SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work is scheduled to begin on the Scott Boulevard bridge in South Hutchinson in the coming weeks.

According to Don Brittain with Reno County Public Works, contractors will close the road around Friday, July 8 and begin removing the existing structure on July 11, if all goes as planned.

Weather permitting, the bridge could be finished in about one month, but Brittain says the contract allows for up to 60 working days.

The small span became a point of controversy when the city of South Hutchinson claimed the bridge, which had recently had its weight limit reduced by the state, belonged to the county. The county disagreed. Both sides wrestled with the responsibility until coming up with the compromise of the county offering its engineering services and expertise to get the project done at the lowest price, while the city of South Hutchinson paid for the bridge.

The bridge is necessary because it is the only way for county public works vehicles to get in and out of their facility without using South Hutchinson's city streets. South Hutchinson says the heavy traffic is causing those streets additional wear and tear.

Originally, the estimated cost of replacing the bridge was around $700,000, but the low bid on the project ended up being $392,295.&nbsp;

That bid does not include engineering services, which adds another $26,760 to the price tag.

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By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostSOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Work is scheduled to begin on the Scott Boulevard bridge in South Hutchinson in the coming weeks.According to Don Brittain with Reno County Public Works, contractors will close the road around Friday, July 8 and begin removing the existing structure on July 11, if all goes as planned.Weather permitting, the bridge could be finished in about one month, but Brittain says the contract allows for up to 60 working days.The small span became a point of controversy when the city of South Hutchinson claimed the bridge, which had recently had its weight limit reduced by the state, belonged to the county. The county disagreed. Both sides wrestled with the responsibility until coming up with the compromise of the county offering its engineering services and expertise to get the project done at the lowest price, while the city of South Hutchinson paid for the bridge.The bridge is necessary because it is the only way for county public works vehicles to get in and out of their facility without using South Hutchinson's city streets. South Hutchinson says the heavy traffic is causing those streets additional wear and tear.Originally, the estimated cost of replacing the bridge was around $700,000, but the low bid on the project ended up being $392,295.&nbsp;That bid does not include engineering services, which adds another $26,760 to the price tag.

Scott Boulevard bridge work coming in July


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson announced Thursday that the restrooms at Orchard Park have been reopened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.


The restrooms at Orchard and Herman Bunte parks in Hutchinson were closed because of vandalism in mid-May.

The&nbsp;Herman Bunte restroom was reopened earlier this spring.

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson announced Thursday that the restrooms at Orchard Park have been reopened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652805703804.jpeg" alt="Hutch Park Vandalism 1" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Park Vandalism 1</figcaption>
 </figure>
The restrooms at Orchard and Herman Bunte parks in Hutchinson were closed because of vandalism in mid-May.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652805754514.jpeg" alt="Hutch Park Vandalism 2" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Park Vandalism 2</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Herman Bunte restroom was reopened earlier this spring.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652805772386.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652805786258.jpeg" alt="Hutch Park Vandalism 4" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Park Vandalism 4</figcaption>
 </figure>

UPDATE: Orchard Park restrooms reopened

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Political action committees in Kansas have begun endorsing candidates in their statehouse races.

The incumbents in House Districts 101 (Joe Seiwert) 102 (Jason Probst) 104 (Paul Waggoner) and 114 (Michael Murphy) were all endorsed by Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF) political action committee.

Seiwert was also endorsed by the National Rifle Association. His race on the Republican side is competitive, with two former Goddard mayors, Jamie Blubaugh and Hunter Larkin running as well. They were not endorsed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Political action committees in Kansas have begun endorsing candidates in their statehouse races.The incumbents in House Districts 101 (Joe Seiwert) 102 (Jason Probst) 104 (Paul Waggoner) and 114 (Michael Murphy) were all endorsed by Kansas Farm Bureau’s (KFB) Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF) political action committee.Seiwert was also endorsed by the National Rifle Association. His race on the Republican side is competitive, with two former Goddard mayors, Jamie Blubaugh and Hunter Larkin running as well. They were not endorsed.

Statehouse race endorsements released

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School Booster Club golf tournament is coming up in July.

"This will be our 5th annual event," said Travis Booe with the booster club. "It would have been 6th annual if it hadn't been for having to cancel it a couple summers ago. It's a great event we like putting on and its for a great cause, for sure."

The July 16 event is at Carey Park Golf Course with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

"It's been a little bit up and down, but between $5000 and $7000 is typically what we raise for this and this is something then, that we can put right back into athletics," Booe said.

"We have a pretty good relationship with Hutch High athletics, we all kind of work together in knowing that everything goes back to the same purpose."

Entry is $125 per person or $500 per team and $105 for Carey Park members. The group is still looking for hole sponsors, too.

"We do breakfast sandwiches, courtesy of Chick-Fil-A in the morning," Booe said. "In the afternoon, we grill up hamburgers and hot dogs from Jackson Meat. We kind of make it a whole day. We'll also have raffles and giveaways. It's just kind of fun."

