HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The hope is that the new eight-bed care facility for adults for Horizons Mental Health Center will open this month.

"We just got our certificate from the state fire marshal," said Nicole Eitzen with Horizons. "I have sent that to the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. They handle all of our licensing. We've got everything done on our end, but they may have to do a walk through and just approve us as a residential care facility."

The Horizons Carrefour Crisis Center was purchased thanks to a grant from the federal government as part of the process of making Horizons a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

"The reason that name was chosen, our staff kind of helped us develop the name for that," Eitzen said. "It's another name for crossroads and we felt that was really important for us to represent with this crisis center. Just because, a lot of the consumers that we may have coming to us are in a really tough place. The facility will be an eight-bed facility. We can take up to eight people at one time. It will be staffed 24-7. We're working on getting that staffing up and going, we still have a few shifts that we are trying to get filled right now."

Those shifts are generally weekends, according to Eitzen. 

"It will be completely voluntary," Eitzen said. "We will not take anybody that doesn't want to be there. It will not be an involuntary, locked facility. It will be totally voluntary and it will not be locked."

The hope is to get emergency mental health care for those who need it.

"It can be a way to defer from the high utilization of the ER for mental health reasons," Eitzen said. "It will also be used as a tool to divert from hospitalization. Law enforcement, I know, is really looking forward to utilizing this as a resource, because they want to avoid jail admissions that may be due to a mental health reason."

Eitzen sees this as another way that they can work together with the police department's crisis support team when the case warrants such a placement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657122675876.jpeg" alt="Carrefour Crisis Center.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Carrefour Crisis Center.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The hope is that the new eight-bed care facility for adults for Horizons Mental Health Center will open this month."We just got our certificate from the state fire marshal," said Nicole Eitzen with Horizons. "I have sent that to the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. They handle all of our licensing. We've got everything done on our end, but they may have to do a walk through and just approve us as a residential care facility."The Horizons Carrefour Crisis Center was purchased thanks to a grant from the federal government as part of the process of making Horizons a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic."The reason that name was chosen, our staff kind of helped us develop the name for that," Eitzen said. "It's another name for crossroads and we felt that was really important for us to represent with this crisis center. Just because, a lot of the consumers that we may have coming to us are in a really tough place. The facility will be an eight-bed facility. We can take up to eight people at one time. It will be staffed 24-7. We're working on getting that staffing up and going, we still have a few shifts that we are trying to get filled right now."Those shifts are generally weekends, according to Eitzen. "It will be completely voluntary," Eitzen said. "We will not take anybody that doesn't want to be there. It will not be an involuntary, locked facility. It will be totally voluntary and it will not be locked."The hope is to get emergency mental health care for those who need it."It can be a way to defer from the high utilization of the ER for mental health reasons," Eitzen said. "It will also be used as a tool to divert from hospitalization. Law enforcement, I know, is really looking forward to utilizing this as a resource, because they want to avoid jail admissions that may be due to a mental health reason."Eitzen sees this as another way that they can work together with the police department's crisis support team when the case warrants such a placement.

New mental care facility waiting on state paperwork

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3fb29497-75a8-43d4-ab5e-d029411b0292">With the abortion regulation amendment on the ballot August 2</a>, it's important to remember that when you actually go to vote, it's illegal to attempt to influence other votes. You can persuade all the way up to that day, but on the day itself at the polling place, it is electioneering.

Here is the relevant statute, courtesy of the Rice County elections office.

25-2430. Electioneering. (a) (1) Electioneering is:

(A) Knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers or other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day or advance voting site during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof; or

(i) Touching or handling any voter's ballot during the voting process;

(ii) distributing ballots or counting ballots;

(iii) hindering or obstructing any voter from voting or from entering and leaving the polling place; or

(iv) hindering or obstructing any election board worker from performing election duties.

(2) Electioneering shall not include bumper stickers affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a)(1)(B) shall not apply to:

(1) The secretary of state or any election official or county election office; or

(2) a candidate transmitting or delivering an advance voting ballot in accordance with K.S.A. 25-2437(b), and amendments thereto.

(c) As used in this section, "advance voting site" means the central county election office or satellite advance voting sites designated as such pursuant to K.S.A. 25-1122(c), and amendments thereto, and adult care homes and hospital based care units at the time of an election participating in the voting procedures prescribed in K.S.A. 25-2812, and amendments thereto.

(d) Electioneering is a class C misdemeanor.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652459376350.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/3fb29497-75a8-43d4-ab5e-d029411b0292">With the abortion regulation amendment on the ballot August 2</a>, it's important to remember that when you actually go to vote, it's illegal to attempt to influence other votes. You can persuade all the way up to that day, but on the day itself at the polling place, it is electioneering.Here is the relevant statute, courtesy of the Rice County elections office.25-2430. Electioneering. (a) (1) Electioneering is:(A) Knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers or other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day or advance voting site during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof; or(B) if committed by a candidate:(i) Touching or handling any voter's ballot during the voting process;(ii) distributing ballots or counting ballots;(iii) hindering or obstructing any voter from voting or from entering and leaving the polling place; or(iv) hindering or obstructing any election board worker from performing election duties.(2) Electioneering shall not include bumper stickers affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.(b) The provisions of subsection (a)(1)(B) shall not apply to:(1) The secretary of state or any election official or county election office; or(2) a candidate transmitting or delivering an advance voting ballot in accordance with K.S.A. 25-2437(b), and amendments thereto.(c) As used in this section, "advance voting site" means the central county election office or satellite advance voting sites designated as such pursuant to K.S.A. 25-1122(c), and amendments thereto, and adult care homes and hospital based care units at the time of an election participating in the voting procedures prescribed in K.S.A. 25-2812, and amendments thereto.(d) Electioneering is a class C misdemeanor.

