MCPHERSON — 
The McPherson Police Department investigated a threat of violence towards the McPherson Middle School on Monday.

McPherson Police received a report from McPherson Middle School Administration concerning a 13-year-old student threatening to commit violence at the McPherson Middle School. 

The McPherson Police Department took the student into custody. At this time, there is no danger to students or the school. A report will be forwarded to the McPherson County Attorney’s Office for review.   

The McPherson Police Department takes reports of incidents like these seriously, since “A Threat of Violence is An Act of Violence.” 

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or any other criminal activity is asked the contact the McPherson Police Department at (620) 245-1266 or McPherson County Crime Stoppers at (620) 241-1122.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638841145491.jpeg" alt="McPherson police badge.jpg" />
 <figcaption>McPherson police badge.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON — 
The McPherson Police Department investigated a threat of violence towards the McPherson Middle School on Monday.McPherson Police received a report from McPherson Middle School Administration concerning a 13-year-old student threatening to commit violence at the McPherson Middle School. The McPherson Police Department took the student into custody. At this time, there is no danger to students or the school. A report will be forwarded to the McPherson County Attorney’s Office for review. The McPherson Police Department takes reports of incidents like these seriously, since “A Threat of Violence is An Act of Violence.” Anyone with information regarding these incidents or any other criminal activity is asked the contact the McPherson Police Department at (620) 245-1266 or McPherson County Crime Stoppers at (620) 241-1122.

Monday threat at McPherson Middle School results in student taken into custody

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fox Theatre will be under new leadership. Fox Theatre Board Chair, Angel Dillon, announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Josh Davies as Interim Executive Director of the Fox.&nbsp;

Davies, who is currently serving as technical director, was appointed to the position last week. He replaces Executive Director Chuck Miller, who served in that role since August of 2019. Miller had replaced Davies, who stepped away from the Executive Director's role to go back to the position he’s held for the past two years. Davies has been with the Fox for more than 20 years in various roles.&nbsp;

“The board of directors is immensely grateful for Josh and the staff at the Fox,” Angel Dillon, Fox Board Chairwoman, said. “Thanks to them, and to its loyal patrons, sponsors and supporters, the future of this great theatre is bright. We will begin a new year on a firm foundation as we work together to discern what the next steps will be for staffing and how Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre can best serve the people of the Heartland.”&nbsp;

Dillon says the board will probably meet after the holidays to begin assessing where it will go from here in terms of naming a new Executive Director.

<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/2021/6/1624893439707.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fox Theatre will be under new leadership. Fox Theatre Board Chair, Angel Dillon, announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Josh Davies as Interim Executive Director of the Fox.&nbsp;Davies, who is currently serving as technical director, was appointed to the position last week. He replaces Executive Director Chuck Miller, who served in that role since August of 2019. Miller had replaced Davies, who stepped away from the Executive Director's role to go back to the position he’s held for the past two years. Davies has been with the Fox for more than 20 years in various roles.&nbsp;“The board of directors is immensely grateful for Josh and the staff at the Fox,” Angel Dillon, Fox Board Chairwoman, said. “Thanks to them, and to its loyal patrons, sponsors and supporters, the future of this great theatre is bright. We will begin a new year on a firm foundation as we work together to discern what the next steps will be for staffing and how Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre can best serve the people of the Heartland.”&nbsp;Dillon says the board will probably meet after the holidays to begin assessing where it will go from here in terms of naming a new Executive Director.<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.

Davies named Interim Executive Director of the Fox

Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

Do looks really matter? This topic is better suited to philosophers, but a series of observations from my trip to the Baltics earlier this year with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program has had me questioning my belief that if something works, it does not matter if it looks good. I have pondered the value of aesthetics in the spaces where we spend our time and the possessions with which we fill them.

Maybe the most important part of this realization has been that the aesthetics of the environments we create and spend time in are not just a reflection of a person, they also reflect into the person.

This realization came slowly, pieced together from some of the most obvious parts of our trip to this northern region of Europe. Everywhere we went we saw flowers. Not small or neutral toned flowers, but big, vibrant flowers.

We knew people in this region had a particular connection to nature, but this was also much further north than where I grew up in Wisconsin. I know how hard it is to grow beautiful flowers there because it is a cold region.

Why would people in a cold region have so many beautiful, colorful flowers? It was more than flowers and artfully designed landscaping. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty and happiness; greenhouses dotting most back yards; spaces that were well kept, cozy and lived-in.

The pride and joy the Baltic people had in their homes, businesses and whole country was obvious everywhere we looked. The most surprising part of the realization came close to the end of the trip: There was a constant feeling of contentment, relaxation and joy. Even after almost two weeks of travel, experience overload and long days, I just felt happy and peaceful because everything was so nice.

The Baltics are not a country filled with material possessions or dependent on a need for new fueled by vanity or greed. They appreciate old and historic because it is what they have. The realities of communism during Soviet occupation are a not so distant memory. They fought for the freedom to make things their own, they are grateful to be able to ability to maintain them and want to live in places that are functional, beautiful and bring them joy.

I returned home with a burst of energy to show more pride of ownership and appreciation for my own home, but knew I needed to start small because I was on my own for the project during harvest. I decided to fix the very short section of fence that adorns the entrance to our driveway. It had been rep­­­­ainted so many times it was a decaying eyesore.

I don’t have space to recount the whole humorous story, but you can imagine how it went by my new title of “Lumberjack Princess.” Tired, dirty and a little banged-up, I knew that my observations had been correct. My idea, my work, my perseverance, made the fence even more beautiful in the moment. Even after a few months, I smile every time I drive in the yard or think about the project because I made that. And I know now that rest of the world can somehow tell that, even if it is just from the way it looks.

My momentum from the fence build has grown in this Christmas season. A visitor or passerby at my home will now see a site I never expected to create at a farmhouse so far off the beaten path: an amateur-built, festively decorated welcoming fence.

The effort we make with the look of our world shows pride and brings joy far beyond the recognition that might come from the outside world. My efforts, small or large, are not to impress the world, but for my own fulfillment.

