HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Forced to reduce operations on its long distance routes, ridership aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief fell sharply in the month of January.

After averaging better than 18,000 riders each of the first three months of the fiscal year the number of passengers on the “Chief” fell to just 12,500. Winter is usually the slower time for Amtrak’s long distance trains, and hope is that the numbers will recover in the spring.&nbsp;

Amtrak reduced the days the “Chief” runs to five days per week in January after COVID vaccine mandates and the pandemic itself crippled its workforce.

Plans are to go back to full service by the end of March. To date 68,900 passengers have ridden the Chief in the 2022 fiscal year which started October 1.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622746554124.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Forced to reduce operations on its long distance routes, ridership aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief fell sharply in the month of January.After averaging better than 18,000 riders each of the first three months of the fiscal year the number of passengers on the “Chief” fell to just 12,500. Winter is usually the slower time for Amtrak’s long distance trains, and hope is that the numbers will recover in the spring.&nbsp;Amtrak reduced the days the “Chief” runs to five days per week in January after COVID vaccine mandates and the pandemic itself crippled its workforce.Plans are to go back to full service by the end of March. To date 68,900 passengers have ridden the Chief in the 2022 fiscal year which started October 1.<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 ridership falls under reduced schedule

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three Hutchinson police officers have graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Officers Elizabeth Martinez, Zach Anderson and Dustin Davis were among the nineteen new law enforcement officers that graduated Feb. 25 at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;

Deputy David Carrillo of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Doug Schroeder, Executive Director of the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the class coordinator for the 289th Basic Training Class.

The three officers will now begin several months of training within the Hutchinson Police Department.

<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/2022/3/1646170624217.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three Hutchinson police officers have graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.Officers Elizabeth Martinez, Zach Anderson and Dustin Davis were among the nineteen new law enforcement officers that graduated Feb. 25 at a ceremony held in the KLETC Integrity Auditorium.&nbsp;Deputy David Carrillo of the Seward County Sheriff’s Office was the graduating class president. The speaker for the ceremony was Doug Schroeder, Executive Director of the Kansas Commission on Peace Officers' Standards and Training. Rob McClarty, KLETC Senior Instructor of Police, was the class coordinator for the 289th Basic Training Class.The three officers will now begin several months of training within the Hutchinson Police Department.<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.

Three HPD officers graduate from KLETC

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven School Board approved a contract for their next superintendent in a special session Monday evening.

Under the contract, Craig Idacavage will be paid a salary of $120,000 thousand per year plus benefits, a phone stipend and a vehicle provided by the district. The contract will be the usual one year agreement.

The district announced Friday that they offered the job to Idacavage. Idacavage is currently a principal in his sixth year in Leavenworth and is a native of Caldwell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven School Board approved a contract for their next superintendent in a special session Monday evening.Under the contract, Craig Idacavage will be paid a salary of $120,000 thousand per year plus benefits, a phone stipend and a vehicle provided by the district. The contract will be the usual one year agreement.The district announced Friday that they offered the job to Idacavage. Idacavage is currently a principal in his sixth year in Leavenworth and is a native of Caldwell.<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.

USD 312 approves contract for new superintendent


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; A structural engineer inspected the Bernards restaurant building Monday, according to a report provided to the City Manager by Hutch in Harmony. His report will be available later this week. 

With that information in hand, the City Council has moved to give Susan Gress and Hutch in Harmony a path to follow to get the building taken off of the city's demolition list. 

The removal is contingent on the city recieving a building permit that has been approved based on the design of an engineering shoring plan to secure the facility in a safe manner and to prevent further deterioration.

Since the building is already approved as an applicant for the state historical registry, Hutch in Harmony is working with the state historical registration to finalize the registry of the building. The state historical process is estimated to take up to eighteen months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646154104184.jpeg" alt="Bernards-Feb2022" />
 <figcaption>Bernards-Feb2022</figcaption>
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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; A structural engineer inspected the Bernards restaurant building Monday, according to a report provided to the City Manager by Hutch in Harmony. His report will be available later this week. With that information in hand, the City Council has moved to give Susan Gress and Hutch in Harmony a path to follow to get the building taken off of the city's demolition list. The removal is contingent on the city recieving a building permit that has been approved based on the design of an engineering shoring plan to secure the facility in a safe manner and to prevent further deterioration.Since the building is already approved as an applicant for the state historical registry, Hutch in Harmony is working with the state historical registration to finalize the registry of the building. The state historical process is estimated to take up to eighteen months.

Bernards building continues process to leave demolition list

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council agreed to issue $4 Million Industrial Revenue Bonds to a new entity called Salt City Investments LLC for a new speculative building in the city's industrial park. 

"We would become the lease holder, they would become the lessee," said director of finance Angela Richard. "They would be responsible for all debt service payments and all costs associated with the project. They would then apply to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals for a ten year tax exemption. At that point, we could then enter into a payment in lieu of tax agreement."

Brad Pryor represented the new group at Tuesday's meeting.

"Hutchinson-Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel has been very adamant that our community needs vacant industrial buildings to attract new businesses," Pryor said. "Vacant land does not generate site visits like move in ready buildings. To be more competitive, we need to have more move in ready product with 30 foot side walls. Several Kansas communities already have real estate investors building and marketing these new spec buildings across Kansas. They are at a more competitive adavantage and simply moving themselves to the top of the site selector list. We continue to finish at the bottom of the list and come up short marketing vacant land."

