
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The USD 308 Board of Education heard updates from the KidWind team at Hutchinson STEM Magnet @ Allen on Monday.

A team of students traveled to Topeka on Saturday, April 2 to compete in the State KidWind competition after getting second place at regionals last month. At the state competition, the Allen STEM team received 4th&nbsp;place, with the top 3 teams moving on to the national competition.

This is Allen STEM Magnet’s first time competing in the KidWind Challenge.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is Monday, April 25, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administrative Center, 1520 N Plum.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The USD 308 Board of Education heard updates from the KidWind team at Hutchinson STEM Magnet @ Allen on Monday.A team of students traveled to Topeka on Saturday, April 2 to compete in the State KidWind competition after getting second place at regionals last month. At the state competition, the Allen STEM team received 4th&nbsp;place, with the top 3 teams moving on to the national competition.This is Allen STEM Magnet’s first time competing in the KidWind Challenge.The next regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting is Monday, April 25, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administrative Center, 1520 N Plum.

BOE Hears Updates on KidWind Team Success

Additional information from Newton Police via Facebook:

NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;NHS is no longer under lockdown. There is no threat at this time. Staff and students responded correctly to a potentially serious situation. The individual involved with the situation is identified and has been located outside of Newton city limits. Counselors are in place for any students feeling stress from the situation. NHS will continue to be monitored by law enforcement.

Newton law enforcement were on the scene at Newton High School after calls came in about a suspicious person on the grounds.&nbsp;

According to Harvey County 911, the first call came in around 9:50 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648565643497.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Additional information from Newton Police via Facebook:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNewtonKSPolice%2Fposts%2F341542658006267&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="297" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>NEWTON, Kan. —&nbsp;NHS is no longer under lockdown. There is no threat at this time. Staff and students responded correctly to a potentially serious situation. The individual involved with the situation is identified and has been located outside of Newton city limits. Counselors are in place for any students feeling stress from the situation. NHS will continue to be monitored by law enforcement.Newton law enforcement were on the scene at Newton High School after calls came in about a suspicious person on the grounds.&nbsp;According to Harvey County 911, the first call came in around 9:50 a.m.

BREAKING: Newton High School lockdown lifted

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Kansas Legislature is considering multiple election security measures this session. One of those would require a watermark on ballots.

The whole purpose behind what they are trying to do is make it to where the paper has the watermark in it, so you can't just print it off of a regular printer and feed it in," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "We do have things in place to where you can't do that anyway. We have the tick marks and things and the machines read that very particularly."

Fager said that if a watermark is included, that could increase the costs of the paper to about $1 a ballot. County Clerk Donna Patton told the County Commission in a report to them that would be five to six times what a ballot blank currently costs.

"It differs from a gubernatorial to a presidential," Fager said. "Normally, like on a presidential, I'll order around 80 percent."

That's enough ballot blanks for 80 percent of registered voters. There are roughly 40,000 registered voters in Reno County. The county does have the ability to print ballots on demand on their own special printer to minimize costs during advance voting, when they don't know which precinct a voter might come from on a given day.

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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Kansas Legislature is considering multiple election security measures this session. One of those would require a watermark on ballots.The whole purpose behind what they are trying to do is make it to where the paper has the watermark in it, so you can't just print it off of a regular printer and feed it in," said Deputy Elections Clerk Jenna Fager. "We do have things in place to where you can't do that anyway. We have the tick marks and things and the machines read that very particularly."Fager said that if a watermark is included, that could increase the costs of the paper to about $1 a ballot. County Clerk Donna Patton told the County Commission in a report to them that would be five to six times what a ballot blank currently costs."It differs from a gubernatorial to a presidential," Fager said. "Normally, like on a presidential, I'll order around 80 percent."That's enough ballot blanks for 80 percent of registered voters. There are roughly 40,000 registered voters in Reno County. The county does have the ability to print ballots on demand on their own special printer to minimize costs during advance voting, when they don't know which precinct a voter might come from on a given day.

Fager: Ballot watermark proposal could increase costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — First District Congressman Tracey Mann released the following statement in response to President Biden's new executive order that infringes on the Second Amendment rights of American citizens:

"If you weaken a load bearing wall, the entire structure is compromised. That is what happens to our Constitution when the government violates the Second Amendment rights of the American people, and that is exactly what this executive order does. President Biden's action is yet another brazen attack on our right to protect ourselves and our loved ones. On top of a similar executive order issued last May that broadened the definition of a firearm to include parts used to make legal, private firearms, this order will:

I stand against the President's overreaching executive order, and will always stand up against any efforts to diminish or weaken the rights of law-abiding citizens to own, carry, and use firearms."

Rep. Mann introduced <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PCA2YoY08GzVd8eWX90AAOF6HdpCrdh9JB4018dxox1Thn5OVetjFKTZ-gGP_TGYlqBrG94DdiVMudumIpFWl10uDZhWcDdzKKGdxbonq4mp0AwrWuzhZ1hOC1wc8zDQuonnBxWmk5qG7VS58uVC7v1tzhSnDmYIylcn06zjI94SH72i-8Wzws9w9F5L1g4XR0fTh7bcQi8wk=&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 716, the More Accountability is Necessary Now (MANN) Act </a>- requiring the executive branch to notify the American public and Congress with its intent to issue any new, or revoke any existing, executive order pertaining to the rights of law-abiding Americans to own, carry, and use firearms as protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He also introduced <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PC-LSzXm490jCfMilXprlzzqZoUp583Xk6b3FScpDqFcBKrCbU4A1gtMk1Md-iB0dquzNQjhOQOMpXU1e5458vBJ4gwsvbFhRgSyv6NlctKVMbGA5ZTePpvOTMg2Zg5TzhFCGYLxUSt4FuMT1qQqHR2rEaWECLw3t9i4KwP3ZlYpB9H7zpwRGYFN5GkBWCzXMKiay5bxVV85FrJfGCtat3lg==&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 1758, the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act</a>, and is a co-sponsor of <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PC8Y-0poiTXq5X6StqnoqUoDqZkjExv4q_TdgRSXgTLFlku2EVSOeynMsDYkJqkN3d0bl-TI0MrEI4LbDN7gPEaI8L7fXFvwCsmM5jYkSL9F3ivb4hu8QwCg==&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 6945, the No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your (REGISTRY) Rights Act</a>.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. — First District Congressman Tracey Mann released the following statement in response to President Biden's new executive order that infringes on the Second Amendment rights of American citizens:"If you weaken a load bearing wall, the entire structure is compromised. That is what happens to our Constitution when the government violates the Second Amendment rights of the American people, and that is exactly what this executive order does. President Biden's action is yet another brazen attack on our right to protect ourselves and our loved ones. On top of a similar executive order issued last May that broadened the definition of a firearm to include parts used to make legal, private firearms, this order will:<ul>
 <li>Allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to end the online sale of gun parts at will.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Mandate the serialization of many gun parts, forcing Americans to undergo a background check for a new legal “firearm” to repair or buy replacement parts for their guns.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Require that 100% of Firearm Transaction Records from gun stores dating back to 2002 end up in ATF’s billion record gun registry.</li>
 </ul>I stand against the President's overreaching executive order, and will always stand up against any efforts to diminish or weaken the rights of law-abiding citizens to own, carry, and use firearms."Rep. Mann introduced <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PCA2YoY08GzVd8eWX90AAOF6HdpCrdh9JB4018dxox1Thn5OVetjFKTZ-gGP_TGYlqBrG94DdiVMudumIpFWl10uDZhWcDdzKKGdxbonq4mp0AwrWuzhZ1hOC1wc8zDQuonnBxWmk5qG7VS58uVC7v1tzhSnDmYIylcn06zjI94SH72i-8Wzws9w9F5L1g4XR0fTh7bcQi8wk=&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 716, the More Accountability is Necessary Now (MANN) Act </a>- requiring the executive branch to notify the American public and Congress with its intent to issue any new, or revoke any existing, executive order pertaining to the rights of law-abiding Americans to own, carry, and use firearms as protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. He also introduced <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PC-LSzXm490jCfMilXprlzzqZoUp583Xk6b3FScpDqFcBKrCbU4A1gtMk1Md-iB0dquzNQjhOQOMpXU1e5458vBJ4gwsvbFhRgSyv6NlctKVMbGA5ZTePpvOTMg2Zg5TzhFCGYLxUSt4FuMT1qQqHR2rEaWECLw3t9i4KwP3ZlYpB9H7zpwRGYFN5GkBWCzXMKiay5bxVV85FrJfGCtat3lg==&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 1758, the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act</a>, and is a co-sponsor of <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001t-Al_GlpQgc8ydoU2D6A_oY8vdvTKUkVjazQje5qv0hsaLwOrJOB90zr3doQK0PC8Y-0poiTXq5X6StqnoqUoDqZkjExv4q_TdgRSXgTLFlku2EVSOeynMsDYkJqkN3d0bl-TI0MrEI4LbDN7gPEaI8L7fXFvwCsmM5jYkSL9F3ivb4hu8QwCg==&amp;c=0vUwKmpFA4WHJ0GjnFtYk9JHGQCzT8r2E6mUiM725-6gUpJcDWhnnw==&amp;ch=njxH5frypfyYuFcoFFKs8HIWawNMFKbjnbchz2SZXqLbLd1dbrexCw==">H.R. 6945, the No Retaining Every Gun In a System That Restricts Your (REGISTRY) Rights Act</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.