If you'd like to enter, the easiest way is by email at <a href="mailto:Salthawkboosterclub@gmail.com">Salthawkboosterclub@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School Booster Club golf tournament is coming up in July."This will be our 5th annual event," said Travis Booe with the booster club. "It would have been 6th annual if it hadn't been for having to cancel it a couple summers ago. It's a great event we like putting on and its for a great cause, for sure."The July 16 event is at Carey Park Golf Course with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m."It's been a little bit up and down, but between $5000 and $7000 is typically what we raise for this and this is something then, that we can put right back into athletics," Booe said."We have a pretty good relationship with Hutch High athletics, we all kind of work together in knowing that everything goes back to the same purpose."Entry is $125 per person or $500 per team and $105 for Carey Park members. The group is still looking for hole sponsors, too."We do breakfast sandwiches, courtesy of Chick-Fil-A in the morning," Booe said. "In the afternoon, we grill up hamburgers and hot dogs from Jackson Meat. We kind of make it a whole day. We'll also have raffles and giveaways. It's just kind of fun."If you'd like to enter, the easiest way is by email at <a href="mailto:Salthawkboosterclub@gmail.com">Salthawkboosterclub@gmail.com</a>.

Hutch High Booster Club golf tournament is July 16

NICKERSON, Kan. — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School into lockdown Wednesday morning.

According to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department, the family of Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him. Because his known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.

Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with the subject through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.

Gobble was taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.

His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.

<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/2022/6/1656535968315.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICKERSON, Kan. — The report of an armed subject led officials to place Nickerson Elementary School into lockdown Wednesday morning.According to Steve Lutz of the Reno County Sheriff's Department, the family of Kristopher Gobble phoned law enforcement after they had an altercation with him. Because his known address was near the school, law enforcement asked that the building be placed in lockdown. Summer school was in session at the time.Authorities located Gobble at a friend's house in Nickerson. Law enforcement surrounded the house and communicated with the subject through a loudspeaker. Gobble eventually gave himself up and the lockdown was lifted after about two hours.Gobble was taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage to property, and criminal threat. He is also being detained on a warrant from the Kansas Department of Corrections for a parole violation.His bond is set at $6,750. He’s scheduled to make a first appearance Thursday morning.<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.

Nickerson Elementary School placed in lockdown Wednesday morning

MCPHERSON,
Kan. — Voters in the City of McPherson will vote Aug. 2 on whether or not to keep a half-cent sales tax on the books.

Shall the City of McPherson, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.50%) Citywide retailers' sales tax (the "Sales Tax"), the revenues to be derived therefrom to be used for the purpose of financing the costs of the following and related expenditures:

(a)    70% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance street and drainage improvements;

(b)    20% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance public lands and facilities; (c) 5% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance law enforcement projects; and (d) 5% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance museum facilities and support; with the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on the expiration of the existing 0.50% Citywide retailers' sales tax approved at an election held in 2012 to finance various capital improvements within the City (which is expected to be October 1, 2023), and to expire ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., as amended?

If passed, this would keep McPherson's sales tax rate at 9%. The city's <a href="https://mcpcity.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/333">supporting documents on its website</a> mention rates for other area cities. Below are those rates.

If the tax vote fails, it would sunset in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595884472466.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON,
Kan. — Voters in the City of McPherson will vote Aug. 2 on whether or not to keep a half-cent sales tax on the books.Below is the ballot question:Shall the City of McPherson, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.50%) Citywide retailers' sales tax (the "Sales Tax"), the revenues to be derived therefrom to be used for the purpose of financing the costs of the following and related expenditures:(a) 70% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance street and drainage improvements;(b) 20% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance public lands and facilities; (c) 5% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance law enforcement projects; and (d) 5% of the revenue from the Sales Tax to finance museum facilities and support; with the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on the expiration of the existing 0.50% Citywide retailers' sales tax approved at an election held in 2012 to finance various capital improvements within the City (which is expected to be October 1, 2023), and to expire ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., as amended?If passed, this would keep McPherson's sales tax rate at 9%. The city's <a href="https://mcpcity.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/333">supporting documents on its website</a> mention rates for other area cities. Below are those rates.Salina 9.250%Hutchinson 8.600%Newton 8.500%Great Bend 8.250%McPherson 9.000%El Dorado 7.500%Ottawa 12,625 9.600%If the tax vote fails, it would sunset in 2023.

McPherson voters to decide renewal or sunset of half-cent sales tax

BUHLER,
Kan. — USD 313 Director of Finance Shane Hecox has been awarded The Emerging Leaders Scholarship to attend the Association of School Business Officials International Conference in Portland, OR in September. 

 Only 18 scholarships are awarded nationally. They are awarded to officials with five years or fewer of experience as a school business official.

Speakers for the event will be announced in July.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656584532837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER,
Kan. — USD 313 Director of Finance Shane Hecox has been awarded The Emerging Leaders Scholarship to attend the Association of School Business Officials International Conference in Portland, OR in September. Only 18 scholarships are awarded nationally. They are awarded to officials with five years or fewer of experience as a school business official.Speakers for the event will be announced in July.

USD 313 business leader to attend national conference

HAVEN,
Kan. — The Haven City office is closing early Friday, July 1st at Noon and will be closed Monday, July 4 for Independence Day. Trash service will be delayed by one day next week due to the holiday.