"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/2020/6/1592834709793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancherDo looks really matter? This topic is better suited to philosophers, but a series of observations from my trip to the Baltics earlier this year with Kansas Farm Bureau’s Casten Fellows Program has had me questioning my belief that if something works, it does not matter if it looks good. I have pondered the value of aesthetics in the spaces where we spend our time and the possessions with which we fill them.Maybe the most important part of this realization has been that the aesthetics of the environments we create and spend time in are not just a reflection of a person, they also reflect into the person.This realization came slowly, pieced together from some of the most obvious parts of our trip to this northern region of Europe. Everywhere we went we saw flowers. Not small or neutral toned flowers, but big, vibrant flowers.We knew people in this region had a particular connection to nature, but this was also much further north than where I grew up in Wisconsin. I know how hard it is to grow beautiful flowers there because it is a cold region.Why would people in a cold region have so many beautiful, colorful flowers? It was more than flowers and artfully designed landscaping. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty and happiness; greenhouses dotting most back yards; spaces that were well kept, cozy and lived-in.The pride and joy the Baltic people had in their homes, businesses and whole country was obvious everywhere we looked. The most surprising part of the realization came close to the end of the trip: There was a constant feeling of contentment, relaxation and joy. Even after almost two weeks of travel, experience overload and long days, I just felt happy and peaceful because everything was so nice.The Baltics are not a country filled with material possessions or dependent on a need for new fueled by vanity or greed. They appreciate old and historic because it is what they have. The realities of communism during Soviet occupation are a not so distant memory. They fought for the freedom to make things their own, they are grateful to be able to ability to maintain them and want to live in places that are functional, beautiful and bring them joy.I returned home with a burst of energy to show more pride of ownership and appreciation for my own home, but knew I needed to start small because I was on my own for the project during harvest. I decided to fix the very short section of fence that adorns the entrance to our driveway. It had been rep­­­­ainted so many times it was a decaying eyesore.I don’t have space to recount the whole humorous story, but you can imagine how it went by my new title of “Lumberjack Princess.” Tired, dirty and a little banged-up, I knew that my observations had been correct. My idea, my work, my perseverance, made the fence even more beautiful in the moment. Even after a few months, I smile every time I drive in the yard or think about the project because I made that. And I know now that rest of the world can somehow tell that, even if it is just from the way it looks.My momentum from the fence build has grown in this Christmas season. A visitor or passerby at my home will now see a site I never expected to create at a farmhouse so far off the beaten path: an amateur-built, festively decorated welcoming fence.The effort we make with the look of our world shows pride and brings joy far beyond the recognition that might come from the outside world. My efforts, small or large, are not to impress the world, but for my own fulfillment."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 © 2021 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight: Pride in Ownership


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Demand has been strong for booster shots in Reno County after the CDC said almost every adult needs one after six months past their initial doses.

"Since that determination came down, we've been giving quite a bit of booster shots," said Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department.

According to Nichols, they have given 1864 boosters total to this point. Boosters increase the antibody response, helping to protect from serious illness, even as the virus mutates.

The Reno County Health Department is administering vaccines during their normal operating hours. Walk-ins are accepted for those age 12 and over. Appointments are required for children aged 5-11. Call 620-694-2900 and select option 6 for scheduling. The vaccine is free to any Reno County resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance. Flu shots can also be administered at the same time as a COVID vaccine.

The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30am to noon, and 1 to 6pm, and Wednesday from 9am to noon and 1 to 6pm. To view vaccine availability at other sites, visit www.vaccines.gov. For a ride to one of the vaccine sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589472383275.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Demand has been strong for booster shots in Reno County after the CDC said almost every adult needs one after six months past their initial doses."Since that determination came down, we've been giving quite a bit of booster shots," said Karla Nichols with the Reno County Health Department.According to Nichols, they have given 1864 boosters total to this point. Boosters increase the antibody response, helping to protect from serious illness, even as the virus mutates.The Reno County Health Department is administering vaccines during their normal operating hours. Walk-ins are accepted for those age 12 and over. Appointments are required for children aged 5-11. Call 620-694-2900 and select option 6 for scheduling. The vaccine is free to any Reno County resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance. Flu shots can also be administered at the same time as a COVID vaccine.The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30am to noon, and 1 to 6pm, and Wednesday from 9am to noon and 1 to 6pm. To view vaccine availability at other sites, visit www.vaccines.gov. For a ride to one of the vaccine sites, call RCAT at 620-694-2913.

Reno Co. Health Dept.: Nearly 2,000 boosters given thus far

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair received a check for $100,000 for renovation work to the House of Capper on the fairgrounds.

The check from ProValue Insurance will help fund the project that will bring the House of Capper back to its original state.

The Capper Project will create a tribute to the great work of Arthur Capper and build the Capper Cooperative Park to celebrate the Capper-Volstead Act of 1922, which allowed for the creation of cooperatives in the United States.&nbsp;

The Capper Cooperative Park will be a walk-through educational park, and will be developed in the green space to the north of the House of Capper to tell the story of the work of cooperatives in the United States.

The hope is to have the project completed for the 2022 Kansas State Fair in time to celebrate the 100th year of the Capper-Volstead Act.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638810430370.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair received a check for $100,000 for renovation work to the House of Capper on the fairgrounds.The check from ProValue Insurance will help fund the project that will bring the House of Capper back to its original state.The Capper Project will create a tribute to the great work of Arthur Capper and build the Capper Cooperative Park to celebrate the Capper-Volstead Act of 1922, which allowed for the creation of cooperatives in the United States.&nbsp;The Capper Cooperative Park will be a walk-through educational park, and will be developed in the green space to the north of the House of Capper to tell the story of the work of cooperatives in the United States.The hope is to have the project completed for the 2022 Kansas State Fair in time to celebrate the 100th year of the Capper-Volstead Act.<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;

Kansas State Fair receives check for Capper project

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will go over a lease agreement with the Kansas State Fair for land that will be used for the new fire station along Main Street when they meet Tuesday.

The city entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the current fire station in 1951. The new agreement will allow the fire department to vacate the current property at 20th and Main and move to the new location at 23rd and Main. The lease will be for 99 years at a cost of $1 per year. The proposed lease has already been approved by the fair board.

Also Tuesday, the council will take action on a recommendation to raze two buildings at 2100 S. Bonebrake. The property has been a part of numerous discussions by the council and the building department. The property has been rundown for years and although the owners have made repeated promises to make repairs to the structures nothing has happened.&nbsp;

Finally the council will go over a bid for some paving maintenance for the airport, the sports arena parking lot and the Jim Martinez trail.&nbsp;

Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634313830864.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council will go over a lease agreement with the Kansas State Fair for land that will be used for the new fire station along Main Street when they meet Tuesday.The city entered into a 99-year lease agreement for the current fire station in 1951. The new agreement will allow the fire department to vacate the current property at 20th and Main and move to the new location at 23rd and Main. The lease will be for 99 years at a cost of $1 per year. The proposed lease has already been approved by the fair board.Also Tuesday, the council will take action on a recommendation to raze two buildings at 2100 S. Bonebrake. The property has been a part of numerous discussions by the council and the building department. The property has been rundown for years and although the owners have made repeated promises to make repairs to the structures nothing has happened.&nbsp;Finally the council will go over a bid for some paving maintenance for the airport, the sports arena parking lot and the Jim Martinez trail.&nbsp;Tuesday’s meeting of the Hutchinson City Council begins at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson City Council meets Tuesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchison Fire was summoned to the Leon Place on E. 2nd Avenue Saturday for an elevator rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crews were called out around 9:51 p.m. to the report of four people stuck in the elevator. Fortunately the elevator broke down at a floor so crews had to just pry the doors open to rescue the individuals.

No injuries were reported and fire crews could not say how long the residents were stuck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580901788572.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchison Fire was summoned to the Leon Place on E. 2nd Avenue Saturday for an elevator rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crews were called out around 9:51 p.m. to the report of four people stuck in the elevator. Fortunately the elevator broke down at a floor so crews had to just pry the doors open to rescue the individuals.No injuries were reported and fire crews could not say how long the residents were stuck.<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;

Hutch Fire rescues four from elevator

HAVEN, Kan. — A number of board appointments are a part of the Haven City Council’s agenda when they meet this evening.