Vote August 2, but be careful of electioneering

TOPEKA —

A Pittsburg contractor won the bid for a future KDOT project for signs in Harvey, Butler, Marion and Reno counties. 

According to a release from the agency, the signs will be replaced on portions of U.S. 50, K-89, K-15 and K-196. The bid went to Martin Outdoor Enterprises, Inc. 

Also awarded was a bridge project on K-42 for bridge #044 over the Chikaskia River Drainage located 7.62 miles west of K‑14.  The bridge replacement bid went to King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries of  Hesston for an amount of $1,511,325.65.

The bid letting was June 15, 2022, in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656696466932.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —

A Pittsburg contractor won the bid for a future KDOT project for signs in Harvey, Butler, Marion and Reno counties. According to a release from the agency, the signs will be replaced on portions of U.S. 50, K-89, K-15 and K-196. The bid went to Martin Outdoor Enterprises, Inc. Also awarded was a bridge project on K-42 for bridge #044 over the Chikaskia River Drainage located 7.62 miles west of K‑14. The bridge replacement bid went to King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries of Hesston for an amount of $1,511,325.65.The bid letting was June 15, 2022, in Topeka.

KDOT announces bid winners for June on local projects

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington offered his governing body some options regarding their 2023 budget, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/eeb0b225-dbb3-47da-a954-5f5591689bfe">one was keeping the mill levy flat and the other was making cuts to get to the revenue neutral rate. </a>Regardless of their decision, Partington knows costs are going up.

"Everything that we buy goes up with inflation, like for everyone else," Partington said. "We have to keep paying more. If we bring in less money, we have to cut services if we always stay at the revenue neutral rate."

Partington doesn't see any easy cuts available.

"Right now, Reno County's very well run, all the departments," Partington said. "I don't know that there's any real excess. There may be a couple line items here and there that may be over, just to help protect the budget. Staffing, we're not overstaffed on any department that I've witnessed. A lot of the cuts that the county commission will probably be needing to look at, if they want to get close to the revenue neutral rate, really are one-time cuts."

Partington notes that with increasing costs, delaying and deferring actions that will be needed soon anyway may not be the most responsible course of action.

"The costs will probably go up," Partington said. "Most vehicles or other construction work, remodeling or maintenance of buildings, everything's cost goes up. If we defer expenses that we know are planning for next year, but then have to wait for 2024, it's likely going to cost us more money in the long run."

The Reno County Commission will have its next meeting July 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653397625969.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington offered his governing body some options regarding their 2023 budget, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/eeb0b225-dbb3-47da-a954-5f5591689bfe">one was keeping the mill levy flat and the other was making cuts to get to the revenue neutral rate. </a>Regardless of their decision, Partington knows costs are going up."Everything that we buy goes up with inflation, like for everyone else," Partington said. "We have to keep paying more. If we bring in less money, we have to cut services if we always stay at the revenue neutral rate."Partington doesn't see any easy cuts available."Right now, Reno County's very well run, all the departments," Partington said. "I don't know that there's any real excess. There may be a couple line items here and there that may be over, just to help protect the budget. Staffing, we're not overstaffed on any department that I've witnessed. A lot of the cuts that the county commission will probably be needing to look at, if they want to get close to the revenue neutral rate, really are one-time cuts."Partington notes that with increasing costs, delaying and deferring actions that will be needed soon anyway may not be the most responsible course of action."The costs will probably go up," Partington said. "Most vehicles or other construction work, remodeling or maintenance of buildings, everything's cost goes up. If we defer expenses that we know are planning for next year, but then have to wait for 2024, it's likely going to cost us more money in the long run."The Reno County Commission will have its next meeting July 19.

Partington: One-time cuts are commission's main choice

The National Weather Service office in Wichita has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday until 8 p.m.

Dangerously hot conditions are likely with heat index values of 105  to 110.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase  the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those  working or participating in outdoor activities.

Stay well hydrated to reduce the risk of  heat related illnesses. Avoid working outside during between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., if possible.

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657102342088.jpeg" alt="ExcessiveJuly62022.JPG" />
 <figcaption>ExcessiveJuly62022.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649090535748.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service office in Wichita has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday until 8 p.m.Dangerously hot conditions are likely with heat index values of 105 to 110.Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.Stay well hydrated to reduce the risk of heat related illnesses. Avoid working outside during between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., if possible.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.

Reno County in Excessive Heat Warning

MCPHERSON, Kan. —McPherson patients needing walk-in urgent care services will have a new location to get that care next week.

According to a release from the McPherson Center for Health, beginning July 11, walk-in clinic services will be at the Medical Office Building on the hospital campus at 1000 Hospital Drive, Building 3. The last day for services at 823 North Main will be Saturday.

The Medical Office Building currently houses McPherson Medical &amp; Surgical Associates physician clinics and also has laboratory and x-ray services, as well as procedure rooms within the clinic.

Clinic hours at the new location will be 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment with a McPherson Medical &amp; Surgical Associates Physician or Provider, call 620-241-7400.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657104737248.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy McPherson Center for Health" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy McPherson Center for Health</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. —McPherson patients needing walk-in urgent care services will have a new location to get that care next week.According to a release from the McPherson Center for Health, beginning July 11, walk-in clinic services will be at the Medical Office Building on the hospital campus at 1000 Hospital Drive, Building 3. The last day for services at 823 North Main will be Saturday.The Medical Office Building currently houses McPherson Medical &amp; Surgical Associates physician clinics and also has laboratory and x-ray services, as well as procedure rooms within the clinic.Clinic hours at the new location will be 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment with a McPherson Medical &amp; Surgical Associates Physician or Provider, call 620-241-7400.