Mann issues statement on Biden's gun control laws

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber CEO Debra Teufel told the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday that the project for which they set aside ARPA money isn't going to get help from the state, at least right now.

"It's related to some infrastructure and site development here in Reno County," Teufel said. "That is really as a response to some of the large RFPs that we're seeing for larger and larger industrial project requests that are coming in, requesting 150, 250, upwards of 500 acres. We, as a county, haven't really prepared a site like that, that we can truly say we have site control and infrastructure ready to go. There was a grant opportunity that the Department of Commerce and the state had released earlier this year called the BASE grant."

Reno County is not getting BASE grant funding. The Chamber just found out at the end of the day Monday.

"This is not a surprise," Teufel said. "We knew it was going to be a program that was way oversubscribed. We heard there are 440 applications that were submitted for a total of about $1.8 billion of requests and they only had $100 million in the pot to allocate."

Teufel still believes the project needs to happen. She could not disclose where the proposed site would be, as they are still working on land purchases and those purchases are subject to non-disclosure agreements, but it's safe to say that highway and rail access are both components of any competitive site in this day and age.

"In the letter that we got last night, it did say that they will keep our application on file," Teufel said. "I hope that they will. There's a SPARK Task Force at the state level that is allocating several hundred million dollars for different purposes. Maybe they can reallocate some of those funds. Perhaps that's a conversation we can have with some of our legislative representatives later this month."

The legislature returns to Topeka for its veto session April 25.

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 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber CEO Debra Teufel told the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday that the project for which they set aside ARPA money isn't going to get help from the state, at least right now."It's related to some infrastructure and site development here in Reno County," Teufel said. "That is really as a response to some of the large RFPs that we're seeing for larger and larger industrial project requests that are coming in, requesting 150, 250, upwards of 500 acres. We, as a county, haven't really prepared a site like that, that we can truly say we have site control and infrastructure ready to go. There was a grant opportunity that the Department of Commerce and the state had released earlier this year called the BASE grant."Reno County is not getting BASE grant funding. The Chamber just found out at the end of the day Monday."This is not a surprise," Teufel said. "We knew it was going to be a program that was way oversubscribed. We heard there are 440 applications that were submitted for a total of about $1.8 billion of requests and they only had $100 million in the pot to allocate."Teufel still believes the project needs to happen. She could not disclose where the proposed site would be, as they are still working on land purchases and those purchases are subject to non-disclosure agreements, but it's safe to say that highway and rail access are both components of any competitive site in this day and age."In the letter that we got last night, it did say that they will keep our application on file," Teufel said. "I hope that they will. There's a SPARK Task Force at the state level that is allocating several hundred million dollars for different purposes. Maybe they can reallocate some of those funds. Perhaps that's a conversation we can have with some of our legislative representatives later this month."The legislature returns to Topeka for its veto session April 25.

Teufel: County did not receive grant for which ARPA funds were allocated


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Solid Waste Director Megan Davidson let Hutch Post know that the landfill is closing at 1 p.m. Tuesday due to the forecasted high winds.

The Reno County Solid Waste Department reserves the right to turn away all customers of municipal solid waste, construction/demolition waste material and any other potentially airborne solid wastes when there is a sustained wind speed above 45 miles per hour, or gusts above 50-55 miles per hour or before a forecasted wind of 45 miles per hour or above arrives.&nbsp;

Customers weighed-in as of 1 p.m. will be allowed to dump, but all others will be turned away and asked to leave the property.

Landfill staff will work diligently to cover the open disposal area as well as possible to keep trash and other debris from becoming airborne.

The landfill will open a half hour early to commercial traffic on Wednesday, since the winds are not due to die down until well after the facility is closed. That means the landfill will open for that commercial traffic at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Reno County Solid Waste Director Megan Davidson let Hutch Post know that the landfill is closing at 1 p.m. Tuesday due to the forecasted high winds.The Reno County Solid Waste Department reserves the right to turn away all customers of municipal solid waste, construction/demolition waste material and any other potentially airborne solid wastes when there is a sustained wind speed above 45 miles per hour, or gusts above 50-55 miles per hour or before a forecasted wind of 45 miles per hour or above arrives.&nbsp;Customers weighed-in as of 1 p.m. will be allowed to dump, but all others will be turned away and asked to leave the property.Landfill staff will work diligently to cover the open disposal area as well as possible to keep trash and other debris from becoming airborne.The landfill will open a half hour early to commercial traffic on Wednesday, since the winds are not due to die down until well after the facility is closed. That means the landfill will open for that commercial traffic at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Reno County Landfill to close at 1 p.m. Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The HutchCC Board of Trustees will discuss a revised visitors policy for the campus as part of their meeting on Thursday.

The main thrust of the new policy is to be sure that children are properly supervised when on campus and that employees do not bring children to campus if they are too ill to go to school. Also, the policy outlines that only those who have reason to be there (students or college employees) should be in classrooms as much as possible, and in addition, visitors in offices or workplaces should conform to office norms. The policy gives those in charge in classrooms and offices the right to ask disruptive persons to leave.

The Board will also look over an updated academic honesty policy that includes definitions for cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, dissimulation, forgery and sabotage.

The Board will also look over job descriptions for an Assistant Director of Admissions and a Campus Visit Coordinator.

The meeting will begin Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Justice Theater in the Shears Technology Center.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The HutchCC Board of Trustees will discuss a revised visitors policy for the campus as part of their meeting on Thursday.The main thrust of the new policy is to be sure that children are properly supervised when on campus and that employees do not bring children to campus if they are too ill to go to school. Also, the policy outlines that only those who have reason to be there (students or college employees) should be in classrooms as much as possible, and in addition, visitors in offices or workplaces should conform to office norms. The policy gives those in charge in classrooms and offices the right to ask disruptive persons to leave.The Board will also look over an updated academic honesty policy that includes definitions for cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, dissimulation, forgery and sabotage.The Board will also look over job descriptions for an Assistant Director of Admissions and a Campus Visit Coordinator.The meeting will begin Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Justice Theater in the Shears Technology Center.