The council will have nine members to the Recreation Board, two more to the park board and three city residents to the planning commission.

The council will also vote on a cost of living wage adjustment for city employees. Under the proposal employees will see a 4% increase.&nbsp;

And the council will discuss a purchase agreement with resident Myron Miller for a parcel of land that would be used for drainage for the new Wildcat Landing housing division on the city’s west side.

Tonight's Haven City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Haven city offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635864518910.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HAVEN, Kan. — A number of board appointments are a part of the Haven City Council’s agenda when they meet this evening.The council will have nine members to the Recreation Board, two more to the park board and three city residents to the planning commission.The council will also vote on a cost of living wage adjustment for city employees. Under the proposal employees will see a 4% increase.&nbsp;And the council will discuss a purchase agreement with resident Myron Miller for a parcel of land that would be used for drainage for the new Wildcat Landing housing division on the city’s west side.Tonight's Haven City Council meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Haven city 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board appointments a part of Monday's Haven City Council meeting


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The every other year production of the Prairie Nutcracker is coming this weekend to the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson.

"What this is, is really a love letter to Kansas," said Betsie Andrews with Prairie Nutcracker. "People just kind of kept excusing Kansas. I was from the East Coast. I thought, there's nothing to excuse for. The rhythm here is so great. We created this because, to us, we'd done the traditional Nutcracker for years and years and years and years until I could not hear that music in the mall. I'd have to leave if I just heard it. We have this, because we don't want it long. We want it to literally move along and when you walk out of the Fox Theatre, you'll look up at the sky and you'll think, either of the Prairie Nutcracker, or you'll be so glad you're in Kansas."

Like the old century Nutcracker, the new century Prairie Nutcracker is set in the late 1800s, but instead of Germany, it is set at a fort on the plains of America. A frontier soldier replaces the Nutcracker and a prairie doll, not the sugar plum fairy, welcomes a little girl and her family moving to Kansas from Boston. Her father, a Lieutenant in the cavalry, has just been assigned to Fort West.

"In 1869, there was, the train had come in, we would have had a prairie church, we would have had a prairie school," Andrews said. "It is historically authentic, as well as the costuming, which is very important."

The score, written by Rick Kuethe, combines the sounds of the Prairie with the setting of the Nutcracker. Kuethe died this past June.

"Rick wrote a score that has Indian flutes in it, it has cricket sounds, the winds, it opens up with the sound of the wind, so you know you're in December in Kansas," Andrews said. "How can I grieve, how can any of us grieve when we have him with us in his gorgeous score? That's a whole big, long story, which we do have in the program that's worth reading."

Prairie Nutcracker performances are Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 12 at 3 p.m. at the Fox at 18 E 1st in Hutchinson. All tickets are general admission and are $28 for adults and $18 for children 4-12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638805856412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The every other year production of the Prairie Nutcracker is coming this weekend to the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson."What this is, is really a love letter to Kansas," said Betsie Andrews with Prairie Nutcracker. "People just kind of kept excusing Kansas. I was from the East Coast. I thought, there's nothing to excuse for. The rhythm here is so great. We created this because, to us, we'd done the traditional Nutcracker for years and years and years and years until I could not hear that music in the mall. I'd have to leave if I just heard it. We have this, because we don't want it long. We want it to literally move along and when you walk out of the Fox Theatre, you'll look up at the sky and you'll think, either of the Prairie Nutcracker, or you'll be so glad you're in Kansas."Like the old century Nutcracker, the new century Prairie Nutcracker is set in the late 1800s, but instead of Germany, it is set at a fort on the plains of America. A frontier soldier replaces the Nutcracker and a prairie doll, not the sugar plum fairy, welcomes a little girl and her family moving to Kansas from Boston. Her father, a Lieutenant in the cavalry, has just been assigned to Fort West."In 1869, there was, the train had come in, we would have had a prairie church, we would have had a prairie school," Andrews said. "It is historically authentic, as well as the costuming, which is very important."The score, written by Rick Kuethe, combines the sounds of the Prairie with the setting of the Nutcracker. Kuethe died this past June."Rick wrote a score that has Indian flutes in it, it has cricket sounds, the winds, it opens up with the sound of the wind, so you know you're in December in Kansas," Andrews said. "How can I grieve, how can any of us grieve when we have him with us in his gorgeous score? That's a whole big, long story, which we do have in the program that's worth reading."Prairie Nutcracker performances are Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 12 at 3 p.m. at the Fox at 18 E 1st in Hutchinson. All tickets are general admission and are $28 for adults and $18 for children 4-12.

Prairie Nutcracker coming this weekend

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire District Congressman Tracey Mann released the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Senator Bob Dole:

"America has lost a statesman, a noble war hero, and a service-minded Kansan who never forgot where he came from. Senator Bob Dole died peacefully at the age of 98, having left his district, state, and country better for his many contributions over 79 years of public life.

In WW2, Bob Dole was struck in the back and nearly killed by a German shell just months before the war ended. He was expected to die, but he lived. He was told that he would never recover from his injuries (which included paralysis from the neck down), but his unquenchable spirit carried him through. He simply refused to take “no“ for an answer and chose to fight for his life and recovery, the scars of which he carried with him for the rest of his life. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. 

Before he became a United States Senator, Bob Dole was the congressman representing our Big First District of Kansas. After serving in the House of Representatives for eight years, Kansans sent him to the United States Senate where he served for 27 years, acted as the majority leader twice, and became his party’s nominee to the highest office in the land in 1996. It’s inspiring and humbling to stand on the shoulders of such greatness from Russell, Kansas.  

I was blessed to spend some time with Senator Dole a few weeks ago. His love for Kansas and its people were on full display in his excited curiosity about our plans for the Big First. He was a thoughtful, committed, and energetic champion for our nation and our way of life in rural Kansas. He always treated others with respect and kindness – especially his fellow veterans as he attended nearly every Honor Flight that came to D.C.

I left our time together inspired and commissioned as Sen. Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. He knew, deep down, that the heartbeat of our Nation is found in places like his hometown of Russell. His legacy will echo into the future, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for anyone who believes that our brightest days are yet to come. Thank you Senator Dole for working tirelessly to make the world a better place – may you rest in peace. 