The building will be approximately 57,000 square feet and finished initially as a basic warehouse, with potential for expansion to 100,000 square feet if needed and rail spur access. The building will be on the southeast corner of Commerce Street and Enterprise Drive in the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park.

"The construction will start in April and be completed late fall," Pryor said. "We believe in the growth of the community and with the ability of our chamber team, that this building will be leased in the first 12 months."

Teufel said that the time to market from when people are looking for a site to when they want to move in is so short that people aren't willing to wait for a custom built building. In the last two years of RFPs received by the chamber, 76% of those RFPs requested buildings of 50,000 square feet or greater and demanded an existing building rather than waiting for a build to suit. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646151609677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson City Council agreed to issue $4 Million Industrial Revenue Bonds to a new entity called Salt City Investments LLC for a new speculative building in the city's industrial park. "We would become the lease holder, they would become the lessee," said director of finance Angela Richard. "They would be responsible for all debt service payments and all costs associated with the project. They would then apply to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals for a ten year tax exemption. At that point, we could then enter into a payment in lieu of tax agreement."Brad Pryor represented the new group at Tuesday's meeting."Hutchinson-Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel has been very adamant that our community needs vacant industrial buildings to attract new businesses," Pryor said. "Vacant land does not generate site visits like move in ready buildings. To be more competitive, we need to have more move in ready product with 30 foot side walls. Several Kansas communities already have real estate investors building and marketing these new spec buildings across Kansas. They are at a more competitive adavantage and simply moving themselves to the top of the site selector list. We continue to finish at the bottom of the list and come up short marketing vacant land."The building will be approximately 57,000 square feet and finished initially as a basic warehouse, with potential for expansion to 100,000 square feet if needed and rail spur access. The building will be on the southeast corner of Commerce Street and Enterprise Drive in the Kansas Enterprise Industrial Park."The construction will start in April and be completed late fall," Pryor said. "We believe in the growth of the community and with the ability of our chamber team, that this building will be leased in the first 12 months."Teufel said that the time to market from when people are looking for a site to when they want to move in is so short that people aren't willing to wait for a custom built building. In the last two years of RFPs received by the chamber, 76% of those RFPs requested buildings of 50,000 square feet or greater and demanded an existing building rather than waiting for a build to suit.

Hutch City Council to issue IRBs for spec industrial building


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The deadline is approaching to save money on the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP© program. 

The program is March 21 through June 6, sponsored by StartUp Hutch, The City of Hutchinson – Human Relations Office, Network Kansas and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp; 

Through this 12 week course for unlikely entrepreneurs, those that sign up can prepare to launch their business. The class will meet every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; The course is valued at $700. The fees for those&nbsp;who sign up by March 6&nbsp;is $50, and $100 for those who sign up March 7 or later.

On the last day of the course, a pitch contest will be held with the winner earning $1,000 to help make their business a reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The deadline is approaching to save money on the Entrepreneurship Business Basics JUMP© program. The program is March 21 through June 6, sponsored by StartUp Hutch, The City of Hutchinson – Human Relations Office, Network Kansas and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp; Through this 12 week course for unlikely entrepreneurs, those that sign up can prepare to launch their business. The class will meet every Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; The course is valued at $700. The fees for those&nbsp;who sign up by March 6&nbsp;is $50, and $100 for those who sign up March 7 or later. On the last day of the course, a pitch contest will be held with the winner earning $1,000 to help make their business a reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deadline for entrepreneurship class discount is Sunday

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Sunshine Meadows Gala is coming up Friday at the Sandhills Event Center in Hutchinson. The goal for this year's event is to fund a matching grant from the Mabee Foundation for a dementia unit.

"The new unit will be for people who are just now, we're seeing the symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia," said Carla Barber with Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. "We want them to be able to have a happy and fulfilling life. My dad had it and he was confused a lot. We had to be able to explain things to him quite often for him to be comfortable. This new neighborhood, we're calling it ALMCU, assisted living memory care unit."

This would be a transitional place between assisted living and memory care. The home still has a few more months to raise the Mabee matching funds, but they really need a push right now.

"The foundation has strict rules," Barber said. "They've been around for a long time and they've helped a lot of people to get something built. One of the things that they say is you can't put a shovel in the ground, you can't put a spade in the ground until this money is raised. If it's already started that way, they're not interested. They want to be a portion of what makes the thing happen."

The goal for those patients, as it is for everyone at Sunshine Meadows, is quality of life.

"We're wanting to make sure that these folks have things to do every day," Barber said. "If they're on a journey, we want to help them be on that journey. If they're wandering the halls every day looking for something to do, there's going to be stuff to do. It's going to be a neighborhood."

Tickets for the gala are $75 and you can buy them <a href="https://www.sunshinemeadows.org/gala.html">online</a>, or get them the day of the event for $100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646145383277.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Sunshine Meadows Gala is coming up Friday at the Sandhills Event Center in Hutchinson. The goal for this year's event is to fund a matching grant from the Mabee Foundation for a dementia unit."The new unit will be for people who are just now, we're seeing the symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia," said Carla Barber with Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. "We want them to be able to have a happy and fulfilling life. My dad had it and he was confused a lot. We had to be able to explain things to him quite often for him to be comfortable. This new neighborhood, we're calling it ALMCU, assisted living memory care unit."This would be a transitional place between assisted living and memory care. The home still has a few more months to raise the Mabee matching funds, but they really need a push right now."The foundation has strict rules," Barber said. "They've been around for a long time and they've helped a lot of people to get something built. One of the things that they say is you can't put a shovel in the ground, you can't put a spade in the ground until this money is raised. If it's already started that way, they're not interested. They want to be a portion of what makes the thing happen."The goal for those patients, as it is for everyone at Sunshine Meadows, is quality of life."We're wanting to make sure that these folks have things to do every day," Barber said. "If they're on a journey, we want to help them be on that journey. If they're wandering the halls every day looking for something to do, there's going to be stuff to do. It's going to be a neighborhood."Tickets for the gala are $75 and you can buy them <a href="https://www.sunshinemeadows.org/gala.html">online</a>, or get them the day of the event for $100.