HutchCC board to meet Thursday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The final Hutchinson Chamber Legislative Forum for the 2022 legislative session is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum.&nbsp; 

Reno County legislators invited to participate are Senator Mark Steffen, Representative Joe Seiwert, Representative Paul Waggoner, Representative Jason Probst, and Representative Michael Murphy.&nbsp; 

This event will also be live-streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__hutchchamber.us17.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3D6d4ffe867887a2ca721da636b-26id-3D20d5664173-26e-3Da9bf7dc0b4&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=s0u0dncwKXplwaWKRKc-6-yp_PTxIVvR4iUmQmXmCtg&amp;m=-jhdUaAG8eJY4OeQJ8erdgwGb2Y0CPPYi-CBi1Drhsg&amp;s=ZRmtRCBTfXOem0IZ0tqeo0OGqNBq0GqO_4fekL9i1is&amp;e=" target="_blank">Hutch Chamber Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Written questions will be accepted that morning.&nbsp;

Questions may also be submitted in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__hutchchamber.us17.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3D6d4ffe867887a2ca721da636b-26id-3D15d9744ad9-26e-3Da9bf7dc0b4&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=s0u0dncwKXplwaWKRKc-6-yp_PTxIVvR4iUmQmXmCtg&amp;m=-jhdUaAG8eJY4OeQJ8erdgwGb2Y0CPPYi-CBi1Drhsg&amp;s=a7aHKJkux1q3xEyYFfqnfMfF6yQb82xC37zgTv1u0yk&amp;e=" target="_blank">hutchchamber.com/advocacy/legislativeforum</a>.&nbsp;

The forum is presented by AT&amp;T with supporting sponsorship from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and organized by the Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee. The legislature reconvenes for veto session April 25.

There is no cost to attend the legislative forums.&nbsp; Members of the Chamber and the general public are encouraged to attend.

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The final Hutchinson Chamber Legislative Forum for the 2022 legislative session is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College Shears Technology Center, 1300 N. Plum.&nbsp; Reno County legislators invited to participate are Senator Mark Steffen, Representative Joe Seiwert, Representative Paul Waggoner, Representative Jason Probst, and Representative Michael Murphy.&nbsp; This event will also be live-streamed on the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__hutchchamber.us17.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3D6d4ffe867887a2ca721da636b-26id-3D20d5664173-26e-3Da9bf7dc0b4&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=s0u0dncwKXplwaWKRKc-6-yp_PTxIVvR4iUmQmXmCtg&amp;m=-jhdUaAG8eJY4OeQJ8erdgwGb2Y0CPPYi-CBi1Drhsg&amp;s=ZRmtRCBTfXOem0IZ0tqeo0OGqNBq0GqO_4fekL9i1is&amp;e=" target="_blank">Hutch Chamber Facebook page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Written questions will be accepted that morning.&nbsp; Questions may also be submitted in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__hutchchamber.us17.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3D6d4ffe867887a2ca721da636b-26id-3D15d9744ad9-26e-3Da9bf7dc0b4&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=s0u0dncwKXplwaWKRKc-6-yp_PTxIVvR4iUmQmXmCtg&amp;m=-jhdUaAG8eJY4OeQJ8erdgwGb2Y0CPPYi-CBi1Drhsg&amp;s=a7aHKJkux1q3xEyYFfqnfMfF6yQb82xC37zgTv1u0yk&amp;e=" target="_blank">hutchchamber.com/advocacy/legislativeforum</a>.&nbsp;The forum is presented by AT&amp;T with supporting sponsorship from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System and organized by the Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee. The legislature reconvenes for veto session April 25.There is no cost to attend the legislative forums.&nbsp; Members of the Chamber and the general public are encouraged to attend.

Opportunity to hear from legislators coming up April 23


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
On Saturday, April 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. you can come to adopt a dog or cat from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. 

You can meet with the animals and donations will be accepted, or you can come buy homemade dog toys and treats, sponsored by HutchCC Collegiate 4-H. 

On April 23 only, adult dogs are $75, a puppy is $100, an adult cat is $25, and a kitten is $50.&nbsp; 

When you adopt, all pets come with vaccines good for one year, one-month flea and tick treatment, microchip, spay/neuter, deworming, and a sample bag of food.&nbsp;

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
On Saturday, April 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. you can come to adopt a dog or cat from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. You can meet with the animals and donations will be accepted, or you can come buy homemade dog toys and treats, sponsored by HutchCC Collegiate 4-H. On April 23 only, adult dogs are $75, a puppy is $100, an adult cat is $25, and a kitten is $50.&nbsp; When you adopt, all pets come with vaccines good for one year, one-month flea and tick treatment, microchip, spay/neuter, deworming, and a sample bag of food.&nbsp;

Animal Shelter to hold adoption event April 23

Hutchinson, Kan. —&nbsp;Online voting is now open for&nbsp;Kansas State Fair’s new battle of the bands event, “Rock the Fair.”

Each person is allowed to vote ONCE on the Kansas State Fair website, between now and April 24th. More than 30 bands of all different genres and locales are vying for the opportunity to play live at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;

The top ten bands, selected through online voting and a judges’ panel, will perform in a semi-final round on Saturday, June 25th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the Fair Food and Tunes event. After judging and scoring in the semi-final round, the top 5 bands will face off on Friday, September 9th during the fair at the&nbsp;Nex-Tech Grandstand.

Prizes will be awarded to the top bands as follows:

Listen to original songs by each band, and vote by April 24th, at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.ss.ksf.ks.gov/ls/click?upn=IbAsoE20Oc2eSLwJ9NMhnk3z4iwkkBsjegsGzCHTDL9gXsLTTz-2Fi9aFWzYpA7qtaEzbdVZLs-2BjOVy2SbQrG4Qyo7-2BZf0afwXhIKCJ16bsqky6-2BNyBDjO9JAcX3CNzdw4-2FwxB8Cs-2FIRZUHC4uZ3Bc85A09FTYl8gSBljqBOnIzcwrUTPG9fbEgio75CUv7MxH-2BY5lv0t713KekZ9oddyNl75Dx1aLVoyVvEWomueNXe2jcp-2FxQyZytw6ipEUKAFpLJgqsOh2yzDZbQlTelr-2BasnRLeQtLlXUfXb9B7javAHg-3DDBCn_yPHO9QXdNIxdM9mbgNXecv4bQh5Jp05NLpocWM0XFWTOr0xzGajoDbuUW9Yxku7XQPIVxdg2U6LYNmPqz0G-2ByrPp9tPRZO6gXm8MIkIO4dF42JAshTx07-2FvyLQM-2F2JUZc6goUOY7OJIUma8JTYUZQeHo-2FFgStYM3rC1-2BWglp2l9JqoJJsO-2F2JRf1CBwr9sNYhvevV25-2BQRkudB0AiC0Zd-2BqrJ4xkPjnyBuMIJ82XQsCQj6VU0ribTdXuz5sfy72Bf4xdptrJxWIc5toI5QxL3vYt5B56ig3vb8UK-2BAl3yFjPU2yRSxUHZ1RklwwPgB4iHsFYxbKyDhf9FVwlStH7g7kE7y-2F19-2BvIjX1pf3J-2Ff5Nr2qhqjbHrkcafA3ibDhs0hPmArgZiOZid1Pao3xpoq6zqEVdKvTlRGXPsRLcebMM3pPd0THkiqJJnbNijfqMN-2F-2FNmMt67ZTyI4WgWWEXz7g-3D-3D" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com/p/about/rock-the-fair-battle-of-the-bands-voting1</a>.