My prayers and gratitude for Sen. Dole go out to his family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Fire District Congressman Tracey Mann released the following statement honoring the life and legacy of Senator Bob Dole:"America has lost a statesman, a noble war hero, and a service-minded Kansan who never forgot where he came from. Senator Bob Dole died peacefully at the age of 98, having left his district, state, and country better for his many contributions over 79 years of public life.In WW2, Bob Dole was struck in the back and nearly killed by a German shell just months before the war ended. He was expected to die, but he lived. He was told that he would never recover from his injuries (which included paralysis from the neck down), but his unquenchable spirit carried him through. He simply refused to take “no“ for an answer and chose to fight for his life and recovery, the scars of which he carried with him for the rest of his life. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his military service. Before he became a United States Senator, Bob Dole was the congressman representing our Big First District of Kansas. After serving in the House of Representatives for eight years, Kansans sent him to the United States Senate where he served for 27 years, acted as the majority leader twice, and became his party’s nominee to the highest office in the land in 1996. It’s inspiring and humbling to stand on the shoulders of such greatness from Russell, Kansas. I was blessed to spend some time with Senator Dole a few weeks ago. His love for Kansas and its people were on full display in his excited curiosity about our plans for the Big First. He was a thoughtful, committed, and energetic champion for our nation and our way of life in rural Kansas. He always treated others with respect and kindness – especially his fellow veterans as he attended nearly every Honor Flight that came to D.C.I left our time together inspired and commissioned as Sen. Dole made it clear that we must never forget where we come from. He knew, deep down, that the heartbeat of our Nation is found in places like his hometown of Russell. His legacy will echo into the future, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for anyone who believes that our brightest days are yet to come. Thank you Senator Dole for working tirelessly to make the world a better place – may you rest in peace. My prayers and gratitude for Sen. Dole go out to his family."<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;

Mann releases statement on the passing of Senator Bob Dole

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson's council will have a public hearing on a grant to get money for police patrol vehicles as part of its meeting tonight.

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

Under the program, the USDA will provide up to 55% percent of the funding for an eligible project. The city has applied for up to $55,000 and the USDA would provide an amount not to exceed $30,250.

Also on the agenda, the council will receive and file the reports for Market South Hutch. They will also discuss the changes necessary for the 2022 meeting schedule, which would create a meeting on January 10th instead of January 3rd and move the January 17th, July 4th and September 5th meetings to the Wednesdays following those Monday holidays.

Also to be discussed by the council is treatment of the wastewater produced by Tyson Foods. 

A. Require Tyson Foods to treat the wastewater before it leaves their plant

B. City opts to treat its wastewater effluent

After consulting with PEC, staff is going to advise the council that the City should mandate that Tyson Foods treat its wastewater before it gets to the city's system. 

The council also plans to discuss any appointments that must be made in January, payment of invoices, especially those below the spending threshold set by the council for the City Administrator, transfer of revenues to reserve funds, future usage of a consent agenda for routine business items, a discussion on the city's website and a discussion of council goals and the City Administrator's performance evaluation, which is due at the end of the year.

The City Council in South Hutchinson meets at 6 p.m. at the city offices at 2 S. Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636994313664.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The City of South Hutchinson's council will have a public hearing on a grant to get money for police patrol vehicles as part of its meeting tonight.South Hutchinson applied for grant funding with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Rural Development Community Facilities Program.Under the program, the USDA will provide up to 55% percent of the funding for an eligible project. The city has applied for up to $55,000 and the USDA would provide an amount not to exceed $30,250.Also on the agenda, the council will receive and file the reports for Market South Hutch. They will also discuss the changes necessary for the 2022 meeting schedule, which would create a meeting on January 10th instead of January 3rd and move the January 17th, July 4th and September 5th meetings to the Wednesdays following those Monday holidays.Also to be discussed by the council is treatment of the wastewater produced by Tyson Foods. There are two treatment options:A. Require Tyson Foods to treat the wastewater before it leaves their plantB. City opts to treat its wastewater effluentAfter consulting with PEC, staff is going to advise the council that the City should mandate that Tyson Foods treat its wastewater before it gets to the city's system. The council also plans to discuss any appointments that must be made in January, payment of invoices, especially those below the spending threshold set by the council for the City Administrator, transfer of revenues to reserve funds, future usage of a consent agenda for routine business items, a discussion on the city's website and a discussion of council goals and the City Administrator's performance evaluation, which is due at the end of the year.The City Council in South Hutchinson meets at 6 p.m. at the city offices at 2 S. Main.

Busy agenda for South Hutchinson City Council Monday evening


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Two Hutchinson businesses and one in Moundridge are benefiting from a grant that is part of over $800,000 to improve the energy infrastructure in 26 Kansas towns and counties. 

A $27,800 Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for Bold, LLC, a freight company in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 73,513 kWh per year, equating to 99.55 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.

Also, a $16,220 Rural Development investment will be used to assist Sandhills Development, LLC, a software company in Hutchinson, to purchase and install a 36 kW rooftop mounted solar array. The project is estimated to replace 46,959 kWh per year. This equates to 80.44 percent of its energy usage and is enough energy to power four homes.

In addition, a $24,800 Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment at Harvest Ag Fabricating, LLC, of Moundridge. The project will replace 73,926 kWh per year, equating to 98.06 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.

These USDA investments are coming through the Rural Energy for America Program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635176100990.jpeg" alt="USDA Rural.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>USDA Rural.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Two Hutchinson businesses and one in Moundridge are benefiting from a grant that is part of over $800,000 to improve the energy infrastructure in 26 Kansas towns and counties. A $27,800 Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment for Bold, LLC, a freight company in Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 73,513 kWh per year, equating to 99.55 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.Also, a $16,220 Rural Development investment will be used to assist Sandhills Development, LLC, a software company in Hutchinson, to purchase and install a 36 kW rooftop mounted solar array. The project is estimated to replace 46,959 kWh per year. This equates to 80.44 percent of its energy usage and is enough energy to power four homes.In addition, a $24,800 Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install solar equipment at Harvest Ag Fabricating, LLC, of Moundridge. The project will replace 73,926 kWh per year, equating to 98.06 percent of their annual energy usage and is enough energy to power six homes.These USDA investments are coming through the Rural Energy for America Program.

Two Hutchinson businesses, one in Moundridge to get USDA grants

Lifelong Republican represented Kansas on a national stage

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN and SCOTT CANON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-05/bob-dole-is-dead-at-98-he-overcame-war-wounds-nearly-became-president-championed-disability-rights">Kansas News Service</a>

Bob Dole, who overcame war wounds to dominate Kansas politics for 
much of the 20th century and nearly capture his nation’s presidency, has
 died. He was 98.

The death of the former U.S. senator and 
Republican nominee for president was announced by the Elizabeth Dole 
Foundation. The announcement did not say where he died. He died Sunday.

He is survived by his wife, former U.S. Sen. and cabinet secretary Elizabeth Dole and his daughter, Robin Dole.

Dole
 grew up in the boom-and-bust oil town of Russell, watched his 
family scrape by during the Great Depression, suffered crippling wounds 
on an Italian battlefield during World War II and worked his way up from
 county politics to leadership in the U.S. Senate.

He left a 
legacy marked by both fierce partisanship and landmark lawmaking defined
 by his willingness to team with Democrats. He beat cancer in the 1990s,
 but Dole announced Feb. 18, 2021, that he had stage 4 cancer and would 
undergo treatment.

And though he became a creature of Washington —
 cashing in on decades of Capitol Hill connections by spending the last 
decades of his life as a lobbyist — he always saw himself as a Kansan.

His days in Russell, Dole once said, gave him a certain perspective.

“The first thing you learn on the prairie,” he said, “is the relative size of man compared to the lay of the land.”

<a href="http://doleinstitute.org/timeline/alternate-timeline/" target="_blank">Robert Joseph Dole</a>
 was born July 22, 1923. His father ran a small creamery and his mother 
sold Singer sewing machines door to door. They lived on Maple Street.

As a teenager, Dole washed cars and worked as a soda jerk at Dawson’s
 Drug Store. Classmates remembered Dole as a smart dresser, a 
good-looking guy who modeled in a high school fashion show and served as
 sports editor of the school paper.