McPherson urgent care clinic moving to hospital campus

PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Patrons in the Pretty Prairie USD 311 school district will vote on a new bond issue Sept. 6.

A resolution has been passed by the board on a $10.4 million proposal that will be paid out over 20 years.

The proposal includes a number of needed high-end maintenance items such as new windows, weather proofing the brick exterior and new roofs for all three school buildings, plus repairs to the middle school roof and ceiling over the auditorium.&nbsp;

It also includes a major renovation to the middle school gymnasium including new locker rooms, a concession area and restrooms. If approved, the middle school gym would become the main athletic facility for the schools.&nbsp;

The tax increase would amount to $14 per month on a $50,000 home; $28 per month for a $100,000 home and $42 per month for a $150,000 home.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657048824932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — Patrons in the Pretty Prairie USD 311 school district will vote on a new bond issue Sept. 6.A resolution has been passed by the board on a $10.4 million proposal that will be paid out over 20 years.The proposal includes a number of needed high-end maintenance items such as new windows, weather proofing the brick exterior and new roofs for all three school buildings, plus repairs to the middle school roof and ceiling over the auditorium.&nbsp;It also includes a major renovation to the middle school gymnasium including new locker rooms, a concession area and restrooms. If approved, the middle school gym would become the main athletic facility for the schools.&nbsp;The tax increase would amount to $14 per month on a $50,000 home; $28 per month for a $100,000 home and $42 per month for a $150,000 home.<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;

Pretty Prairie bond vote Sept. 6

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that the county may take a look at a proposal from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide more than $573 million in available grant funding this year alone to deal with passive railroad crossings in the United States.

The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will fund projects that create grade separations, such as overpasses and underpasses, as well as closures, track relocations, and improvement or installation of warning devices at crossings, if related to a separation or relocation project.

Partington said he could be interested in looking over the grant. Currently, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/226a5cbb-ddcc-41ec-93b3-725da4565155">Reno County has nearly 40 passive crossings on the BNSF that serves Amtrak</a>. The county has about 205 railroad crossings, both active and passive, among its three railroads. Partington added that the county is always looking for any type of transportation grants for a variety of things.

Incidents this week in Missouri and California including the crash and derailment of Amtrak's Southwest Chief have underscored the tragic consequences of collisions between trains and vehicles that occur throughout the country.&nbsp;

In 2021, there were approximately 2,148 grade crossing incidents, resulting in 236 deaths and 662 injuries.

<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/2022/7/1657050357900.jpeg" alt="This railroad crossing on the BNSF at Victory Road is one of nearly 40 passive crossings along the line that serves Amtrak." />
 <figcaption>This railroad crossing on the BNSF at Victory Road is one of nearly 40 passive crossings along the line that serves Amtrak.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Administrator Randy Partington said that the county may take a look at a proposal from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide more than $573 million in available grant funding this year alone to deal with passive railroad crossings in the United States.The Railroad Crossing Elimination Program will fund projects that create grade separations, such as overpasses and underpasses, as well as closures, track relocations, and improvement or installation of warning devices at crossings, if related to a separation or relocation project.Partington said he could be interested in looking over the grant. Currently, <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/226a5cbb-ddcc-41ec-93b3-725da4565155">Reno County has nearly 40 passive crossings on the BNSF that serves Amtrak</a>. The county has about 205 railroad crossings, both active and passive, among its three railroads. Partington added that the county is always looking for any type of transportation grants for a variety of things.Incidents this week in Missouri and California including the crash and derailment of Amtrak's Southwest Chief have underscored the tragic consequences of collisions between trains and vehicles that occur throughout the country.&nbsp;In 2021, there were approximately 2,148 grade crossing incidents, resulting in 236 deaths and 662 injuries.<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.

Reno County may look over rail crossing grant program


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Transportation has pushed back a nearly $8.8 million resurfacing project on about 38 miles of K-42 in Pratt, Barber and Kingman counties. KDOT announced Tuesday that the start date will now be around July 25. It was originally scheduled for July 11.

The project involves a recycle and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-42 in those counties. The work will also add 2-foot shoulders on some K-42 curves in those counties.

The project will cover almost 9 miles in Pratt County on K-42, from the U.S. 281 junction to the Pratt/Barber county line; almost 5 miles in Barber County on K-42, from the Pratt/Barber county line to the Barber/Kingman county line; and almost 24 miles in Kingman County, from the Barber/Kingman county line to the K-14 junction.

The change in dates will also change completion to late October.

During the work, traffic will be controlled by a pilot car and flaggers. Motorists can expect to stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes.

APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchinson, is the primary contractor for the nearly $8.8 million project.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Transportation has pushed back a nearly $8.8 million resurfacing project on about 38 miles of K-42 in Pratt, Barber and Kingman counties. KDOT announced Tuesday that the start date will now be around July 25. It was originally scheduled for July 11.The project involves a recycle and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-42 in those counties. The work will also add 2-foot shoulders on some K-42 curves in those counties.The project will cover almost 9 miles in Pratt County on K-42, from the U.S. 281 junction to the Pratt/Barber county line; almost 5 miles in Barber County on K-42, from the Pratt/Barber county line to the Barber/Kingman county line; and almost 24 miles in Kingman County, from the Barber/Kingman county line to the K-14 junction.The change in dates will also change completion to late October.During the work, traffic will be controlled by a pilot car and flaggers. Motorists can expect to stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes.APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, of Hutchinson, is the primary contractor for the nearly $8.8 million project.

UPDATE: Dates changed for Hutchinson contractor to resurface K-42

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —A Reno County man was injured in an accident just after 1 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a SUV driven by 79-year-old Robert Davis, of Hutchinson, was eastbound on Kansas 140 and came to a stop at the stop sign at the the intersection of Kansas 156 on the city's north side.