Also, the City of Haven's fireworks hours begin Friday. Discharge times on July 1 and 2 are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., on July 3 from Noon to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Discharge fireworks only on private property (with the owner's permission).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590090767638.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN,
Kan. — The Haven City office is closing early Friday, July 1st at Noon and will be closed Monday, July 4 for Independence Day. Trash service will be delayed by one day next week due to the holiday.Also, the City of Haven's fireworks hours begin Friday. Discharge times on July 1 and 2 are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., on July 3 from Noon to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.Discharge fireworks only on private property (with the owner's permission).

Haven City Offices close early Friday for holiday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — South Hutchinson City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 1st from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

South Hutchinson Police Officer Tristen Ryan is graduating from the academy at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. 

Staff will be attending the graduation ceremony and related activities. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585240044486.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — South Hutchinson City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 1st from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. South Hutchinson Police Officer Tristen Ryan is graduating from the academy at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Staff will be attending the graduation ceremony and related activities.

South Hutch City Hall closed Friday afternoon

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak train service continues to be disrupted in the wake of the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0a6e2089-04f3-48e7-9d01-e9da8322e9b3">crash and derailment of the Southwest Chief on Monday</a>. The line affected by the crash continues to be out of service. Because of that and other factors, Amtrak is running a limited schedule through the holiday weekend.

Like Tuesday westbound Train 3, scheduled to depart Chicago Wednesday, will originate in Kansas City and arrive in Hutchinson Thursday morning. Southwest Chief Train 4, scheduled to depart LAX on Wednesday, June 29, is canceled. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson on Friday, July 1. Additionally, Southwest Chief Train 3, scheduled to depart CHI on Saturday, July 2, and arrive in Hutchinson Sunday morning, is canceled. Southwest Chief Train 4, scheduled to depart LAX on Monday, July 4, and arrive in Hutchinson on Wednesday, July 6, is also canceled.

Four people have died as a result of the accident that happened when the Chief ran into a dump truck crossing the tracks near Mendon, Missouri. Three passengers and the truck driver were killed.

<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/2021/6/1622746554124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Amtrak train service continues to be disrupted in the wake of the <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/0a6e2089-04f3-48e7-9d01-e9da8322e9b3">crash and derailment of the Southwest Chief on Monday</a>. The line affected by the crash continues to be out of service. Because of that and other factors, Amtrak is running a limited schedule through the holiday weekend.Like Tuesday westbound Train 3, scheduled to depart Chicago Wednesday, will originate in Kansas City and arrive in Hutchinson Thursday morning. Southwest Chief Train 4, scheduled to depart LAX on Wednesday, June 29, is canceled. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson on Friday, July 1. Additionally, Southwest Chief Train 3, scheduled to depart CHI on Saturday, July 2, and arrive in Hutchinson Sunday morning, is canceled. Southwest Chief Train 4, scheduled to depart LAX on Monday, July 4, and arrive in Hutchinson on Wednesday, July 6, is also canceled.Four people have died as a result of the accident that happened when the Chief ran into a dump truck crossing the tracks near Mendon, Missouri. Three passengers and the truck driver were killed.<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;

Amtrak service to be interrupted through holiday weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Reno County Area Transit prepares to revise its schedule this Friday, the county run bus service continues to look for drivers. According to Director Barb Lilyhorn, the department is still short of drivers.

“Things really have not improved, in fact we are down another position,” Lilyhorn said. “At this time, if we were to continue to run our current hours, before the change, we would have to cover 200 hours.”

Currently Rcat has just ten drivers to operate the system. The bus service has received some applications but Lilyhorn says most if not all can’t meet the basic requirements for hire.

“One of the stipulations is that people have a good driving record and also be able to pass a drug screening and that has eliminated a number of applicants,” Lilyhorn said. “We’re hopeful that this group (of new applicants) that we will have some people that will work out.”&nbsp;

The temporary change in operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Demand Response will operate exclusively on Saturday with no fixed routes. Lilyhorn says that the Saturday on demand schedule will allow residents who are not along a route or in a paratransit situation to get door to door service.

“The difference that we feel will be a service to them is that they can call and request a ride. They don’t have to go through any paperwork to get that door-to-door service," Lilyhorn said. “We’ve had people who need an accessible vehicle and they weren’t signed up for paratransit and they didn’t live along a fixed route so that limited our ability to serve them.”

That door-to-door service will cost $2 per ride. Currently Rcat operates 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and operates three Fixed Routes and Paratransit on Saturday. Rcat says they are working to develop new recruitment tactics they hope will attract applicants. Lilyhorn says she does not foresee the driver situation to improve anytime soon.