The family was active in the 
Methodist Church, saw hard financial times and was battered by the 
blinding storms of the Dust Bowl years in Kansas and economic despair. 
He shared a single room, one bike and a pair of rollerskates with his 
siblings.

The farthest east he traveled in the first 20 years of his life was to Kansas City.

In
 1941, Dole entered the University of Kansas with the help of a $300 
loan from a Russell banker and became the first in his family to go 
beyond high school. He led an active life on campus, pledging a 
fraternity, working multiple jobs and playing basketball under legendary
 KU coach Phog Allen.

Three
 years into college, Dole left to join the U.S. Army Officer Candidate 
School. He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. That took him to 
Italy — and the battle wounds that would leave his right arm all but 
useless for the next seven-plus decades of a storied life.

On 
April 14, 1945, a German shell shattered Dole’s right shoulder, 
collarbone and arm. It crushed a piece of his spine, leaving him 
temporarily paralyzed and in a full-body cast. Dole was shipped home, 
first to Kansas, then to Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, 
Michigan, for rehabilitation.

He struggled with tremors and physical coordination, and learned to 
do everything with his left hand. In the three years following his 
injury, he underwent seven surgeries, none of which improved his 
condition much.

The people of Russell chipped in to help pay 
Dole’s hospital bills, putting coins and bills into an old cigar box. 
Hometown supporters would later put $100,000 in a similar <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/campaign/dole/hand.htm" target="_blank">cigar box</a> during Dole’s presidential run in 1987. Dole kept the box in his Senate office for years.

Dole’s
 new disability had a profound impact. For the rest of his life, he 
often held a pen in his weakened right hand at public events to keep 
people from trying to shake it. In his 2005 memoir, “<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060763428/one-soldiers-story/" target="_blank">One Soldier’s Story</a>,”
 Dole wrote that seeing his wasted body in the mirror disturbed him so 
much that in the 60 years since his injury, he had scarcely looked at 
himself without a shirt on.

“I don’t need any more reminders,” Dole wrote.

During
 his recovery, he met his future first wife, occupational therapist 
Phyllis Holden. He also befriended Daniel Inouye, a fellow wounded 
soldier who would later become Hawaii’s first senator and the president 
of the U.S. Senate. And Dole grew close to an Armenian doctor, Hampar 
Kelikian, an immigrant who refused to take payment for treating American
 GIs.

“He inspired within me a new attitude,” wrote Dole about 
Kelikian in “One Soldier’s Story.” “He encouraged me to see 
possibilities where others only saw problems. It’s an attitude that has 
served me well over the years.”

The
 optimism and perseverance remained with Dole when he left the Army in 
1948. He returned to college at the University of Arizona and then 
Washburn University in Topeka, where he finished his undergraduate and 
law degrees. His wife, Phyllis, attended classes with him, taking notes 
and acting as his scribe during law exams. The Department of Veterans 
Affairs gave him a Sound Scriber, a huge, phonograph-like device that 
Dole used to record lectures and later copy them painstakingly by hand.

At
 Washburn, Dole met Beth Bowers, a law librarian who suggested he run 
for the Kansas Legislature in 1950, when he was 27 years old. In “One 
Soldier’s Story,” Dole wrote that he chose to run as a Republican on the
 advice of the county attorney in Russell — to appeal to the majority of
 the Kansas population.

“My entry into politics certainly wasn’t 
propelled by partisan fervor,” Dole wrote. “I became a Republican, 
pragmatically at first, and then philosophically later on.”

That 
pragmatism would develop into a dogged dedication to the party line when
 he reached Congress a decade later. Dole made $5 a day in the Kansas 
Statehouse — $7 a day during the legislative session — and made his 
living working as a private attorney in his hometown.

In 1952, he 
ran for Russell County attorney. He held the office until he won a seat 
in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960. As part of that 
congressional campaign, his volunteers bought every can of Dole 
pineapple juice they could find and gave them to voters. Dole would 
reuse the gimmick in subsequent bids for office.

In
 his first years in Congress, Dole voted in favor of the Civil Rights 
Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He criticized the 
policies of Democratic Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson 
and befriended Republican former Vice President Richard Nixon.

“Dole
 mentioned once that Nixon was the only one in Washington who stuck out 
his left hand to shake with Dole,” wrote political journalist Richard 
Ben Cramer in <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/33217/what-it-takes-by-richard-ben-cramer/9780679746492/" target="_blank">“What It Takes,”</a> his chronicle of the 1988 presidential election.

That
 friendship continued through 1969, when Nixon began his presidency and 
Dole began his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Dole was a staunch supporter 
of Nixon, defending the president’s choices in the Vietnam War and 
through the Watergate scandal. In an attempt to protect the reputation 
of the president and the Republican Party, the senator introduced a 
resolution that would pull the Watergate committee hearings off TV.

“The
 purpose of the hearings is to serve legislative interests. It is not to
 try, convict and sentence Richard Nixon,” Dole said in a speech on the 
Senate floor. “Lives, reputations and careers can be hopelessly 
shattered by such exposure.” Dole’s resolution failed. And those 
televised hearings sped the end of the Nixon presidency.

The 1970s
 brought changes in Dole’s personal life. He started spending more time 
at the office and away from his wife and daughter, Robin, who was born 
in 1954. Dole and Phyllis divorced in 1972, shocking his constituents in
 Kansas. Soon after, Dole met then-White House staffer Elizabeth Hanford
 and the two married in 1975.

In the political world, Dole made a 
name for himself by chairing the Republican National Committee from 1970
 to 1972, occasionally crossing party lines to support issues such as 
food stamps.

Dole’s party loyalty and Midwestern sensibility led President Gerald Ford to <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?74133-1/ford-vice-presidential-nominee-announcement" target="_blank">choose him as his running mate</a> in his bid for reelection in 1976. After a heated race, they lost the contest to Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter by three points.

It was Dole’s first bid for national office. In 1979, he made 
another. After an aggressive campaign of speeches touting the Republican
 platform across the country, Dole decided to run for president. He 
returned to his hometown, Russell, to make the announcement. His wife, 
Elizabeth Dole, quit her job at the Federal Trade Commission to support 
him.

But his campaign was rocky. The candidate spent little time 
in Iowa and New Hampshire. Several campaign staffers were fired and had 
to be replaced multiple times. Dole performed abysmally in the New 
Hampshire primary, winning only 0.4 percent of the vote, and announced 
he was dropping out.

He returned to the Senate. As chairman of the
 Senate Committee on Finance, he wrote up a milder version of President 
Ronald Reagan’s proposed tax cuts. The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981
 passed both chambers and became the biggest tax cut in U.S. history.

A year later, Dole authored a bill with the opposite result, convincing Reagan that tax hikes
 were needed to close a federal deficit of $230 billion. The Tax Equity 
and Fiscal Responsibility Act raised nearly $100 billion for the federal
 government, mostly through higher taxes and closed loopholes.

Dole
 took on the mantle of Senate majority leader in 1984. The next year, he
 again worked to reduce the federal deficit through the 
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act and helped pass a farm bill.