The 2022 Kansas State Fair will be September 9-18 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Proudly the largest gathering of Kansans each year, the Fair celebrates all the things beloved about the state: agriculture, education, entertainment, and more. For more information, and to learn about 2022 Fair offerings, visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586266027570.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson, Kan. —&nbsp;Online voting is now open for&nbsp;Kansas State Fair’s new battle of the bands event, “Rock the Fair.”Each person is allowed to vote ONCE on the Kansas State Fair website, between now and April 24th. More than 30 bands of all different genres and locales are vying for the opportunity to play live at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.&nbsp;The top ten bands, selected through online voting and a judges’ panel, will perform in a semi-final round on Saturday, June 25th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds during the Fair Food and Tunes event. After judging and scoring in the semi-final round, the top 5 bands will face off on Friday, September 9th during the fair at the&nbsp;Nex-Tech Grandstand.Prizes will be awarded to the top bands as follows:First Place: $2,000Second Place: $1,000Third Place: $500Listen to original songs by each band, and vote by April 24th, at&nbsp;<a href="http://link.ss.ksf.ks.gov/ls/click?upn=IbAsoE20Oc2eSLwJ9NMhnk3z4iwkkBsjegsGzCHTDL9gXsLTTz-2Fi9aFWzYpA7qtaEzbdVZLs-2BjOVy2SbQrG4Qyo7-2BZf0afwXhIKCJ16bsqky6-2BNyBDjO9JAcX3CNzdw4-2FwxB8Cs-2FIRZUHC4uZ3Bc85A09FTYl8gSBljqBOnIzcwrUTPG9fbEgio75CUv7MxH-2BY5lv0t713KekZ9oddyNl75Dx1aLVoyVvEWomueNXe2jcp-2FxQyZytw6ipEUKAFpLJgqsOh2yzDZbQlTelr-2BasnRLeQtLlXUfXb9B7javAHg-3DDBCn_yPHO9QXdNIxdM9mbgNXecv4bQh5Jp05NLpocWM0XFWTOr0xzGajoDbuUW9Yxku7XQPIVxdg2U6LYNmPqz0G-2ByrPp9tPRZO6gXm8MIkIO4dF42JAshTx07-2FvyLQM-2F2JUZc6goUOY7OJIUma8JTYUZQeHo-2FFgStYM3rC1-2BWglp2l9JqoJJsO-2F2JRf1CBwr9sNYhvevV25-2BQRkudB0AiC0Zd-2BqrJ4xkPjnyBuMIJ82XQsCQj6VU0ribTdXuz5sfy72Bf4xdptrJxWIc5toI5QxL3vYt5B56ig3vb8UK-2BAl3yFjPU2yRSxUHZ1RklwwPgB4iHsFYxbKyDhf9FVwlStH7g7kE7y-2F19-2BvIjX1pf3J-2Ff5Nr2qhqjbHrkcafA3ibDhs0hPmArgZiOZid1Pao3xpoq6zqEVdKvTlRGXPsRLcebMM3pPd0THkiqJJnbNijfqMN-2F-2FNmMt67ZTyI4WgWWEXz7g-3D-3D" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com/p/about/rock-the-fair-battle-of-the-bands-voting1</a>. The 2022 Kansas State Fair will be September 9-18 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Proudly the largest gathering of Kansans each year, the Fair celebrates all the things beloved about the state: agriculture, education, entertainment, and more. For more information, and to learn about 2022 Fair offerings, visit <a href="http://KansasStateFair.com">KansasStateFair.com.</a>&nbsp;

New ‘Rock The Fair’ Battle of the Bands Event Voting Now LIVE

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The use and preservation of Memorial Hall has once again come into the discussion by the Hutchinson City Council. Last week, the council agreed to a letter of support on a grant application that will be used to fund a study of the little-used building and how it could become a better venue in the future.&nbsp;

“The council has set aside about $50,000 for this grant request,” planning Director Ryan Hvitlok said. “The great part about this is we already have the money tentatively set aside in the capital improvement plan.”&nbsp;

Hvitlok and the Landmark’s Commission have been working for about two years ever since the council decided to address the use of the building during the 2021 budget discussion. The city currently spends about $50,000 per year on upkeep for the building. This isn’t the first time the city has addressed the future of the building. It even survived a vote of the public on a proposal to raze the facility in 2007. One thing that was brought up last week was what might need to be done to the building to make it more useful. And as City Manager Jeff Cantrell said, it won't be cheap.

“I asked Ryan to bring this in front of the governing body instead of going the administrative route on it,'' Cantrell said. “While this study is very proactive and in keeping with the historic nature of the building, I can assure you this is not going to come back and be on your road map for saving money or reducing your mill or lessening your impact on revenue.”

One of the larger hurdles that would have to be overcome to make Memorial Hall more useful is installing air conditioning, which will challenge a city council that is trying to be conservative with the budget.

“Certainly air conditioning is going to come and be one of the biggest factors that limits the use of the building,” Cantrell said. “It’s about a million-five, a million-two just for the AC of that building.”

Cantrell cautioned the council on how it moves forward with this study.

“If you do this, and I’m not saying it's a bad idea to do it, but just let it come with the expectation that even with grant support this will be quite an expensive endeavor.”&nbsp;

The building also falls well short of ADA compliance, which has made renovation of the building costly. Still, Hvitlok says the study is needed so the council will have some direction it may want to take if it decides to fund any improvements.

“Once we have this plan, we will have a road map of what needs to be done and then we can actually look for additional sources of funding,” Hvitlok said. “We could possibly get historical tax credits, which can help offset that cost a little bit. And there are some additional ways, but really until we do a plan, it’s going to be difficult for us to know.”&nbsp;

The study would also include input from city members and the city council as it progresses. No date was given for when that study could happen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649706813740.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The use and preservation of Memorial Hall has once again come into the discussion by the Hutchinson City Council. Last week, the council agreed to a letter of support on a grant application that will be used to fund a study of the little-used building and how it could become a better venue in the future.&nbsp;“The council has set aside about $50,000 for this grant request,” planning Director Ryan Hvitlok said. “The great part about this is we already have the money tentatively set aside in the capital improvement plan.”&nbsp;Hvitlok and the Landmark’s Commission have been working for about two years ever since the council decided to address the use of the building during the 2021 budget discussion. The city currently spends about $50,000 per year on upkeep for the building. This isn’t the first time the city has addressed the future of the building. It even survived a vote of the public on a proposal to raze the facility in 2007. One thing that was brought up last week was what might need to be done to the building to make it more useful. And as City Manager Jeff Cantrell said, it won't be cheap.“I asked Ryan to bring this in front of the governing body instead of going the administrative route on it,'' Cantrell said. “While this study is very proactive and in keeping with the historic nature of the building, I can assure you this is not going to come back and be on your road map for saving money or reducing your mill or lessening your impact on revenue.”One of the larger hurdles that would have to be overcome to make Memorial Hall more useful is installing air conditioning, which will challenge a city council that is trying to be conservative with the budget.“Certainly air conditioning is going to come and be one of the biggest factors that limits the use of the building,” Cantrell said. “It’s about a million-five, a million-two just for the AC of that building.”Cantrell cautioned the council on how it moves forward with this study.“If you do this, and I’m not saying it's a bad idea to do it, but just let it come with the expectation that even with grant support this will be quite an expensive endeavor.”&nbsp;The building also falls well short of ADA compliance, which has made renovation of the building costly. Still, Hvitlok says the study is needed so the council will have some direction it may want to take if it decides to fund any improvements.“Once we have this plan, we will have a road map of what needs to be done and then we can actually look for additional sources of funding,” Hvitlok said. “We could possibly get historical tax credits, which can help offset that cost a little bit. And there are some additional ways, but really until we do a plan, it’s going to be difficult for us to know.”&nbsp;The study would also include input from city members and the city council as it progresses. No date was given for when that study could happen.<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.