The SUV then proceeded through the intersection. A north bound car driven by 39-year-old Kimberly&nbsp;Ussery of Claflin, struck the Ford.

EMS transported Davis to to Ellsworth County Medical Center.&nbsp;Ussery was not transported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636209377817.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ELLSWORTH COUNTY —A Reno County man was injured in an accident just after 1 p.m. Tuesday in Ellsworth.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a SUV driven by 79-year-old Robert Davis, of Hutchinson, was eastbound on Kansas 140 and came to a stop at the stop sign at the the intersection of Kansas 156 on the city's north side.The SUV then proceeded through the intersection. A north bound car driven by 39-year-old Kimberly&nbsp;Ussery of Claflin, struck the Ford.EMS transported Davis to to Ellsworth County Medical Center.&nbsp;Ussery was not transported. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

PRATT COUNTY — Two juveniles were injured after a weekend accident in rural Pratt County.

Just after 5 p.m. Sunday, Pratt County EMS responded to 90294 SE 10th after a report of a boy unresponsive at the scene of a UTV accident, according to Sheriff James White.

First responders found two injured boys. EMS transported them to Pratt Regional Medical Center. One victim had life-threatening injuries and was later airlifted to Wesley Medical Center.

The sheriff's office on Tuesday did not release an update on their condition. Their names have also not been released.

<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/2021/8/1629811336047.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT COUNTY — Two juveniles were injured after a weekend accident in rural Pratt County.Just after 5 p.m. Sunday, Pratt County EMS responded to 90294 SE 10th after a report of a boy unresponsive at the scene of a UTV accident, according to Sheriff James White.First responders found two injured boys. EMS transported them to Pratt Regional Medical Center. One victim had life-threatening injuries and was later airlifted to Wesley Medical Center.The sheriff's office on Tuesday did not release an update on their condition. Their names have also not been released.<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.

Sheriff: 2 boys injured after Pratt Co. UTV accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defendant in a double homicide entered not guilty pleas to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday morning in Reno County District Court.

Kyle Hardwick was recently bound over on two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of 58-year-old Philip Anstine and 56-year-old Marion “Ed” Bates in August of 2021. He is also charged with theft and had a fourth count of solicitation of perjury for trying to convince a friend&nbsp; to lie on the witness stand or not show for the hearing at all.&nbsp;

According to District Attorney Tom Stanton, the deadline for attorney's to file motions in the case is August 15th with the trial set for October 25 before Judge Keith Schroeder.

Hardwick was arrested in Maize September 1 near a Dollar General store where he had allegedly made purchases. The clerk at the store told detectives that Hardwick said to her that his truck had broken down near Hutchinson and that he walked to Maize. Detectives were able to locate Hardwick from a ping on a cell phone. He was found in an abandoned grain elevator.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630599777911.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defendant in a double homicide entered not guilty pleas to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday morning in Reno County District Court.Kyle Hardwick was recently bound over on two counts of first degree murder in the deaths of 58-year-old Philip Anstine and 56-year-old Marion “Ed” Bates in August of 2021. He is also charged with theft and had a fourth count of solicitation of perjury for trying to convince a friend&nbsp; to lie on the witness stand or not show for the hearing at all.&nbsp;According to District Attorney Tom Stanton, the deadline for attorney's to file motions in the case is August 15th with the trial set for October 25 before Judge Keith Schroeder.Hardwick was arrested in Maize September 1 near a Dollar General store where he had allegedly made purchases. The clerk at the store told detectives that Hardwick said to her that his truck had broken down near Hutchinson and that he walked to Maize. Detectives were able to locate Hardwick from a ping on a cell phone. He was found in an abandoned grain elevator.<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.

Date set for trial in Reno Co. double murder case


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The ballot for Kansas House of Representatives District 104 will have the same two people on it this November as it did two years ago.

Former Heartland Credit Union CEO Garth Strand is running as a Democrat against Republican Paul Waggoner. Strand confirmed his candidacy to Hutch Post in a release on Tuesday.

Neither Waggoner or Strand have a primary opponent. Waggoner won in 2020 by a 63% to 37% margin.&nbsp;

District 104 has changed somewhat following reapportionment, as Inman is now a part of the district, along with Buhler and the northeast part of Hutchinson.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The ballot for Kansas House of Representatives District 104 will have the same two people on it this November as it did two years ago.Former Heartland Credit Union CEO Garth Strand is running as a Democrat against Republican Paul Waggoner. Strand confirmed his candidacy to Hutch Post in a release on Tuesday.Neither Waggoner or Strand have a primary opponent. Waggoner won in 2020 by a 63% to 37% margin.&nbsp;District 104 has changed somewhat following reapportionment, as Inman is now a part of the district, along with Buhler and the northeast part of Hutchinson.

Same candidates running for House 104 in 2022


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 released the dates for their in person enrollment events on Tuesday.

Hutchinson High School does not host an Open House event, but their campus is open for self-guided tours during In-Person Enrollment.&nbsp;

Families will be able to enroll for the 2022-23 school year online, beginning July 11, 2022. In-person enrollment for Pre-K through 6th is July 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in-person enrollment for 7th through 12th, including Virtual School, will be on August 2, 2022 (see times below).

The enrollment fee for each K-12 student is $65. Optional fees include yearbook and activity passes for students in grades 7 through 12.

School meals will no longer be free for all students effective the start of the 2022-23 school year. Families will need to fill out the Free &amp; Reduced Meal Application in order to be considered for free or reduced meals and textbook fees.