Sunshine Meadows gala coming up Friday

SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Last week South Hutchinson City Manager Joseph Turner expressed that the City of South Hutchinson was against any changes to the Woodie Seat Freeway that would place the road at ground level, thus eliminating the bridges over both the Union Pacific and K and O railroads.

Turner and the city council feel that such a design would hamper response times in emergency situations and cause economic harm to his commuity. He also stated in the letter that travel times would be delayed for many who commute between the two cities as train traffic increases along with the length of trains. He says it will also hurt Hutchinson’s downtown business because it will steer motorists over to the 17th and 30th avenue corridors.&nbsp;

The City of Hutchinson is spending funds to study if it would be possible to bring the Woodie Seat down to ground level crossing the two railroads.&nbsp;

Union Pacific has seen an increase in the number and size of trains through Hutchinson with some freights reaching more than 12,000 feet in length. The trains move through the city at around 30 MPH. The K and O transports mainly grain unit trains that are up to 115 cars in length. Those trains move through the city at around 10-15 MPH.

No word on when the city will get the results from the study on that particular option. The letter is posted as a pair of pictures below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643734592350.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Last week South Hutchinson City Manager Joseph Turner expressed that the City of South Hutchinson was against any changes to the Woodie Seat Freeway that would place the road at ground level, thus eliminating the bridges over both the Union Pacific and K and O railroads.Turner and the city council feel that such a design would hamper response times in emergency situations and cause economic harm to his commuity. He also stated in the letter that travel times would be delayed for many who commute between the two cities as train traffic increases along with the length of trains. He says it will also hurt Hutchinson’s downtown business because it will steer motorists over to the 17th and 30th avenue corridors.&nbsp;The City of Hutchinson is spending funds to study if it would be possible to bring the Woodie Seat down to ground level crossing the two railroads.&nbsp;Union Pacific has seen an increase in the number and size of trains through Hutchinson with some freights reaching more than 12,000 feet in length. The trains move through the city at around 30 MPH. The K and O transports mainly grain unit trains that are up to 115 cars in length. Those trains move through the city at around 10-15 MPH.No word on when the city will get the results from the study on that particular option. The letter is posted as a pair of pictures below.<figure>
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646132257531.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></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.

City of South Hutch sends letter regarding Woodie Seat plans to City of Hutchinson


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The USD 308 Board of Education wants to know from the public if it is willing to deal with potential tax increases to accomplish keeping Lincoln Elementary open, putting seventh and eighth graders together in one building and the construction of a new early childhood center.

Those three projects were the ones presented as the needs for the next ten years during a study session of the board Monday night.

The first step would be to build the early childhood center in the next three years, with Lincoln remodeled after that and then an addition built on to HMS8 to allow 7th grade to go there too as the third major project.

The estimate is that the new early childhood center would cost $10 million, the remodeling at Lincoln would be between $6 and $15 million and the HMS8 addition would be $15 million.

The Hutchinson Unified Superintendent Advisory Council that has been working with RSP on the proposal doesn't think the public would vote for a bond issue to get it done, even though they support the idea. 

The school board for its part wants to hear from the public, as they don't want to push through something just to see a bond issue fail, but if the public can be convinced, then they're willing to be moved on it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574794748723.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The USD 308 Board of Education wants to know from the public if it is willing to deal with potential tax increases to accomplish keeping Lincoln Elementary open, putting seventh and eighth graders together in one building and the construction of a new early childhood center.Those three projects were the ones presented as the needs for the next ten years during a study session of the board Monday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646135457818.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first step would be to build the early childhood center in the next three years, with Lincoln remodeled after that and then an addition built on to HMS8 to allow 7th grade to go there too as the third major project.The estimate is that the new early childhood center would cost $10 million, the remodeling at Lincoln would be between $6 and $15 million and the HMS8 addition would be $15 million.The Hutchinson Unified Superintendent Advisory Council that has been working with RSP on the proposal doesn't think the public would vote for a bond issue to get it done, even though they support the idea. The school board for its part wants to hear from the public, as they don't want to push through something just to see a bond issue fail, but if the public can be convinced, then they're willing to be moved on it.

308 school board wants public input on RSP study findings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Monday that West 5th Avenue will be closed at the Harsha Canal Bridge for an extended period of time so repairs can be made to the bridge.

Starting Monday, March 7, the street will be closed between North Van Buren Street and North Whiteside Street except to local traffic. Motorists will detour from 5th by going over to West 4th Avenue from either Hendricks or Van Buren.&nbsp;

The closure is expected to last three months. If you have any questions about this or any other city street project, contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646084684963.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Public Works announced Monday that West 5th Avenue will be closed at the Harsha Canal Bridge for an extended period of time so repairs can be made to the bridge.Starting Monday, March 7, the street will be closed between North Van Buren Street and North Whiteside Street except to local traffic. Motorists will detour from 5th by going over to West 4th Avenue from either Hendricks or Van Buren.&nbsp;The closure is expected to last three months. If you have any questions about this or any other city street project, contact Hutchinson Public Works at 620-694-1900.<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.