City looking over options for Memorial Hall once again

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School District announced Monday that Haven Grade School kindergarten teacher Cori Krol has been awarded the third quarter Impact Award.&nbsp;

Cori’s forward thinking and willingness to go above and beyond in her duties positively impacts the Haven school district, according to her nomination. It also stated that Krol willingly gives counsel to any staff member in need of motivation, ideas in addressing challenging behavior, and is a sounding board for ideas. Her positive relationships with staff, students, families, and communities make her a trusted voice that is utilized when mentoring, hiring, training, and guiding important initiatives.&nbsp;

Krol has served the district for the past 15 years. Cori is a 2002 Haven High graduate and continues to be an active community member and valued member of the USD 312 team.&nbsp;

Krol is a member of the Building Leadership Team and the PTO. She also serves on the district Education Foundation as a board member. She continues to serve as a mentor for new teachers and collaborates with her team to prepare and run kindergarten round-up each spring. She has also served in the after-school reading program and as a teacher for summer school.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649702538210.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven USD 312 School District announced Monday that Haven Grade School kindergarten teacher Cori Krol has been awarded the third quarter Impact Award.&nbsp;Cori’s forward thinking and willingness to go above and beyond in her duties positively impacts the Haven school district, according to her nomination. It also stated that Krol willingly gives counsel to any staff member in need of motivation, ideas in addressing challenging behavior, and is a sounding board for ideas. Her positive relationships with staff, students, families, and communities make her a trusted voice that is utilized when mentoring, hiring, training, and guiding important initiatives.&nbsp;Krol has served the district for the past 15 years. Cori is a 2002 Haven High graduate and continues to be an active community member and valued member of the USD 312 team.&nbsp;Krol is a member of the Building Leadership Team and the PTO. She also serves on the district Education Foundation as a board member. She continues to serve as a mentor for new teachers and collaborates with her team to prepare and run kindergarten round-up each spring. She has also served in the after-school reading program and as a teacher for summer school.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Krol named Haven USD 312 Impact Award winner

WICHITA —

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Extreme Grassland Fire Danger is forecast.

Winds will be from the southwest 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph, with relative humidity as low as 14%.

Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Also, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected in portions of central, south-central and southeast Kansas. 

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle and secure outdoor objects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649090535748.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649758085811.jpeg" alt="Brown-Wind Advisory, Pink-Red Flag Warning, Gold-High Wind Warning" />
 <figcaption>Brown-Wind Advisory, Pink-Red Flag Warning, Gold-High Wind Warning</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from Noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Extreme Grassland Fire Danger is forecast.Winds will be from the southwest 30 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70 mph, with relative humidity as low as 14%.Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and become very difficult to control. Outdoor burning is not recommended.A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.Also, a Wind Advisory remains in effect from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday.South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected in portions of central, south-central and southeast Kansas. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle and secure outdoor objects.

Red Flag Warning and Wind Advisory Tuesday afternoon and evening

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It could be another volatile day for Reno County and the surrounding area. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning starting at noon and running until 9 p.m. on Tuesday as the Grassland Fire Danger Index is expected to reach catastrophic levels.&nbsp;

Wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, with dry conditions, warm temperatures, and low humidity, will cause any fire that develops to spread rapidly. Open burning and agricultural burns are prohibited. Most of the recent fires were started by rekindled brush piles that were unattended. It is extremely important that anyone who has conducted a controlled burn over the last several days ensure that it is completely extinguished.&nbsp;

Strong winds can reignite brush piles for several weeks after initial burning. Stirring the pile ensures that hot ashes circulate and burn the fuel faster. Please be cautious of anything that could cause a spark. Properly dispose of cigarettes. If you see any smoke on Tuesday, please call 911 immediately and provide a location if possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649460859169.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It could be another volatile day for Reno County and the surrounding area. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning starting at noon and running until 9 p.m. on Tuesday as the Grassland Fire Danger Index is expected to reach catastrophic levels.&nbsp;Wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour, with dry conditions, warm temperatures, and low humidity, will cause any fire that develops to spread rapidly. Open burning and agricultural burns are prohibited. Most of the recent fires were started by rekindled brush piles that were unattended. It is extremely important that anyone who has conducted a controlled burn over the last several days ensure that it is completely extinguished.&nbsp;Strong winds can reignite brush piles for several weeks after initial burning. Stirring the pile ensures that hot ashes circulate and burn the fuel faster. Please be cautious of anything that could cause a spark. Properly dispose of cigarettes. If you see any smoke on Tuesday, please call 911 immediately and provide a location if possible.<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.

Wildland fire danger could hit catastrophic levels Tuesday


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An accident Monday afternoon briefly slowed traffic on K-61 at 11th in Hutchinson. 

The accident was called in at 4:11 p.m. and northbound K-61 traffic was being diverted as of just before 4:30 p.m.

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
An accident Monday afternoon briefly slowed traffic on K-61 at 11th in Hutchinson. The accident was called in at 4:11 p.m. and northbound K-61 traffic was being diverted as of just before 4:30 p.m.No injuries have been reported.

Accident slowing traffic at 11th and K-61

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department held its 14th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday.

This is an opportunity to recognize the firefighters in Hutchinson for their service. The awards were given out for the past two years after last year's event was canceled.

The Rookies of the Year awards went to Kenzie Stroh-Wolf and Cole Inghram. EMT of the Year awards went to Calen Dunn and Michael Sooter.&nbsp;

Also handed out was the Firefighter of the Year, which was presented to Jake Gehring and Martin Swiggart. The Officer of the Year went to Capt. Chad Allen and Capt. Aaron Walton.

The Fire Chiefs Awards went to Battalion Chief Rex Albright, Capt. Ryan Winters and Capt. Justin Williams.

In addition, members were recognized for being members of specialty teams that included technical rescue, hazardous materials, tactical emergency medical services and fire investigators. Numerous company citations and awards were handed out for those efforts.

Also Saturday night, Hutchinson Human Resources Director Tom Sanders, Finance Director Angela Richard and Joseph Griffin from the IT Department were recognized for their efforts in helping the department with its accreditation process.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fire Department held its 14th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday.This is an opportunity to recognize the firefighters in Hutchinson for their service. The awards were given out for the past two years after last year's event was canceled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709816369.jpeg" alt="Capt. Aaron Walton was awarded Officer of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Capt. Aaron Walton was awarded Officer of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rookies of the Year awards went to Kenzie Stroh-Wolf and Cole Inghram. EMT of the Year awards went to Calen Dunn and Michael Sooter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709833834.jpeg" alt="Calen Dunn (left) was awarded EMT of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Calen Dunn (left) was awarded EMT of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Also handed out was the Firefighter of the Year, which was presented to Jake Gehring and Martin Swiggart. The Officer of the Year went to Capt. Chad Allen and Capt. Aaron Walton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709846826.jpeg" alt="Capt. Chad Allen won the Officer of the Year award." />
 <figcaption>Capt. Chad Allen won the Officer of the Year award.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Fire Chiefs Awards went to Battalion Chief Rex Albright, Capt. Ryan Winters and Capt. Justin Williams.In addition, members were recognized for being members of specialty teams that included technical rescue, hazardous materials, tactical emergency medical services and fire investigators. Numerous company citations and awards were handed out for those efforts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709861569.jpeg" alt="Kenzie Stroh-Wolf accepts the award for Rookie of the Year." />
 <figcaption>Kenzie Stroh-Wolf accepts the award for Rookie of the Year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Also Saturday night, Hutchinson Human Resources Director Tom Sanders, Finance Director Angela Richard and Joseph Griffin from the IT Department were recognized for their efforts in helping the department with its accreditation process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709882257.jpeg" alt="Martin Swiggart was awarded the Firefighter of the Year award." />
 <figcaption>Martin Swiggart was awarded the Firefighter of the Year award.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709896928.jpeg" alt="Battalion Chief Rex Albright won the Fire Chiefs Award." />
 <figcaption>Battalion Chief Rex Albright won the Fire Chiefs Award.</figcaption>
 </figure><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.

HFD hosts annual awards banquet

Correction: A previous version of this story used references to Tuesday. Sen. Moran was in Reno County on Monday, April 11. Hutch Post regrets the error.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in Hutchinson Monday to talk to firefighters that had worked the Cottonwood Complex fire at the Fire Training Center. Moran had ridden through part of the burned area with Reno County Commission chair Daniel Friesen after visiting Buhler High School Monday afternoon.

"One of the major reasons I asked to come visit the Chief and his team today is because, while the financial reward may not be sufficient, they need to at least know how appreciated they are," Moran said. "When I'm here today to say thank you, it's on behalf of Kansans, on behalf of certainly the citizens of Reno County. People need to know they are appreciated, if they're going to be able to get up the next morning and go back to work."

Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer told Moran that the department had some trouble getting grant funding in previous cycles from the federal level, even though they applied together with the Kansas Forest Service. Moran was going to see how his office could help in that regard, but Beer was pleased to get a chance to talk to him about it.