Parents are reminded to check with their pediatricians for any needed vaccinations and physicals. Athletic physicals must be done after May 1, 2022, and be on file before the first day of fall practice.

Students will not be allowed to attend class in August until all required vaccinations and physicals are on file. All student immunization documentation must be on file before students are fully enrolled.

If you are comfortable, enrollment is already available <a href="https://skyward.usd308.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsSky/seplog01.w">online</a> for returning students.

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Hutchinson USD 308 released the dates for their in person enrollment events on Tuesday.Hutchinson High School does not host an Open House event, but their campus is open for self-guided tours during In-Person Enrollment.&nbsp;Families will be able to enroll for the 2022-23 school year online, beginning July 11, 2022. In-person enrollment for Pre-K through 6th is July 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in-person enrollment for 7th through 12th, including Virtual School, will be on August 2, 2022 (see times below).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657029846480.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The enrollment fee for each K-12 student is $65. Optional fees include yearbook and activity passes for students in grades 7 through 12.School meals will no longer be free for all students effective the start of the 2022-23 school year. Families will need to fill out the Free &amp; Reduced Meal Application in order to be considered for free or reduced meals and textbook fees.Parents are reminded to check with their pediatricians for any needed vaccinations and physicals. Athletic physicals must be done after May 1, 2022, and be on file before the first day of fall practice.Students will not be allowed to attend class in August until all required vaccinations and physicals are on file. All student immunization documentation must be on file before students are fully enrolled.If you are comfortable, enrollment is already available <a href="https://skyward.usd308.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsSky/seplog01.w">online</a> for returning students.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 308 in person enrollment event dates and times announced

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved on Tuesday the intent to levy property tax exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate for its upcoming 2023 budget. This is a technical formality, even though the city says it is going to hit that number.

"This is just being done as a precaution, in case the valuation changes," said Director of Finance Angela Richard. "It will guarantee the revenue that we will levy and allow for any changes in the valuation. If it increases, then we won't have any problems with exceeding our revenue neutral rate. Per SB 13, the budget hearing must be between August 20 and September 20. I am proposing that we set our Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and our budget hearing for September 6. It is a normal council meeting that falls between those dates."

There were some minor adjustments made between the last regular council meeting and Tuesday.

"We have made changes to the dispatch budget," Richard said. "We're postponing a project until 2024. That will provide a savings of $82,000. We're also proposing another half-percent increase to staff merit-based raises, which would cost $53,000. Our ending general fund balance, with those changes would be $5,384,000."

That number may actually be a little low, because it is a very rare year where all the money budgeted ends up being expended. The goal is to end up close to $6 million in reserves. This would be a mill levy decrease of just under 3 mills, if valuations are correct. The September 6 hearings will be at the council's regular 9 a.m. meeting that day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657033815562.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council approved on Tuesday the intent to levy property tax exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate for its upcoming 2023 budget. This is a technical formality, even though the city says it is going to hit that number."This is just being done as a precaution, in case the valuation changes," said Director of Finance Angela Richard. "It will guarantee the revenue that we will levy and allow for any changes in the valuation. If it increases, then we won't have any problems with exceeding our revenue neutral rate. Per SB 13, the budget hearing must be between August 20 and September 20. I am proposing that we set our Revenue Neutral Rate hearing and our budget hearing for September 6. It is a normal council meeting that falls between those dates."There were some minor adjustments made between the last regular council meeting and Tuesday."We have made changes to the dispatch budget," Richard said. "We're postponing a project until 2024. That will provide a savings of $82,000. We're also proposing another half-percent increase to staff merit-based raises, which would cost $53,000. Our ending general fund balance, with those changes would be $5,384,000."That number may actually be a little low, because it is a very rare year where all the money budgeted ends up being expended. The goal is to end up close to $6 million in reserves. This would be a mill levy decrease of just under 3 mills, if valuations are correct. The September 6 hearings will be at the council's regular 9 a.m. meeting that day.

City budget hearings set for September 6

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a two vehicle accident Monday evening.&nbsp;

Hutchinson Police say 33-year-old Cody Hurd was riding his motorcycle through the roundabout at 23rd and Severance around 6:20 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Franklin Whitfield.

Hurd was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Whitfield was not injured. Whitfield was cited for failure to yield.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One person was injured in a two vehicle accident Monday evening.&nbsp;Hutchinson Police say 33-year-old Cody Hurd was riding his motorcycle through the roundabout at 23rd and Severance around 6:20 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Franklin Whitfield.Hurd was taken by EMS to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. Whitfield was not injured. Whitfield was cited for failure to yield.<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.

One taken to hospital after vehicle/ motorcycle accident

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire crews were dispatched to the 800 block of Baker Street for a first located on the outside of a home. Few details have been released at this time but the cause of the fire is said to be fireworks.

No reports of injury or how much damage was caused. Hutch Fire received a number of fireworks complaints over the five days that fireworks were allowed to be discharged.

<figure>
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire crews were dispatched to the 800 block of Baker Street for a first located on the outside of a home. Few details have been released at this time but the cause of the fire is said to be fireworks.No reports of injury or how much damage was caused. Hutch Fire received a number of fireworks complaints over the five days that fireworks were allowed to be discharged.<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.

Hutch Fire works blaze Monday afternoon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The last of the lingering effects of the June 27th Amtrak derailment and the service cancellations that hampered the Southwest Chief are clearing up.

The last cancellation of the Chief occurred with the eastbound train leaving Los Angeles Monday evening. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson Wednesday morning. As for now, no other cancellations are on the books.