Portion of W. 5th Ave. to close starting March 7

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sales tax revenue for the city of course followed suit with the county and was significantly higher than the same month last year.&nbsp;

February sales tax for the city of Hutchinson totaled $1,797,063. The figure is about $88,000 or 5.1% ahead of the same month of 2021.

The city recognized $365,000 from the sales tax to fund the Sports Arena and another $263,000 from the city’s ¼ cent sales tax.

Those funds include $86,000 for the Cosmosphere, $13,000 for Strataca, another $39,000 for property tax relief and $122,000 for city infrastructure.

To date, the city has taken in $3,184,114 in sales tax revenue. Sales tax numbers for February reflect shopping trends for the month of December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565223563029.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sales tax revenue for the city of course followed suit with the county and was significantly higher than the same month last year.&nbsp;February sales tax for the city of Hutchinson totaled $1,797,063. The figure is about $88,000 or 5.1% ahead of the same month of 2021.The city recognized $365,000 from the sales tax to fund the Sports Arena and another $263,000 from the city’s ¼ cent sales tax.Those funds include $86,000 for the Cosmosphere, $13,000 for Strataca, another $39,000 for property tax relief and $122,000 for city infrastructure.To date, the city has taken in $3,184,114 in sales tax revenue. Sales tax numbers for February reflect shopping trends for the month of December.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.

Hutchinson sales tax revenue strong

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Newton will once again take part in the annual document shredding event provided by the attorney general’s office. The two cities are among 10 that will provide the free service the week of March 7.

Shredding will be available in Hutchinson on Thursday, March 10, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Those wanting to drop off documents can enter off of gate three at 23rd and Main.

The drop-off event in Newton will be Tuesday, March 8, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chisholm Trail Shopping Center located at 601 SE 36th St.

Consumers are asked to limit their documents for destruction to three small bags or boxes. Documents will be securely transported to the shredding facility for safe destruction by certified shredding companies. The event is held in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614007886340.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Newton will once again take part in the annual document shredding event provided by the attorney general’s office. The two cities are among 10 that will provide the free service the week of March 7.Shredding will be available in Hutchinson on Thursday, March 10, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Those wanting to drop off documents can enter off of gate three at 23rd and Main.The drop-off event in Newton will be Tuesday, March 8, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Chisholm Trail Shopping Center located at 601 SE 36th St.Consumers are asked to limit their documents for destruction to three small bags or boxes. Documents will be securely transported to the shredding facility for safe destruction by certified shredding companies. The event is held in conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week.<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.

Document shredding event coming to Hutchinson, Newton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Despite challenges from declining car loads and supply chain issues,&nbsp; BNSF reported a strong 4th Quarter and yearly earnings on Monday.

The nation's second largest railroad reported 4Q&nbsp; and full year operating income of $2.4 billion and $8.8 billion, respectively, an increase of $253 million (12%) and an increase of $1.1 billion (14%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020.&nbsp;

Total revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 increased 11% and 12%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2020.&nbsp;

The railroad saw mixed results in car loads with consumer products falling 9% and car loads of ag products falling 2%. Industrial products did increase by 6% and car loads for coal jumped by 9%. For the quarter, total car loads fell by 3%, but increased by 7% for the year as the railroad continued to recover from the pandemic.

The dramatic jump in fuel prices ate into the railroad bottom line as 4Q fuel expenses increased by 80% year-over-year to $818 million. For the year BNSF spent $2.7 billion for fuel compared with $1.7 billion in 2020.&nbsp;

BNSF carries the second highest assessed value in Reno County at $10.1 million and paid more than $1.5 million in county property taxes in 2020.

<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;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646064968007.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Despite challenges from declining car loads and supply chain issues,&nbsp; BNSF reported a strong 4th Quarter and yearly earnings on Monday.The nation's second largest railroad reported 4Q&nbsp; and full year operating income of $2.4 billion and $8.8 billion, respectively, an increase of $253 million (12%) and an increase of $1.1 billion (14%), respectively, compared to the same periods in 2020.&nbsp;Total revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2021 increased 11% and 12%, respectively, compared with the same periods in 2020.&nbsp;The railroad saw mixed results in car loads with consumer products falling 9% and car loads of ag products falling 2%. Industrial products did increase by 6% and car loads for coal jumped by 9%. For the quarter, total car loads fell by 3%, but increased by 7% for the year as the railroad continued to recover from the pandemic.The dramatic jump in fuel prices ate into the railroad bottom line as 4Q fuel expenses increased by 80% year-over-year to $818 million. For the year BNSF spent $2.7 billion for fuel compared with $1.7 billion in 2020.&nbsp;BNSF carries the second highest assessed value in Reno County at $10.1 million and paid more than $1.5 million in county property taxes in 2020.<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;

BNSF shows strong 4Q earnings


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month Kingman 5th and 6th grade ELA teacher Jennifer Graber has taught for a while, but this is her first year at this level in Kingman.

"For the last 17 years, I've been doing 2nd and 3rd grade," Graber said. "Not only for the students, but for me, this has been a big jump, for just taking on, number one, one subject area only and focusing on a whole different age of kids, but my son is actually a 6th grader, so it's kind of fun."

Kingman uses the Summit Learning platform, which means that every student is at a different point as they master individual skills.

"For me, I just have a lot of spreadsheets going on, trying to find out where the gaps are and constantly assessing, working with them one on one," Graber said. "For me, I have to sometimes slow down and reteach a small group of students a certain skill, while other kids don't need that. They can keep kind of going on their own."

