpful."Jenkins sees herself as an advocate for all of those who touch patients."I need to work for all of the nurses and all of the healthcare workers in the hospital, to give them the best place to work, so that what they are doing when they are there every day, just thinking about how to provide the most excellent patient care possible," Jenkins said. "For me, it's taking care of the people who work at Hutch Regional, so that they can take excellent care of anyone who comes through those doors."Jenkins was selected following a national search. She started July 6.

Jenkins: Here to 'work for the workers'

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Starting August 1, there are no more fines just for bringing a book back late at the Hutchinson Public Library.

"We're getting rid of fines that people might currently have, overdue fines," said Gregg Wamsley with the library. "We won't be charging overdue fines going forward. That doesn't mean there are zero fees. For example, if you damaged a book or you lost a book or something like that, we're still going to charge for that, because we have to replace it. We do have a couple of other things that we will continue to charge overdues for. Mainly our hotspots that we check out and for interlibrary loan items, because those are items that other libraries have loaned to us. We collect overdue fines on that. But, for anything that's a Hutchinson Public Library book, CD, DVD, whatever, there will be no more overdue fines."

This is an expansion of something the library is already doing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594153681276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Starting August 1, there are no more fines just for bringing a book back late at the Hutchinson Public Library."We're getting rid of fines that people might currently have, overdue fines," said Gregg Wamsley with the library. "We won't be charging overdue fines going forward. That doesn't mean there are zero fees. For example, if you damaged a book or you lost a book or something like that, we're still going to charge for that, because we have to replace it. We do have a couple of other things that we will continue to charge overdues for. Mainly our hotspots that we check out and for interlibrary loan items, because those are items that other libraries have loaned to us. We collect overdue fines on that. But, for anything that's a Hutchinson Public Library book, CD, DVD, whatever, there will be no more overdue fines."This is an expansion of something the library is already doing."Children and seniors, we've never charged overdue fees for," Wamsley said. "We're just kind of adding young adults and adults, so now nobody will have to."This shouldn't make that big of a difference in what the library has in stock, either."Other libraries that are doing this, we surveyed pretty widely and pretty extensively," Wamsley said. "They're finding no real difference in people keeping things late, if they're charging fines or if they're not charging fines. Taxpayers already pay taxes to use these materials. We just kind of felt like, it's only fair that we don't add on an extra charge for something as simple as maybe forgetting for a few days bringing a book back."For more information on the Hutchinson Public Library, go to <a href="http://hutchpl.org">hutchpl.org</a>.

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