Amtrak was forced to cut service following the derailment due to track damage and equipment logistics..&nbsp;

The Southwest Chief derailed a week ago Monday after it hit a dump truck at a rural crossing near the small town of Mendon, Missouri. Three people on the train and the truck driver were killed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580416889608.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The last of the lingering effects of the June 27th Amtrak derailment and the service cancellations that hampered the Southwest Chief are clearing up.The last cancellation of the Chief occurred with the eastbound train leaving Los Angeles Monday evening. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson Wednesday morning. As for now, no other cancellations are on the books.Amtrak was forced to cut service following the derailment due to track damage and equipment logistics..&nbsp;The Southwest Chief derailed a week ago Monday after it hit a dump truck at a rural crossing near the small town of Mendon, Missouri. Three people on the train and the truck driver were killed.<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.

Amtrak schedule returning to normal soon, Wednesday westbound train canceled

HAVEN, Kan. —&nbsp; Haven USD 312 announced Tuesday that you can now <a href="https://schoolmealsapp.ksde.org/Home/welcome/D0312">apply for free and reduced lunch fees online</a>.

Paper applications are still available from the District Office and will be available at enrollment in August.

Filing for free and reduced lunch benefits is important, because certain state and federal funding is tied to the amount of free lunch children in the district as a proxy for the district's overall poverty level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. —&nbsp; Haven USD 312 announced Tuesday that you can now <a href="https://schoolmealsapp.ksde.org/Home/welcome/D0312">apply for free and reduced lunch fees online</a>. Paper applications are still available from the District Office and will be available at enrollment in August.Filing for free and reduced lunch benefits is important, because certain state and federal funding is tied to the amount of free lunch children in the district as a proxy for the district's overall poverty level.

Haven USD 312 has online free and reduced lunch application


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness is holding a Peer-to-Peer Education Program at the Mary Magdalene House at 7201 East 4th on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. starting July 11.

"This one is about teaching someone with mental illness how to live with their mental illness," said Annette VanBruggen with the Mary Magdalene House. "Talking about what the medications are, what day to day life is, what's happening chemically in their brain. It's a great educational system for them. We are excited to have them in to teach. It's an eight-week course, so it's kind of a commitment, but we will have you in every evening."

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. To register for this class, please <a href="https://namikansas.org/event/nami-reno-county-peer-to-peer-education-class/2022-07-11/">complete the registration form</a>.

<figure>
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness is holding a Peer-to-Peer Education Program at the Mary Magdalene House at 7201 East 4th on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. starting July 11."This one is about teaching someone with mental illness how to live with their mental illness," said Annette VanBruggen with the Mary Magdalene House. "Talking about what the medications are, what day to day life is, what's happening chemically in their brain. It's a great educational system for them. We are excited to have them in to teach. It's an eight-week course, so it's kind of a commitment, but we will have you in every evening."NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. To register for this class, please <a href="https://namikansas.org/event/nami-reno-county-peer-to-peer-education-class/2022-07-11/">complete the registration form</a>.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer class starts Monday

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 </figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=HutchPost&amp;set=a.7829233087118545">CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL GALLERY!</a><figure>
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PHOTO GALLERY: Patriots Parade

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Salt City Brewing and the Newton Rotary Foundation, Inc. are coming together to raise money for Ukraine on Saturday July 16th.

Donations that night will benefit Medical Aid and the Rebuilding of Ukraine, through the UNITED24 charity foundation. 

Event host and Ukraine native Mira Clobes said, "When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could not stand aside, and sent around 30 boxes of First Medical Aid supplies to Ukraine with the help of our friends, family, and coworkers. Encouraged by the success of that project, we got an idea to host an event that would help us raise donations for Ukraine."

According to their website, UNITED24 was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. 

Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. that evening at Salt City at 514 North Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657019190239.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Salt City Brewing and the Newton Rotary Foundation, Inc. are coming together to raise money for Ukraine on Saturday July 16th.Donations that night will benefit Medical Aid and the Rebuilding of Ukraine, through the UNITED24 charity foundation. Event host and Ukraine native Mira Clobes said, "When Russia invaded Ukraine, we could not stand aside, and sent around 30 boxes of First Medical Aid supplies to Ukraine with the help of our friends, family, and coworkers. Encouraged by the success of that project, we got an idea to host an event that would help us raise donations for Ukraine."According to their website, UNITED24 was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs.The event will begin at 5 p.m. that evening at Salt City at 514 North Main.

REMINDER: Salt City holding Ukraine fundraiser July 16

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — “I have a passion for jewelry, not so much to wear it, but the artwork of it. The dense work fascinates me. The passion is for making it, repairing it, handling it, and mostly seeing the joy that comes from people’s faces when I hand them a piece of jewelry I made or repaired, and they say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful job.'”&nbsp;—Richard Westphal.

The name Westphal has been synonymous with the jewelry business in the area for many years. And while Richard Westphal of Westphal Jewelers in Hutchinson is there to do business, it is his love for designing pieces and repairing precious items that he loves most.&nbsp;

He is part of a third generation family business providing Gold &amp; Diamond Jewelry, Gemstone, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Engagement Rings &amp; Wedding Bands, Bridal Sets, Westphal Jewelry, Platinum Bands, 14Kt White Gold Jewelry, and Custom Jewelry Design. It’s that custom jewelry design that gets Westphal and his daughter, Katie, inspired each day. From a small workshop in the back of the store in downtown Hutchinson, both design, repair and build pieces of art that they sell and use in competitions too. The duo sees the art of jewelry design quite differently as the elder Westphal is more traditional in design while Katie tries to think outside the box a little more.&nbsp;

The process starts with a design. Most of the designs are simply drawings on paper where they take ideas from a customer or come up with their own depending on what that customer wants. From there, the process of building the piece begins. The design is made from wax. That wax piece is cast in plaster inside a small mold. The mold is then heated in a casting oven to 1,000 degrees for five hours. In that process, the wax melts, but leaves the impression in the casting.