Graber actually ended up teaching math, like long division and ratios to her seminar students this week to help them get caught up, even though ELA is her subject area.

"Our team actually meets, we have four 5th and 6th grade teachers and we meet every day for a short time, just to make sure that we're meeting the needs of all kids," Graber said. "We're keeping them on track, where they need to be."

Graber is excited because she gets to know the kids as people and follow them through their academic journey.

"This is my hometown, it's great to have that community feeling," Graber said. "I get to go to my students basketball games or volleyball games and just seeing them in the community. They come and, they're more like family than your students. They come up and they want you to know what they did over the weekend, or if you watched the kid who just won state wrestling, just having that connection. If they don't know that you care, they don't care how much you know."

Graber was also the head coach for the Kingman freshman and sophomore volleyball team. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646067651889.jpeg" alt="Kingman-Jennifer Graber" />
 <figcaption>Kingman-Jennifer Graber</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. —&nbsp; Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month Kingman 5th and 6th grade ELA teacher Jennifer Graber has taught for a while, but this is her first year at this level in Kingman."For the last 17 years, I've been doing 2nd and 3rd grade," Graber said. "Not only for the students, but for me, this has been a big jump, for just taking on, number one, one subject area only and focusing on a whole different age of kids, but my son is actually a 6th grader, so it's kind of fun."Kingman uses the Summit Learning platform, which means that every student is at a different point as they master individual skills."For me, I just have a lot of spreadsheets going on, trying to find out where the gaps are and constantly assessing, working with them one on one," Graber said. "For me, I have to sometimes slow down and reteach a small group of students a certain skill, while other kids don't need that. They can keep kind of going on their own."Graber actually ended up teaching math, like long division and ratios to her seminar students this week to help them get caught up, even though ELA is her subject area."Our team actually meets, we have four 5th and 6th grade teachers and we meet every day for a short time, just to make sure that we're meeting the needs of all kids," Graber said. "We're keeping them on track, where they need to be."Graber is excited because she gets to know the kids as people and follow them through their academic journey."This is my hometown, it's great to have that community feeling," Graber said. "I get to go to my students basketball games or volleyball games and just seeing them in the community. They come and, they're more like family than your students. They come up and they want you to know what they did over the weekend, or if you watched the kid who just won state wrestling, just having that connection. If they don't know that you care, they don't care how much you know."Graber was also the head coach for the Kingman freshman and sophomore volleyball team.

Allen Samuels CDJR Teacher of the Month loves Kingman's community feeling

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you love basketball, then of course, March is your month. Cosmosphere and Young Professionals of Reno County want to put on the best March Madness event in the Universe…or at least in Reno County.

Galaxy Hops &amp; Hoops, a March Madness watch party in the unique “space station” environment of Cosmosphere’s Fee Family Learning Center, takes place Thursday, March 24, from 4:30p.m. -9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at the Cosmosphere Box Office or online at&nbsp; <a href="https://ticketing.cosmo.org/Benefit.aspx">https://ticketing.cosmo.org/Benefit.aspx</a>

Admission is $10 for Cosmosphere and YP members, $15/person for the general public. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first-served basis.

Admission includes two drinks, appetizers, party games and fun contests, plus intense basketball competition on six large-screen TVs. Beer lovers can enjoy Salt City Brewing Co.’s latest craft beer, Space Race Hazy IPA, which is made with galaxy hops and supports the Cosmosphere.

For more information contact Samantha Hyman, Cosmosphere box office operations manager, at 620-665-9333.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646068747649.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you love basketball, then of course, March is your month. Cosmosphere and Young Professionals of Reno County want to put on the best March Madness event in the Universe…or at least in Reno County.Galaxy Hops &amp; Hoops, a March Madness watch party in the unique “space station” environment of Cosmosphere’s Fee Family Learning Center, takes place Thursday, March 24, from 4:30p.m. -9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.Tickets can be purchased at the Cosmosphere Box Office or online at&nbsp; <a href="https://ticketing.cosmo.org/Benefit.aspx">https://ticketing.cosmo.org/Benefit.aspx</a>Admission is $10 for Cosmosphere and YP members, $15/person for the general public. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first-served basis.Admission includes two drinks, appetizers, party games and fun contests, plus intense basketball competition on six large-screen TVs. Beer lovers can enjoy Salt City Brewing Co.’s latest craft beer, Space Race Hazy IPA, which is made with galaxy hops and supports the Cosmosphere.For more information contact Samantha Hyman, Cosmosphere box office operations manager, at 620-665-9333.<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.

Cosmosphere and YP to celebrate March Madness

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

History often repeats itself. This phrase used to seem like a cautionary warning but the last two years have transformed it to have a feeling more like a judgmental, “I told you so.” Events I had only read about in history books like a global pandemic, racial unrest as part of the fight for civil rights and the start of war in Europe are actually happening.

Bad things happen in the world every day but this has felt heavier and closer.

Six degrees of separation is a theory that any two people on earth can be connected to each other through the network connections of six or fewer people. This theory has been around since the 1920s and has shown up in pop culture as the subject of plays, movies and even a game featuring Kevin Bacon as the speculated most connected person in the entertainment industry.

I have often thought that in the agriculture community we could cut the number of degrees in half. Maybe we are friendlier or there are just less of us, but I could give example after example of how small our world is and the interesting places I have meet people with whom I share a first or second social connection.

For example, less than six months ago, I was traveling with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows program, learning about how farmers in the Baltic states have worked to build their businesses, infrastructure and knowledge over the last three decades after gaining independence from Russian occupation.