His next bid for president came in 1987. Dole stuck it out longer 
this time, in a primary crowded with seven Republicans. Dole had a 
reputation for working hard, but micromanaging to the detriment of his 
campaign. He lost several primaries and dropped out in March 1988.

Accepting
 that his shot at president had probably come and gone, Dole threw his 
support behind Reagan’s Republican successor, then-Vice President George
 H.W. Bush.

“It’s probably finished for me, but you never know,” Dole told biographer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Dole-Republicans-Man-Seasons/dp/1556114214" target="_blank">Jake H. Thompson</a>. “My role now is to make George Bush a good president. I’m certainly not trying to keep anything alive.”

During
 the first Bush presidency, Dole traveled on diplomatic missions to 
Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, notably visiting Saddam
 Hussein in a failed attempt to stop Iraq from trying to build nuclear 
weapons. The senator played central roles in the <a href="https://www.ada.gov/" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a> and the Clear Air Act, both passed in 1990.

In 1991, Elizabeth Dole was named the president of the American Red Cross and Bob Dole underwent surgery for prostate cancer.

Four
 years later, Dole announced he was running for president again. This 
time, he won the Republican nomination. He swept the primaries and chose
 former New York Rep. Jack Kemp — a politician whose supply-side 
economics clashed with Dole’s budget-hawk ways — as his running mate.

Dole left the Senate on June 11, 1996, to focus on the general election campaign. In his <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?72875-1/senator-dole-farewell-speech" target="_blank">farewell speech</a> on the Senate floor, he asked his colleagues to work together across party lines.

“I’m
 not here to make a partisan speech,” he said. “I would hope that we 
would keep in mind that there are still threats around the world. And 
also keep in mind that we’re the envy of the world.”

Dole ultimately lost to incumbent President Bill Clinton by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1996" target="_blank">eight points in the popular vote</a> and received fewer than half of Clinton’s electoral votes.

In his <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?76579-1/bob-dole-concession-speech" target="_blank">concession speech</a>, Dole pledged his support to Clinton and joked about his own retirement.

“I
 was thinking on the way down the elevator, ‘Tomorrow will be the first 
time in my life I don't have anything to do.’ … I'm going to sit back 
for a few days, and then I'm going to start standing up for what I think
 is right for America.”

In
 his last two decades, Dole dedicated himself to advocacy. He chaired 
the WWII Memorial Commission, raising nearly $200 million for the 
memorial. At a 1997 ceremony revealing the design for the memorial, 
Clinton <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?78062-1/medal-freedom-presentation" target="_blank">awarded</a> the former senator the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The late 1990s also marked the beginning of a brief television career. Dole famously starred in an early <a href="https://youtu.be/nBdgpjnKInA?t=46" target="_blank">commercial for Viagra</a>, later parodied in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7oh1so-2M8" target="_blank">commercial for Pepsi</a>.
 He shilled for Visa and Dunkin Donuts and appeared on Comedy Central's 
“The Daily Show” as a commentator for the 2000 election.

In the 2000s, Dole continued to advocate for war veterans and the 
disabled, often appearing at events to give speeches and shake hands 
with fellow veterans.

He returned to the Senate floor in 2012, asking legislators to vote 
in favor of ratifying the United Nations-backed Convention on the Rights
 of Persons with Disabilities. Democratic senators <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/us/despite-doles-wish-gop-rejects-disabilities-treaty.html?_r=0" target="_blank">stayed seated</a>
 in solidarity with Dole, a wheelchair user, as they cast their votes in
 favor. But the controlling majority of Republicans opposed the treaty, 
citing concerns about states’ rights and U.S. sovereignty. Two years 
later, despite another visit from Dole, the Republican-led Senate again 
rejected the treaty, <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/218040-senate-gop-block-un-treaty-on-disability-rights" target="_blank">refusing</a> to bring it to a full vote.

In the last years of his life, Dole worked for Alston and Bird, helping the firm lobby for a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/04/world/europe/oleg-deripaska-russia-oligarch-sanctions.html" target="_blank">Russian oligarch</a> and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-sen-bob-dole-s-influence-helped-lead-call-between-n692661" target="_blank">policies favorable to Taiwan</a>.

Ever the GOP loyalist, Dole endorsed candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. 

“I like Donald Trump because he's a strong leader and he is someone who can work with Congress,” Dole <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wDh8J_3v4c&amp;ab_channel=PBSNewsHour" target="_blank">told NPR</a>
 at the Republican National Convention that year. “There are a lot of 
similarities between my days in the Senate and what Donald is 
proposing.”

In the 2018 midterms, Dole threw his support behind Republican congressional candidates <a href="http://www.yoderforcongress.com/senator_bob_dole_endorses_congressman_yoder_for_re_election" target="_blank">Kevin Yoder</a>, a Republican incumbent in eastern Kansas, and <a href="https://twitter.com/senatordole/status/1050027506814869505" target="_blank">Steve Watkins</a>, a newcomer who had few ties to Dole’s home state. The former senator endorsed incumbent <a href="https://twitter.com/senatordole/status/1026559962963734528" target="_blank">Gov. Jeff Colyer</a>
 in the GOP primaries, and later stayed silent when then-Secretary of 
State Kris Kobach won the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

In 2019, Congress unanimously passed a <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article228436774.html" target="_blank">bill</a> to promote Dole to the rank of colonel in the Army.

In 2020, Dole did not publicly endorse a candidate, but maintained his support of Trump, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bob-dole-donald-trump-presidential-debate-commission-elections-2020-10" target="_blank">accusing</a>
 the bipartisan Committee on Presidential Debates of being biased 
against the candidate ahead of the election. Dole endorsed Republican 
Roger Marshall, a candidate cast more in the mold of Trump than the 
politics of Dole's career.

Dole later said he <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article247926270.html" target="_blank">believed</a> Joe Biden had won the election over Trump. He told The Kansas City Star that he considered Biden a friend.

“He
 did a good job,” Dole said. “Proud to be a liberal — hopefully not too 
liberal — but he knows how the government works and the Congress works 
and all this will be a benefit to Joe.”

Dole’s health began to decline in early 2021, when he announced he had been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-stage-4-lung-cancer-480b81fe3e01fa53263c2f817c4eb768" target="_blank">diagnosed</a> with stage four lung cancer and would soon begin treatment.

Dole saw his political career, like his personal battle with a physical disability, as one of perseverance.

“In
 the final analysis, that’s what great leaders do, not just in the 
Senate but also in daily life,” he wrote in his 2005 memoir. “They face 
life without flinching. They make the tough decisions. They live with 
the consequences whether good or bad. They make the most of what they 
have. That’s the kind of leader I have always tried to be.”

Throughout his career, Dole was a staunch supporter of disability rights and some social welfare programs.

Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.&nbsp;Scott
 Canon is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service. You can reach 
him at scott@kcur.org, 816-235-8023 or on Twitter @ScottCanon.

🎥 Western Kansas icon: Bob Dole's legacy as a statesman and leader

Steve Carpenter-Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College football team maintained its status as the hottest team in the NJCAA Saturday in the Salt City Bowl.