"We're grateful anytime we can get assistance, whether it's at the local, state or federal level when we write these grants," Beer said. "Obviously, this year has been challenging, with the losses that we've had in and around Reno County and around Hutchinson. Hopefully, our grants will have an open ear at that level."

Beer also talked to Moran about how important cedar mitigation is from a fire prevention perspective, Moran also noted that keeping cedars out is a large need for agriculture.

"We have lots of reasons that we need to get rid of the cedar tree," Moran said. "A lot of it has to do with our natural resources and agriculture. Those trees devour water. They change the stream beds of Kansas. They dry up our creeks and rivers and we've been in an effort to get the USDA, its rural aspect, to respond to a problem that exists. The cedar, it's so invasive. We need landowners to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and others to make certain that what resources are available are put to use getting rid of those cedars."

Beer said that even in the areas that have burned already, there is still some danger when winds will be as strong as they are forecast to be Tuesday.

"We do have a little bit of green growth under there, but we just haven't had the timely rains," Beer said. "One day it's cold, almost freezing the other night and now we're going to be 85 tomorrow is what I heard and 60 mile an hour winds, so again, it's just a recipe for disaster with all that dry vegetation that's still on top of anything that's green that has grown."

Beer's large concern is that there are some folks that were doing controlled burning and it's important to note that more than one of the previous fires in the county this year have grown from areas where controlled burns were not put out properly.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649709066186.jpeg" alt="Jerry Moran and Hutchinson firefighters-Photo by Nick Gosnell" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Moran and Hutchinson firefighters-Photo by Nick Gosnell</figcaption>
 </figure>Correction: A previous version of this story used references to Tuesday. Sen. Moran was in Reno County on Monday, April 11. Hutch Post regrets the error.
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran was in Hutchinson Monday to talk to firefighters that had worked the Cottonwood Complex fire at the Fire Training Center. Moran had ridden through part of the burned area with Reno County Commission chair Daniel Friesen after visiting Buhler High School Monday afternoon."One of the major reasons I asked to come visit the Chief and his team today is because, while the financial reward may not be sufficient, they need to at least know how appreciated they are," Moran said. "When I'm here today to say thank you, it's on behalf of Kansans, on behalf of certainly the citizens of Reno County. People need to know they are appreciated, if they're going to be able to get up the next morning and go back to work."Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer told Moran that the department had some trouble getting grant funding in previous cycles from the federal level, even though they applied together with the Kansas Forest Service. Moran was going to see how his office could help in that regard, but Beer was pleased to get a chance to talk to him about it."We're grateful anytime we can get assistance, whether it's at the local, state or federal level when we write these grants," Beer said. "Obviously, this year has been challenging, with the losses that we've had in and around Reno County and around Hutchinson. Hopefully, our grants will have an open ear at that level."Beer also talked to Moran about how important cedar mitigation is from a fire prevention perspective, Moran also noted that keeping cedars out is a large need for agriculture."We have lots of reasons that we need to get rid of the cedar tree," Moran said. "A lot of it has to do with our natural resources and agriculture. Those trees devour water. They change the stream beds of Kansas. They dry up our creeks and rivers and we've been in an effort to get the USDA, its rural aspect, to respond to a problem that exists. The cedar, it's so invasive. We need landowners to work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and others to make certain that what resources are available are put to use getting rid of those cedars."Beer said that even in the areas that have burned already, there is still some danger when winds will be as strong as they are forecast to be Tuesday."We do have a little bit of green growth under there, but we just haven't had the timely rains," Beer said. "One day it's cold, almost freezing the other night and now we're going to be 85 tomorrow is what I heard and 60 mile an hour winds, so again, it's just a recipe for disaster with all that dry vegetation that's still on top of anything that's green that has grown."Beer's large concern is that there are some folks that were doing controlled burning and it's important to note that more than one of the previous fires in the county this year have grown from areas where controlled burns were not put out properly.

Moran visits with chief, firefighters in Hutchinson

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture says it has identified avian flu in a commercial turkey flock in McPherson County. This is the first case of avian flu in a commercial flock in Kansas. To this point, there have been four backyard flocks in Kansas that have had confirmed cases.

KDA is working closely with the USDA on a joint incident response at the affected premises. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the turkey farm increased its biosecurity in early March and increased the monitoring of its flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of the illness in the birds, the farm immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.

In addition, KDA will be establishing a 20 km surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA.

<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/2020/11/1605208576931.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture says it has identified avian flu in a commercial turkey flock in McPherson County. This is the first case of avian flu in a commercial flock in Kansas. To this point, there have been four backyard flocks in Kansas that have had confirmed cases.KDA is working closely with the USDA on a joint incident response at the affected premises. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the turkey farm increased its biosecurity in early March and increased the monitoring of its flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of the illness in the birds, the farm immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.In addition, KDA will be establishing a 20 km surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA.<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;

Avian flu found at McPherson Co. turkey farm

TOPEKA — A Reno County school district has recently been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service for its outstanding summer meal program.

The Turnip the Beet award recognizes sponsors within the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option that go above and beyond program requirements to serve high-quality meals to children during the summer months.

For the 2021 summer, 84 sponsors from across the United States qualified for either a gold, silver or bronze Turnip the Beet award. Haven Unified School District 312 received gold.&nbsp;

Sponsors can self-nominate or can be nominated by another party. USDA’s Food and Nutrition then evaluates and scores the nominations. Nominations must clearly illustrate how the meals are appetizing, appealing and nutritious.

To kick off the SFSP and to celebrate the Farm to Table program at Haven USD 312, the district in May hosts a community-wide event that focuses on all the local farm fresh items served within the district, said Sheree Jones, food service director for Haven. The event draws about 600 people.

“Our high school FFA and ag groups provided hands-on educational booths that included live animals, farm equipment to teach farm safety, and a planting station where the kids learned about how food grows from seed to harvest. There were hay wagon rides, and the physical education teacher had over 10 activity booths that included a maze, four-square volleyball and an obstacle course. The highlight of the day was a barbecue featuring local beef burgers cooked by our local police, fire and paramedics.”

Even during the kick-off event, the district featured locally produced items, including whole grain hamburger buns made by a local baker and fresh lettuce and tomatoes grown in the district’s greenhouse. Ice cold 1 percent milk from the local Hiland dairy was served, and Rolling Moo – a local ice cream store – rolled up real local milk treats to round out the meal.

For the SFSP, Haven serves in four different locations – Partridge and Yoder in Reno County; Mount Hope in Sedgwick County; and Haven Grade School in Reno. Six nutrition staff members serve during the summer – seven during the school year.

Last summer, the district served 300 grab-and-go breakfasts and 300 grab-and-go lunches each day, Jones said.

The district’s nutrition services department relies a lot on local produce.

“In this day and time, it’s getting harder and harder to get even the basics,” Jones said. “We can ease the burden of supply chains if people realize they can go local. These are our families. It comes full circle. The school supports the farmers, and the farmers support the school.

A few years ago, the district received a sizeable grant to add a greenhouse, according to Jones. About three years ago, staff members and students began growing leaf lettuce for the high school kitchen.

“Since then, the cooks have gotten more involved,” Jones said. “We’re learning right along with the kids. The outcome is incredible.”

This year, staff members planted broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, leaf lettuce and spinach.

Receiving a gold award for the work she and her staff puts in is incredible,” Jones said.

“We couldn’t believe it,” she said. “The staff is so dedicated. To be chosen as a gold medal school is beyond belief. It’s what we do – we take care of our kids. They are our most important asset.”