<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/2022/6/1656518572816.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Reno County Area Transit prepares to revise its schedule this Friday, the county run bus service continues to look for drivers. According to Director Barb Lilyhorn, the department is still short of drivers.“Things really have not improved, in fact we are down another position,” Lilyhorn said. “At this time, if we were to continue to run our current hours, before the change, we would have to cover 200 hours.”Currently Rcat has just ten drivers to operate the system. The bus service has received some applications but Lilyhorn says most if not all can’t meet the basic requirements for hire.“One of the stipulations is that people have a good driving record and also be able to pass a drug screening and that has eliminated a number of applicants,” Lilyhorn said. “We’re hopeful that this group (of new applicants) that we will have some people that will work out.”&nbsp;The temporary change in operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Demand Response will operate exclusively on Saturday with no fixed routes. Lilyhorn says that the Saturday on demand schedule will allow residents who are not along a route or in a paratransit situation to get door to door service.“The difference that we feel will be a service to them is that they can call and request a ride. They don’t have to go through any paperwork to get that door-to-door service," Lilyhorn said. “We’ve had people who need an accessible vehicle and they weren’t signed up for paratransit and they didn’t live along a fixed route so that limited our ability to serve them.”That door-to-door service will cost $2 per ride. Currently Rcat operates 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and operates three Fixed Routes and Paratransit on Saturday. Rcat says they are working to develop new recruitment tactics they hope will attract applicants. Lilyhorn says she does not foresee the driver situation to improve anytime soon.<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.

Rcat still short of drivers; service changes loom

An earlier version of this story identified the Nickerson Co-Op as the Central Plains Co-Op rather than the Central Prairie Co-Op. Hutch Post regrets the error.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many of the area elevators expect what is left of the wheat harvest in Reno County to be finished in the next day or two. With rain in the forecast for Friday, elevators hope farmers will get the wheat out of the field before more delays occur.

The numbers are pretty steady from elevator to elevator with the Farmers Co-Op in Pretty Prairie reporting yields of between 30 and 35 bushels per acre. Some fields did pretty well, but for the most part it was very average.

At the Mid Kansas Co-Op in Haven there were some impressive numbers but they were few and far between. Most yields were in the 30 bushel per acre range with some as low as 20 and a few as high as 70. Protein numbers were solid averaging about 13.5.&nbsp;

And at the Central Prairie Co-Op in Nickerson yields were from as low as 10 bushels per acre to around 45. Protein levels were good at 12.5.

All three elevators reported just a few fields are left to be cut and the harvest should be over. Most agree that while the numbers were not great they were better than most expected owing to the dry weather and a late spring cold snap.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655819924734.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An earlier version of this story identified the Nickerson Co-Op as the Central Plains Co-Op rather than the Central Prairie Co-Op. Hutch Post regrets the error.HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Many of the area elevators expect what is left of the wheat harvest in Reno County to be finished in the next day or two. With rain in the forecast for Friday, elevators hope farmers will get the wheat out of the field before more delays occur.The numbers are pretty steady from elevator to elevator with the Farmers Co-Op in Pretty Prairie reporting yields of between 30 and 35 bushels per acre. Some fields did pretty well, but for the most part it was very average.At the Mid Kansas Co-Op in Haven there were some impressive numbers but they were few and far between. Most yields were in the 30 bushel per acre range with some as low as 20 and a few as high as 70. Protein numbers were solid averaging about 13.5.&nbsp;And at the Central Prairie Co-Op in Nickerson yields were from as low as 10 bushels per acre to around 45. Protein levels were good at 12.5.All three elevators reported just a few fields are left to be cut and the harvest should be over. Most agree that while the numbers were not great they were better than most expected owing to the dry weather and a late spring cold snap.<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;

Wheat harvest wrapping up in the area

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Given the wildfires in portions of the Big First district earlier this year and the heavy rains we've seen in the last several weeks, it's a tough time to be in agriculture, according to Congressman Tracey Mann.

"Mother Nature can be a tough business partner," Mann said Wednesday. "That's the nature of agriculture. Credit our ag producers, livestock producers and farmers. What they do every day to feed and clothe the world is pretty remarkable."

Combine that with the inflation of the costs of what it takes to get crops out of the ground and to market, and it's really a challenge, not to mention the repair work if any fence is destroyed as a result of wildfires.

"The cost to build one mile of four barb red brand wire, the quote last year was $10,000 a mile," Mann said. "The cost for that same fence today is $20,000 a mile. The cost is doubled."

That's why a test program from The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University to put GPS collars that can shock cattle on them rather than building fence may ultimately be a long-term solution, but any innovation needs to be both cost and nature effective. Mann also noted that it's important from an input cost perspective not to so quickly go away from fossil fuels, as a matter of federal policy.

"This war on fossil fuel and really liquid fuels needs to end," Mann said. "We need to finish the Keystone XL pipeline, we need to lift regulation on our oil and gas producers. We need to return to drilling. The answer is below our feet and growing in our fields. We just need to tap into it."

Mann did not support the gas tax holiday that President Biden wanted to propose as he didn't see it as a solution to the larger problem.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Given the wildfires in portions of the Big First district earlier this year and the heavy rains we've seen in the last several weeks, it's a tough time to be in agriculture, according to Congressman Tracey Mann."Mother Nature can be a tough business partner," Mann said Wednesday. "That's the nature of agriculture. Credit our ag producers, livestock producers and farmers. What they do every day to feed and clothe the world is pretty remarkable."Combine that with the inflation of the costs of what it takes to get crops out of the ground and to market, and it's really a challenge, not to mention the repair work if any fence is destroyed as a result of wildfires."The cost to build one mile of four barb red brand wire, the quote last year was $10,000 a mile," Mann said. "The cost for that same fence today is $20,000 a mile. The cost is doubled."That's why a test program from The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University to put GPS collars that can shock cattle on them rather than building fence may ultimately be a long-term solution, but any innovation needs to be both cost and nature effective. Mann also noted that it's important from an input cost perspective not to so quickly go away from fossil fuels, as a matter of federal policy."This war on fossil fuel and really liquid fuels needs to end," Mann said. "We need to finish the Keystone XL pipeline, we need to lift regulation on our oil and gas producers. We need to return to drilling. The answer is below our feet and growing in our fields. We just need to tap into it."Mann did not support the gas tax holiday that President Biden wanted to propose as he didn't see it as a solution to the larger problem.