Farmers we met on that trip have close family and friends who are in Ukraine and willing to fight for their freedom. That’s two degrees of separation for me.

All of the people we met in the Baltics, who are thriving under their own sovereignty, know they will be a future target if the Ukraine falls to Russia. Then it would be just one degree of separation.

That is why it feels so close. People I know or that know my connections are fighting a war. Not because they volunteered to help, but because invaders burst into their homes trying to rob them of their independence.

Power, greed, hatred, disagreement and control are some of the most unfortunate motivators within human nature because they lead to separation, struggle and conflict. War is a dreadful and often repeated reality brought about by these motivators.

With war just a degree or two away, the struggles and conflicts of our everyday lives seem to lessen a little in light of all the things we already have and the ways we universally alike.

We all want to be safe, healthy, connected. War does none of these things but making new connections, sharing our lives and being good to each other reduces our degrees of separation and brings us all closer together.

The world gets smaller and better with every connection we make. Hold your loved ones closer, reach out to friends and strangers to connect to the world around you, and continue to pray for the families in Ukraine and their connections all over the world.

"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/2019/12/1575406519723.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherHistory often repeats itself. This phrase used to seem like a cautionary warning but the last two years have transformed it to have a feeling more like a judgmental, “I told you so.” Events I had only read about in history books like a global pandemic, racial unrest as part of the fight for civil rights and the start of war in Europe are actually happening.Bad things happen in the world every day but this has felt heavier and closer.Six degrees of separation is a theory that any two people on earth can be connected to each other through the network connections of six or fewer people. This theory has been around since the 1920s and has shown up in pop culture as the subject of plays, movies and even a game featuring Kevin Bacon as the speculated most connected person in the entertainment industry.I have often thought that in the agriculture community we could cut the number of degrees in half. Maybe we are friendlier or there are just less of us, but I could give example after example of how small our world is and the interesting places I have meet people with whom I share a first or second social connection.For example, less than six months ago, I was traveling with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows program, learning about how farmers in the Baltic states have worked to build their businesses, infrastructure and knowledge over the last three decades after gaining independence from Russian occupation.Farmers we met on that trip have close family and friends who are in Ukraine and willing to fight for their freedom. That’s two degrees of separation for me.All of the people we met in the Baltics, who are thriving under their own sovereignty, know they will be a future target if the Ukraine falls to Russia. Then it would be just one degree of separation.That is why it feels so close. People I know or that know my connections are fighting a war. Not because they volunteered to help, but because invaders burst into their homes trying to rob them of their independence.Power, greed, hatred, disagreement and control are some of the most unfortunate motivators within human nature because they lead to separation, struggle and conflict. War is a dreadful and often repeated reality brought about by these motivators.With war just a degree or two away, the struggles and conflicts of our everyday lives seem to lessen a little in light of all the things we already have and the ways we universally alike.We all want to be safe, healthy, connected. War does none of these things but making new connections, sharing our lives and being good to each other reduces our degrees of separation and brings us all closer together.The world gets smaller and better with every connection we make. Hold your loved ones closer, reach out to friends and strangers to connect to the world around you, and continue to pray for the families in Ukraine and their connections all over the world."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: Degrees of Separation

RENO COUNTY — A Reno County project is one of those across the state seeking grant funding through the state’s Broadband Acceleration Grant Program.

The proposed project from Buhler based Ideatek will bring fiber optic broadband infrastructure to 285 premises across seven separate areas of Reno County that lack reliable service levels, bringing each premise the capacity for a symmetrical 1Gbps service level. 

- Medora community. This includes 93 premises in the unincorporated city of Medora in northern Reno County and a five miles stretch outside of the city. Businesses include a church and food market. 

- Pretty Prairie area. One farmstead outside of the city of Pretty Prairie that has struggled for years to obtain adequate service. Speed tests show speeds of 1.8 Mbps.

- 95th and Tobacco Road - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 69 premises, including a nudist colony business.

- 56th and Old K-61 - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 16 premises.

- 56th and Lorraine - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 24 premises.

- 4th and Greenacres Dr. - Area east of Hutchinson that covers 40 premises. 

- 4th and Willison - Area east of Hutchinson that covers 42 premises. 

Ideatek will build fiber to bring service levels up from speeds as low as .68Mbps to 1Gbps symmetrical. The infrastructure will be scalable for even greater speeds as bandwidth needs grow. 

There are 36 projects that are competing for $5 million in available grant funding.

The program funds 50% of the total project amount, with a 50% match that results in $10 million in total investment in broadband infrastructure projects targeted for completion by October 2023.