While there are more advanced ways to fill the mold with molten gold or silver, Westphal uses a very old manual centrifuge. Gold is heated in a small, open crucible until it is molten. The small casting is placed in a holding and, when ready, the centrifuge is released from a loaded position and spins, forcing the gold into the casting. Once that is done, the mold is quickly cooled and the casting material is removed, leaving the rough product.&nbsp;

The material is ready to be finished using a file and buffing wheels until the piece is ready to have any type of stone or decoration attached. That too is done either by a very steady hand or by a laser-soldering system that can attach prongs of other metal pieces to the main work. Both are used by the Westphals.&nbsp;

Once the piece is ready, the stone or stones of choice are attached and the piece goes through a final touchup before it is ready to be delivered or put up for sale. The Westphals go from show to show both showing their work and looking for various stones or other things that can be made into jewelry.&nbsp;

While there is an education process you can go through to learn the art of jewelry making, Westphal says one of the best ways is simply through an apprenticeship. It's a love his family has been passing down from generation to generation.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656341553532.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Welcome to Hutch Post’s new feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning. By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — “I have a passion for jewelry, not so much to wear it, but the artwork of it. The dense work fascinates me. The passion is for making it, repairing it, handling it, and mostly seeing the joy that comes from people’s faces when I hand them a piece of jewelry I made or repaired, and they say, ‘Wow, what a beautiful job.'”&nbsp;—Richard Westphal.The name Westphal has been synonymous with the jewelry business in the area for many years. And while Richard Westphal of Westphal Jewelers in Hutchinson is there to do business, it is his love for designing pieces and repairing precious items that he loves most.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136228757.jpeg" alt="Westphal Jewelers showcases many pieces of jewelry in the front of its business. But it is in the back of the business where some of the most interesting work takes place." />
 <figcaption>Westphal Jewelers showcases many pieces of jewelry in the front of its business. But it is in the back of the business where some of the most interesting work takes place.</figcaption>
 </figure>He is part of a third generation family business providing Gold &amp; Diamond Jewelry, Gemstone, Sterling Silver Jewelry, Engagement Rings &amp; Wedding Bands, Bridal Sets, Westphal Jewelry, Platinum Bands, 14Kt White Gold Jewelry, and Custom Jewelry Design. It’s that custom jewelry design that gets Westphal and his daughter, Katie, inspired each day. From a small workshop in the back of the store in downtown Hutchinson, both design, repair and build pieces of art that they sell and use in competitions too. The duo sees the art of jewelry design quite differently as the elder Westphal is more traditional in design while Katie tries to think outside the box a little more.&nbsp;<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Wed Jun 08 2022 14:52:25 GMT-0500 (CDT)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Westphal"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H1M34S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/3W9ZcExQ-1920.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/3W9ZcExQ-9xXMpd9w.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/3W9ZcExQ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Westphal" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>The process starts with a design. Most of the designs are simply drawings on paper where they take ideas from a customer or come up with their own depending on what that customer wants. From there, the process of building the piece begins. The design is made from wax. That wax piece is cast in plaster inside a small mold. The mold is then heated in a casting oven to 1,000 degrees for five hours. In that process, the wax melts, but leaves the impression in the casting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655135672561.jpeg" alt="Gold melted in a small, open crucible in preparation for being released into a casting. The centrifugal force of the spinning centrifuge forces the molten gold into the mold. It is an old technique that Westphal still uses today." />
 <figcaption>Gold melted in a small, open crucible in preparation for being released into a casting. The centrifugal force of the spinning centrifuge forces the molten gold into the mold. It is an old technique that Westphal still uses today.</figcaption>
 </figure>While there are more advanced ways to fill the mold with molten gold or silver, Westphal uses a very old manual centrifuge. Gold is heated in a small, open crucible until it is molten. The small casting is placed in a holding and, when ready, the centrifuge is released from a loaded position and spins, forcing the gold into the casting. Once that is done, the mold is quickly cooled and the casting material is removed, leaving the rough product.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655135912688.jpeg" alt="The rough product is removed from the mold and then the handwork begins. Files and buffing wheels smooth out the rough areas of the piece. All of this work, as with most of the building phase, is done by hand." />
 <figcaption>The rough product is removed from the mold and then the handwork begins. Files and buffing wheels smooth out the rough areas of the piece. All of this work, as with most of the building phase, is done by hand.</figcaption>
 </figure>The material is ready to be finished using a file and buffing wheels until the piece is ready to have any type of stone or decoration attached. That too is done either by a very steady hand or by a laser-soldering system that can attach prongs of other metal pieces to the main work. Both are used by the Westphals.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136030175.jpeg" alt="Westphal uses a delicate touch to attach prongs that will hold a stone in place on a ring. The work can also be done by a special laser machine, but Westphal mostly does the work by hand." />
 <figcaption>Westphal uses a delicate touch to attach prongs that will hold a stone in place on a ring. The work can also be done by a special laser machine, but Westphal mostly does the work by hand.</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the piece is ready, the stone or stones of choice are attached and the piece goes through a final touchup before it is ready to be delivered or put up for sale. The Westphals go from show to show both showing their work and looking for various stones or other things that can be made into jewelry.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655136135398.jpeg" alt="The Westphals are always looking for things to design jewelry around and travel to shows to find such pieces that they can incorporate into their own creations." />
 <figcaption>The Westphals are always looking for things to design jewelry around and travel to shows to find such pieces that they can incorporate into their own creations.</figcaption>
 </figure>While there is an education process you can go through to learn the art of jewelry making, Westphal says one of the best ways is simply through an apprenticeship. It's a love his family has been passing down from generation to generation.A Day in the Life is brought to you by: <a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://kincaidseedresearch.com/">Kincaid Manufacturing</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwmachineks">JW Machine</a> <a href="https://havensteel.com/">Haven Steel</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/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;

🎥 A Day in the Life: Westphal Jewelers

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will have discussion of the 2023 budget at its meeting Tuesday night.&nbsp;

City Administrator Joseph Turner explained the consequences of the revenue neutral rate calculation in agenda documents provided to the council.