Mann: Input costs throughout continue to challenge agriculture


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Salvation Army in Hutchinson has been able to give out many fans thanks to the generosity of the community and Westlake Ace Hardware.

"The community has definitely answered the call," said Major Paul James with the Salvation Army. "Westlake ACE Hardware, they are going to be getting us 125 fans, which is a huge help. We so far have given out 139 fans and just over 60 fans last week."

This is the tenth year for the Westlake Ace Hardware fan drive here in Hutchinson.

"When you think about just the energy costs, a fan can circulate the air in your house and lower your energy costs, as well as just keeping you that much cooler," James said. "When you think about how hot it gets in someone's house when they don't have air conditioning, it's really life saving."

If you need a fan, call the Salvation Army to get one at (620) 663-3353.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Salvation Army in Hutchinson has been able to give out many fans thanks to the generosity of the community and Westlake Ace Hardware."The community has definitely answered the call," said Major Paul James with the Salvation Army. "Westlake ACE Hardware, they are going to be getting us 125 fans, which is a huge help. We so far have given out 139 fans and just over 60 fans last week."This is the tenth year for the Westlake Ace Hardware fan drive here in Hutchinson."When you think about just the energy costs, a fan can circulate the air in your house and lower your energy costs, as well as just keeping you that much cooler," James said. "When you think about how hot it gets in someone's house when they don't have air conditioning, it's really life saving."If you need a fan, call the Salvation Army to get one at (620) 663-3353.

Salvation Army tells Westlake fan drive numbers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vieyrahonorsfoundation.org/registration">Vieyra Honors Foundation</a>&nbsp;is currently taking orders for the next cycle of Veterans Honor Banners to be displayed in downtown Hutchinson from mid-September thru Veterans Day 2022.

In person sign up events are July 8 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and July 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Splinters-N-Rust at 125 N Main.

They sold enough for 72 of 112 possible banners in the initial cycle. Those banners are up for the Patriots Parade on Monday.

Each banner is $200. They just need some basic information on your veteran and a photo. Call Marla Booher at (620) 960-8215 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656493425114.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vieyrahonorsfoundation.org/registration">Vieyra Honors Foundation</a>&nbsp;is currently taking orders for the next cycle of Veterans Honor Banners to be displayed in downtown Hutchinson from mid-September thru Veterans Day 2022. In person sign up events are July 8 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and July 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Splinters-N-Rust at 125 N Main.They sold enough for 72 of 112 possible banners in the initial cycle. Those banners are up for the Patriots Parade on Monday.Each banner is $200. They just need some basic information on your veteran and a photo. Call Marla Booher at (620) 960-8215 for more information.

Veterans Banner sign up events coming July 8 and 9

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The official ribbon cutting and open house for Foxtrot Studio at 13 East Sherman in Hutchinson is July 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You can learn about the studio's services and programs, book studio time, check out rental equipment and purchase memberships at the event.

The public resource media studio for audio and video production is a collaboration studio among Hutch Rec Arts &amp; Culture Division, the Heartland Arts &amp; Culture Collective, and the Kansas Department of Commerce Creative Arts Industries Commission. 

The Foxtrot Studio was made possible through funding from the Hutch Rec Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656494632734.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The official ribbon cutting and open house for Foxtrot Studio at 13 East Sherman in Hutchinson is July 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.You can learn about the studio's services and programs, book studio time, check out rental equipment and purchase memberships at the event.The public resource media studio for audio and video production is a collaboration studio among Hutch Rec Arts &amp; Culture Division, the Heartland Arts &amp; Culture Collective, and the Kansas Department of Commerce Creative Arts Industries Commission. The Foxtrot Studio was made possible through funding from the Hutch Rec Foundation.

Foxtrot Studio ribbon cutting, open house is July 21

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch in Harmony and Crow &amp; Co. are holding a Voter Registration event July 5 starting at 3 p.m. at the bookstore at 2 South Main in Hutchinson. 

The voter registration deadline for the August 2 primary election is July 12 and the abortion amendment to decide how regulation of abortion will be handled in Kansas is on the ballot for all voters, regardless of whether or not you choose a party and vote in its primary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651250076708.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutch in Harmony and Crow &amp; Co. are holding a Voter Registration event July 5 starting at 3 p.m. at the bookstore at 2 South Main in Hutchinson. The voter registration deadline for the August 2 primary election is July 12 and the abortion amendment to decide how regulation of abortion will be handled in Kansas is on the ballot for all voters, regardless of whether or not you choose a party and vote in its primary.

Voter registration event in Hutchinson July 5

MCPHERSON COUNTY —A former Kansas woman is going to prison for her role in a fatal DUI crash that killed a Kansas couple.