Only 14 sponsors qualified for a gold award, according to the USDA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — A Reno County school district has recently been recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service for its outstanding summer meal program.The Turnip the Beet award recognizes sponsors within the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option that go above and beyond program requirements to serve high-quality meals to children during the summer months.For the 2021 summer, 84 sponsors from across the United States qualified for either a gold, silver or bronze Turnip the Beet award. Haven Unified School District 312 received gold.&nbsp;Sponsors can self-nominate or can be nominated by another party. USDA’s Food and Nutrition then evaluates and scores the nominations. Nominations must clearly illustrate how the meals are appetizing, appealing and nutritious.Haven USD 312To kick off the SFSP and to celebrate the Farm to Table program at Haven USD 312, the district in May hosts a community-wide event that focuses on all the local farm fresh items served within the district, said Sheree Jones, food service director for Haven. The event draws about 600 people.“Our high school FFA and ag groups provided hands-on educational booths that included live animals, farm equipment to teach farm safety, and a planting station where the kids learned about how food grows from seed to harvest. There were hay wagon rides, and the physical education teacher had over 10 activity booths that included a maze, four-square volleyball and an obstacle course. The highlight of the day was a barbecue featuring local beef burgers cooked by our local police, fire and paramedics.”Even during the kick-off event, the district featured locally produced items, including whole grain hamburger buns made by a local baker and fresh lettuce and tomatoes grown in the district’s greenhouse. Ice cold 1 percent milk from the local Hiland dairy was served, and Rolling Moo – a local ice cream store – rolled up real local milk treats to round out the meal.For the SFSP, Haven serves in four different locations – Partridge and Yoder in Reno County; Mount Hope in Sedgwick County; and Haven Grade School in Reno. Six nutrition staff members serve during the summer – seven during the school year.Last summer, the district served 300 grab-and-go breakfasts and 300 grab-and-go lunches each day, Jones said.The district’s nutrition services department relies a lot on local produce.“In this day and time, it’s getting harder and harder to get even the basics,” Jones said. “We can ease the burden of supply chains if people realize they can go local. These are our families. It comes full circle. The school supports the farmers, and the farmers support the school.A few years ago, the district received a sizeable grant to add a greenhouse, according to Jones. About three years ago, staff members and students began growing leaf lettuce for the high school kitchen.“Since then, the cooks have gotten more involved,” Jones said. “We’re learning right along with the kids. The outcome is incredible.”This year, staff members planted broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, leaf lettuce and spinach.Receiving a gold award for the work she and her staff puts in is incredible,” Jones said.“We couldn’t believe it,” she said. “The staff is so dedicated. To be chosen as a gold medal school is beyond belief. It’s what we do – we take care of our kids. They are our most important asset.”Only 14 sponsors qualified for a gold award, according to the USDA.

Haven USD 312 wins USDA award for summer meal program

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
This week is Work Zone Awareness Week and Kansas Department of Transportation Area Superintendent for Reno, Harvey and Butler counties Tom McCartney is asking the driving public to pay attention any time they see a KDOT vehicle.

"Be aware of your surroundings," McCartney said. "Try to prepare when you're going into a work zone. Get away from the distractions, the cell phone, the radio, eating and drinking in the car, anything that's going to distract them from what's going on, especially coming into a work zone. There is limited space. There's usually a lot of things going on, a lot of equipment. People sometimes appear from a piece of equipment out. They might be a little farther out than people think in that work zone, so people need to concentrate and focus on everything that's happening when they get into a work zone. It's very important for the safety of everyone involved."

McCartney related a previous accident where a KDOT worker was hurt in a work zone.

"We had a supervisor get hit,it's probably been five years ago, on the interstate," McCartney said. "It was just a freak deal. He stepped out to mark a hole that we were going to patch on the interstate and a  van, in one split second, hit him and threw him into his vehicle. Thankfully, he survived, but he had significant injuries."

KDOT crews are on just a few projects right now, but that number will continue to grow as we get into the summer months.

"We have probably, I would say, five projects going on right now," McCartney said. "It will build more as we get into the summer months and that's construction projects, we're going to start mowing soon, we'll start spraying soon. We patch continuously, it seems like, so we've always got people out."

The state has a move over law in place and fines also increase in work zones in case of traffic violations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649691436174.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
This week is Work Zone Awareness Week and Kansas Department of Transportation Area Superintendent for Reno, Harvey and Butler counties Tom McCartney is asking the driving public to pay attention any time they see a KDOT vehicle."Be aware of your surroundings," McCartney said. "Try to prepare when you're going into a work zone. Get away from the distractions, the cell phone, the radio, eating and drinking in the car, anything that's going to distract them from what's going on, especially coming into a work zone. There is limited space. There's usually a lot of things going on, a lot of equipment. People sometimes appear from a piece of equipment out. They might be a little farther out than people think in that work zone, so people need to concentrate and focus on everything that's happening when they get into a work zone. It's very important for the safety of everyone involved."McCartney related a previous accident where a KDOT worker was hurt in a work zone."We had a supervisor get hit,it's probably been five years ago, on the interstate," McCartney said. "It was just a freak deal. He stepped out to mark a hole that we were going to patch on the interstate and a van, in one split second, hit him and threw him into his vehicle. Thankfully, he survived, but he had significant injuries."KDOT crews are on just a few projects right now, but that number will continue to grow as we get into the summer months."We have probably, I would say, five projects going on right now," McCartney said. "It will build more as we get into the summer months and that's construction projects, we're going to start mowing soon, we'll start spraying soon. We patch continuously, it seems like, so we've always got people out."The state has a move over law in place and fines also increase in work zones in case of traffic violations.

KDOT local superintendent: Avoid distractions in work zones

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The exact numbers won't be known for a few days but it appears that the Mennonite Relief Sale held over the weekend in Hutchinson was a success.&nbsp;

According to Jim Robb, the event will take in around $600,000 which is higher than in previous years. Robb said the general auction took in about $237,000, the quilt auction about $85,000 and the quilters corner another $27,000. The 5K fun run Saturday morning netted another $29,000 and the feeding of the multitude took in $46,000. The full total of all donations and other items will be released soon.

The sale is sponsored by Kansas Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish congregations and raises funds for the Mennonite Central Committee, a world relief organization. 

<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/2022/4/1649689474634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The exact numbers won't be known for a few days but it appears that the Mennonite Relief Sale held over the weekend in Hutchinson was a success.&nbsp;According to Jim Robb, the event will take in around $600,000 which is higher than in previous years. Robb said the general auction took in about $237,000, the quilt auction about $85,000 and the quilters corner another $27,000. The 5K fun run Saturday morning netted another $29,000 and the feeding of the multitude took in $46,000. The full total of all donations and other items will be released soon.The sale is sponsored by Kansas Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish congregations and raises funds for the Mennonite Central Committee, a world relief organization. <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;

MCC sale another success

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will hear their first budget presentations for the 2023 fiscal year when they meet on Tuesday. 

Presentations will be made from the Extension Service, Reno County Drug Court, 4-H and from Economic Development. County Administrator Randy Partington says it might be a little early to say where the county numbers are right now, but so far it looks good.

“It’s a little difficult right now because of inflation and the costs of products,” Partington said. “I know there are some outside agencies that are going to be asking for an increase in funds because of that.”

Partington says that good carryover balances from the previous year and strong valuations for property in the county will help with next year's numbers although those final numbers won't be known for a while.

"Valuations are likely going up, cash balances for the county are higher than the previous year. We’re in good shape right now," Partington said. “Until we see all of the requests from the departments and outside agencies come in, and kind of prioritize those requests, it’s hard to guess where we’re going to be, but I think we’re in a pretty good position.”

One area that is unknown for the budget is where the price of petroleum will be. High oil prices affect asphalt and work material costs, as well as costs for fuel.

“It’s just guessing. Do we budget for $4 a gallon for the future, not knowing what’s going to happen in the next few months or the next year?” Partington said. “Or do we budget back to two and a half or three dollars and have things get better?"

Partington says those numbers will be on the high side just to be sure. Another area where the budget will be increased is in wages and benefits after the county commission approved general pay raises.

“There’s going to be less cash carryover in the general fund to cover that added cost," Partington said.&nbsp; "Again, with revenues coming in higher, with last year's sales tax especially, we’re still in good shape to be able to afford the pay raises the county commission approved this year.”