From&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/laible_dylan_vw09">Dylan Laible</a>'s fifth-straight 300-yard passing game to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/edwards_tye_6sym">Tye Edwards</a>' 200-plus rushing yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/benson_malik_dv1a">Malik Benson</a>'s Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the first half and a single-season record for receiving yards, the Blue Dragons amassed 707 total yards as the No. 5 Blue Dragons defeated No. 8 Hinds Community College 66-34 at Gowans Stadium.

The Blue Dragons close the 2021 season at 9-2, winning six games in a row by an average of 39.2 points per game. The Blue Dragons win their fourth-straight bowl game, winning in 11 of their last 12 bowls. Hinds closed its season at 8-4.

Benson was named the 2021 Salt City Bowl's Offensive MVP with career highs of seven catches and 198 yards with two touchdowns, which all came in the first half. The 198 receiving yards was a Salt City Bowl record.

Benson made perhaps the biggest play of the game on the final play of the first half. With two seconds remaining in the half and the Blue Dragons leading by three points, Laible launched a Hail Mary that was deflected by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/braham_cortez_0pxe">Cortez Braham</a>&nbsp;into the hands of Benson for a touchdown that gave the Blue Dragons a 38-28 lead at halftime.

That reception made Benson the Blue Dragons' single-season record-holder for receiving yardage with 1,226 yards, surpassing Hall of Famer Lonnie Crittendon's 1970 record of 1,205 yards. Also, Benson's 198 yards in the Salt City Bowl was the third-highest single-game total for a Blue Dragon in team history. Benson now owns the Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 8 games for single-game receiving yards by a Blue Dragon.

Blue Dragon sophomore defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/tucker_nademe_lpn2">Nadame Tucker</a>&nbsp;was named the Salt City Bowl's Defensive MVP with seven total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks a forced fumble and quarterback hurry.

There were 19 Salt City Bowl records broken and three others tied by the Blue Dragons and Eagles on Saturday. Among the highlights:

+ Laible completed 15 of 24 passes for an SCB record 310 yards and three touchdowns. Laible also had his first career rushing touchdown.

+ Edwards ran for a career-high and SCB record 210 yards on 19 carries and touchdowns of 1 and 6 yards. He also had an SCB record for the longest run from scrimmage, going for 85 yards to the Hinds' 1 in the first quarter.

+ Hutchinson's 707 total yards and 345 passing yards were both SCB records.

The Blue Dragons and Eagles also combined for a single-quarter record 49 points in the first quarter (Hutchinson 28, Hinds 21). Hutchinson had 309 yards in the opening quarter and both teams combined for 480 yards.

The Blue Dragons scored on Braham's 33-yard touchdown receptions, Edwards' 1-yard run,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/simmons_jaheim_c6dn">Jaheim Simmons</a>' 3-yard run and Benson's 63-yard catch and run with 20 seconds remaining in the quarter. Hinds countered with a Jaiden Burns 21-yard touchdown reception and touchdown runs of 48 and 29 yards from Jeffrey Pittman. The Dragons led 28-21 after one quarter.

Just 14 seconds into the second quarter, the Eagles tied the game at 28 when Ruben Lee connected with Tabashi Thomas for a SCB record 85-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28-all.

The Blue Dragons answered that score with a SCB record 39-yard field goal by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/moya_c.j._vpke">C.J. Moya</a>&nbsp;with 10 minutes to play in the period. The next score was Benson's Hail Mary catch at the end of the first half that came the Blue Dragons a 38-28 lead.

Hutchinson's lead increased to 52-28 after three quarters on&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/kedzior_dylan_cjzb">Dylan Kedzior</a>'s 56-yard touchdown run and an Edwards 6-yard dash to the end zone.

The lead grew to 59-28 on Laible's first career rushing touchdown, a 1-yard sneak with 11:20 to play. Hinds snapped Hutchinson's run of 31 unanswered points with a Kaleb Mosley 8-yard touchdown reception. Blue Dragon backup quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/cash_daisean_1xv8">Daisean Cash</a>&nbsp;closed out the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/bussey_marcello_7bbd">Marcello Bussey</a>&nbsp;with 2:26 to play in the fourth quarter.

Simmons had 87 rushing yards on 13 carries and Kedzior had 67 yards on the ground on four carries. Braham made five receptions for 63 yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/houston_demariyon_by22">Demariyon Houston</a>&nbsp;had two catches for 43 yards. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/brown_mike_hm64">Mike Brown</a>&nbsp;had a team-high eight tackles.

Hind rolled up 398 total yards (153 rushing, 245 passing). Ruben Lee combined 14 of 22 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He was sacked five times. Pittman added to his nation-leading total for rushing touchdowns and barreled for 195 rush yards on 26 carries. Kyziah Pruitt had five catches for 53 yards.

With the huge offensive output on Saturday, several Blue Dragons continued to move up career and single-season charts:

+ Injured early in the first quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/lewis_anwar_72y9">Anwar Lewis</a>&nbsp;had eight yards on two carries, but moved up to No. 8 on the career rushing list with 1,608 yards.

+ Laible moved up to No. 2 in career touchdown passes with 43 and is fourth in career passing yards with 3,643 yards.

+ Laible also moved into third place on the Dragon single-season passing list with 2,861 yards and tied Elliott Alford for second in single-season touchdown passes with 32 this season.

+ Braham finished his Blue Dragon career fifth in both career receptions (68) and receiving yards (1,387).