A McPherson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Julie Ann Hunter formerly of Lehigh now Aoka, Minnesota, to to just less than 12 years in prison for two counts of involuntary manslaughter-DUI, according to the McPherson County Attorney's office.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the crash in November of 2019 on Highway 56 involved a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Hunter and a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica driven by&nbsp;Robert E. Unruh, 88, of Canton.

Unruh and a passenger Mary Lee Unruh, 83, Canton, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Hunter to the hospital in McPherson and she was later arrested.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Hunter will be required to serve at least 80 months before becoming eligible for parole, according to the county attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656160789680.png" alt="Hunter-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —A former Kansas woman is going to prison for her role in a fatal DUI crash that killed a Kansas couple.A McPherson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Julie Ann Hunter formerly of Lehigh now Aoka, Minnesota, to to just less than 12 years in prison for two counts of involuntary manslaughter-DUI, according to the McPherson County Attorney's office.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported the crash in November of 2019 on Highway 56 involved a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Hunter and a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica driven by&nbsp;Robert E. Unruh, 88, of Canton.Unruh and a passenger Mary Lee Unruh, 83, Canton, were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Hunter to the hospital in McPherson and she was later arrested.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hunter will be required to serve at least 80 months before becoming eligible for parole, according to the county attorney's office.

Woman sentenced for DUI crash that killed McPherson Co. couple

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a fourth person has died as a result of the crash and derailment of <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a3785cfa-2ef5-4d0b-91fb-c7d5172676dc">Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Monday afternoon</a>. The patrol says the fourth person died in the Hospital. No names have been released.

The train was traveling at 89 miles per hour when it hit a dump truck near the town of Mendon, Missouri.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it is investigating several factors, including the reaction time given to the train crew before the impact. The locomotives are equipped with event recorders. The patrol also says 150 people were transported to 10 area hospitals for treatment of various injuries.&nbsp;

All other information regarding the accident will now come from the NTSB. Amtrak also said that the eastbound train scheduled to leave Los Angeles Tuesday evening has been canceled. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson Thursday morning. The westbound train scheduled to depart from Chicago Tuesday afternoon will instead leave from Kansas City so all westbound service from Kansas City to Los Angeles will be in place. That train is scheduled to arrive in Hutchinson at 3:18 a.m. Wednesday morning. For information on the eastbound train currently making its way to Kansas, call 1-800 USA-Rail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656361752974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a fourth person has died as a result of the crash and derailment of <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/a3785cfa-2ef5-4d0b-91fb-c7d5172676dc">Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Monday afternoon</a>. The patrol says the fourth person died in the Hospital. No names have been released.The train was traveling at 89 miles per hour when it hit a dump truck near the town of Mendon, Missouri.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it is investigating several factors, including the reaction time given to the train crew before the impact. The locomotives are equipped with event recorders. The patrol also says 150 people were transported to 10 area hospitals for treatment of various injuries.&nbsp;All other information regarding the accident will now come from the NTSB. Amtrak also said that the eastbound train scheduled to leave Los Angeles Tuesday evening has been canceled. That train would have arrived in Hutchinson Thursday morning. The westbound train scheduled to depart from Chicago Tuesday afternoon will instead leave from Kansas City so all westbound service from Kansas City to Los Angeles will be in place. That train is scheduled to arrive in Hutchinson at 3:18 a.m. Wednesday morning. For information on the eastbound train currently making its way to Kansas, call 1-800 USA-Rail.<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.

Amtrak crash claims fourth life

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners were in consensus to consider a budget that County Administrator Randy Partington brought before them, but work on making cuts to get to a revenue-neutral figure before officially adopting the budget later this summer.

Partington presented two budgets during Tuesday's agenda session. One was the proposed budget that kept the mill levy at the same rate as last year, but took advantage of a 5.7% increase in valuations. The second absorbed those valuations and dropped the mill levy by a fraction over two mills to a revenue-neutral figure. If the county were to adopt the proposed budget, it would have to give notice of the increase to taxpayers and hold a public hearing and a hearing to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. It’s a target that may be hard to hit.

“I don’t think we’re going to get to revenue-neutral,” Commissioner Ron Sellers said. “But I think we can get some place in between.”

The proposed budget totals $81,727,106 on levied taxes of $26,674,189 for a mill levy of 39.475. The revenue-neutral budget that the commission may try to shoot for is $80,392,664.&nbsp;

In order to get there, Partington outlined where $1.3 million worth of cuts could be made. Those cuts include dropping the cash fund carryover by $500,000 — leaving the county at 22% reserve funds to run the county for just under three months; defer all vehicle purchases out of the special equipment fund, saving about $300,000 not counting additional maintenance costs that could come with such action; reducing outside agency funds and removing $200,000 out of the courthouse capital improvement repair fund. The county could also cut the special equipment fund budget in half, saving $167,000. But all of that makes things more complicated for future budgets, something Commissioner Ron Hirst was against.

“I don’t want to be careful not to kick the can down the road to where two years from now when a new commission is involved that they have some super hard things to decide,” Hirst said.

There were several opinions on how to make cuts with Commissioner Sellers asking that the county look further into expenditures from outside agencies, noting that they still would not be able to hit the revenue-neutral rate. Commissioner Friesen has been stressing his desire to have a revenue-neutral budget for the year.