<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/broadband-acceleration-grant/kobd-bag-public-comment-year-2/">The public comment window</a> for the Broadband Acceleration Grant is open now through March 8, 2022 (11:59 p.m. CST). Grant applicants will have a subsequent opportunity to respond to public comments received in mid-March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575319731629.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY — A Reno County project is one of those across the state seeking grant funding through the state’s Broadband Acceleration Grant Program.The proposed project from Buhler based Ideatek will bring fiber optic broadband infrastructure to 285 premises across seven separate areas of Reno County that lack reliable service levels, bringing each premise the capacity for a symmetrical 1Gbps service level. Proposed service areas: - Medora community. This includes 93 premises in the unincorporated city of Medora in northern Reno County and a five miles stretch outside of the city. Businesses include a church and food market. - Pretty Prairie area. One farmstead outside of the city of Pretty Prairie that has struggled for years to obtain adequate service. Speed tests show speeds of 1.8 Mbps.- 95th and Tobacco Road - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 69 premises, including a nudist colony business.- 56th and Old K-61 - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 16 premises.- 56th and Lorraine - Area north of Hutchinson that covers 24 premises.- 4th and Greenacres Dr. - Area east of Hutchinson that covers 40 premises. - 4th and Willison - Area east of Hutchinson that covers 42 premises. Ideatek will build fiber to bring service levels up from speeds as low as .68Mbps to 1Gbps symmetrical. The infrastructure will be scalable for even greater speeds as bandwidth needs grow. There are 36 projects that are competing for $5 million in available grant funding.The program funds 50% of the total project amount, with a 50% match that results in $10 million in total investment in broadband infrastructure projects targeted for completion by October 2023.<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/broadband-acceleration-grant/kobd-bag-public-comment-year-2/">The public comment window</a> for the Broadband Acceleration Grant is open now through March 8, 2022 (11:59 p.m. CST). Grant applicants will have a subsequent opportunity to respond to public comments received in mid-March.

Reno County project competing for state broadband funding

HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven School Board will meet in a special session to take action on their new superintendent Monday evening.

The district announced Friday that they have offered the job to Craig Idacavage. Idacavage is currently a principal in his sixth year in Leavenworth.

Idacavage, a native of Caldwell, Kansas, emerged from four finalists interviewed. The board went through the formal interview with Idacavage last Thursday then stayed in session after the interview and decided he was their choice.&nbsp;

Idacavage was the 2020 Kansas Elementary Principal of the Year from the Kansas Principals Association. Before going to Leavenworth, Idacavage served as a principal and activities director in the Renwick and North Lyon County districts.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Haven School District offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586361672308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — The Haven School Board will meet in a special session to take action on their new superintendent Monday evening.The district announced Friday that they have offered the job to Craig Idacavage. Idacavage is currently a principal in his sixth year in Leavenworth.Idacavage, a native of Caldwell, Kansas, emerged from four finalists interviewed. The board went through the formal interview with Idacavage last Thursday then stayed in session after the interview and decided he was their choice.&nbsp;Idacavage was the 2020 Kansas Elementary Principal of the Year from the Kansas Principals Association. Before going to Leavenworth, Idacavage served as a principal and activities director in the Renwick and North Lyon County districts.Tonight's meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Haven School District offices.<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.

Haven School Board to meet in special session Monday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of reported active COVID cases fell below 100 over the weekend. According to numbers released by the Reno County Health Department, the number of active cases fell by 29 to just 91. It's the lowest number since August 2nd of 2021.&nbsp;

The number of new cases increased by just seven over the weekend and the overall total now stands at 17,715 since the pandemic began.

Currently there are 13 county residents hospitalized. The vaccination rate is at 54.4% or 33,990 county residents.

The number of active cases fell by more than 1,400 in the month of February.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638385226439.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The number of reported active COVID cases fell below 100 over the weekend. According to numbers released by the Reno County Health Department, the number of active cases fell by 29 to just 91. It's the lowest number since August 2nd of 2021.&nbsp;The number of new cases increased by just seven over the weekend and the overall total now stands at 17,715 since the pandemic began.Currently there are 13 county residents hospitalized. The vaccination rate is at 54.4% or 33,990 county residents.The number of active cases fell by more than 1,400 in the month of February.<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.

COVID cases fall below 100 in Reno County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A preliminary hearing is set for April 7th for the man arrested in connection with an abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County July 19.

Kamden Campos is facing 12 counts related to the incident, including six counts of attempted first degree murder one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;

The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping count carry potential sentences of up to 55 years in prison, if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;

Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646063022103.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOK Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — A preliminary hearing is set for April 7th for the man arrested in connection with an abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County July 19.Kamden Campos is facing 12 counts related to the incident, including six counts of attempted first degree murder one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.&nbsp;The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping count carry potential sentences of up to 55 years in prison, if Campos is convicted.&nbsp;Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and has recovered.<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;

Preliminary hearing set in attempted murder case


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Pleasantview community is coming together to help one of their own. Shirley Ropp was in the hospital for 12 weeks with COVID-19 and pneumonia, and there will be a dinner and benefit auction Friday to help with her medical bills.

"All the area churches are involved," said auctioneer Paul Nisly. "We invited all the area churches in that Pleasantview community to help us with this fundraiser. It's been very exciting to see everybody just get on board and be a part of it. We're not drawing attention to any particular church, because there's a lot of different people involved."

A chipotle food bar starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the Pleasantview Activity Center, with an auction at 6:30 p.m.

"We'll have new chainsaws, a pole saw, a lot of new tools, handmade items, craft items," Nisly said. "A lot of gift certificates and of course, there will be a lot of baked goods, there's some quilts, I think, some comforters. There's some things for both sides of the household."

Items continue to be added to the list daily on the Nisly Auction site.

"It's time that we do something locally for somebody right here in the community," Nisly said. "We've stepped up to it and I've asked a number of people to get involved and they've really responded well, it's been good, good response."

The Pleasantview Activity Center is at 5015 S Dean Rd, ¼ mile south of Stutzman Greenhouse.