+ Benson has already climbed to No. 7 on the Blue Dragon career receiving yards' list.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 15-7-2 all-time in bowl games. … Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas is 17-2, the second-most wins by a Blue Dragon coach through two seasons (Andy Hill 18). … Over his streak of five-straight 300-yard passing games, Laible has thrown for 1,738 yards. … The 100 combined points are the fifth-most in team history. … The 66 points scored are the second most by the Blue Dragons in a bowl game (Lackawanna 70). … Edwards' 210 rush yards ties Lewis for season-high honors. Lewis had 210 rushing yards vs. Fort Scott on September 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638796260618.jpeg" alt="Malik Benson (11) eyes a Hail Mary pass originally tipped by Cortez Braham (1) and catches a 56-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half in No. 5 Hutchinson's 66-34 Salt City Bowl victory over No. 8 Hinds on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Malik Benson (11) eyes a Hail Mary pass originally tipped by Cortez Braham (1) and catches a 56-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half in No. 5 Hutchinson's 66-34 Salt City Bowl victory over No. 8 Hinds on Saturday at Gowans Stadium. (Andrew Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Steve Carpenter-Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College football team maintained its status as the hottest team in the NJCAA Saturday in the Salt City Bowl.From&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/laible_dylan_vw09">Dylan Laible</a>'s fifth-straight 300-yard passing game to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/edwards_tye_6sym">Tye Edwards</a>' 200-plus rushing yards to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/benson_malik_dv1a">Malik Benson</a>'s Hail Mary touchdown at the end of the first half and a single-season record for receiving yards, the Blue Dragons amassed 707 total yards as the No. 5 Blue Dragons defeated No. 8 Hinds Community College 66-34 at Gowans Stadium.The Blue Dragons close the 2021 season at 9-2, winning six games in a row by an average of 39.2 points per game. The Blue Dragons win their fourth-straight bowl game, winning in 11 of their last 12 bowls. Hinds closed its season at 8-4.Benson was named the 2021 Salt City Bowl's Offensive MVP with career highs of seven catches and 198 yards with two touchdowns, which all came in the first half. The 198 receiving yards was a Salt City Bowl record.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638796942030.png" alt="SLC Bowl Records.png" />
 <figcaption>SLC Bowl Records.png</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638796985674.png" alt="SLC Bowl Defensive Records.png" />
 <figcaption>SLC Bowl Defensive Records.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Benson made perhaps the biggest play of the game on the final play of the first half. With two seconds remaining in the half and the Blue Dragons leading by three points, Laible launched a Hail Mary that was deflected by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/braham_cortez_0pxe">Cortez Braham</a>&nbsp;into the hands of Benson for a touchdown that gave the Blue Dragons a 38-28 lead at halftime.That reception made Benson the Blue Dragons' single-season record-holder for receiving yardage with 1,226 yards, surpassing Hall of Famer Lonnie Crittendon's 1970 record of 1,205 yards. Also, Benson's 198 yards in the Salt City Bowl was the third-highest single-game total for a Blue Dragon in team history. Benson now owns the Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 8 games for single-game receiving yards by a Blue Dragon.Blue Dragon sophomore defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/tucker_nademe_lpn2">Nadame Tucker</a>&nbsp;was named the Salt City Bowl's Defensive MVP with seven total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks a forced fumble and quarterback hurry.There were 19 Salt City Bowl records broken and three others tied by the Blue Dragons and Eagles on Saturday. Among the highlights:+ Laible completed 15 of 24 passes for an SCB record 310 yards and three touchdowns. Laible also had his first career rushing touchdown.+ Edwards ran for a career-high and SCB record 210 yards on 19 carries and touchdowns of 1 and 6 yards. He also had an SCB record for the longest run from scrimmage, going for 85 yards to the Hinds' 1 in the first quarter.+ Hutchinson's 707 total yards and 345 passing yards were both SCB records.The Blue Dragons and Eagles also combined for a single-quarter record 49 points in the first quarter (Hutchinson 28, Hinds 21). Hutchinson had 309 yards in the opening quarter and both teams combined for 480 yards.The Blue Dragons scored on Braham's 33-yard touchdown receptions, Edwards' 1-yard run,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/simmons_jaheim_c6dn">Jaheim Simmons</a>' 3-yard run and Benson's 63-yard catch and run with 20 seconds remaining in the quarter. Hinds countered with a Jaiden Burns 21-yard touchdown reception and touchdown runs of 48 and 29 yards from Jeffrey Pittman. The Dragons led 28-21 after one quarter.Just 14 seconds into the second quarter, the Eagles tied the game at 28 when Ruben Lee connected with Tabashi Thomas for a SCB record 85-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28-all.The Blue Dragons answered that score with a SCB record 39-yard field goal by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/moya_c.j._vpke">C.J. Moya</a>&nbsp;with 10 minutes to play in the period. The next score was Benson's Hail Mary catch at the end of the first half that came the Blue Dragons a 38-28 lead.Hutchinson's lead increased to 52-28 after three quarters on&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/kedzior_dylan_cjzb">Dylan Kedzior</a>'s 56-yard touchdown run and an Edwards 6-yard dash to the end zone.The lead grew to 59-28 on Laible's first career rushing touchdown, a 1-yard sneak with 11:20 to play. Hinds snapped Hutchinson's run of 31 unanswered points with a Kaleb Mosley 8-yard touchdown reception. Blue Dragon backup quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/cash_daisean_1xv8">Daisean Cash</a>&nbsp;closed out the scoring with a 35-yard touchdown pass to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/bussey_marcello_7bbd">Marcello Bussey</a>&nbsp;with 2:26 to play in the fourth quarter.Simmons had 87 rushing yards on 13 carries and Kedzior had 67 yards on the ground on four carries. Braham made five receptions for 63 yards.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/houston_demariyon_by22">Demariyon Houston</a>&nbsp;had two catches for 43 yards. Defensively,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/brown_mike_hm64">Mike Brown</a>&nbsp;had a team-high eight tackles.Hind rolled up 398 total yards (153 rushing, 245 passing). Ruben Lee combined 14 of 22 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He was sacked five times. Pittman added to his nation-leading total for rushing touchdowns and barreled for 195 rush yards on 26 carries. Kyziah Pruitt had five catches for 53 yards.With the huge offensive output on Saturday, several Blue Dragons continued to move up career and single-season charts:+ Injured early in the first quarter,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2021-22/bios/lewis_anwar_72y9">Anwar Lewis</a>&nbsp;had eight yards on two carries, but moved up to No. 8 on the career rushing list with 1,608 yards.+ Laible moved up to No. 2 in career touchdown passes with 43 and is fourth in career passing yards with 3,643 yards.+ Laible also moved into third place on the Dragon single-season passing list with 2,861 yards and tied Elliott Alford for second in single-season touchdown passes with 32 this season.+ Braham finished his Blue Dragon career fifth in both career receptions (68) and receiving yards (1,387).+ Benson has already climbed to No. 7 on the Blue Dragon career receiving yards' list.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 15-7-2 all-time in bowl games. … Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas is 17-2, the second-most wins by a Blue Dragon coach through two seasons (Andy Hill 18). … Over his streak of five-straight 300-yard passing games, Laible has thrown for 1,738 yards. … The 100 combined points are the fifth-most in team history. … The 66 points scored are the second most by the Blue Dragons in a bowl game (Lackawanna 70). … Edwards' 210 rush yards ties Lewis for season-high honors. Lewis had 210 rushing yards vs. Fort Scott on September 25.

🏈  Blue Dragon offense explodes again for Salt City Bowl Victory

SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Market South Hutch Business of the Month is Gambino's.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638627363347.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>SOUTH HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Market South Hutch Business of the Month is Gambino's.Hank Yoder bought the business in September of 2014 and added a Sterling location in 2017. His son, Jared helps him run the business. Gambino's is Yoder's first time in the restaurant business, but the owner he bought the business from and the franchise company also helped with initial training.Gambino's employs about 45 people between South Hutch and Sterling, but they're always looking for good people."We're comfortable, but we could always use a few more," Yoder said. He loves the people who come to the stores both in South Hutch and Sterling. He's proud of both the food and the service Gambino's provides."One of the things I like to do is make sure I know what people like and how we can make it better every time they come," Yoder said. There have been some limited struggles with the supply chain in the last year, but they've always been able to keep enough to keep the business running. Yoder is especially gratified that people come in from out of town to eat at Gambino's."They like the good food and the friendly atmosphere," Yoder said. "We're very blessed to have a good staff. I hear people come because they feel they are treated well when they are there."When picking employees, Yoder wants people that are there to have fun and to work hard. Yoder spends much of his time at the store, but when he isn't at work he likes to spend time with his family, especially his 14 grandchildren. Most of all, Yoder just wants to say thanks."We can never thank the community enough for the way they've supported us since we've been there," Yoder said. "That's the first thing we try to keep in mind is how it effects the community and what we can do to help."Gambino's in South Hutchinson is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed on Sunday. The Sterling location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

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