The commission will not meet July 12, but will return July 19 and hope to have any proposed cuts discussed at that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640603109912.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County commissioners were in consensus to consider a budget that County Administrator Randy Partington brought before them, but work on making cuts to get to a revenue-neutral figure before officially adopting the budget later this summer.Partington presented two budgets during Tuesday's agenda session. One was the proposed budget that kept the mill levy at the same rate as last year, but took advantage of a 5.7% increase in valuations. The second absorbed those valuations and dropped the mill levy by a fraction over two mills to a revenue-neutral figure. If the county were to adopt the proposed budget, it would have to give notice of the increase to taxpayers and hold a public hearing and a hearing to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. It’s a target that may be hard to hit.“I don’t think we’re going to get to revenue-neutral,” Commissioner Ron Sellers said. “But I think we can get some place in between.”The proposed budget totals $81,727,106 on levied taxes of $26,674,189 for a mill levy of 39.475. The revenue-neutral budget that the commission may try to shoot for is $80,392,664.&nbsp;In order to get there, Partington outlined where $1.3 million worth of cuts could be made. Those cuts include dropping the cash fund carryover by $500,000 — leaving the county at 22% reserve funds to run the county for just under three months; defer all vehicle purchases out of the special equipment fund, saving about $300,000 not counting additional maintenance costs that could come with such action; reducing outside agency funds and removing $200,000 out of the courthouse capital improvement repair fund. The county could also cut the special equipment fund budget in half, saving $167,000. But all of that makes things more complicated for future budgets, something Commissioner Ron Hirst was against.“I don’t want to be careful not to kick the can down the road to where two years from now when a new commission is involved that they have some super hard things to decide,” Hirst said.There were several opinions on how to make cuts with Commissioner Sellers asking that the county look further into expenditures from outside agencies, noting that they still would not be able to hit the revenue-neutral rate. Commissioner Friesen has been stressing his desire to have a revenue-neutral budget for the year.The commission will not meet July 12, but will return July 19 and hope to have any proposed cuts discussed at that time.<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;

County commission discusses budget-neutral possibilities 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County residents' willingness to donate blood is evident by the numbers that were released to Reno County Commissioners during agenda session.&nbsp;

According to the Red Cross, Reno County held 1,801 blood drives this past year and collected more than 44,000 units of blood. That is nearly half of the total collected in the region that Red Cross serves.

Also during the presentation before commissioners, the Red Cross took time to honor the area United Way’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD, group for its efforts in helping citizens affected by the March 5 wildfire. A plaque was presented to VOAD officials for their efforts to help with the recovery from the fire that destroyed more than 30 homes and burned more than 12,000 acres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656431695587.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County residents' willingness to donate blood is evident by the numbers that were released to Reno County Commissioners during agenda session.&nbsp;According to the Red Cross, Reno County held 1,801 blood drives this past year and collected more than 44,000 units of blood. That is nearly half of the total collected in the region that Red Cross serves.Also during the presentation before commissioners, the Red Cross took time to honor the area United Way’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD, group for its efforts in helping citizens affected by the March 5 wildfire. A plaque was presented to VOAD officials for their efforts to help with the recovery from the fire that destroyed more than 30 homes and burned more than 12,000 acres.<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;

Area residents happy to donate blood

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —One person is under arrest in connection with an alleged rape in Reno County Monday evening.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Office says 29-year-old Jarrod LaForce is jailed on a bond of $105,250.

Deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the Obee Edition east of Hutchinson, for a report of Sexual Assault. With the information given to dispatch, deputies were able to make contact with LaForce whose vehicle had broken down in the area of G Ave and Obee Rd.&nbsp;

Upon further investigation LaForce was arrested on suspicion of DUI, Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and Aggravated Domestic Battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652407869464.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —One person is under arrest in connection with an alleged rape in Reno County Monday evening.The Reno County Sheriff’s Office says 29-year-old Jarrod LaForce is jailed on a bond of $105,250.Deputies with the Reno County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the Obee Edition east of Hutchinson, for a report of Sexual Assault. With the information given to dispatch, deputies were able to make contact with LaForce whose vehicle had broken down in the area of G Ave and Obee Rd.&nbsp;Upon further investigation LaForce was arrested on suspicion of DUI, Rape, Aggravated Sodomy and Aggravated Domestic Battery.<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;

Man arrested in Reno County rape case

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the derailment of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief in Missouri Monday afternoon.

The eastbound train left the tracks after striking a dump truck at a rural crossing near Mendon, Missouri. The impact killed the truck driver and two passengers on the train.&nbsp;

Passengers who were traveling onboard the eastbound “Chief”, which departed L.A. on Sunday and arrived in Hutchinson Tuesday morning, are being accommodated as quickly as possible on other trains or buses as available.&nbsp;

The westbound Southwest scheduled to depart Chicago Tuesday afternoon, will now originate at Kansas City. That means any passengers in Newton and Hutchinson going west will still have service Wednesday morning. No word on how the next eastbound train will be handled once it gets to Kansas City Wednesday morning, but it will make a stop in Hutchinson as usual.