<figure>
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 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Pleasantview community is coming together to help one of their own. Shirley Ropp was in the hospital for 12 weeks with COVID-19 and pneumonia, and there will be a dinner and benefit auction Friday to help with her medical bills."All the area churches are involved," said auctioneer Paul Nisly. "We invited all the area churches in that Pleasantview community to help us with this fundraiser. It's been very exciting to see everybody just get on board and be a part of it. We're not drawing attention to any particular church, because there's a lot of different people involved."A chipotle food bar starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the Pleasantview Activity Center, with an auction at 6:30 p.m."We'll have new chainsaws, a pole saw, a lot of new tools, handmade items, craft items," Nisly said. "A lot of gift certificates and of course, there will be a lot of baked goods, there's some quilts, I think, some comforters. There's some things for both sides of the household."Items continue to be added to the list daily on the Nisly Auction site."It's time that we do something locally for somebody right here in the community," Nisly said. "We've stepped up to it and I've asked a number of people to get involved and they've really responded well, it's been good, good response."The Pleasantview Activity Center is at 5015 S Dean Rd, ¼ mile south of Stutzman Greenhouse.

Pleasantview coming together for benefit auction

Belarus may join Russians in work against Ukraine, two Tabor students killed in Sunday accident, plus more from Hutch Post.

<figure>
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 </figure>Belarus may join Russians in work against Ukraine, two Tabor students killed in Sunday accident, plus more from Hutch Post.<div><iframe title="February 28, 2022 Morning News" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i4k5e-11bb424-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

February 28, 2022 Morning News

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — South Hutchinson City Manager Joseph Turner said his council told him they want to be clear on their position with regard to the Woodie Seat Freeway.

"What was communicated to me at the council meeting was that they were opposed to the option number 5, which would involve tearing down the bridge and having all the traffic exit on to Avenue F which would then be subject to the railroad crossings and delays of that sort," Turner said.

Potential mutual aid situations between the two cities are a concern.

"There's fire response and there's also police response on a mutual aid," Turner said. "If there's say, an exigent circumstance, there could be some issues in that regard."

Turner is sensitive to both the idea that when KDOT changes lane miles, it leaves cities with the responsibility and to the fact that bridges are expensive and difficult to get paid for.

"Obviously, the city of Hutchinson, they have to deal with their own political issues and the needs of their residents," Turner said. "I think, if you look at it objectively, the best option is the engineer preferred option."

The intent is for South Hutchinson to send a formal letter expressing their concerns against a surface-based solution in the coming weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643734592350.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — South Hutchinson City Manager Joseph Turner said his council told him they want to be clear on their position with regard to the Woodie Seat Freeway."What was communicated to me at the council meeting was that they were opposed to the option number 5, which would involve tearing down the bridge and having all the traffic exit on to Avenue F which would then be subject to the railroad crossings and delays of that sort," Turner said.Potential mutual aid situations between the two cities are a concern."There's fire response and there's also police response on a mutual aid," Turner said. "If there's say, an exigent circumstance, there could be some issues in that regard."Turner is sensitive to both the idea that when KDOT changes lane miles, it leaves cities with the responsibility and to the fact that bridges are expensive and difficult to get paid for."Obviously, the city of Hutchinson, they have to deal with their own political issues and the needs of their residents," Turner said. "I think, if you look at it objectively, the best option is the engineer preferred option."The intent is for South Hutchinson to send a formal letter expressing their concerns against a surface-based solution in the coming weeks.

Turner: South Hutch council not for Woodie Seat surface solution

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Land Bank will go over the specifications for the sealed bid for mowing of its properties as part of its meeting Tuesday. 

That meeting is at 3 p.m. in the City Hall, Executive Conference Room at 125 E. Avenue B. There are ten areas to be mowed on the list that was part of the meeting agenda.

A pre-bid conference will be held for bidding contractors on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Please meet at the City of Hutchinson East Conference Room, 125 E Avenue B, Hutchinson, Kansas.

The meeting is intended to review requirements and allow vendors the opportunity to visit the sites and ask questions concerning the job. This meeting is recommended, but not mandatory.

Bids must be returned by noon on April 1, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583236568561.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Land Bank will go over the specifications for the sealed bid for mowing of its properties as part of its meeting Tuesday. That meeting is at 3 p.m. in the City Hall, Executive Conference Room at 125 E. Avenue B. There are ten areas to be mowed on the list that was part of the meeting agenda.A pre-bid conference will be held for bidding contractors on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. Please meet at the City of Hutchinson East Conference Room, 125 E Avenue B, Hutchinson, Kansas.The meeting is intended to review requirements and allow vendors the opportunity to visit the sites and ask questions concerning the job. This meeting is recommended, but not mandatory.Bids must be returned by noon on April 1, 2022.

Hutchinson Land Bank to go over mowing bid specs Tuesday

HILLSBORO, Kan. —

Two Tabor College students were killed and a third was injured Sunday morning in a crash near Hillsboro.

<a href="https://tabor.edu/tabor-college-mourns-the-loss-of-two-students/">According to the college</a>, senior&nbsp;Christopher Castillo and junior&nbsp;Johnethon Aviles were killed in a single-car accident south of Hillsboro near Indigo Road and 130th.

A third passenger, Jonathan Medina, was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan., to treat injuries sustained in the accident. Authorities were notified just before 4 a.m. Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592389654778.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HILLSBORO, Kan. —

Two Tabor College students were killed and a third was injured Sunday morning in a crash near Hillsboro.<a href="https://tabor.edu/tabor-college-mourns-the-loss-of-two-students/">According to the college</a>, senior&nbsp;Christopher Castillo and junior&nbsp;Johnethon Aviles were killed in a single-car accident south of Hillsboro near Indigo Road and 130th.A third passenger, Jonathan Medina, was transported to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan., to treat injuries sustained in the accident. Authorities were notified just before 4 a.m. Sunday.

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