"The RNR refers to the amount of property tax revenue collected by the City via the mill levy. To stay “revenue neutral,” the City must collect the same amount of revenue in 2023 as it did in 2022.

"That means that if property valuations go up, the mill levy must be reduced. It also means that revenue from new construction added to the tax roll must be offset through a mill levy reduction to decrease total revenues.

"Taken to its logical extension and conclusion, a city will likely go bankrupt if it opts to never exceed the revenue neutral rate because ad valorem taxes are a significant share of the revenue generated in the general fund. Increases in the cost of doing business (e.g., inflation, salary increases, etc.) not captured by an increase in revenue from increases in county assessment valuations will eventually overwhelm the budget.

"Because the cost of doing business increases each year, a governing body must believe or be prepared to do the following if it truly wants to seek out a revenue neutral budget:

1. Believe that there is waste and inefficiency within the organization that needs to be rooted out and eliminated

2. Generate additional revenue by raising fees for various services/amenities

3. Be willing to cut expenses, programs, offerings, or staffing"

It is Turner's advice to the council that they not attempt to be revenue neutral this year.

"This organization as currently constructed cannot afford to go revenue neutral at this point," Turner said. " It is my recommendation that the Council declare its intent to exceed the RNR at the July 18th meeting."

He clarified that even if they decide to declare such an intent, that doesn't mean they can't go revenue neutral if they can figure out where to cut.

"Even if the governing body steadfastly believes in staying revenue neutral, there is a benefit to declaring an intent to exceed the RNR because it buys us more time to look at revenues and expenses before ultimately submitting our budget," Turner said.

The current mill levy in South Hutchinson is 43.500 mills. To stay revenue neutral, they would need to cut about $40,000 and reduce the mill levy to 41.886.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654534259976.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson City Council will have discussion of the 2023 budget at its meeting Tuesday night.&nbsp;City Administrator Joseph Turner explained the consequences of the revenue neutral rate calculation in agenda documents provided to the council."The RNR refers to the amount of property tax revenue collected by the City via the mill levy. To stay “revenue neutral,” the City must collect the same amount of revenue in 2023 as it did in 2022."That means that if property valuations go up, the mill levy must be reduced. It also means that revenue from new construction added to the tax roll must be offset through a mill levy reduction to decrease total revenues."Taken to its logical extension and conclusion, a city will likely go bankrupt if it opts to never exceed the revenue neutral rate because ad valorem taxes are a significant share of the revenue generated in the general fund. Increases in the cost of doing business (e.g., inflation, salary increases, etc.) not captured by an increase in revenue from increases in county assessment valuations will eventually overwhelm the budget."Because the cost of doing business increases each year, a governing body must believe or be prepared to do the following if it truly wants to seek out a revenue neutral budget:1. Believe that there is waste and inefficiency within the organization that needs to be rooted out and eliminated2. Generate additional revenue by raising fees for various services/amenities3. Be willing to cut expenses, programs, offerings, or staffing"It is Turner's advice to the council that they not attempt to be revenue neutral this year."This organization as currently constructed cannot afford to go revenue neutral at this point," Turner said. " It is my recommendation that the Council declare its intent to exceed the RNR at the July 18th meeting."He clarified that even if they decide to declare such an intent, that doesn't mean they can't go revenue neutral if they can figure out where to cut."Even if the governing body steadfastly believes in staying revenue neutral, there is a benefit to declaring an intent to exceed the RNR because it buys us more time to look at revenues and expenses before ultimately submitting our budget," Turner said.The current mill levy in South Hutchinson is 43.500 mills. To stay revenue neutral, they would need to cut about $40,000 and reduce the mill levy to 41.886.

South Hutch council to discuss budget Tuesday

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council meets Tuesday night and will discuss its 2023 budget proposal with Scot Loyd of Loyd Group.

Also on the agenda is&nbsp;Shannin Rettig from the Haven Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Haven Fall Festival.

The City Council will also look at an agreement to Purchase Real Estate from USD 312 and then a separate item to authorize bonds for the Wildcat Landing Project.

The Haven City Council will also consider a bid for cyber liability insurance and a proposal to end the&nbsp;PCA Storm Surcharge.

Public Works Director Derek Stoll will also ask for authorization to purchase parts for the electric and water departments.

The city also is planning to talk about how much money to spend on revising its employee handbook as recommended by their workman's comp carrier.

The council will also hold an executive session once again to discuss the ongoing matter with the city pool.

The Haven City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the city offices at 120 South Kansas Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven City Council meets Tuesday night and will discuss its 2023 budget proposal with Scot Loyd of Loyd Group.Also on the agenda is&nbsp;Shannin Rettig from the Haven Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Haven Fall Festival.The City Council will also look at an agreement to Purchase Real Estate from USD 312 and then a separate item to authorize bonds for the Wildcat Landing Project.The Haven City Council will also consider a bid for cyber liability insurance and a proposal to end the&nbsp;PCA Storm Surcharge.Public Works Director Derek Stoll will also ask for authorization to purchase parts for the electric and water departments.The city also is planning to talk about how much money to spend on revising its employee handbook as recommended by their workman's comp carrier.The council will also hold an executive session once again to discuss the ongoing matter with the city pool.The Haven City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the city offices at 120 South Kansas Avenue.

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