For more information passengers can call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656361752974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The investigation continues into the derailment of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief in Missouri Monday afternoon.The eastbound train left the tracks after striking a dump truck at a rural crossing near Mendon, Missouri. The impact killed the truck driver and two passengers on the train.&nbsp;Passengers who were traveling onboard the eastbound “Chief”, which departed L.A. on Sunday and arrived in Hutchinson Tuesday morning, are being accommodated as quickly as possible on other trains or buses as available.&nbsp;The westbound Southwest scheduled to depart Chicago Tuesday afternoon, will now originate at Kansas City. That means any passengers in Newton and Hutchinson going west will still have service Wednesday morning. No word on how the next eastbound train will be handled once it gets to Kansas City Wednesday morning, but it will make a stop in Hutchinson as usual.For more information passengers can call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.<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 will have westbound service in Hutchinson Wednesday morning

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/390aa133-0d5d-4a13-bb75-240a088f43a4">The two sides have agreed on a contract for USD 308's teachers for this year</a>, but the union has not voted on it yet.

"The board and the HNEA group did come to a consensus and agreement on some items to change the professional agreement," said Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. "Now, the teachers union will need to gather and vote on that. Their policy is a 50 percent plus one number. When they reach that number, if they reach that number, then it will go to the board and the board will ratify that and then it will become part of policy for the district."

If approved by both sides, the base salary will increase $669, bringing the new base salary to $42,000. Teachers will also receive horizontal and vertical movement for next year, making the overall raise between 3% and 3.5% for all certified faculty and staff. Other items in the agreement were a parental leave provision for childbirth, adoption, and fostering; and a one-time premium pay of $750 from the USD 308’s ESSER funds, a stipend for Continuing Education Credits for social workers; and increases to portions of the supplemental salary schedule.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/41ffbede-887e-45bf-8971-f101a80f3027"> Last year, an agreement was not reached until almost Halloween and a mediator had to be called in</a>.

"It was very late in the year, so this is very exciting," Johnson said. "I think in three meetings we were able to come to some compromises. They're on summer vacation, so getting them together is pretty hard to do right now."

The hope is to have everything ratified on both sides before teachers report to school for professional development August 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653427853507.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/390aa133-0d5d-4a13-bb75-240a088f43a4">The two sides have agreed on a contract for USD 308's teachers for this year</a>, but the union has not voted on it yet."The board and the HNEA group did come to a consensus and agreement on some items to change the professional agreement," said Superintendent Dr. Dawn Johnson. "Now, the teachers union will need to gather and vote on that. Their policy is a 50 percent plus one number. When they reach that number, if they reach that number, then it will go to the board and the board will ratify that and then it will become part of policy for the district."If approved by both sides, the base salary will increase $669, bringing the new base salary to $42,000. Teachers will also receive horizontal and vertical movement for next year, making the overall raise between 3% and 3.5% for all certified faculty and staff. Other items in the agreement were a parental leave provision for childbirth, adoption, and fostering; and a one-time premium pay of $750 from the USD 308’s ESSER funds, a stipend for Continuing Education Credits for social workers; and increases to portions of the supplemental salary schedule.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/41ffbede-887e-45bf-8971-f101a80f3027"> Last year, an agreement was not reached until almost Halloween and a mediator had to be called in</a>."It was very late in the year, so this is very exciting," Johnson said. "I think in three meetings we were able to come to some compromises. They're on summer vacation, so getting them together is pretty hard to do right now."The hope is to have everything ratified on both sides before teachers report to school for professional development August 9.

Union still to vote on USD 308 teachers agreement


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The USD 308 Board of Education heard an update on State Assessment data at their meeting on Monday.

Krystal Young, deputy superintendent for USD 308, along with Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment staff, presented data regarding local and state assessment scores for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Fastbridge is used as the district’s assessment tool and looks at national percentiles of students based on their end of year progress.&nbsp;

In addition, Curriculum staff presented the work completed over the past three years by the ELA task force resulting in a recommendation to the Board for an adoption of Amplify for Pre-K through 8th&nbsp;grade and myPerspectives for 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;grade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Board also approved a no school day for students at HMS-7 and HMS-8 on Thursday, March 9, 2023, so that USD 308 can host the instrumental portion of a middle school music festival that will bring students to town from surrounding communities like Newton, McPherson and Salina in addition to Hutch students performing. Staff will still work that day.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is Monday, July 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administrative Center at 1520 North Plum.

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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —The USD 308 Board of Education heard an update on State Assessment data at their meeting on Monday.Krystal Young, deputy superintendent for USD 308, along with Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment staff, presented data regarding local and state assessment scores for the 2021-2022 school year. Fastbridge is used as the district’s assessment tool and looks at national percentiles of students based on their end of year progress.&nbsp;In addition, Curriculum staff presented the work completed over the past three years by the ELA task force resulting in a recommendation to the Board for an adoption of Amplify for Pre-K through 8th&nbsp;grade and myPerspectives for 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;grade.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Board also approved a no school day for students at HMS-7 and HMS-8 on Thursday, March 9, 2023, so that USD 308 can host the instrumental portion of a middle school music festival that will bring students to town from surrounding communities like Newton, McPherson and Salina in addition to Hutch students performing. Staff will still work that day.The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is Monday, July 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administrative Center at 1520 North Plum.

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