Partington says that insurance costs should be held in check again this year and he did not foresee any major increases in the budget there.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649692675990.jpeg" alt="RenoCountyCommission2022.JPG" />
 <figcaption>RenoCountyCommission2022.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will hear their first budget presentations for the 2023 fiscal year when they meet on Tuesday. Presentations will be made from the Extension Service, Reno County Drug Court, 4-H and from Economic Development. County Administrator Randy Partington says it might be a little early to say where the county numbers are right now, but so far it looks good.“It’s a little difficult right now because of inflation and the costs of products,” Partington said. “I know there are some outside agencies that are going to be asking for an increase in funds because of that.”Partington says that good carryover balances from the previous year and strong valuations for property in the county will help with next year's numbers although those final numbers won't be known for a while."Valuations are likely going up, cash balances for the county are higher than the previous year. We’re in good shape right now," Partington said. “Until we see all of the requests from the departments and outside agencies come in, and kind of prioritize those requests, it’s hard to guess where we’re going to be, but I think we’re in a pretty good position.”One area that is unknown for the budget is where the price of petroleum will be. High oil prices affect asphalt and work material costs, as well as costs for fuel.“It’s just guessing. Do we budget for $4 a gallon for the future, not knowing what’s going to happen in the next few months or the next year?” Partington said. “Or do we budget back to two and a half or three dollars and have things get better?"Partington says those numbers will be on the high side just to be sure. Another area where the budget will be increased is in wages and benefits after the county commission approved general pay raises.“There’s going to be less cash carryover in the general fund to cover that added cost," Partington said.&nbsp; "Again, with revenues coming in higher, with last year's sales tax especially, we’re still in good shape to be able to afford the pay raises the county commission approved this year.”Partington says that insurance costs should be held in check again this year and he did not foresee any major increases in the budget there.<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;

Reno County commission to get first look at 2023 budget Tuesday

Water, it is the most important resource we have, not just in agriculture but humanity as a whole. It is an extraordinarily complex and difficult issue. This year the legislature proposed a massive water bill and while I will not get into the details of it, it did emphasize that water is an issue we will have to deal with in short order.

Water issues in Kansas are many and varied. In general, if you are from western Kansas, it is about quantity and aquifers. If you reside in eastern Kansas you are dealing with sedimentation, harmful algae blooms and flooding. There are many more issues, but you get the idea, water issues are diversified, complex and they are critical to all of us. Will we have enough water? Where will it come from? Will it be safe? Are all questions we need to wrestle with.

Kansas Farm Bureau has extensive policy when it comes to water and water rights. We have developed those policies through the years, and they have come from our grassroots. Just like all policy we need to make sure that our water policy reflects our current situation and accurately gives us direction. In short, we need to take a deep look at our policy.

It’s no secret that other organizations are getting involved in the debate about water at the state and national levels. Some of these groups have different viewpoints and objectives than we do at Kansas Farm Bureau. We need to have a presence and be at the table when water is discussed. That means we need to have clear, concise and solid water policy. That is where you, Kansas Farm Bureau members, come in.

We will be taking a deeper dive into our water policy in the near future to make sure it is relevant and fits your needs. Please watch for announcements of what the process will look like and be ready to do some hard work. This process will require us all to do our homework and learn more about water in Kansas. We need to understand the complexity of the issues and how they affect agriculture and society in general. This is not going to be an easy process, and it will require all of us to come together to help provide possible solutions.

This is an issue that affects all of us, and it is the biggest problem we have ever tackled, that is why we need everyone. If you are not a Kansas Farm Bureau member, I encourage you to go to your county office and join. We all need to be at the table for this one. We might look at our policy and decide it is just fine, but my guess is that we will see things that need to be changed.

The one thing I do know is that our grassroots’ developed policy is some of the strongest out there and if we all put our heads together, we can produce a good solution. There will be more information to come in the near future, please be ready to join in and add your ideas to this important issue.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Water, it is the most important resource we have, not just in agriculture but humanity as a whole. It is an extraordinarily complex and difficult issue. This year the legislature proposed a massive water bill and while I will not get into the details of it, it did emphasize that water is an issue we will have to deal with in short order.Water issues in Kansas are many and varied. In general, if you are from western Kansas, it is about quantity and aquifers. If you reside in eastern Kansas you are dealing with sedimentation, harmful algae blooms and flooding. There are many more issues, but you get the idea, water issues are diversified, complex and they are critical to all of us. Will we have enough water? Where will it come from? Will it be safe? Are all questions we need to wrestle with.Kansas Farm Bureau has extensive policy when it comes to water and water rights. We have developed those policies through the years, and they have come from our grassroots. Just like all policy we need to make sure that our water policy reflects our current situation and accurately gives us direction. In short, we need to take a deep look at our policy.It’s no secret that other organizations are getting involved in the debate about water at the state and national levels. Some of these groups have different viewpoints and objectives than we do at Kansas Farm Bureau. We need to have a presence and be at the table when water is discussed. That means we need to have clear, concise and solid water policy. That is where you, Kansas Farm Bureau members, come in.We will be taking a deeper dive into our water policy in the near future to make sure it is relevant and fits your needs. Please watch for announcements of what the process will look like and be ready to do some hard work. This process will require us all to do our homework and learn more about water in Kansas. We need to understand the complexity of the issues and how they affect agriculture and society in general. This is not going to be an easy process, and it will require all of us to come together to help provide possible solutions.This is an issue that affects all of us, and it is the biggest problem we have ever tackled, that is why we need everyone. If you are not a Kansas Farm Bureau member, I encourage you to go to your county office and join. We all need to be at the table for this one. We might look at our policy and decide it is just fine, but my guess is that we will see things that need to be changed.The one thing I do know is that our grassroots’ developed policy is some of the strongest out there and if we all put our heads together, we can produce a good solution. There will be more information to come in the near future, please be ready to join in and add your ideas to this important issue."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service. Copyright © 2022 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Wading Into Water

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Family Community Theatre is presenting its latest production, The Island of Dr. Libris, beginning April 21.

"Just imagine that if you read a book and you have a great imagination, the characters do come alive for you," said director Craig Williams. "If you have been reading about Hercules and Antaeus, they come alive. You hear them speak, you hear them wrestle in the garden of Hesperides, you get to see that and you experience that. If you've been reading something else, those characters also come alive so they can intertwine."

The show premiered at the Knoxville Children's Theatre in 2012 and opened on Broadway in 2013. The production is based on the novel by Chris Grabenstein.

"We also throw in a scientist who is really intent on making money off of this young man's vivid imagination," Williams said. "He's the one who is controlling all of this, helping to enhance the young man's imagination and bringing all of this together."

Grabenstein's script, with the assistance of Ronny Venable, shows that sometimes the real story starts after you close the book.

"The cast runs from ten to much, much older," Williams said. "The two leads that are on stage a lot, one is a sixth grader and one is a fifth grader."

The performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store and online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649686978713.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Family Community Theatre is presenting its latest production, The Island of Dr. Libris, beginning April 21."Just imagine that if you read a book and you have a great imagination, the characters do come alive for you," said director Craig Williams. "If you have been reading about Hercules and Antaeus, they come alive. You hear them speak, you hear them wrestle in the garden of Hesperides, you get to see that and you experience that. If you've been reading something else, those characters also come alive so they can intertwine."The show premiered at the Knoxville Children's Theatre in 2012 and opened on Broadway in 2013. The production is based on the novel by Chris Grabenstein."We also throw in a scientist who is really intent on making money off of this young man's vivid imagination," Williams said. "He's the one who is controlling all of this, helping to enhance the young man's imagination and bringing all of this together."Grabenstein's script, with the assistance of Ronny Venable, shows that sometimes the real story starts after you close the book."The cast runs from ten to much, much older," Williams said. "The two leads that are on stage a lot, one is a sixth grader and one is a fifth grader."The performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at Absolutely Home, Bookends Book Store and online at <a href="http://familycommunitytheatre.org">familycommunitytheatre.org</a>.

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